DIY Seasoning Mixes /Spices

A few months ago, I had the beginnings of a good idea. I found a great recipe that needed garlic salt. I had both salt and garlic powder. But no garlic salt. I wasn't about to run to the store and get some. I knew I could make my own, so with some quick googling I found the ratios. The ratios provided a bit more than I needed, so I decided to just save the extra in one of those fancy spice rack jars that had been empty for years.

A few days later I was making burritos and finishing of a packet of taco seasoning and thought the same thing. It smelled like a combo of all the spices I already had. I found a "recipe" for the seasoning via pinterest, and it was exactly the same. And then, of course, why not make some cinnamon sugar topping just because. 

I've been using each for months and finally decided to put labels on them. (My husband didn't know what is what and I'm not sure he liked my "open and smell" technique to tell them apart from some other spices I had unlabeled. I whipped up some labels on address labels via Photoshop/Microsoft word, and now they are complete.

Ratios/Recipes are below. And yes I need to make more garlic salt and cinnamon sugar. And just a little confession or two....I don't measure my taco seasoning in the beef - I just shake til it looks/smells good. And I gave the "normal" cinnamon sugar ratio, but I totally just go by taste - lots of sampling needed that way. I think I prefer a bit more cinnamon then it suggests. Hope they work for you. Let me know any other ideas for spice/seasoning mixes if you have any. (Always needing a great Italian one).

Finally a great use for my spice rack set's empty jars

TACO SEASONING

1/4 cup chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 to 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp paprika
2 tbsp ground cumin
3 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Use about 2-3 tablespoons in place of the packet taco seasoning.

GARLIC SALT

3 parts salt

1 part garlic powder

(for example, 3 tablespoons salt and 1 tablespoon garlic powder)

CINNAMON SUGAR 

1/4 cups sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

Mexican Rice Recipe

The recipe for this yummy rice has been moved to my new blog. Click here for the recipe. Sorry for any confusion.

Best Mexican Rice Recipe

BetterMilk Hot Chocolate

PKU post
I was really excited to try the recipes that came with my new formula, but I wasn't a big smoothie fan. However, when Cambrooke posted a hot chocolate recipe idea on Facebook I got motivated. I love hot chocolate on a cold winter evening (or a 60 degree winter evening like we've had lately)
So I gave it a try. I should have known as soon as I smelled the warm BetterMilk it would not be a success. I have always been a snob about needing my formula to be very cold before I'll drink it. Room-temperature formula has always been gross to me. Hot formula with chocolate in it was even worse. Loved the idea of it, but it really had the worst aftertaste. If you or your PKU child doesn't mind the aftertaste, give it a try. But for now I'll save up my PHE and have a "normal" dairy free hot chocolate every now and then.

Forgot to get a photo of the final product! Oops.

"Selling" Jesus

Don't worry - this is not a real advertisement

Lately, the topic of "selling" Jesus has come up a lot.

I was helping with a youth retreat a few weeks back, and they had us ask the kids why someone should become a Christian. Instantly they listed of things like happiness and that it makes things easier. Now don't get me wrong, these things can be true. But I couldn't help but think about all the people in my life that had been "sold" on the idea of happiness and then their faith was completely shaken when things didn't go well. One teenager in my group had just experienced the death of her best friend. Was she happy? I asked her if being a Christian meant she was happy in the midst of this. Instantly she shook her head. So does this mean she is not a Christian? I challenged the rest of the group. Of course it didn't mean that. She is struggling so much, but she has a peace that God is in control and is still trusting Him, even on the difficult days.

So why do we try to "sell" Jesus as a great way for fire insurance, blessings and happiness.  There are tons of places in the New Testament where it says trials and tribulation WILL come in our lives. Yes, scripture has mentions of blessing and happiness for the Christian, but it never promises these things on this side of heaven.

As a young child, I was "sold" on the idea of Jesus. I didn't want to burn in hell (who does?) and I wanted  all the "good stuff" people told me about, so I prayed a prayer. I may have even walked an aisle. I honestly don't even remember the details, I was too young. When I became a teenager, I was surrounded with trials and felt hopeless many times. I realized that I had not made Christ Lord of my life, I just "bought into" the idea of Jesus. In my eyes, I was "saved" but had none of the peace that came with knowing Christ. And even worse, I didn't have the happiness and great blessings people wrongly promised came with being a Christian. It wasn't until I decided to begin a relationship with Christ that I really began to understand (as in start seeking Him for all my choices/attitude/actions instead of myself).

