tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75360105923816577392024-02-07T16:53:33.829-08:00Thrifty Minnesota MamaI'm a Minnesota mom attempting to raise a polite, well-rounded young man on a budget.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-51403541738527201592008-11-10T10:04:00.000-08:002008-11-10T10:07:28.941-08:00Basket of IndulgenceA couple weeks ago I won a basket of indulgence from Free 2 Be Frugal! I've been meaning to take a picture of it to share with you all, but I just haven't gotten around to it.<br /><br />You can head over to <a href="http://free2befrugal.blogspot.com/">Free 2 Be Frugal</a> yourself, and check out all kinds of deals, freebies and samples there. Maybe you will be lucky enough to win one of her giveaways too! (Thanks Niki!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-47282049009355645422008-11-10T09:06:00.000-08:002008-11-10T09:08:24.351-08:00Elimination DietAllergy progress: On Friday we tried soy milk. A little bit for breakfast, a glass at lunch and one at dinner. It looked like he did fine, though he did have two tiny little red spots at bed time, but I don't think it was related. So, we tried the same thing on Saturday, and all went well. We'll put it on the maybe list (because of the two red spots) and take him back off for now.<br /><br />Today is officially the start of our new schedule. I will be working a long day in the office on Mondays (while The Husband is home with The Boy), staying home with The Boy the rest of the week, and working from home in the early mornings and evenings. It's a full schedule, and leaves basically no time to play, any free time will be used to do homework. I'm doing all of this to get a handle on The Boy's food allergies. <br /><br />However, for the start of our "project", The Boy woke up with a rash all over his face! Ugh. And it looks as though The Husband is going to have to go into work. So we aren't really starting off on the foot I had hoped for, the right one.<br /><br />It's possible that the lunch meat that we got could have been the culprit, though I have doubts. It's an organic product, contains chicken and sodium lactate (my research showed that this was not a potential allergy). The label also said that good practices were used to prevent any contamintation from other allergens. He ate the lunch meat at 5:30pm and at 8:30 when The Husband put him to bed he was just fine.<br /><br />Is it possible that something in his bed irritated him? I suppose so, so I took everything out and put it in the washing machine with Tide Free again this morning.<br /><br />Or is it the fact that he has a cold of some sort and is pretty snotty? He potentially slept with snot all over his face during the night. Or maybe it has something to do with cutting his canine teeth.<br /><br />We are going to do everything we can to get his face cleared up today so that we can try a new food tomorrow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-78655423629561963212008-11-06T09:08:00.000-08:002008-11-10T09:09:17.835-08:00Happy Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA39fGT-4TKyctGVdOlG6w0z0dbj-NWBLUpmmzd5S__7UR6M7TPivmBdvSnA_XHB8pUpRC4ut5keVhvjk7KT0lF7CqilPEqc5_czaCgyTQgFii8G7inachIjV5bGiQOW6pIOMl0yYaeLM/s1600-h/shoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA39fGT-4TKyctGVdOlG6w0z0dbj-NWBLUpmmzd5S__7UR6M7TPivmBdvSnA_XHB8pUpRC4ut5keVhvjk7KT0lF7CqilPEqc5_czaCgyTQgFii8G7inachIjV5bGiQOW6pIOMl0yYaeLM/s320/shoes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265648046157813954" /></a><br />Happy birthday to the husband and the daddy at our house!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-11144285540066400432008-11-05T09:09:00.000-08:002008-11-10T09:10:59.150-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhW249mZah3cBu986eBcHVA-fAr7zIkg9B_mfDM-92mi5YCpORdipVNeLg_yIT_tCz33fVj7EMz7sA7I4EnNxe3GYvM9dpm-CZDXaLgRLPwAPFMXXOfDp92UF8kMKWPGHqgQXY4ULY7A/s1600-h/allergies.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhW249mZah3cBu986eBcHVA-fAr7zIkg9B_mfDM-92mi5YCpORdipVNeLg_yIT_tCz33fVj7EMz7sA7I4EnNxe3GYvM9dpm-CZDXaLgRLPwAPFMXXOfDp92UF8kMKWPGHqgQXY4ULY7A/s320/allergies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265214093644882530" /></a>We took The Boy to see the allergist again on Monday and she decided to do another skin test. During these tests, his skin is exposed to allergy-causing substances (allergens) and then is observed for signs of an allergic reaction. The results came back that we should stay clear of treenuts, he had a reaction to three of the tree nuts that were tested. However, this still does not solve our issue and the doctor wants us to continue to completely limit dairy for the next 6 mos. Dairy is a known allergen for coming up negative in blood and skin tests.