Getting kids to eat their veggies may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The trick, according to recipe creator Leah Singer of Leah’s Thoughts is simple: add a veggie puree to your dish. This recipe for jambalaya also swaps the traditional rice for pasta, making it extra hearty.
Ingredients for Pasta Jambalaya Recipe:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
1 kielbasa sausage, sliced
2 cups of shrimp (we use frozen)
1 chopped onion
1 – 2 teaspoons of garlic
2 cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
Pinch of chili flakes
Cajon/Creole seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound penne pasta (or whatever you have around)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup carrot, spinach, or other veggie puree (optional)
Method
1. Saute the kielbasa with olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Remove sausage from the pan and replace with chicken. Do not empty the oil–it gives the chicken great flavor. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet.
2. Add a bit more olive oil and add onion and garlic. Saute until cooked through. (If you’re a fan of peppers, you could add chunks of peppers at this point.) Add cans of diced tomatoes, spices, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add back into the pot the chicken and sausage. If you’re adding a hidden veggie, do it now!
3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, and add to the meat and tomato mixture. Taste of seasonings. At this point, add the frozen shrimp and let them steam cook for a few minutes. Stir and add the cream.
Leah Singer is a freelance writer and editor. She shares many family-friendly recipes, as well as stories of motherhood, craft ideas, writing, and other such topics at Leah’s Thoughts.
If your kids love pasta but you want to change up your dinnertime routine, try out this easy Baked Ziti. Make it ahead of time and bake it when needed. From the refrigerator, the dish usually needs an additional 15 minutes of cooking time.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Ziti:
1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 finely chopped onion
1 lb ground beef
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
8 slices of provolone cheese
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Method:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for about 8-9 minutes; drain.
2. In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, heat through, then remove from heat.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking oil spray.
4. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2 of the sauce, Provolone cheese, sour cream, remaining ziti, remaining sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheeses are melted. Cover with foil for the first 15-20 minutes of baking, then remove the foil so the cheese will melt and the top will brown.
Everything you need to know about Christmas tree pick up service, recycling your tree and even recycling those Christmas tree lights
It was a holly, jolly Christmas admiring your perfect pine, but now it’s time to give back to Mother Nature and recycle your Christmas tree. It’s super easy to be green by recycling your Christmas tree to help aid the growth of new plants. Read on for the details on how to best bid farewell to your fir via Christmas tree recycling. We even tell you how to recycle your Christmas lights.
What You Need to Know Before You Recycle Your Tree
First, prepare your real Christmas tree for recycling by removing all lights, tinsel, ornaments, garland, nails, wire, the tree stand and any additional decorations or non-organic materials. Basically, your tree should be as bare as if it was still in the forest.
Good to Know: Flocked trees (with fake snow) are accepted for recycling through the city of San Diego, but artificial trees may not be recycled.
Christmas Tree Pick Up: Curbside Collection Service
If you’re a San Diego County resident with yard waste collection service, you can have your tree picked up on your designated yard waste collection day. Be sure to cut trees that are over four feet long in half, or cut as much as necessary so your tree fits into your recycling container.
Note: don’t use paper or plastic bags to contain your yard waste/tree because the bags contaminate the mulch and compost that’s made from recycling this greenery.
You may also see below on where to haul your tree directly to Miramar Greenery for recycling.
Mr. Jingle's Christmas Tree Removal Service
Mr. Jingle's offers a tree removal service wherein they'll come to your house, remove the water from your tree, take your tree to be recycled and even vacuum inside before they go. Just make sure you've removed all of the ornaments and lights from your tree before they arrive.
Check with your local Boy Scout troop to see if they’re offering curbside pick-up to recycle Christmas trees in their vicinity. Many troops will ask for a small donation $5-$10 to pick-up your tree in front of your house and you simply leave the donation in an envelope attached to the tree.
Where to Take Your Christmas Tree to Be Recycled
From Dec. 26-Jan. 23 San Diego city residents only can take Christmas trees to be recycled (during daylight hours only) at the following locations:
Carmel Valley: Carmel Valley Recreation Center, 3777 Townsgate Dr., lower parking lot
Encanto: Cielo Dr. at Woodman St.
Golden Hill: Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Dr.
La Jolla: Kate Sessions Memorial Park, Mt. Soledad Rd.
