Weekly Food Prep #1: Soup

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Save for the hot hot summer months (and even then I often make a summer soup of sorts) I am a lovable soup eater.

Soup is great when you're thirsty, hungry, sleepy, tired, sick, excited...I could go on for days about the AWESOMENESS of soup. I will spare you my ramblings and get to the point.

Every week, and I mean every week, I make a pot of soup. It's my creed. It's my sanity.

Now for those who say, "Meh, I like soup but I get bored if I have to eat the same thing everyday." I say: stick with me...you'll see. I will offer options for modifications that will entertain even the miser-iest of us all, my bubby.

Now, as I was saying...ah, yes SOUP.

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Reasons why I like making soup:
1) Pour it all in a pot and walk away. (for the most part)
 - Soup usually cooks itself, minus a bit of stirring here or there and the occasional check that it's not boiling too vigorously, it usually requires minimal "kitchen work." This is a HUGE bonus for me, and will be for you too if you're the kind who has a bit of time to chop and prep and then other things to do. Soup is a good option for those strapped for time.

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2) You can make soup out of just about ANYTHING.
 - You've got carrots, peas, corn, potatoes and garlic on hand...let's make some soup! No carrots, okay, no problem. Throw lentils, pumpkin puree, onions, and some celery in, add water and season to taste...and we've got soup! Leftover rice and stirfry in the fridge, throw it in there...add some chopped kale, seasonings, and chopped red peppers...and we've got soup! The list goes on and on...

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3) It's filling.
 - Anyone responsible for feeding themselves can easily say, "once I eat, I don't want to be heading back to the kitchen in an hour or so in search of food." You cook, you eat, you get on with your day. No one has days and hours to spend cooking and cooking on end just to survive. Soup is the answer of all answers. You eat some, not yet full, eat some more.

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4) It's cheap.
 - Most of the time when I endeavor to make soup, I look in the fridge, cupboards and crisper, see what's around, make a pile on the counter, pick out some options and "throw it in a pot." I'm not kidding. Once it starts cooking I season to taste, put the lid on and walk away. I don't tend to grocery shop to make soup. You can very often use what you already have in your pantry and reduce your trips to the store.

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5) It's healthy.*
 - Now this one is tricky, depending on what you put in it. If we're talking ham hocks and fried butter onion soup...or mac n' cheese soup (there exists such a thing)...not so healthy. Just because you cook it down and throw in a veggie or two doesn't necessarily make it good for you. We CAN however, make our soup choices largely veggie-based, limit the salt and try not to over cook them. These suggestions can help to preserve the nutrients in our soups and make them a very healthly alternative.


So, there you have it. My humble plea for weekly soup-making. I encourage you to make some yourself this week! Share your "spontan" recipe below!

Afraid of making TOO much soup? here's a tip on how to freeze leftovers.

Who poo'ed...did you???

Photo by http://pinsta.me/u/chichiromeoandme and her beautiful children.

When I was a little kid and first became exposed to the naughty nature of children and their uncanny fascination with poo, I quickly learned the correct and incorrect ways to describe it in public setting. Below I will categorize the words most commonly used for this regular bodily function:

1) Poo or Poop
 - The word "poo" is often used in conjuction with the unattractive smell associated either before or after the action of relieving one's bowels takes place. Add a simple letter "p" to the end and you will be describing the action itself.
EX. " Ewww.... Mom, Trent smells like poop!" or " Peee-eeeww, she poo'ed!"

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2) "BM"
 - A "BM" is a technical abbreviation for "bowel movement." This, according to my grandmother, who is the knower of all things, it is the most appropriate way to describe such personal functions, in public or private. It is also the most politically correct way to describe the action taking place.
EX. "May I please be excused, I need to make a BM."

3) #2
 - Realizing the meaning of doing a "#2" can only be understood by knowing the meaning of doing a "#1." Here we see that the first describes simple urination, while the second describes the complex task of bowel movements. Oftentimes parents will ask their children, "Do you need to go to the bathroom?" "Okay, #1 or #2?"
*Note: This way of describing the lower bowel movements is accepted in most all settings and situations and is the most 'politically correct' version to use.

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4) crap or it's censored version "$h!t"
 - To "crap" one's pants, or to "take a crap" is often used by the pre-teen to early and late adulthood generations. There is a sense of vulgarity to this verbiage and it is considered most rude to say out loud in public, especially the latter.
EX. "Gross Josh! You just crapped all over yourself!" or "Man, get outta my way! I need to take a massive $h!t"

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5) Doo-doo or boo-boo
 - These variations can be used by adults and children alike. The repetition in the words make them easy for kids to learn and they are generally accepted in public, when speaking to or about children's bowel movements.
EX. "Momma, I need to go boo-boo." or "Daddy, doo-doo'ed upstairs!"

6) Taking a "dump" 
Taking a dump is a common way to describe the process of passing stools and specifically refers to a large amount of waste being removed from the bowels. Often, it is also assumed, by using this phrase, that you will be engaged in bathroom functions for some time.
EX. " AY! Close the door! I'm taking a dump here!"

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SO...I hope that proved to be an informational and entertaining spin on the normal bodily functions we each experience everyday. No matter what you call it, or when you it happens, everyone does it!

Throughout your detox I hope yours are as smooth and pain-free as possible. Happy dumping!