Beautiful Calling

(I thought for sure I had taken a picture of our chicken but I guess we only got a picture of us making it. Sorry about that LOL. At least she’s cute right?!)

• Chicken Breasts, Legs or Thighs (Bone In!)
• Buttermilk or Milk
• 2 Cups Flour
• 1 Tbsp Salt
• 1 Tbsp Pepper
• Vegetable Oil

Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with milk or buttermilk, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 deg F

Combine dry ingredients. Take chicken out of milk and coat thoroughly.

Pour oil into a stockpot (about an inch deep – the oil, not the pot) and heat until 360 deg F.

Fry chicken for about 3 minutes per side or until light golden brown. Work in batches, do not crowd.

Remove chicken, place on baking rack on top of cookie sheet and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until done.

Serve with country gravy or sweet and sour sauce!

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On Saturday Chloe and I attended the 3rd Annual Kids Can Fly Storybook Breakfast with friends. This was the first time I had ever heard of it but we had a great time despite what the pictures of Chloe tell you!

We had pancakes, sausages, fruit and juice for breakfast. When we arrived, we were escorted to our table by Snow White. Chloe was very shy about it all, though she does enjoy Snow White. Each table had a book theme complete with decorations. Chloe got to choose which character to have her photo professionally taken with. She was torn between Snow White, Cinderella or Max. She went with Snow White. They also handed out little notebooks for the children to be able to get “autographs” from their favorite characters. It was adorable to watch her shyly give the Bernstein Bears a high five.

Chloe had a wonderful time, enjoyed plenty of dancing with her friends and received a new book as well. It is The Snow Storm from Usborne (and I love their books!). She was most excited about this because she loves books and enjoys reading! Thanks Carm, for inviting us!

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I was excited to have the opportunity to review some products from Fresh Organics. I received these a while back and have used them over the course of 6 weeks. While my usual product testing period is usually about 4 weeks, with skin care I decided it needed to be longer. I’ll share why in a moment.

Organic Baby Travel Pack

This pack contains travel sizes of all your baby essential needs. Since they were a travel size, I used the products sparingly so that they would last the 6 week+ trial period with regular use. I should add in here that the travel sizes are pretty generous though (50ml). John is a messy eater who loves to put food in his hair (why?!?!) so the littles bathe every second day. I know some bathe their littles every day but with their sensitive skin and Chloe’s extreme eczema that wouldn’t be a good idea for us.

Calming Bubble Bath: I was very happy with the bubble bath, though using it sparingly resulted in few bubbles. It did,  however, produce a bubbly foam which lasted. I imagine, had I used a little more in the baths, I would have had some decent bubbles. Generally, I don’t put anything in the water (concern over ingredients!) so this was a treat for them indeed. I just love the scent of it; a combination of sweet and citrusy but not at all strong! 

Conditioning Shampoo & Wash: I was happy that the shampoo and wash were one and the same which simplifies things. It didn’t appear to irritate their eyes at all during washing and lathered up well even when using a small amount. Afterwards, I didn’t find Chloe’s hair tangly which was a real treat!

Velvety Soft Babee Lotion: The body lotion wasn’t greasy, had a nice scent (almost too subtle) and was fast absorbing. It didn’t make a dent in Chloe’s extreme eczema but then very few things do. John has sensitive skin, a little on the dry side (but no eczema) so it worked well for him, keeping him nice and soft with the tiniest of scents to make him even more cuddle-able!

Soothing Bottom Balm: Using cloth diapers on both my littles, diaper rash or red bottoms are few and far between. Sometimes, after a heavy wet at night, John might be a little red in the morning and the bottom balm worked well for that. It’s scent was almost non-existent and the texture more of a heavy cream rather than an ointment or balm. I really liked it because it was easy to apply and fast absorbing. Not greasy or pasty at all.

The Bottom Line: I would give these products 5 stars and would definitely buy all of these, especially the bubble bath. There were no reactions to any of their products by either of my little ones. After extended use (6 weeks) there were no adverse affects such as drying of the skin from the wash. While none of the products seemed to improve Chloe’s eczema, that wasn’t surprising to me since during the winter months it is very severe. I consider it a great product that didn’t irritate or further dry the skin. With John, his little baby skin seemed sweeter smelling and softer after the 6 weeks. The best thing? Knowing it is certified organic, hypo-allergic  and allergen free!

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Pomegranate Fig Bubble Bath Petals

When Fresh Organics first offered to send me these, I declined because my passion is finding and sharing great baby/tot products. When they offered to send me them in addition to the baby line and told me that they were safe for tot skin too, I agreed, feeling neutral about them.