Logan Heights: Memorial Recreation Center, 2902 Marcy Ave.
Miramar: Miramar Landfill & Greenery Recycling,Convoy St. (north of state Route 52)
Mission Bay: Sea World Dr. at Pacific Hwy.
Mountain View: Ocean View Blvd. at 40th St. (north side)
Oak Park: Chollas Lake, 6350 College Grove Dr., in Gloria’s Mesa parking lot
Ocean Beach: Robb Field Recreation Center, 2525 Bacon St.
Otay Mesa/Nestor: Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower parking lot on the southeast corner of Palm Ave. & Beyer Blvd.)
Rancho Bernardo: Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Dr.
Rancho Penasquitos: Canyonside Recreation Center, 12350 Black Mountain Rd.
San Diego State University: Parking Lot 17C off Alvarado Rd.
Scripps Ranch: Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Dr.
Tierrasanta: Tierrasanta Community Park, pool parking lot, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
University City: Standley Community Park, parking lot, 3585 Governor Dr.
After Jan. 23rd you can recycle your tree and other household greens at Miramar Greenery, where trees are accepted throughout the year. The facility accepts regular trees and flocked trees at the following location:
Miramar Greenery (inside the Miramar Landfill, North of state Route 52) 5180 Convoy St. San Diego
The City of Escondido also offers two drop-off locations for tree recycling and curbside tree pick-up with your regular greens collection Dec 26.-Jan 11.
Look for the signs at each drop-off location and place your tree in the large recycling containers provided.
Kit Carson Park: 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, South entrance, first parking lot on right, across from adult softball complex
Jesmond Dene Park: 2401 North Broadway, parking lot next to ball fields
How to Recycle or Donate Your Christmas Lights
Visit Waste Free San Diego and enter your zip code to see where you can donate or recycle holiday lights you no longer want. Enter the term “Christmas lights” in the find an item section to begin your search.
You may also visit HolidayLEDS online to take part in their Christmas light recycling program. Simply ship them your lights anytime, year round, and they’ll email you a coupon to use at HolidayLEDs.com for LED Christmas lights once they receive your shipment and you complete the short Christmas light recycling form.
Check out our list of eco-friendly businesses and services that make it easy to recycle your tree and lights
There’s nothing like a fresh Christmas tree, decorated to the nines, to get the kiddos in the holiday spirit. Yet after a few weeks, those trees get a little droopy and dry. Before you toss your old tree and lights out on the curb, try the eco-friendly option of treecycling that turns your holiday tree into everything from garden mulch to wood chips. It’s easier than you think when you bring your pines and lights to a Seattle Christmas tree recycling spot.
If you currently have curbside yard debris service from your garbage and recycling company, you can place your tree at your curb on pick-up day after following these simple steps:
Prep your tree by removing all decorations and adornments (ornaments, tinsel, lights, wire, nails, etc.) and returning the tree to its original state.
Trim your tree to six feet or shorter (branches to less than four feet) to fit into the collection trucks.
Bundle each section with sisal string or twine (not plastic). Flocked and plastic trees will not be accepted for curbside recycling.
At several King County Recycling and Transfer Stations, clean trees can be recycled as yard waste starting in January. Trees should not exceed eight feet in length, must be free of decorations, and must be separated from garbage and recyclables. Trunks should not exceed four inches in diameter. At all other King County facilities, trees will be accepted as garbage at the garbage fee which ranges from $1 to $5 per tree.
Many area Scouting groups host annual Christmas tree recycling events. This year Seattle and Eastside troops are making plans to keep the tradition going. Scout Troop 600, serving West Bellevue (Beaux Arts, Medina, Clyde Hill, Hunts, or Yarrow Points), is one that traditionally holds an event and has one planned for 2022. Keep your eyes peeled for these pop-ups around the city, and remember for safety reasons many troops cannot accept flocked or artificial trees, trees wrapped in plastic or with metal attachments, trees with tinsel or nails or wreathes with metal shape wires.
This year, you can add a sustainable twist to your family’s holiday tree-hunting tradition by purchasing a living tree at a nearby nursery. Swanson's Nursery carries a great selection of live trees, including trees from around the world. On the Eastside, Squak Mt. Greenhouses & Nursery offers spruce, pines, firs, and more to add sustainability to your season. Plan ahead for this option, as living trees can only be kept indoors for around a week. Then, they must either be planted outside in the garden or in an outdoor container. Living trees also require a little extra love when used indoors.
