The Willow Store

Random Recyling Reviews our Wool Dryer Balls~

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Wool Dryer Balls Review

2012-01-23T07:47:00.001-08:00

Sprout Change Diaper Review

2012-01-22T10:05:00.001-08:00

Sprout Change Diaper Review

2012-01-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

Reinventing Lolli reviews Sprout Change!

Wool Dryer Ball Reviews!

2012-01-15T13:02:00.000-08:00

Willow Store Reviews

2011-12-23T23:11:00.000-08:00

Forever Cloth Review!

2011-12-15T23:22:00.001-08:00

Sprout Change Trainer Review

2011-12-14T22:39:00.000-08:00

Why Cloth Diaper reviews our Wool Dryer Balls!

2011-12-14T22:36:00.000-08:00

WillowPads Review

2011-12-14T22:07:00.000-08:00

One Thrifty Gurl reviews WillowPads and more...

WillowPads and Diapering Today review!

2011-11-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

Wool Dryer Balls Review

2011-11-23T21:41:00.001-08:00

Holiday Diapering Today Twitter Party Next Week!

2011-11-22T17:46:00.001-08:00

Join us next week for the Diapering Today Holiday Twitter Party! Great prizes, great fun and we'll share with you what Diapering Today offers for the cloth diapering world....

Don't miss this party! Help us to spread the word about cloth diapers!

Want to win some really great prizes at the same time? Be sure to sign up with the Eco Chic....

Diapering Today Review!

2011-11-22T00:12:00.000-08:00

Diapering Today Review!

2011-11-16T21:32:00.000-08:00

Sprout Change Diaper Review

2011-11-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

Wool Dryer Ball Reviews!

2011-11-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

What's New With Willow? November 2011

2011-11-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

	The new, first of it’s kind 2-disc DVD program about what it’s like to cloth diaper the modern way. Complete with sections to help you decide which style of diaper is right for you, how to get started with cloth and tips and tricks on how to make it easier. Includes a full set of cloth diapering terms and so much more.
Check out our new starter kits: Sprout Change with Diapering Today makes the perfect gift for new parents.
	Waterproof WillowPads are here! New Leak-free barrier for extra protection.
Bright new colors for our Wool Dryer Balls!
	Be sure to take a look at our natural living section for the green-minded person in your life.
Reusable Gift bags are 20% off to the end of November. Add an eco-friendly touch to any gift.

Between the Kids reviews our Wool Dryer Balls

2011-11-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

Flubber

2011-11-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

As a party favor for my daughter's 9th birthday this weekend, we made flubber. It was really easy, and took only a few minutes...

It was her idea to take a few Squinkle toys and hide them in the flubber...

I was impressed with how long the girls played with the flubber. It was definitely the hit of the party.

Here's the simple recipe. We added a little lavender essential oil to them at the last step. You can use them unscented like the recipe or add anything that appeals to you.

Flubber

Ingredients:
Bowl 1:
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 cups elmer white glue

Bowl 2:
1 1/3 cups warm water
3 teaspoons borax

Last:
food coloring
essential oil

How to Make:

1 In one container mix 1 1/2 cups warm water and the white glue.
2 In another container mix 1 1/3 cups of warm water and Borax.
3 Combine the borax mix and the glue mix together until evenly mixed. Sometimes there’s a little extra liquid at the bottom, and you can ignore this.
4 Add a few drops of food coloring, and a single drop of essential oil in the scent you like. If you want more than one color, separate into multiple containers, and then add the color.
5 Store in a sealed container. We used old baby food jars, but have used plastic bags in the past (although in the bags they seemed to dry out faster).

Diapering Today... What's on it?

2011-11-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

Diapering Today, the first comprehensive video on how to use modern cloth diapers and so much more!

Why would anyone want to use cloth diapers? There's tons of reasons! Want the details?

The basics of how to put diapers, cloth or disposable, on a baby.

Want to know what styles of diapers are out there? What will work for your family? You've got choices and we'll help show you.

Everything you need to get ready to use cloth, minus the baby of course!

Everything you need to develop your washing routine.

More questions about cloth? Need help with a specific concern? That's all here and more!

Common accessories for cloth diapers.

Info on potty training, how to, and why cloth makes a difference.

The Cloth Diapering community is amazing, and growing!