<br /><br />Today and tomorrow are The Boy's last days at childcare. Starting next week I will stay home and keep a close eye on The Boy's diet. The last few weeks now that he has had an allergen free diet he has been doing great! Next week I will start by adding soy back into his diet and see what happens. I am looking forward to being home with him, but am going to have to find some stuff to keep us busy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-85511756817562714442008-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:002008-10-21T09:00:00.999-07:00Free Children's MuseumOn Sunday we took The Boy to the <a href="http://www.mcm.org/">Children's Museum</a>. On the third Sunday of every month the Children's Museum is <b>free</b>, thanks to Target. We got there right at opening time, 9am. I think we were the first ones in the door, which meant we had the water works play area all to ourselves for a good 10 minutes. We roamed our way through the museum until 10:30, and it was only then that I realized it was started to get a bit crowded.<br /><br />The museum asks guests to leave their strollers in the car, because of the crowds. That note made me a bit nervous about navigating the many kids and parents, but it wasn't bad at all, but leaving the stroller at home would be the way to go, who needs it?!<br /><br />On the way out of downtown St. Paul we strolled up and down the aisle at the <a href="http://www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com/">St. Paul Farmer's market</a>. We picked up Honeycrisp Apples, bread and tomatoes for under $10!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-12066361439794279072008-10-20T10:41:00.000-07:002008-10-20T10:42:32.226-07:00What He CAN EatLately, I've been using this blog as a record to keep track of The Boy's food allergies/intollerances. So while some of these posts may be quite boring for you, it's good information for me to have written down somewhere other than on sticky notes on our fridge.<br /><br />Here is what we know Jackson can eat without reaction:<br />Oats<br />Rice<br />Apples<br />Pears<br />Chicken<br />Hamburger<br />Gyro Meat<br />Enjoy life Chocolate Chip Cookies (allergen free)<br />Rice Krispies<br />Black Beans<br />Pinto Beans<br />Rice noodles<br />Bananas<br />Annie's organic fruit bunnies<br />Peas<br />Aspagargus<br />Squash<br />Sweetpotato<br />Rice Milk<br />Potato<br />Back to Nature Apple Cinnamon granola<br />Hol Grain Brown Rice crackers<br />Lima Beans<br />Spinach<br />Mashed potatoes (made with rice milk, no butter)<br />Green beans<br />Brocolli<br />Mango juiceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-66104530972633076352008-10-20T10:39:00.001-07:002008-10-20T10:39:42.376-07:00Monday Feature: Likes and DislikesThe Boy's likes and dislikes change so frequently and this feature is such proof of that. It is so nice to see that his likes are always more than his dislikes!<br /><br /><b>Likes:</b> Caterpillars, driving the bus, puzzles, reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, watching baseball, the farmer's market, Caliou, climbing into cupboards, pushing buttons on the computer, raking and jumping into leaves, singing ABCs, reading books on the LeapFrog LeapPad, animal pajamas, watching the rollercoaster at MOA, taking showers with Mama and rice crackers.<br /><br /><b>Dislikes:</b> Pumpkin insides, spinach, brushing his teeth, wearing clothes and the scuba diver that talks from the aquarium at the MN Zoo!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-28567202487681792602008-10-14T10:40:00.000-07:002008-10-20T10:41:11.741-07:00The Results Are InThe bloodwork has come back for The Boy, which unfortunately doesn't tell us anything. I had a lengthy conversation with the doctor just now and she said it's very common for these food allergies not to show up in blood tests at this age and we just have to start with a trial and error process, being very careful to read labels so he is not exposed to something we are unaware of.<br /><br />His blood was not tested for tree nuts though, so the blood will go back to the lab for additional testing.