Bring Them to a Local Hardware Store or Drop-Off Center
If you have burned-out light strands or you’ve decided to replace your traditional lights with new energy-efficient LED ones, there are several places around the city to recycle your old holiday lights. All seven Puget Sound area McLendon Hardware stores will take your old holiday lights, as will the Maple Leaf Ace Hardware. Uptekk also offers a recycling drop-off center in Auburn, and West Seattle Recycling has a drop-off center on 16th Ave. S.W. in the city. If light strings have old-style large bulbs, remove the bulbs before dropping them off.
Ridwell, a paid recycling collection program serving many King County neighborhoods, does item pick-up every two weeks. If you've been thinking about subscribing to this service, maybe now's the time. Be sure to sign up by mid-December so your account is ready to go once the holidays are over.
If you want to recycle your old holiday lights and save money on new LED lights, take advantage of the mail-in Christmas light recycling program. Instead of driving your lights to a drop-off location, simply box them up and mail them to HolidayLEDs.com.
All those magical displays you see around the neighborhood? They take a lot of prep and tons of twinkling lights to put on every year. Many are looking for (and appreciate) donated lights and other outdoor holiday decor. The Very Merry Christmas House is a particularly eco-conscious display—much of their decor is saved from the landfill, with new pieces added every year.
One of the loveliest elements of the holiday season, the Christmas tree, can lose its luster pretty quickly once the new year arrives. Good news! The city’s Mulchfest program makes it easy for you to recycle your Christmas tree and do some good for the city’s parks and young trees. Here’s how to get rid of your Christmas tree and do a little green good this year. (Plus: the last day for sanitation tree pickup and recycling!)
Treecycle it: MulchFest2021
NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
MulchFest is back! NYC’s own “TREECYCLE” tradition is taking place from December 26, 2021 to January 9, 2022. Last year the city mulched more than 29,000 trees, and it's pumped to set a new record for 2022!
Bring your tree (free of all decorations, netting and wrapping) and it will be recycled into wood chips to nourish trees and plants on NYC streets and gardens. Drop it off at one of the many Mulchfest locations around the city (there are many in every borough), or bring it on "Chipping Weekend", January 8 and 9, to see your tree reduced to bits live.
Bonus: If your own backyard needs some sprucing up, you can get a free bag of mulch to take home with you after your tree is chipped. (Locations marked with an asterisk have mulch for the taking.)
Spread the Love — and the Mulch! Feel like spreading some of that green love around? You and the kids can volunteer to add that awesome mulch to city trees. (The mulch helps protect young trees, shrubs and garden beds from the winter cold, helps plants retain moisture and provides a nice decorative touch.) Sound like the green, civic activity your family's been seeking? Events are happening in all boroughs on weekends in January. Click here to see locations, dates, and times and to register! (And remember, dress warmly, wear closed-toe shoes and a mask!)
Kick it To the Curb — and Still Recycle It!
Dates for Department of Sanitation Pick-Up Bring your tree down for curbside pick-up by the Department of Sanitation from January 6-15. Trees will be recycled into compost for NYC’s public spaces (parks, gardens, etc.). Be sure to remove all decorations from the tree and do not place the tree in a plastic bag.
Note: trees left curbside with holiday decorations of any kind remaining on them will be collected as garbage. If your metal or plastic imitation tree has worked its last holiday season, dispose of it with your normal recycling and it's off your hands.
Have Someone Else Do the Heavy Lifting — and Still Recycle It!: Removal Services
If you’re unable to physically take your tree down to the curbside or to a MulchFest chipping location or drop-off site, don’t worry. Services like NYC Trees can come to your home, remove the tree, and take it directly to a recycling location for you. Starting at $80 for a four-to-five-foot tree, NYC Trees makes the tree removal process (and clean up!) about as easy as it gets. (If you want them to take off your lights, ornaments, etc. expect to pay more.)
Cue the holiday baking. Hershey is sharing the Holiday Sugar Cookie Blossom, to spark festive cookie baking this year. With a sugar cookie base and the Hershey’s Kisses Sugar Cookie candy at the center, these sweets are a colorful addition to holiday traditions.
