Progressive Pioneer

Cookbook Review: Power Foods

I'd been feeling like our meals were more filler than nutrient-dense powerhouses of nutrition.  We hadn't been eating anything particularly unhealthy, I think it was just an end-of-winter culinary malaise.  Tired of things in the brown spectrum: grains, beans, potatoes, bread etc., I wanted a rainbow on my plate, a whole assortment of healthy vitamins and minerals.  I get feeling like this at the tail-end of winter, like a sailor looking at the last orange in the barrel. 

And so, to provide some inspiration for more colorful and exciting fodder, I picked up the book Power Foods.  So far we've tried a really fabulous Asian-inspired shitake and soba noodle soup, quinoa granola bars, rice bowls, mushroom and nori wraps and I'm about to make a walnut and olive oil cake tonight.  I haven't delved into the dessert section too much yet, but I'm excited about it because they look like the kind of desserts we make around here, and we wouldn't even have to adapt the recipes.  Generally we halve the sugar, replace the white flour with whole wheat etc.  But these desserts look delicious and like they won't leave you with a sugar hangover.
Sometimes I need a little inspiration to shake things up in my cooking routine and this book has been providing just that.  Often I get a cookbook and abandon it after a recipe or two simply because the recipes aren't that outstanding and it just doesn't hold my attention.  But it seems to me like a lot of work went into really refining the ingredient lists and proportions.  The flavor combinations are just right.  They're often surprising and I find myself wondering if I shouldn't adjust something, but when I just forge ahead and trust the recipe I've had wonderful results.  And each successful meal leaves me wanting to return to the book for another go around with a new recipe.  That's a successful cook book in my book!

images from Whole Living.

Kitchen Alchemy

You may have noticed that things have been a bit quiet on the cheesemaking front.  Well, the sweet cow at the farm where we get our milk was busy having a baby and couldn't be bothered to be making extra milk.  So, we've just been waiting patiently and drinking our almond or coconut milk, which was a nice change anyway.  But, we were excited to hear that she finally had her calf and we could finally get fresh, local, raw, delicious milk again.

I also received my cheese making kit from Homesteader's Supply in the mail a few weeks ago, which I was so excited to rifle through and examine; I love getting new tools and materials for projects.  It's the same feeling as getting a new, clean notebook for the start of school.  Everything came so neatly labeled and organized.  I never would have known how to go about ordering the various culturing elements and implements on my own.  But, now I'm all set with all the cultures, rennet, cheesecloth, measuring spoons (going as tiny as 1/64th tsp!), a cheese press etc.  And I'm ready to get culturing!

I started with butter.  The milk from that mama cow was so rich; there was a ton of cream on top.  Do you like my makeshift siphon?  I still haven't figured out the easiest way to get the cream off the top; any tips?

It was seriously miraculous to watch the butter fat and buttermilk separate in the mixer.  Clay and I stood over it oohing and aahing like it was the 4th of July.  I will just never tire of the magic of kitchen alchemy. Like kneading bread, pressing and washing the butter had a meditative quality to it.  There are certain things that can't be rushed, but simply ask you to slow down and enjoy the process.  Making butter is one of those things, not time consuming, but just something that asks you to be present.And the result?  Oh, mercy!  It's cultured.  It's creamy.  It's flecked with local, ancient salt.  And I put it on everything I can get away with.  We feel like kings eating something this delicious.  Clay is talking about making me a butter mold, something a little better than this tart pan.  How fun would that be?

Ashley's Sweet Potato Linguine

One of our dearest friends from San Francisco (where Clay and I met) sent me this amazing recipe.  It has to be shared; you'll love it!  Here are all the details from my girl Ashley.

There is nothing more comforting then a big fork full of pasta. Since removing gluten and flour substitutes from my diet, I have really missed the wonderful feeling of twirling pasta and taking a big bite of noodle-y goodness. With restrictions in my eating, I try hard only to eat things that are as good as or better then the original. Finally, I created a recipe that I think qualifies. But, don't take my word for it, try it yourself! It is not only delicious but is deceptively easy. The whole process, literally took less time then boiling water for pasta. 

A note on why sweet potatoes are awesome: Their body and flavor naturally lend themselves to a variety of flavor combinations: sweet, savory, and bitter. But better yet, they are nature's super foods, jam packed with vitamins and minerals and nature's goodness. Unlike potatoes or other sweet foods, sweet potatoes naturally keep blood sugar levels steady. And packed with leptons, they fill you up and keep you full for longer. A win-win all around!

Sweet Potato Linguine with Browned Butter Sage Sauce           

1 large Sweet potato

6-10 Sage leaves (or more to taste)

2 Tbs Butter

Salt

Pepper

Prep time: 15 minutes

Wash and Scrub sweet potato under running water. Slice sweet potato as thinly as possible using a mandolin or a very sharp knife. It is best if you can slice the sweet potato lengthwise for long pasta-like pieces. Remove skin, take thin slices and cut into even strips about ¼ of an inch wide. Set aside.