<br /><br />We are to continue the strict diet minus the top allergens -- no wheat, soy, dairy, fish, shellfish, nuts, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes and eggs -- for the next couple of days while he is at childcare. This weekend we can start with soy and watch him for 5-7 days to see if he has any reaction. We'll do this for a while, trying wheat and dairy last.<br /><br />She advises not giving him nuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, or egg until he is at least three.<br /><br />We also talked about his platelets levels being high (404). It's nothing to worry about at this time, but she will check his past platelet levels and see if there is anything to be concerned about.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-17472339552674949152008-10-06T20:31:00.000-07:002008-10-06T20:33:19.401-07:00Allergies Tested<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT2XaBLIOGhJQ1AOsv71GdfHeK-Kne7EYSqfnvVS2czJhhIFoX6xYgQyfUvkR8b94GQxM9wj6rdtDAiyerPoHhWre3AT1xEQPaCA9ftDkYRShuK0SVY0VYAQZDXt1uF-_1qES-cxHees/s1600-h/allergy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT2XaBLIOGhJQ1AOsv71GdfHeK-Kne7EYSqfnvVS2czJhhIFoX6xYgQyfUvkR8b94GQxM9wj6rdtDAiyerPoHhWre3AT1xEQPaCA9ftDkYRShuK0SVY0VYAQZDXt1uF-_1qES-cxHees/s320/allergy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254247814040972290" /></a>This morning we took The Boy to an allergist. After many many days and weeks of hives from head to toe and rashes on his face, we made an appointment with a specialist. <br /><br />It was obvious to the doctor that he was an "allergy kid" and she also thought that his snoring and cough were probably asthma related. While The Boy sat on my lap and ate a Nilla wafer, the nurse did a scratch test (picture) that unfortunately didn't come out with any definitive results (a small reaction to subjects 3 and 4). After already spending an hour and 45 minutes in the doctor's office it was decided that he would go in for a blood test to get some better results and to also check in on his immune system. The Boy was a real trooper and didn't complain with any of the pokes or pricks. <br /><br />The doctor also found that his left ear was infected, which I had suspected. His ear was draining yellow/brown fluid over the weekend.<br /><br />While he was a great little kid, all of this got him well off schedule and feeling a bit out of sorts. Which meant for a ROUGH afternoon. After FINALLY getting down for a nap after many tears, The Boy woke up thrashing in his crib from what we believe to be a nightmare. Loads of whimpering, whining and crying later, The Husband and I were plum tuckered out!<br /><br />We headed to Target to get all of his presciptions filled anyway. He'll be taking Singulair every day to help control the asthma, and he's on another antibiotic for the ear infection. We also have some Zyrtec for when the allergy symptoms start kicking in. At Target, we checked out hepa filters while waiting for the prescriptions to be filled. The doctor suggested a hepa filter run in his bedroom all the time to clear out any allergens, along with special pillow and mattress protectors (the filter she suggested costs $300!!). She suggested using a different detergent, but I already don't purchase anything with any dyes or perfumes, so I am not sure that a more expensive brand of the same thing will do any good, but we will discontinue use of dryer sheets in his laundry. It's all a bit overwhelming presently and we'll be digesting this over the week and deciding on how many of these precautions we'll be taking.<br /><br />The blood tests will come back in a week, and we will have a follow up appointment wiht the allergist in 4-6 weeks. Whew! That's a load of information to share.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-79168853210184792072008-10-06T07:31:00.000-07:002008-10-06T07:32:49.160-07:00Brain Cells on the LooseThere was a time not so long ago that I was pretty much on top of it. I didn't need to be reminded of doctor's appointments or work meetings. I never locked myself out of the house or my keys in the ignition while I stood outside peering in. I didn't misplace my car keys, my sunglasses or my mittens or even an entire book of stamps. I mostly knew what was on my calendar for months at a time and I didn't need to keep a daily lists. <br /><br />Since having The Boy all of this has changed. Now, a day isn't started without a list made. I can tell myself to stop at the gas station on the way to work as I pull out of my driveway, but forget by the time I come upon the nearest gas station just two miles down the road. <br /><br />So, this weekend's misstep was no surprise, and the thing that managed to remind me of how forgetful I am these days, was also ridiculously funny, which is why I felt the need to share.