First off, I am a bath person at heart. In my pre-baby days I would indulge in decadent baths several times a week…usually with a book. Now that I have littles, I treat myself to a bath now and then but usually use the time they are asleep for something more productive (like blogging LOL).  These pictures are of my first experience with these petals. After using them, I love them!

The Scent: While the name Pomegranate Fig didn’t do anything for me and the initial smell of the jar was overpowering, once you have them sprinkled in your bath, honestly, they have the most amazingly relaxing scent. It is like being at a spa. The are just the right potency and inhaling the scent is pure *bliss*!

What Are They: They are petals and leaves that disintegrate in your bath water. They are pretty and, you know, it is often the presentation that helps set the mood. They’re beautiful and sprinkling them in my bath just feels indulgent. You need just a handful and the jar they come in in is packed down and brimming. I’ve had many baths in the past 6 weeks and my jar is still 3/4 full! They left my skin feeling soft, silky and slightly scented.  If you are wondering about bubbles, I chose to just have them “melt” around me but if you put them in the bath under running water, you can have bubbly bubbles.

For Moms and Tots: The big seller for me? No scary chemicals means that not only are they safe for mommy to indulge but also for baby! I know many moms consider their bath time to be “mommy’s alone time” and at times mine is but often it is also a time to hold, snuggle, play with and nurse my baby. These are perfect for that. They are also perfect if you have a little girl who loves pink, flowers, baths is old enough to get “don’t eat them!”. Chloe is 3 and was just in a magical fairyland when I allowed her to have some in her bath. Again, both my littles have problem skin but had no problems with these petals!

About Fresh Organics

The company was started by parents who were concerned about the amount of ‘hidden’ chemicals in baby products. They had a little one who ad sensitive skin as well as allergies and they wanted to meet his needs and help other parents do the same for their little ones. They now carry products for the whole family along with many household products.

For this reason, the bedrock of our principles is to ensure that any product we make or sell is 100% safe for long term use by any age person, from newborn up.  Principles

BUY IT

They are having a big sale on in honor of their new site design. Take advantage of shipping specials during the month of February along with discounted prices!

WIN IT

Fresh Organics has offered one winner TWO of the travel packs I received. These make great “trial” packs if you want to confirm their complete line is compatible with your baby. They make amazing baby shower gifts and of course, having one of these makes sure that your baby is still using the best, even when you are away from home!

To Enter:

1. Visit Fresh Organics and leave a comment with something that you use or would like to use.
2. Subscribe via RSS to Beautiful Calling
3. Subscribe via email to Beautiful Calling
4. Follow Fresh Organics’ Blog
5. Grab my Button
6. Grab Fresh Organics’ Button
7. Become a Facebook Fan
8. Make a purchase from Fresh Organics (5 Entries)

• Ends Feb 19, 2010
• Open to Canada & USA

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If you were hoping to read a post about how to get it together, you will be disappointed. This post is more about “getting it” together; an invitation to join me as I (once again!) embark on that journey. Let me explain!

Every so often, I really do feel that I have it all together. I’m sure you do too. You look around and find that your home is mostly in order, your to-do list is relatively small, your days have fallen into a routine, you’ve mostly figured out how to juggle all the responsibly you have. We do that, smiling to ourselves…and then **bang** a new ball is tossed our way. While we may have graduated from the beginners class at juggling school, this new ball throws us off.

I’m sure some of you are nodding right now. You know just what I am talking about! For those of you who are scratching your heads thinking, “she went to juggling school?” I didn’t really. It’s my sad attempt at an analogy.

Anyway, life is running smoothly and then you:

• Change jobs
• Move
• Get married
• Have a baby
• Experience a loss
• Move to a different phase in life
• Or your little (and not so little) ones move to a different phase in life
• You accept new responsibilities
• Your finances change
• and the list goes on…and on…and on..

Suddenly, (back to the juggling analogy) with that new ball thrown at you, you’ve either

1. Caught it no problem and are expertly managing just dandy or
2. You’ve dropped them all and are looking around, bewildered and wondering how to get back into the game or
3. You caught it but you’re precariously throwing the balls with no sense of rhythm and are in danger of dropping them all.

I’m number three. After John was born in the summer of 2008, it took me a while to get back into a routine and adjust to being a mom of two. I did find my groove though. As the little ones grew and I accepted different responsibilities and tasks, my routine changed as well and I embraced it. I’m not sure what happened in the past several weeks but suddenly I find myself with new opportunities, responsibilities and tasks but no routine, no plan and I’m starting to flounder…

Step One – STOP

Stop. Don’t run in circles, or paralyze yourself with defeating thoughts. Just stop. Breathe. Have a nap, go for a walk, eat some chocolate, pray, read your bible or a good book. If you have littles, utilize nap time for yourself or snuggle up with them and read.  When you get too busy, your calendar and to-do list too full, sometimes it is easy to become overwhelmed and defeated. Take a break. I’m not saying a long one but give yourself permission to just stop. Whether it is 10 minutes or a whole afternoon just do something nice.

