Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies

Good morning! Today the Coller Kids are headed out for our weekly library day! It's beautiful, sunny, and roasting hot! Hope you all are having a great week!

My mom is the most excellent cookie-baker I know. She has a knack for making soft, moist, chewy cookies that don't harden up after they're cooled. I've used several of her recipes but I still can't get it right! She has a delicious recipe for Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies for us today. 

Why I Use Oats In My Cookie Recipes

  Have you noticed I use oats quite often in my cookie recipes? It is all about the calories! 1 Cup of flour= 455 calories while 1 cup of rolled oats= 300 calories. Also, oats are better for us!

  Do you need a cookie recipe for all those zucchinis the neighbors bring you? Here is a good one!

Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies
mix:     1/2 cup oil
            3/4 cup sugar
            1 egg
            1 tsp vanilla extract
            2 cups oats
stir in: 1 1/2 cups flour
            1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
            1/2 tsp soda
            2 cups shredded zucchini

Bake on greased cookie sheet at 350º for 10 minutes.

Thanks for stopping by the Homemaking Party. I'm excited to see what you've got to share!
Th

Establishing Healthy Habits at Home #LISTERINEMom #ad

I received LISTERINE® Brand products and a Walgreens gift card from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® Brand Totally Taken Care Of program. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

This year I've had the privilege to serve as an ambassador for LISTERINE®, bringing you all the news on products to promote oral health and good habits. Earlier in the year, I talked about the LISTERINE® 21-Day Challenge, and followed up last month with some info on LISTERINE® Total Care Mouthwash---the rinse that helps prevent cavities, restores enamel, strengthens teeth, provides total mouth cleansing, and more. As the mother and homemaker in my family, it's my job to make sure everyone is totally taken care of---a big responsibility that I take seriously.

In addition to teaching my kids good hygiene habits and providing them with quality products to do so, there are other aspects to this "totally taken care of" thing. Another way I make sure their needs are met is by stocking the kitchen with healthy and hearty foods to make regular, sit-down meals with. I make it a habit to serve fresh, raw fruit with every breakfast and fresh, raw vegetables with every lunch. Of course, I include fruits and veggies in the meals I cook, as well, but establishing this habit years ago ensures that, even if I serve popcorn for dinner now and then, I know they've had some nutrient-rich food that day, as well. Tonight I made Touch Down Taco Dip for Father's Day. This is a healthy family favorite and can be served with corn chips, celery sticks, or cucumber slices to use for dipping.

Another thing I can do to promote positive habits in my family is to make sure we get some sunshine and exercise. We're not really the type of family to go for a run or a bike ride---too many age differences to make that feasible right now---but we love adventures. One of our favorite places to hang out is the Pea Ridge Battlefield just minutes from our home. There are miles of hiking trails and tons of history to keep our imaginations going strong! We also like to take basketballs, footballs, and scooters to the park at a nearby lake. That way there's something for everyone to enjoy.

In the past, I've wanted to come up with great strategies, routines, and plans to achieve our family's goals. I'm learning that a few goals at a time helps build regular habits and that we really do just need to take things a day at a time and give one another grace as we learn. What are some things you've implemented to keep your family totally taken care of?

Make sure to shop Walgreens for LISTERINE® Total Care Mouthwash and other helpful hygiene products and check out the 21-Day Challenge to help establish good rinsing routines in your family.

BBQ Elk Steak

 Intense stars lighted the way for a visit of an almost full moon. Wind in our faces, cobblestone streets and horse drawn carriages...

Good morning! Welcome to the Homemaking Party! Today my mom, Christy, is guest posting with a great recipe and some special memories.

Today I made bbq elk steak in my crock pot. The smell reminded me of my mother's kitchen. It is amazing how certain smells can bring back such wonderful memories.

Last week one of my little sisters found mom's favorite perfume on Etsy. She bought each of us 6 siblings a bottle of Avon's Moonwind in the original 1974 "Courting Carriage" glass bottles.                                     Even our brother got one! isn't that sweet?

BBQ Elk Steak
3 pounds elk steak (or beef steak)
18 ounces of your favorite bbq sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Cook on low in crock pot for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. Pull apart with two forks.

I am sure mom would be proud of my bbq elk steak served on a bun. It tastes delicious and smells even better!

Thanks for stopping by the Homemaking Party! Can't wait to see what you've got to share this week!