On a budget? Who isn't!? Want to make cloth more affordable... we've got some tips for you~

Where to go now? The resource section has tips on where to look for more information!

A history of diapers, what they were like then, now, and why.

Complete set of terms for cloth diapers.

Want to know who is in Diapering Today?

Diapering Today DVD Available Now!

2011-10-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

The First of Its Kind 2-Disc DVD Guide

Diapering Today is the new film offering those interested in cloth diapering an easy to digest way to learn everything about modern diapering. Education is the key to getting more parents to try cloth, and Diapering Today takes interested parents through the process and turns them into informed consumers ready to use cloth successfully.

This original DVD production has real parents giving real advice about real diapers. For the first time on video, new parents can learn everything they need to know before they try cloth diapers:

- Why Cloth Makes Sense
-How to Use Diapers
-Types of Cloth Diapers
-How to Get Started
-Troubleshooting, including Washing Tips
-Potty Training Help
-How to Make Cloth More Affordable
-Learn the Terms
-And So Much More!

The complete Diapering Today trailer can be found here: http://ow.ly/7c84C

Available for purchase now: http://ow.ly/7cwUC

Wool Dryer Balls Reviewby Celiac in the City!

2011-10-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

Wool Dryer Ball review!

2011-10-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

Wool Dryer Ball review!

2011-10-22T22:47:00.000-07:00

Wool Dryer Balls Review

2011-10-22T22:45:00.001-07:00

Wool Dryer Balls Review

2011-10-22T22:44:00.002-07:00

Wool Dryer Balls Review

2011-10-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

A real discussion with Mayim Bialik at the Holistic Mom's Conference

2011-10-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

Recently I was at the National Holistic Mom's Conference in California, and had the pleasure of meeting an extremely nice and wonderfully approachable Mayim. She's been a part of the Holistic Mom's Network for a long time, and when she came up to our booth, we were able to have a very enjoyable and insightful chat. Normal for me, we talked pads and diapers. Some might find that strange, but I was impressed to find out that Mayim knew all about them.... and loved them! She even introduced her friend, Jourdan, to WillowPads.

(click here to read all about it)

I am so happy Mayim is part of the Holistic Mom's Network. Her participation sets a great example for everyone.

Super Wipes Review

2011-10-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

Sprout Change Diaper Review

2011-10-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Sprout Change Trainer Review

2011-10-07T13:39:00.001-07:00

WillowSprouts Nursing Pad Review

2011-10-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

New! Leak-Proof WillowPads

2011-10-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

All-New Leak-Proof WillowPads

are now available with a waterproof backing... and in color!

Sprout Change Trainer Review-video!

2011-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Cloth Diaper Channel on YouTube reviews Sprout Change One-size training pants....

Sprout Change Diaper Review

2011-09-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

What is Natural Laundry?

2011-09-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

Why

Chemicals: Conventional detergents and dryer sheets are filled with harsh chemicals. A growing number of people have sensitivities to these chemicals. What’s on your clothes transfers to skin, and is absorbed, adding to the body’s load.

Awareness: There is an increasing concern about the environment and long-term effects of harsh chemicals on people, especially children.

Cost: Natural doesn’t always mean more expensive. Reusable options like Wool Dryer Balls and Laundry Nuts are less
expensive in the long run.

How To Be Green

Energy Star washers save money by
using less power, also reducing carbon
output associated with power production.

Air dry clothes and linens whenever possible.
Use detergents that are biodegradable.

Full loads: Fill your washer 2/3 of the way to ensure an even and efficient wash or dry.

Using dryer balls in place of dryer sheets eliminates harmful chemicals, and softens fabrics, plus they’re reusable.

Front loading washers use less water.

Don’t over dry! Use a dryer that has a sensor, rather than timed dry, and choose fabrics made from natural fibers whenever possible.

Stain Removal: Sun, Peroxide or Lemon Juice.

What To Look For

What’s the difference? Are you worried about one issue in particular? There are natural laundry options to cater to every need.

Highlights:
Biodegradable Detergents reduce exposure of toxic chemicals to the environment and people.

American made products frequently support local economies and travel shorter distances for a smaller carbon footprint.

Detergents free from bleach reduce exposure to cancer causing byproducts like dioxin that come from chlorine.

