Pack It Up, Pack It In, Let me Begin...

     While packing up Etsy sales this weekend I was faced with a packaging problem. I needed something small, but sturdy. I refuse to go to the Post Office to buy my supplies, it's too expensive. And you know me, I'd rather find a way to upcycle or recycle something before going out and buying it anywhere.

     I went in search and came up with a fabulous solution! I recycled one of the many empty oatmeal containers that I have. Typically they get used in fort and castle construction, but, this is almost better.

 

     All I had to do was peel off the label, which was easy, and I was set to go.  The product was safely packaged and ready for travel.

Another situation solved simply!

Simple City Sam

For Mobile Followers Too

     Today a friend of mine turned me onto Bloglovin'. It is a website and mobile phone app for iPhone and Android. It allows readers to follow all of their blogs from one location- their phone- by notifying the user when a blog has been updated. It will also update in your browser.

     I have not had a lot of time to check out this feature. However, a good friend of mine uses it and is very happy with it. In fact, she is the one who lead me there. Simply City Sam is newly added to the Bloglovin catalogue of available blogs so you'll have good reason to download! The best part though, is that it's free.

     I am excited to see if this app makes mobile readership easier or not. Being that the app allows the user to compile their own list of followed blogs I believe it will. No longer will users be limited by the mobile blog app. I am anxious to have your feedback.

Thanks Meghan! I hope this helps everyone!

Simple City Sam

Update:    <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4788409/?claim=jzs7tcqnnqh">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a> 

I'm Drowning In Board Games!

     It's snowing here...again. That means yet another day where we spend most of our time indoors. Sure, the girls will get their obligatory play outside time, but that's it. Otherwise, we're stuck inside. So we do crafts, bake, clean, and play games. I have to admit I am a fan of board games. People call me "The Original Gamer" or "O.G." because I like board games so much! Ok, you got me. No one calls me that, but it would be kinda cool, right? As my hubby rolls his eyes, I'll get back on point.

     We like playing board games. We play as a family, as a couple and even have grown-up game nights. There is something to be said for all sitting around a table playing a game and having fun and good conversations. It is one of my favorite activities because of it's simplicity. There are so many types to choose from- card, timer-based, board, imaginative. There are no costs for "updates"- I still have board games I had as a child. They are relatively inexpensive new (around $15-$20) and even cheaper second hand- every thrift store and yard sale will have at least one for sale.

     What I don't like about board games is how much space they take up. The packaging seems to encompass so many things I dislike. The graphics are usually of fake people having fake fun with items that don't even resemble the game or it's pieces. That "Hungry Hippo" will never actually growl to life so why show my girls that he will? Rampant consumerism, that's why. I mean, really, why don't they show Checkers pieces wearing capes and soaring over the board, taking each other out? Because that's not marketed toward young, impressionable children. It's for educated, older adults who like to sit in the park, evidently. Not only that, but there is so much of the packagining itself! Do you mean to tell me that a small pile of cards and a board (like in Candy Land) really needs a giant cardboard box?  There are those boxes, too, that have yet another piece of cardboard or plastic packaging inside, safely cradling the pieces you are going to rip from their bags and throw back in the box with reckless abandon when you're done. Great.

     I had the entire underside of a giant TV stand  full of these game boxes and still didn't have enough space for all of them. During one of our many moves a friend of mine said casually (while trying to manuever a HUGE box of games), "You've got a ton of games, I'm surprised you haven't figured out a way to downsize.", genius. I did need to downsize but not in number of games, in the amount of packaging alone. I was on a mission.

     I separated the games into kid games and adult games (or games with LOTS of pieces). Then I took the pieces from each game and put them into plastic bags, put the instructions into a pile, and put any boards into another pile. Then I recycled the cardboard. Even after breaking it down I had more than would fit in my standard bin. I had pink and green canvass boxes that had been used in my youngest's nursery and were sitting in storage, so I pulled those out. Pink was for the girls, green for the adults. I had so many games! 

