Keep America Beautiful: Brewster, Ohio

Big things come in small packages. Like the quaint little town I live in. 

Brewster, Ohio, is a rural community in a suburban area also known as the "Gateway to Amish Country", & home to an estimated 2,500 people. Although there are a few traffic lights, there is only one chain restaurant - Subway. And only because it's connected to the only gas station in town. 

Wheeling and Lake Erie Rail Yard, Brewster, 1910
Photo credit: Wikipedia

But what Brewster does have is a thriving economy. Brewster was built in 1910 for the purpose of the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway, the main offices were actually moved here in 1913. The rail yard still thrives to this day & basically everyone in town either knows someone, or is related to someone, who works there. Actually, if you've ever seen the movie, Unstoppable, starring Denzel Washington & Chris Pine, then you've seen the rail yard. Yep, Brewster, Ohio's claim to Hollywood fame! 

WANDLE House
Photo credit: Village of Brewster, Ohio

Brewster is also home to the WANDLE House (Wheeling AND Lake Erie House), which was originally called the Brewster Railroad YMCA, a dormitory for workers away from home. The WANDLE House is now owned by the Brewster-Sugarcreek Township Historical Society & home to the historical society museum & "The Station" restaurant - a delicious diner that should be on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives (my opinion anyways).

But it's not just the railway that Brewster is known for. 

Brewster Dairy
Photo credit: Brewster Cheese

Brewster Cheese (Brewster Dairy) is the largest manufacturer of Swiss cheese in the US! At just about any hour of the day, you can see a number of tankers waiting to empty their loads of fresh milk from local farms. 

Shearer's Foods, Inc.
Photo credit: Village of Brewster, Ohio

Shearer's Foods Corporate Headquarters turn up delicious snacks like potato chips, pretzels, butter puffs & more. All of which can be purchased at their outlet store right next door! (Anyone that knows me knows I love a good outlet store.) Sometimes you can even tell what they're cooking up that day by the scent in the air, like BBQ & jalapeno flavored chips!

But my favorite thing about Brewster, is Bimeler Park. A 20+ acre park, with two pavilions, picnic facilities, a basketball court, a tennis court, several playgrounds, baseball & softball fields, a skatepark, a walking path & is used for soccer as well. The kids love to go there & play, have a picnic (Swiss cheese & chips included of course) & watch the train cars be moved.

Thank you to the folks at Dropcam for recognizing April as Keep America Beautiful month! 

Think It Thursday: Recycling

Seriously, think about it. What will the environment be like when your kids grow up? What about your kids kids? We need to do what we can to help sustain at least part of the world we live in today.

Recycling is a small change in our routines that can make a huge impact. And it's easy to do!

Most local recycling centers take #1 & #2 plastics, glass, aluminum & cardboard/papers. Just remove lids (if necessary), sort & place ion respective bins. It really is that easy. 

Fun Facts:

 

• Aluminum cans can be recycled into: soda cans, pie plates, license plates, thumbtacks, aluminum foil, and many other items.

• PET plastic can be recycled into: clothing, fiberfill for sleeping bags, toys, stuffed animals, rulers and more. 

• Glass can be recycled into jars, jewelry, bottles, dishes, drinking glasses, coffee mugs and many other items.

10 Things I Realized Today...

1. It's March. The 5th to be exact. I swear Valentine's Day was just a few days ago. Guess not.

2. Moving sucks. Especially to a house that needs a really good cleaning before you can start moving in. Add 3 kids (7,3 &1), & yea, it sucks.

3. I'm in a salad phase again. I figured this out when I wanted one for breakfast. Although that could have something to do with #4.

4. I'm newly obsessed with smoked cheddar cheese. Plain, with crackers or on a sandwich, it doesn't matter how I eat it. Although after #3, I have to say I love it most on a salad.

5.  It's impossible to save every single paper my kids will bring home from school. Pre-K, Kindergarten & into 1st for Paige (the oldest) & I have boxes upon boxes to go through.

6. I could really use a clone or a personal assistant these days. Between moving, school meetings & doctor/dentist appointments, it's almost impossible not to feel 10 steps behind.