The inspiration for the new Blossoms recipe comes from Hershey’s home state, Pennsylvania. The sugar cookie is a holiday favorite that was introduced to the world by Dutch settlers in Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and now serves as the base for the new Holiday Sugar Cookie Blossoms, featuring Hershey’s Kisses Sugar Cookie candy. This is one of over 25 Hershey Blossoms variations to add some flare to holiday baking this season.
“The Hershey Kitchen elves have been hard at work this year creating festive ways to brighten the holiday season,” said Erin Crawford, brand manager, Hershey holiday team. “We know that Blossoms are a holiday cookie staple. This year we wanted to introduce something new and festive showcasing our newest holiday Kisses – Hershey’s Kisses Sugar Cookie candy. The Holiday Sugar Cookie Blossoms are colorful, super easy cookies to make; bound to make sweet and special memories in the kitchen this holiday season.”
Heat oven to 375° F. Remove wrappers from candies; set aside.
Mix cookie dough following package directions for cutout cookies. Divide dough into 36 equal (about 1-1/4 inch) balls; roll in green or red sugar. Place balls about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cookie edges are set. Cool 2 minutes; press candy piece into center of each cookie. Remove cookies from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
The classic Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe, which consists of a peanut butter dough rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate candy, has been around for 63 years and is one of America’s favorite holiday cookies. With holiday baking more popular than ever this year, head over to HersheyHappiness.com to get over 25 additional Blossoms recipes to keep baking this entire holiday season.
Always ask permission as a sign of respect and consideration for the child’s experience and perspective.
Approach with a gentle stride and a calm demeanor. Place your hand on their back and sweetly ask, “May I check your diaper? Then wait for 7-to-10 seconds, giving them time to respond.
When a child says “no” and it is necessary to change it, honor the “no” by responding, “I hear you, you aren’t ready, I can come back in a few minutes and ask again.” When you return, the intent and verbiage should be different. “I am back. It is time to change your diaper now. Are you ready?”
If a child says no again: “You still aren’t ready, I understand, hmmm, I am worried if the pee or poop sit in your diaper, it may give you a rash, and I want to keep your skin and body safe, it is time now.” Then acknowledge the disruption by explaining how you will support them. “I see you are busy playing, so I will do it quickly so you can come right back to play.” More respect and acknowledgment of them and their perspective. You are building partnership and modeling respectful behavior in relationships.
Stick with respect and offer choices, so they feel like they are in control. “Would you like to walk to the diaper table, or would you like me to carry you?” This is a crucial moment for the child, you, your relationship, and future diaper changes because you are honoring the child’s experience and this detail is not going to be lost on them. In fact, they are taking it all in, making notes on what respect feels like. You are planting some serious and powerful seeds in these moments.
If they resist moving and plant their feet or throw their body down, say (and this is a gem that you will use often) “Ah, I heard you say you wanted to walk, but now you are choosing to stay still, you are telling me you want me to carry you, I would be happy to help.” Then bend down, still with love and kindness, pick up their body and carry them to the changing table.
The key in these moments is to avoid engaging in this resistant behavior. Your only job is to steady the course, no matter what attempt at distraction your little throws your way. This is a stellar opportunity to practice acceptance of all choices. Whatever the child does, accept it, take it in, and adapt but steady the course. This diaper change Is happening, buddy.
Children want us to be leaders because it permits them to be leaders in their own lives. Even though they are making it hard for you, they are testing your relationship.
When you steady the course and don’t let them pull you into their distraction, they feel loved by you. When you let them distract you or wear you down and/or abandon your mission, they question your commitment to them, and you become untrustworthy.
Here is another opportunity to model respect and ask, “May I pick you up?”
Typically, they will raise their little hands to say yes. Asking if you can pick allows them to prepare their body to be picked up. As soon as you ask the question, their brains communicate to their bodies to flex the necessary muscles to prepare to be picked up. This enables your child to feel strong and participate when you pick them up. Grabbing a child to pick them up without warning is shocking and scary. Asking and waiting until you have their attention and permission will support them physically, mentally, and will build more trust between you both.
Now that the child is in your arms, gently and lovingly lay them down, supporting their head and entire body until they are lying comfortably.