I've been growing in my relationship with God ever since, but I've noticed in my own sharing of my faith and in so many others we often try to "sell" Jesus as things we think people want. I shared with people who believed in Heaven and wanted to go. I told them how great my life has been since becoming a Christian (which is true, but I often left out the trials and struggles with sin) They wanted things to go well for them, so they make a choice to be "saved". Some of them to this day call themselves Christians but think nothing of their faith (after all, they are "saved") unless something bad happens. What would happen instead of approaching people with "be like me because you can have (fill in blanks)" we really explained our emptiness and selfishness without Christ. Being "saved" wasn't about my prayer I prayed, it was about realizing that I cannot and should not try to live my life for myself. I fail on my own and I need Him as my Savior AND my Lord (as in DAILY, not just at the pearly gates).

It's humility and repentance that brings us into a relationship with Christ. That is the entire reason for the cross to begin with. Jesus didn't die on the the cross just because He wanted us to feel comfortable in eternity. (Essentially, that is an effect, but not the real reason). He sacrificed Himself because we are sinners and had no way of making things right on our own. We were separated from God and He made a way. His death and resurrection is so much greater than "fire insurance" or blessings that may or may not come. He didn't want to sell "insurance"packages for a bargain of praying a prayer and walking an aisle - He wanted us to turn from our sin and seek Him daily. "Selling" people the message that they are sinners and fail on their own doesn't sound as good as "selling" Heaven. But it's the Truth. Praise God that we aren't the ones who are responsible for their belief. It is the Spirit that convicts, not us. And amazingly, the Gospel "sells" itself to those who He has convicted and called because bottom line is that it's the only Truth and the only way. We don't have to be the "salesman". We are just the mouthpieces.

What an incredible disservice we do the Gospel by leaving out the hard parts and/or trying to add our own sales pitch "act now and get this and this" type approach. Yes, a believer will be blessed, but we can't even pretend to know the ways God may work in their lives, be it trials or blessings galore. The blessings may not ever be seen on this side of Heaven.


One of my favorite songs for over a year now is Jimmy Needham's "Part the Clouds".  Needham says it much more poetic than I ever could. It's time for me to stop "dressing up" the Gospel and start sharing the Truth.

Part the Clouds Lyrics: I like, like to be liked And no one likes to hear the truth And I've seen what the truth can do So I tried, tried to downsize The part of you that's hard to tell But the layoff didn't go so well I beat around the burning bush 'Til that fire went away God was once so palpable Before the shades of grey We might as well just fold our hands If we can't call a spade a spade 'Cause we will miss the heart each time If we won't ever shoot them straight These pleasantries have shaded me And you too long Let's part the clouds and show the world the Son We think, think we're helping By giving you a little flare But it doesn't matter what you wear  'Cause runways aren't your forte You prefer the narrow road Even though it's not en vogue The Gospel looked so very cold one night as I passed by So I gave it my best sugar coat and dressed it in a lie  This living water will not quench us if it's watered down It's not our place to hide again this treasure that we've found

Homemade Bread

EDIT*  Click here for the recipe


This phase of my life includes no job. I'm looking, but living in a small town makes it difficult. However, it has been a hidden blessing learning how to make things from scratch to save money. I've made lots of recipes so far, but the one I was the most afraid of attempting was bread.

After much research online and delay for fear of how it might fail - I created this:

It looks like actual bread!

No holes in the bread!

I used the recipe on the back of my bag of whole wheat flour. (Gold Medal)


I read stories about how loaves turn out odd shaped and/or have holes in the final product. With some quick online research while my dough was in its first rise, I found this tip page. I rolled the bread just like she said and it turned out pretty normal looking. It was a little lopsided, but who cares.

It tastes great. It definitely tasted the best the first day. But it still tastes better than store bread even on day 4. Yes, it took a while to make, but time is something I have plenty of these days. Now that I've given it a try, it actually would not be hard at all to make some loafs on weekend for the entire week (assuming and hoping I have a job someday soon).

The Better Milk Challenge

This is a PKU post, so if you don't know what that is, you can skip reading this.

The past year I kept getting offers and bribes (win an iPad in a raffle) to convince me to try BetterMilk.