Petroleum-free products help to reduce fossil
fuel dependence and environmental impact.

A Broad Range of Solutions

There are natural laundry detergents that are used in exactly the same way as traditional brands. This is a great way to reduce additives and residue without any work at all. There are also products, like Laundry Nuts, that are completely natural and sustainable, even compostable. Every green step you take is a step in the right direction.

How do you adjust Sprout Change?

2011-08-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Diapering Today Photo Contest

2011-08-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

How would you portray cloth diapering today in a photograph?
The Willow Store is looking for photographs of reusable cloth diapers in use today by families just like you. We are working on a diapering project that will help answer some of the most common misconceptions about cloth diapering today. The project will be revealed (along with the winners of the photo contest) during a Twitter Party on August 30th with the EcoChic.

Diapering Today Photo Contest:

We are looking for 20-30 photos to use in our project, and those that are chosen will receive a $25 certificate to Amazon.com. For complete details, and current submissions, visit Diapering Today.

Sprout Change Diaper Reviews!

2011-08-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

Wool Dryer Balls Review

2011-08-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

Sprout Change Trainer Review

2011-08-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sprout Change Trainer Reviews

2011-08-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Wool Dryer Balls Reviews!

2011-08-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

Sprout Change Trainer Reviews!

2011-08-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Sprout Change Reviews!

2011-08-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

BunnyBerry Baby Reviews Sprout Change!

2011-07-19T23:38:00.001-07:00

Unique Baby Gear Reviews Sprout Change

2011-07-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

Real Adventures of a Mom Reviews Sprout Change

2011-07-14T09:38:00.001-07:00

Laundry Troubleshooting

2011-07-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Working with laundry is an art. There are several factors to watch for in order to get truly clean laundry, naturally or conventionally. If you’re having problems with your clothing, or cloth diapers, one of the following factors is most often the cause.

Water

The most important part of the laundry process, carrying the detergent, and rinsing the laundry. It helps to break down the soiled items, and carry it away. Water contains minerals, and other contaminants, naturally, and they directly affect the washing process. Water quality is different from location to location, even in the same city.

Know your water!
The three main things to look for:
Hardness

Ph (alkalinity)

Mineral Content

Time

How much time the laundry is washing makes a big difference. The chemical reactions of the detergents and the soils must be given enough time to occur, and the amount of time the laundry agitates is important as well.

Using a pre-rinse or second rinse after the wash cycle may be useful.

Be sure to:
Allow for a full cycle of wash, and rinse
Pre-rinse or use a 2nd rinse if necessary

Load Size

The quantity of laundry makes a big difference. Too much or too little laundry means the load cannot properly mix, and clothes cannot get clean.

Too much laundry, clothes can’t move and shake clean, not enough water to rinse, clothing discolors.

Not enough laundry, detergent gets diluted, and clothes don’t have enough agitation to shake clean.

Be sure to:
Fill the load 2/3 full

Chemicals

The detergents used to remove the soil from the laundry. Many detergents contain fragrances, whiteners, softeners to alter the laundry, and each affects clothing differently.
Other additives like bleach have uses, but shorten the life of the fabrics and can cause health concerns if not properly used.

Be sure to:
    Understand what is in detergents
    Choose a detergent that meets your needs
    Make sure the detergent is fully washed out of
        the items before use

Temperature

Hot, cold or warm water makes a difference. Hotter water can help to release soil by increasing the cleaning action and chemical reactions. Cold can help to reduce stains, depending on the soil.

To determine the temperatures needed, factor the following:

Soil Type and Amount

Chemicals

    Wash Time
    Fabric type (some cannot handle heat)
    Wash and rinse cycles

Evoluchun reviews EveryDay Willow Wool Dryer Balls

2011-07-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Catherine talks diapers on WGN in Chicago with Bill Moller

2011-07-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

Listen to Catherine talk about cloth with Bill Moller on WGN in Chicago!

Undercover Mother reviews Sprout Change Training Pants

2011-06-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

Want FREE tickets to ECOfair360?

2011-06-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

If you're near Milwaukee, WI, you should know about EcoFair 360. At the Walworth County Fairgrounds July 8-10, 2011, there's going to be over 250 exhibitors, Speakers and Demonstrations sharing the latest and greatest in the wonderful world of eco-friendly! Whether you want to know more about greening the economy, your home, or the foods you eat, EcoFair360 has it all.