7. I will probably never be able to sit around all day & watch the Twilight Saga (I've just recently gotten hooked. Don't judge.) Unless I'm super sick & in bed. Meh, I think I'd rather watch it bit by bit, here & there.

8. I want a Kindle of some sorts (behind the times, I know.) I prefer physical books, but I still want a Kindle. 

9. I really want to get more organized. Perhaps I'll add another project of getting organized Martha Stewart/DIY style. Sounds like a plan.

10. It really is almost spring, which means I need to start planning my "new" garden. Just no lettuce. That was a huge fail last season. But I will have everything else for my yummy salads. And an indoor herb garden too. Oh I'm getting hungry...time to eat!

Did you have any realizations today?

The Taste: Tuesday at 8/7c on ABC

I'm not a huge fan of reality shows, but I am a huge fan of food. However, combine the two & I'm most likely glued to my couch watching & taking mental notes. (OK, sometimes I actually grab a pen & paper too.)

The newest hors d'oeuvres, The Taste on ABC (Tuesdays at 8/7c). The Taste consists of 4 judges/mentors, Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson, Ludo Lefebvre & Brian Malarkey; which eliminate contestants by a blind judging. No, they're not blindfolded, but they don't know who's food they're tasting, what it is exactly or the ingredients.

Now, I'm not sure if it's the "simplicity" of the challenges (I use that term lightly) or the non-diva-esque vibe that draws me in every Tuesday. But regardless, I know where to be...on my couch (with pen & paper.)

Did you miss last weeks episode, "Dairing Pairings"? (Wine pairing is definitely something I need a few lessons on, but 5 ingredients I've got down.) Don't worry, you can catch it here. 

Don't forget to tune into The Taste on ABC at 8/7c this Tuesday (2/19/13) for "The Art of the Sandwich". After all, what kind of a chef are you if you can't make a sandwich?

Roast Beef with Bacon Aioli & Arugula Pistou

Enjoy! 

  

A Busy SAHM's Guide to Working It

Let's face it, you can chase after kids all day long, but it's not the kind of workout you need. But then there's the problem of the kids constantly running around leaving you little to no time of a good workout. My trick: make it count when you can.

I find myself either getting up extra early (depending on the amount of cooperation at bedtime the night prior) or simply doing what I can, when I can. Like when the kids are playing nice in the bedroom, it becomes crunch time. Or leg time. Or arm time. Or, well, you get the point. It may take me the course of a whole day to get in my workout, but as long as I get it in, I'm a happy girl.

ABS:

•12 Minute Ab Workout consists of windshield wipers, bicycle crunches & side plank lifts (both sides)

•Bikini Twist 

•basic crunches with a stability ball

ARMS:

•90-Degree Raise

•Standing Shoulder Fly

•basic push-ups

LEGS:

•Plie Slides

•Kneeling Roundhouse Kick

•Hip Extension & Cross

•basic squats

•jumping jacks

*Goal is at least 2 workouts from each category

And for those moments that I actually have time to workout, I pop in a DVD or VHS (yes, I still have those).

•Denise Austin Get Fit Fast: Abs

Great workout in just over 10 minutes!

•Island Girl Dance Fitness Workout for Beginners: Hula Abs & Buns

I love this!

•Women's Health: Perfect Body Workout

I have to tell you, the warm-up kicks my butt!

•The Grind Workout: Fitness with Flava

Nothing like dancing some 90's moves to remind you how cool you are!

•The Grind Workout: Strength & Fitness

Even cooler with two!

And one little thing I've learned is to always change it up. Do something different every day. When a move becomes super easy, find something harder. You have to make it count remember...

My Take On Dieting

It seems like everywhere I look, there's someone on a diet. I've seen shakes, meal plans, even fasting. But let's face it, I don't have the money or the willpower for any of it. (Huge kudos to those who do.)

Of course that doesn't necessarily mean that I don't make an effort of some sorts. A few healthy choices, plenty of water, watching portions & a small (yet highly effective) workout. I'll share some of my favorite moves tomorrow, but for now a typical weekday in the eating department (weekends vary.)

Breakfast of the champions. Cereal is usually my go to (with the occasional quiche or cinnamon roll). And always one K-cup of coffee. I need my coffee.

