Update

We had a problem doing the "kitchen activity" on the 15th, so that has now been moved to Wednesday, March 21st at 6pm.  I'm SO sorry if this means that some of you can't come!! It's so hard to find a time that works for everyone!  We will be posting the recipes on the cooking blog and if you want any of the supplies for the crafts, you can still get them from me. Please respond by March 14th to order!

There will be a playgroup on Wed the 21st also...location TBD

Caucus Nights:

Democrats Tuesday, March 13 - Republicans Thurs., March 15Find your location: Republican: utgop.org and Democrat:utahdemocrats.org  You meet with people from your own neighborhood and discuss the candidates, who should be elected and why. Then you vote on which of your neighbors (or you) will represent our neighborhood at the state convention. This is where you can learn a lot about how the system works, and in a friendly setting with people you know. Any age is welcome, but you have to be 18 or older to vote on the delegates. It's interesting and really easy. Some of the decisions to discuss: re-election of Orrin Hatch, the governor, Jim Matheson, or who should be president of the United States, etc. If you don't know how you would vote, this is a good place to hear the pros and cons from your neighbors and why they feel a certain way. That may help you understand the issues better, and form your own informed opinion. If you have never been to one, come with me...-Kate Checvalier - kc.chevalier@gmail.com. 

Also, The Card Making Group will be happening on the 22nd!!

Order Spices in Bulk!

From one of Kate Chevalier's friends, Maren Jones:

I have been trying really hard to build up our basic food storage needs, but eating storage foods will be boring without options of flavors.  This is why i have found a resource to order high quality spices at the lowest prices possible to help save us money.  I am excited to share these low prices with those that are interested in placing a group order.

I am open to any other suggestions, if you don’t see something you would like to order.  I would like to place my order by March 31st.  If you are interested in ordering please email me your order to maren_jones@msn.com by March 30th.  I will let you know the amount owed by each person once the order is shipped so that we can split the shipping cost evenly between the orders.  You are also welcome to share this information with other family and friends.

I will be taking orders for the following spices:

BASIL 8 oz. (approx. 5 cups) - $5.85

CINNAMON POWDER 1 lb. (approx. 2 - 3 cups) - $2.90

CLOVES POWDER 1 lb. (approx. 4 cups) - $17.70

CREAM OF TARTAR 1 lb. (approx. 3 cups) - $5.85

CUMIN POWDER 1 lb. (approx. 4 cups) - $4.25

CURRY POWDER (regular) 1 lb. (approx. 4 cups) - $4.95

GARLIC GRANULE (size of sugar) 1 lb. - $5.60

GARLIC SALT 1 lb. - $2.80

GINGER ROOT POWDER 1 lb. (approx. 3 - 4 cups) - $5.45

LEMON PEPPER 1 lb. - $4.90

MUSTARD POWDER 1 lb. (approx. 4 - 5 cups) - $3.80

NUTMEG POWDER 1 lb. (approx. 5 cups) - $17.60

ONION SALT 1 lb. - $3.55

OREGANO CUT 8 oz - $3.10

PARSLEY 4 oz. - $2.35

SEASONING SALT 1 lb. - $3.75

ITALIAN BLEND  1 lb. - $7.15

(Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Marjoram) 

PIZZA SAUCE BLEND 1 lb. - $5.70

(Onion, garlic, oregano, anise seed, rosemary, green bell pepper, basil)

Add 1 tablespoon of pizza blend to 1 small can of tomato paste in a saucepan; add water to make sauce.  Simmer for 10 minutes, adding salt to taste.  Use to coat one large pizza. 

TACO SEASONING 1 lb. - $6.25

(Spices, Chili Peppers, Salt, Garlic, Dextrose, Onion, Silicon Dioxide)

Bay Leaves   4 oz (4-5 cups)  $1.85   Used for putting in a few buckets of grain and beans to hold for sprouting.  

Use bay leaves in products where you want the seed to sprout later.  If you take the oxygen out, the insects die but so do the seeds. You want some seeds to be alive for sprouting.  (Sprouting increases the nutrients by 600 % and sprouted wheat becomes our vitamins in times of need...or now.)

Chefs are taught to buy spices whole and grind them as they want them. If you would rather have whole spice please let me know and i can get you prices on those.  Keep your spices dry and cool so that you don't grow mold.  Glass jars will preserve your spices the longest.  I plan to refill my tiny spice jars i already have in my kitchen as i use them.  Proper storage greatly increases the shelf-life of spices and herbs. Spices should be stored in a cool, dark place away from heat. Keep spices away from the stove area, unless they are for immediate use.  Glass is the ideal non-porous barrier for storing spices. Spice jars of clear glass with tight-fitting lids work well. Plastic spice jars can suffer deterioration from caustic oils or leach flavor from certain spices. Metal ointment tins are popular, but opaque, hiding the condition of the contents.  With proper storage spices should last five years or more.  I have a friend that has been using spices she has had stored for 15 plus years.

If you have any other question please let me know.

