It's Consignment Sale Time!

Get geared up to fill the holes in your child's fall/winter wardrobe this month with some AMAZING consignment sales! Most of them off 1/2 off Sunday, and the Just Between Friends Sale is so big you could just go that day and find tons (but if you want something specific, go EARLY!! Or even better, sign up to volunteer and get in to a pre-sale!) FYI - furniture, strollers, and larger accessories go very quick.

OMSI $2 Sunday

Admission to OMSI is $2 this Sunday - a great family afternoon.

eat your greens...

(and yellows, and reds, and...)

Some ways I've added more vegetables to our family meals:

• Corn, shredded carrots and shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce on top of whole wheat pita or english muffins. Add cheese on top and broil for SW style mini pizzas.
• Add chunks of zucchini and tomatoes to spaghetti sauce.
• Use macaroni style noodles for spaghetti and add sliced celery to the sauce. I've also done this with barely any noodles and tons of celery.
• Zucchini, green pepper & tomato in scrambled eggs with a little bit of cheese. You can up the veggies and decrease the number of eggs and it's still great!
• Slices of zucchini with cream cheese on bagel.
• Chopped carrots and celery in BBQ sauce over chicken.

Green Muffins

Green Muffins (the actual name, from Parenting Magazine August 2006)
prep time: 15 minutes
bake time: 20 to 25 minutes
yield: 16 muffins (but I can usually get 24 out of one batch)

paper cupcake liners
3 cups flour (I use whole wheat to make them 'healthier')
1 TBS baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs *see 'egg substitute' below
1/2 cup low-fat milk (I use rice milk)
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini, I've found a mini food processor makes the job much easier)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and place paper liners in muffin tins (I've also made them without the liners)
2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl (this will be the bowl you actually mix everything in), beat eggs with electric mixer 1 minute. Beat in milk, oil and sugar. Stir in zucchini until well blended. Add flour mixture to batter a little at a time and stir to mix - it should be a little lumpy. Spoon batter onto muffin tins. Sprinkle muffins with sugar (I usually skip that part.)
4. Bake 20 minutes, or until muffin tops are golden brown and spring back when you touch them. Cool muffins on rack (or paper towels) 

according to them, per muffin: 194 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 142 mg sodium, 24 mg cholesterol

*egg substitution: I found out my daughter might be allergic to eggs before I made these for her birthday, so I used an egg substitute I found of 2 TBS water, 1 TBS oil & 2 tsp baking powder to equal one egg. I also found you can substitute 1 banana for 1 egg or 1/4 cup applesauce for 1 egg in baking.

A FREE daylong festival celebrating Portland’s vibrant performing arts scene!

Looks like fun! fall.ART.live with the Oregon Ballet Theater. Saturday, August 29, 2009 / 11am - 6pm / OBT Studios: 818 SE Sixth Avenue (between Belmont and Morrison)

Hood River Fruit Loop

If you haven't taken advantage of picking your own fruit this summer - there is still time to do so! Pears, apples and peaches are all starting to make an appearance at u-pick farms, and Hood River is the best destination within Portland's reach to make all your picking-for-pie dreams come true. Check out the Hood River Fruit Loop site for all the information you need. September boasts the kick-off of back to school and fall with a multitude of family friendly events. Pick a place and spend a great afternoon out at the farm, or take a whole day driving from stand-to-farm-to-stand enjoying all the Hood River Valley has to offer.

Back to School help for those who need it

There are many children in the United States who go to school without the necessary supplies for them to be successful. They feel embarrassed and ashamed because they don’t have “the right stuff” and often dread going to school. Although they want to do well, these children come from disadvantaged homes and their families can’t afford to buy school supplies. CityTeam has started a project to help these children. They are collecting backpacks filled with certain supplies to hand out to children who need them. You can either donate money to provide a backpack, or you can buy your own and fill it with the supplies required.

I am extremely excited about this project and can't wait to take my daughter shopping to fill a backpack for a child who needs it. I see this becoming a yearly tradition for us. With so many stores offering amazing deals on school supplies right now, this is an affordable way I can help better my community. CityTeam has been helping the poor since 1957 and has a wide range of programs that can help people change their lives out of poverty, and I am excited to work alongside them in this project.

