Why God Why?

Angel Girl (to me): "Why do you do this to me?" 

  Fairy Girl, "ya, we went to bed LAST night!"

 

 

A Look Back...

The 100 Days of Real Food Pledge

We've had a lot going on with us over the last few years; coupled with moving from one state to another, into a rented home and finally recently into our new home!!  But, all of that meant that we let go of some really good and healthy practices...regular exercise and healthy organic vegetarian (ok we're still vegetarians) real food eating habits.  Little by little I've been rebuilding a sense of normalcy back into our lives...better than ever for us though!  And little by little I'm building back in the once-very-healthy holistic living practices we've had.  And, little by little, we're going to get back to very healthy eating (as a vegetarian family, this often involves a lot of time on my end, to plan, shop and prepare...somehow on top of also being their full-time teacher, etc).  But, we are going to get there slowly but surely.  And, as always, when I'm thinking about something, the Divine always knows to send me help or a message in support of healthy changes. A few days ago an article popped up for a blog called "The 100 Days of Real Food Pledge."  This family, like us, family of four with two girls, our girls' ages!  And, as if that weren't enough, I've also (for the first time ever) decided to incorporate some fianancial discipline and budgeting into our lives....especially in light of all the costs associated with a major move and paying our mortage along with a high rental payment for several months.   So, for the first time ever, we want to budget, including groceries (The Duggars kind of influenced me too, I admit it, I kind of like them:)  So, I thought it would be interesting to see if we could try to have a grocery budget of $120 a week ....  well, surprise surprise, http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/category/100-days-of-real-food-on-a-budget/ (as it turns out, after te 100 days, she was relieved, as that was a pretty darned tight budget for heating that healthy--but she stuck with the $120/wk grocery budget).  So, we shall see....(but, I'm quite certain it's "cheaper" to be a vegetarian than a carnivoire:).

p.s. my pledge has not officially begun yet:)

Easy Slow Cooker Refried Beans

Ingredients

• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 2 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
• ½ fresh jalapeno or other hot pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• One big pinch of cumin
• 6 cups water
• ***I also opt to add taco seasoning blend, to taste (if you buy the packets, I'd use a full packet)...if you make your own, use a "Packet" worth;)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for 8 hours or overnight while you are sleeping.
3. Remove the bigger onion chunks and drain the excess liquid. If desired, save excess liquid until the final product is desired consistency.
4. Mash remaining beans with a potato masher and voila! You have homemade refried beans.

Sea Pines

We visited Sea Pines for the first time today!  It's a very popular area on Hilton Head Island, with gorgeous forest preserves and cool horse stables to visit and ride, and a light house to climb (ok, the only light house I know of that has never guided a ship into port--it was built strictly for decor and the tourists:)  There is a gift shop at the top, and the ONLY way to bring the merchandise up is to carry it all the way up several flights of stairs.  It turns out, they usually ask people who want to take the light house tour to carry something up in exchange for free admission:)

 

We then left Harbourtown and headed over to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, to feed the turtles and ourselves.  Let's just say we love this place SO MUCH, that we are now going to look into buying a couple of double used kayaks!

The turtles kind of sort of loved us too:)  or maybe it was the bread?  But I'd like to think it was us too, we didn't sock them with stale bread, they got the good stuff:)  (hope they like sour dough:D)

 And, we  had the incredible opportunity to step into an ancient Indian ceremonial ground---by ancient, I mean over 3800 years old!  (supposedly, nobody was buried here though:)  It's called a shell ring--only twenty such rings are known to exist on the entire east coast.  These were very large, raised rings created by oyster shells (btw, those things are literally razor sharp, NEVER step onto an oyster bed, which could very easily happen down here--and does, all the time!  Many a person goes to the ER for this!)  Then the rings were covered with dirt and soil.

 One day post Irene.  The waves were still a little big, the seas VERY rough!  Not too many people in the water (dangerous riptides often come with hurricanes)--but I did see several people on boogaboards, riding the cool waves!)

