a gift to my future self

The children of my future self ALWAYS want a snack. The minute I sit down. Or when we are in a hurry to get out the door. Or anytime when I REALLY do not want to make a snack. Sure we have designated snack times at our house. Growth spurts and incessant whining don't care about the clock, though. Also, my kids LOVE prepackaged snacks because they are fun and at their eye level in the grocery store. I like them because they are easy and (sometimes) good portion control. I hate them because they are more expensive.
So, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a box of Ziploc snack size bags. Then I divided the boxes of goldfish crackers, Graham crackers, and almonds into the bags. I cut up all the fruit and vegetables and did the same. I ordered some Squooshi bags from Amazon, too. Every few days I fill them up with applesauce and green smoothies. (I also use them for oatmeal and savory purees, too.) And, guess what? My future self loves it. It takes me about 20 minutes every week and is priceless when my kids (or me) are DYING for a snack. It has made packing lunches and after school snack a breeze. Also, kids are kinda gullible. Mine are, anyway. So guess what snack size Ziploc bags are in my house?? Kid Size Bags. Duh.
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Green Smoothie for Squooshi
2 cups of frozen berries
1 banana
1/2 cup of chopped kale
1/2 cup of almond milk
1/2 cup of OJ
Squirt of honey
Blend until smooth. Divide into Squooshi bags. Serve or Freeze for future self. 

Hello, Fall

Hello! It was a very busy Summer here. We sold out of all of our Weekly Bounty Boxes, had  a ton of play dates, went to fairs, learned how to swim, and more. Now Hendrix is in his final year at St. Patrick's in the pre-K program. I'm so thankful I didn't have to send him to kindergarten this year. My heart would of broke. Ha!
We continue to have huge harvests from the produce and the chickens are laying eggs daily (sometimes twice a day!!). Here are some pictures of what we have been up to these past few months:

Eggs from our chickens!

1st Husker Game!

Slow Roasted Tomatoes 

Last Picture of the kids with  Gretal who passed away in August.

Scallop Squash stuffed with corn, bacon, and eggs!

Watermelon!

Birthday flowers from Hendrix. Chocolate Zucchini Cake.

The farmer's daughter ready for the County Fair.

Huge Scallop Squash!

We built a fairy garden!

hello summer vacation

School's out! I typically look forward to Summer Vacation since it means that I don't HAVE to have Hendrix somewhere at a specific time. Although now that he is older he is wanting to spend time with friends more so summer requires a little more planning. Hopefully we can successfully relax and have fun this Summer without too much screen time.
Violet Alice is in full blown Into Everything All The Time Mode. It's intense, man. She also is starting to throw mini tantrums when she is frustrated. Plus, she now has five teeth coming in at once...so I'm sure that doesn't help. Juggling two kids on the move while planting season is happening can be challenging some days. The kids are 4 years apart so I sorta forgot how active (and daringly dangerous!!!) 1 year olds can be. And Violet is. Whoa.
That being said, I love having a sweet, lovey-dovey baby around again. Two kids can be both way more time consuming than I ever thought while being a blessing. Hendrix is nurturer by nature and takes wonderful care of his sister. He even wants to play with her 80% of the time. Which is great. I need to work on not meddling in their affairs more. They probably could problem solve better if I just sat back and observed more. But. A year into this new family life...I think we are doing pretty good.
It's always something around here and Violet is LOVING (I.e. super attachment issues) me again so hence the lack of posts. I do a better job of posting on Facebook since I can do that quicker. If you LIKE our Facebook Page (clementine's produce and provisions) you can see almost daily posts like our Weekly Menu, chicken pics, recipes, and more.
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Most everything has been planted and is doing well. We got a couple of frosts that killed off the basil, some eggplants, heirloom tomatoes, and peppers. So those had to be replaced. Thankfully, Mother Nature has brought some humidity and that has helped things really take off. We installed drip irrigation which has made all of my dreams come true. Mike is a genius and I might want to renew our vows because drip irrigation is fucking awesome. We are using plastic mulch/landscape fabric on a lot of our growing areas. It was TOUGH to roll out, but will be worth it when the weeds like to take over in mid June.  Currently, we have rhubarb, tarragon, chives, and oregano available. Soon we'll be able to put together a mini bounty box to give customers a taste of Spring.
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I'm going to work on our online purchasing and store this weekend. So soon online orders can be placed. Looking forward to seeing all of our customers!!
--XO!