 

In a saucepan melt the butter then add the sage. Watch the pan closely as butter begins to brown. When sage gets crispy, remove and set aside. Add sweet potato linguine to butter and heat through while stirring and tossing. Take sage (saving a couple for garnish) and crumble into pasta. Salt and pepper to taste. Plate and garnish with fried sage. Enjoy!

Serves 1 as a main dish- two as a side.

Recipe from Ashley Tudor (thanks, Ash!)

Small Steps: Love Your Alarm

You thought I'd fallen off the steps-toward-simplicity-wagon, didn't you?  No no, just a minor setback.  I'd been wanting to start waking up earlier, only I kept staying up so late last week that it just wasn't happening.  Wake up 15 minutes earlier; is it really so hard?  Apparently so, because I can never seem to manage it!  But this is going to be the week, it really is!  And it's going to set a pattern for the rest of my life!!  I'm nothing if not optimistic:)

The thing is, I adore the mornings.  The gentle stillness before the world is really up and humming.  Those first morning rays filtering in through the window.  The way I feel calm and centered and ready to face my day when I start out unhurried.  All of these things I love!  What I despise is the moment between being in bed and out of bed, okay and about the first five minutes where I stumble to the bathroom all squinty eyes and grumbly and brush my teeth and splash water on my face.  After that I feel great!  So, why do I let my dislike of those few rather miserable minutes deprive me of the beauty, peace and productiveness of the early morning?  Good question! 
So tell me, what is your secret for hauling yourself out of bed to take advantage of the morning?  I suppose going to bed at a reasonable time would be a start:)  But, now that Vivian is waking less at night, and sometimes even sleeping all the way from about 8:30 to 6am(!) I feel like it's time to take back my mornings!

The old axiom of early to bed, early to rise really has truth to it.  I'm sure there's plenty of science to back me up on this, but I just feel like the majority of people are probably more productive earlier in the day, we likely get more done on a day that starts earlier and I imagine are more pleasant, focused and organized.  So, just fifteen minutes earlier, that's all I'm asking of myself, to contribute to healthier, simpler, more streamlined and relaxed days.  What do you think?

All images from Country Living.  I got caught up in looking at pretty bedrooms.  Do you think if I remodeled my bedroom I could get up earlier...?

Giveaway: Bulk Herb Store and BinkySpritz

The Bulk Herb Store is quality herbs at great prices!  I know, I've gotten some of their stuff and it's great; the quantities are generous and the prices really reasonable.  They've got some great teaching tools too, and if you're a visual learner their You Tube channel is a great resource.  You can also follow them on twitter and facebook for up-to-date news on sales and events as well as all sorts of useful information (plus two free giveaway entries!) Here's what they have to say about their Making Herbs Simple DVDs:

We are so excited to bring you ”Herbs With Shoshanna”, where we teach you to identify the herbs in your own back yard. With close-up camera angles and a professional videographer, we introduce you to the wonderful world of herbs and how to use them. No herbal experience is needed for this video. We will take you step-by-step how to find, wash, dry, and store herbs. We teach you the hands-on steps of making poultices, tinctures and much more. This video is packed full of great information in an exciting way. We made this video for you.

You can also follow Shoshanna on facebook.

Binky Spritz is an awesome new product developed by a mom here in Utah (I love that!).  She's got a fantastic ingredient list that reads more like a recipe than some chemical cleaner label, but it kills germs like nobody's business, all with completely natural (and tasty) ingredients.  Here's some info from founder, Drue:

What do you do when your child drops his binky? Throw it away? Wait and wash it when you get a chance? Suck on it and give it back? … Here is your solution!

My name is Drue Didier, the developer of BinkySpritz. I have 5 children and have often times thought of this problem and wished for a practical solution to this exact predicament. Since there are no products on the market that are safe for my child's mouth, I made it my goal to develop one and share it with moms everywhere. Finally, it is here. 

BinkySpritz is a kid-safe spray designed to clean items your child frequently drops and handles. Not only does it work on binkies, but it also works  on sippy cups, bottles, toys, utensils, table tops, hands and so much more! Convenient and easy to use, BinkySpritz is made entirely of natural and non-toxic ingredients, so you can be sure no chemicals or disinfectants are harming your child. I also made sure this product is safe to swallow, alcohol free and has no added sugar. Moms have been waiting a long time for a product just like this!

BinkySpritz's main ingredients are lemon juice, orange oil and natural sweeteners. The blend of natural ingredients create an acidic environment in which microbes can't survive. The high level of acidity in lemons changes the pH level in bacterial cells getting rid of a greater variety of microbes than alkaline cleaners. Orange oil is a popular ingredient which helps to inhibit microbial growth. Knowing that BinkySpritz cleans in a natural, biodegradable, non-toxic manner was a priority for me, and is a big relief to parents.