Once the child is lying comfortably, take a breath, lay your hand gently on their belly and look into their eyes. Smile sweetly and ask, “Are you ready?” Wait for them to respond and then begin the diaper change.
First: Ask them to help while you remove their bottoms. “Will you please lift your legs in the air so I can remove your bottoms?” then watch as they gleefully shoot their legs in the air.
Second: Tell them what you are doing next. “I am going to use this wipe to clean your body. It may be a little cold.” Then gently wipe them and, if necessary, hold their legs up with a gentle, respectful grip.
Third: Hold the new diaper and show it to them. “I am going to put this fresh diaper on you now. Will you please lift your legs again?” They are usually thrilled to assist you in this way, and their legs go flying in the air. “Thank you! That is so helpful.” Then slide the diaper under their bottom and ask them to please lower their legs back down.
This level of commitment to respectful interaction around diaper changes will create a beautiful relationship between you and the children you care for. They will rarely resist having a diaper change because the experience will be rich in connection, and connection leads to cooperation.
Avoid giving children electronics to distract them during a diaper change. You will be teaching them to check out when someone is touching them.
Avoid negative responses to how their poop smells or how much they pooped. It is embarrassing and disrespectful to make fun of how a child’s body creates smelly or gross things. They will interpret it to mean they are gross or smelly. Stay neutral, matter of fact, no big deal, all in a day’s work.
Stay present with your little one when changing a diaper. Stay off the phone and avoid interruption until the diaper change is complete. Make eye contact as much as possible and talk with them about the details. They love you. They trust you. This is a beautiful time to honor them, teach them, and model kindness.
Sarah is a child behavior & respectful child care expert. She has been coaching parents in effective respectful care strategy for over 10 years. She makes complex parenting issues simple to navigate and her methods are clear, effective and provide immediate relief for both parent and child.ehavior specialist and
Star Wars fans look forward to May the 4th all year long––the official Star Wars Day. If you plan on celebrating, pick up some new swag to help show your love for this epic film franchise. We’ve rounded up some fresh Star Wars gear to keep you in Jedi mind.
The Mandalorian Baby Grogu-inspired Stand for Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)
New Amazon Echo Dot? You'll want to dress it up with the newest Otter Box release that's inspired by The Mandalorian. This Grogu-shaped case is easy to install, has a non-slip base and doesn't take away and Echo Dot functionality.
Dress up your Fire Stick remote and make it easier to find with a Grogu Green or Bounty Blue cover! The silicone cover makes for the perfect feel and protects your remote from all those accidental drops.
Shop the 2nd Gen remote for $16.99 and the 3rd Gen ($56.98) remote on Amazon.
The Mandalorian: The Child, Stand for Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen
Dress up your Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen, you will! This Mandalorian stand is not only adorable, but its made with a precision-fit, non-slip base.
Star Wars Chewbelta Chewbacca Car Seatbelt Shoulder Cover Pad
Travel in true Wookie style when you strap this Velcro seatbelt cover on. Made with soft "fur" and a padded backing, you can harness your inner Chewbacca and rest easy on any and all car rides.
Find this hilarious seatbelt cover on Amazon, 17.93
Star Wars 2-Quart Slow Cooker
The whole family can eat well thanks to this 2-quart Slow Cooker. The smaller sized crock pot is great for appetizers and small side dishes, and is bound to spark conversation at family gatherings. The classic black and white coloring details your fave fighter ships, including the Millennium Falcon and several TIE Fighters.
Make counting fun when you're learning with OBI-123: A Book of Numbers. Told with whimsical rhymes and engaging artwork, your young Jedi's won't even notice they're learning! Can't get enough? You can also find an ABC version with C-3PO!
Rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor sun can hamper these Reflective Sabers that are perfect for rear wipers. No tools are needed for installation, and they are easily removed using the Velcro attachments. They are the perfect addition to your "Toyoda" or any make, really.
Star Wars Darth Vader Bluetooth Speaker with Speakerphone Voice Activation & Charging Cable
Play music from your phone, computer or tablet in total dark side style with the Bluetooth Darth Vader Speaker. In addition to playing music in high quality sound, you can also answer phone calls through the speakerphone, and charge the device for hours of listening time. One thing's for sure, this is the scariest looking speaker out there!
