Handmade Braided Leather Binkie Clips

Im excited to introduce these darling, handmade Braided Leather Binkie Clips! 

Check out my new Etsy Shop: Madeline's Box to see the products I have in stock! 

madelinesbox.etsy.com 

Thanks! 

Scroll down to the bottom for more info about the product! 

"Burly Wood"
$12

"Sea Breeze Blue"
$12

"Burly Wood-Sea Breeze Twist"
$12

FAQ: 

This suede is made from specially treated microfibers. It will not crack, weather or smell. Just like leather, only better! Lasts longer and is cruelty free!

Payment: 
All orders must be paid in full before being shipped out.

Shipping: 
$3.50 for first item, $0.50 each additional item
All orders will be shipped within 3-5 business days of the order date (unless otherwise notified).

Refunds/Exchanges:
All sales are final

Warning: Item should only be used with adult supervision. Small parts may pose a choking hazard and can cause death. Clip should never be used when baby is unattended or sleeping. Buyer assumes all responsibility.

E-mail me at heathercoslett at gmail dot com with any questions.

Handmade by me!
Ships from Pennsylvania.

Motherhood

Wow I haven't blogged in a REALLY long time. 

My mind has been weighed heavily lately about raising my children in this cruel, difficult world we live in. ( Of course, there's so many good things about living in this world too) but it scares me letting "my children loose" into this world when they're older.

Can they just always stay little? 

There are so many wonderful quotes and talks about Motherhood, but today I was actually reading in a manual called " Teaching: No Greater Call" ( A resource guide for gospel teaching.) This book has been sitting on my shelf for years and years, and I've maybe skimmed through it a few times. Such a shame, because I took it off the bookshelf the other day, dusted it off, and read through it for the first time. It's really such a wonderful, insightful book.

Those of you who are sort of familiar with it, and those who aren't... did you know there are a few chapters in this book that give you ideas of how to actually teach gospel principles in the home? These are things I've always dreamed of doing with my children as their mother. The most important thing I think I can give my children as their mother besides love... is teaching them the gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite hymns goes like this: 

" Teach me to walk in the light of His love; 

teach me to pray to my father above. 

Teach me to know all the things that are right; 

teach me, teach me, to walk in the light. 

Come little child and together we'll learn; 

Of his commandments that we may return 

Home to His presence, to live in his sight-- 

Always, always to walk in the light." 

(Teach Me To Walk In the Light. Hymn #304)

I'd love to share with you a few things I read today that not only helped get rid of my "fears" of my children facing the dangers of this world... but it got me excited
                                                                                                & FAITH quickly replaced my fear.


I feel like these babies who are coming to earth are VERY strong. I believe the Lord saved these children to come down in these last days because they CAN handle it. Not only handle it, but rise above it all too. ( In a wonderful, humble way.) :)

 Especially if we mothers and fathers teach them the gospel in our homes. 

Some of the things we can teach in our home are the basic principles of the gospel: prayer, scripture study, and actually living the gospel. 

With all the craziness and evil in this world, we can't afford to NOT teach our children the simple, yet important principles of the gospel.

Your children will learn best by YOUR EXAMPLE. ( There's a quote I have and it says: " Your children will become who you are, so be what you want them to be." (Ouch!) That's a tough one, but true! Be who you want them to be.

Another way to teach your children in the home is turn little moments into teaching moments with your children. It's important to recognize these moments and be prepared to teach principles that your children are ready to learn.

Some of your greatest teaching moments will be unplanned. 

Here are some examples the book gives:

~ Address your children's questions or worries: for example, all children have worries. If your daughter is frightened by a thunder storm, you can use this as a teaching moment and encourage her to pray for comfort during the storm.

~ or if you're given too much change at a store, you could use this as a teaching moment to ask your children what you should do in this moment? Leave the store with the extra money... or be honest and give it back to the cashier.

There are SO many opportunities each day to teach our children gospel principles. My sweet little girl is always asking so many questions. She's two. She's still brand new in this world. I love answering her questions. Even though she's two, I know she understands a lot at this age. It's so important to take the time to TEACH in these little moments, even when they're little. Especially when they're little.

( BUT It's never too late to start teaching. Just start now. :) ) 

I've always wanted to teach elementary school. At such a young age, I loved gathering the neighbor children and sort of forcing them to play school with me ( sorry, neighbors!) and I mostly feel sorry for my sister, Ashley, who was always a good sport and was always a good student. haha. Sorry, Ashley! I grew up, went to college, and eventually graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.