You can also find out more specifics about this Power of 1 project here. There you will also find the supply lists for each age group and a place make a financial donation toward this project (if you prefer).

Together we can really make a difference!

It's fair season

Summer is coming to a close, and with that comes all the fun of the fair! While the Clark County Fair to the north is just ending, two marvelous fairs south of Portland are just getting amped up!

Clackamas County Fair Aug 18-23

• $8 adult ticket
• kids under 7 free everyday
• kids under 15 free on the 18th and family day on the 23rd

Oregon State Fair Aug 28 to Sept 7 (31st cheap rides from 11 to 5)

• $10 adult ticket
• kids under 5 free everyday
• ride your bike, save $2 on admission

Eat Out for Less

Restaurant.com is having a 80% off sale! Use code PORTION, and that makes a $25 Gift Certificate only $2. This deal expires 8/13/09.

The certificates have specific requirements on how to use them - be sure to read the details before ordering (as in some require a minimum purchase in order to use).

make-it-yourself spaghetti sauce

In large sauce pan, simmer 1/2 to 1 whole onion (pureed, diced or sliced) and 1 TBS minced garlic for 7 or so minutes over med heat.
Add 1 pound of your meat, season with salt, pepper & garlic powder - cook through.
Add 2 TBS tomato paste and 1 28oz can crushed or diced tomatoes. Also add any other veggies you want, chunked or pureed. Add 1 TBS sugar (more or less to taste) and some oregano (also any other spices you want).
Simmer for 20 minutes, meanwhile cook the pasta (choose whole wheat to make this meal super healthy).

Orange Beef (or Chicken)

I tried out a great orange beef/chicken recipe this past week. Warning - it's pretty sweet, so don't add more sauce to try to get it 'go further'. :)

Put in crock pot:
1/2 cup orange marmalade
1/2 cup terriyaki sauce
2 to 3 pounds stew beef/chicken
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Let cook on low 8 hours or so until meat is cooked through. Add veggies of your choice (like snow peas, red pepper, orange pepper...), turn to high and cook about 10 minutes, till veggies are cooked crisp. Serve over brown rice.

Between the Lions at the Oregon Zoo this Wednesday!

The popular PBS Kids show Between the Lions visits the Oregon Zoo for three special performances this Wednesday, July 15. "Between the Lions" engages young children with the fun of reading. Three interactive shows, at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Free with zoo admission.

Movies in the Park...

Portland style!
Check out all the offerings for Movies in the Park this summer!
Movies will begin at dark (between 8 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.), and are weather permitting. A rainout will be called by 5 p.m. and will be posted at the park. Prior to each movie, attendees can enjoy a variety of free entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m.

A Christmas Carol Train Tour

Disney's 'A Christmas Carol' train tour will be at Portland's Union Station from 9am to 7pm today.
Check it out here

Regal Free Family Film Festival

Regal's Free Family Film Festival Begins June 2009!
When school’s out, kids around the country can visit selected Regal theaters for the Free Family Film Festival. It’s a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it’s FREE!
Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theater capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.
Tickets for our 2009 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theaters’ box office on the day of the show.
Click here for a list of Oregon theaters.

Double Stroller Deal

This post almost makes me cry, knowing how much we spent on our Phil & Ted's stroller 2 years ago - and with no 'lazy ted' add on! Seriously folks, the best deal on a double stroller you will ever see (not a great running stroller, but for everything else it takes the cake - I still LOVE mine and use it weekly when I have more then one little one with me.) Costco online has this combo for $299 right now. The set up in the picture is for two toddlers or an older baby and toddler. The seat on the back can also hook to the front while the regular seat lays flat for a younger infant. And the seat can come off to attach to the 'lazy ted' bar, making it a seat for infant/baby/toddler.

IKEA Seize the days and save

This weekend, May 23 to the 25th, IKEA is offering awesome specials on the popular POANG armchair, curtains, sofa bed and bookcases. And free breakfast as well! Check it out here

Deal Alert!