Children and the safety of children are extremely important to me. That's why I donate 10% of BinkySpritz proceeds to charities, like Generations Humanitarian and One Heart Bulgaria! This is close to my heart because two of my children are adopted, and I am heavily involved in social work with children. So when you buy BinkySpritz, you're not only benefiting your child but children around the world.

The 2 oz. bottle size is the perfect for your purse, diaper bag, car or just at home. This is a product you are definitely going to want to try! So don't miss a chance to win. Like BinkySpritz on Facebook for an additional entry, and to receive BinkySpritz updates and promotional information. 

For more information about the product and to buy your bottle now, visit www.binkyspritz.com!!

To be entered to win please leave a comment below. You can gain TEN(!) additional entries in the following ways, but remember to leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY. 1) add PP to your blog roll (1st timers only) 2) become a fan on facebook (1st timers only) 3) become a friend (1st timers) 4) add a button (1st timers) 5) mention the giveaway on your blog, or 6) on facebook. 

AND 7) friend Shoshanna, 8) Like Bulk Herb Store, 9) Follow Bulk Herb Store on Twitter, 10) like Binky Spritz on facebook.  GOOD LUCK!!

Congratulations to Lucie Couture, who said, "just what I ve been looking for! Please pick me..." 

The Friday Make and Do

Sprng is here, perhaps you'd like to celebrate; these little guys are just the ticket.
This is the loveliest idea for a spring knitting party. 
In case you need a creative boost; here are about a million and one fantastic ideas for sewing projects for boys. (Then you can use this tutorial to create your own clothing labels.)
Take advantage of this balmy, windy spring weather and make and fly some handmade kites! (via the Crafty Crow)

Start getting excited for Easter!  Have you planted your Easter grass yet?  I love this idea for decorating eggs.
Have a beautiful weekend!

Sewing Lessons

Almost a year ago, for my birthday, I was going to take sewing lessons at The Finishing School, here in Salt Lake.  But schedules were busy and it got put on the back burner, and somehow just never happened.  Until this Christmas when Clay thoughtfully got me lessons, and then babysat every Wednesday night for six weeks. 

I think my favorite favorite part of going to the school is that it's quiet, peaceful and clean with everything in its place.  Having an instructor who can teach me how to do things the right way is also pretty awesome, but it is SUCH a treat to be able to sew uninterupted in a dedicated, lovely space with everything right where I need it.  I feel instantly relaxed when I walk into the warm, cozy house filled with bright bolts of fabric, notions and every sewing implement I could need or imagine.

One wall is decorated with project inspiration.  You can use their patterns or bring your own.  I did several projects out of Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing, plus the little reversible dress for Viv. 
None of the projects I did were ones I couldn't have figured out on my own, but the details were just better.  The teacher showed me little tricks about pinning, sewing clean button holes, reading a pattern etc.  So, instead of just winging it as I usually do, I actually did it the right way and it was so satisfying to see the subtle difference it made. 

I took the beginning class where you just bring your own projects to work on and the teacher is there to help.  But the next level up is a class where you create a binder full of techniques and samples and it sounds really tempting...  But, I think it might be my turn to sacrifice my Wednesday nights so Clay can take a few classes:)

Fancy Beans

We eat a lot of beans around here.  We just like them, I might even go so far as to say we love them.  Yep, beans and the Thompsons are pretty tight.  But, ocassionally even a rock solid relationship can use a little spicing up, a little romance, if you will.  So, the other night, instead of just cooking up a bit pot of black beans and turning them into various dishes throughout the week, I cooked up a pot of white beans alongside them.  It was slightly more work to cook up two pots of beans and make soup in two separate pots the next night, but look at the end result- so fun!  It's nothing more than humble bean soup, but I love the way they look swirled together like that.  I try to give attention to the presentation of our meals as well as whether or not they're healthy and well-balanced, but more often than not I'm just glad to get dinner on the table before the hungry masses revolt.  (We've even been know to eat grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner while perched on the edge of the counter!)  But, now and again I make a little extra effort; sprigs of herbs or swirls of sauce, and even swirly soup.  Because you know, sometimes it's just fun to be fancy (even if it's only beans for dinner!).

Diddle Diddle Dumpling

You know that nursery rhyme about John with one sock off and one sock on?  Well, I decided to adapt a sock pattern to make a pair for one of the kids and ended up with something rather like that little rhyme.  I wasn't sure exactly what size the finished pair would end up being, but I figured it would likely fit one of our two kids.  Well, the first sock ended up being a perfect fit for Sam.  He had requested that they be "really, really tall," so it came up past his knee.  It wasn't until I was within a few rows of completing the second sock that I noticed the discrepency.  Somehow I had started with two less stitches on sock number two, now destined for Sam's feet, and then at some point dropped another two stitches....   I didn't have the first sock close by for reference, but in retrospect, that would have been wise.
So, long story short, I have two kids with one sock each!  The second sock is a perfect fit for Viv.  I guess it's back to the needles to make another one for each of them.  They'll likely be done just in time for summer.  I've really got to work on my timing with this whole knitting thing...

