Soul-weeding

"If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted."

~ Amy Carmichael

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I read that quote over here yesterday and I thanked the Lord for His love gift of conviction. For loving me enough to use someone that I don't even know to speak Truth. You see, I'm a mom now. And if I didn't struggle with impatience before...well, I certainly do now. I am convinced, after 10 months, that God will forever use our children to refine us. He uses my little boy to bring out the darkest areas of my heart that most need to change. 

During these past 10 months of his little life, we've often struggled to discern when he has a real need and when he doesn't.  We believe that many times his boredom, the fact that he'd like to be more mobile, or maybe he's not in a place that he prefers to be, manifests itself as discontentment. Whatever the reason, his behavior is often marked by tears and wails.  Sometimes it seems that no matter what you do for or with him, is not what he wants.  There are days when I feel that I've heard just about all the incessant wailing that I can handle.  And I'll speak impatiently to him. Or I'll think to myself, "why can't you just be like other quiet, normal children?!" Or I secretly hope a gypsy caravan will come take him away. Maybe I even wish {for a second} that I was like normal people and went to work every day. 

And then, when I eventually look in the mirror, I see the discontented tears & wails of my heart. I see the Love that, in spite of my wretched self, only has kindness for me. And then I confess.  I confess to the One who loves me and gave me this wonderful life I don't deserve and with tears I confess to littlest one who does not yet understand my words, but I know can see my heart through my words.

This process of Motherhood and sanctification is one that forces me to look at myself honestly and to diligently tend to my soul-garden. Weeding out the ugly hurts...but it hurts real good.

An Experiment

It's probably no secret by now, but I love freebies. Getting the mail is usually pretty exciting for me, because a lot of times there will be nice "surprises" waiting for me. Some things I do remember requesting through various promotions {like Burt's Bees lotion, or Kashi cereal samples} and sometimes I can't remember requesting it and figure I must be on some sort of mailing list. Every month, I even receive magazines for Baby Talk, Parenting, Parents, Rachel Ray, Southern Living, Woman's Day, Traditional Home, and Kiwi...all of which are free. "Free" as in, I've paid nothing for the subscriptions.

A couple of years ago, I emailed some brands or companies asking them to send me coupons for their products. And surprisingly enough, many of them did! Some of the coupons were even for free products! Like Sweet Baby Rays' BBQ Sauce. Now who doesn't like Sweet Baby Ray's!?  I had actually been considering doing this again when my girlfriend told me that she had emailed a company recently and 3 days later she had coupons in her mailbox! So, that was that. I decided that when I got back from Buffalo, I was going to send out emails and get some more freebies and/or coupons.

Sending an email to a company can take as little, or as much time as you want it to. I would say from start to finish, it usually takes me about 2 minutes. That includes filling out the contact form and writing my little message/feedback. If I've tried their brand, I will most likely tell them what my favorite product is. If I haven't tried the brand, I will say I haven't, but that I'd really like to! Ultimately, I always ask for free coupons, samples, or a couple of times, {like to Nature's Path} I've told them that I L.O.V.E. their pumpkin granola and could they please send a large box full of free samples. :) For some products, I've actually mentioned that "my 10 month old son" is starting to eat normal foods and it's important to me to be able to provide him with organic, wholesome products. Yeah...I played the baby card. We'll see if it makes any difference. :)

Most of the time, all that's required is to find the "Contact Us" link on the brand website. Sometimes there is not a form to fill out, just an email for Customer Service. In those instances, I just copy the email address and past into Gmail.

Last time I did this, I did not keep track of what brands I emailed or if I received any responses. This time, however, I will be keeping track of the date I emailed, any responses I received, and what, if anything, they sent me. Also, the majority of my requests are focused on organic or all-natural brands.  As I think of new brands, I will send an email and add them to my list. Some of the brands do offer periodic coupons on their websites, but I figured it couldn't hurt to see what else they might have to offer.

I suggest going through your pantry, cupboards, and bathroom and see what brands you use a lot of and start with those. Also, think of any brands that you've seen that maybe you'd like to try, but haven't for whatever reason. Maybe you're afraid you won't like it, or it's too expensive. Email those companies as well. Remember, even a $.50 cent coupon could be very valuable if your store doubles coupons! {$.75 cents are my favorite.}

So, without further ado, here are the brands that I've emailed since yesterday and any responses I've received. I'll keep updating as things {hopefully} start rolling in. 