<br /><br />The brisk fall has started to set in, which typically means that the hardwood floors throughout our house can be a bit chilly. While I cleaned up our bedroom during Jackson's naptime I came across my Cabela's slippers and decided to slip them on my feet to keep my toes warm. I spent the rest of naptime indoors, doing homework and a bit of picking up, then I fixed a snack for The Boy when he woke up from his nap. I thought it would be fun to take the boy to Como Zoo since the weather was so beautiful. I packed up The Boy and myself into the car and zipped down 94 to the zoo. I found a good parking spot and stepped onto the road, got The Boy's stroller out of the back and flipped it open on the sidewalk. Believe it or not, it was only then that I realized, those wonderful Cabella's slippers were still on my feet. Now what?!?<br /><br />There was no way we were going to drive all the way home so that I could put on proper shoes, I can't imagine the look The Boy would have on his face after I told him that it was going to be awhile before we could go in search of lions and tigers. No one seemed to notice and they were actually relatively comfortable footwear to stroll around looking at the zebras and giraffes!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-67037099808989888672008-10-01T11:56:00.001-07:002008-10-01T11:56:20.136-07:00Presidential ElectionWith the election only a month away do you know who you are voting for?<br />Take the <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/select_a_candidate/">Select A Candidate Survey</a> now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-65250689594624975672008-09-29T08:09:00.000-07:002008-09-29T08:10:08.235-07:00Monday Feature: Likes and Dislikes<b>Likes:</b> Bob the Builder, stickers, pumpkin muffins, goats at the appple orchard, corn dogs, sticks, new Thomas the Tank pajamas, coloring, singing Wheels on the Bus, wearing his bike helmet, harvesting vegetables, dried apples, the library, puzzles, the color yellow, and putting groceries away<br /><br /><b>Dislikes:</b> Okra and cleaning out the gardenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-20127771908519672002008-09-26T10:25:00.000-07:002008-09-26T10:27:52.530-07:00I Love My CubI found out today while grocery shopping at our neighborhood Cub that kids under 12 can get a free apple and a free cookie from the bakery. I'm not sure if this is all Cub Foods store as this was entirely new to me, and the cashier did not know the answer to my question, but was kind enough to give me the information in the first place. So check your local Cub and let me know! The Boy will be enterained eating FREE snacks so I can have more time to spend looking at all my favorite foods.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-32479961443127166532008-09-22T08:32:00.001-07:002008-09-22T08:32:59.199-07:00Monday Feature: Likes and DislikesLikes: gigantic rocking horse at The Renaissance Festival, Yo Gabba Gabba dance mat, trains, rice crispies covered bananas, corn flakes, dehydrated apples, climbing up on the dining room table, "helping" put laundry away, reading Goodnight Moon, hiding behind the shower curtain, Dolly Parton, playing with radios, sweedish meatballs at Ikea, juice, cornbread<br /><br />Dislikes: Not being able to climb on dining room table, cooked carrots, going night-nightUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-27515425670168836872008-09-19T06:34:00.000-07:002008-09-19T06:34:01.056-07:00Free Samples from WalmartWhile I am not the biggest Walmart fan, they do have some great free sample offers. <a href="http://walmart.triaddigital.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples.aspx">Check them out here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-92104505462150495462008-09-18T18:59:00.000-07:002008-09-18T19:01:13.058-07:00Strawberry AllergySecond encounter, the culprit: Raspberries. Like the strawberry reaction we had a few weeks ago, we've had another and maybe even slightly worse (I'm pretty sure two of the spots were hives). I wish that we would have recognized this sooner, as each and every exposure to the fruits has the potential to make the allergy worse. So it is no strawberries, raspberries, or kiwi until The Boy is at least two when we will try again. I guess it's good we are now heading into a season without fresh berries, so the absence from our diet won't be so hard to manage.