Giveaway: No Plastic and The Enchanted Cupboard

This weekend's giveaways are sponsored by the wonderful Etsy shop, The Enchanted Cupboard, and No Plastic.  Here's a little about The Enchanted Cupboard from owner, Beccijo:
The Enchanted Cupboard was born from a love of making toys for my own children and it grew magically from there. In the  2 years that I have been an active seller on Etsy my collections have grown to include wonderful toys for girls and boys as well as Cake Toppers. As we are a homeschooling family I started thinking about ways I could make fun but educational toys, in fact so fun kids don't even know they are learning. There is also this wonderful relationship that kids, especially girls, have with little things. This is what brought about the wonderful magic and enchantment in all my Playsets and Playboxes. This year I have started making toys for the season. I have fallen in love with the Waldorf tradition of the Nature Table and how it brings a rhythm to the home. Make sure you keep coming back to visit as I am always adding new items and new toy series to my shop.

Beccijo is giving away the ORIGINAL Bright Wooden Sorting Bowls - Waldorf Inspired Toy, and the winners choice of Bright Men, Cats, Hearts,  or Doves.

In other news, it's almost time for picnics!  No Plastic has great options for plastic-free dining.  Check out these great reusable, hemp food storage bags.  And I know I've mentioned these stainless steel straws before, but seriously, how rad are they?!

I love this portable cutlery set (with chopsticks!).  So much nicer than having the fork stabbing a hole through the bag, or getting lost in the bottom of the backpack.  Perfect for picnics or hiking, too.
They've got a whole assortment of stainless steel containers.  They suggest writing on them with a dry erase-type marker with the contents, or date or who's lunch it is, etc.  Clever!  

To be entered to win please leave a comment below. You can gain SIX additional entries in the following ways, but remember to leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY. 1) add PP to your blog roll (1st timers only) 2) become a fan on facebook (1st timers only) 3) become a friend (1st timers) 4) add a button (1st timers) 5) mention the giveaway on your blog, or 6) on facebook.  GOOD LUCK!!

Congratulations to ~Heather, who said, "I'd love to have some options for storing my kids' lunches in healthy containers."

The Friday Make and Do

Viv has outgrown her pixie hat, but I loved it on her so much that I've been thinking of knitting a new one.  This one looks much faster and just as cute. 
Have you got your seeds started yet?  Clay started ours earlier this week; I'll show you soon!  Here's a really fun tutorial for starting a windowsill garden any time of the year. Also, try this tutorial for easy gardening gloves.  I can never find ones that fit me right, not to mention Sam's hands, handmade seems to be the solution. (both via the Crafty Crow)
Maya Made has some great ideas for making books (maybe a handmade book would get me back into the journal-writing habit...).  Speaking of creating your own books, I stumbled across these little gems (via the Sleepytime Gal), which inspired an Amazon search, and now I can't stop thinking of all the wonderful things I could do with them...

I am so in love with this newspaper article poster.  Bonus: she made it for like, three bucks!
Hope your weekend is full of good things!