Thank You,

Maren Jones

Ready for March?

Playgroup is this Wednesday the 7th at Liz Withers' Home.  12:30-2:00. Check the toddler playgroup blog for more details and let us know if you plan to be there (if you haven't already)

The BASIC SEWING SKILLS class was not able to happen last Wednesday, so that will be happening THIS Wednesday the 7th at 7pm at Liz Withers' Home.  If you haven't already, let her know ASAP if you plan to attend.

At Aubrey Howell's home (6:30pm) will be an activity that is kind of mix between crafting, cooking club and GNO! Check the mini classes blog for all the details and you need to RSVP with which supplies you need by March 14th so I can be prepared!   We are still working on a date for this activity!
 Another playgroup will happen on Wed, March 21st...location TBD.

The new book for Book Club has been announced...check the book club blog for more details and get reading to be ready for our meeting on Thursday, March 29th.

Moving into March

It's been a while! Sorry! Get out your calendars, cause here's the latest:

Want to donate some cookies? Youngim Thomas and her family are donating desserts to a homeless shelter.  If you are able to do a dozen or two, it would be a great service opportunity! You can drop them off on her doorstep all day Monday the 27th.  Her address is 14724 Cedar Knoll Circle. Or she is willing to come pick them up between 5-7pm...just call or text her at 801-558-6594.

Wednesday February 29th there are a couple things going on.

First a BASIC SEWING class at Liz Withers' home at 7pm...check here for more details: http://miniclassesneighborhoodfun.blogspot.com/2012/01/sewing-basics.html and PLEASE let her know asap if you want to attend! (if you haven't already) Contact her at eansleyw@gmail.com.

Second, an ESSENTIAL OILS class at Lisa Luke's home at 7pm.  You will learn the benefits and uses of Essential Oils and she will have several oils for everyone to try.  Great all-natural cleaning recipes, treats with essential oils and more. Please call or text her asap so she can plan on you. ;) (801) 860-0448

Thursday March 1st is BOOK CLUB at 7pm at Michelle Taft's home.  Check the book club blog for more details and PLEASE RSVP!


SATURDAY March 3rd, there are several gardening classes being offered at Thanksgiving Point.  Several of you said you were interested in gardening, but there was NO response to the post here : http://miniclassesneighborhoodfun.blogspot.com/2012/02/veggie-gardening.html  So we do not currently have a group going together, but you can still sign up to attend on the Thanksgiving Point website.  If you have specific concerns or questions you have about gardening, please go to the above link and comment so we know how we can help all of you! Thanks!


Wednesday March 7th, there will be a playgroup at Liz Withers' home from 12:30-2:00.  A reminder will go up on the playgroup blog at the end of this week. 

Thursday March 15th there MIGHT be a combination of crafting, Cooking Club and GNO because we hope to do a night of helping you get organized with your Meal Planning.  We will be putting together a super cute RECIPE BINDER to organize your pile of recipes in your kitchen a cute MENU BOARD to help you with quick meal planning (which can be customized to match your kitchen)

  
AND we will be tasting and sharing freezer meal recipes.  I said MIGHT because I am trying to finalize this day.  Look for the post on the mini classes blog, coming soon and PLEASE be sure to let us know if you can come...this activity will take a lot of planning...assigning freezer meal recipes for you to cook at home and bring with you for us to try and there are a LOT of different supplies that we'll need to be prepared with and you might also have to bring some things on your own...so we need to plan ahead for this one.

Coming Up

Check the separate blogs for more details on the following activities that are coming up:

Playgroup will be held at Aubrey Howell's home, Wednesday the 8th at 12:30-2:00
Cooking club is this Saturday the 11th at 4:30pm
Sewing Basics (mini-classes) is on the 29th at 7pm

The lds church in our area is putting on a Self-Reliance class on FINANCES called "Winning With Your Money".  It will be on Thursday, February 23rd at 7pm @ the church building on Rosecrest (5424 Rosecrest Rd). 

Also, start reading our next book for Book Club! The next meeting will be on March1st, so check the book club blog for more details!

Last Week of January!

Is it just me, or did this month go by REALLY fast?

The Card Making Group is meeting this Tuesday the 24th! at Katie Lord's home.  You are still welcome, even if you haven't RSVPd...let her know!  More details : Card Making Group

Playgroup will be meeting Wednesday the 25th at Sarah Williamson's home.  Head over and let her know if you plan to make it : http://toddlerplaygroupneighborhoodfun.blogspot.com/ 

A Message of Emotional Strength and Hope is Thursday the 26th, 7-8:30 at the church building on Rosecrest.  (Sunday dress).  A panel of trained professionals will be answering anonymous questions regarding emotional and mental health.

Girls Night "In" is at Teneil Watson's home this Friday the 27th!  Head over and let Teneil know if you plan to come  : http://girlsnightoutneighborhoodfun.blogspot.com/2012/01/girls-night-in-game-night.html

Put it on your calendar!  