<br /><br />What do you know about food allergies? Is your child allergic to berries? Something else?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-51407045274590386022008-09-18T18:05:00.000-07:002008-09-18T18:09:06.936-07:00Huge Kid's SaleThis is where I will be on Saturday:<br />Come to the Washington County Fairgrounds to shop for great deals on pre-loved brand name and excellent condition children's clothing, toys, equiptment, books and so much more.<br /><br />Friday 5-8 (consignors and volunteers only)<br />Saturday 9-3 (public sale $1 admission)<br />Sunday 9-12 (public sale 1/2 price sale)<br /><br />Washington County Fairgrounds Bldg A. Located on the corner of Manning Ave and Hwy 5 in Stillwater.<br /><br />Check www.munchkinmarkets.com for details or call 651-253-0897.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-61476606540411841122008-09-17T06:55:00.000-07:002008-09-17T06:55:00.932-07:00Making Me Laugh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVFFcfFVQzOOpenRlD0LpNIsQulz2JHZ5wF4n3Beuvuc7inOUnCaPA_k4aVpuFme9iF3Rx1dJ8rqdzgIu_IW8-haTmagVmpkHOgjUyVipalAUUjg_8C4iA4gvgfbADj9qrjVlKnPnvFcG/s1600-h/baskethead.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVFFcfFVQzOOpenRlD0LpNIsQulz2JHZ5wF4n3Beuvuc7inOUnCaPA_k4aVpuFme9iF3Rx1dJ8rqdzgIu_IW8-haTmagVmpkHOgjUyVipalAUUjg_8C4iA4gvgfbADj9qrjVlKnPnvFcG/s320/baskethead.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246432055110598114" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-41568185096823187212008-09-15T18:53:00.001-07:002008-09-15T18:57:37.650-07:00My Little Giraffe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_YwfsnmMr9EBnz-zNp7BiU-g9p45NfY8sTWE5WxeV3kcQJkTn-wGhTX8zYhkVaYbXg195jCxC2uKjPuAsACXQ0YNIyNo2mcHwQDsgObOvWdAAVaGlGS7kDolD5MebwfjyLP0QkfWFC8X/s1600-h/giraffe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_YwfsnmMr9EBnz-zNp7BiU-g9p45NfY8sTWE5WxeV3kcQJkTn-wGhTX8zYhkVaYbXg195jCxC2uKjPuAsACXQ0YNIyNo2mcHwQDsgObOvWdAAVaGlGS7kDolD5MebwfjyLP0QkfWFC8X/s320/giraffe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246431543027412322" /></a>This is the costume I found for The Boy at Once Upon a Child for $10.<br /><br />The Boy is going to be a giraffe this Halloween, provided he doesn't gain an ounce or get any taller between now and then. I found a Halloween costume for The Boy at Once Upon A Child the other day. I brought it home, washed it and The Husband put it on The Boy to make sure it would work. We put the little giraffe hood up over his head and guided him to the full-length mirror to take a gander of his new look. The Boy's response when he saw himself in the costume: "Cute".Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-72267047878758561172008-09-15T14:18:00.001-07:002008-09-15T14:18:48.088-07:00Monday Feature: Likes and DislikesLikes: seagulls, elmo movies, geese, fishing, wearing my gloves, garbanzo beans, counting 1-2-3, singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Singing his ABCs, playing with sticks, corn, stacking cups, pancakes, raspberries, dried apple slices, talking on the tele, kicking balloons, sweet tart suckers, mickey mouse stickers, playdoh and dairy-free jumba juice<br /><br />Dislikes: anyone helping him to eat, cranberries and loud lawnmowersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-67084026323471528892008-09-15T11:12:00.000-07:002008-09-15T11:21:36.062-07:00Consignment and Second Hand Stores for Children<strong>Turn Style</strong><br />Roseville<br />Fairdale Shoppes<br />2393 Fairview Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113<br /><font color="#F8981D">Comments: Only a very small selection of children's clothes.</font><br /><br /><strong>Savers</strong><br />1719 Beam Ave<br />Maplewood, MN 55109<br /><font color="#F8981D">Comments: Not a lot of infant or toddler clothes, but loads for older kids. The toy selection is rather large, but not great. I have had some great luck in the books section.</font><br /><br /><strong>Next to New</strong><br />1183 Geneva Ave N<br />Oakdale, MN 55128<br /><font color="#F8981D">Comments: Very small selection of clothes or toys. Mostly women's fashions.