Easier Than Pie Pumpkin Pancakes

    
     A favorite way to welcome Fall in our home is to make a quick batch of these pumpkin pancakes.  A tip for busy families.... if you would like to double the recipe and stick some in the freezer for future quick breakfasts they reheat rather well!

Ingredients;
1 1/4 c. white whole wheat flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
pinch of ground cloves
1 c. milk
2 Tbsp. melted butter
6 Tbsp. pumpin puree (canned is fine)
1 egg

Mix dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.  Mix the remaining ingredients in a smaller bowl.  Fold wet ingredients into dry mix.  Pour 1/4 c. batter onto your griddle or skillet and cook until each side is lightly browned.  Serve with butter and maple syrup and get excited for Fall!!

On the Bookshelf...

     The past year I have been on a journey to provide a more healthy and sustainable lifestyle for my family.  I still feel at times bombarded by information and find myself stressing over a simple decision of choosing organic or local foods.  Fortunately I have read three excellent books that have helped me develop my "tree-hugging" lifestyle with more ease and understanding.

     For anyone who is just starting to take some baby steps on changing their lifestyle I recommend Food Rules, by Michael Pollan.  In this short book Pollan explains the importance of eating whole foods, while also putting some humor in each of the chapter titles.  The simple idea of eating healthy foods and the benefits are explained in this short read. A great book to have on your coffee table!

     If you are the person who not only wants to know what to eat, but why and how...then Pollan's other book titled In Defense of Food is right up your alley.  In Defense of Food takes an in-depth look at the transition the western society has made to highly processed foods and the consequences that result from the shift.  This book contains all of the helpful information found in Food Rules, however goes to the next level by explaining many different scientific and society factors that play a role in food. 

     For those of you who are looking to take an entire new approach on eating and are interested in extremely thorough scientific research, I recommend you pick up The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell.  However I must warn you that this is a very detailed, lengthy, and shocking look at how animal protein causes more harm to the body than help.  This book recommends a plant-based diet to reduce cancer, heart disease, and other common ailments Americans are now facing.  It took me awhile to get through it, however I recommend it to anyone who is interested in using diet and nutrition to prevent health concerns.

    Finally, if you are not into books but still want some great information, set aside one evening to rent the documentary 
Food, Inc.  This is the film that first grabbed my attention and made us really think about where our food was coming from and what was actually in it.  I hope this is helpful for those of you who find yourself as confused as myself about what "healthy" and "sustainable" really mean! 

Dear Extreme Couponer...

     To the most extreme couponer in Northeast Ohio, can you please leave at least one bottle of laundry detergent on the shelf for the rest of us??!! I understand the importance of stockpiling for a 4-6 week supply, however clearing the shelves of detergent, body wash, and mustard is just not healthy. I should shift my thinking to the positive side and believe that you've taken all of those bottles of detergent and body wash to a much-needed shelter and are not hoarding them in your basement  Time for me to stop the coupon-clipping/stockpiling game.  I am just going to start making it myself!

Too Good Not to Post!

I know it has been months since my last post but I ran across two deals that are too great not to share!  Here they are;

Deal Sighting #1

 Grab Better Oats Organic Oatmeal @ Marc's as low as $.33 a box!  My local Marc's carries boxes of Raw Organic Better Oats Oatmeal regularly priced at for 2/$1.00.  This is already an awesome everyday steal but add the new Better Oats coupon on Facebook you can grab three boxes for $1 total!!!

Deal Sighting #2

While strolling through Wal Mart I noticed the 14.5 oz. cans of Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes were $1.12 each.  I rummaged through my coupon binder to find the Winter Healthy Clippings books (found at many local health food stores) to use the -$1/1 Muir Glen product to stock up on organic diced tomatoes @ just $.12 each!  If you have some Muir Glen coupons about to expire this may be a nice stop to stock up on some tomatoes!

Giant Eagle Deals

Heading to Giant Eagle this week.  Here are a few great coupon deals I'll be stocking up on;

Muir Glen Organic Soups (14 oz.)  or Canned Tomatoes (28 oz.) 4/$8
-$1/1 coupon Healthy Clippings booklet

Pirate's Booty 2/$5

Cascadian Farm Frozen Veggies 5/$9 (must buy 5)
-$.75/1 coupon
* great deal if it doubles!

Uncle Ben's Ready Brown Rice 3/$6
-$1/3 coupon (RP 11/14/10)

Brita Replacement Filters $6.99
-$2/1 coupon

Organic on a Dime and the Working Mom

     Over the past few months I have been very thankful to start back to work in my career field part time.  I enjoy heading into my job each day, however it has now given me so much more respect for those working moms who are going to work everyday, raising a family, still trying to make eco-friendly choices, and not spending a fortune doing so. It's hard work and I'm only part time!  Since going back to work here are a few things I've noticed;

1.) I still use homemade and eco-friendly cleaners to clean my house, however my house just doesn't seem to be as clean...because it doesn't get cleaned as much as it did when I stayed home!
2.) When planning dinners I am now choosing the "easier-to-prepare" meals...those homemade soft tortillas were delilcious on taco night, but a bit too much time in the kitchen to get everything ready on a week day!  I have started making extra batches of pancakes and waffles on the weekend and serving those for breakfast throughout the week.  We also try to cook up a batch of pumpkin bread or muffins to snack on throughout the week as well.
3.) I still clip and print coupons, but they are in desperate need of organization...think expiration date August 1, 2010?!
4.) Cloth diapers...it was a good try but not for me, especially after going back to work.  Kudos to the moms who do!
5.) Finally I have been lacking in the "blog time", that being reading other blogs, as well as maintaining my own.  I love to write when I feel interested in something or post a great coupon or deal, however the time with my family trumps the blog any day.  Thank you to those who still read the random thoughts I post such as this one!

Organic Berries Anyone?

Driscoll's is offering a -$.50/1 coupon for berries!  I've seen Driscoll brand rasperries, strawberries, and blueberries in many large grocery stores, as well as my local health foods store.  Produce coupons are hard to come by...thanks Driscoll's!

Thanks Organic Deals!