Annies Naturals

Back to Nature

Bear Naked

Boar's Head - no email, so I had to call. They do not offer coupons, but instead give discounts to the distributors so that the stores can put the product on sale. She gave me the number to my local distributor and said he would be able to tell me what stores participate in the discounts and when they put the product on sale. A++ for the customer service! 

Brown Cow

Burt's Bees

Cascadian Farms

Celestial Seasonings

Earthbound Farm - four days later I had coupons in my mailbox. {4} $1 off any item coupons, {1} $.75 cents of any item, and {2} free item coupons!

Eden Organics

Green Mountain Gringo - replied to me early the next morning. Said they don't have "free item" coupons, but will send me what coupons they have.

Happy Baby - replied next day telling me they're glad I like their product and they'll sign me up for their quarterly newsletter which contains coupons. {Booo....!}

Muir Glen

Nancy's Organics

Nature's Path

SC Johnson {re: Glade soy candles}

Sweet Baby Ray's

Tazo Tea

Yogi Tea 

Have you ever emailed companies for coupons? Any you would suggest? Do you enjoy getting freebies? What kinds do you receive? Check out the $39 Dollar Experiment here. It's interesting and funny and might give you an idea of what companies to "target".

the {PureGrace}Life blog

Yes, I've changed blog names....again. I promise it's not an obsession and I can assure you that this is it. This is something I've been thinking about doing for some time and I've held off on doing so only because I do feel somewhat foolish for going through another change. While I do enjoy keeping a blog, I've never really felt "at home" on it.  Perhaps the lack of emotional attachment is part of the reason why posts can be few and far between. Who knows. Regardless, I really wanted to create a space that represented me.

Though most people call me "Sue", my full name is "Susanne". With an "s", not a "z". Sort-of like Anne with an "e"...I'm very touchy about it. :) It's always been somewhat humorous, that, Susanne with an "s" means  "pure & graceful", because "graceful" I most certainly am not. However, I now believe that my name was no accident...dare I say even providential? Keep reading.

"Grace" is my favorite word. It is beautiful and powerful...and a constant reminder that my very life, both mortal and situational, exists only because God willed it so.  Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary defines grace as:

• Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.
• Favorable influence of God; divine influence or the influence of the spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin.
• A state of reconciliation to God.
• The application of Christ's righteousness to the sinner.
• A state of reconciliation to God.
• Favor; mercy; pardon.
• Favor conferred.
• Privilege.

Even though I knew the Truth, I spent almost 10 years of my life chasing the World and everything in it.  Every single thing I did was to gratify my love of self. I intentionally chose a lifestyle that hurt many people, including those I loved and even some I barely knew. It was a mere 5 years ago that the irresistible grace of God drew me from the bondage of self and into His loving arms. And I was made pure.

On the header, you see the phrase "mercy's robe, a ring of grace, such favor undeserved". That line is taken from this song that may as well be my life, given words and set to music. If you like, please take a moment to listen to it. I will never understand God's amazing love that causes Him to sing and celebrates over me!

But I do understand that everything I have, everything I am, my family, and my position in life at this very moment is sola gratia...by Grace alone.

I am privileged, honored, and forever humbled that He chose me, Susanne, to live this {PureGrace}Life.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

This recipe was originally called MINI Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, but since there's only the two of us, I figured we really don't need 36 {mini} pies! Better to make 12 regular size ones. :o) Not only do these pies have the standard cream filling, but it's a cream cheese filling. Yum. Definitely put these on your "to bake" list. And what to do with the leftover can of pumpkin? Why, pumpkin pancakes the next morning, of course! Little side note: when you make the frosting, it will seem that there might not be enough yummy goodness for all 12 {or 36} pies, but do not despair! Do yourself a favor and apply filling liberally. There is plenty to go around!

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Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
1 cup 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

FOR COOKIES:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Lightly grease or line four baking sheets with parchment paper.COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter and sugar in large mixer bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin and vanilla extract; beat until smooth. Stir in flour mixture until combined. Drop by heaping measuring teaspoons onto prepared baking sheets. (A total of 72 cookies are needed for the mini pie recipe.)BAKE for 10 to 13 minutes or until springy to the touch. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

FOR CREAM CHEESE FILLING:
BEAT cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.SPREAD a heaping teaspoon of filling onto flat side of one cookie; top with flat side of second cookie to make a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling. Store in covered container in refrigerator.

*Since I made regular size pies, the cookie "drops" were more like a heaping tablespoon or two and the same when spreading the filling on the baked cookies.

