Christmas Decorating Ideas You know those sibling arguments that start with, "Moooommmmm! She's copying me! Make her stop!" and quickly go downhill from there? During those frequent episodes of my childhood, my mom always calmly answered, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Ugh. Seriously, how do you argue with that one? Well, I continue to take those wise words to heart as an adult. When it comes to decorating, there is no shortage of inspiration out there. Pinterest, magazines, and blogs are packed with fun ideas to imitate in our own homes. I never feel like decorating is a competitive sport. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming Keep Reading
Thanksgiving: The Forgotten Holiday (celebrate it anyway)
For the past two weeks, anytime I set foot in a store with my 3-year old daughter, I always get the same hushed, awe-filled question from her, "Mama, is Christmas coming?" Usually her eyes are glazed over, focusing on the enormous plastic reindeer spinning from the ceiling or the fake presents full of wrapped-up possibilities. I usually respond with something like, "Yes, it's coming... but first, THANKSGIVING!!" in my best excited-mom voice. Then yesterday, we dashed through the rain and into the mall. Macy's return & small coffee for me. Play area & hand sanitizer for the kids. Other than the dead fish floating in the koi pond that Keep Reading
Fall Fun at Bauman’s Farm & Garden {Gervais, Oregon}
My parents visited Bauman's Farm and Gardens in Gervais, Oregon, (outside Woodburn) for the first time several months ago. They loved it and proceeded to rave about how much we would too. I couldn't take it any longer; I had to see this place for myself. My husband and I packed up our two kiddos, along with my mom serving as tour guide, and made the trip towards the end of September. How have I lived in Oregon most of my life and never been to Bauman Farms?! I loved this place every bit as much as my mom. If the giggling, shrieking, running, and jumping was any indication, our kids did, too. It is packed with events and activities that will Keep Reading
Water Bath Canning: A step-by-step guide
Water Bath Canning Guide (This is an updated repost from a previous year, it's just a super helpful guide!) There are 160 pounds of peaches ripening on my dining room table, waiting to be packed into jars. Another 160 pounds of apples is headed my way tomorrow, with boxes of tomatoes following closely behind. My counter tops will be covered with rings and pots and my floor will be sticky for the next four weeks. Cold cereal for lunch. Scrambled eggs for dinner. I don't see much of my husband. Or kids. Or bed. (Read more on that here.) Dealing with this much produce in such a short amount of time is nuts. Every August I wonder what in the world I Keep Reading
Vegan Caesar Salad recipe (with seasoned polenta croutons!)
Vegan Caesar Salad In an effort to put together some pieces of a heath puzzle, I decided to do an elimination diet. After doing extensive research (Google.) and talking to my doctor, it seemed more effective and recommended than a full food allergy panel. Before taking the plunge, I didn't really know anything about elimination diets. I assumed it was pretty simple: just eliminate all the fun food you formerly put in your mouth. (Turns out, that wasn't too far from the truth.) In the last week alone, I have turned down some of my very favorite junk food: Oreos, Pirate's Booty, S'mores, and the hardest of all... coffee. Oh, delicious, creamy Keep Reading
Making the most of your local farmer’s market
Farmers' Market Tips & Tricks Many of the Portland/Vancouver area farmer's markets open up soon. Enjoy these tips. Our local farmer's market kicks off its season in the beginning of May! Looking for one near you? Go here. We love wandering through outdoor markets and buying our food directly from the people who grow it. Whether it's listening to the local bands, watching strangers and bumping into friends, checking out the bins of beautiful produce, or just enjoying the way my husband's eyes light up when crenshaw melons are in season, I love everything about small, local farmer's markets. Okay, not everything. Some of those music groups can Keep Reading
Homemade plain yogurt (step-by-step recipe)
Homemade Yogurt Recipe Making yogurt in my own kitchen has been right up there with grinding my own meat or baking my own bread. It is one of those kitchen skills that seems intimidating at the beginning, but once you figure it out you wonder why you were paying other people to do it. I know, I know. You are busy! You are lazy! You are tired! Me too. The good news with making your own yogurt is that most of the work happens when you step away. In fact, you could easily start your yogurt before you go to bed, allow it to ferment while you sleep (6-12 hours), and put the finished product in the fridge the next morning. It doesn't get much easier than Keep Reading
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