The Urban Homemaker Blog

Category: Family

  • Local Foods to Local Markets

    Do you LOVE Farmer’s Markets and participate in your local market as a producer or a consumer?

    Today I want to talk about ways you can help promote and support your local agricultural economy especially in Colorado.  If passed, Colorado would join nearly 20 other states (plus 5 pending!) who already support cottage industry food production.

    A bill recently introduced in the Colorado Senate would increase consumer access to local fresh and value-added agricultural products by permitting home and community kitchens to easily register to legally produce and sell low-risk foods.

    The goal is to encourage local farmers and small producers as entrepreneurs to spur economic development in Colorado communities.

    Provisions in the bill include:
    • It will allow consumers to purchase these products made with quality ingredients grown by their neighbors and other local farmers.
    • It will benefit our communities by keeping money circulating close to home.
    • It will encourage Coloradans to purchase nutritious food in their communities
    • It will allow local growers to be more profitable by utilizing products left over after market day, seconds, and surplus production
    • It will help local communities achieve self-sufficiency and sustainability
    • It will reduce the number of miles food is transported from farm to fork
    In Colorado and in other states it is now it’s up to us.  We must contact our Senators and Congressman  by phone or email—letters will not arrive in time.
    I would love to hear from those of you in other states who have successfully passed or benefited from similar legislation.
    In Colorado:

    1)  Contact all members of the Senate Agriculture Committee  to voice your support.  Please thank Senator Schwartz in Colorado, the Ag Committee Chair, for crafting/sponsoring this bill.

    2)  The Senate Ag Committee will hear this bill in Denver Thursday, April 28th at 1:30 PM.  If you can testify let Senator Schwartz know.  (Contact info in her email attached below.)  If you want to carpool from the Western Slope, please let me know as well.

  • Child’s Play

    Ed Note:  This article is written by my daughter Laura, a new mother and originally was posted to her blog:   thecoblecolumner. I wish I had been as resourceful as Laura when I was a young mother.  I hope this encourages young moms to enjoy their babies, because babies grow up very quickly!   Reprinted by permission.

    Now that I am no longer working at my job, and I am home with my baby, I find myself wondering “what do I do with a baby?”.  Of course, I know to change his diaper, feed him, give him naps, all the basics.  But other than that, what do you do with a baby?  Job is just about sick of his Exersaucer and there are only so many games of peekaboo that we can play….

    So I went to the library.  The library is my answer to many of life’s problems.  Or rather Amazon is my answer.  I use Amazon to find a book to answer my questions, but then I go to the library (because I’m too poor to buy the book…shhhh…don’t tell Amazon!).  Anyway, I found two books at the library that inspired me on ways to interact with Job, as well as ways to keep him occupied for when I really do to “get something done”!

    The first book is Slow and Steady Get Me Ready by June R. Oberlander.  This book has one educational activity for each week of baby’s life from birth through age 5.  The activities require items that can be pretty much found around your house.  For example, a few weeks ago the activity of the week was to learn about drumming and rhythm.  The instructions were to set two or three different objects in front of the baby (I used a ceramic bowl, a tin pan, and a box), and then put a stick of some sort (I used a wooden spoon) in the baby’s hand with your hand over the baby’s hand.  Practice drumming out a 1-2, 1-2 beat on the various surfaces.  The baby can hear various sounds and feel the vibrations from the different objects being drummed upon as well as be introduced to rhythm.

    The hope is that, by repeating this activity for a few minutes each day, by the end of the week, baby can beat on the surface on his own, possibly even at a 1-2 beat.  Job learned to beat on the box, but only for a few beats and then he preferred to suck on the wooden spoon.  Nonetheless, it was an interesting activity to keep us both engaged for a while.  The book is full of weekly activities to do with your child for just a few minutes each day.

    The other book I checked out at the library was Your Child At Play-Birth to One Year by Marilyn Segal.  This book is packed with interesting and engaging activities to do with your child, or for your child to do on his own.  The book is divided into 12 sections, one for each month.  Some of the activities in the seven month section are “Light Switch Play” (When you put baby down for a nap, allow him to turn off the light and say “light’s out”), “Reflections” (set a mirror, in a safe way, in front of baby and let him interact with his mirror image), and “Yogurt Paint” (dap a little bit of yogurt in front of baby and let him play with the yogurt.  Job had a blast with this one, smearing it around on the table and then sucking on his fingers.).