It's lunchtime! Soups, salads & sandwiches are staples for me. This just happens to be a veggie burger from MorningStar Farms. Lettuce, tomato, red onion & some Dijon made it utterly delicious! Oh & some sweet potato chips. Does it count if I only got to eat 3 before my youngest two kids devoured them? (And a cup of water, of course.)

Afternoon snacking is essential. I usually try to grab something small, but healthy, like a Larabar (or any other awesome bar.) Fruits, yogurt & nuts are always on hand too. And just like the morning coffee, afternoon tea is a must.

Dinner varies every night, but I always get my veggies in. With these chicken gyros on homemade pita bread, there's no need for a salad. But as always, it's all about portion size folks.

This has to be one of my #1 rules...always indulge. Slightly. It was only a couple bites worth, but this sliver of Chocolate Crumble Bar kept me out of the kitchen come bedtime.

Pretty simple & it works for me. The weight is slowly coming off & I don't feel like I'm depriving myself. Which, according to my thinking, is the key to keeping it off. So if you don't think that a mainstream diet is for you or you are not a calorie counter (I don't think I could ever count calories), just make a few changes & see what happens.

Happy Birthday Paige!

On this day, 7 years ago, I became a mom. It has been the most rewarding experience full of hair pulling (my own of course) I could ever imagine. And I can now say that I know what it feels like to argue with myself. A younger version of myself that is.

I didn't get many pictures today & our evening plans got changed last minute. But it was still her day.

My now 7 year old, Paige.

Birthday Cake Pancakes I got up early to make. My other 2 kiddos loved them too (lumpy icing & all.)

Happy 7th Birthday Paige!!!

Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology

How would you like to give your child's school (or a school close to your heart) a green makeover? Sounds great, doesn't it? Well, I have got some news for you! Influenster has teamed up with Pureology for the Global Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology.

Think big such as flooring from sustainable or recycled materials, or think small like energy efficient lighting & recycling programs. Anything can make a difference in offsetting miscellaneous costs so that the school can have a bigger budget for educational tools & supplies. (That's why I entered my daughters school.)

"When green upgrades are made to a school, water and energy costs can be reduced by as much as 40%. These savings can be channeled back into resources that directly benefit students, such as textbooks, computers and other essentials."

Between now & March 31, 2013 you can submit your entry (you'll need a few pictures also) through Pureology. You can also view ideas for your school & see what last years winning school did with their $75,000. Yes, that's right, the winning school will receive $75,000 & technical assistance to see all plans through to completion. What are you waiting for? Make a difference today!

Thank You for the Makeover

As you can see, there's been a few lot of changes here! And I love them!

Most of the credit (what, I had a few ideas) goes to a friend. Who I suppose will remain nameless unless she tells me otherwise. Which in that case I suppose there will be some editing in the future. But that being said, I'd like to tell her...

Happy New Year!

2012 has been a crazy year! (Don't we tend to say that about every year?) But 2013 can only be better!

Have fun & be safe!

See you next year...

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Smith and Blessings!

Dear Sandy Hook Elementary Parents,

Many thoughts & prayers are all over our nation right now for the families affected by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. 

As a mother of young children (one being a 1st grader), I cannot begin to fathom what these families are going through. My heart aches for these families as if they were old friends, despite the fact that they are indeed strangers who live states away. 

Our nation mourns the loss of young lives today, including President Obama who continuously wiped tears from his eyes while addressing this terrible tragedy. Flags all over the country have been lowered to half staff to show respect & sorrow to the victims. Parents hugged their children a little longer, imagining that this could have very well happened where they live. 

Dear Sandy Hook Elementary Parents,

May you one day find solitude from this unmistakable tragedy. May you know that although your loved one had a life short lived, that life has far exceeded possibilities you could imagine. Your loved one has touched the hearts of people across the country & quite possibly in other parts of the world as well. Someone, somewhere, will make sure that this did not happen in vain. 

Countless strangers mourn with you over your tragic loss. Unable to grasp for words, but wanting to reach out. Like me.  

Endless thoughts, prayers & hugs from NE Ohio