New Year’s Goals (or “Resolutions,” if you prefer)…remember those things? The promises you made to yourself this January only to let them fall by the wayside. Or perhaps we don’t give you enough credit and you’re following through on your goals – good for you!
At the end of the first quarter, we’re feeling pretty good about fulfilling our goals. Some of them, anyway. C’mon, no one is perfect.
Stacey:
– Homemade baby food: This is so much easier than it sounds. While I originally intended to make most or all of my baby’s food, I find it makes more sense to buy foods like no-sugar-added applesauce (a 3-lb. jar at Target for less than $2), Trader Joe’s O’s oat cereal ($1.99/box) and baby food jars or pouches when they’re on sale to keep for emergencies in the diaper bag. For the times you can plan ahead, here are a few quick prep ideas.
- Peas: Remove from freezer, boil in 5 minutes on the stove, rinse with cold water, puree in blender (or for an older baby, mash with a fork), serve. I often toss peas in a mixture of oatmeal and formula.
- Sweet potatoes: Scrub skins clean, cube, toss with a very little bit of olive oil and salt, spread on baking sheet and bake at 400 for 20-30 minutes. Again, puree or mash and serve.
- Hard-cooked eggs: Cover eggs with water, bring to a rolling boil, remove from heat, cover and let sit for about 12 to 14 minutes for yolks that are cooked through (and sans that ugly green tinge). If your baby is under a year old, do not serve the white, it’s a potential allergen. But the yolk is a fantastic source of nutrient-rich protein and can be mashed with formula or baby cereal.
– Meal planning and food photography: The meal planning is coming along swimmingly. I created a pretty dry erase board from an old 11×14” picture frame and cheap placemat cut to size. After a few failed meal-planning attempts, I realized that I needed a visual reminder of my plan. The “To Do” list at the bottom of the menu board keeps me on track, so if I want to eat pizza on Friday, I need a reminder to make the dough on Thursday.
– Exercise, exercise, exercise: Thank goodness for a mild winter, huh? Chasing a crawler-almost-toddler is exhausting. I chase him around the house, walk with him to the park and go up steps, down slides and get a daily walk with the dog. But yoga? When is there time? I’m writing this instead of unwinding in front of the TV, washing dishes, knitting or doing yoga. I’d like to make time for it, but I need to be better organized (and better rested) to push yoga higher on the priority list.
Sam:
– Meal planning: This is a weekly effort, but typically goes quite well. We’ve been including a mix of new recipes as well as old stand-bys. The opening of our local farmer’s market will enhance the planning a great deal, and I look forward to using as many local ingredients as possible.
– Homemade and DIY: Two thumbs up for homemade! This is my favorite goal and one I’m working hard to continue. Thanks to a sweet friend for passing along a sourdough starter, I’ve been baking bread quite regularly. A fresh loaf is amazing, but it’s equally satisfying to know homemade goodness is waiting in the freezer. And topped with homemade jam, oh my!
– Integration: Part of me is asking myself why on earth I chose this goal, and the other part needs no reminding whatsoever. Clearly more integration is required! Part of this goal is being kinder to myself and letting go of ridiculous expectations in order to focus on priorities. It’s a process.