    There are tons of other activities in the seven month section, as well as in all the other sections.  This books is full of fun ideas to keep baby engaged. The author has a book for age 1, age 2, and age 3-5.  I haven’t looked at these books so I don’t know if they are any good, but I love the first one in the series so hopefully the following books are just as good.

    I found a third book in a bookstore that I found quite worth while called The Complete Daily Curriculum by Pam Schiller and Pat Phipps.  The book is for older kids, so Job is not ready for the activities yet, but he will be soon!  This book is geared for kids age 3-6 and it is written from the perspective of a preschool teacher teaching a whole classroom.  But nearly all of the activities can be used with your own child at home.  The book is very easily laid out, with the first part of the book devoted to themes, such as “The Color Red” or “Teddy Bears”.

    There are six different activities as well as book suggestions to correspond with each theme.  For example, for the theme of “Forest Animals” there are six activities including an art activity to paint a picture of a forest, a dramatic play activity to make stick puppets of various animals (you can use an included pattern), and a game activity to play Forest Animal Concentration (also using an included pattern).  The second half of the book is filled with patterns, games ideas, and songs and rhymes.  While you may not be sitting down with your son or daughter and doing an organized preschool, this book is a great resource to look through for simple ideas to keep your child busy with new and different activities.

    By the way, all of these books are available on Amazon for really cheap prices if you buy a used copy.  I know because…well…I purchased them for myself (and Brandon is eating Mac N’ Cheese for the third time this week), or rather I should say I purchased them for Job;-)

    I know that it is easy to get stuck in a rut, giving your child the same activity over and over again.  But with these three books, or at least the first two for Job’s age, hopefully I can mix things up a bit, stimulate his mind, and give Job and I some fun ways to interact together!  Hope these are helpful to you as well.

    If you have some ways that you interact with your child or some fun ideas to keep your child entertained for a while, please feel free to post them in the comments!  I love new and fresh ideas.  Thanks!

    You can email Laura:   daybyday366@gmail.com

  • Making Bone Broth Video Demonstration

     

    Today I’m going to talk about the time-tested process of making bone broths in your  kitchen to restore your health.

    Today’s busy lifestyles, wide use of antibiotics and nutrient deficient foods have pre-disposed many children and young adults to unhealthy gut health resulting in sinus problems, gluten intolerance, chronic fatigue, arthritis,  allergies, and other degenerative conditions.  Having said that, I remind you I’m not a doctor but I speak based on my own experience and that of others.

    You can easily master the art of making your own bone broths or stocks from leftover chicken, beef, or fish bones.  Add chopped carrot, celery, and onion.  Simmer for 24–72 hours.

    Bone broths are very nourishing to the intestines because they are full of natural gelatin that coats and soothes the gut and contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and other  trace minerals.  View the video for details.  The broths can be made into gravy, soups and stews, or even used as a tonic – type drink.  They are delicious, and thick when properly made.

    For free information, including an emailed list of things you can do to get started with better health, as well as tips, recipes and resources,  click on the
    Reversing Food Allergies On -Line Cooking Class Link .

    The 12 week class includes over 50 video demonstrations, and over 200 recipes.  Class registration goes through April 4 at the discounted price, classes start April 6.  Save $20 with coupon Code HEAL which is good through April 1.  Remember, registration is for life-time access to the materials.  Class schedule is as follows:

    • Lesson 1: Overview & Basics
    • Lesson 2: Detoxifying
    • Lesson 3: Making Stock
    • Lesson 4: Fermented Foods
    • Lesson 5: Soups & Stews
    • Lesson 6: Breakfasts
    • Lesson 7: Lunches
    • Lesson 8: Dinners – Poultry & Pork
    • Lesson 9: Dinners – Beef & Lamb
    • Lesson 10: Dinners – Seafood
    • Lesson 11: Appetizers, Snacks & Side Dishes
    • Lesson 12: Desserts

    Bonus Video:  How to Make Ghee – Free of allergens such as milk solids and lactose and safe for dairy intolerant individuals.