You can choose from Darth Vader or a Storm Trooper on Amazon, $26
Star Wars Tin Lunchbox
Tote your lunch in Star Wars style when you pick one these retro style tin lunchboxes. Coming in six designs (including a BB-8 shaped style!), the metal-latching boxes boast beautiful and colorful designs. The collapsable metal hand makes for easy carrying and the sturdy construction means no more squashed sandwiches.
UbiKORT 3D Illusion Night Light Millennium Falcon Table Lamp
Who doesn't need a nightlight of the Millennium Falcon? Lighting up in 7 colors and packed with 9 extra LED lights means you'll be enjoying this nightlight for a lifetime to come. Bright enough to cast a calming glow, this light makes a perfect addition to your little Star Wars lover's room.
This nightlight is yours for less than $20! Find it over on Amazon.
Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber
Light side, dark side––you can be on all the sides when you snag this Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber kit. Packed with light daggers, dual connector, expansion hilt, elbow connectors and a cross connector, you can literally come up with 100 combinations. This is the ultimate kit for your young padwan.
Make your room a Star Wars haven when you have these peel and stick wall decals. Made from vinyl that is easy to remove and won't peel off paint, these are the perfect room decor for kids who tend to change their mind often. The only complaint on Amazon about this set is that Princess Leia is in her slave outfit, so use at your own free will.
You're in trouble now, but this time you'll have to rescue BB-8 from within the Star Wars universe! Play as Rey, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren or Finn as you attempt to move around the Trouble board and get to BB-8 first. It's a new take on a classic and simple game that's great for kids (and adults) of all ages.
You can find this game, as well as other Star Wars themed options like Monopoly, Clue and Risk on Amazon, $17.99
Star Wars #1 Dad Adult Long Sleeved T-Shirt
You can't help but be Numero Uno with this Darth Vader Dad shirt, and no can argue with you! Made from premium cotton and long-sleeved, this black T-Shirt is all Darth Vader, all the time.
When it’s cold outside you turn to soup. The next time you need to warm up make this Kale, White Bean & Sausage Soup that comes to us from Simran and Stacie at a Little Yumminess. The versatile and easy soup rocks the veggies and serves 12-14, which means there’s almost always leftovers to slurp up the next day.
Kale, White Bean & Sausage Soup adapted from Frances Mayes from Everyday in Tuscany (Zuppa di Cavolo Nero, Cannellini e Salsicce)
Serves 12 to 14 (half it if required)
Ingredients
2 Italian sausages, skins removed and meat crumbled
4 tbsps olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 quarts chicken stock
6 thyme sprigs
1 bunch of dinosaur kale
4 cups cooked cannellini beans (dried beans best but I often use canned)
Method
1. Saute the crumbled sausage in the olive oil till browned and remove from pan.
2. In the same pan, saute the onions, thyme and garlic until softened
3. Add the chicken stock to a big pot. Bring to a boil and add the kale and cover and simmer for 15 minutes
4. Add the cooked sausage and beans and simmer for another 15 minutes
5. Ta Da!
This is a guest post from our friends Simran and Stacie at a Little Yumminess. Photo courtesy of Little Yumminess. Be sure to visit their blog for more fab, kid-friendly recipes!
It’s no secret that people love succulents but when you combine them with whimsical trolls, magic happens! Small business owner of The Drunken Witch Co., Chyenne Rotsch has been collecting old school trolls for years, crafting them into works of art. When she shared her creation on Facebook, it received over 51,000 shares!
Rotsch tells Red Tricycle, “I randomly started buying second hand trolls from thrift and antique stores and wanted to create something different with them. My mom has a huge garden of succulents, so I decided to try some making some as planters with clippings of her plants to sell and they instantly became a hit.”
Rotsch shares just how she creates these one-of-kind treasures by “cleaning and removing their hair. This can be quite the process as vintage adhesive has a strong bond.” Then she drills a hole in their feet for drainage, adds a few pebbles, fills with coconut fiber soil and then a succulent clipping. For extra stability, you can also add a few pebbles on top.
“I think they are just so fun and bring back sweet memories of my childhood all while combining my passion for succulents and plants,” says Rotsch.
Rotsch isn’t currently selling her creations on her Etsy shop, but you can follow her instructions above to make your own. You can also shop The Drunken Witch Co. and pickup a few crystal trolls!