I ran out of laundry soap last night due to poor planning. Normally we use Shaklee but since it arrives through the mail I headed to Fred Meyer to get my alternative laundry soap- Seventh Generation. To my surprise it was on sale for 40% off! And this deal got even better after I paid I was handed a coupon for $2.00 of my next purchase of two cleaning products. I plan to get more before the sixteenth when the sale ends to have as back up. I don't buy cleaning products from grocery stores often but 40% off sure seems to be a good deal to me so I wanted to share.

Jewelry, Facials & Bras - oh my!

An exclusive event highlighting three successful female owned businesses - Celebrate Mother's Day early and start your shopping at Just Like a Woman Specialty Lingerie and see all their new spring and summer inventory. While there get to know Avenue Five Jewelry and their unique designs but don't forget to sign up in advance for Rejuvenation Day Spa's skincare event and receive a mini-facial! The day will include refreshments, contests, discounts and free gifts with purchase. Plan a fun Saturday with friends or treat mom just in time for Mother's Day!
Saturday May 9th, 2009
11:00am - 5:00pm

Baby Boot Camp 5th Annual Mother's Day Class

Free event on Friday, May 8th at 9am at Washington Park. Come check out what this amazing 'get your pre-baby body back (and better it) ' program is all about! Weekly classes are available in Portland, Beaverton, Clackamas, Sellwood, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Tigard, Vancouver and Wilsonville.

Sound Roots School of Modern Music Monthy Jam Session

Tuesday May 5th, 7-9pm
and every first Tuesday of the month thereafter

Sound Roots is opening their studio once a month for a FREE community jam session.

Sound Roots School of Modern Music
412 NE Beech St, Portland 97212

Any instrument and all ages and skill levels welcome. Use your own instrument or borrow one of ours. Bring along your favorite music, learn to improv, or even share your original creations. A great way to meet other music lovers and hone some new skills. Fun and unpretentious environment.

Call 503.282.9999 with any questions or to enroll!
See website for complete class and program listings.

Yummy Fruit Leather

Summer is almost here and soon fresh berries will be everywhere so I wanted to share a recipe a friend gave me for homemade fruit leather. I have made three batches in the last week now and the last of the third is almost gone. My family loves it so I hope to stock up on berries all summer long.

Ingredients needed:

4 cups applesauce
4 tablespoons jam/jelly
2 cups berries of your choice
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice (optional)
2 cookie sheets
Plastic wrap

First off preheat your oven to 175 degrees. Next add the above ingredients into your blender until they come out to a smooth texture. Line your cookie sheets with one layer of plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap seems to move around you can put a few drops of water under it to help hold it in place. Pour half of the fruit mixture on each pan. Try get the mixture in a even layer, watching out for the corners since they seem to collect more than the middle. Then, bake away.....
















All ovens vary so for your first few batches you might want to check up on the fruit leather every 30 minutes or so. To speed things up a little you can open your oven door just a little bit to vent out the moisture. When the fruit leather is barely sticky it is finished. I pulled mine out of the oven and tried a small bite to make sure it was finished the first time I made it. The batches I have made have taken about 6 hours. If the layers are thick they will take longer. The time needed will also vary depending on what fruit you use. This does not have to be a seasonal treat either frozen berries work just as well as fresh. I used some freeze dried strawberries in my last batch and they worked out great too.
















To store the fruit leather I simply cut the fruit leather into 2 inch by 4 inch pieces with my pizza cutter and place them in a plastic container without a lid . If somehow your fruit leather lasts for more than a few days you will want to use a lid to prevent it from getting to tough. Feel free to get creative with this recipe there are so many varieties you can make! With help from my mom I am hoping to make homemade applesauce this summer so I am able to make fruit leather all year round.

Best Kids Consignment Sale EVER!

Just Between Friends Children's & Maternity Consignment Sale is this weekend!

Don’t miss your opportunity to find incredible deals on everything you need for babies, kids, and pregnancy!

There are almost 600 consignors registered to sell their nearly-new clothes (sizes from preemie to pre-teen), cribs, strollers, toys, books, baby carriers, shoes, and so much more! If you like saving money, this Event is just too big to miss.