If anyone is interested in playing basketball at the church on juniper crest, let me know and I will give you more details! Games will be Wednesday nights between 8:30 and 10pm.

Cooking Club on Feb 11th at 4:30.  More details to come, but we will be learning about some food items that are SO healthy and ways to incorporate them into our meals and snacks.  Not the best picture, but these are some delicious homemade dips to eat with pita bread or chips...hope you can come and try them! ;)

A Digital Scrapbooking Class will be held Thursday, Feb 16th!

A Basic Sewing Class will be held Wednesday, Feb 29th!

Our next book club will be held Thursday, March 1st.  Check the book club blog to see what our current read is.

Let's Have Some Fun!

Let's have some fun this month!! Check all the separate blogs for more details (links located on the right sidebar)

BOOK CLUB meets this Thursday the 19th @ 7:30 at Sonia Day's home.

CARD MAKING GROUP meets in a week on Tuesday the 24th.  Click here for more details: Card Making Group Details


TODDLER PLAYGROUP meets next Wed the 25th @ 12:30-2:00 at Sarah Williamson's home.

GIRLS NIGHT "IN" :  is Friday the 27th @ Teneil Watson's home. 

Planning WAY Ahead :

COOKING CLUB is scheduled to have their next meeting on Saturday, Feb 11th @ 4:30pm.  I hope you will make time for this, as we will have Teneil Watson teaching us about eating healthy!

DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING : Thursday, Feb 16th @ 7:30pm.  If you are interested in this, let us know by email, or by leaving a comment on the blog.  More details to come.


SEWING CLASS on Wednesday, Feb 29th @ 7pm at Liz Wither's home :  This will be for BASIC skills.  Liz Withers will teach how to care for and use your machine. She'll also help you get started with a project.  Please head to the Mini-Classes blog and let us know if you plan to be there so we can start getting a count.

New Year, New Goals

Maybe some of you have New Years Resolutions to learn how to blog, or learn how to turn your blog into a book? Then come this Thursday the 12th to Aubrey Howell's home at 7:30. Check the mini-classes blog for more details.

Or maybe you have a goal to get out for some time for yourself!? There are a couple opportunities to do that...come to Book Club next Thursday the 19th! (check book club blog for more details) and our next Girls Night Out will be Friday, the 27th with some Footloose, so please head to the GNO blog to vote on whether you want to watch the old, the new or both!

I know a lot of people make goals to eat healthier! Our next cooking club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 11th at 4:30pm and the focus will be on healthy recipes. So put it on your calendar now and more info will come soon!

Other things coming up:

A playdate this Wednesday the 11th from 12:30-2:00...more details to come on the Toddler blog.

As for crafting, we might have some sewing tutorials coming up, but anyone have an idea for something that we can craft??!!! Send your ideas our way so we can get it going!

Card Making Group

If anyone is interested in a card making group, there is one that is going to start on Tuesday Jan 24th at 7:30pm. Katie Lords is heading this up and she will hold the first meeting at her house. If you need more information or want to be a part of this group, please email Katie at katie.lords@gmail.com. She needs to know if you are IN for sure by January 22nd so she can be ready with the right amount of supplies.

Produce Co-op

This is from Kate Chevalier:

"Hey ladies, if eating healthy or saving on the grocery budget are on your New Year's list of goals, this may interest you. There is a produce co-op here in Herriman that is open to everyone. (It is not affiliated with Bountiful Baskets.) Bethany Zeyer, a friend of mine, has been organizing it for quite some time. I have been getting fruit, veggies, bread and granola through the co-op for a while and have been happy with it.

Here's how it works: a group of families pool their money and can buy direct from the suppliers at a good price. It is $15/box of produce, and the assortment from week to week varies. Last time for example, we got raspberries, pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, apples, bananas, cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, green peppers, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, celery. Another week we got pineapple, green peppers, mushrooms, kiwi, limes, avacados, celery, strawberries, grapes, gr. beans, & pears.

Bread and granola are made from local bakeries (Davis County I think.) They are made with natural ingredients and no preservatives. Bread is $1.49-$1.69 per loaf. Bread varieties include: white, wheat, multi-grain, sourdough, raisin/cinnamon, texas toast, cranberry/orange and a couple others. Granola is $4.79 for 2.5 lbs. Granola flavors are: apple/cinnamon, almond, fruit/nut, regular, maple/vanilla and cranberry/orange.

Bethany is not making any money from this, it's just her way of contributing to the community. But the more families who participate, the more variety we can get. If you are interested, contact Bethany: bethanyzeyer@gmail.com

Delivery dates are every other Friday, starting this week, Jan.6th. You can opt in or out from week to week. You take money to her house at the Cove, and she will order for you. If you don't want produce that week, you just don't pay. Pretty simple. No long-term commitment.

The two delivery dates in January are the 6th and 20th. Money is due by Wednesday the 4th for this Friday's delivery, and Wednesday the 18th for the delivery on the 20th. Bethany will email you to remind you each time. "