    

Kids Games Shown:

5 Little Monkeys Jumping on The Bed

Spanish/English Opposites Matching Game

Disney Trivia

Twister

Dora The Explorer Matching Game

Goodnight Moon

Candy Land

The Cat in The Hat

Dr. Seuss Matching Game

Checkers

Barrel of Monkeys

Canvas Bag (for imaginative play games, like Charades)

Grown-Ups Games Shown:

Clue

Monopoly

Disney Monopoly

Yahtzee

Scattegories

Apples to Apples

Playing Cards (of multiple sizes)

Battleship

Bag of pens and scrap paper for scoring

     Then I packed them up neatly in their new boxes, stacking boards and large items to the side. I also binder clipped together all the instructions so none would be lost.

                                       

                                      

     Of course, there were a few that had too many pieces to consolidate, or were already in small cases, like our Chess set, Cranium, and Backgammon. No matter, I had just cut my board game space by more than 75%. I had my hubby install a shelf high in the living room closet (ours is an open, recessed closet) and stacked everything up there. It was out of reach from the kids, compact, organized, and accessible. All things I truly love!

  

 

     It was an extremely simple solution that cost us absolutely nothing! For us, living in a city apartment, space is limited and needs to be used smartly. I have done that with this conversion and am thrilled!

And good news, unnamed-friend, moving these games will be much easier next time...probably only one box!

Simple City Sam

Don't Keep Your Comments To Yourself

     I don't think it's any secret that I'm no Steve Jobs. I mean, this blog is the most high tech thing I've ever done. I spend a good deal of time researching questions and manipulating the page and just generally experimenting. So far I have only a few complaints and I feel like I'm doing fairly well.

     My goal, however, is to keep expanding, to gain more followers. I would love to tweak this venture and get it just right. My hope is to allow these passions I've discovered to flourish and become full time endeavours. Of course to do that I am back to needing more followers.

     I realize that most people I know, and most of the people this blog is targeted toward are just as busy as I am. The fact that you read my blog at all truly thrills me. I am, however, going to ask a small favor from all of you. Don't keep your comments to yourself. How many times have we heard that? Probably never.

     I would love your constructive feedback, in any way. In addition one of my biggest issues right now is with Blogger and how the comments are posted. I have tried to set this in the most user friendly manner but that has left me with nothing but "Anonymous" commenters. We are all friends here (I got your back) sign your name. Still, I've heard lots of verbal comments and Facebook comments about how it's still tricky- especially on the mobile version. Well, I've updated and changed the settings there too.

     I appreciate those of you, here in the beginning, who are willing to help me out and stick with me as the blog ebbs and flows. I want to see all your smiling faces (even if it is of your dog, or a flower) right next to your comment. Play around with your follower settings. Try leaving me a comment via one of the options other than "Anonymous".

     Is it possible? How hard was it? Where else would you like to see improvement? What additional issues would you like addressed? I'm here to grow and learn. I would really love your help in doing so.

Thanks in advance!

Simple City Sam

     

Valentines To Go

     Now that my oldest is in school I have a new found appreciation for the involvement my mom had in my school. I'm faced with many of the same obligations, volunteer opportunities, commitments and "group activities" that so many other parents are faced with. Valentine's Day is certainly a great example of that!

     It's not like you can send your kid to school and have her be the only one not giving out valentines, she'd feel left out and by now it's almost a right of passage. I don't want to spend a small fortune on something she (and everyone else) is just going to throw away. I don't want her to learn to get wrapped up in the absurd consumerism that drives "holidays" now. I mean really, how many of us know the actual story of St. Valentine or the fact that he's also the patron saint of the plague? My goal, as with all things, is to simplify and enjoy the moments.