Coming up in a few weeks, we'll be presenting about Natural Laundry at the Fair. Come and meet us, learn about some really great things you can do do be more eco-friendly in your laundry room, as well as a whole lot more at the Fair!

Would you like to win FREE tickets to the show? We're giving out a pair of tickets to the first 5 people that tell us what they think the best way to green your laundry is! Don't wait, it's going to be a really great show this year!

*NOTE* Be sure to include your email address in your comment so we know how to get a hold of you!

Carrie Goldman Reviews Sprout Change on Chicago Now

2011-06-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Reviews~

2011-06-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

EveryWhere Bag:

EveryDay Willow Forever Cloth:

Catherine talks about Sprout Change on Fox 6 in Milwaukee

2011-06-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

FormulaMom Reviews Sprout Change

2011-06-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Me Giveaways reviews our Wool Dryer Balls

2011-06-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Mom Always Find Out Reviews EveryDayWillow Wool Dryer Balls

2011-06-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Holistic Mom's Network

2011-06-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

We're proud sponsors of the Holistic Mom's Network, which is a growing group of like-minded women and moms looking for a more whole-body/whole-mind approach to life and parenting. It's a great place to meet local moms through their network of chapters. Learn more at HolisticMoms.org

Baking Powder Biscuit Recipe

2011-06-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

1 cup flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 TBSP shortening

6 TBSP milk

Stir the flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl. Add shortening, cut into the flour mix with a fork or blender. Pour in the milk, stir lightly until dough holds together. Turn dough out onto lightly floured board. pat dough out until 1/2 inch thick and cut with biscuit cutter. Bake 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Makes about 7 Biscuits.

Wool Dryer Ball review!

2011-06-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

The Cloth Diapering Trend

2011-05-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

More and more parents today are choosing cloth. In fact, about 10% of all diapers are reusable. Only a few years ago, the number was dramatically lower.

The new generation of parents are not interested in the traditional form of cloth diapers. They want convenience, simple to use diapers that work well, and also happen to come in an assortment of fun colors. Reusables now come in a range of styles, tailored to parent’s specific preferences, from All-in-ones (AIO) to Pocket Diapers, and everything in between, diapers have come a long way from the old style pins and prefolds with rubber pants. Even more recently, a new style of diapering has cropped up, All-In-Twos (AI2). This type of diaper is a cover system and an insert, kind of like a wrap and prefold, but simpler and more easy to use.

With the increased awareness in cloth diapers, it has become so much more acceptable to give diapers as gifts. Giving new parents reusable diapers is a great option and your gift continues to bless the family for years.

The cost savings alone is a great reason to switch to cloth. Disposables cost families over $2,500.00, where reusables can cost as low as $125.00. Cloth uses much fewer raw materials and the landfill waste is next to nothing. With fewer rashes in cloth, you won’t need anywhere near the amount of diaper cream to add to the costs of diapering.

Modern cloth diapers have reinvented a basic need. Simple, convenient and fun, reusable diapers are a great option for our children.

Haute Mommy Reviews Sprout Change

2011-05-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

The Great Letdown Sprout Change Review

2011-05-23T19:29:00.001-07:00

Natural Laundry

2011-05-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Why

Chemicals. Conventional detergents and dryer sheets are filled with toxic chemicals. A growing number of people have sensitivities to harsh chemicals. What’s on your clothes transfers to skin, and is absorbed, adding to body’s load.

Awareness. Concern about the environment and long-term effects of harsh chemicals on people, especially children.

Cost. Natural doesn’t always mean more expensive. Reusable options like Wool Dryer Balls and Laundry Nuts are less expensive in the long run.

What To Look For

What’s the difference? Are you worried about one issue in particular? There are natural laundry options to cater to every need.

Biodegradable Detergents preserve the environment.

American made products promote fair labor practices and local economies.

Chlorine bleach-free detergents reduce exposure to cancer causing byproducts like dioxin.

Petroleum-free products help to reduce fossil fuel dependence and environmental impact.

How To Be Green

Energy Star washers save money by
using less power, also reducing carbon
output associated with power production.

Air dry clothes and linens whenever possible.
Use detergents that are biodegradable.