It claimed to be better for many reasons and it was "milk-like". I know for most PKU parents reading this, the "milk-like" sold them on getting a sample, but personally I think milk is disgusting. When I've grown up unable to drink milk for 30 years, a few accidental sips then and now were disgusting to me. No thanks.

But I love my Apple products, so at the chance of an iPad I agreed to try it.

I HATE change when it comes to anything in my diet/formula. Only a few years ago I changed to CaminoPro Fruit Punch and it took forever to get used to it. I managed to drink it only while chewing gum...but it worked for me just fine. Even after the samples were sent, I avoided them like the plague for months. Finally, my hubbie convinced me to try (I think he wanted the iPad too).

PROS: Easy to make. Easy on stomach. (I think because the GMP Protein is better for me- other stuff gave me stomachaches). Less smelly. Cheaper than CaminoProFruit Punch. Easier to travel with than pre-made liquids at the airport and full cans of powder. And I've noticed that the ProBiotics help like Jamie Lee Curtis always claims they do (much better than other formula for "digestion"in my opinion)

CONS: Still kinda smelly. Powder can be messy when I've been spoiled by pre-mixed pouches. Still has after taste (I still chew gum with it)

The bottom line: It tastes a little less like formula, but it still has a formula after taste (they all claim they don't). It mixes easier than any powder I've tried before. Other than the after-taste, the taste is creamy and mostly neutral. It needs a bit more than 4oz. water like it says- I use between 6-8oz. So far I've tried it with one recipe...but I'll post more about that later.

After a short battle with insurance and going through my 3 month supply of the old stuff first, I have finally officially switched over to BetterMilk.

But I didn't win the iPad :(

Coming soon - Reviews on BetterMilk Hot Chocolate and BetterMilk Fudgesicle Pops

Wedding DIY Veil

The info for this post has been moved to my new blog. Click here for the details.

Taming the Frizz

Anyone of you who actually knows me knows I have crazy thick hair, wavy - not curly, not straight. It's been a struggle my entire life to tame my crazy mane. I have tried so many different products throughout the years and finally settled on the amazing. I found S Factor smoothing lusterizer for my straight hair. Now here is the problem...$$$$$$$$$$

Living in a small town I have found quickly that its hard to find my hair stuff and good deals. I used to buy via Ulta buy one get one free sales. Walmart has no such deals. Not to mention our budget has changed a lot, so pricey products are no longer an option. I went on a hunt for the perfect CHEAP product, a scary adventure considering the many bad hair days and wasted partly-used bottles these trials to. But it was all worth it.

Pantene Medium-Thick Straighten and Smooth Creme

Pros: price is a lot less and tames frizz well, doesn't leave glittery-looking stuff on your hands like S Factor does
Cons: Does not smell nearly as wonderful as S Factor (but it doesn't smell bad either)

Our "God-given" rights***

***First off, let me tell you what this post is NOT. This is not an attack on birth control or fertilization techniques nor is it an attempt to convince people to be against abortion. I am merely using this as an example of how easy it is to claim the believe something until the issue really hits home. So even if your personal views differ, read on and hear me out. My point is that I don't know everything about these things and naively just assume they are part of my rights as an American woman. If I'm missing some info and/or wrong on my information, feel free to politely comment ***

My husband and I were talking about Christians in America and how we cling so strongly to our American rights. We desire to be conformed to the image of Christ, but we are Americans and we have certain "God-given" rights that we don't want to give up. Neither of us could find a place in scripture that promises us our rights. We discussed numerous examples, but the one that came to my mind as a female was the ballot issue in early November for an anti-abortion amendment in Mississippi that failed to pass, the personhood amendment.

A quote from a Washington Post article explained, "Mississippi would have become the first state to define a fertilized egg as a person, a measure which was aimed at outlawing abortion in the state but, opponents contended, would have led to all kinds of unintended consequences."

These consequences? A FEAR that it might criminalize birth control and some fertilization practices. Here is what bothered me. Many people who claimed to be anti-abortion did not vote in favor of the amendment because of these fears. Why?

So many Christians I know (male and female), said they were against abortion. They know what scripture says. (Not to mention, they personally would never consider abortion). But here is what happened with that issue. They may never consider abortion personally, but they will use birth control and might need fertilization techniques now or in the future. I'm not saying either of these are wrong...don't read that into my words. In fast, I haven't found conclusive info on either of those two result in harming and/or ending the life of a newborn. (I know some fertilization practices eliminate fertilized eggs, but that option is not required).