I put off my dream of teaching to be a stay at home mom... and what an absolute blessing it has been.

A mom is the best of both worlds because not only are you a nurturer and lover of your children... you're also a full time teacher. What a better place for your children to learn than in the walls of your own home. 

President Benson said:

" Mothers, you are your children's best teacher... Teach your children the gospel in your own home, at your own fireside. This is the most effective teaching that your children will ever receive. This is the Lord's way of teaching. The Church cannot teach like you can. The school cannot. The day-care center cannot. But you can, and the Lord will sustain you. Your children will remember your teachings forever, and when they are old, they will not depart from them. They will call you blessed- their truly angel mother." 

"As a mother you teach in many ways. Sometimes you teach by example, sometimes by precept. Sometimes you teach by establishing patterns of gospel living in the home and sometimes by just taking time to pay attention and show love." 

President Benson gave 10 suggestions that can help you teach your children. I loved these. 

1. Take time to always be at the crossroads when your children are either coming or going... whether your children are 6 or 16.

2. Take time to be a real friend to your children

3. Take time to read to your children

4. Take time to pray with your children

5. Take time to have a meaningful weekly family home evening... make this one of your great family traditions.

6. Take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible

7. take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family

8. Take time to do things together as a family

9. Take time to teach your children. Catch the teaching moments.

10. Take time to truly love your children. A mother's unqualified love approaches Christlike love.

" It is important to remember that the Lord does not expect mothers to be perfect or to achieve an unrealistic ideal standard of homemaking. Yet He does expect them to recognize and honor their divine role and to humbly do their best." { Teaching, No Greater Call p. 131}

See? This book is awesome!

I really enjoyed reading it. These are all things I want to be much better at. Thank goodness the Lord knows I'm not perfect... but I know all that matters to Him is that I'm trying. :)

Story: 
When Anne Romney was asked what she did for a living when her husband was running for president, she responded that she was a stay at home mom. Most reporters were expecting her to say she was a CEO at a big company, or something of that nature. They were a bit surprised when she gave the answer she did. A lot of people ridiculed her and figured she had no idea what the real world is like-- after all, she was "just a stay at home mom." ( JUST a stay at home mom?) She was a mother who raised young boys into successful, righteous, wonderful men who are great addition to their societies and communities. 

Don't ever let anyone make you feel you aren't adding much to this world by "just" being a mother. You are raising these future generations. These generations are GREAT because of mothers like YOU.

Bless you mothers who have to balance your work schedule with your duties at home. Bless you mothers who are single or who are widowed. Bless you mothers who are dealing with trials and heart aches. Bless you mothers who keep going. Bless you future mothers who have a desire to raise your own children someday. Bless you beautiful women who are unable to bear children but have a never-ending desire to be a mother. Bless you. You are all examples to me and I am in awe of you. 

So, in conclusion: As mothers, let's replace our fear with FAITH. Let's help our children put on the "whole armor of God" before they walk out the door each morning. These children are amazing, strong, and valiant. Do your best to love them, nurture them, and teach them the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
                                                                It will become their rock. 

I hope you found these things as helpful as I did! Thanks for reading. :)


" ... Your children will remember your teachings forever, and when they are old, they will not depart from them. They will call you blessed- their truly angel mother..." ~ President Benson. 

Halloween 2013

my sweet little Madeline is going as Madeline this year! 

It will be her very first time trick-or-treating!

more low-cal meals

I am SO proud of myself. It's been over a week of REALLY good eating! I mean... healthy-whole food type eating. GO HEATHER! But for real. 

Here are some things I've made lately that were really tasty! Try them out! 

Ingredients

• 3 small green zucchinis
• 5 oz tiger prawns, cooked
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• water
• for the avocado & basil sauce:
• ½ cup of basil
• ¼ of a ripe avocado
• 1 cloves of garlic, minced
• the juice of ¼ a lemon
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Start by making the zucchini ‘pasta’. Slice off the two ends of each zucchini.
2. Use a mandoline with the “julienne” attachment to make pasta like strips. OR if you do not have a mandoline, cut the zucchini into thin wide strips, lengthwise, then finely slice the strips, lengthwise again. You should have long, thin strips of zucchini that look like linguini.
3. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Blanch the zucchini for 30 seconds, then rinse under cold water. You only want to just soften the zucchini slightly. Set aside.
4. Cook your prawns, or defrost pre cooked prawns. Set aside.
5. For the sauce, place the basil, avocado, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor/blender. Blend until you have the consistency you like.
6. Once the sauce is done, toss it in the bowl with the zucchini, prawns, and cherry tomatoes.
7. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
8. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled – it’s up to you!
9. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 1 Calories: 224kcal Fat: 5.9g Carbohydrates: 20.6g Sugar: 5.5g Fiber: 8.5gProtein: 26.3g