Full loads: Fill your washer 2/3 of the way to ensure an even and efficient wash or dry.

Using wool dryer balls in place of dryer sheets eliminates harmful chemicals, and softens fabrics, plus they’re reusable for years.

Front loading washers use less water.

Don’t over dry! Use a dryer that has a sensor, rather than timed dry, and choose fabrics made from natural fibers whenever possible. Over-drying clothes is the biggest cause of static.

Stain Removal: Sun, Peroxide or Lemon Juice.

Some Brands to Look For

Seventh Generation Ecover EveryDay Willow
LifeTree Earth Friendly Rockin Green

A Broad Range of Solutions
to Choose From

There are natural laundry detergents that are used in exactly the same way as traditional brands. This is a great way to reduce additives and residue without any work at all. There are also products, like Laundry Nuts, that are completely natural and sustainable, even compostable.
Some people are interested in being more green. There is a learning curve. Not everyone is comfortable using nuts to clean their clothes. Every green step you take is a step in the right direction.

For more information on how to do laundry, see our How To post!

Wool Dryer Ball review!

2011-05-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Oh So Savvy Mom reviews EveryDay Willow Wool Dryer Balls

2011-05-16T22:38:00.001-07:00

Cake Mom reviews EveryDay Willow Wool Dryer Balls

2011-05-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

Confessions of an Overworked Mom reviews WillowPads

2011-05-15T00:13:00.000-07:00

Giveaways for Mom reviews Sprout Change

2011-05-11T09:50:00.001-07:00

Review Stew loves our Wool Dryer Balls!

2011-05-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Wool Dryer Ball reviews!

2011-05-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

Meet us at Keva!

2011-04-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! Catherine and Chef Pierre will be at the Keva Sports Center this Tuesday and every Tuesday in Middleton Wi to promote Reusable Future's exciting new local pickup program. This unique program allows customers to shop online and pick up their orders at Keva's convenient local location. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the folks behind Reusable Future and The Willow Store, pick their brains about products, and learn how to start living green with Keva and Reusable Future! Stop in and say hello anytime between 4-6pm.

Sweep Tight Reviews Our Wool Dryer Balls!

2011-04-20T23:13:00.001-07:00

Apples and Cinnamon

2011-04-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

Apples and cinnamon are famous bedfellows. They have collaborated on many successful pies and breakfast cereals. The appeal is easily explained: apples are fond and familiar while cinnamon is exotic and spicy. Why not add some spice to a traditional snack of apple slices?

You will need:

Several of your favourite apples, cored and sliced into wedges
1/2 tsp cinnamon per apple
1 Tbsp light brown sugar per apple
A container with a lid. It should be large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients. Tupperware containers are great for this. In very dire circumstances, a cocktail shaker may be used.

Combine all ingredients in the containment vessel. Lightly but vigorously shake until each slice is coated in the cinnamon/sugar. Serve.

My Silly Monkey Reviews Sprout Change

2011-04-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

Not to Secret Confessions reviews Sprout Change

2011-04-19T09:34:00.001-07:00

Arms of a Sister Reveiws Wool Dryer Balls

2011-04-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

Owl Bee Reviews Sprout Change

2011-04-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

Parent Wise Austin Reviews Sprout Change

2011-04-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

Mom Always Find Out Reviews Sprout Change!

2011-04-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

Finding our Way Home Reviews our Wool Dryer Balls!

2011-04-18T23:08:00.000-07:00

Monkey Bars

2011-04-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted a pet monkey. If I had a pet monkey, I would feed it bananas. As it stands, I have no monkey. There are however, several children that occasionally act like monkeys. I feed them bananas. On warm days, when the monkeys haven't been jumping on the bed or flinging poo, I feed them frozen chocolate covered bananas. Please note: If your monkey(s) will be helping out, make sure they wash their paws (and tails where applicable).

You will need:
a bunch of just ripe bananas (one banana should feed 2 monkeys)
your favourite solid chocolate
nuts/sprinkles/bacon bits/anything crunchy and edible.
popsicle sticks

1. Peel each banana and cut it in half crosswise. Insert a popsicle stick into each banana's flat end, think of it as a tail.

2. Melt chocolate in a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a microwave, but remember that the chocolate will begin to cool much more quickly.