     So 3 weeks ago we started making our own valentines. No, they aren't uber fashionable cards that I whipped up all on my own via help from Pinterest. That would defeat all purposes. They are cards that my oldest and I planned before making, a card with a heart made of crepe paper with stickers (some of her favorite materials) and a temporary tattoo on the inside- we like tattoos. They were all crafted by her (except for the written message), she chose the gift to place inside and signed her name to all 30 cards she made! She is beyond proud of herself. Each one was truly made with love. We would make 3-4 a night,  maybe every other night. We took it in stages and took our time. Planning is a wonderful thing. When we finally finished them she was bursting at the seems with excitement, pride, joy, and accomplishment.

 

     She also asked if we could make a snack for the class (oh boy, a "volunteer opportunity", yeah). Of course I said yes, she used her manners and everything. So,again, we planned it out and she decided on Rice Krispie treats. That was a bonus for me because they are so easy to make and they are equally as easy to make with "help" from a 4 1/2 year old. So we set out to get what we needed. Butter and Rice Krispies are basically staples in my house so we only had to get marshmallows. Double bonus!

     We made them the night before (tonight) so they'd be fresh and packed them up. Now, I don't know about you, but honestly, for me the biggest reason I don't like bringing group snacks is tracking down the dish. You have to remind the teacher (or your kid, which is never good) to please put it aside and/or send it back with your child. Or you have to call your friend 40 times before she gets you back your casserole dish. If you opt for the paper plate, "I don't need it back" route, then you have to bring like 9 paper plates with you. Those things can barely hold a dozen treats before they fold under the pressure or start looking like the leaning tower of Pisa. So I came up with a better plan.

     I recycled a hinged shirt box. I save all my gift boxes and reusable gift bags, there is no point in wasting. I buy wrapping paper MAYBE once a year, otherwise I typically have any wrapping need right on hand. In fact, at this point I probably have more boxes than I could ever use! So I simply took one that was hinged (has the top attached) and lined it with wax paper. Now I have a shaped container (so nothing gets damaged) that has a lid (not 2 pieces to track down) and I don't even want it back (so there!). This is perfect! Full, easy to carry, protected and never coming back to me again. Hooray! Success!

     My oldest was involved, happy, and fulfilled. I spent almost nothing to give all her friends and classmates personal valentines. Lastly, the weeks before the holiday were spent having fun with this project and enjoying the moments creating together with my daughter, moments I think most of us miss.  It was wonderful!

 

 

I'd say I got my valentine a little early this year!

Simple City Sam

Why do I live in Maine, Again?

     After accumulating no less than 3 feet of snow in the last 4 days it is now raining here in southern Maine. That should make everything nice and icy.

     It's on days like today that it is especially hard for me to remember why I live in Maine. I mean sure, I love the"city" and the people and my hubby and oldest love the snow. Nevertheless, I'm not a fan of winter OR long drawn out storms. I need reminding of what I love about this place. I love the summer. The warm breezes off the ocean when I'm on one of my favorite islands in Casco Bay. Being just far enough away from everything to feel at peace but close enough to get anything I need with a good walk or boat ride. I DO LOVE IT HERE. Some days it's just nice to be reminded.

  

 Oh, yeah. That's why...

Simple City Sam

    

Bagels!

     Bagels are hands-down my favorite breakfast/brunch item in the world. When they are done right, they are crispy on the outside, a little chewy and soft on the inside and they always have the perfect amount of toppings. Rarely do I find a bagel that meets all the criteria. Usually they are limp, or hard as a rock. There are those whose toppings fall off as soon as you look at them, and those so covered in toppings you can barely even find the bagel. Ugh, what's a bagel lover to do? Well I could spend a fortune on the perfect bakery bagel, assuming I had found the perfect bakery making the perfect bagel. Or I could make them myself. I must admit that this is mostly accomplished because of my husband (ok, nearly entirely...ok, entirely). He is an amazing chef with a knack for baking. Years ago he perfected his bagel recipe and now makes me bagels as a treat.