And finally, these are my pretty beach babies---getting bigger by the second:/

Hurricane Irene

At first, Irene was on a path that was expected to make landfall right in Savannah/Hilton Head---as stronger hurricane.  This rarely happens, and the media keeps making all this hype that it's "our turn, it's just a matter of time."  My personal thoughts, let's keep the thoughts positive, like with any situation--we aren't doomed---nobody is.  But of course if it happens, it's good to be prepared.  A cold front from the north came down, and that is how she ended up being pushed back eastward, to potentially impact the rest of the eastern seaboard.  It looks like she's been downgraded to a Category 1 (90mph winds, still very very dangerous), as she's made land fall on the Outer Banks of NC (a very vulnerable area, compared to where we are located, because of the way it "sticks out more," we kind of "stick in." If you look at a map, we are actually straight down from Cleveland!  Anyway, as far as preparing, after we realized Irene would pass by us---I took down my windchimes and dragonfly spinner and folded down my lawn chairs (but left all of it outside).  Worst-case scenario for us, 35 mph winds and torrential tropical downpours---we wound up with incredibly beautiful 15-20 mph winds, and in my area in particular (every area here was different, Hilton Head, 5 miles away got stronger winds and a ton of rain)...two 20 minute very heavy down pours, and a little hail---aside from that beautiful strong breezes and sunshine much of the day!  Also, as J was driving home from work, over one of the large bridges crossing the Broad River---(intraAtlantic water way)----he noticed the water levels were quite high---over the piers--I also think it was high tide.  I'm learning hurricanes and tropical storms, occurring during high tide is a much more dangerous situation than in low tides--all new stuff--(we have significant tides here--not all parts of the coast do).  I have friends who made it down to the coast to watch the huge waves, we never got there:(  But, as one of my friends pointed out, if you live here long enough, there will be plenty of opportunities:O  So, for your viewing pleasure, this photo was shot yesterday afternoon as seen down Highway 278, the only road that goes onto Hilton Head Island--this is what the skies of an extreme outerband of a major hurricane looks like--couldn't imagine being caught in the middle of it!  Sorry no wave shots, but since it's not too far north of us, and we are headed to the coast, there's still a chance the waves are big:)  

That said, I heard, though Irene is HUGE, she is losing some intensity...continued prayers for those north of us.

p.s. as a "perk" for being on the southend of a major hurricane, we still have gorgeous breezes and the humidity level is very very low--it's a gorgeous day!

Golden Moments

Our Egyptian Pyramid Project!

I know "y'all" (I am in the south now, over a year, and it's starting to sound NORMAL to me??? scary) have been waiting on pins and needles to see how our week one of homeschool Egyptian project faired!  So, here's the scoop.!  Rome was NOT built in one day, you know!  

And, well, perhaps I was overly zealous when I thought we could create our own hardening clay (for the first time ever) as well.  I mean, an artist I am NOT!  or maybe it was the fact that due to the lack of creme of tarter in my spice rack (never replenished after leaving WI:), I found the only recipe that didn't call for it?? or at least called for ingredients I had onhand??  I mean, it could be possible this was a RECIPE FAIL...right?

 I repeat... Rome really was NOT built in a day!

And neither were our pyramids:(

Hurricane Preparedness

Just thought I'd post a reference (for myself)--Hurricane Irene 2011 is a BIG one---for awhile she looked like she would make land fall right in Savannah/Hilton Head area; which for us would not be good.  And although the Powers to Be appear to have (hopefully, can't really trust a hurricane) removed the big threat from our area; I have no doubt that we will be in for some nasty weather this weekend.  This is also a great opportunity to be mentally prepared, should we have to evacuate, ever---or even this weekend, when we could potentially lose power for a day or several.  So, I will post a good checklist that I will copy and paste, plus add in a few of my personal artifacts that would be coming with---should we ever have to evacuate.  No need for my blog "fans" to be bored with these details; this mainly serves as a reference list for myself (this WI girl is fairly new to hurricanes--Lake Michigan didn't have too many:)

 Disaster Supply Kit
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days.

