| Wholesome Mommy :: by the Centsible Sawyer

Fresh Pet Review

Written on May 3, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways, Uncategorized

Are you particular about the food you feed your dog/cat like you are particular about the food you feed your family?

If you’ve kicked the processed foods from your own diet you might be looking to do the same for Fido and Kitty. I know our family pet, Chloe, a Jack Russell Terrier eats table food and since we eat natural and organic foods she does too. But, there are some nights when there are no left overs and/or there are no foods that she can have. So, we always keep a bag of dog food around for nights like this.

We decided to give Fresh Pet Select Meals a whirl. An alternative to feeding pets dry, processed foods, Fresh Pet Select Meals are natural and fresh from the fridge. It can be found in the Freshpet chiller or fridge in the pet food aisle at Walmart.

First off, and you may think this is silly, but, I thought that it smelled like REAL food. You know? Most dog foods (wet and dry) either don’t even remotely smell like the food I would want to eat, and some of it just stinks! I also noticed that it looked like REAL food… real meat, eggs, veggies, etc.

Our doggie really like the Fresh Pet dog food.

What do you think? Would you buy a dog food like this for your dog?

*Disclosure: I am a Walmart Mom. This post is sponsored by Walmart. Walmart has provided me with product and/or compensation in exchange for my time and efforts in creating this post. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Creation Craft with Judah

Written on May 2, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Wholesome Family, Wholesome Fun

Each week Judah and I learn a new Bible story. Its been fun teaching him about the scriptures and hearing how his little boy brain makes sense of them. (:

We usually do a project or two to help him understand the lesson and this was one I really had a great time with him doing so I wanted to share it with you.

Each page of the book tells about a different day in creation in Genesis 1.

The cover is made from a file folder. I punched four holes in the spine of the file folder and each page of the book with a hole puncher and ran some yellow ribbon we had left over from some other project through the holes. I tied them into bows to secure the pages. I used card stock for all the book pages because I wanted it to last through multiple readings by a three year old. *Wink*

On the first page we glued half a sheet of yellow construction paper and half a sheet of black construction paper to the card stock. I typed up each verse of the Days of Creation song to glue to the corresponding page to make the book have rhyme and repetition. That way Judah can “read” along. So the book is read in a sing-song voice. (:

On this page Judah water colored the card stock with homemade blue water color (water with a few drops of blue food coloring). Once the paper dried we glued stretched out cotton balls to the page for clouds.

On Day Three, we finger painted the card stock with blue finger paints. Once it dried we glued down a piece of crumpled brown paper bag down for the land and then I cut out a picture from Bible Story Printable Coloring Pages. Then, we used some stickers I had to embellish the water. (:

On Day Four, we used half a sheet of blue construction paper and half a sheet of black construction paper and glued it to the card stock. Then, we used some yellow patterned scrapbook paper I had to make the sun, some aluminum foil from the kitchen for the moon, and some foil star stickers (like the old school ones you use on a reward/incentive chart). Again, all junk I had lying around in my craft supply! (:

For Day Five we used some more scrap book paper scraps I had left in my supply room along with some animal stickers I had from who knows when (probably when I was a kid!).

For Day Six, Judah stuck some animal stickers I recently bought at Walmart for a Noah’s ark project (there were several sheets so we had extra). We also added a picture we had of our family.

On Day Seven, we just glued down the words. I wasn’t sure how to convey rest. I know it is boring! But, hey, rest is a pretty boring topic for a three year old. HA!

We’ve been enjoying reading our book in the evenings and it is fun to see how quickly he memorized the verses. We’ll be doing other fun projects like this. Would you like to see them?

1 Comment - Leave a comment!

Cartoons for Preschoolers

Written on May 1, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways, Wholesome Family

As wholesome or unwholesome as you think cartoons are, I have a confession… I let Judah watch them. {Gasp} I do try to be cognizant of which ones he is watching. There are some I do not approve of and others that I think are fine, just not for his age group.

There are times when a cartoon is a welcomed thing. I like to do art projects, pretend to be dinosaurs, go on bike rides, and build train tracks, but sometimes after all that has been accomplished the bottom line is, THIS MOMMA IS POOPED. So, I figure it is better to let him watch a few cartoons then for me to be snappy and growly from being tired.

