We are surely in the midst of Autumn. The weather forecast for overnight is talking a frost, the first official for the season-? I feel as though I'm starting to settle into the next two and a half months before the Winter Solstice, once again picking up the gauntlett of organizing and facing the welcome challenges of change. I feel the urgency of my summer nature to run and play, yet also feel the indulgence of hibernation trying to set in. How does this Momma Bear hibernate with the high energy cubs running underfoot? Perhaps it more about the shift from one season of activities to the next season and what it has to offer for activities.
The online classes I've started taking are starting to settle in for me; I worked on notes and reading last night for my Autism 101 class, along with picking up what I needed to get started with Behavior Management 101 class. The third class I've signed up for is about Special Education; these three classes work together, feeding information for me in the months to come. I have six months to complete these courses but I don't foresee it taking that long to do so. Thursdays are set aside to turn in class assignments, take quizzes, and take a small break before starting the next lesson in the plan. So far, I'm liking what I'm doing.
Yes, if you've guessed by now, I'm into another schedule of sorts to make things work here on the homestead. Appointments, errands, seasonal changes and temporary completion of gardening, along with trying to move into the list of things I want to tackle; I've learned to make a short list and a long list of things to focus on. What I like about doing things this way? My short list is about immediate and high priority goals. My long list is about long term goals. After making the decision to truly examine my life, my goals, etc....it made sense to do so. I'm in my second week of working with this new concept (its new to me), and so far, so good.
Another rainy day, another day to clean a little deeper. I'm waiting for the sunshine so I can take my boys to the park, let them run around and tire out; maybe I need to run around to tire out. But my mom gene will kick on, and I'll be running on auto-pilot. Oh boy....
So, as we move deeper into Autumn, and we transition from the high level energy run of enjoying the good weather and into the moments of contemplation and reflection, do we fall off the tree like the leaves? I'd like to think I drop my summer green to embrace the red and gold of my inquisitive nature. I'm embracing the meaning of letting go and loosen my grip of control on matters that are out of my hands. Perhaps I'm learning something of value for another time yet to come. My life plans are in front of me but its by Divine Design. Buddha said to go with the flow of the river instead of fighting the current-not quite the exact words but its what I remember from the days of walking the grounds of the Temple area in the town where I grew up and my grandparents live. Grafton Peace Pagoda....a place of contemplation and reflection. Have a great day and a splendid week before we meet again to chat. ~Momma
Showing posts with label Domestic Artist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Domestic Artist. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday Starts With Wonder
My boys are still asleep as I start this post. They slept all night. Chamomile tea from lunch til just after dinner, Celtic harp & Native American flute music while reading a couple of stories while reclined in bed. Both down and out by 9:15 pm. We did garden and were poolside during the day until it rained, so that may have helped as well. I like the idea of the tea and the music at night. It was nice to sleep all night, even if I woke a bit to listen.
Today is my garden day, of which I will be putting in radishes, carrots, turnips, beets, salad mix. After that, it will go back to cleaning, pruning, weeding. I'm hoping by the weekend, I can transplant what's left and then settle into maintenance and harvest. I'm already sketching in my mind the ideas for next year that I have coming along. Time to put it onto paper? Perhaps.
The sun is shining and the skies are blue. I'm itching to get out there and enjoy the day. I'm also filled with the idea of what I've mapped out for the next couple of weeks and hoping to really make a dent in things around here. I know next week, its all about the garage and organizing. I have started several times, resulting in a pile that needs attention to weed through. Just a box or a bag or two has become a few boxes and a few bags that need to be gone through and decisions made. I'm coming to that point in my life where I'm ready to put aside the concern for the things not taken care of and really enjoying the life in front of me. Interesting how you can become so consumed by the things not taken care of, the things that pile up and seem like it will never go away. I'm not one to just throw things in the trash; to me, there's a place for everything, and everything should be in its place. If I can't use it or don't have time or don't remember the purpose behind why I have it, then there's got to be someone who can benefit from it. I want to teach my boys that you just don't throw stuff out; you make sure that if it still has use, then it has a place to go. Use what you can, share what you don't need.
So, here's to Thursday and wondering at the beauty of it. ~Momma
Second Thoughts August 11
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Today you realize how blessed you are.
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
Today is my garden day, of which I will be putting in radishes, carrots, turnips, beets, salad mix. After that, it will go back to cleaning, pruning, weeding. I'm hoping by the weekend, I can transplant what's left and then settle into maintenance and harvest. I'm already sketching in my mind the ideas for next year that I have coming along. Time to put it onto paper? Perhaps.
The sun is shining and the skies are blue. I'm itching to get out there and enjoy the day. I'm also filled with the idea of what I've mapped out for the next couple of weeks and hoping to really make a dent in things around here. I know next week, its all about the garage and organizing. I have started several times, resulting in a pile that needs attention to weed through. Just a box or a bag or two has become a few boxes and a few bags that need to be gone through and decisions made. I'm coming to that point in my life where I'm ready to put aside the concern for the things not taken care of and really enjoying the life in front of me. Interesting how you can become so consumed by the things not taken care of, the things that pile up and seem like it will never go away. I'm not one to just throw things in the trash; to me, there's a place for everything, and everything should be in its place. If I can't use it or don't have time or don't remember the purpose behind why I have it, then there's got to be someone who can benefit from it. I want to teach my boys that you just don't throw stuff out; you make sure that if it still has use, then it has a place to go. Use what you can, share what you don't need.
So, here's to Thursday and wondering at the beauty of it. ~Momma
Second Thoughts August 11
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Today you realize how blessed you are.
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
Monday, August 8, 2011
Menus, Gardens, and Such
Rain. Finally. I've been waiting for this since sometime last week, and we finally get some. Not raining at the moment but waking up to wet ground, means watered plants. If it dries out a bit today, I can work in the gardens, as this is my planned week to do so. Otherwise, I can rough sketch my plans for the gardens, and focus elsewhere.
Today, I start working on a new weekly menu format. Type it up in Word, and then print off to post on the fridge. It will also have any grocery needs posted on the same paper, thus eliminating excess paper postings on the fridge. More space, less waste. Sounds like this fits in with my organizing bit? Yeah, I guess it does. Another tidbit of organizing ideas.
Speaking of organizing, I've mapped out the next three weeks to work on areas in need of attention. Gardens, finishing things and late crops starts. I'm a woman who likes to sew, and my sewing is in desparate need of work. And last but not least, that damn garage. That's all I'm going to say about that. August is a busy one.
Today is our Mellow Monday when it comes to school stuff. Weather pending, we would be at the park today but I think today may have to be a rainy day special. We have a bowling set, among some other things we can do for indoor activities. We haven't had a rainy day play day in a while now.
My mind is already working on the reading I've started. Parenting, homeschooling, all while encompassing the rest of my life. Its always busy here. Hardly a day goes by without feeling overwhelmed or wondering how more stuff gets added to the seemingly never ending "To Do List." I suppose, with more organization and time, it will all come together.
My boys are finishing breakfast, which is the signal for me to sign off and grab a quick shower before diving into the day with them. So, here's to menu planning, organizing, more planning, fun and play, ideas and tasks.....~Momma
Today, I start working on a new weekly menu format. Type it up in Word, and then print off to post on the fridge. It will also have any grocery needs posted on the same paper, thus eliminating excess paper postings on the fridge. More space, less waste. Sounds like this fits in with my organizing bit? Yeah, I guess it does. Another tidbit of organizing ideas.
Speaking of organizing, I've mapped out the next three weeks to work on areas in need of attention. Gardens, finishing things and late crops starts. I'm a woman who likes to sew, and my sewing is in desparate need of work. And last but not least, that damn garage. That's all I'm going to say about that. August is a busy one.