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days.
• non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices.
• foods for infants or the elderly.
• snack foods.
• non-electric can opener.
• cooking tools / fuel.
• paper plates / plastic utensils.

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes.

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly.

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio.

Cash (with some small bills) - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag.
• insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm.

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
• proper identification / immunization records / medications.
• ample supply of food and water.
• a carrier or cage.
• muzzle and leash.

USEFUL LINKS
This link is to the comprehensive 2011 Hurricane Guide from South Carolina Emergency Management Department:
http://www.scemd.org/News/publications/2011%20HG%20English/2011%20SC%20Hurricane%20Guide%20for%20Home.pdf.

South Carolina Online Hurricane Guide
A great resource compiled by the SC Emergency Management Division.

The Guide contains:

•Hurricane preparation tips.
•Evacuation routes & maps.
•Emergency and weather radio stations.
•Coastal evacuation zone maps.
•Phone numbers and websites.
•Evacuation shelter sites.

My own notes: clarinets, computers and power cords, weather radio, backup discs, financial documentation, SS cards, purse, books, dvd and movie cases, cell phone charge, clothing, piper's food, pillows, leash, muzzle, bark collar, food, beverages, camper:), keys, cameras and camcorder, bud's stuff, bud's px, Tibetan bowls, a couple of coolers, meds, makeup jewelry, some crystals, insurance documentation, camera chargers, bathing products, some tools, first aid, flashlights, candles, lighter

Things to do at home: lock all windows (possibly board them up), remove all windchimes, etc, fold down or put all lawn chairs in garage or between garage and shed, grill and fire ring to garage or shed, make ice buckets,

http://www.scemd.org/News/publications/2011%20HG%20English

http://www.ready.gov/

http://www.ready.gov/kids/home.html 

A Look Back...

"Green" Equipment

My Hubby, cares passionately about the environment---our push mower is electric--our snowblower (WAS:) electric--but the pushmower couldn't do our one acre WI lot on a hill in one or two charges--we needed a lawn tractor--but they don't make electric anymore---a few days later I saw our neighbor had literally put one out for garbage pickup! (they have not been made since the 70s)---so, we asked if we could have it--and J spent a few months rebuilding it--and we are still enjoying it, even on our much smaller lot in SC:)

Birds And Butterflies Are Free to Fly Homeschool Academy: 2011-2012

A big welcome to my first and second grade students!!

"Bed in Winter" (our homeschool adaption of "Bed in Summer" by Robert Louis Stevenson)--a lesson in poetry, stanzas, rhythms, and opposites; complete with illustrations of OUR poem---sometimes, ok often times, poetry can go awry! 

In summer, I get up at day

And dress by pink and blue flowers in the bright

In winter, quite the other way,

I have to go to bed by night

I have to wakeup and see

The birds still singing on the tree

Or hear the children's feet

Still going by me with stinky feet

And does it not seem easy to you

When all the sky is cloudy and pink

And I should so much like to work

To have to wake up at night?

and to the right, an artistic interpretation of "stinky" feet, personified!

Poetry and stinky feet were just the beginning of our first day of this new school year!  This week we are studying Egypt, King Tut, and the impact and importance of the Nile River on Egypt.  To kick off our week in Egypt, we created  crowns for our little Pharaohs.

And just a final tidbit of what stood out in our first day back to school...I was dictating sentences for Angel Girl to write out (and words for Fairy Girl).  For the final sentence, I asked her to create her own.  If you choose to read through her dictated sentences, and see the last one she created, you will now understand why we *HAVE* to homeschool!

My First Experience with Kirtan!

I have never experienced Kirtan before.  In fact, I had never heard of it, until about two months ago, when a local yoga studio owner told me she might like to incorporate me on clarinet in her Kirtan band.  That hasn't really come to fruition, but I think there may be some new clarinet experiences coming my way, soon!  I'm meeting many new and like-minded people down here. A couple of days ago, a friend invited me to go to a Kirtan concert with her---like I said, this was my first and WOW was it fabulous.  