    Register for the 12 Week Reversing Food Allergies Class Here.

    Disclaimer: While I can’t guarantee your food allergies will be reversed by mastering the art of traditional cooking methods, I do believe your health will be improved.

    Disclosure: http://cmp.ly/5

  • New Give-Away – Shower Filter

    Multi-Pure Shower Filter – $59.95 Retail Value

    This Give-Away is now closed.  The winner is #29 Debbie.  Please email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com to claim your prize.

    I  have been talking about the health benefits of drinking pure filtered water for nearly 20 years.   Most municipal water sources contain chlorine or chloramines, inorganic pesticides/herbicides, and, worst of all, tri-halomethanes, also known as chlorine disinfection by-products which are known carcinogens.

    But sometimes I forget that more harmful chlorine, an inorganic substance that chemically bonds to your skin and hair,  enters the body through one average shower than through drinking  8 or more glasses of unfiltered water.  YIKES, this is not healthy over the long term for kidneys or liver – our only body de-toxification organs that are not easily replaced!

    Not only that, chlorine wreaks havoc on hair, skin, and scalp causing dry, itchy skin.  When I started filtering my shower water years ago, my need to apply regular moisturizers after each shower vanished.  I was quite surprised at the difference in my skin in a very short period of time.

    The Multi-Pure shower filter reduces chlorine with a specially formulated KDF filter.  If you want to protect small children taking baths from chlorine consider the Crystal Bath Experience – bath balls remove chlorine for about a year of baths.

    There are up to five ways to enter the contest!

    You get one contest entry for each of the following steps you take and you post that you did it in  the comments section of this blog page below:

    1.  Post this article to your Facebook page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.

    2.  Post this article to your Twitter page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.

    3.  Sign up for receiving The Urban Homemaker blog posts by email above, and tell me you did so below in the comments.

    4.  Mention this contest in your blog posting and link back to this page and post your blog link in the comments section below.

    5.  Sign up to receive The Urban Homemaker Enewsletter and confirm your subscription, and tell me you did so below in the comments.

    Please tell your friends! This contest will end March 30.

  • It’s Possible to Reverse Food Allergies – read on

    Reversing Food Allergies

    Tired of living with gluten intolerance, dairy sensitivites, arthritis, eczema, and children with learning disabilities? Until now, I didn’t know there was a scientifically based diet that does more than control allergies by food avoidance, but actually reverses allergies and other health problems by healing the gut. I know many readers will be excited to, at last, find an on-line, in depth class with videos and recipes that will show you how to actually REVERSE ALLERGIES.

    My friend, Ann Marie Michaels, owner of Cheeseslave.com has put together a class based on what she learned with her own severe health problems diagnosed when she was only 25. You see, fifteen years ago, she was diagnosed with rhumatoid arthritis, sinus problems, chronic fatigue and other health issues. That led her on a journey to get better through diet instead of medications.

    In two years she was healed enough that she now enjoys vibrant health and she even eats occasional foods like chocolate chip cookies, pizza, and ice cream without any reaction because she restored her health through a diet regime and therapeutic grade pro-biotics.

    It has always intrigued me to think that dietary changes could make a significant impact on improving health and well-being but now there is hope that allergies can actually be reversed, permanently. Truthfully, I wouldn’t really know where to start if I was facing this choice, so a 12 week class to “hold my hand”, complete with video tutorials, and tried and true recipes that cost less than a doctor appointment and prescription medications sounds like an good option to me.

    This class is based on the book, The Gut & Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride also known as the GAPS diet. The regime is based on the Specific Carbohydrates Diet originally created by Dr. Sidney Valentine Haas.

    If you and your family are being led to try diet to address health problems, this class will teach:

    • How to heal and seal your gut — improving digestion and nutrient absorption
    • How to make kid-friendly chicken nuggets — grain-free!
    • How to make homemade stocks that help to heal the gut lining
    • How to make fermented foods that provide beneficial bacteria that will rebuild your digestive tract
    • How to make delicious, yet legal desserts, from chocolate ice cream to birthday cake with colored frosting
    • How to save money on food by buying in bulk and cooking from scratch
    • How to save time and effort in the kitchen — She’ll teach you her tricks!