Hard Conversations

I'm constantly amazed at the perspective I gain by seeing the world through my children's eyes.  Today we went to the Home Depot to get a bunch of tiny cacti for party favors.  As we were leaving the parking lot, we had to pause while waiting for traffic.  There was a homeless man with his cardboard sign, there on the corner.  I felt slightly inconvenienced because I felt awkward not acknowleding him beyond one somewhat warm, though not overly inviting smile.  I try to always smile at homeless people and look them in the eyes, rather than pretend I don't see them.  But, I also don't want to invite them in too close.  It's one of those things that leaves me feeling uneasy, my desire to help tempered by my desire to keep my family safe (Elizabeth Smart, anyone?), a belief in the importance of treating everyone with dignity, complicated by my desire to not be inconvenienced physically or emotionally.  And so, it's with those conflicting emotions and motivations that I dole out my semi-friendly smile, but that's it.  On this day though, traffic was particularly heavy and so we stayed mere feet from this particular man for quite a few minutes.  Without really thinking about it one way or the other I suggested to Sam that he wave to the man, that it would make him happy.  So he did, and it did.  But it also opened up a whole new topic of conversation and corner of the world for Sam. "Who is that man, mom?" he asked me.  I explained about homelessness.  He wanted to know why he didn't have a home.  I explained that there are a few reasons, and that it was also likely that the man used things that made his body feel good momentarily, but were very bad for his body in the long run.  I try to give him real answers, but in terms he can understand and with a level of reality appropriate for his tender age and heart.  Sam was very interested in this notion of not having a home, and very concerned about how this man might find a home.  We talked about homeless shelters and soup kitchens.  He wanted to know if we could bring him home to our house.  I couldn't figure out a way to explain why we couldn't.  I told him that perhaps we could volunteer at the shelter or soup kitchen and we could help him in that way.  Though it squeezed my heart to see his sweet heart so wide open and full of love and being so newly exposed to one of the harsh and sad realities of life on earth, I still felt that the conversation had gone well and that I had answered him in the best way possible, or at least pretty close to it, if there is a best way. Tonight when I went in to kiss Sam goodnight he asked me again about the homeless man.  Bedtime is often the time when concerns or just things that have been on his mind come to the surface, and it's a time for us to lay quietly and process them together.  We spent about half an hour talking about this man.  Sam did most of the talking and I just listened, ocassionally offering explanations or suggestions.  By the end of the conversation I had tears in my eyes at the tenderness of Sam's heart and his capacity for compassion.  He was worried that the man would be outside in the rain tonight and would have to sleep in the dark.  I told him that I hoped he had gone to a shelter tonight.  "Does he have a mother at the homeless shelter?" he asked, "He needs a mother to help him find a new home."  He wanted to know how he would get to the shelter, he thought a train might be a good way.  He worried that he had lost his coat, because he hadn't been wearing a coat when we saw him.  "I want Heavenly Father to show him how to get there," he said.  "You could ask him that," I suggested.  And so he rolled over onto his knees and said, "Dear Heavenly Father, please help the homeless man to find the shelter.  He doesn't have a house and I don't want him to die.  Please do that.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."  It was the most serious and sincere prayer I've heard him say.  I don't even know where he got the idea that the man might die.  From there he asked me how the man would walk if he died and how he would get back to Heaven.  My goodness, such a heavy conversation for a toddler, and for this mama.  But, so good to talk about, I think.  I don't really know if I handled it right, or if there is a right way.  I mean, really, what is the answer?  Homelessness, and the myriad other painful, difficult things about the paths we tread, don't have easy answers, they simply are sometimes hard and sad.  I think I often shut myself off from them, with the half-friendly smile and then the avoidance, because I just can't immerse myself in the sorrow of all the sadness there is.  I can't bleed for each homeless person I encounter; at times I feel too much and just get overwhelmed at all the heartache that exists and the fact that I can't fix it.  But, on the other hand, there are babies being born, hundreds, if not thousands of them, in the time it's taken me to write this.  Insurmountable joy is coursing through new mothers' bodies, lovers are uniting, friends are lifting each other up, fathers are beaming with pride as they watch their sons become men, and families are spending simple, sweet moments together in the happiness that comes from that familial combination of love and sacrifice.  It's a crazy, complicated, rich, and wonderful world we live in.  I'm so grateful for the  wise, little souls that are sharing my journey. photos from stockexchange.com

Small Steps: Sort Your Rocks

Have you ever seen that object lesson about time management where someone tries to add a bunch of sand, rocks and water to a jar?  First they show how if you fill it with water first, there's no room for the rocks or sand.  Fill it with sand and you can add a little water without overflowing.  But fill it first with the rocks, then you can add sand and it filters into the little crevices, then you can even pour in water on top of that.  The lesson is that if you make room in your life for the most important things, you'll be able to find space for the less important, but still enjoyable things.  Whereas, if we forget to make room for the important things, sometimes we run out of room (or time) and they get missed. 

So, as one of my small steps toward simplicity I'm aiming to do the important things first in my day.  Before I check my email, or read a book, or do "fun" cooking (experimental stuff that's fun for me and isn't just filling hungry, noisy mouths), or play outside, or anything non-essential (that even includes cleaning!!), I'm going to sit down and immerse myself in the scriptures for a bit.  Right now in my life, that's my most essential thing, the thing that helps me feel centered and helps the rest of my day run more smoothly.  I find that if I wait to do that, it often doesn't get done in the avalanche of other things demanding my attention.  But, these last few days as I've made a point to do that first, before I tackle the breakfast dishes, or sit down at the computer, or even before I read Sam a book, that the rest of the day is so much better, and it doesn't take away from my time either.  It's almost as if it expands the amount of time available to me somehow.  I find that I'm more productive on the days that start out right.

And just so we're clear, it's not actually the first thing I do in the morning, but rather the first thing I choose to do.  This means that because I'm woken up by Viv first thing, she requires a bit of attention, then I throw on some clothes and head into the kitchen where Clay and Sam are usually having oatmeal and I get something to eat.  This is a busy, but enjoyable time of day, and not the time to squeeze in a bit of reading.  At nine, Viv goes down for a nap and that is usually the first time of the day that I have a moment to pause and think, "Okay, what am I going to do now?"  And that's the time I pick up the good book, instead of the myriad other things I could do. Sam and I went out to the garden yesterday and gathered up some rocks so I could create a physical reminder for myself to organize my own "rocks, sand and water."  (Bonus: our garden has a dozen or so less rocks!)  It sits on our plant table as a gentle reminder, lest I put off the most important things, for those that leave less space, if only emotional space, than the truly crucial activities.  So, what are your essential activities each day, the things that if all else fails, you hope will get done?  Excercising? (That one's on my wish list.)  Cleaning?  Reading?  Time outside?  Reading with the kids?  I have a feeling that as I acquire balance in one area, my "need to do first" items will shift and change.

