oldposts embedded video
Happy Winter: this year’s favorite winter book
Happy Winter by Karen Gundersheimer is our new favorite children’s book for winter. (Last year, it was Red Fox Running by Eve Bunting, of which I can still recite the first four lines: Red fox running, / Running through the snow, / White sky above / And white earth below. / ). We discovered Happy…
Read More
Favorite Natural Laundry Products: Detergent, Stain Remover and Dryer Balls
“Clean” doesn’t have a smell. That’s one of the {ahem} few useful things I learned from the Oprah show, years ago. It’s really stuck with me! Thanks, Oprah! It’s true: most of the scents in cleaning products are completely artificial, meant to mimic natural scents. But they’re NOT natural at all! And many are actually…
Read More
Fried Plantains
On a whim at the grocery store the other day, I picked up two plantains. I’m not exactly sure why, but they were calling to me, reminding me of the amazing fried plantains I enjoyed long ago at the home of a friend’s Puerto Rican grandmother. She actually allowed me to assist in the process,…
Read More
Ditching Paper Napkins for Good (hopefully)
I’m not the greenest gal on the face of the planet, but I like to do what I can. We’ve tried using cloth napkins before, but it’s never stuck. For one thing, we had supply issues. There simply weren’t enough napkins to last between launderings. Actually, we do technically have enough napkins, but most…
Read More
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.…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More