    In the 12 weeks of online classes you will get:

    • 50 Video Tutorials
    • Over 200 Printable Recipes!
    • Lifetime Access to the classes
    • Online Support Forum for Members Only

    Ann Marie is offering a $20.00 discount by using coupon code HEAL through March 28, 2011.

    For detailed  information, details, and registration go here:

  • Prepared or Paranoid? – Eyewitness report from Japan

    Ed Note:  I received the following eyewitness perspective from  Navy wife Tanya, living about 240 miles from the nuclear site.  I found Tanya’s perspective refreshing and encouraging as she and her family are learning to live with drastically less power and water in the aftermath of the earthquake.  I hope you will glean perspective and helpful tips as you consider what preparing for the future with an Almighty God still firmly in control will look like for your family.  Marilyn Moll

    Dear Marilyn,

    The Wisdom to Prepare.  I think sometimes it’s a fine line between prepared and paranoia. Both are reigning at the moment.
    We are in Misawa, Japan. We are 232 miles from the nuclear facility that’s on the verge of meltdown. Yet we’re not panicking (well, some people are, we’re not) while folks in the states are going ballistic buying iodine pills, which can actually harm you if you take too much, and really only protects your thyroid from radiation poisoning (other organs are still at risk).

    Some people are arming themselves not with wisdom and information, but fear and paranoia.

    There is also only so much you can prepare for, and if you try to “prepare” for the future by thinking of every possibility, you start to leave the realm of the first P (Prepared) and enter the realm of the second P (Paranoid), because once you start thinking of all the “But what ifs” it becomes overwhelming.

    We have, for months now, been starting to practice meal planning, freezer cooking, grinding our own grain and baking our own bread, etc. But even that has it’s drawbacks. We are military, but live off base in a house out in town. Our stove is propane gas. So when we lost power for 2 days following the earthquake, we could use the stove by manually lighting the burners. But the stove electronically controls the oven, so we couldn’t bake.

    Most freezer meals require an oven to cook, so we were considering creative options, like dumping the lasagna in an aluminum pan and firing up the charcoal grill. Not only that, since we had no power, the freezer was no longer any use. My husband bought me a water bath canner but I haven’t had an opportunity to use it yet.

    That’s what I  mean: prepare for the future how?  What if I HAD a rack of canned goods that then got knocked over and broken in a huge earthquake? What good is that then? I don’t often see pictures of home canned goods with padding or bungee cords protecting them, so are those people really “prepared”?  You simply can’t predict/prepare for every possibility. (emphasis mine.)

    As far as grinding our own grain, I fortunately had just baked 6 loaves of bread. But if we lose power again, I’ll have to resort to store bought flour, and have to knead it by hand. Fortunately, I’ve done that in the past, before I got the Bosch mixer, so I’m not a stranger to that method. I think that’s the most important thing people can do to prepare for a disaster: learn these skills. (Ed Note:  The Urban Homemaker has always used the tagline:   “old-fashioned skills for contemporary people.”)

    That doesn’t mean, become a homesteader and live off the grid. That’s not for everyone–heck, it’s not even for ME! I’ve been watching “Homesteading for Beginners”, and while there are great tips and helps, just watching it makes me realize I could never do that as a lifestyle. But I want to at least try my hand at some things so I KNOW I can carry my family through anything.

    Right now our town has for the most part escaped any serious damage–no deaths or injuries, that I’m aware of. The harbor was hit by a small tsunami, and the fishery was wiped out, but no lives. But the base is running on limited power (for the record, the Fukushima power plant is NOT the only one, though the media seems to be implying that, there are over 50, and only that one was damaged; however, they all shut off when the earthquake hit as precaution, and  now they have to refire them up slowly), we are being asked out in town to conserve as much as possible.

    Fuel is scarce and being rationed (but my husband has an extracycle, so he’s OK; I have 4 kids, but we’ll just have to limit van trips to absolute emergency).  Propane is running out (that’s how our stove runs). The kerosene distribution center–that’s how, off base, we get heat (for the house, water, dryer, etc)–is in Hachinohe, which was hit by tsunami (you can youtube video of it), and the tanks got water in them, and it’s anyone’s guess when we’ll get more. In other words, whatever little kerosene is in our home tank is all we have until who knows when. So we keep all heat off, boil water for dishes (but that uses propane), one bath a week for the kids, etc. I’m considering line drying clothes inside, but we just had another huge snowfall so it’s cold even inside.