Through the Window

While spring has certainly arrived, she's certainly not wearing her party dress, but rather something more along the lines of muck boots and overalls.  The view from our front window is still pretty dreary, mostly the grays and browns of early spring.  There are a few hints of green here and there.  But we decided we needed LOTS of green with bright, cheerful spring colors.  So, we painted our own flower garden right on the window!  Now, the view through the front window is decidedly spring-like.

Often our best projects are those last-minute, completely unplanned, lets-do-something-crazy kind of projects.  Sam was getting cabin-fever and as I gazed out the window past the paper snowflakes that (still) hung as reminders of the season only recently left behind, I realized that his washable paints would be the perfect thing to dress up our window and perk up a rather boring afternoon.

We just used those regular old acrylic paints, a few brushes and a flower shaped stamp I had lying around.  The project was really kid-friendly because it just involved lots of green stripes and stamping the flower over and over and over. 

Vivian was very impressed with our handiwork, perhaps transfixed would be the more accurate term.  As soon as she caught sight of the window she practically leapt right out of my arms to get to it.  She loves trying to grab all the pretty colors.

Whenever I happen to glance out the window, I can almost imagine for a minute that it really is a yard full of flowers I'm gazing out at.  Try it; if you squint your eyes a little, don't you think it kind of works?  Until the real flowers start blooming, I think these cheerful approximations will stand in nicely.

I've Missed You

Well, hello spring!  So nice to have you back.We spent most of our weekend outside, enjoying the deliciously warm sunshine.  We've been falling into bed at night, dog-tired and sun-kissed.  Sam, overhearing his dad and I talking about planting, has been eagerly poking holes in the ground and scattering dirt about, doing his own version of planting.  We've been sorting seeds and getting ready to set up our indoor garden so we can hit the ground running when the weather is warm enough.
Sam has an eagle eye for spotting flowers and loves giving them to me; he equates giving me flowers with being an adult.  Once he was telling me about what he was going to do when he was a man (that's how he says it); the list included, "going to Idaho to build stuff, driving a truck, and giving Mom flowers."  I love observing what he picks up from us as crucial "grown up" acts.  I think he's off to a good start, if he thinks giving flowers is one of the defining tasks of manhood.
One of the wonderful things about the warm weather is that as long as we're outside, the kids are are happy.  All I have to do is lay out a blanket and everyone's happy as little larks.  I even got some reading and writing done, which was icing on the cake.  What about you?  Has spring come calling yet, or are you still waiting?

Help Stubby Pencil Studio (and get extra giveaway entries!)

I know you guys love to see small companies succeed as much as I do.  So, if you have a second, show Stubby Pencil Studios a little love.  Here's a note from them about their exciting news:

We recently applied for the Green Awards and we made it to the voting stage! Part of the judging criteria is how popular the idea is to the public - indicated by the number of votes it receives. Please spread the word and vote for Stubby Pencil Studio. It’s a wonderful opportunity and we hope to win the grand prize for being a green entrepreneur - $25,000!

You can vote once a day for the next 15 days!

I'll keep the giveaway open for the next week and you can leave a comment here for every time you vote (once a day), share a link to their Green Awards page or anything else to help them out (please leave a comment for each nice thing you do) and I'll pool these comments with all those from the giveaway post.

Thanks for supporting small businesses!!

Giveaway: Stubby Pencil $100 Shopping Spree and Plan to Eat 1 Yr. Membership!

I took Vivian grocery shopping with me last night (she's been staying up rather late, so I decided we might as well be productive as long as she was up).  As I was walking through an entire aisle dedicated to cheap, plastic, blinking, sugar fest Easter madness I thought, "Hmm, absolutely nothing in this aisle appeals to me..."  However, I could stock a whole Easter basket with goodies from Stubby Pencil!  And one lucky reader will get to do just that, and more!  Stubby Pencil Studio is giving away a $100 SHOPPING SPREE!! I'm excited to have Plan to Eat giving away an entire year of membership as well!  That's one whole year of meal-planning bliss; recipes at your finger tips, ingredient and grocery lists, calendars to plan out an entire month (or more!) of meals.  You're going to love it! Here are a few words from the owner: "Plan to Eat is a simple meal planning tool that allows you to save the personal menu, that's already in your head and scattered across recipe books and the web, so that you can quickly access it all in one place. Then you can easily select your favorite recipes from your menu (just like at a restaurant) to plan your meals for the night, week or month. Then print out the automatically created shopping list, and you're ready to shop with confidence that you have a plan that includes eating great food at home without wasting time or money in the process." Stubby Pencil Studio offers eco friendly kids art aupplies like crayons made from beeswax and soy - not petroleum; stationery, greeting cards, sketchbooks and journals made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper - not virgin trees; pencils made from sustainably harvested wood and recycled newspapers - not dying forests. You'll also find unique gifts and non-toxic toys, classic games, do-it-yourself kits, reusable bags, party decor and favors, and many other fun and creative products for kids.

They have lots of fun ideas for green Easter Baskets and kids party favors.