Of course, there are times when I just won’t allow cartoons, like I have total disdain for cartoons while eating meals. I guard this time for talking with our family. But maybe that is just me. Another pet peeve of mine is watching cartoons in the car when traveling to school or other short errand. As a teacher I see this a lot and the parents and children seem to never connect. I mean I totally get putting on a movie or two on a long vacation drive to help pass the time. But, to drive down the street for ten minutes? Kids need a little time to be “disconnected” to the screen! {Stepping off my soap box}.

So, what do we watch when we’re watching? Judah likes the cartoons on Disney Junior, Nick Jr., and PBS and I like that none of these networks have real commercials trying to sell him an endless list of toys, overly sweetened cereals, and fast food. Some of our favorites are the cartoons that celebrate preschool friendships and family values like Peppa Pig, Franklin, Little Bear, Little Einsteins, and Calilou.

Have you seen any of these? I love Peppa Pig and her brother George. In this cartoon the piggy family all speaks with a British accent. Peppa is an energetic little piggy that loves jumping in “muddy puddles” much like my own little Piggy, Judah. The cartoon is about the pig family doing things that a regular family would do together like going on trips, visiting grandparents, playing outside, having other families over, and even cleaning out the attic on a recent episode. Each show ends with the family lying on the ground rolling with laughter. The storyline is simple and perfect for preschoolers.

If you haven’t seen this cartoon, it comes on Nick Jr. Monday through Friday at 12 pm to 12:30 or Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 and2:30 EST. For mor information on Peppa Pig visit their website www.PeppaPig.com or the Peppa Pig Facebook page.

What are Your Thoughts on Cartoons for Preschoolers?

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Craft Your Own Super Cute Custom Flower Pots

Written on May 1, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Uncategorized, Wholesome Fun

I love cute flower pots but they usually cost an arm and a leg! I also like to make things match and look cute (I’m neurotic like that). So, when I saw all the cute flower pots on Pinterest, I had to try craft some up for myself.

What You’ll Need to Make Your Own:

Flower Pot(s) – I got mine on CLEARANCE at Walmart!! (You can use some you’ve got laying around the garage/house too! Tera Cotta, ceramic – whatever you’ve got or can find cheap!)
Fabric – about 1/2 yard (this will depend on the size of your pots of course) – There are lots of cute spring prints right now in the Walmart Fabric department!
Modge Podge
Paint Brush
Flowers

First, wipe off or clean your pot if needed. You’ll want to start with a clean flower pot. Paint a small section of the flower pot with Modge Podge and start wrapping the fabric around the flower pot. Leave about 1/2 inch to an inch hanging over the top of the pot and the rest hanging off the bottom. Continue gluing and wrapping until the pot is covered all the way around.

Trim the fabric so that you have about an inch hanging past the top of the flower pot. Glue this part down inside the flower pot using the Modge Podge. Pleat the fabric as you go around to make it lay flat. Paint a layer of Modge Podge over the outside of the pot to seal it and allow it to dry.

Once this part is dry, flip the flower pot over and trim the bottom of the fabric so that you have an inch or so to glue down. Use the Modge Podge to glue the fabric to the bottom of the pot and then paint another thin layer over it to seal it. (Pleat the fabric as needed like stated for gluing the top down).

Allow the bottom to dry. Then, fill the finished flower pot with your favorite flowers!

These flower pots will do better on a covered porch or in doors. Do not allow them to sit in the rain as the Modge Podge will likely wash off and the fabric will come loose.

*Disclosure: I am a Walmart Mom. This post is sponsored by Walmart. Walmart has provided me with product and/or compensation in exchange for my time and efforts in creating this post. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.

2 Comments - Leave a comment!

Menu Plan 4.30.12

Written on April 30, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Meal Plans, Wholesome Recipes

Woo Wee! That is southern for it is has been a whirlwind! And it has been a whirlwind weekend! We spend Saturday picking strawberries at a local farm and had a blast! Can’t wait to share the details with some photos with you this week! Sunday, we went to visit my grandmother with my mom and dad, my brother, and my sister-in-law to help her with some major yard work. I’m pooped! Now back to the daily grind here! I’ve got student teacher files to turn in today, a little bit of cleaning to do, a trike ride with Judah planned, and I’m chomping at the bit to try our a recipe for strawberry crumb bars with some of my freshly picked berries! Stay tuned for that recipe! (:

What’s on your “want to do list” this week?