3. Choose your favourite of the bananas. Use criteria such as size, shape, and standardized test scores to determine which banana to start with if you have no clear favourite. Dip or roll it into the melted chocolate until evenly covered.

4. Before the chocolate begins to harden, roll the banana in the crunchy bits you have selected. It's helpful to use a shallow container or plate to assist in this step.

5. Set the banana aside on some waxed paper and repeat with the remaining bananas. Cool all bananas to room temperature and freeze. The chocolate should be set at room temperature so I suppose freezing is optional, however frozen bananas tend to be less mess.

Mothers of Multiples Sale this Saturday!

2011-04-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, April 16, the Mothers of Multiples in Madison are having their spring resale at Keva.

The event is open to the public for a short time only, and is a great resource to find all your spring and summer clothes for your kids! For more information, check out: MAMOMS

We'll be around to share with you all the great things we have available at Reusable Future, and would love to see you there!

So Easy Being Green Reviews Sprout Change

2011-04-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

Listen to Founder Catherine Bolden on WIBA 1310

2011-04-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Catherine Bolden talks about Reusable Future with WIBA 1310's host Mitch Henck. You can listen here:

Keva's Summer Camp Registration!

2011-04-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

We'll be at Keva tomorrow, and we'd love to meet you!

If you are looking for a safe, fun, qualified summer camp for your child-KEVA is the place! All the information you need to know is at this event! Attend and register for 4 or more weeks and recieve 50% off a July camp!

My First Sports Camps Ages 3-7

Super Sports Camps Ages 7-14

Top Reasons to Attend:

Learn About Our Awesome Camps (field trips, activities, etc)
Meet Our CPR Trained Coaches
Play Camp Games- Fun Play Inflatables, Soccer, Hockey, meet Mallards mascot –all supervised by KEVA coaches
Register for 4 or more camps and receive 50% off a camp in July
Register to win a FREE week of camp, Massage, Milio’s subs, and more
Its FREE

If you have any questions please contact KEVA today 608-662-7529- We hope to see you!

Cheeseburger Quesidillas

2011-04-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

I'm calling this a snack. Some people might call this a light lunch. The teenage boys that work downstairs packing boxes simply referred to them as 'kick-butt', except not with the word butt. They used that other word. Yes. That one. It's true though. These snacks kick some major tookus.

Cheeseburger Quesadillas Makes 8 six inch snacks

1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups Cheese
8 small flour or corn tortillas
ketchup and/or yellow mustard

1. Brown the ground beef, crumble it as finely as you can. This is an excellent opportunity to relieve frustration as beef cooks faster when you call it names. I like to season the meat with salt, pepper, and onion flakes (seasoning is optional, but it tastes good).

2. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet. If they overlap some, that's ok, you're going to fold them in half anyway. If you're using flour tortillas, you may find it helpful to warm them slightly to increase pliability. Add your preferred amount of ketchup/mustard to each tortilla (one entire side).

3. Evenly distribute the beef across one half (half of one entire side) of each of the tortillas. Fold the tortillas over themselves.

4. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Have a cup of coffee or tea, watch this video of Peter Gabriel singing "Your Eyes" (substitute other life affirming tunes as preferred). http://youtu.be/knLKyScgXIs Continue music as needed until oven is heated.

5. Bake for about 12 minutes, flipping each quesadilla halfway through. Remove to a cooling rack and either serve, or freeze in a single layer. Serve quesadillas with additional condiments and your favourite burger toppings.

Wool Dryer Ball review!

2011-04-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hail

2011-04-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

Last night we had hail. There were hundreds of them, and it sounded like giant hammers all over our roof.... They were definitely golf ball sized, and tons of them! Here's a couple that melted a little before we got the picture taken. The inside layers were really neat...

Greening Sam and Avery Sprout Change Review and Giveaway!

2011-04-02T17:21:00.001-07:00

Change-Diapers.com Reviews Sprout Change

2011-04-02T00:33:00.001-07:00

Apple Pecan and Cranberry Chicken Salad....

2011-04-02T00:31:00.000-07:00

Awesome.

Working Mother reviews Sprout Change

2011-04-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

Sprout Change review and Giveaway by Lindsay!