Pearl Couscous Salad with Lemon Asparagus and Tomato
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 5 • Size: little over 1 cup • Old Points: 3 • Weight Watcher Points+: 4 pt
Calories: 170 • Fat: 4 g • Carb: 30 g • Fiber: 5 g • Protein: 6.3 g • Sugar: 0.0 g
Sodium: 10 mg (without the salt) • Cholest: 0 mg

Ingredients:

• 6 oz whole wheat pearl couscous
• 3/4 lb thin asparagus spears, tough ends trimmed
• 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
• 1/4 cup red onion, minced
• 1-1/2 lemons, juiced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• Kosher salt, to taste
• fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add asparagus and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove with a large slotted spoon and rinse in a colander in the sink under cold water to stop it from cooking. Add the couscous to the boiling water and cook according to package directions.

No-Bake Energy Bites  -print this recipe HERE-

(makes 18-20 bites)

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated.  Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy!  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

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Grilled Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Salad

I made this for dinner last night. Again... my husband LOVED it. Really delicious & HEALTHY! 

Grilled Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Salad

lightly adapted from Real Simple

According to the magazine, this makes 4 servings, but I can easily polish off half the recipe by myself!

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
4 cloves garlic, minced, (about 1 heaping Tablespoon)
4 Tablespoons good olive oil, divided
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
12 oz chicken breast (we always use tenders)
3 ears corn, shucked
5 ounces baby spinach or lettuce (not iceberg)
1 avocado, diced
shredded Parmesan cheese for topping

In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, rosemary, garlic, 3 Tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a little pepper. Pour half of the dressing into a large ziplock bag. Add the chicken, seal, and refrigerate about 30 minutes. Set aside the remaining dressing. Fire up your gas grill and set it to medium. Rub the corn with the remaining Tablespoon of olive oil and grill until golden on all sides. Remove from heat, allow to cool, and cut the kernals off the cobs. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard marinade), season with another pinch of salt and pepper, and grill until cooked through. If you are using whole chicken breasts or chicken breast halves, this will take considerably longer than if you are using chicken breast tenders. When cooked through, remove chicken from heat, and chop coarsely. Set out 4 plates and divide spinach or lettuce, chicken, corn, avocado, and remaining dressing evenly among the 4 plates. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese. 

Low Cal Meals

Spaghetti squash with grilled chicken, sundried tomatoes, broccoli, and peas

Ingredients:

1 medium size spaghetti squash (about 2lb)

1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas

1 broccoli crown, chopped

2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 cup chicken broth

grated parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup)

salt/pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. With a sharp knife, carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scrape/remove seeds with a spoon. Place squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet; bake for 45 minutes. Let squash cool.

***Side note: if you’re looking for an even easier way to cook the squash, check out my instructions here***

3. Using a fork, scrape the inside of the squash to remove strands.

4. In a large, deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic. Saute one minute, then add spaghetti squash and saute an additional 2 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add 1/4 cup of chicken broth, sundried tomatoes, and broccoli. Saute 5 minutes.

6. Add peas, grilled chicken, and remaining 3/4 cup chicken broth. Shake about 1/4 cup parmesan cheese into mixture (just enough to thicken the chicken broth).

7. Reduce heat to medium-ow. Cover skillet and simmer for about 3 minutes.

8. Serve with fresh shaved parmesan cheese.

and for lunch today, I made this: 

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

Southwestern Black Bean Salad
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 13 • Size: 1/2 cup • Old Points: 1 • Weight Watcher Points+: 2 pt 
Calories: 79.5 • Fat: 3.5 g • Carb: 12 g • Fiber: 3 g • Protein: 3 g • Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 127 mg (without the salt) • Cholest: 0 mg
Ingredients:

• 15.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 9 oz cooked corn, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/3 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 scallion, chopped
• 1 1/2 - 2 limes, juice of
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh minced cilantro (or more to taste)
• salt and fresh pepper
• 1 medium hass avocado, diced 
• 1 diced jalapeno (optional)

Directions: 

In a large bowl, combine beans, corn, tomato, onion, scallion, cilantro, salt and pepper. Squeeze fresh lime juice to taste and stir in olive oil. Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes. Add avocado just before serving.

Makes about 6 1/2 cups.