Open to the Public:

• Friday, April 24th: 6 PM - 8 PM
• Saturday, April 25: 9 AM - 8 PM
• Sunday, April 26th 10 AM - 3 PM (Many items half price on Sunday!)

Portland Expo Center
2060 N. Marine Drive
Portland, OR 97217
(Save gas & money, take the MAX straight to the Sale!)

Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and debit cards are accepted. ATM on site.

Free Ben & Jerry's Cone April 21

As a way to thank customers for support and to celebrate 31 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are happily giving it away!

Around the world, Scoop Shops are opening their doors from noon to 8:00 pm, to serve up a free scoop of your favorite flavor. Check with your local Scoop Shop for more info!

free breakfast at Ikea this weekend

Free eggs, potatoes & bacon/sausage breakfast at Ikea this weekend. Get there as soon as they open and it's not a bad wait at all. (I've gone twice to this event, waited 15 minutes total to get food and found a table almost immediately.) Good deals on kitchen things too!

Late Night Snacker

I am a self-professed late night snacker. I love to eat once it's dark out - I don't know if it's just the fact that I don't have to share any of what I choose with my toddler, or if it truly is the 'boredom=eating'. Either way I'm pretty sure that more than a handful of my unwanted pounds can be attributed to this unhealthy habit. Late night snacks tend to be the most unhealthiest of the day - I'm tired, may feel like I've 'earned' it, and my 'eating sensors' are usually turned off. Late night seems to be a 'free for all' zone.
This past week I limited my self to eating late only one night (admittedly I indulged on two nights) and the trick that worked for me to avoid late night bejinges was brushing my teath right after I put my daughter to bed. I made sure to eat a real dinner with her, then brushed with her or as soon as I left her room after putting her to bed. Almost every night I thought as I held the toothbrush up to my teeth, "Am I sure I want to do this? What if I want something more to eat?" Then I thought, "Well, that's the point of brushing - so I don't eat any more!" And I brushed. I must say, after just a week, it seems a little bit easier (knock on wood) to brush sooner and not have a late night craving. It's also helped me go to bed earlier. Imagine that!
If you too are a cronic late night snacker, I challenge you to a week of brushing your teeth when your child goes to bed (or 2 hours before you want to go to bed). If you can make it a month, I bet by just changing this one habit you can loose a pound or two.

$5.99 pizza from Papa Murphy's

You can get a $5.99 large cheese pizza from Papa Murphy's today and tomorrow in honor of tax day. I think the limit is 3. Easy and cheap dinner idea.

Coming Soon...

• 15 minute dinners made in foil pockets (the gateway to my cooking adventures)
• Green (zucchini) muffins
• More things around Portland to do (for free)
• Mudeye Puppet Company information
• Organic Cleaning products I love
• 2 more blog authors who are packed with information for you - a 'coupon/discount/deal expert' and a 'home making baby food & other things expert'
  

Aggression (Oatmeal) Cookies

This recipe is one I found online, although I can't remember where and have not been able to locate it again to give credit where it would be due. I have taken the basic recipe and done many things to it, as listed below.

Requested by many in the Baby Boot Camp classes I teach, here is the recipe to the cookies I brought to class:

Aggression Cookies

• 6 cups rolled oats
• 3 cups packed brown sugar
• 3 cups butter
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

Put all ingredients in bowl. Mash, kneed, squeeze until lumps of butter are gone. Make into small balls and put on cookie sheet. Butter the bottom of a glass, dip in sugar, then flatten each cookie. Dip in sugar between each cookie. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Makes 15 dozen.

gina's adds: I've made this recipe into bars - just put the batter spread out to the edges in a cookie sheet and bake for a little longer. I've also added dried fruit and coconut to the mix. I use whole wheat flour, smart balance butter (and a little less than the recipe calls for - I also soften it in the microwave first), and used 10 grain or stone ground oatmeal instead of rolled oats. For the cookies I brought to class I used stone ground oatmeal, whole wheat flour and added a little bit of vanilla to the batch.