    Anyway, I think this was a very timely article you wrote, and so true–only the wisdom of God can prepare us in the way that is most important for any disaster.

    Our kids have been pretty upset by the non-stop aftershocks, but they are getting better every day. Because every day we remind them that nothing has happened to them yet, and that’s because God protected us, and God will continue to look after us. He’s the only real preparation, because He gives us the peace to calmly make the decisions that will get us through. Thank you again for your work.


    God Bless,


    Tanya Stone
    Navy Spouse
    Misawa-shi, Aomori, Japan
    PS–I made a batch of your pancake/waffle mix recipe. We’ve used it twice already, and I think I’ll make more today since we can use our electric griddle. Thanks!

    Ed Note: There you have it dear readers – read, glean, learn, and pray for the people in Japan to have the wisdom of God to do the next thing.

  • Wisdom to Prepare

    In my newsletter I usually talk about steps to practical preparedness like food storage etc.  Today I talk about the spiritual side of preparedness.  I hope you will read on and share your thoughts with me!

    Proverbs 21:20 says:  “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”  Obviously, no amount of  food, fuel, and other tangible types of preparedness items would have protected those who found themselves in the direct path of the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami which hit the northeastern coast of Japan.  Nevertheless, I do think we can prepare ourselves and our children for whatever difficulties arise in our future by broadening our understanding of the wisdom required to prepare.

    We are reminded in Proverbs 21:30,  “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.”

    As your family prayerfully considers in what ways you will prepare for the future both physically also consider spiritual preparation.   Let’s start with the  Webster’s 1828 Dictionary definiton of  wisdom:

    “The right use or exercise of knowledge; the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper, and useful…   It is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom exercises sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Sincere and uniform obedience to God’s commands.”

    You already have probably read up on  what preparedness “experts” will tell you to do such as how much grain, oil, honey, salt, fruits and vegetables to store per person. They may also recommend  that you  have a fuel and a generator, etc, but ultimately, wise  preparations must be based less on the wise formulas of experts, but  more on the obedience to the clear direction of God through his word and through the leading of the holy spirit.

    The answer for your family may not be instantaneous but shown to you step by step, day by day as you prayerfully walk with God daily.  I have had several experiences lately, when the right course of action was shown to me only moments ahead of when I needed to take action.

    I have also been reminded over and over, in the recent months, by that still small voice, to ask myself, “Is this thought, idea, or course of action based on fear or faith?”

    I believe this simple question helps me exercise sound judgment and to better determine what is best  (wisdom) because I know how easily I can be “driven” to a course of action by the prevailing winds rather than “led” to the best, or wise path by  the still small voice of God.

    Now don’t think I have this walk with God in  day by day obedience mastered, but I can say I am growing in the ability to discern by determining if there is a spirit of peace rather than a spirit of torment that comes into my mind and heart  behind a particular thought or plan of action.

    I am learning to live more in the present with a step by step dependence on God each day which helps me move forward in peace on a daily basis.   I believe this daily walk is the beginning of the  supernatural wisdom that will carry us through the difficult days ahead.

    I would love to hear your thoughts on the wisdom required to prepare for the future.  Please email me: marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com.

  • Easy Pancake and Waffle Mix

    In the Heart of The Urban Homemaker newsletter we have been talking about food storage and building a pantry.  The following recipe for pancake mix is a good example of how easy it is to put together good quality basic ingredients to make your own convenience mixes.

    Quick Mix Pancake and Waffle Mix

    8 Cups whole wheat pastry flour (packed if freshly milled) or other whole grain flour *
    4 tsp salt
    7 Tbsp baking powder
    1/2 cup Sucanat or brown sugar
    2 2/3 Cup dry milk powder

    Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.  Store in a zipper-top freezer bag or other freezer container.  Be sure to label the contents and include the recipe for making up the pancakes.

    *  Do not substitute hard winter wheat for pastry flour.  The pancakes will be heavy and dense.  Be sure to “pack” pastry flour into a measuring cup if it is freshly milled to get accurate measurements.