Shrimp Scampi

I originally got my shrimp scampi recipe from my parents good friend in Maine, Mansell, who is quite the seafood cook aficionado. I don't remember exactly what the original recipe was, so I'm not sure how true I prepare it now. This is one of those dishes that seems like it would take a lot to put together, but it really couldn't be simpler. This scampi is so flavorful and one of my favorites. I rarely measure any of the ingredients, but I tried to estimate what I used tonight. If you add more or less, you really won't ruin the recipe at all. If you like sauce, or use a lot of shrimp, just increase the amounts. Serve this over your favorite pasta {I use whole wheat angel hair} with your favorite garlic bread {I used homemade French bread buttered & sprinkled with garlic powder & oregano} and you're sure to come back for seconds!

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Shrimp Scampi
Adapted from: Mansell Taylor

Ingredients:
1/2 c. butter
2 Tbsp. jar minced garlic
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
juice of 2 lemons
frozen shrimp, thawed & tails removed
pasta

Directions:
Preheat oven broiler on high.

Place butter & garlic in glass 8x8 pan and microwave on high until butter is melted. Remove from microwave, add oregano & lemon juice. Place thawed shrimp in dish with butter mixture and broil in oven for 5-8 minutes, until shrimp curls & is cooked. Serve over your favorite pasta!

**Tip: If you get your water boiling and add the pasta at the same time you put the shrimp under the broiler, everything should be ready at the same time!

Persimmon Pudding

I'm learning a lot of new Southern cooking & baking ingredients and recipes since living in North Carolina! In my CSA box this past week, I got 3 persimmons. For some reason, I thought persimmons were a flower?! Maybe they're both. They're a very pretty little fruit {or vegetable?}, don't you think? Maybe I should research just exactly what they are. Aaron is definitely a big fan of the new dessert. He doesn't usually make a big fuss over things, but the last couple of nights he can't wait to get his hands on it. Last night, out of the blue, he says "So, I think I might have a new favorite dessert!". Meaning the persimmon pudding.

Persimmon pudding is actually more cake-like than pudding-like. The entire consistency is a little more mushy than a true cake would be, but definitely mirrors a cake more than what I think of as pudding. I adapted the original recipe a little bit by adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and I would describe the taste as almost a pumpkin gingerbread.

The recipe calls for 1 cup of persimmon pulp. I had 3 persimmons and just used all of them. The persimmons that have an almost transparent skin and mushy insides, are the ripest & best. Just cut it in half and press through a fine-mesh sieve or food mill, discarding the flesh & seeds. I was impatient & wanted to make the pudding, so the more firm persimmons took a bit more elbow grease. I scooped out the insides with a spoon and mashed them through the sieve with a spatula and/or spoon.

This recipe is a definite "must make"...if you can get your hands on some persimmons!

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Persimmon Pudding
Adapted from: Allrecipes.com

Ingredients:
1 cup persimmon pulp
1 egg, beaten
1 1/4 cups sugar {I use raw cane}
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups milk {I use raw, whole}
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 and butter a pie plate.* In a blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth. Pour into buttered pie plate and bake for 40 -45 minutes.

*The original recipe used a 9x13 pan and to bake for 30 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center came out with no batter stuck to it. Baking it in a pie plate worked perfectly and created a little thicker portions of pudding. We like things a little more "mushy", so by using a pie plate, the center of the pudding was a little more soft-set.

Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Aaron is a big dough-eater...meaning: I'm very used to him coming in with a serving spoon and stealing heaping spoonfuls of whatever cookie dough I happen to be preparing. Sometimes he likes it and will come back for more and other times he's not thrilled with the dough, so he'll move along. I wasn't convinced he would like these because of the different ingredients...boy was I ever wrong! He took no less than 5 serving spoonfuls of the dough and kept pretending he couldn't tell if he liked it or not. When some of the dough actually had a chance to bake, he came back for 4 more! I finally had a chance to try one and I knew right away what all the fuss was about. They were yummy...beyond yummy. The white chips get a little toasty while baking and reminded me of a lightly toasted marshmallow. You must make these cookies...you won't be disappointed. The only thing I did different from the recipe was to add more white chips...probably closer to a cup. Maybe a little more.

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Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies
By: Ocean Spray

Ingredients:
2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 6 oz. package cranberries
2/3 cup white chocolate chunks or chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light & fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well. Combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the butter mixture in several batches, mixing well after each addition. Stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.