</font><br /><br /><strong>Once Upon a Child</strong><br />2839 White Bear Ave N<br />Maplewood, MN 55109<br />(651) 773-5122<br /><font color="#F8981D">Comments: When I have the patience this is the place to shop. I don't like stepping over lots of kids playing with toys on the floor to get a good look at the winter coat selection. But if I can go without The Boy (who only wants to play with the many toys spread all over the floor) the trip is worth it.</font><br /><br />I need to add more to this list, with your help!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-55241821598589813502008-09-12T06:32:00.001-07:002008-09-12T06:33:38.851-07:00On ConsignmentI'd love to get a list going of all the consignment stores that have a good selection of children's clothes in the Twin Cities. Now with garage sale season coming to and end, this list will be good to consult. Please comment with the consignment stores you head to.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-74978546685291021392008-09-11T07:18:00.000-07:002008-09-11T07:18:00.463-07:00Latest Cheap Toy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrN_hoTBrR3N4onCzkHSAGl0d9po60yzaf-Ova9aNPysOaWqngOaygW0mpv2oEn1Hhw0JCGhg89HXw-ZVuF-TcC_FIvmbxLKWy0O3bY-2W8PAASZUkalozTHKZm0f4cW2b3aHKsAJ5mFr/s1600-h/blocks.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrN_hoTBrR3N4onCzkHSAGl0d9po60yzaf-Ova9aNPysOaWqngOaygW0mpv2oEn1Hhw0JCGhg89HXw-ZVuF-TcC_FIvmbxLKWy0O3bY-2W8PAASZUkalozTHKZm0f4cW2b3aHKsAJ5mFr/s200/blocks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244583468862701218" /></a><br />My mom found these great blocks at a consignment store in Oakdale called Next to New (1183 Geneva Ave N). The selection of clothes for boys was not all that great, but there were some good finds for little girls. So far the blocks have kept The Boy busy and I'm going to talk The Husband into building more!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-47130128418471420312008-09-10T19:11:00.000-07:002008-09-10T19:23:13.943-07:00Breezy Point<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQi3CYpFXzemxHq9ZCv982FO59lbVHsA_gHuCa0yYqx877cR5Vx1dV_6nm3r7WUJ-EjU7u0ZS2i1CYZgVDo-UY4O-lAPGzdCJdJTt6W7OsB2czpmrTHGCWc-3ulEfJ37Oa-YYmJr6fEBZ/s1600-h/breezy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQi3CYpFXzemxHq9ZCv982FO59lbVHsA_gHuCa0yYqx877cR5Vx1dV_6nm3r7WUJ-EjU7u0ZS2i1CYZgVDo-UY4O-lAPGzdCJdJTt6W7OsB2czpmrTHGCWc-3ulEfJ37Oa-YYmJr6fEBZ/s320/breezy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244581970879803250" /></a><br />We just got back from a great trip to the Brainerd area. We stayed at Breezy Point Lodge, which for many reasons, I would not recommend it to others. For one, the water smelled so bad, I had a hard time getting myself clean in the shower in the time I could hold my breath! Two, the cleanliness of the rooms gave me (and surprisingly even The Husband) a bit of the creeps. Third, the pool area and the locker rooms were, plainly put, NOT clean. However, we still managed a great time. We spent very little time in our room and lots of time seeing the surrounding towns. <br /><br />We all found our favorite stop on the trip to be The Chocolate Ox in Nisswa(we biked the 7 miles to and from), the best candy store in all the land! They had the world's best selection, and a lot of nostalgic choices, from Wonka Bars, Lemon Heads, Boston Baked Beans and Mallo Cups to a massive collection of Jelly Bellys, Sweedish Fish, and Gum Drops. We settled on some Grasshopper Malted Milk Balls, Sweedish Fish and fabulous turtle-like treats, all to be washed down with a bottle of Bubble Up. The Boy was given a Sweet Tart Lollipop by the owner when we arrived and was content clutching and licking while we perused the shops in Nisswa.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536010592381657739.post-84845083259699398012008-09-06T08:41:00.000-07:002008-09-06T08:41:01.465-07:00Omnivore 100Instructions:<br />1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.<br />2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.<br />3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.<br />4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.