2011-04-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

The Origins of Lasagna, and All That It Entails

2011-04-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

    When children reach a certain age, they become curious... about what they are having for dinner. Their bodies begin to change, in particular, their stomachs begin to rumble. This is the time when many children ask the difficult question: "Mommy, where does lasagna come from?". You may yourself not know.

    Lasagna is not delivered by a stork. Lasagna is not what happens when "Mommy and Daddy love each other very much..." (although sometimes really good lasagna helps with that). Lasagna is an Italian baked pasta created by alternately layering sauce, cheese, pasta, and other delicious foodstuffs. Everyone seems to make lasagna a little bit differently. In the north of Italy, many people enjoy Lasagna Bolognese, utilizing bolognese meat sauce and a bechamel (white) sauce with parmesan cheese. In Sicily, lasagna seems to be made with rich ricotta cheese. Growing up in Wisconsin, some people believed in a lasagna with cottage cheese.   Vegan folks might prefer to utilize tofu, in an effort to reduce harm to the environment or animals or whatever. No one way is necessarily more correct than another, except the one with cottage cheese. You shouldn't ever make lasagna with cottage cheese. Likewise, there are a number of effective sauces across a spectrum of regions and palette preferences. Traditionally, lasagne are made with a red, tomato based sauce. Some modern sauce variations include pesto or perhaps cream based sauces. Finally, all lasagne includes pasta. It should always be flat, but here too there are variables. I prefer fresh house made pasta, cooked in the lasagna itself. There are also commercially available pastas which can be cooked with boiling water, some require no precooking at all.

    Lasagna, by it's nature, is a saucy creature. The sauce is traditionally made from tomatoes, and ground meat. It's seductive, drawing you in with bright colour and savory acidic aroma. It wraps around your tongue, your taste buds exploding with joy, the flavours lingering on your palette, tempting you to have another slice. You can use your favourite tomato sauce to make a lasagna. It is however important to consider your other ingredients when choosing a sauce. If you are going to use dried pasta or ricotta, you might consider using a stronger flavoured, less viscous sauce. This could help more appropriately compliment the textures of your chosen pasta or cheese filling. Using a bechamel I would recommend a thicker further reduced sauce. Too much liquid and your lasagna will be a strange sort of gloppy layered soup.

    When selecting ingredients for your sauce, keep in mind: Tomatoes can be used fresh or canned. If you use fresh tomatoes, you will have to chop and skin them, this will take extra time. You could also roast the tomatoes in the oven to deepen their flavor. I have recently been using heirloom tomatoes canned here at Willow, but store bought whole canned tomatoes will still make a tasty sauce. Save the excess liquid from the can, it can be used to make soups, bread, or beverages.

    This is not a traditional Bolognese sauce. It's a little simpler, and a little saucier. The bright tomato flavour will complement a bechamel sauce (reduce a little further), or ricotta cheese if you prefer. It's also fantastic with your favourite fresh or dried herbs added. Simply put, it's hard to mess up. I made a very similar sauce about 5 years ago and my former roomie still hasn't shut up about it.

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4qt. canned tomatoes
2 White or Yellow Onions, diced
2 Carrots, finely diced
2 Ribs Celery, finely diced
4 Cloves Garlic, finely diced
Salt, Cracked Pepper.
1t red pepper flakes (optional)
2 1/2 pounds ground beef, cooked.
In a heavy bottomed pot, heat the oil on medium heat until shimmering. Add Garlic and Onion, season with Salt and Pepper and cook until garlic begins to brown and onions are translucent, add carrots and celery. Cook until carrots and celery have begun to soften. Add tomatoes (you may want to remove the seeds with a food mill or sieve) and simmer until reduced to your liking. Add beef, correct seasoning, WIN.

Stuff this in yer lasagna... and eat it: The sauce recipe above calls for beef. Some folks prefer sausage(usually pork based), veal (delicious baby cows) or a mixture of meats (some bolognese sauces call for bacon!). Use whatever animal you prefer to eat, lasagna is freedom. If you're really not stoked about eating any meat at all, leave the meat out of the above recipe and substitute additional layers of pasta, cheese and spinach.

    Lasagne is full of cheese. I really cannot think of a way around it. Mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta can all play a role. Cottage Cheese is not invited. Think of cheese as the glue that holds the lasagna together. Literally a layer of melted mozzarella holds everything inside, like skin. Inside other cheeses are at work, binding the flavours of the lasagna.