Today is our Mellow Monday when it comes to school stuff. Weather pending, we would be at the park today but I think today may have to be a rainy day special. We have a bowling set, among some other things we can do for indoor activities. We haven't had a rainy day play day in a while now.
My mind is already working on the reading I've started. Parenting, homeschooling, all while encompassing the rest of my life. Its always busy here. Hardly a day goes by without feeling overwhelmed or wondering how more stuff gets added to the seemingly never ending "To Do List." I suppose, with more organization and time, it will all come together.
My boys are finishing breakfast, which is the signal for me to sign off and grab a quick shower before diving into the day with them. So, here's to menu planning, organizing, more planning, fun and play, ideas and tasks.....~Momma
Thursday, July 28, 2011
What Will We Do With Thursday?
Beautiful blue skies and sunshine greets the morning of Thursday. Today is my day to talk about sustainable living practices, and I guess I do have something to chat about on this subject. Of course, it goes back to gardening, which has been the spotlight of sustainability for us for a few months now.
This week, we've been starting seeds for the late summer planting schedule. Corn, sunflowers, mixing greens & lettuce seeds for a nice patch of yumminess-is that really a word? Radishes, carrots, onions and such will go directly in at the time they need to. Oh, and I started cabbage seeds, too. Late peas will go directly in as well. So far, our garden has given us herbs, a few radishes, peas (shell & sugar snap), and bush beans. Waiting on the rest to bring forth the fruit of the season. August will also be the month I start my canning; I didn't make strawberry jam this year, as we've still so much of it from last year. Right now is peak season for raspberries and blueberries but still not sure if we will take part in this seasonal ritual of harvesting for our food stores. We'll see what the next couple of weeks brings. If too late, we can always plan for next year and still be good.
Flipping through "Sleeping with a Sunflower," and looking over the activities for August. Companion planting, time frames for planting in August, canning and preserving, how to fish by the moon cycles. Good stuff, old stuff. Then, there's a piece on using foods for natural dyes. I've used red cabbage, red onions, yellow onions, spinach, and beets for dyes on Easter eggs; I've not once bought a conventional egg dyeing kit, as I've not found one that is chemical free. The natural dyes can also be used for dying wool fiber for those colorful items known as sweaters, hats, and mittens. Scarves are in there, too. I've yet to do that, and I think it would be fun. The chapter ends on the note about eating puffballs for breakfast. Now, for those who know what puffballs are, I gotta tell ya, I didn't know you could eat these. Of course, it helps when you harvest them when they're still waxy and fresh. Once they go to dry and ready to spread spores, let them alone. Of course, who can resist stepping on them and watching the "smoke" rise off the ground? Those are tiny spores, millions of them to take off and make more puffballs. I remember actually getting a chance to eat a slice of one that was the size of a basketball; imagine this giant mushroom but there's no catapillar, Alice. It was actually really good.
So, sleeping with a sunflower and eating puffballs for breakfast can be food for thought today. How many natural resources do you rely upon? Do you grow your own food? Questions to ponder today as you walk along the path to your destination. Enjoy! ~Momma
This week, we've been starting seeds for the late summer planting schedule. Corn, sunflowers, mixing greens & lettuce seeds for a nice patch of yumminess-is that really a word? Radishes, carrots, onions and such will go directly in at the time they need to. Oh, and I started cabbage seeds, too. Late peas will go directly in as well. So far, our garden has given us herbs, a few radishes, peas (shell & sugar snap), and bush beans. Waiting on the rest to bring forth the fruit of the season. August will also be the month I start my canning; I didn't make strawberry jam this year, as we've still so much of it from last year. Right now is peak season for raspberries and blueberries but still not sure if we will take part in this seasonal ritual of harvesting for our food stores. We'll see what the next couple of weeks brings. If too late, we can always plan for next year and still be good.
Flipping through "Sleeping with a Sunflower," and looking over the activities for August. Companion planting, time frames for planting in August, canning and preserving, how to fish by the moon cycles. Good stuff, old stuff. Then, there's a piece on using foods for natural dyes. I've used red cabbage, red onions, yellow onions, spinach, and beets for dyes on Easter eggs; I've not once bought a conventional egg dyeing kit, as I've not found one that is chemical free. The natural dyes can also be used for dying wool fiber for those colorful items known as sweaters, hats, and mittens. Scarves are in there, too. I've yet to do that, and I think it would be fun. The chapter ends on the note about eating puffballs for breakfast. Now, for those who know what puffballs are, I gotta tell ya, I didn't know you could eat these. Of course, it helps when you harvest them when they're still waxy and fresh. Once they go to dry and ready to spread spores, let them alone. Of course, who can resist stepping on them and watching the "smoke" rise off the ground? Those are tiny spores, millions of them to take off and make more puffballs. I remember actually getting a chance to eat a slice of one that was the size of a basketball; imagine this giant mushroom but there's no catapillar, Alice. It was actually really good.
So, sleeping with a sunflower and eating puffballs for breakfast can be food for thought today. How many natural resources do you rely upon? Do you grow your own food? Questions to ponder today as you walk along the path to your destination. Enjoy! ~Momma
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tuesday Morning & Housework Almost Done
Here I sit, 20 mins before 8 AM graces our presence. My daily chores almost done; just dusting-my enemy-and mopping to finish off my list. I can't complain about how doing the Ten Min Method minimizes how my once a week chores are done-hhmmm, can you say so much faster now that I have those down, too? It took two weekends to get my Weekly Speed-Cleaning Chores into practice and not feel overwhelmed by the process; funny how something feels foreign at first glance, and then when you get your hands into the pudding, it starts to make sense. My current book of choice, The Family Manager Takes Charge, which I've listed on my reading list and have talked about in past postings, is where I continue to find the tidbits to get me motivated to give our home a facelift. The weekly chores are cut into groups, focusing on specific rooms with specific tasks. Here's a sample of my list.
Kitchen
-Wipe down large appliances
-Wipe down windowsills
-Disinfect trash/recycling cans, replace liners
Living areas
-Clean windows
-Recycle papers
-Plump up cushions
Bedrooms
-Laundry
-Sweep & mop floors
-Strip & remake beds
Bathroom
-Change out towels
-Clean tub/shower
-Empty trash
A sample, like I said, as my list is actually longer than that. I don't exactly consider myself a domestic goddess, as I've always treated housework as, well just that: work. Yes, there are things to do each day, things that can wait to be done once a week, and even things that can be tackled a few times during the course of the year. Housework was always projected to me as drudgery, something to despise and leave for someone else to do. What I've learned is that being domestic is NOT being domesticated. You are not chained to the stove, forced to work in less than desirable conditions, and if you are, start rethinking why you're in that position. I didn't grow up desiring to be a housewife; I sort of fell into it. For me, organizing, decorating, gardening, and sustainable living practices gives me a different view of what it means to do housework. Now, I see it as artistic domestic skills EVERYONE should have some knowledge of. If you are part of a family unit, helping out shouldn't be view as waterboarding. No one is forcing you to pitch in, but the extra set of hands now and then do help. Afterall, family time spent having fun is better than grumbling over a chore or two. Who wants to spend family time cleaning? I've heard of families who clean together and have a good time but I gotta say, we're not there YET.
