Pumpkin Bread

I love pumpkin! I have said that many times. This summer I found a bread machine cookbook and it had a recipe for pumpkin bread! Of course, I couldn't resist. I had to make some adjustments because my first loaf was too fluffy and it made a big mess, though it still tasted delicious.

Here is the recipe I adjusted:
Dry Ingredients:

• 2 tsp yeast
• 1 1/2 cup bread flour
• 1/2 cup wheat flour
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (you can do 1/2 cinnamon and 1/2 ginger, but I like nutmeg too)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp grated orange rind

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

After starting, I keep an eye on the kneading period. I'm still playing around trying to make sure it isn't too dry, but I've noticed that it starts more moist than most bread doughs. I have tried reducing the amount of water and either way, it still comes out tasting amazing!

What is your favorite pumpkin recipe?

Lesson of the Day: Get a Babysitter!

I remember when I first found out I was pregnant, I thought about being a stay at home mom and running my business at the same time. Financially, that didn't work out. However, it would not have worked out anyway. I have found out that of his schedule or any rhythm we may have, I could not run a full-time business and watch him at the same time. I could probably run a part-time, craft show only business, but nothing more. I can't even get the kitchen cleaned before he is into something or wanting my attention.

Hayden has been sick, so I've stayed home with him. I have piles of papers to grade and a long list of stuff to make for the rest of my shows. But, it doesn't get done when I stay home. He does take a really good nap, once a day. So, I get about 2 to 2 1/2 hours of solid, uninterrupted work time. Which, would be good for a small project, but not full-time work. I barely made it through one class' journals before he woke up today. I had to wait until bedtime before I could start on the rest of my work.

Here is a (very) short list of things that I do myself to run my business:

1. Make every product I offer.
2. Order supplies and track inventory.
3. Balance accounts, make deposits, and pay my sales tax.
4. Package and ship orders.
5. Clean.
6. Invoices.
7. Packaging.
8. Marketing.
9. Photography.
10. Customer service.
11. I'm done listing, but it goes on.

I can't get all that done and take care of my child at the same time. One of those must be neglected. Right now, my business is small enough that I can handle all of that (sort of ) in the limited amount of time that I have. However, when the time comes (hopefully) for me to quit my job and make my business my full-time job; I will not be able to do both. I will have to have someone else to watch him during the work day. That really is a simple fact. Of course, if he is in school by the time I'm ready, that is another story.

On a side note, I know how lucky I am to have an employer that offers low-cost daycare. I hope that someday, if I have employees, I can pay that forward.

What do you think? How do you balance your job and your family?

Hayden's First Birthday....Two Months Ago :)

Look at that cute little face! One of the ladies from daycare made him his bib, it was so sweet! This is his very first cupcake ever! He didn't quite know what to make of it. But, he did learn that he liked it.

 However, the eating of said cupcake was problematic. These were froggy cupcakes, but we removed the candy from the top to make it baby safe! I finally helped him out by tearing it into little pieces for him to eat. And he thoroughly enjoyed the sugar!

His mess was not near as bad as I've seen them and he was in sugar shock about 5 minutes later!

He had a wonderful party, surrounded by friends and family. He got some super cool toys and noise-makers! I am so thankful for my sweet Stoney and truly blessed to have such awesome people in my life.

Product Spotlight: Juicy Grapefruit Lotion

We have all heard about all the health benefits of grapefruits. They are high in vitamin c, antioxidants, and fiber; but are low in calories. They can help lower cholesterol and help you loose weight. Plus, they really are delicious. I love them in salads!

BUT, did you know that grapefruit essential oil is also good for your skin and your mood?

On your skin, it is reported to have a toning and stimulating effect. Grapefruit essential oil is commonly used in facial cleansers to help clear up acne and makes a good toner for oilier skin types. This fabulous oil is also thought to stimulate the lymphatic system and promoting cellulite reduction and healthier skin. It is also non-irritating and non-sensitizing as some citrus oils can be.

Grapefruit essential oil acts as a mood enhancer; reducing moodiness, headaches, and stress. It can be used in lotions, massage oils, or in vaporizers! It really is just all around wonderful.

Grapefruit essential oil is listed as photo-toxic; meaning strong sunlight should be avoided after using.

Juicy Grapefruit Lotion, available in 8 oz or 2 oz sizes!

You can get all the benefits of grapefruit essential oil and the high-quality moisture of Honu Naturals' lotion in our Juicy Grapefruit Lotion. Made with a non-greasy blend of almond, olive, and sunflower oil, our lotion is gentle, light, and highly effective. It is perfect for all-over, every day use!

Who's A Busy Little Bee?

Why, that would be me! (I know, that was bad, but so true)

We are now into the 2nd quarter at school and I am still struggling to keep up. I didn't start at this school until December last year, so I'm still in that "I'm new and trying to get everything done" phase. Soon, I will be to a point where I have already made the lessons, the PPT presentations, the notes, and whatever else I will need. BUT, right now, I am doing something every night for class the next day.

School pic, but I like it anyway!

On the plus side, I have already started preparing my students for Science Fair, so hopefully we can avoid the mad rush around February. Probably not completely, but for the most part.

Here is how my schedule goes:
5:30-Get up, shower, and get ready
7:00-Leave for work
7:15-Drop Hayden off at day care
7:45-Students come in
3:45-Technically off work
4:15-Officially leave work and get Hayden
4:30-5:15 ish-Play like mad with Hayden (sometimes he sleeps, but not often)
5:15-Dinner, bath time, get ready for bed, story time, and a lullaby!
6:00 ish-Start working on school stuff; grading, planning, quiz making, presentation making, whatever!
9:30-Give Hayden some milk and put him back to sleep

Sometimes I take the night off from school stuff to work on my business. For example, tonight I worked on an order. Sometimes I take the night off and do personal stuff like scrapbooking or something similar.

I feel like there is so much that I am neglecting :( I enjoy teaching most of the time. I love running my business, although I wish I could spend more time growing said business.

The point of this was not to complain, but to let my very few readers out there understand exactly why things have been slow on here. I miss posting more and I can only hope that soon I will be at a point where I actually get to do personal stuff on my personal time.