Adventures in Cooking

As you all know, the Ronfeldt family (which is now just Ron and myself) have been changing our eating habits over the last few years. We've been cutting sugar and processed foods from our diet (except, of course, Wimmers hotdogs).

What started as a work project has turned into a fun project. Guess what. I love finding new healthy recipes and cooking. Please notice I said cooking, not baking. Two completely different tasks; one fun and the other torture.

I have always enjoyed preparing a meal for others and now I feel inspired. I try to find a new recipe every week or so to try on Ron. Tonight it was a Puerto Rican dish; camarones enchilados. Shrimp in a zesty tomato sauce with cilantro and avocados on whole wheat tortillas. We both thought it was quite tasty, so it will be a "keeper".

Not all new recipes have been successes. I still can't get the taste out of my mouth from the "Basil Pork Chops". I haven't used basil since.

My point is don't make your evening meal just something to get over with; make it an event to share with family. I know today's families are overbooked with activities, but please try to make an effort for this one time of day you are sitting down, all together, looking at each and not the T.V. and reconnecting.

Your kids will thank you some day for the memories.

(Picture from Real Simple magazine, Yolanda Ramos recipe, May issue)

Guilty Pleasure.

Forgive Mother Earth, for I have sinned.

I've been trying so hard to save you, our bodies and minds.

Ron and I started about 3 years ago to get back to the basic of healthy living. We have cut out almost 90% of processed food. I worked to find new recipes to utilize all the basic food groups. Plus, we always recycle. We feel fulfilled and a little superior to those who take the fast food route.

But, I have a confession to make.

We love burned Wimmer hotdogs. Yes, I said it and I feel the weigh of shame already lifting from me.

Every so often in the summertime, we indulge: Grilled burned Wimmer hotdogs (they have to Wimmers, or no deal), Bushes Original Baked Beans and Lays' Potato Chips. I refuse to look at the ingredients - it would spoil the moment.

So, am I a hypocrite? Please say "no". I'm trying to be honest here, and I need to get this off my chest.

I guess what I'm trying to say is "I'm trying". I believe we need to lead a more organic life; the planet's future is in our hands. I do want pecticides, antibodies and hormores out of our lifes. But, occasionally, I backslide.

I'll try to do better after the grilling season is over.

My project.

About 5 years ago I bought one of the buildings on the square of Harlan, Iowa, my home town. I rented the first floor with plans to renovate the upstairs, which had been vacate for over 50 years. I've been doing a little every year.

I've certainly had an educate on restoring and renovations. Just like my business of Rubi J, I'm learning as I go. This weekend I'm been putting sealer on the pine ceiling. Up and down the ladder; "wax on, wax off". My legs, neck and back need Mr. Miyagi to apply his healing hands to me.

But, believe it or not, I do enjoy this; although my mind wanders as I apply the dripping sealant.

I think in terms of movies and movie slang. Hey, someone could make a movie about this: "The Karate Grandma falls into The Money Pit". But who would play me in this blockbuster?

Imogene Coca is out. She has passed away. Bless her, I know she would have been happy for a job since her character died in Animal House Vacation.

And Mick Jagger is  probably too busy.

Those were the only two I could think of since at various times in my life, people have told me I look like them. (Strange; I not offended.)

Oh well, maybe I'll see if Carol Burnett is available.

New Products and New Prices!

Well, I finally got all the new Animal Tails products on Rubi J's website. I had several "do overs" and there might still be a few mistakes. I probably should of let my 8 year old grandson do it.

We have added 5 new endangered wildlife in our products; 3 in the girls' line and 2 in the boys'.  Also, we now carry baby blankets and hats; all organic cotton, of course. These new rompers are short sleeved and we added the 6-12 month size besides the 3-6 month. All of the new t-shirts are short sleeved.

As I said in an earlier blog, I ordered before manufacturing begin and got a great discount. I'm passing this savings on to you. Check out our new prices at: http://www.rubij.com. 

As another bonus, I'm offering until June 30, 2010, 20% off on all Animal Tails products.

Just enter the code TAILS20 when you check out.

This baby girl's gift set will be given away in July to a lucky fan of our Facebook Page: Rubi J Organic Clothing. Become a fan today.

Another "sneak preview"

I wrote last I would have the new "Animal Tails" products on the website by the weekend. The weekend is over and it late Monday afternoon; and I still don't have them online. I'm taking a break from working on the website to enter a new blog about why I'm late.

Wait a second. If I wouldn't take a break to explain why I'm not finished with my work, I might get done with the task at hand.

I think I'm starting to understand my problem. Bye. Got to get back to work.

Cool stuff, isn't it?

New "Animal Tails" are here!!!

I had to show all of you a sneak preview of the new Animal Tails products Rubi J just got in. New animals, new lines and new prices. I ordered early for a super discount, and I will be passing this savings on to you.

We're all busy adding them to the website and they should be ready by this weekend to showcase. We'll have bigger sizes in the rompers and we're adding baby blankets and beanies. See, we've been listening to you.

The grandkids love when I get new products in. You wouldn't believe how big Cole's eyes got when he saw the Cheetah. "YES." Cole is into speed (I see trouble ahead with that); so it was no wonder he picked the fastest land animal on earth.

I picked a bigger size for him because we all know about growing spurts and his mother would like to see a couple of years of use and she knows how well these organic tees wash and wash. Cole's Golden Eagle t-shirt is one of his favorites and he wears it as soon as it comes out of the laundry.

Keep watching at http://www.rubij.com/.

Priorities.

I'm sorry to my readers I haven't been writing lately. I've inserted a picture of my mother-in-law's five generation picture taken last April.

That's when we learned the cancer was back. She was going to fight it tooth and nail, just to buy some time.

After major surgery and radiation treatment, her body told her to stop; it can't take any more.  It's on her terms now.

She and her family is meeting with hospice tomorrow. 

What do we do?

We make every day with her to be the best in her life. We owe her that.