Voters against abortion (and those debating the issue in other states) did not want to possibly give up the right to birth control or fertilization techniques, even if it meant the legality of abortion would be re-examined. People who really wanted to see Roe vs. Wade overturned and abortion ended hesitated to vote for this extremely conservative view of "personhood"

In truth, the amendment would not be able to take away that right without some serious intervention from the supreme court and some scientific evidence proving that birth control ends the life of a fertilized egg. Maybe they could prove that? Maybe not...but as Christians how on earth can we claim to be against one thing (abortion) but then fear our birth control might be taken away. If by the legal battle, it is proven that birth control is indeed ending a life, would I use it? If so, why? Because it's my right as a woman? If science clearly showed that fertilized eggs were lost (aborted) from the body, then I'd have no way to take that form of birth control and yet condemn abortion.

To me, those debating the issue who were torn between ending abortion and yet feared losing the ability to family plan as desired. They desired to stand up against aborting an unborn child only in as much as it didn't affect their lives. The worst part it, it wasn't even certain it would effect birth control or fertilization - it was just a possibility. And it was only possible for a few forms of birth control and fertilization, not all forms!

As I said, abortion is not really the issue that bugged me here. The laws passed by our government will not always agree with God's word. Legal or not, it shouldn't effect my views or actions. The real issue is the reality that even I struggled with the idea of giving up rights to birth control options or fertilization techniques if needed. It is so easy to believe and seek God in one thing, but to fear to even learn the truth in another issue because I don't want to give up an option for something I might need or enjoy.

As a Christian, do I have rights? As an American, I do, but my citizenship is in Heaven. As I pursue the things I feel our my rights, I need to first seek God. It's very American to have the right to free speech, but how often does God desire I tame my tongue? It's very American to have the right to own property, but am I willing to give up that right if God calls me to? There are so many more "rights" and things I tend to think I'm "owed" as an American. Legal or not, I need to learn about what His word says about things. I need to learn a lot more about the character traits of a heavenly citizen and a lot less about what I feel entitled to here on earth!

Wedding DIY - Table Decor

This post has been moved to my new blog. Click here for the content. Sorry for any confusion.

Hope these give you ideas. I didn't actually do any of these crafts myself, I had tons of help, so if I left out important info, feel free to comment with questions!

PKU Pasta with Mushrooms and White Wine Sauce

Pasta with Mushrooms and White Wine Sauce

One of my hubbies fav new recipes comes from the Pioneer Woman Chicken and Mushrooms with Artichoke Hearts- he loves it and we make it often. I like my meals to "match" as often as possible, so of course I needed a great low-protein version. I highly recommend making the "real" version for your nonPKU family members, but this is a great variation for PKU. Depending on the low-pro brands you choose, it can be as low as 260mg PHE.

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
8 ounces, weight White Mushrooms, Sliced
2 whole Garlic Cloves, Minced
1/4 cup White Wine, Or More To Taste
1 cup prepared Chicken-Flavored Consomme and Seasoning or other type Chicken broth
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
8 ounces your favorite low-pro, weight Pasta - prepare and drain

Preparation Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms to pan with the garlic, and stir around and cook for a couple of minutes. Add wine and cook for a minute while it evaporates.
Pour in chicken broth. Stir. Put the lid on the skillet and continue cooking over medium-low heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, enough for most but not all the broth to evaporate. (This is a great time to cook the pasta)
Remove lid and reduce heat to low. Pour in cream and stir. Put lid on pan again and cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken sauce. Stir; add salt and pepper to taste.
Pour over cooked pasta.

Some tips:

Use the Pioneer Woman's photos to help. You won't have the exact same ingredients each step, but her photos show you what it should look like over all.

Rinse your low-protein pasta well before adding sauce. I like to mix in the pasta in the pan over the stove, but make sure you have enough room to mix without overflow!

If your diet allows more PHE than 260mg, you can add the artichoke hearts to your batch as well. I cook with them in for the flavor but then take them out when prepared. You can also add real pasta or real chicken broth if needed, but guessing most of you don't need more PHE.

Hope you enjoy this recipe and hope your non-PKU family enjoy the Pioneer Woman's recipe!