What the world eats...

I was browsing another blog this morning and ran across a link to an interesting photo-article (by Time Magazine) that showcased what families in different parts of the world eat and spend on that food in one week's time.

I noticed several things from the photos and brief descriptions.
1. The US was by no means the most expensive, but neither was it the least expensive.
2. The dollar is getting better!
3. I was amazed at the amounts of processed, take out and junk foods that we eat compared to other regions of the world.
4. I was even more amazed to notice American made processed foods all over the world..Ritz crackers in the middle east for one, and there were very few pictures without Coke!
5. The fact that the families with the least often looked the happiest.
6. More often than not the fathers had dour faces!

Another thing, and probably the most important thing I took away from the photo-journal, was that I believe (considering the timing of the article and the background of the liberal magazine) it was directed at our lifestyles as Americans, to make us feel guilty for our excess.

But should we feel guilty for the prosperity that we enjoy? I think not. And here's why.

We're one of the youngest nations (relatively) in the world; yet we're one of the most, if not, THE most prosperous nation. You know why? Because we have worked HARD. We have fought for everything we have; we have made huge advances in technology, industry and medicine that the rest of the world has benefited from and we come to the aid of anyone who needs it. I think we have no reason to feel ashamed for our capitalistic-consumer driven lifestyle. We've earned it and we continue to work hard in order to maintain it.

I believe every country has had the same ability to venture out and prosper...but we have succeeded-by the blood, sweat and tears of our citizens.

So am I going to feel guilty that I can spend $15 on a steak to eat tonight, while a family in India eats .30 cents worth of beans? No.

But because I'm an American, I'll gladly forfeit that $15 steak, make a $5 casserole and send a good portion of the money I would have spent to help my fellow man-kind. Because I'm an American. And that's what we do.

In a cooking mood!

Last night I made mini apple turnovers (not so good..too much nutmeg!), a huge amount of meatballs because Reagan loves them so much (next time I need much leaner meat!!!) and these wonderful scrambled egg muffin cups. The recipe is below!

They are so delicious, I think I'll double the recipe next time. I froze almost a dozen of them and now I can just pull them out and pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick, easy and nutritious breakfast for Reagan (with some fruit of course!)

Scrambled Egg Muffin Cups:
2 of the 2-packs of Morningstar Veggie Sausage (a total of 4 patties; you can also use a 1/2 lb of pork sausage if you prefer)
12 eggs
1/4 cup chopped onion (I used vidalia!)
vegetable of your choice (I used frozen broccoli florets, but the original recipe called for 1/4 cup of green pepper)
seasoning to taste (I used pepper and Italian seasoning)
1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Cook the sausage per the package directions then crumble. Mix the eggs, onion, veggie and seasonings together. Add in sausage and cheese.

Spoon by 1/3 cupfuls into greased muffin liners. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Original recipe courtesy of Taste of Homes. Adapted by me, of course ;)

So many projects, so little time..

Wow..it seems like this summer is already flying by. Of course, in Indiana, you only really have summer for 4 months of the year...then it's freezing cold again!

Josh and I have so many projects we wanted to get done this summer. We wanted to plant a garden (we're planning to till up the area this weekend...hmm, as though we haven't said that the last several weekends!) We want to clean out the garage, put in new landscaping bricks, finish Reagan's big girl room, fence in the backyard (done!!) and repair some thresholds, a cabinet and repaint the bathroom. So far....well, we haven't accomplished much!

But in our defense, who really wants to work when it's gorgeous? I'd much rather be outside, swinging or going to the park or grilling out. Speaking of swinging, we did manage to put our 'porch' swing up. Of course, since we don't have a porch, it's not a true 'porch' swing, but you get the idea. I love it. Reagan on the other hand could live without it..so could Josh I think. I guess I'll be the one sitting out there sipping mint juleps ;)

I'm off to work on more housework!

Memorial Day

We can never say thank you enough.