    Inside the lasagna, cheese makes up one or more of the layers. It glues the tomato sauce to the pasta. My preference is to use a from scratch cheese bechamel sauce, in a 2/1 ratio of tomato sauce to bechamel. Other people prefer ricotta for it's dryer texture and exceptionally mild flavour. I have sometimes, preparing lasagna with ricotta, added small diced fontina cheese, giving it a somewhat denser texture and sharper flavour.

    To top the lasagna, Mozzarella is the cheese of choice. There really isn't much t discuss. I sometimes prefer to use slices of mozzarella as opposed to shreds. this is for two reasons: I feel that slices sometimes melt more evenly than the shreds, and store bought shredded cheese is very often cheese of leftover or inferior quality. Any way you slice (or shred) it, be sure to cover the top of your lasagna in cheese.

For the Bechamel: Bechamel is one of the French "Mother Sauces". This one is technically a Mornay, or Bechamel with cheese. Regardless of your views on international sauce politics, it tastes really good. This basic recipe can be applied to just about any part of your life that needs some saucing up.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup Flour
about 2 cups Milk
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
salt
white pepper
nutmeg
Melt butter in a medium temperature sauce pan. Add flour and cook for 2 or so minutes, if it browns, you're doing in wrong. After 2 minutes, begin to add milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Season to taste, add cheese and stir to incorporate.

A few notes with regards to cheese: If you should choose to use ricotta instead of the bechamel, I recommend seasoning it with a little bit of salt and parsley. It's just my personal preference. Also, I sometimes vary the top cheese, adding provolone to shredded mozzarella

    Every lasagna must have pasta. In modern times, there are three major options to satisfy this requirement: fresh pasta, dried pasta, and the pasta that is apparently somewhere in between. The operative difference being that fresh pasta is made with time and effort and dried pasta is made with boiling water. The "somewhere in between" pasta is apparently made with magic and fairy dust, as it requires no effort/time or boiling water.

    My preference for flavour and texture is to roll out sheets of fresh pasta. This tends to take a little longer, be somewhat more difficult, and make a considerable mess. The difference however is incredible. Fresh pasta baked in a lasagna is perfectly tender, cannot be over or under boiled, and never burns your fingers in the assembly process.

    In a pinch I have used dried 'boil and build' pastas to some degree of success. My biggest objections to dried pasta are the ridiculous patterns, ridges, waved edges, perforations, and zippers that are prominent in many commercial pastas. If you decide to use dried pasta, leave the frills and lacy edges to your undergarments and choose a flat pasta. Many dried pastas also seem to be be extra thick and dense. This is a desirable characteristic of toilet paper, maybe not so much of pasta.

    I recently tried, for the first time, using some of the magical 'in between' pasta. It was quicker than making fresh pasta and exhibited a better texture than the dried pasta. Except any exposed areas. Any part of this 'magic pasta' that was not covered in sauce became extremely hard, with sharp edges, a generally dangerous eating experience. Additionally, the pasta came in brittle sheets, awkwardly not the correct size for any of my baking pans. Still, bearing these things in mind I would prefer the no-boil pasta to lace trimmed, too thick dried noodles.

Making fresh pasta: Making fresh pasta at home is not especially difficult. You don't need a pasta machine or fancy chef's hat. Unless you want to look cool while you make pasta, then you need the hat. Use this basic pasta recipe for any of your flat pasta needs. Remember that if you're using it outside of a lasagna, fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried.
2 cups All Purpose Flour
3 Large Eggs
pinch of salt
Stir salt into flour and mound on a large board. Depress the center of the mount and crack eggs into the center one by one, slowly incorporating with a fork. Once eggs are incorporated, knead dough by hand until it's elastic and begins to stiffen. Cover for about 30 minutes, then roll out into sheets.

    That's where Lasagna comes from. What you tell your children is up to you, but remember, lasagna happens one layer at a time. Some day your child may have a lasagna of their own. No age is too young for a frank discussion of lasagna.

Sliders and Sweet Potatoes...

2011-04-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm... Lunch.

Catherine and Lori on NBC 15

2011-03-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

Recently Catherine and Lori were on NBC15 to talk about natural laundry....