I'm sure if you're like me, you probably have no clue what the heck Kirtan (prounced keer Tan) is...here's a quick definition from Wikpedia: "Kirtan (Punjabi: ਕੀਰਤਨ, Sanskrit: "to repeat";^[1] also Sankirtan^[2]) is call-and-response chanting or "responsory" performed in India's devotional traditions.^[3] A person performing kirtan is known as a kirtankar. Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as the harmonium, the two-headed mrdanga or pakawaj drum, and karatal hand cymbals. It is a major practice in Vaisnava devotionalism, Sikhism, the Sant traditions, and some forms of Buddhism, as well as other religious groups."

Now, I admit, I walked in tonight, expecting very traditional Indian sounds, which I didn't think would be overly appealing to my ear (as I'm not used to that)--this was definitely incorporated--but not at all the dominant sound--accoustic guitar, drum set, some sort of keyboard---and VERY VERY upbeat--with rock rhythms--and the sanskrit chanting was so much fun--we were actually singing.  And everyone--audience, all musicians (except the guy on drum set) sat on the floor.  This was a fantastic experience.  Apparently, my first time here was with someone VERY famous in the world of Kirtan.  Girish is a very soft and wonderful person--and he really was able to draw every audience member in.  People were dancing, people were singing, a little girl was twirling--it's so hard to describe--but it started with some chanting "lessons"; started sort of meditative--then turned into this full-blown up beat (almost rock type sound) concert--and his voice is phenomenal (he apparently spent five years in a Buddhist camp, chanting for three hours a day).  Anyway, just a wonderful time tonight.  This is Girish's website: (there are soundbites on there if you are curious--I actually wound up buying 2 c/ds and his dvd so my family could experience it at home--but there is NOTHING like live.)  I'm concerned with Girish being my first experience with Kirtan, I may be "disappointed" next time around:).

Below is a photo of Girish with my friend V.

Happy Birthday Baby!

My girls were playing nicely and quietly upstairs, as I was sitting at my computer downstairs.  The silence was suddenly broken when two girls, in the sweetest of voices sang in unison, "Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday Dear Baby...Happy Birthday to You!"  It was such a sweet moment.  They even made Fairy Girl's baby (Sara?  not sure, name changes weekly or sometimes daily) this sweet little birthday hat.  So, without further adieu, I'd like to wish Baby ? a very Happy Birthday!  (really not sure how old she is...just glad she's got her arms, legs and head on today---Fairy Girl isn't always very nice to her baby:)

Our New Fav Place to Chow!

This place is DELISHEEEEEEEE YO!  It really is!  A new friend of mine highly recommended it--it's an organic vegetarian place on Hilton Head and it's definitely our new love---it's also VERY inspiring--for me, vegetarian girl...to possibly go back to the days when I used to cook and eat a LOT healthier!  (that's why I stole their menu, so I can steal menu ideas--I learned this trick from my mommy:)

We desired a little outing today, so we headed over the bridge to the island with the intention of going to the beach, specifically to collect sand for our upcoming Egyptian Pyramind project---yup--we went to the beach, collected sand and left--that's it!  But, since we actually did drive 15 miles to do this, I thought it was a great excuse to stop at Delisheee Yo!  This place is s'wonderful!  We just went in for a treat of frozen yogurt and what a treat it is!  You choose three toppings (on a "tart" organic frozen yogurt--this is the REAL DEAL folks!).  Mine (pictured below) was topped with banana, pineapple and coconut!  C'est TRES Yum!  I also found out they grow their own herbs on site, and use them in their cafe--and these are their sunflowers--I "heart" sunflowers!   I LOVE flowers, but have very little interest in maintaining my own--that's why we had to have a forest on our property--you know, for visual interest:) Anyway, they will be harvesting their own sunflower seeds for their cafe!  

Next year, planting sunflower seeds!!  (or is that something you plant in the fall??)  They are just way cool!

Layered Pasta and Veggie Bake

Ingredients

1 (10-ounce) box brown rice lasagna noodles
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound yellow squash (about 3), chopped
2 yellow onions, chopped
1 cup finely chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano and parsley, divided, plus more for garnish
1 cup 365 Everyday Value® Organic Unsweetened Almondmilk
2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added white beans, such as navy or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) tub 365 Everyday Value® Part Skim Ricotta Cheese (or make your own tofu ricotta)
1 (16-ounce) package frozen broccoli, thawed
1 (16-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess moisture
1 large tomato, diced

Method

Cook noodles per package instructions. Rinse in cold water after draining and spread out in a single layer to prevent sticking. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat broth in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, squash, onions and 1/2 cup of the herbs and cook, stirring often, until liquid has evaporated, 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, in a food processor, purée almondmilk, beans and ricotta until smooth; transfer to a bowl and set aside. In a 9-x13-inch baking dish (this recipe makes a very full pan, so make sure your dish is at least 2 inches deep), layer lasagna as follows, scattering remaining herbs in between layers: ricotta mixture, noodles, broccoli and spinach, noodles, squash mixture, noodles, ricotta mixture. Top with tomato and bake, uncovered, until hot throughout, about 45 minutes; set aside to let rest 15 minutes. Cut into squares, garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Grilled Caprese Salad

If you thread this appetizer onto wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes beforehand to ensure they don't burn on the grill.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1 (12-ounce) container fresh mozzarella, drained and cut into (1-inch) chunks
1/2 loaf ciabatta bread, cut into (1-inch) cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic vinegar (optional)
1/2 cup basil leaves

Method

Grease grates with oil then preheat grill to medium heat. Meanwhile, alternating ingredients, thread tomatoes, mozzarella and bread onto skewers, brush all over with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill skewers, turning once, until cheese is just melted and bread is toasted, 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer to a platter, drizzle with vinegar, garnish with basil and serve.

"Scrunchies: Yay or nay?" (a friend's Facebook vote)

Well well, it appears, based on the jury's decision, that I am indeed, (shhhh) behind the times.  A friend posed a question on Facebook today, requesting whether scruchies are in or out.  Apparently they are SO OUT!  I'm going to quote some of the responses...since this is Facebook, and it's not exactly "private" I don't see an issue with this:)  (I will, however, keep the commenters' identities private...you know to protect the innocent (esp. those in FAVOR of scrunchies...there weren't many:(  Though, even those vehemently opposed do admit to still having a few in their collection:


Nay.....but I still have some :)

Only when I clean the house or do yard work, and then it's not so much a scrunchy as a pony holder with rhinestones! I'm fancy like that.

um, that's a FIRM yes for me---1. I don't have the thick beautiful hair you were all blessed with, so w/o work, it's lifeless, limp and matted to my head. 2. I LOVE where we love, and I will take fricken hot over bitter cold anyday---(and btw, the weather has been GOREGeous the last few days. But, one must be practical in "fricken hot:D)" 3. (and I just saw your last post)---I worked in a major corporate environment---and I still wore scrunchies--even in the days when we still had to wear suits:D  

lol. I love anything with rhinestones. There are lots of cute hair thingys. There are people at my work who actually wear the scrunchies to work - to an executive office.

Oh sorry (name left out to protect the innocent scrunchie sporter)  for just dissin' your scrunchies then. HAHA! i didn't see your post before I sent that. DITCH THEM! Lol........  

hee hee--it's ok--I think I'll be ok--maybe, after I call my therapist!

You are correct! There are so many choices when it comes to hair thingy's...(name left out to protect the innocent scrunchie sporter) ditch the scrunchies and get to the drug store and see! You will ooohhh and aaaahhhhh! I promise!  

I must share in my woes with you---currently, I am sporting not only a scrunchie--but one of those new popular head scarf thingies:D:D because my hair is so matted today--I have bunches of those--and those came out this year--I tried on some of those cool rhinestonie barrets, etc--they slip right out of my hair--because it's baby fine (though a lot of it)--but it's also super soft, and things just slide right out--even little girl barrets won't stay in--WHY GOD WHY???? :(

Take a pic of the scrunchie and scarf in your hair and post it. :)

YES!! I love scarves!

Scrunchies to a corporate job - negative (not that anyone will tell you to your face, but they look lazy and sometimes trashy). Regular hair ties that match the hair color = yes. Fun headbands = yes, but only if you can pull it off (no peacock feathers unless you're a damn diva and your clothing is classy but matches the style). I make fun of scrunchie girl at work. She looks like she just came here from garage sale shopping.

ya, I was that corporate scunchie girl, wearing scrunchies with suits:D but (in my defense:D) they weren't sloppy/ casual scrunchies--they were usually black with a little glitter on them---"fancy" scrunchies-----and I didn't wear them to work as pony tails, I wore them intermingled in my own hair as "buns"-- I just felt that that actually looked MORE professional than wearing my long hair down (perhaps I should have considered a more professional-looking hair style, than long and straight)--but I didn't, thus the "fancy" scrunchies!-

Yes, the jury has definitely made their decision, and thus I hang my scrunchie-infested scarf-sporting head in shame:/
     

Swinging and Bending, Bending and Swinging

 

(sorry about the unders, but I couldn't resist posting my "bendy-girl")

Bean Burgers

• 1 can (rinsed and drained) or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans
• 3/4 cup toasted bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• extra goodies of your choice
• seasonings of your choice

Place crumbs, eggs, extra goodies and seasonings in food processor and pulse until well combined. Add beans and pulse until texture that you want, beans should still be a bit chunky for texture.

Form into 4 patties and brown in a drizzle of oil on both sides in an ovenproof skillet. Finish off in a 375* oven for 10 – 15 minutes. Serve on a whole grain bun with toppings of your choice.

Extra goodies can be leftover brown rice, corn, any leftover bits of vegetables that you might otherwise put into soup. All vegetables should be precooked. Your mixture should be moist but still able to form into patties. Once they are browned on the first side, they will be easier to handle. These don’t shrink like meat so make them in sizes to fit your buns.

My family’s favorite version is black beans with chopped onion, a bit of brown rice, and 1 tsp of cumin for flavoring. These are healthy, low-fat, filling, and delicious. Quick and easy and cheap to make. A great way to use up bits of this and that sitting in the frig and a nice change from “leftovers soup”.

Monterey Beans and Cheese

Fry, drain, and crumble 2 slices bacon*.
Saute in bacon fat until tender one medium onion, chopped**.
Add one 15oz can beans***, drained, rinsed, and mashed;
Add 1 cup tomato sauce ****,
Add 1 t. chili powder*****,
Add 1/2 t. salt, and a dash of pepper.

Stir until smooth and hot.

Add 1/4 to 1/2 pound shredded cheddar cheese******
Add bacon bits.
Stir until cheese is melted.
Serve over cooked rice.
Serves six.

* If you are going totally meatless, start with 2T oil and omit bacon. this dish is great for lent
** The original recipe called for half onion, half green pepper. Green pepper makes my lips itch so I left it out.
***I use red or black beans. The original recipe called for kidney beans. The original recipe also did not mash the beans.
**** An alternate, especially if you are using unmashed beans, is 2 medium tomatoes, diced, plus 1/4 c. (reconstituted) beef bouillon or tomato juice. I sometimes throw in about 1/2 t. powdered bouillon with the tomato sauce.
*****Even with the medium-hot chili powder I use, this is a relatively mild dish. Heat lovers can add more to taste.
****** I use the full 1/2 # of extra-sharp cheddar. Monterey jack or pepper jack would probably work, too.

An additional advantage to this recipe is that it’s quick. If all the ingredients are on hand, you can whip up the whole thing in the 20 minutes it takes the rice to cook. If you’re serving a big crowd, it doubles nicely, but you need a big pan.

A Look Back...

Presenting Our Gingerbread House Suite...

 

 Please note, this final picture of the gingerbread quilt square, was actually specially made by our beloved Wisconsin Gingerbread House---he has a place of honor in our newly erected Gingerbread Suite!

French Toast Failure!

Since we've been on the topic of confessions and failures and domestic shortcomings (I may have alluded to the fact that I can't/don't sew...but am starting to have some sparks of hope and desire to maybe learn...just for the sake of creating my own grungy primitive ornies!  could be a really fun hobby for me and the girls over the years!  Maybe we'll start our own little ebay or etsy biz with our creations!).....anyway, there was a day....you know before I became this stay-at-home-organic-natural-earthy-holistic-artsy (ok musically artsy:)-hippyish-earth childish-spiritualist-vegetarian-homeschooling DOMESTIC GODDESS!  Yes, LONG before the new and "improved?" me you've come to know and love---the grown up 30-40 somethingish me-----was a teen and 20 somethingish me---and THAT me resisted ALL things domestic--I was a straight A/honor roll student for much of my school career--with one HUGE exception---and that was my junior high required one year course in Home Economics!  My heart pillow was crooked:(  My denim vest?  is that what that thing was supposed to be?  I struggled with boiling water for the macaroni, only to open a can of cheese soup to dump into it!  (yes, that is how we were taught to make mac and cheese in junior high:)  Even more recently--if a button falls off my husband's pants--one teeny weeney little button--his pants will literally lie in wait for the application of a new button, for MONTHS!  My mom tried desperately to teach me how to sew---we (she) made my first born some wonderful baby fleece jammies!---SHE made them--my mom tried SO hard to teach me--(I literally struggle with trying to thread the machine!)  Eventually, I just gave her her Avocado 70's Singer Machine back:/  Even recently, after technically four major moves in our marriage, J has finally come to accept that the (his, he brought them into our marriage:) iron and ironing board will NEVER be used!  Let's just say when he finally sent me to Goodwill to donate them, and I told the donation receiving guy my husband gave up on me, the guy was laughing:D

Ok, finally, French Toast--my first *attempt* at French Toast came when I was 18--I was recently graduated from high school; and spent some of the summer babysitting a high school teacher's children while he traveled overseas....morning 1.  the 12 year old boy was teasing his 5 year old sister, by having her watch the news and tell her that the airplane crash that really was on the news that morning, was the one that THEIR parents were on (not true...he was just being a boy:/) but, grrrrrrr----5 year old sister was VERY VERY upset, understandably.  So, I finally calmed her down, and they agreed on French Toast for breakfast---what?  I can't cook!  I called my mom who gave me verbal instructions---and I felt fully confident that I could make the requested French Toast---so, I heated up the pan, got the bread, eggs, milk.....easy peasy!  Put the bread onto the hot oiled pan, and poured the egg and milk mixture over the bread!  I was so excited, I was cooking---until the 12 year old smart-a#@ asked why we were having bread surrounded by scrambled eggs:O

I  am happy to report that my culinary skills have greatly improved (assuming you like baked goods and vegetarian meals:) and that my family is in NO danger of starving!  Also, if I may say so myself, I have learned and grew from that experience, 25 years ago, and today, just this morning in fact, I can now create a MEAN French Toast!

Run Run as Fast as You Can....