<br /><br /><br />The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:<br /><br /><br />1. <strong>Venison</strong><br /><br />2. Nettle tea<br /><br />3. <strong>Huevos rancheros</strong><br /><br />4. <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">Steak tartare</span><br /><br />5. Crocodile<br /><br />6. Black pudding<br /><br />7. <strong>Cheese fondue</strong><br /><br />8. Carp<br /><br />9. <strong>Borscht</strong><br /><br />10. <strong>Baba ghanoush</strong><br /><br />11. <strong>Calamari</strong><br /><br />12. <strong>Pho</strong><br /><br />13. <strong>PB&J sandwich</strong><br /><br />14. <strong>Aloo gobi</strong><br /><br />15. <strong>Hot dog from a street cart</strong><br /><br />16. Epoisses<br /><br />17. <strong>Black truffle</strong><br /><br />18. <strong>Fruit wine made from something other than grapes</strong><br /><br />19. Steamed pork buns<br /><br />20. <strong>Pistachio ice cream</strong><br /><br />21. <strong>Heirloom tomatoes</strong><br /><br />22. <strong>Fresh wild berries</strong><br /><br />23. <strong>Foie gras</strong><br /><br />24. <strong>Rice and beans</strong><br /><br />25. <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">Brawn, or head cheese</span><br /><br />26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper<br /><br />27. <strong>Dulce de leche</strong><br /><br />28. <strong>Oysters</strong><br /><br />29. <strong>Baklava</strong><br /><br />30. Bagna cauda<br /><br />31. <strong>Wasabi peas</strong><br /><br />32. <strong>Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl</strong><br /><br />33. Salted lassi<br /><br />34. <strong>Sauerkraut</strong><br /><br />35. <strong>Root beer float</strong><br /><br />36. Cognac with a fat cigar<br /><br />37. Clotted cream tea<br /><br />38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O<br /><br />39. <strong>Gumbo</strong><br /><br />40. <strong>Oxtail</strong><br /><br />41. Curried goat<br /><br />42. <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">Whole insects</span><br /><br />43. <strong>Phaal</strong><br /><br />44. <strong>Goat’s milk</strong><br /><br />45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more<br /><br />46. Fugu<br /><br />47. <strong>Chicken tikka masala</strong><br /><br />48. <strong>Eel</strong><br /><br />49. <strong>Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut</strong><br /><br />50. Sea urchin<br /><br />51. <strong>Prickly pear</strong><br /><br />52. Umeboshi<br /><br />53. Abalone<br /><br />54. Paneer<br /><br />55. <strong>McDonald’s Big Mac Meal</strong><br /><br />56. <strong>Spaetzle</strong><br /><br />57. Dirty gin martini (vodka yes, gin yuck)<br /><br />58. <strong>Beer above 8% ABV</strong><br /><br />59. Poutine<br /><br />60. <strong>Carob chips</strong><br /><br />61. <strong>S’mores</strong><br /><br />62. <strong>Sweetbreads</strong><br /><br />63. Kaolin (I don't know what this is)<br /><br />64. Currywurst<br /><br />65. Durian<br /><br />66. <strong>Frogs’ legs</strong><br /><br />67. <strong>Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake</strong><br /><br />68. <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">Haggis</span><br /><br />69. <strong>Fried plantain</strong><br /><br />70. Chitterlings, or andouillette<br /><br />71. <strong>Gazpacho</strong><br /><br />72. <strong>Caviar and blini</strong><br /><br />73. Louche absinthe<br /><br />74. <strong>Gjetost, or brunost</strong><br /><br />75. <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">Roadkill</span><br /><br />76. Baijiu<br /><br />77. <strong>Hostess Fruit Pie</strong><br /><br />78. <strong>Snail</strong><br /><br />79. Lapsang souchong<br /><br />80. <strong>Bellini</strong><br /><br />81. <strong>Tom yum</strong> (wish I had some now to get rid of this cold!)<br /><br />82. <strong>Eggs Benedict</strong><br /><br />83. Pocky<br /><br />84. <strong>Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.</strong><br /><br />85. <strong>Kobe beef</strong><br /><br />86. Hare<br /><br />87. <strong>Goulash</strong><br /><br />88. <strong>Flowers</strong><br /><br />89. Horse<br /><br />90. Criollo chocolate<br /><br />91. <strong>Spam</strong><br /><br />92. <strong>Soft shell crab</strong><br /><br />93. Rose harissa<br /><br />94. <strong>Catfish</strong><br /><br />95. <strong>Mole poblano</strong><br /><br />96. <strong>Bagel and lox</strong><br /><br />97. <strong>Lobster Thermidor</strong><br /><br />98. <strong>Polenta</strong><br /><br />99. <strong>Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee</strong><br /><br />100. SnakeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0