the countdown…

We leave on our big month-long trip to Michigan on Wednesday. We still have no van. I'm, oh, a little stressed about it. We've been looking soooo hard. It's hard to balance economy with reliability–the most reliable minivans are also the most blingy. And bling is something we can't afford. Even used Odysseys are mostly [...]

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to do

Things to blog about after the frugal & green series:

Antibiotics: when to use them, why avoiding them is best, and our story.
Cell phones & the tyranny of the urgent: Why I screen my calls and sometimes (*gasp*) don't answer.
My little sling business.
Body changes through the years, where I want to be, and what it's like [...]

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Moroccan Couscous with Chickpeas

This is my new favorite quick meal. It's faster, easier, and far tastier than pasta, or even grilled cheese!
Serves 4.

2 cups dry couscous
4 cups water
1 can/2 cups prepared chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1/4 cup parsley, minced
2 tbsp scallions, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 [...]

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Kids & Eating Well

What are some of your tips for getting your kids to eat frugally and healthfully?
Here are a couple of mine, off the top of my head:

Bake cookies. And muffins! Be they chocolate chip or be they carrot banana nut, bake 'em at home. With whole, healthy ingredients, all of your home-baked baked goods will [...]

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Household Management

When it comes to household management, being frugal and green doesn't always strike folks as important right away. But one can make a big impact on spending and health by being conscious of one's choices and aware of household issues affecting the family.
Let me start of by saying I love this link. CHEC's HealtheHouse [...]

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weight update

Ellery had a four-week weight re-check yesterday afternoon:
22 lbs. 4 oz.!
After not gaining weight (even losing) for six months, she gained 1 lb. 9 oz. in four weeks. Wow! Babies are weird. Praise God!

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Would you worry?

Ellery's weight at 6 mos: 20 lbs. 14 oz.
Ellery's weight at 12 mos: 20 lbs. 11 oz.
Her length and head size have increased, though the rate for both has slowed down. She's developmentally on target, ahead of the game in some areas. She nurses often, and I offer her as much food as she'll eat. [...]

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