Need a planner? Use my printable 2 week plan here}

:: Monday
Orange & Apricot marmalade chicken skewers
Artichoke and Sweet Pea Gratin
Fried Squash
Baked Sweet Potatoes

::Tuesday
Roast
Mashed Potatoes
Carrots
Greeen Vegetable

:: Wednesday
Taco Salad

::Thursday
Chicken a La King (with Rotisserie Chicken)

::Friday *Meatless*
Potato, Asparagus, and Mushroom Hash
Eggs
Toast

:: Saturday
Steak
Refried Rice
Green Vegetable

:: Sunday
Pot of Beans
Corn Bread
Turkey Sausage
Spinach

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Blueberry Banana Smoothies

Written on April 30, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Uncategorized

Judah and I are blending up a sweet treat over at the Georgia Blueberry website today. This recipe is one of our new favorites so be sure to click here to get the recipe for our Blueberry Banana Dream. You’re going to want to whip up a batch of your own AND stash the recipe for later to make your very own healthy, low fat, frosty treats on one of those hot summer days coming soon!

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Fighting Hunger

Written on April 29, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Wholesome Living

There are lots of ways you can help fight hunger in the U.S. – Some of them will take you more time, some will take you less, but they are all important! If you have a lot of time, consider coordinating a food drive at work or at your child’s school to help a local pantry. Or, consider volunteering at your local food pantry or soup kitchen.

If you don’t have a lot of time or your kids are too young to help out in a food pantry or soup kitchen, consider picking up a few extra groceries and delivering them to a food pantry or collection location with your children and explain what you are doing.

And, even if you are really short on time, I’ve got one more way for you to make a difference in someone’s life that takes only a few moments, you can do it from home (!), and it won’t cost you anything. Can’t believe it?! Watch my video for the lowdown on how you can help fight hunger!

*Disclosure: I am a Walmart Mom. This post is sponsored by Walmart. Walmart has provided me with product and/or compensation in exchange for my time and efforts in creating this post. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

The Benefits of Olive Oil

Written on April 26, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Wholesome Food

We’ve been making changes to our diets and eating healthy fats is just one of the things we’ve been doing. There are mixed messages out there and everyone has their own opinions about which is best. But, at my house, were die hard fans of olive oil and coconut oil, and (gasp) organic butter. Real butter. Preferably from grass fed cows if you can find it.

We use coconut oil for frying. We use butter for baking, finishing sauces, and slathering bread. And finally, we use olive oil for pretty much everything else. We saute in it, we pan fry in it, roast veggies in it., use it to make salad dressings, and lots more. And that is it. I don’t buy any other oils or fats. I can do everything I need to do with these three things and feel good about the choices we are making for our health.

Why use Olive Oil?

According to Donald Hensrud, M.D. {Mayo Clinic Preventive Medicine Specialist}: The main type of fat found in all kinds of olive oil is monounsaturated fatty acids and is actually considered a healthy dietary fat. If your diet emphasizes unsaturated fats you may gain certain health benefits.

Monounsaturated fats may help lower your risk of heart disease by improving related risk factors. For instance, monounsaturated fatty acids may lower your total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. They may also help normalize blood clotting. And some research shows that they may also benefit insulin levels and blood sugar control, which can be especially helpful if you have type 2 diabetes.

What you buy and how you store it matters!

I buy extra virgin olive oil – cold pressed. Technically, you can use a lower grade olive oil for cooking and only use the top shelf (extra virgin- cold pressed) for making salad dressings or eating right out of the bottle. Lower grades are cheaper but I use the extra virgin olive oil for everything. I believe that it has the best health benefits. Here’s why: Extra Virgin olive oil must be produced entirely by mechanical means without the use of any solvents, and under temperatures that will not degrade the oil (less than 86°F, 30°C). In order for an oil to qualify as “extra virgin” the oil must also pass both an official chemical test in a laboratory and a sensory evaluation by a trained tasting panel recognized by the International Olive Council.

Heat, light, and air can affect the taste of olive oil and possibly its health-promoting nutrients. Store olive oil in a dark, room-temperature cupboard. The fats and healthy phytonutrients in olive oil — as well as the taste — can slowly degrade over time, so it’s probably best to use it within a year or within six months once opened.

What oils do you use and why?

*Disclosure: I am a Walmart Mom. This post is sponsored by Walmart. Walmart has provided me with product and/or compensation in exchange for my time and efforts in creating this post. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Broccoli Chicken Stirfry

Written on April 26, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Main Dishes, Uncategorized, Wholesome Recipes

The way I see it, there are two kinds of people. Those who love Mexican food and those that love Chinese food. I fall into the second camp. My husband falls into the first. Don’t get me wrong, I will gladly eat a plate full of Mexican food but given the choice I will always pick Chinese.