The sun is streaming through our front window, and the storm clouds loom in the back. With the forecast of a storm coming in today, its best to take advantage of the day and go with the flow. After all, my housework is done; I can spend the rest of the day with my boys and then when its time, make dinner and relax into the evening. Of course, its Task Master Tuesday, which means there's a list of other things to do as well but those things are not high priority; more like, if there's a moment of opportunity, I'll get to them. My guys won't be little forever, and every moment I've got with them now is priceless. So, to the homemakers of the world, enjoy the day, try to see chores as something more positive (easier said than done), and know that each day will not be like the day before or the days to come. ~Momma
Kitchen
-Wipe down large appliances
-Wipe down windowsills
-Disinfect trash/recycling cans, replace liners
Living areas
-Clean windows
-Recycle papers
-Plump up cushions
Bedrooms
-Laundry
-Sweep & mop floors
-Strip & remake beds
Bathroom
-Change out towels
-Clean tub/shower
-Empty trash
A sample, like I said, as my list is actually longer than that. I don't exactly consider myself a domestic goddess, as I've always treated housework as, well just that: work. Yes, there are things to do each day, things that can wait to be done once a week, and even things that can be tackled a few times during the course of the year. Housework was always projected to me as drudgery, something to despise and leave for someone else to do. What I've learned is that being domestic is NOT being domesticated. You are not chained to the stove, forced to work in less than desirable conditions, and if you are, start rethinking why you're in that position. I didn't grow up desiring to be a housewife; I sort of fell into it. For me, organizing, decorating, gardening, and sustainable living practices gives me a different view of what it means to do housework. Now, I see it as artistic domestic skills EVERYONE should have some knowledge of. If you are part of a family unit, helping out shouldn't be view as waterboarding. No one is forcing you to pitch in, but the extra set of hands now and then do help. Afterall, family time spent having fun is better than grumbling over a chore or two. Who wants to spend family time cleaning? I've heard of families who clean together and have a good time but I gotta say, we're not there YET.
The sun is streaming through our front window, and the storm clouds loom in the back. With the forecast of a storm coming in today, its best to take advantage of the day and go with the flow. After all, my housework is done; I can spend the rest of the day with my boys and then when its time, make dinner and relax into the evening. Of course, its Task Master Tuesday, which means there's a list of other things to do as well but those things are not high priority; more like, if there's a moment of opportunity, I'll get to them. My guys won't be little forever, and every moment I've got with them now is priceless. So, to the homemakers of the world, enjoy the day, try to see chores as something more positive (easier said than done), and know that each day will not be like the day before or the days to come. ~Momma
Monday, July 18, 2011
Having a Heat Wave.....?
Monday comes with the potential of rain but high temps. I'd be ok with high temps, as I lived out in the upper mid-west years ago but its the humidity that will knock you flat here in New England. Of course, the south and deeper into Texas has a heat index I don't care for; no reason for me to leave the comforts of the green mountain state. I love mountains, green grass meadows, the lake....I do have a passion for the ocean but can get that from going to the Cape, part of Rhode Island, New Hampshire coastline. Maybe someday to visit the coastline of the Carolinas but only on vacation, not to live there. Guess I'm settled on where I am. I love to travel, to see new places but when it comes to returning somewhere, I know where home is. That being said, let's move on.
My mind is turning with tasks to jump on, dreams swirling in my memory from the last couple of nights, my desire to be creative, and my new niche of organizing are all sitting at the breakfast table this morning. Who invited everybody? Oh yeah, that was me. My mind is sketching a list of things, as usual. I spend time thinking while awake, dreaming while asleep; one of my sisters coined this comment a few days ago, and I agree with her. It is like that most of the time. That's why I love posting in the mornings. Clears my mind. Oh, here's my list....the mind list.
1. Start organizing garage
2. Gardening (transplanting & pulling bulbs)
3. Organize travel easel to work on creative moments (side by side with my preschooler's easel)
4. Pick up materials to continue organizing addiction
I finally figured out why organizing is finding a way into my life. I'm not embarking on this quest to impress anyone, not doing it because of expectations. I'm doing it because I have time to do so. Its about time for me; my boys are growing, showing fierce independence for what they can do at this time in their lives (four [almost] and one years old), which frees me up at times to tackle tasks I've left behind to give them my time. Now, I can hit those tasks, getting into stuff long put aside, which in the long run, especially being a mom whose intentions are to homeschool as long as I can, affords me more time with my boys; and in the end, more time for myself. All women need a time to recharge their internal batteries. I'm all for it, and a good night's sleep one of these days.
So, here's to today, its ever changing weather, my singing birds, my precious boys, and to the endless possibilities waiting to unfold. ~Momma
My mind is turning with tasks to jump on, dreams swirling in my memory from the last couple of nights, my desire to be creative, and my new niche of organizing are all sitting at the breakfast table this morning. Who invited everybody? Oh yeah, that was me. My mind is sketching a list of things, as usual. I spend time thinking while awake, dreaming while asleep; one of my sisters coined this comment a few days ago, and I agree with her. It is like that most of the time. That's why I love posting in the mornings. Clears my mind. Oh, here's my list....the mind list.
1. Start organizing garage
2. Gardening (transplanting & pulling bulbs)
3. Organize travel easel to work on creative moments (side by side with my preschooler's easel)
4. Pick up materials to continue organizing addiction
I finally figured out why organizing is finding a way into my life. I'm not embarking on this quest to impress anyone, not doing it because of expectations. I'm doing it because I have time to do so. Its about time for me; my boys are growing, showing fierce independence for what they can do at this time in their lives (four [almost] and one years old), which frees me up at times to tackle tasks I've left behind to give them my time. Now, I can hit those tasks, getting into stuff long put aside, which in the long run, especially being a mom whose intentions are to homeschool as long as I can, affords me more time with my boys; and in the end, more time for myself. All women need a time to recharge their internal batteries. I'm all for it, and a good night's sleep one of these days.
So, here's to today, its ever changing weather, my singing birds, my precious boys, and to the endless possibilities waiting to unfold. ~Momma
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Tuesday after the weekend holiday
Here we are, another Tuesday after a weekend holiday. That feeling of "What day is it?" lingers, and I have to double check my Color Notes on my Android to be certain its Task Master Tuesday. There is soooo much to do before Sunday, July 10, as we are having a celebration and family coming to join us. I have my rough sketched list of things that need to be completed before Saturday afternoon, and pushing for every moment of time spent purposely. Yes, every moment has purpose, including those moments of taking rest.
If you can believe this, I'm still gardening. The aspect of putting stuff into the garden spaces I have mapped out. Its July, folks. Most gardeners have all their stuff in, letting it grow and produce. Well, I'm there, too. Yet, also going by farm calendar and intuition. Intuitive gardening. Maybe I should teach a class on that. Today, my intentions are to try to plow-yeah, I said it-through however much ground I can cover and set what I can. I'm an optimistic gal.
I almost don't want to do it but I may have to give up on putting any level of organization to our garage. Seeing as my mate uses it as much as I do, there seems to be an ongoing pendulum swinging of boxes, carpentry equipment, etc...moving around each time either one of us goes out there. Yesterday, I went out to bring two terra cotta pots to the daylight so I could plant my patio tomato gardens. Because of the new building project my yang to my yin is undertaking, wood blocked my path. I moved one piece of plywood and almost bought it when a dominoes effect-like avalanche commenced in the shadows and sawdust. Good thing for cat-like reflexes. I came out unscathed, nothing was damaged or broken, and I got my flower pots. Yes, my tomato gardens are together and sitting on the front porch. Tomato plant in the center, surrounded by thyme or oregano, accompanied by pepper plants. So, how important is this garage organizing? Give me a day to ponder that one.
Some finishing touches on housekeeping, a little extra attention paid to the guest bedroom, and I'm done for the interior of the house. Good. Housekeeping is not a high priority for me. I'd rather spend time with my boys when they're awake and running as opposed to wiping down furniture or scrubbing the toilet. I can do those things later. My kids come first. When I do have those moments of cleaning, I juggle between the cleaning shackles and wanting to either work a few stitches on a new fiber project (in my case, ongoing ones that wait in a pile) or try to squeeze in a chapter on one of the many (and its always many) books I have on my ongoing reading list.