    Making Pancakes or Waffles

    1/3 cup oil, butter, or coconut oil

    3 cups Pancake Mix (above)

    2 Eggs

    1 2/3 Cups water

    Put all ingredients into a blender or large mixing bowl. Blend or stir until well mixed. Batter should be more thin than thick, adjust liquids if necessary so batter will be pourable.

    Heat the griddle to medium hot. Make pancake size as desired. When the top of the pancake is bubbly, flip to the other side. Serve with syrup, honey, apple butter, fruit syrup, fresh fruit or other topping of choice.

    Spiced Apple Pancake or Waffle Topping

    3 apples, peeled, thinly or reconstitute dried apples so you have 3 cups

    1/2 tsp cinnamon

    1/4 tsp cloves

    1/4 tsp nutmeg

    1/2 cup Sucanat, date sugar, or regular sugar

    1/2 cup water or apple juice

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients until the mixture reduces.  This will be about 15 minutes.  You can add 1/2 cup brown sugar until it is dissolved, if desired.  Ladle the warm topping over pancakes or waffles and enjoy!

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  • What’s for Dinner? Curried Hamburger

    This is what we had for lunch at Mentoring Moms the other day.

    Everyone asked for the recipe because it is so easy and delicious.

    This dish is also known as Pakistani Kima and is adapted from the More-With-Less Cookbook and everyone loved it.  Yummy!

    A quick and easy hamburger curry the whole family will love.  Great use for leftover baked potatoes.

    Saute in a skillet:

    3 Tbsp coconut oil or butter

    1 Cup onion, chopped

    Brown 1 lb of hamburger or ground meat with the onion mixture

    Stir in:

    1 Tbsp curry powder

    1 1/2 tsp salt

    dash pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, (cayenne if you like hot and spicy)

    1 clove garlic, minced

    1 – 14 oz can diced tomato or 2 Cups tomato

    2 – potatoes,  diced

    Cover the mixture and simmer for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

    Add 2 cups petite peas or cut green beans. Heat through.  Serve with brown rice.

    Garnishes: (Optional)

    Diced green onions, or chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced cashews

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  • Give Away: Magnet Ball and Ultra Power Plus Combo

    magnet-balllaundry-detergent_th_3

     

     

     

     

     

    Give Away:  Magnet Ball and Ultra Power Plus Combo – $64.98 Retail Value is now closed.

    The winner is  entry #3:  Janet Van der Kooi.  Janet please contact me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com to claim your prize.

    The Magnet Ball softens hard water without the use of any chemicals or other consumable products.  Softened water will enable you to cut the amount of detergent needed by 50% in your washing machine or your dishwasher.  The magnet ball will eliminate mineral deposit build up on appliances, clothes, and dishes.  If you use this in your dishwasher it eliminates the need for a rinse agent.  This product has a five year warranty.  I’m on year three with my magnet ball and it does fantastically in my dishwasher.

    Ultra Power Plus is filler free and unscented and will not leave any residue in your clothing.  It has superior stain removing properties, whitens whites, brightens colored fabrics, cuts through grease.  Since this detergent is ultra concentrated you only use 1 tsp of detergent for a front  loader or 1 Tbsp for a top loading washer.  Use it with the Magnet ball in a top loading washer and you can cut the amount of detergent needed some more.  You will get at least 140 loads at a cost of about 15 cents per load in a top loader and 3 times as many loads in a Front Loader.

    I also use Ultra Power Plus as my stain remover by dissolving 1 Tbsp in 1/2 Cup of  water and spraying it on stains before laundering.

    Here is how to participate in future Urban Homemaker Contests.

    This contest will end Monday March 7, 2011 and the winner announced on March 8.

    There are up to five ways to enter the contest!

    You get one contest entry for each of the following steps you take and you post that you did it in  the comments section of this blog page below:

    1.  Post this article to your Facebook page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.

    2.  Post this article to your Twitter page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.

    3.  Sign up for receiving The Urban Homemaker blog posts by email above, and tell me you did so below in the comments.

    4.  Mention this contest in your blog posting and link back to this page and post your blog link in the comments section below.

    5.  Sign up to receive The Urban Homemaker Enewsletter, and tell me you did so below in the comments.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome