Kathleen | Roots & Boots, Author at Roots & Boots

Exploring Nature with Kids: Winter Nature Walk

The boys and I enjoyed (for the most part) a Winter Nature Walk with some friends yesterday. Read more about our nature buddies here: 5 Tips for a Successful Nature Walk with Kids: {#1 Find a Buddy}. We hit a trail near our friends’ home–not really a destination per se, but a convenient location for us.…

Homemade Chicken Broth, What That “Free Range” Label Really Means, and My Complicated Relationship with Sally Fallon

I have sort of a love/hate relationship with Sally Fallon. Have you heard of her? She’s like the Martha Stewart of “Real Food World”. When you need tips or a recipe, she’s the one you turn to. But you simultaneously resent her high standards and image of perfection. I do own Nourishing Traditions, and find…

Sauteed Red Peppers

This recipe is SO EASY, it almost seems silly to post it as a recipe. But just in case you haven’t discovered the greatness of sauteing with coconut oil, and just in case you need a super-simple veggies-for-dinner (or breakfast!) idea, here you go! Mr. Native Texan and I love these for dinner (with some…

Dear Jesus

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is a small Norman Rockwell Christmas book, opened to this page and displayed on a black, wooden easel. Every time I see it (which is multiple times each day from Thanksgiving to Christmas) it helps me regain a proper perspective. In the words of the familiar carol O Come, All…

Thankful Mary

Older Brother drew this picture several weeks ago, near the beginning of the advent season. (A week or so later, he drew a second, identical picture. To me, it was like a gentle reminder from God Himself. Have I mentioned that Older Brother’s name means “God’s messenger”?) I found the picture so striking that I’ve…

Our Favorite Winter Poem

In certain circles, I am known for having a song or poem for any and every occasion. It’s a handy trait, I must say, especially when there are young children living in your home. The snowflake picture frame (shown above) was a random gift to us, just perfect for displaying our favorite winter poem. We…

Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon

Plain, steamed vegetables do not taste good. I recently ordered sauteed spinach at a restaurant, with no butter, please. Guess what they brought me: steamed spinach without a hint of oil, seasonings or flavors of any kind. Guess how it tasted: absolutely terrible! Note: In my experience, the chef at any decent restaurant will know…