Here are a just a few ideas: jumbo tri color pencils, wooden fish castanets, wooden tops, bubbles, animal hands tattoos, color Smencils, bamboo cup and ball, Color 'n Kids cards, Natural soft dough.

Stubby Pencil Studio strives to raise awareness that these items are available, good for the Earth, and fun for kids. If you'd like to help spread the word, or have a product suggestion, email the studio.

To be entered to win please leave a comment below. You can gain SIX additional entries in the following ways, but remember to leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY. 1) add PP to your blog roll (1st timers only) 2) become a fan on facebook (1st timers only) 3) become a friend (1st timers) 4) add a button (1st timers) 5) mention the giveaway on your blog, or 6) on facebook.  GOOD LUCK!!

Congratulations to Darla, who said, "How perfect! Thanks for sharing (and having such great giveaways!)"

The Friday Make and Do

When Sam saw these masks, he said, "Hey, those are flower angels!"  Love that.  (More mask ideas here.) 
If you can still find any dried milkweed pods, you could make these sweet seed pod babies. 
Here's a great tutorial for what look like the world's easiest reusable snack bags.
I love these little dude hats.

And here's a great freezer paper stencil tutorial from the same new-to-me blog. 
I can't remember if I mentioned this fun idea for a simple seesaw already.  Our minds are definitely on outdoor activities these days...

Hope your weekend is sunny and lovely!

Read Your Greens

The latest issue of edibleWasatch is fresh for the picking, for all you locals.  I really love Clay's illustrations for this issue.  It's Mother Nature delivering the goods; isn't it cool?  I think I may frame this one to hang in my craft room.

If you can't get your hands on a hard copy, you can read a digital version right here.  We're on page thirty:)

                     

Book Review: My Name is Not Alexander

Sam and I were sent the book My Name Is Not Alexander.  And you know, I wasn't really expecting too much because I hadn't read the first book, which was apparently a best seller, and didn't really know what it was all about.  I actually enjoy not having expectations, like when we go to a movie, sometimes I think it's fun not to see the previews first.  But after reading this book, I get what the big deal is; Sam totally loves it.  And I really liked it too.  It's a great book; fun illustrations, exciting language (I do exciting voices; it's hard not to), great message.  I liked that it introduced interesting historical figures in a completely fun and exciting way and Sam and I were able to have conversations about all sorts of things from what a president is to what it means to invent something and how lightbulbs work.  We've read it quite a few times, so there have been ample opportunities for such discussions:)

The idea of the book is that there's this little boy that pretends to be great men throughout history.  It's quite charming and fun and has a sweet ending.  I'm thrilled to add it to our shelves and it's settled comfortably into this week's Most Requested Bedtime Stories list. 

Here's a fun video about the making of the book:

                     

Look What Just Came in the Mail!

The sun is shining and we got our seeds in the mail today!  Yes, spring is certainly around the corner.

Sam was very into examining all the seeds and "reading" the instructions on the back.  In fact, the little illustrations of what to do are actually quite readable to a toddler.  We talked about putting the seeds in the ground, building little mounds around cukes and melons, about how the plants will need water and sun and so on.  We're both so excited to actually get to the part where we dig our hands into the soil!
When asking about the various plants he asked about the Chioggia beets, "Mom, are these lollipops?"  As soon as I find a seed that grows into lollipops, we'll plant it!
                     

Ask Me Anything

I'll be on the radio show Beyond Sustainable with host Jerri Bedell, of Homesteader's Supply tomorrow at noon (Mountain time).  You can call in and ask questions, which I would LOVE!  The call-in number is 347-326-9604.  It's a cool show; last week she interviewed the author of Radical Homemakers.  Hope to talk to you tomorrow!

Steps Toward Simplicity

Recently a sweet reader emailed me about time management and simplicty, hoping "to be able to benefit from [my] habits and structure."  Ummm...  about that...  You see, I'm trying to simplify and pare down and find more time just like everyone else!  She talked about struggling to find a balance in her life as a new mom and looking for fulfillment and greater peace (me too!).  For her, the answer was greater simplicity, she just wasn't sure how to go about making it happen.  I wish I had the answer.  Like so many things, I don't think there is one answer or a quick fix, but rather many small changes that gradually amount to something greater.  
And so, in honor of baby steps, and for this reader and so many others (including, and especially, myself!), I am resolving to implement small changes each week that will bring me closer to my own goal of a life lived more simply, more streamlined, more focused on the important and less on the "static," toward a life more marked by simplicity.  I hope you'll join me and share your own small steps, ideas, and progress along the way.
Simplicity comes in myriad forms and can touch all aspects of our lives.  There's a difference too, between simplicty and convenience.  For me, saving time by prepping for several meals at once brings me a feeling of greater simplicity, while picking up dinner at a drive-through does not, even though it may save time.  I'm looking for ways to cut out time-wasters while increasing the time I spend on important things like my kiddos.  I'm also looking for simplicity in areas such as what I put into my body (homemade bread, for example, though a bit more time-consuming, still counts because it's a simpler food (less ingredients) and has traveled fewer miles to get to my table), how I travel, what I consume, etc.