My secret desire before the weekend comes is the thought I have in mind to make myself a dress. Oh, I didn't tell you I suffer from Type A personality? Cat's out of the bag now. Yes, I want to make a dress that I wanted to make last year and couldn't find the time to do so, even after buying the pattern, fabric and waiting for the moment when both my boys would take a nap and I could get started. I'll have to see how this element pans out. Could be interesting.
As 8 AM looms in the foreground, my little one is preparing to turn 1 year old tomorrow, roughly around lunch time. To be exact, it would be 11:37 AM. He's taking steps these days, wanting to do everything he sees his big brother do. The baby I brought home is becoming a little boy. At the end of August, we will be celebrating another wonder in life. My big boy will turn 4, and his wonders and discoveries will become spotlight. I'm raising boys to be men.
~Momma
If you can believe this, I'm still gardening. The aspect of putting stuff into the garden spaces I have mapped out. Its July, folks. Most gardeners have all their stuff in, letting it grow and produce. Well, I'm there, too. Yet, also going by farm calendar and intuition. Intuitive gardening. Maybe I should teach a class on that. Today, my intentions are to try to plow-yeah, I said it-through however much ground I can cover and set what I can. I'm an optimistic gal.
I almost don't want to do it but I may have to give up on putting any level of organization to our garage. Seeing as my mate uses it as much as I do, there seems to be an ongoing pendulum swinging of boxes, carpentry equipment, etc...moving around each time either one of us goes out there. Yesterday, I went out to bring two terra cotta pots to the daylight so I could plant my patio tomato gardens. Because of the new building project my yang to my yin is undertaking, wood blocked my path. I moved one piece of plywood and almost bought it when a dominoes effect-like avalanche commenced in the shadows and sawdust. Good thing for cat-like reflexes. I came out unscathed, nothing was damaged or broken, and I got my flower pots. Yes, my tomato gardens are together and sitting on the front porch. Tomato plant in the center, surrounded by thyme or oregano, accompanied by pepper plants. So, how important is this garage organizing? Give me a day to ponder that one.
Some finishing touches on housekeeping, a little extra attention paid to the guest bedroom, and I'm done for the interior of the house. Good. Housekeeping is not a high priority for me. I'd rather spend time with my boys when they're awake and running as opposed to wiping down furniture or scrubbing the toilet. I can do those things later. My kids come first. When I do have those moments of cleaning, I juggle between the cleaning shackles and wanting to either work a few stitches on a new fiber project (in my case, ongoing ones that wait in a pile) or try to squeeze in a chapter on one of the many (and its always many) books I have on my ongoing reading list.
My secret desire before the weekend comes is the thought I have in mind to make myself a dress. Oh, I didn't tell you I suffer from Type A personality? Cat's out of the bag now. Yes, I want to make a dress that I wanted to make last year and couldn't find the time to do so, even after buying the pattern, fabric and waiting for the moment when both my boys would take a nap and I could get started. I'll have to see how this element pans out. Could be interesting.
As 8 AM looms in the foreground, my little one is preparing to turn 1 year old tomorrow, roughly around lunch time. To be exact, it would be 11:37 AM. He's taking steps these days, wanting to do everything he sees his big brother do. The baby I brought home is becoming a little boy. At the end of August, we will be celebrating another wonder in life. My big boy will turn 4, and his wonders and discoveries will become spotlight. I'm raising boys to be men.
~Momma
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sustainable Thoughts
What does it mean to me to be sustainable? I ask myself this question at an hr when coffee is my best friend. Yes, I'm a coffee drinker. Love the smell, love the taste. Have tried the route of teas which do a great job of putting zing in your step; love those, too. But that initial smell wandering through the house before the sun comes up....mmmmmm.....
I talk about sustainability on Thursdays, or at least I try to stay committed to this topic on this day of the week. Sometimes, the life and times of a SAHM pop up and demand audience, so I write about those moments, too. But what it means to be sustainable, some days it feels like a far reach until I realize I'm doing what I can at this moment. Everyone seems to have the "s" word on their lips these days, along with the terms "eco" and "green." Now, my personal opinion is that too many people may be treating the movement of getting back to simplicity as a trend that will fade and resurface much like other trends (fashion comes to mind). To me, this is not a trend. Its a way of life. Daily living, putting sustainable facets on your unpolished stone; consider the gem you just might have under the surface.
My topics on sustainability has been focused upon edible landscaping and urban/suburban gardening/farming. I'm in the middle of it right now, along with establishing colonial cottage style gardens here at our home. I almost don't want to talk about it, even though I talk quite frequently about it all. I'd rather be elbow deep in the soil, letting my soul connect to the earth. My other thoughts on sustainable practices? The immediate thought comes to mind-recycled textile products.
I'm working toward my goal of not falling asleep with the kids when they go to bed so that I can stay up and work my ideas into manifestation. Once I'm there, I can start making my market bags again. I made two prototypes to work with, taking them with me whenever I need to shop. Is my reader looking for pictures? Yeah, me too. As I start talking more in-depth about recycled textile creations, photos will be included in my posts. For today, I just want to talk. Anyway, back to my thread. Shopping today is quite an adventure. Food prices are going up, the potential for e. Coli is greater than it was 20 years ago, and stores are starting to charge customers for every roadside daisy, aka plastic bag, that is used to pack up the purchase. Customers start bringing their own bags. Companies start marketing reusable bags. This hippie is making her own bags, as well as picking up the occasional bag while in the checkout line. My ultimate goal is to be able to walk in the door, armed with my bags, as well as produce bags so I don't have to pull from the roll attached to the wall or produce tables, and feel good when the cashier credits towards the bill the number of bags I brought in with me. Yes, you can get between 3 & 5 cents per bag towards your purchase for every bag you bring in. You help reduce the number of roadside daisies, you get a little change carved off your bill, and you leave feeling good.
I may not drive a hybrid vehicle, my kids' car seats don't have mp3 holders that resemble ashtrays hanging off the side, and I don't buy everything that screams organic on the plastic package the item comes in but I'm proud to say I do what I can to make a difference. I buy local, we eat seasonally. I very rarely buy anything full price, and I'm not a follower of the masses to buy the newest and hottest stuff on the market. I keep it simple. I can only hope my choices are good influence on my boys to realize you don't need what everyone else has. You only need what truly sustains you. Everything else is just stuff. There's a saying, "The one who dies with the most toys wins." I disagree. All you have is debt and stuff. And you can't take it with you.
~Momma
I talk about sustainability on Thursdays, or at least I try to stay committed to this topic on this day of the week. Sometimes, the life and times of a SAHM pop up and demand audience, so I write about those moments, too. But what it means to be sustainable, some days it feels like a far reach until I realize I'm doing what I can at this moment. Everyone seems to have the "s" word on their lips these days, along with the terms "eco" and "green." Now, my personal opinion is that too many people may be treating the movement of getting back to simplicity as a trend that will fade and resurface much like other trends (fashion comes to mind). To me, this is not a trend. Its a way of life. Daily living, putting sustainable facets on your unpolished stone; consider the gem you just might have under the surface.
My topics on sustainability has been focused upon edible landscaping and urban/suburban gardening/farming. I'm in the middle of it right now, along with establishing colonial cottage style gardens here at our home. I almost don't want to talk about it, even though I talk quite frequently about it all. I'd rather be elbow deep in the soil, letting my soul connect to the earth. My other thoughts on sustainable practices? The immediate thought comes to mind-recycled textile products.