an open (love) letter to my daughter on her first birthday

In the hostipal

Meeting Hendrix for the first time.

Hendrix picked her Wild Violets while she napped.

The Farmer's Daughter

Summer Lovin'

Halloween

9 months

Christmas Eve

Dear Baby Girl,
Today you are one. You're a May Day Baby celebrating her Golden Birthday. You are the joy of this family.  There are not enough words to describe the joy you bring to all of us. You are quite simply so happy being Violet Alice that you don't concern yourself with anything that would not bring you joy. We could all learn something from you in that regard.
It took you weeks after you were born to even really cry.  You took to nursing almost immediately.  You took 4 ounces of formula in your first couple hours on this planet. You slept through the night at 6 weeks.  Your father and I are pretty much speechless with how easy it is with you.  That is just your way. You toddle along in life. Pleased as peaches.  Unless someone looks at you or smiles at you. You are not fond of "strangers". At all. You are very fond of eating.  So you don't handle hunger well. But those things are easily remedied.
Every morning, I come in your room and you receive me with a giant smile.  And a hug to beat all hugs. Who knew a baby could give a bear hug. Throughout the day you will find me to give me a hug.  In all my days, I will cherish those hugs with everything I have.  You will never know how much I love those hugs. You are the cuddlebug I always dreamed of.
Hendrix and you are quite a pair.  No one can make you laugh like he does.  And no one is as concerned with your safety as he is.  I hope you always love each other this much.
In a year you have learned how to walk, nod your head yes, grown three teeth, sign "done", clap, and more.  You are starting to get on Hendrix's old Big Wheel and scoot it along.  Being outside and eating are probably your favorite things.  As well as, giving all your dollies and stuffed animals hugs.
I love, love, love, love, love having a daughter.  You make me a better mother and a better woman. Your easy way makes us a better family. This year has brought us more joy than we could of imagined. We cannot wait to get to know you more and watch you grow more and more.
We love you more than cheese and wine,
Mommy and Daddy

She's Golden!

summer!!

May will be here soon. First we will celebrate our May Day Baby's Golden Birthday. Then Hendrix will start T Ball, graduate from preschool, and rush into SUMMER! And since I'm a planner...here's our plan:

Go Rollerskating For Free
Visit ALL Of The Splash Pads
See Art At Joslyn For Free
Go Bowling For Free
Partake In Kiddie Happy Hour
Eat Smores
Conduct Science Experiments
Go To The Zoo
Visit The UNL/Backyard Farmer Garden
Feed Ducks At Schramm Park
Go On Safari
Watch Movies Outside For Free
Pick Strawberries, Blueberries, and Raspberries
Build Something For Free
Buy Veggies, Eat Breakfast, and Get Balloon Animals
See Our Customers/Friends At Our Own Farm Stands
Play T Ball
Set Up Twister In The Lawn
Visit Some Passport Locations
Do Summer Reading Club
Host BBQs
Get Invited To BBQs ;)
Rent A Bouncy House Just Because
Sarpy County Fair
Have A Staycation At Coco Keys
Build A Children's Garden
Slide Down The Big Slides
Go Paddle Boating At Mahoney
Catch Fish At Salt Creek
Camp In The Backyard
Visit Morrill Hall
Make A Water Blob
Go To Open Gym At The Community Center
Make A Hula Hoop Tent
Go Swimming
Walk Around At The Summer Arts Festival
Papio Days
Gretna Parade
Visit Our Favorite Muesum
Check Out A New To Us Farmer's Market
Go To A Block Party