     I have picked up some of the tricks over the years and together he and I have made some really amazing bagel flavors and combinations. I am truly in heaven! Several folks have asked for a lesson in bagel making, and I'm only too happy to oblige. I will say, that like most chefs, he is unwilling to part with his secret, perfected recipe (I can't blame him, it took years, and we're working on opening a restaurant with those recipes). We did however compile the perfect "starter's recipe". Make this recipe a few times and play with the ratios of liquid and salt to see which you like the best. Make notes on the recipe for the next time you bake, so you don't have to try to remember on your own!

Ingredients Makes 1 dozen

6 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons active dry yeast

3 cups cold water 

2 tablespoons white sugar

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon brown sugar (brine)

Step 1: Combine the yeast and water in a large mixer on low until the yeast is completely dissolved.

Step 2: Add white sugar and salt to liquid and mix on low until everything is completely dissolved.

 

Step3: Add half the flour and mix on low until incorporated. This will take several minutes.     

                                                     

Step 4: Add remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until dough hook pulls dough from the bowl cleanly and completely. (Dough will feel slightly sticky but will not physically stick to your hand.)

Step5: Remove dough from hook and form into a ball.

Step 6: Place dough ball into a well oiled bowl and roll ball to cover in oil. Cover the bowl tightly in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 12 hours. (We almost always complete this the night before, so we can have the dough super fresh in the morning.)

Step 7: Put large pot of water on the stove to boil with the tablespoon of brown sugar to create a brine. We use a large roasting pan,the more surface area, the better.

Step 8: Remove proofed dough (which should be popping up over the bowl) from the bowl and place in on a floured surface.

                                                   

Step 9: With floured hands push the dough into a large rectangle approximately 8"x12" & 1/2" thick.

Step 10: Cut the rectangle into 12 equal pieces.

Step 11: Dress and form the squares into bagel "pillows". Place any ingredients you want incorporated into your bagel on top of the square (the more ingredients the harder it is to form). We are making Plain, Cheddar & Chili, Salt & Pepper, Cinnamon & Sugar, and Poppy Seed. Fold all four corners into the center and gently roll dough into itself to form a small pillow. Gently place off to the side and continue for each bagel. Once complete, let all 12 bagels rest (proof) for 10 minutes. This will help the dough stick together and rise around any ingredients you've added making it harder for the bagel to fall apart. It will also help seal up where you pinched the bagel closed.

Step 12: Take each formed ball individually and form into bagels. Poke a hole in the center of the bagel with your finger. Gently enlarge the hole with your fingers by working the dough into a ring. If ingredients start to pop out or the bagel cracks (which can happen easily with dry ingredients, like cinnamon) gently pinch the dough back together with your fingers. Set all twelve off to the side and let them rest and proof for another 10 minutes. Again, your helping it bind together here, this will make your life easier in the long run and give you a better product.

Step 13:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 14: Place each bagel into boiling brine for 3 minutes. Again, we use a giant roasting pan and stretch it across two burners on the stove. That way we can boil 5-6 bagels at a time, but this can be done in any pot.

Step 15: Flip the bagels over and boil on the other side for 3 minutes. Try using two wooden spoons to flip the bagels, the goal is to be very gentle with the bagels at this point.

Step 16: Remove from brine and place on oiled baking sheet.You could also lay parchment paper down instead of oil and have equally as favorable results.

Step 17: Using egg whites only, brush the tops of each bagel with an egg wash and top with any topping you choose. The egg wash helps the bagel crisp up and helps the toppings to stick. 

Step 18: Bake for 20 minutes. Rotate 180 degrees. Bake another 20 minutes.

     Remove from oven and enjoy!! Place in plastic bags or plastic containers to store for a few days at most. It's really best to consume these within 3 days (or immediately!).

 

     It's true that these certainly take a bit of planning and are an indulgence that my waist line doesn't need. However, I can't help myself. They are so perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. They are perfect!

Enjoy!

Simple City Sam