I'm working toward my goal of not falling asleep with the kids when they go to bed so that I can stay up and work my ideas into manifestation. Once I'm there, I can start making my market bags again. I made two prototypes to work with, taking them with me whenever I need to shop. Is my reader looking for pictures? Yeah, me too. As I start talking more in-depth about recycled textile creations, photos will be included in my posts. For today, I just want to talk. Anyway, back to my thread. Shopping today is quite an adventure. Food prices are going up, the potential for e. Coli is greater than it was 20 years ago, and stores are starting to charge customers for every roadside daisy, aka plastic bag, that is used to pack up the purchase. Customers start bringing their own bags. Companies start marketing reusable bags. This hippie is making her own bags, as well as picking up the occasional bag while in the checkout line. My ultimate goal is to be able to walk in the door, armed with my bags, as well as produce bags so I don't have to pull from the roll attached to the wall or produce tables, and feel good when the cashier credits towards the bill the number of bags I brought in with me. Yes, you can get between 3 & 5 cents per bag towards your purchase for every bag you bring in. You help reduce the number of roadside daisies, you get a little change carved off your bill, and you leave feeling good.
I may not drive a hybrid vehicle, my kids' car seats don't have mp3 holders that resemble ashtrays hanging off the side, and I don't buy everything that screams organic on the plastic package the item comes in but I'm proud to say I do what I can to make a difference. I buy local, we eat seasonally. I very rarely buy anything full price, and I'm not a follower of the masses to buy the newest and hottest stuff on the market. I keep it simple. I can only hope my choices are good influence on my boys to realize you don't need what everyone else has. You only need what truly sustains you. Everything else is just stuff. There's a saying, "The one who dies with the most toys wins." I disagree. All you have is debt and stuff. And you can't take it with you.
~Momma
Friday, June 24, 2011
TGIF
Not sure why I'd be thankful its finally Friday; not like I have a out of the home job with banker's hours. Maybe its just in my system after all the years I have worked out of the home for someone else. Now my employers are about knee to waist high, change the rules constantly, and give me the look of "Whatta ya mean you didn't know?" My title is Mom. Demands all day; no smoke breaks-not that I smoke but I figured to throw that in there-plenty of overtime. Vacation doesn't exist. The last time I had a actual vacation from work was back in 2002 just before I started my undergrad adventure. Ten beautiful days of sun, relaxing by the creek, hanging with friends who now travel up and down the east coast as a gift of retirement, and letting all the things needed to be taken care of go for the time being. Oh, the days.....
Today, I write about books and wine. Being the hour it is, I'm not going to sip wine and talk about books. Coffee is my iv. Wine. I love wine. I was never one for it while in my 20's but when I reached the threshold of 30, along with a change in the view on my life, my taste changed a bit. I still love a good beer now and then, especially if its a microbrew. Locally made, makes for the perfect moment of knowing just where your beverage came from. Wine. Years ago, I picked up a book about wine tasting. How it works, how to do it, etc....read it, loved it. I've tasted wines from around the world. Some good, some to pass over. I've had cheap wines, and some middle of the road types. Don't believe I've done the top shelf stuff but there's always room to do so, if its meant to be. I personally love looking for discontinued wines. If it didn't do well for sales in a market, they discount and practically throw it out the door. That's when I make my move. Recently, I found two great flavors that I absolutely love. Discontinued. One white, one red. Romeo-the red, and Juliet-the white. Juliet is gone; great wine to add to recipes and to sip slowly. Romeo is open; also a good pairing for meals and a real slow sipper. Reds are my favorite-personally a Merlot girl but it stains my lips. If it comes in a unique bottle, I save it to clean and reuse for homemade vinegars, etc...The company's link for R & J is @ the end of this post for those curious about these yummy discontinued wines.
Currently, I'm part of an online study. Women, books, and exploration of the past. Yikes. I wasn't looking to get into something like this but it came to me and I knew I had to undertake it. Eye opening, awakening. I'm also reading three other books while working on this 10 week study. Spiritual awakening. I'm on my EAT-PRAY-LOVE adventure. Ten spiritually inspiring books to discover and read. I've discovered my ten, composed my list, and working on them as they come to me. Not prioritizing what to read when; letting it come into place as it should. See my list posted below for reference; I'm posting my list as I read, so you won't see a complete list until later on.
Today I'm going with the flow. Not sure exactly what my boys and I will venture into but with a small list of possibilities, we will go where it takes us. Another day of rain keeps us from gardens and poolside fun but it doesn't stop us from enjoying what life has to offer. Afterall, I'm Mom.
"If we fear loss enough, in the end the things we possess will come to possess us."
-Rachel Naomi Remen, MD "Kitchen Table Wisdom"
~Momma
www.pazzione.com
Today, I write about books and wine. Being the hour it is, I'm not going to sip wine and talk about books. Coffee is my iv. Wine. I love wine. I was never one for it while in my 20's but when I reached the threshold of 30, along with a change in the view on my life, my taste changed a bit. I still love a good beer now and then, especially if its a microbrew. Locally made, makes for the perfect moment of knowing just where your beverage came from. Wine. Years ago, I picked up a book about wine tasting. How it works, how to do it, etc....read it, loved it. I've tasted wines from around the world. Some good, some to pass over. I've had cheap wines, and some middle of the road types. Don't believe I've done the top shelf stuff but there's always room to do so, if its meant to be. I personally love looking for discontinued wines. If it didn't do well for sales in a market, they discount and practically throw it out the door. That's when I make my move. Recently, I found two great flavors that I absolutely love. Discontinued. One white, one red. Romeo-the red, and Juliet-the white. Juliet is gone; great wine to add to recipes and to sip slowly. Romeo is open; also a good pairing for meals and a real slow sipper. Reds are my favorite-personally a Merlot girl but it stains my lips. If it comes in a unique bottle, I save it to clean and reuse for homemade vinegars, etc...The company's link for R & J is @ the end of this post for those curious about these yummy discontinued wines.
Currently, I'm part of an online study. Women, books, and exploration of the past. Yikes. I wasn't looking to get into something like this but it came to me and I knew I had to undertake it. Eye opening, awakening. I'm also reading three other books while working on this 10 week study. Spiritual awakening. I'm on my EAT-PRAY-LOVE adventure. Ten spiritually inspiring books to discover and read. I've discovered my ten, composed my list, and working on them as they come to me. Not prioritizing what to read when; letting it come into place as it should. See my list posted below for reference; I'm posting my list as I read, so you won't see a complete list until later on.
Today I'm going with the flow. Not sure exactly what my boys and I will venture into but with a small list of possibilities, we will go where it takes us. Another day of rain keeps us from gardens and poolside fun but it doesn't stop us from enjoying what life has to offer. Afterall, I'm Mom.
"If we fear loss enough, in the end the things we possess will come to possess us."
-Rachel Naomi Remen, MD "Kitchen Table Wisdom"
~Momma
www.pazzione.com
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A Break in the Cycle
Thursday with showers-I'll take it. After three consecutive days of gardening, I'm ready to shift gears and put my focus elsewhere. I love to be outside, as do my boys; I'm grateful for having children who are versatile with life. Of course, there are those times when they give a shout that they're not willing to follow but I have to remember: they are under the age of 5 and to expect adult-sized adventures out of them at this time is like asking for the Old Man in New Hampshire to jump back up on the mountain. Anyone familiar with this last statement, you know what I'm talking about.