Step Two – EMPTY YOUR HEAD

Brain Dump. No idea whose idea this was originally but it isn’t mine I’m sure. I think I heard it for the first time listening to the workshop tapes from Graceworks though I think it was called something else. Anyway, write a list of everything that is in your head. Write down your grocery store shopping list, upcoming doctor visits, birthdays, your daily household duties, the tasks your husband asked you to get done this week, the commitments you made for church…absolutely everything! Don’t worry about rhyme or reason. We’ll sort it out later. And keep that list handy and  running. Often as we go about our days, something else will come to mind. Add it to the list too!

Step Three – FILL YOUR HEART

When things get hectic and crazy, often devotions are the first thing on the chopping block because we (me!) don’t have time but the truth is we don’t have time not to! While we (I) will eventually share more of what my schedule will look like and how I will (Lord-willing!) get everything done that I need to, for now we want to empty our heads (step 2) and fill our hearts. The first thing to make sure is that I start my day with quiet time. Now I say start but my day always starts before I have quiet time, I just try not to let it move on too much before I sit, pray and read my bible. I am not one of those who can get up before my family to have my alone time with the Lord. It is something that I always aspired to and felt guilty about not accomplishing because that is what good Christian wives and mothers do isn’t it? Well, that may be what good Christians do but often real mothers just can’t get quiet time first. (Side note: Passionate Housewives Desperate for God is a must-read that talks about this!) Most times my quiet time isn’t as quiet as I would like or as long as I’d hoped or as alone as I’d like. But that is my season. God can (and does!) use every little bit of my time that I commit to him. A bonus? My little ones witness first hand their mommy spending time with the Lord. Some mornings I shower, get Chloe and I dressed and then have some QT but other mornings, depending on John, it may not be until after breakfast. I always most days try to get it in ASAP. As I seek to bring back the elusive order and routine, I will first seek Him!

That’s it for this week folks. Take a little break and make a list. Make the Lord a priority this week. We can do that can’t we? I’d love to hear how and when you have quiet time!

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Do you have a tune-up you are working on or completed? Link up (directly to your post) or share a comment! If you could mention TUT and link back so others can join in too, that would be appreciated!

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Last week I was sick. I’m not always a good mother when I get sick. Well, I know I am lacking in may areas even when I am not sick but when I am sick, it isn’t always pretty. I sometimes get grumpy, impatient and snappish. I get behind in my tasks, I look around, overwhelmed.

Life in the trenches isn’t always pretty. Family is made up of individuals who all have different personalities. People get sick. Life with littles is messy; runny noses, dirty diapers, potty-training disasters, toilet overflows and the list goes on. My heart went out to Beth when I read of her diaper disaster.

We’ve all been there. Sometimes it doesn’t feel beautiful…but it is!

Each day we have amazing and beautiful opportunities to pour our love out on our families; to serve them. They aren’t necessarily glamorous and they’re not always recognized by others. Some of these “opportunities” are not ones we would choose ourselves or the timing of the “opportunity” may really stink but our attitude determines it all. Our calling, as wives and mothers, becomes beautiful to us when we embrace those opportunities with arms open.

Thank you, Lord, for my family. Help me to embrace all these moments You’ve given me, even ‘those’ moments I’d rather not have.

• This post is part of 30 Minute Challenge

I love to read! While I have a ton of great books on my reading list for the year, I didn’t include a single fiction book! Why? Because there are tons of fiction books out there and since I have limited reading time, I want to make sure I pick a good one. I usually go into our local Christian store and peruse the shelf, reading not only the back but random snippets throughout the book or else I make my selection based on  recommendations from a friend.

I hope that you will consider any reviews that you find here at Beautiful Calling to simply be a shared conversation between friends.

Who is Julie Klassen? She’s a fiction writer with a background in advertising. She has loved writing since she was a child had has published three books thus far. All historical fiction. She and her husband live near St. Paul, MN. She is a mother of two.

“I was asked recently why Regency-period novels remain popular, and I think it is because its characters are so noble. Restrained by a high moral code and the rules of polite society, they must overcome obstacles of class, situation, and misunderstanding to gain what we all long for—true love.”

Julie’s Official Web Home

The Silent Governess is a well written historical Christian romance and is just up my alley. I will be careful not to spoil the ending but I will say that it ends happily. When I escape to the land of fiction, that is an important factor for me. While many books often start out slowly, developing the characters at the onset, Julie just dives right in and you are immediately involved in the story. A lot happens during the first few chapters and I loved it! She does a great job of developing the characters through the story, events, their speech and actions. I feel that I know them; I have empathy, sympathy, excitement, and concern along with them and for them. They became my friends.

“Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his.

But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything–his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.

He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.”

Baker Publishing

I thought the book was a great length at 438 pages I felt like I really got a story. I picked up this book and then had a hard time putting it back down again. This can be a good thing or a bad thing I was anxious to get to the end, to know how it would all turn out. Yet, when I arrived there, it was kind of a disappointment. Not the ending itself, but disappointed that the book was over. I was caught up in their lives; they were so real to me and now the friendship was over.  It’s hard to explain. Does anyone else ever get that feeling? You know it is a good book when you feel that way!

The book had just enough. Just enough trials, just enough  adventure, just enough opposition, just enough romance. I thought it was beautifully balanced which makes for a great read!

I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t more to the characters “finding God” near the end and would have liked the plan of salvation presented though I suppose it was written the way it was to appeal to a larger audience regardless of denomination. That is the only thing I would change.

My Verdict? Rush out and buy it or better yet, Buy It Now though my Amazon Affiliate Link.  It is well worth your time and money! I loved the Silent Governess by Julie Klassen. Based on my experience with the Silent Governess, I definitely want to read the other books written by Julie.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller. Thank you to Graf-Martin for the book for review.

Well, it’s been a while hasn’t it? The the blogging changes, then a busy week with the missions conference amongst other things, I’ve just not been around lately.

One of those other things? I’m officially an Epicure Consultant! Hurray for me. I’m really excited and I wanted to share a little about it with you.

What is Victorian Epicure?

Victorian Epicure is a 100% Canadian family-owned company dedicated to providing high quality food products to help families prepare delicious, healthy meals that are quick and easy to prepare. It all started with a mother filling a need for her family.

As a working mother, I longed to spend more time with my young family and provide them with delicious, nutritious meals that were quick and easy to prepare.

Dissatisfied with what the market offered, I created my own spice blends, quickly developing a passion for this ancient art. The overwhelming popularity of my products and easy recipe ideas at local fairs and consumer trade shows soon prompted the creation of Epicure Selections®, allowing me to share my success with Independent Epicure Consultants across Canada.

Today, Epicure continues to offer the highest quality food products made by Canadians for Canadians, with authenticity, integrity, love and care.            Epicure Website

What do they Sell?  

The company now offers a fantastic line of products such as:

• Spice Combinations
• Dip Mixes
• Teas
• Baking Supplies
• Cookbooks
• Kitchenware
• Home & Body Care
• Dressings, Marinades and Rubs!

Many of these items are:

• Low or No Sodium
• Gluten-Free
• Healthier
• No Additives
• No added MSG

Where to Buy:

These products are available in Canada. You can purchase directly through me or online at Victorian Epicure (be sure to mention Jennifer VanderPloeg as your consultant at checkout!). In either case, you can have your order shipped anywhere in Canada!

Let’s Party!

If you live in the Brantford, Hamilton, Simcoe or Cambridge area, I am having a Launch Party this Friday night. Please contact me for details if you’d like to come. Lots of prizes, food and fun!

If you are within an hour of Brantford, ON – why not book your own party? It is easy, fun and you can EARN lots of free products. Book in February because I have some extra special incentives!

A little post to test and make sure that Bullets and Numbers are indented

Bullet Test

• Bullet One
• Bullet Two

Number test

1. Number 1
2. Number 2

Good morning to all! I am here. It probably doesn’t look any different to you but Beautiful Calling is now on WordPress rather than Blogger. Katie of Flibby Pie was awesome to work with, was able to make exactly what I had work in WordPress and happily worked out all the other little changes that I requested. And when I accidently somehow made it all disappear, she was a genius and fixed it again. I am doing a little {happy dance} this morning.

If you are looking for a whole new look, a transition or just a little something like a new header or a button, Katie is your girl!!

I still have to organize a little bit and tweak my categories etc. and also get the pages (Media, Store, About Me) back up but I have a day to start with my littles so it wll have to wait…

While waiting for this transition, my posting has been sort of quiet. It will probably still be quiet for the next few days since we have a Missions Conference at our church this week. We have Dr. Sisk speaking and last night after the message, I was in tears. He is an amazing speaker and I felt the Lord speaking to me through him last night! I am very excited about tonight too. You can check out the Bethel Baptist Church Live Stream Audio at 7:00pm tonight if you want to be a part of it where you are. I don’t know if last night’s audio is up yet but when is, I encourage you to listen to it. I will share the highlights in the next week for sure.

This marks the end of my first post in WordPress. Let’s post it and see how it goes!