That said, there are not too many GOOD Chinese restaurants around my neck of the woods. So, sometimes when I get a real craving I have to whip up a pan of stir fry and it will do in a pinch.

I keep it pretty simple since my hubby is pretty particular when it comes to stir fry. I usually put in some fresh brocoli, baby bell peppers, and a small can of water chestnuts in addition to a good amount of boneless chicken breasts. Serve with lomein noodles or over rice and you’ve got a good American-Chinese dish that will please the masses.

:: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

2 boneless chicken breasts
1 head of fresh broccoli, chopped
3 small baby bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), sliced into rings
small can of sliced water chestnuts
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp Nakano rice wine vinegar with garlic
1/3 cup of Teriyaki sauce
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp corn starch
3 cloves garlic, minced

Mix the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar with garlic, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, and minced garlic in a small bowl or measuring cup.

Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pour the marinade over the chicken.

Heat a large skillet on the stove top with a drizzle of olive oil.

Place broccoli into a pan of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes then drain and add straight to the skillet along with bell peppers, chicken, water chestnuts, and all of the marinade. Saute for a few minutes. When marinade starts to gum up (before it burns!) add about a cup of water. The water and marinade will make a nice gravy like consistency that will coat the meat and veggies.

When the veggies are no longer crisp and the chicken is cooked through, the stir fry is ready. Serve over lomein or rice.

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post due to my relationship with Mizkan. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.

1 Comment - Leave a comment!

Fighting Hunger with Walmart

Written on April 25, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Wholesome Living

Feeding people is my passion. Of course that passion starts at home. I have a drive to feed my family the best food possible for their health and well-being. I also love to feed people in my home. Hosting meals and parties is one of my favorite things to do! I love nothing more than to know that they enjoyed what I made with my hands. But it goes beyond that. I have a real need to FEED people. I am not talking about my family or even my friends, I am talking about the more than 50 million Americans who don’t know where their next meal will come from.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with big brands and to learn what they are doing to help end hunger, specifically with Feeding America and Share Our Strength’s Cooking and Shopping Matters. After going through some of the conferences and touring some of the facilities I just can’t get it off my mind and I have been looking for ways that I can help. Specifically, I have been looking into starting the classes in my own community and have plans to do so by this summer.

Most of us would happily do what we can to help our neighbors out if we knew they needed us. Well this is your call to action. The reality is that 1 in 6 Americans is going hungry and traditionally spring brings a decrease in food donations, leaving hunger organizations with limited resources, and leaving their clientele vulnerable.

What can you do to help?

It’s simple really… shop at Walmart,

This Spring, Walmart, alongside four of the most recognizable food brands in America—ConAgra, General Mills, Kellogg’s and Kraft— is fighting hunger with a goal to help its customers give more than 42 million meals to local food banks.

The program will run in all U.S. Walmart stores from April 9 to 30, and will give millions of customers the opportunity to help fight hunger in their communities.
As part of the program, select products in Walmart stores will help customers generate meals to feed hungry families across the nation. By purchasing those products, customers can give back to hunger-fighting nonprofits.
In addition to the in-store products, Walmart and participating suppliers will help raise hunger awareness with in-store signage as well as national advertising and communications. This will put valuable information about fighting hunger in the hands of millions of Americans.

… And, log in to your Facebook Account.

Walmart will also engage online communities to help fight hunger in communities with high rates of unemployment by asking people to vote for their favorite communities on Facebook.

From April 9 to April 30, Walmart will also ask its 13 million Facebook fans to engage in the fight against hunger.
The Facebook campaign will also provide information for how user can donate to or volunteer with hunger fighting agencies in their local communities.
Walmart has used a Department of Labor Unemployment list to designate the 200 communities in the U.S. where unemployment rates are the highest. Through a Facebook voting campaign, Walmart will give $2 million to fight hunger in those communities based on user support.

Together, we can reach a day where no one has to go to bed hungry or wonder where their next meal will come from.

*Disclosure: I am a Walmart Mom. This post is sponsored by Walmart. Walmart has provided me with product and/or compensation in exchange for my time and efforts in creating this post. My participation is voluntary. As always, my opinion is my own.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Author Archives: Denisesawyer

Why use Olive Oil?

What you buy and how you store it matters!

:: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

What can you do to help?