Today is a day for organizing, purging, and preparing. Right now, breakfast, play, catching the news, and writing this post prepares me for the day. I've jotted down my short list of things to cover today, with the knowledge that it could all change in a heartbeat. Last week, I touched on the topic of a quick clean sweep in a room of the home. For me, it was a drive by in the kitchen. It worked out well, to say. No more microwave, more organized counter space, a little bead on the junk drawer, and my kitchen table still begs for clearance. Ok, not everything runs smoothly but this is reality. Don't flake out; just push forward. I think we all go through those times when mail, projects, etc find their way to the kitchen table and somehow think that's a permanent home. My house doesn't resemble an episode from Hoarders but is not a picture in a magazine. My house is lived in. There are days when I look around and wonder where all the kids went after destroying a room; I then remember that I have two kids and no, we didn't invite five of their friends over for a house wrecking party.
Today, my garage calls out to me; I also have designs on the master & kids' bedrooms. For the time being, after my final cup of coffee, I'll start in the bedrooms. The garage can wait for a couple of hours yet. Purging, cleaning, organizing; something once foreign to me has now become a sort of obsession. Why do I have all this stuff? What am I going to do with it? Who can benefit from it other than myself? Am I really benefiting from possessing? Donation, give aways, tag sale possibly in August when the college students come in for the new semester; these are the ideas I have in mind. Some things are benefit to my kids for education purposes, some focused on my sleeping business, and others for the benefit of sustainable living. Its just a matter of discovering what is of true purpose to myself and others.
So, here's to Thursday's possibilities and what the day could become. Ladies, stay vigilent to your goals today; and remember, there is always room for last minute changes. ~Momma
Today is a day for organizing, purging, and preparing. Right now, breakfast, play, catching the news, and writing this post prepares me for the day. I've jotted down my short list of things to cover today, with the knowledge that it could all change in a heartbeat. Last week, I touched on the topic of a quick clean sweep in a room of the home. For me, it was a drive by in the kitchen. It worked out well, to say. No more microwave, more organized counter space, a little bead on the junk drawer, and my kitchen table still begs for clearance. Ok, not everything runs smoothly but this is reality. Don't flake out; just push forward. I think we all go through those times when mail, projects, etc find their way to the kitchen table and somehow think that's a permanent home. My house doesn't resemble an episode from Hoarders but is not a picture in a magazine. My house is lived in. There are days when I look around and wonder where all the kids went after destroying a room; I then remember that I have two kids and no, we didn't invite five of their friends over for a house wrecking party.
Today, my garage calls out to me; I also have designs on the master & kids' bedrooms. For the time being, after my final cup of coffee, I'll start in the bedrooms. The garage can wait for a couple of hours yet. Purging, cleaning, organizing; something once foreign to me has now become a sort of obsession. Why do I have all this stuff? What am I going to do with it? Who can benefit from it other than myself? Am I really benefiting from possessing? Donation, give aways, tag sale possibly in August when the college students come in for the new semester; these are the ideas I have in mind. Some things are benefit to my kids for education purposes, some focused on my sleeping business, and others for the benefit of sustainable living. Its just a matter of discovering what is of true purpose to myself and others.
So, here's to Thursday's possibilities and what the day could become. Ladies, stay vigilent to your goals today; and remember, there is always room for last minute changes. ~Momma
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day Three on Gardening
Wednesday is here again, and with the sunshine already peeking through the curtains, I'm ready to take on the day. Laundry to start, and then outside to garden like a mad woman for the day. My boys will have the joy of the pool, which is parked right next to the bed I'm currently working on. According to the forecast, we are to anticipate 4 days of rain and clouds, starting late tonight until sometime Sunday. If that helps all the efforts I've put in since early Monday morning, good. Garden like crazy, let Mother Nature take care of the rest. Today is my day to write about homeschool ventures and womanly thoughts but with the gardening buzz I'm on, my sustainable living hat seems to be glued to my head. So, my days are a little out of order but hey, when you have good weather, a ton of gardening to get done before the end of the month, you go with it. Why stress?
Speaking of gardening ventures, nurseries, markets, and whatever stores are carrying seeds and plants are practically throwing things out. This is my time to buy. When I can get plants for half price or less, seeds for 75% off the retail price, I'm a happy camper. Bulbs are now on sale, so whatever catches my eye is going in the cart. I picked up seed potatoes for a drop in the bucket price, and they are blue potatoes at that. I usually work my own seed potatoes with the reds and whites but now to have blue in my garden landscape is so cool. Hope they do well, as I'm putting them in to be "new" potatoes next spring. I'm not much of an annual plant or seed buyer but have learned they make nice color pop when waiting for my more permanent plants to come forth and after some bulbs have shown their glory. A nice in-between addition. Petunias, fushia, and begonias are hanging from the back porch, adding color pop to the back yard. So, color is just popping all over this little 1/4 acre piece of land. I believe in making the most of the space you have, and I know I'm doing just that.
Went through my seed box yesterday, and have seeds set aside for next year already. Going through all of my seeds, both saved from last year and whatever we've picked up along the way, I sorted so that I know what needs to go in now and what can go in late August. There are some that can seed all season, so I put those in a spot as well. This is part of my organizing insanity I've ventured on because of the flooding in the basement we experienced this past spring. Mother Nature at work to scream at you to treat her right-no problem.
So, here's to another day of gardening. Digging in the dirt, pulling weeds and extra wild violets I don't need in that particular spot but knowing somehow they will appear again. That's fine. Yarrow, iris, and day lilies are staying in the garden bed I'm working today, and I'm ok with that. Sometimes, you need to leave what you find to let there be harmony in the garden.
~Momma
Speaking of gardening ventures, nurseries, markets, and whatever stores are carrying seeds and plants are practically throwing things out. This is my time to buy. When I can get plants for half price or less, seeds for 75% off the retail price, I'm a happy camper. Bulbs are now on sale, so whatever catches my eye is going in the cart. I picked up seed potatoes for a drop in the bucket price, and they are blue potatoes at that. I usually work my own seed potatoes with the reds and whites but now to have blue in my garden landscape is so cool. Hope they do well, as I'm putting them in to be "new" potatoes next spring. I'm not much of an annual plant or seed buyer but have learned they make nice color pop when waiting for my more permanent plants to come forth and after some bulbs have shown their glory. A nice in-between addition. Petunias, fushia, and begonias are hanging from the back porch, adding color pop to the back yard. So, color is just popping all over this little 1/4 acre piece of land. I believe in making the most of the space you have, and I know I'm doing just that.
Went through my seed box yesterday, and have seeds set aside for next year already. Going through all of my seeds, both saved from last year and whatever we've picked up along the way, I sorted so that I know what needs to go in now and what can go in late August. There are some that can seed all season, so I put those in a spot as well. This is part of my organizing insanity I've ventured on because of the flooding in the basement we experienced this past spring. Mother Nature at work to scream at you to treat her right-no problem.
So, here's to another day of gardening. Digging in the dirt, pulling weeds and extra wild violets I don't need in that particular spot but knowing somehow they will appear again. That's fine. Yarrow, iris, and day lilies are staying in the garden bed I'm working today, and I'm ok with that. Sometimes, you need to leave what you find to let there be harmony in the garden.
~Momma
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Task Master Tuesday with the Summer Solstice
Sunshine peeking through the curtains again this morning-fabulous! My boys are sleeping in today, by the looks of it. That's fine for the time I can get. Make the most of it, Momma. Today is my task master day, and it is also the Summer Solstice. As of 1:15 PM (roughly), it will officially become summer and we can leave spring behind. What awaits us for the next couple of months? Rain and wet? Heat and dry weather? A mix of both? I can't seem to place where my 2011 Old Farmer's Almanac went, so I can't vouch for what I've read when I first picked it months ago. Guess I'll just garden as I go and let Mother Nature take care of the rest.