I have a love affair, with my beloved late Gingerbread House of Wisconsin!  It was just such a cozy and inviting escape, especially during those times and weather conditions that proved to be challenging.  As I've alluded to, I miss a few things in Wisconsin--I miss my bands, pumpkin farms, apple farms, cozy weather (just a LOT less of it:), and my beloved Gingerbread House!  My Gingerbread House Suite (home decorating project) is actually coming along VERY nicely and WAY ahead of schedule!  I wasn't planning on tackling it until we had our attic insulation done (no plans on the when yet, need more $--we did just have some major moves and expenses associated with them, afterall, time to get back to sense and sensibility:)...but I have incentive to get the room as "done" as possible....and part of that incentive is a home for these cute little guys pictured above?  They smell so yummy of vanilla and cinnamon, they are so cute and grungied; and they deserve not to be homeless!  Wouldn't you agree?  Stay tuned for the big reveal, coming soon........OH, and these guys are potentially directing me to take on a new hobby....creating my very own VERY primitive VERY grungied up little ornies (and bigger ones:)---I'm so addicted to them--but they HAVE to have a very particular look; I'm quite picky about my grungied up primitive ornies you know:)  (Wait til you see my Christmas tree this year!  even my tree skirt is all grungied up!)..... Next step....after 42.5 years of resisting, it is time that I learn how to sew....

My Mike and Ike's Crime....True Story

After being plagued with YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS (and I'm talking 25 years!) of guilt, it is time for me to confess to a crime in which I was a co-conspirator.  I cannot take the guilt of this crime any longer...when one holds onto something so heinous for so long, it eats away at one's ability to lead a normal existence...the guilt, the lies, the deceit...it always lies in wait...seemingly dormant but still seething into one's consciousness and daily existence.  That said, it is time!

Back in my senior year in high school, there was a grocery story, on 22nd avenue, in my home town in Wisconsin---the name of the store was Sentry.   Upon entering the grocery store, the first set of automatic doors opens to a room which houses carts and 25 cent candy machines (mostly bubble gum and superballs:)  However, this particular store also had a machine which housed Mike and Ikes!  My friend and I each put a quarter in, anxiously awaiting our prized small palmful of Mike and Ikes, when what to our very own eyes does appear!!!  An infinite flow of Mike and Ikes!!!!  We were SO excited about this gold mine which we discovered, that one of us ran back into the grocery store and ASKED for a large brown paper bag--which we proceeded to fill!  Jackpot!  

Well, a few days later, we returned, with another large paper bag and a quarter---and we hit the Jackpot---AGAIN!  We would return to my house with our prizes, over and over---and my mother actually stored (and probably wound up throwing away) many a Mike and Ike.

True Story!

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I feel MUCH better now, not carrying this to my grave!   

Mountain Dew!

I don't do drugs; I don't drink (often, been 1.5 yrs since my last beer:); I DO do rock and roll (70s and 80s:D)---I don't drink soda too often---except--MOUNTAIN DEW---I picked up a nasty Mountain Dew Habit--that keeps coming back to haunt me off and on---and yesterday I did NOT replenish my inventory!!  and today, I'm about to go banging on my neighbors' doors to see if they can help:O:O:O  ...  Mountain Dew withdrawal symtoms:O:O  (it's not the caffeine, I have never even had a single sip of coffee!! it's the taste!!) 

The good news is, there are certain foods, mainly foods not on the "healthy" choice list, that I am NOT even capable of consuming without a soda (such as pizza and tacos)--that said, if I can manage to kick this nasty little habit, then maybe I can kick a few others too!  Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers during this most challenging time in my life! :)

A Gift from My Magical Forest

 

This very beautiful and colorful mushroom has suddenly emerged near my fairy-gnome-dragonfly garden that backs up to our backyard meditative forest!  (I think my forest likes our Tibetan Bowls!!!)

Cherry Pesto Dip

 

This is unbeLIEVEably good!!!

creme cheese

topped with pesto

topped with cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

spread onto favorite gourmet crackers!

Peanutbutter Bars

3/4 cup melted margarine

3 cups peanut butter

3 & 3/4 cup powdered sugar

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

(opt. add in rice krispies into the peanutbutter)

Blend well with mixer.

Press into 9 x 13 inch pan.

 Frost by melting together 1 cup chocolate chips in 2 tbsp margarine.

Chill and cut to serve.

11 Year Anniversary

 

Flowers selected lovingly by my girls!