I'll try and cover a variety of areas: food, time management, kids, consumer goods, daily living and homemaking.  I'm excited; I'm feeling more zen already!  Do you have any ideas about good steps to take toward simplicity?  Or areas you're trying to de-crazy and bring a little more peace and balance to?

PS Speaking of simple foods, Margot over at Old School posted my almond milk tutorial.  Go have a look if you missed it here!

                     

Giveaway: Luna Pads and Fluffy Cheeks Diapers

Two great earth-friendly, body-kind giveaways this weekend!  Fluffy Cheeks Diapers is offering a gift certificate and Luna Pads is offering a great intro kit.  They're also having a  3 day site-wide 20% off sale in honour of International Women's Day starting Tuesday March 8th and running through Thursday the 10th. All orders over $75 will also receive free shipping within North America. This sale only happens once a year, so don't miss out!  Fluffy Cheeks is also offering a 10% discount code and free shipping (see below), so now's the time to stock up! (There are a few new ways to earn entries this week, so check the fine print below!)
Lunapads is a women-owned business offering smart, sustainable alternatives to disposable pads and tampons including Lunapads washable cloth menstrual pads & Pantyliners, Lunapanties organic cotton period underwear, and The DivaCup menstrual cup.
Our mission is to help women have healthier and more positive experiences of their menstrual cycles, and by extension, their bodies overall.

We are also the company behind Pads4Girls. Pads4Girls is a campaign that seeks to address the problem of girls in developing nations missing school due to a lack of adequate menstrual supplies. To learn more click here.

Luna Pads is giving away a Pads and Pantyliners Intro Kit. It contains an assortment of Pads and Pantyliners in our most popular sizes giving you a range of products to try. It's a great Kit for those who are just getting started with cloth pads.
Includes:
1 Teeny Pantyliner
1 Mini Pantyliner
1 Mini Pad with 1 Basic Liner and 1 Wing Liner Insert
1 Maxi Pad with 1 Basic Liner and 1 Wing Liner Insert


Our uniquely designed Pads feature 2 parts: The Pad Base that fastens around the gusset of your underwear, and a Liner Insert that is secured to the top of the Pad with ric-rac bands. Pads can be refreshed as desired throughout the day, by simply removing and replacing the Liner Insert. You can customize Lunapads for your period by adding additional Liner Inserts to increase the absorbency of your Pad.

Pantyliners are our thinnest, most breathable option. Lunapads Pantyliners are ideal for daily discharge, spotting, or very light menstrual flow. They can also be worn as backup with a tampon, sea sponge or menstrual cup, like The DivaCup.

Here are a few interesting facts on the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products.

Here are a few words from the owner of Fluffy Cheeks:
I feel pretty strongly about the importance of using cloth on little bums. Although I think cloth is the best choice for the environment and for the pocketbook, the #1 reason our family uses cloth is to keep harmful chemicals off our baby's tender skin.  There are so many wonderful options for cloth diapering these days, and I love to help families find the best solution for their needs.  I love educating new parents about how much they can save using cloth, how many diapers they keep out of the landfill, and how cloth can actually prevent diaper rash that is so common with disposable diapers.  I started Fluffy Cheeks in 2010 as a way to help raise awareness about cloth diapering.  I love offering free shipping and great deals on cloth diapers and accessories.

Fluffy Cheeks is giving away a $25 gift certificate that can be used on anything on fluffycheeks.com. Also, until next Friday, Fluffy Cheeks is offering 10% off your entire order for all Progressive Pioneer readers.  Enter "ProgressivePioneer" at checkout (or try "March10").  New user to cloth?  Contact
tiffany@fluffycheeks.com for help finding the best cloth diapering products for your needs.

To be entered to win please leave a comment below. You can gain EIGHT additional entries in the following ways, but remember to leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY. 1) add PP to your blog roll (1st timers only) 2) become a fan on facebook (1st timers only) 3) become a friend (1st timers) 4) add a button (1st timers) 5) mention the giveaway on your blog, or 6) on facebook, AND 7) Follow Luna Pads on Twitter, 7) Connect with Luna Pads on facebook, 8) "Like" Fluffy Cheeks on facebook.  GOOD LUCK!!

Congratulations to Jill, who said, "I followed lunapads on twitter."

The Friday Make and Do

Here's a good kitchen project for this time of year; before long we'll be spending every daylight hour outside.
I would totally play with these paper dolls myself.
Or, maybe your kiddos require a more manly doll.  How about these pirate apple dolls?  Arrrgh! (via the Crafty Crow)
Make a hobby horse.
I know we're already three months into the year, but in case you feel like a change of wall scenery, I love this idea for a customized calendar.
Here's a really simple way to help your toddler create some wall-worthy, modern-esque art.
Try this tutorial for an easy-peasy superhero cape.
Have a great weekend!