Two hours of weeding out front flower beds yesterday, and now they're ready to transplant into, seed, and water to watch seedlings burst forth. Sounds a bit late, doesn't it? Its been fickle weather here in New England, so whatever we've had so far has been eye catching. There's still time, as we are on the threshold of summer today. No worries; the growing season will be what it will be. Today, I will be clearing out my spaces for tomatoes to corn; lots to clear out but with the good weather we're to have til the end of the week, gives me plenty of time to tackle my farming. The joys of edible "urban" landscaping. Gotta love it.
My list is ready and waiting for me to tackle today. And of course, I have part two of our grilled pizza recipe from yesterday to add to this post. Oh yeah, and the grilling tips to ensure a good pizza without being burned to a crisp. Here goes.
New York-Style Pizza Sauce
*Make your own simple tomato sauce for pizza; this one takes less than 10 mins to come together.
Makes about 2 1/2 c.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes in juice
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried basil
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp minced garlic (garlic lovers, feel free to add more!)
3/4 tsp kosher salt
In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (including the juice from the can), the tomato paste, olive oil, basil, oregano, sugar, garlic, and salt. Taste and add more salt, if desired. Use immediately or store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Bring to room temp before using.
**For gluten-free pizza dough recipe, go to yogajournal.com/pizza
Tips for great grilled pizza
1. Heat the grill to low or medium-not high. Brush the grill with oil.
2. Dust the dough lightly with semolina flour and then roll or stretch it to fit your grill. Lay the dough on the grill for 15 seconds; then flip it over and do the same on the other side, until it resembles a sturdy pita.
3. Remove the dough from the grill and transfer it to any metal pan, such as a cookie sheet, that fits on the grill and has been brushed with oil and dusted with semolina.
4. While the dough is off the grill, add your sauce, cheese, and toppings.
5. Return the pizza-pan and all-to an area of the grill away from direct heat. If you have three gas burners, turn on the right and left burners and leave the middle one off; then place the dough in the center (I have 4 burners but the same rule applies). If you are using charcoal, build the coals in the shape of a doughnut, with just a few coals in the middle, and place the dough in the center.
6. Close the lid. Peek at the dough every minute or so, checking to make sure that it isn't burning.
7. When the cheese is melted, slide the pizza off, being careful not to burn yourself on the hot pan.
If you're wondering about toppings, follow your taste buds. You can put whatever you typically put on a pizza, so no worries about what goes or doesn't. Its all based on your taste. Enjoy!
There it is for today. My day unfolds, and my mind wanders to a time when I can look out any window of my home and see the fruits of my labor. Until then, its time to dig in the dirt, smell the richness of the soil, plant, and hope. Have a fabulous day and Happy Solstice! ~Momma
Two hours of weeding out front flower beds yesterday, and now they're ready to transplant into, seed, and water to watch seedlings burst forth. Sounds a bit late, doesn't it? Its been fickle weather here in New England, so whatever we've had so far has been eye catching. There's still time, as we are on the threshold of summer today. No worries; the growing season will be what it will be. Today, I will be clearing out my spaces for tomatoes to corn; lots to clear out but with the good weather we're to have til the end of the week, gives me plenty of time to tackle my farming. The joys of edible "urban" landscaping. Gotta love it.
My list is ready and waiting for me to tackle today. And of course, I have part two of our grilled pizza recipe from yesterday to add to this post. Oh yeah, and the grilling tips to ensure a good pizza without being burned to a crisp. Here goes.
New York-Style Pizza Sauce
*Make your own simple tomato sauce for pizza; this one takes less than 10 mins to come together.
Makes about 2 1/2 c.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes in juice
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried basil
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp minced garlic (garlic lovers, feel free to add more!)
3/4 tsp kosher salt
In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (including the juice from the can), the tomato paste, olive oil, basil, oregano, sugar, garlic, and salt. Taste and add more salt, if desired. Use immediately or store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Bring to room temp before using.
**For gluten-free pizza dough recipe, go to yogajournal.com/pizza
Tips for great grilled pizza
1. Heat the grill to low or medium-not high. Brush the grill with oil.
2. Dust the dough lightly with semolina flour and then roll or stretch it to fit your grill. Lay the dough on the grill for 15 seconds; then flip it over and do the same on the other side, until it resembles a sturdy pita.
3. Remove the dough from the grill and transfer it to any metal pan, such as a cookie sheet, that fits on the grill and has been brushed with oil and dusted with semolina.
4. While the dough is off the grill, add your sauce, cheese, and toppings.
5. Return the pizza-pan and all-to an area of the grill away from direct heat. If you have three gas burners, turn on the right and left burners and leave the middle one off; then place the dough in the center (I have 4 burners but the same rule applies). If you are using charcoal, build the coals in the shape of a doughnut, with just a few coals in the middle, and place the dough in the center.
6. Close the lid. Peek at the dough every minute or so, checking to make sure that it isn't burning.
7. When the cheese is melted, slide the pizza off, being careful not to burn yourself on the hot pan.
If you're wondering about toppings, follow your taste buds. You can put whatever you typically put on a pizza, so no worries about what goes or doesn't. Its all based on your taste. Enjoy!
There it is for today. My day unfolds, and my mind wanders to a time when I can look out any window of my home and see the fruits of my labor. Until then, its time to dig in the dirt, smell the richness of the soil, plant, and hope. Have a fabulous day and Happy Solstice! ~Momma
Monday, June 20, 2011
Grilled Pizza Thoughts in the AM
Monday has graced us again, and its beautiful outside! Forecast-and we all know how reliable those predictions are at times. Don't fool with Mother Nature. Its a half hour before 8 AM, I'm sitting to write this post and then get hopping into my day. Plans, plans, plans. Best part? Fun, fun, fun with my boys. Moms, always leave room for sudden changes; this will help keep you sane and not drive you into madness from your perfect routine having a pothole in it. Not a mom or your kids have grown and gone? You can benefit from this way of living, too. Remember, we all need to make time to stop and smell the roses.
Mondays are my days to make my weekly lists and plan ahead for what I need to get done; or at least for what I'm ambitious to get done. Looking at the calendar this morning, I have three more weeks before my boys are baptised, of which we are having a small get together for family afterward. Three weeks of deep cleaning, organizing, rearranging, massive landscaping and gardening, meal plan, who's coming, etc....seems like so much to take on but worth it all. My landscaping and gardening really aren't that big of a part of it, I just want to get it done before that day. Plus, plants and seeds need to go in to ensure sufficient crop at harvest time. My front yard looks empty, so I want to fill it with color. And by the way, I made my list last night while my kids were winding down to get ready for bed; I had a feeling it should be done before the week started and be ready to hit the floor running.
For the last couple of years, I've subscribed to Yoga Journal magazine. Love it. Only downfall is finding time to sit to read from cover to cover. Ok, no problem. So, I've kept every issue feeling I just might find the time to read them. I'm still ambitious about it; its when I'll find myself a couple of years from now, with a stack of magazines I've still not read from a few years back that I'll officially call myself a pack rat. Yes, I practice yoga. I've been lax in my practice over the last few months, as the demands of motherhood have taken its toll. Yet, with the amount of reading I've been doing, yoga helps with the fatigue and lack of enthusiasm. Ok, I really could benefit from it, then. Could two kids in this house sleep so I can make more of my practice? Pssst! Hey, Mom! The secret to getting those ambitious boys to rest fully at night? Run them ragged all day; let them play til they drop. No, I'm not a drill sergeant. I just happen to have boys. And I'm still learning how to be their mom.