The zoo!

We took Reagan to the zoo this afternoon for her first 'official' visit! She's actually been to the zoo before, but during the Halloween walk, when most of the animals were bundled up against the cold. We snapped a few pictures! Hope you all enjoy!!!

Reagan as a 'joey'!


Reagan with the seals...wow, what are THOSE?!


Dingos--or as Reagan calls them "doggies"!


Kangaroos!!


Seal lions, seals....whatever....they were sure friendly!

Awwww.....

My husband is the antithesis of romantic...but this morning he sent me a sweet e-card just to remind me he loved me. I have the biggest smile on my face now! :)

Good Morning!

I cannot believe it! I actually was able to get out of bed this morning before Reagan! This is a HUGE feat for me because we co-sleep with her and we usually end up waking each other up! Poor sweetie must have been so tired...in her defense she did have some nightmares last night and woke up crying/screaming a few times.

It makes you wonder what on earth would terrify them in their dreams this early in life? Losing mommy or daddy? Losing her 'baby'? A news bulletin that the manufacturing of yogurt has been declared illegal? ;) I'm kidding on that one..but she does love yogurt!

Anyway, today Reagan is in for a special treat! We are making the hour trek (at
$4/gallon mind you!) to Shipshewana! She'll get to see the horseys, play in the toy store, ride the carousel and watch the miniature electronic 1920s-style puppet show--she loves it! And mommy will get to check out the bulk food store because I've decided we're going to have a small stockpile of food that is healthy in the event of an emergency...and an Amish town has got to be the best place to purchase everything we need! A huge plus to that for me is I'll be doing a lot of walking!

Which leads me to an update on the diet...I've managed to gain weight! Go Figure! I'm so angry with myself! But I have been trying to fit in exercise in our daily schedule and eat a little healthier....my sole consolation is that muscle weighs more than fat..so maybe I'm just gaining muscle from the exercising! LOL! If only I could look like I did in my earlier twenties...legs to die for people...legs. to. die. for. Not even close now! *Sigh*

Alright, enough of the past..I have work to do..Reagan will probably be waking up any minute and I need to get breakfast ready, straighten up the house, pack the diaper bag for a day trip...and, well, all the mommy stuff that needs to be done!

Happy Belated Birthday to Stace!

Earlier this week was my best friend's birthday! (Everyone wave hi to Stace!!) I miss her desparately--she is currently living overseas in Italy with her husband and my two wonderful nieces.

Stacy and I have been best friends for oh, what...17 years now??? At any rate, a really LONG time--*sigh* and that should give some indication of how old we are. We've been through pretty much every scenario you can imagine--we've lived together, we've moved across the country together, we've been there for each other through boyfriends, falling in and out of love, husbands, children, death of friends, family problems, financial distress, illnesses, depression and all the sorrows and joys life has to offer. No one in my life, including my wonderful husband, knows me as well as Stacy does.

So, Stace, here's lookin' at you kid! *Raising my margarita glass in a salute* To the best sister and friend a girl could have, I hope you had an amazing day!

NCIS

I can't stand it. Apparently they're getting rid of everyone. Ok, I could handle losing one member of the team..Jenny. BUT I CANNOT HANDLE LOSING an additional three members---MAIN CHARACTERS!

I refuse to watch. I can't watch. I hate it! I hate it! I feel like acting like my toddler and throwing something and stomping across the room until CBS gets their act together and fixes everything!

Rant over...I'm going to go sob into my pillow...yes, I'm a slightly hormonal basketcase at the moment. *sigh* Where's the chocolate???

Tackle It Tuesday

It's been a while since I participated but I have very modest tackles for today:

1. straighten up before Reagan's playdate gets here
2. work on finishing painting Reagan's room
3. get to the grocery store finally!

pretty basic!

Hopefully I'll be blogging more than I have been in the last two weeks, now that we are going to less doctor's appointments! Have a good day everyone!