Father's Day Event

Let's face it: Mommies aren't created without a Daddy being created, too. Both of our existences are dependent upon each other, for better or for worse. I love being a mama. It is the most joyous, exhilarating, and interesting thing that's ever come upon me. Thankfully, my baby-daddy is in the picture and loves ever minute of it, too. This coming Father's day will be the first one when Ron can actually hold his beautiful 7-month-old daughter in his arms (as she attempts to pinch, poke, pull, and climb off of him). In honor of this event, and for daddies everywhere, we will be highlighting cool products for dad as well as hosting giveaways! Some of the things to look forward to between now and Father's Day:

-Outdoor gear

-Chocolate

-Office supplies

-Beer

-and more!

Check back often (maybe even later today, hint, hint) to get some great ideas on Father's Day gifts, learn about new things, and enter to win some pretty neat prizes.

Silken Tofu Alfredo Sauce Recipe and Review

In New York if you fall below a particular income level, your family may qualify to receive WIC (Women, Children and Infants). It's a supplemental food program that gives you coupons to redeem at the grocery store or farmer's market every month. If you're a breastfeeding mom, you make out like a bandit. The interesting thing about WIC, though, is the number of food items in a category that they choose to give to you. We're talking 22 gallons of milk a month, but only $10.00 worth of fruits or vegetables. One can trade a percentage of the milk in for cheese and tofu as well as dried or canned milk, so I do all of that to make the milk allotment more manageable. I still end up with a large stock of canned tuna, peanut butter, and beans...and end up giving away the 32 cans of meat baby food since we're raising our daughter as a vegetarian right now, but at least we don't have gallons of milk going bad every month now!

The substitution of milk for tofu is something that just began within the last few months. At first, I wondered about not taking advantage of it, but then figured why not? I was a little weirded out at the thought of tofu in the beginning (stories of rubbery chunks in a frying pan danced in my head) but am very glad I went this route now. There are two main types of tofu that I've found, each sold in 16oz containers: silken (creamy, custard like texture), and firm (the chunking variety). The package says to use within three days of opening, and I've found it to be true. Very true. It will look and smell fine, but taste terrible. Don't risk it.

These are the things that I love about tofu:

1. excellent source of protein..and without the extra fat!


2. the health benefits


3. the EASE of working with it

Think I'm joking? Try this recipe for a delicious rendition of a garlic alfredo sauce and be amazed at how much faster and easier it is to make this way as opposed to standing over a stove and stirring milk forever. Even my husband who is a die-hard "I'm-not-a-vegetarian-so-I-can't-eat-soy" guy admits that this tastes good. Being a working mom, I can't afford any extra time in the kitchen. Tofu is a life saver of time.

Silken Tofu Garlic Alfredo Sauce

Mince 3 garlic cloves and saute with a hint of olive oil or 2T butter until tender.

Mix the garlic/oil and everything else in a blender or food processor until smooth (hint: always put the most liquid ingredients on the bottom of the blender, working up to the firmest):

1/2 cup milk (I use evaporated)
16 oz silken tofu
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pepper and salt to taste

Heat to your desired temperature (be sure to stir occasionally) and it's ready to serve! Garnish with more cheese and fresh parsley for a nice touch. I often serve it with a colorful salad, providing aesthetic pleasure as well as more nutrition and yumminess.

What recipe do you have that's a time saver? Please share with me!

About Me

Why I Started Life More Simply: http://lifemoresimply.blogspot.com/2009/02/beginning.html

About Me:
I have a few Importants in life: God, my Family, and Life. I married my amazing husband, Ron, in 2006. He's a pretty phenomenal artist and you can see his work at http://www.eastfineart.com/. Since being married, we've visited 13 states, moved six times, graduated from college, and had a lot of other adventures together. Our daughter, LoveBug, was born naturally (no drugs or monitoring) in a birthing tub in October of 2008. She is our complete delight and we are thrilled that God chose our family to give a perfect child to. We're looking forward to the addition of a second perfect child (*crossing our fingers*) that will be joining us in early July, 2010. We breastfeed, co-sleep, cloth diaper, and love every moment of it.

If I had spare time, I would spend it fighting fires, cutting people out of cars, camping, rappelling, playing piano, drums, or guitar, making pottery, cooking, crafting, or just enjoying and exploring the outdoors. As a family, we enjoy art, music, the outdoors, and the discovery of new things.


When I was younger, I wanted to be an Indian and a Firefighter. I managed the firefighter part but am still pale as a potato. I currently work as a Coordinator of Program Activities for a day habilitation program for adults with developmental disabilities. I also work part time as a paramedic. And then again do some more part timing with teaching private music lessons. My husband and I do wedding photography when the opportunity arises and have flirted with the idea of making it into a real business, but alas, it remains more of a hobby. When I grow up, I now want to have my own business and stay at home with my family while home schooling my amazing offspring. I hope to grow up any day now, because I really want to be home with my daughter.


I have a bachelor of science degree in psychology and therapeutic recreation. I'm also skilled in a variety of other areas including music, drama, art, medicine/health, communication, design, and sleeping. My husband and I often wonder if college was worth the loans. The debate is still out.


Our big dreams include traveling the world and opening a Christian Center for the Fine Arts including an art gallery, auditorium, and cafe. If you'd like to provide lodging and food for our travels or to fund our art center operation, please let me know. Seriously.


My goal for this blog is simply to share the knowledge I have about natural living and parenting with other people, especially other working moms. The working world (outside the home) seems to have the idea that it's impossible to practice natural living while being a working mom. This blog is set forth with the hope that some people will reconsider or at least become aware of the possibilities out there, and to encourage those already striving to live life more simply.