Are you looking for that pizza recipe for the grill? Yeah, I was, too. I found the following recipe in Yoga Journal. Today, I will give you the recipe. Tomorrow, with Task Master Tuesday, I'll give you the grill tips to ensure you don't burn your meal. Until then, have a fabulous day and enjoy every moment you have! ~Momma
New York-Style Pizza Dough
*Keep your hands well dusted with flour so that they won't stick to the dough. If the dough springs back as you press and stretch it out, stop and let it rest for a few mins before continuing (I like to let my dough raise a bit @ room temp to work with-10 mins should do).
Makes 3 12-in pizza crusts
1 pkg (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 c lukewarm water (90-100 degrees F)
1 1/4 c ice-cold water
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
5 1/4 to 5 1/2 c unbleached flour, plus more for dusting (all purpose, whole wheat, whatever you choose)
In a small bowl, using a fork, sture the yeast into the lukewarm water. Set aside until the yeast dissolves, about 5 mins.
In another small bowl, combine the cold water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
Place 5 1/4 c of the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and stir in the yeast mixture along with the cold water mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix the dough, incorporating as much of the flour as possible. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured work surface and knead until soft and elastic, 10-12 mins. It will still be a little sticky but shouldn't stick to your hands. Add only a minimum amount of flour to the work surface to keep the dough from sticking.
Cut the dough into 3 equal portions. With floured hands, pick up 1 portion of dough and pull the opposite edges together, wrapping them underneath toward the center to form a tight, smooth ball. Pinch to seal. Repeat with the other 2 portions. Place each portion in a 1 gallon lock-top plastic bag. Squeeze out all the air and seal the bag, allowing enough room for the dough to double in size.
Refrigerate for at least 10 mins or up to 2 days. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hr before using to allow the dough to come to room temp.
Mondays are my days to make my weekly lists and plan ahead for what I need to get done; or at least for what I'm ambitious to get done. Looking at the calendar this morning, I have three more weeks before my boys are baptised, of which we are having a small get together for family afterward. Three weeks of deep cleaning, organizing, rearranging, massive landscaping and gardening, meal plan, who's coming, etc....seems like so much to take on but worth it all. My landscaping and gardening really aren't that big of a part of it, I just want to get it done before that day. Plus, plants and seeds need to go in to ensure sufficient crop at harvest time. My front yard looks empty, so I want to fill it with color. And by the way, I made my list last night while my kids were winding down to get ready for bed; I had a feeling it should be done before the week started and be ready to hit the floor running.
For the last couple of years, I've subscribed to Yoga Journal magazine. Love it. Only downfall is finding time to sit to read from cover to cover. Ok, no problem. So, I've kept every issue feeling I just might find the time to read them. I'm still ambitious about it; its when I'll find myself a couple of years from now, with a stack of magazines I've still not read from a few years back that I'll officially call myself a pack rat. Yes, I practice yoga. I've been lax in my practice over the last few months, as the demands of motherhood have taken its toll. Yet, with the amount of reading I've been doing, yoga helps with the fatigue and lack of enthusiasm. Ok, I really could benefit from it, then. Could two kids in this house sleep so I can make more of my practice? Pssst! Hey, Mom! The secret to getting those ambitious boys to rest fully at night? Run them ragged all day; let them play til they drop. No, I'm not a drill sergeant. I just happen to have boys. And I'm still learning how to be their mom.
Are you looking for that pizza recipe for the grill? Yeah, I was, too. I found the following recipe in Yoga Journal. Today, I will give you the recipe. Tomorrow, with Task Master Tuesday, I'll give you the grill tips to ensure you don't burn your meal. Until then, have a fabulous day and enjoy every moment you have! ~Momma
New York-Style Pizza Dough
*Keep your hands well dusted with flour so that they won't stick to the dough. If the dough springs back as you press and stretch it out, stop and let it rest for a few mins before continuing (I like to let my dough raise a bit @ room temp to work with-10 mins should do).
Makes 3 12-in pizza crusts
1 pkg (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 c lukewarm water (90-100 degrees F)
1 1/4 c ice-cold water
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
5 1/4 to 5 1/2 c unbleached flour, plus more for dusting (all purpose, whole wheat, whatever you choose)
In a small bowl, using a fork, sture the yeast into the lukewarm water. Set aside until the yeast dissolves, about 5 mins.
In another small bowl, combine the cold water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
Place 5 1/4 c of the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and stir in the yeast mixture along with the cold water mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix the dough, incorporating as much of the flour as possible. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured work surface and knead until soft and elastic, 10-12 mins. It will still be a little sticky but shouldn't stick to your hands. Add only a minimum amount of flour to the work surface to keep the dough from sticking.
Cut the dough into 3 equal portions. With floured hands, pick up 1 portion of dough and pull the opposite edges together, wrapping them underneath toward the center to form a tight, smooth ball. Pinch to seal. Repeat with the other 2 portions. Place each portion in a 1 gallon lock-top plastic bag. Squeeze out all the air and seal the bag, allowing enough room for the dough to double in size.
Refrigerate for at least 10 mins or up to 2 days. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hr before using to allow the dough to come to room temp.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wanted: Domestic Artist
Breakfast with my little one, as my preschooler takes his time to rise and shine. Ok, that gives me a few minutes. As I read my opening jingle, take in each "title" I hold as a domestic executive officer, I relax into what it means for me to consider myself an artist. I look out my kitchen windows that look onto our backporch, where oodles of boxes and piles of "stuff" wait for me to sort, sift, save, organize, and purge; my eyes fall upon the spot where my art supplies sit. Charcoal, pastels, paint, paper, canvas...to name a few things. Books about artists, applications, techniques, etc...truth be told, I've not done anything with any of these "things" since moving into our home. What will I do with these supplies? Will I keep them and perhaps weave them into my life? Or will I find a place for them to go? Question, question, who's got the question?
The artistic ventures I've been on in the last four years has been more focused on the comforts of home. A knitted rug, made from scraps of yarn from other projects, catches my eye as it lies in front of my kitchen sink. The curtains hanging on the windows in my kitchen, I made those, too. I turn around to look behind my favorite chair to see a knitting project waiting to be finished, a baby's hat just recently completed, my knitting bag made from an old pair of jeans waiting for me to fill it again. A bag with yarn skeins, buttons, and the pattern I need for the baby sweater and matching cap also calls out to me. A pile of gardening books, seedlings waiting for repotting to continue their growth....the aprons I've made that hang on the back of the bathroom door, waiting to be tied around my waist like armor for battle....
I've had charcoal under my nails, paint on my hands. These days, curing soap with its delicious scent waits to be used. Sweaters for the kids act like billboards wherever we go. I traded in my beret for an apron. Paint brushes for garden tools. Knitting needles I wield like short swords. In spite of the last week of rain and flood waters plaguing my basement, reflecting my title for today's writing is unwavered. I am a domestic artist.
~Momma
The artistic ventures I've been on in the last four years has been more focused on the comforts of home. A knitted rug, made from scraps of yarn from other projects, catches my eye as it lies in front of my kitchen sink. The curtains hanging on the windows in my kitchen, I made those, too. I turn around to look behind my favorite chair to see a knitting project waiting to be finished, a baby's hat just recently completed, my knitting bag made from an old pair of jeans waiting for me to fill it again. A bag with yarn skeins, buttons, and the pattern I need for the baby sweater and matching cap also calls out to me. A pile of gardening books, seedlings waiting for repotting to continue their growth....the aprons I've made that hang on the back of the bathroom door, waiting to be tied around my waist like armor for battle....
I've had charcoal under my nails, paint on my hands. These days, curing soap with its delicious scent waits to be used. Sweaters for the kids act like billboards wherever we go. I traded in my beret for an apron. Paint brushes for garden tools. Knitting needles I wield like short swords. In spite of the last week of rain and flood waters plaguing my basement, reflecting my title for today's writing is unwavered. I am a domestic artist.
~Momma
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)