why you should prebake sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are delicious and super good for you. Not everyone is a fan, though. Including my hubs. Bad news is...I'm still pushing them every chance I get. Because they are delicious and versatile. If you're the type of home cook who likes to prepare some stuff at the start of the week to help streamline the dinner process throughout the rest of the week then I highly suggest you add pre baking sweet potatoes to your to do list. They keep in a Ziploc bag for about 5 days. Here's five things you can do with them...

Have one for breakfast! Warm it up. Slice it, add Greek yogurt, real maple syrup, and nuts. You just had a veggie for breakfast.

Scoop it out and chop it up. Warm it up with some premade lentils and/or bulgur. Or any grain will do. Make a mustard-y dressing, toss a handfuls of fresh herbs, and feta or goat cheese. Viola! You just made an awesome lunch or side dish for dinner.

Scoop it out and spread it on a quesadilla. Add kale, salsa, and cheese. Broil in the oven for about 5 -7 minutes. You just made dinner.

Put last night's leftover pulled pork or shredded pork taco filling on top.  Leftovers made fancy!

Scoop it out. Mash it up with chicken broth, a bit of butter, and S&P to taste. Warm it up and serve it with grilled chicken and a green veg like kale or Brussels sprouts. Best dinner ever.

FAQ: weekly bounty boxes 2014

This week Spring is REALLY here. We'll installing our chicken coop, drip irrigation, some herbs, and greens. Which means that Weekly Bounty Box time is almost here. Our hope is, with cooperation from Mother Nature, that we can begin sales mid to late May. In the meantime, lots of folks have been signing up to get first dibs and asking questions about the Weekly Bounty Boxes (WBB). So I thought I'd answer some in a post.

How much?
Boxes will start at $30/week. WBB include enough veggies to prepare 5 dinners for a family of four. We also provide the 5 recipes and grocery list. We're hoping that some weeks we'll be able to add eggs and/or pork.

Where is pick up?
At our farm in Gretna or in Midtown near the Hanscom Park Neighborhood

How do we sign up?
Email clementinespandp@gmail.com and request to be on our Newsletter. We will send a Newsletter out every week. It will include a picture of the WBB and price. Recipients can choose to purchase and choose their pick up time/location. Quantities are limited every week. So get on the Newsletter List for first dibs.

Are you a CSA?
No. A CSA means Community Supported Agriculture. Which means customers pay upfront to support a farm. Customers are investors in the farm. Which means they often absorb losses, as well. Today's busy lifestyle isn't always a good match for a CSA so we offer a more Pick and Choose Option. Our Weekly Bounty Boxes are just that...Bountiful. We only sell Boxes that allow our customers to prepare five dinners.

Do you take Credit Cards?
Yes.  Card purchases may be made through our Blog or Facebook. The order will be processed after you make your purchase online. We are unable to process Credit Cards at pickup.

Can I buy veggies from you without buying a Weekly Bounty Box? 
Yes. We will have a farm stand at our place on Thursdays and Fridays. There will also be Pop Up Markets in Midtown Omaha throughout the season. Check our Facebook page and this Blog for weekly updates on Market dates and available produce.

What are you growing? 
Here's our growing list:
http://clementinesproduceandprovisions.blogspot.com/2014/03/2014-growing-list.html

Why are there limited quantities?
Mother Nature, man. We grow an acre of produce very efficiently. Our sweet corn is sold by our friends, Sarah and David. The weather is in charge.

Can I add more veggies to my WBB?
Yes. If you have more mouths to feed that week, let me know. I will adjust your box quantities and price.

Can you come cook for us, too?
No and yes. I will do most anything for the right price. ;)
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Any more questions?
Email us or comment on our Facebook page.
Thanks Y'all!