Friday Finds! Chill Out!!

10 months ago, I changed a diaper that would change my life forever.  You see, that was the first time that I noticed evidence of a milk intolerance in The Little Guy.  He was nine weeks old and things were clicking along just fine.  Breastfeeding was good, he was growing well and he seemed like a happy go lucky little man.  However, on that fateful night, I stopped in my tracks and had to start all over again.  After freaking out over what I found, I called the nurse helpline and started researching milk protein intolerance.  The easiest fix? Totally eliminate dairy from the mother's diet.

Whoa.  Wait a minute.  I was the Cheese Queen--Cheddar, Munster, Swiss, Blue--we were tight.  I used BUTTER--the real thing, not imitation.  I had never met an ice cream that I didn't fall in love with.  Greek Yogurt was my partner on a long afternoon at work.  Dairy Queen?  Yes.  But it had to change, and right away.  You see, I would rather make that sacrifice and continue breastfeeding than to keep eating dairy and switch to formula.  So I did.  It was a sacrifice.  A big one in my book.  Think about all of the things you consume each day that contain dairy.  Now think of all the other things you ate and you can bet that about half of those had dairy hidden in them, too.  Baked goods, steamed veggies with butter, CHOCOLATE. . . you got it.  I was convinced that I would be miserable.

Over time I have learned to live without dairy, rather happily, I might add.  I have found many acceptable and tasty substitutes that I enjoy each day--almond milk, coconut creamer, coconut milk ice cream. . . .I have even found Chocolate that is dairy-free!  I feel better, eat better, and look better (it is the best weight loss plan EVER) and I really don't miss it. . . much.

Now that The Little Guy is older, I am able to add back a bit of dairy at a time, if I wish.  I do add a little feta to my quinoa at lunch and sneak a bite of cake now and then.  But for the most part, I am happy to live like "a vegan that eats meat" as the hubby says.

So that leads me to my Friday Finds this week.  I was a big ice cream lover, but have found many yummy substitutes--my current favorite being sorbet.  So here you have it 5 Friday Finds--Dairy-free treats for all!!

Watermelon Sorbet from a sweet pea chef
I made this last week and it is heavenly!

Meyer Lemon Sorbet

Blueberry Sorbet
Wonder if I have enough berries left for this?

Pina Colada Pops!
Hello weekend!

Chocolate Sorbet. . . . Hello, Lover
I'm going to make this RIGHT NOW!  I have all the ingredients in the house!

Happy Weekend!

The Couple That Plays Together. . .

My husband completed his first Sprint distance Triathlon last weekend (750 meter swim, 14 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run) and I could not be more proud of his hard work and dedication to training.  Although he was somewhat disappointed with his final time, the fact that he trained for and finished the race was impressive on its own.  As busy parents, it is often hard to fit in a workout, let alone a training plan for a distance event.  I openly admit I was terribly jealous more than once when he took off to train with friends during those final weeks toward the push.  However, I would remind myself of the sacrifices he has made in the past (and as he continues to do) to allow me to train for events (triathlons, half-marathons, etc) and we worked together to make the schedule work for our family.

The night before the race, as he packed his things for each event, jealousy washed over me and I admitted that it would be difficult to stand on the sidelines.  As the words came out of my mouth, I immediately wanted to swallow them back.  I was reminded of the races that he attended and did not participate in.  All the photos he captured to document my successes and the sleep he has given up to cheer me on after a long night at work.  I felt terrible for voicing what I thought was jealousy at the time.

Race day came, and it was hot and sticky.  The Little Guy and I packed up the camera, snacks, towels and the jog stroller and went out to support the hubby with a renewed enthusiasm.  I wanted to see him do well and enjoy the race from a different vantage point this time!  (In addition, I was thankful that I would not be swimming 750m in 87 degree water and running when the mercury hit 97!)

When we arrived we met up with three other couples that the hubby had been training with.  Everyone set up their equipment and prepared for a long, hot race.  At the conclusion of the race, the group reconvened and planned a celebratory dinner for the evening and we each went our separate ways to rest and clean up before dinner.

Over pizza and beer, we shared stories of race-day excitement and workout plans, as well as jobs, kids, and life in general.  At some point in the meal, I looked around the table and something hit me.  No, it wasn’t that every family represented at the table drove the same make and model SUV (although that is a little weird) and it wasn’t that each family had children (1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively).  It wasn’t even the fact that we were the youngest couple at the table.   It was the fact that this group was beating the odds.  We had four couples at the table and each and every one was still married (to their original spouse, I do believe).  I realized that as the youngest couple, we had a beautiful example of love before us—love that works hard, plays together and stays together.  You see, everyone at that table is an athlete.  All but one had completed more than one triathlon, several have completed half-marathons, we had an incredible swimmer in our midst and everyone now cycles. 

When I mentioned this revelation to the hubby after we retrieved the kids from the sitters’, he too was impressed that these four couples could stand the test of time.  I hypothesized to him that perhaps it was due to “playing together” and he agreed that I could be correct.  I was suddenly reminded of my own parents who celebrated 37 years together last month and realized that they, too “play together” as they are currently in NY State on a cycling trip.

You see, I do love to exercise and push myself to try new things, but I don’t think I would do any of it without the support of my hubby.  When we trained for a half-marathon together last year, I looked forward to our long weekend runs together.  They were better than a date-- Just the two of us, the open road, and a few hours of conversation.  We have some of our best conversations over sweat and Powerbars.   These experiences don’t only provide us with time together (something two busy, working parents so desperately need), but it also gives us an opportunity to cheer one another on, offer support and suggestions, and see each other grow and succeed with each new challenge--Not to mention the physical benefits of working out.   Is it worth it to pay a babysitter so we can go run, bike or swim together? Absolutely.

Now before you point out that not every long standing marriage includes a couple of endorphin-crazed people, let me say this.  At our house, we are taking “playing together” literally.  However, in the marriages that I have witnessed, couples with shared interests seem to survive better than those without.  Sure, we all enjoy things separately, too—my hubby loathes the fabric and yarn store and I can live without football (shhhh—don’t tell)—but our common ground is what keeps us, well, grounded. 

So back to that feeling of jealousy that I wasn’t participating in the race last week. . . I don’t think it was jealousy at all (well, not completely).   It was sadness that we were missing out on doing an event together—as a couple.  However, there will be more events ( a half-marathon in November and a Full??  In March—eek!) to enjoy together.  And we will keep playing together to make those things happen.  And in the meantime, we will cheer each other on in our separate events to encourage one another’s growth and success.  Because we do believe that the Couple that plays together, stays together. . .

Finish Strong . . . 

Friday Finds!

It is a hot Carolina summer.  Today our temperatures will flirt with the century mark and people everywhere are seeking out relief from the heat.  As I looked back over my blog, I realized that I hadn't posted any Friday Finds in a while.  Honestly, they are the least visited pages in my history, so I didn't feel pressured to keep it up each week.  However, today I wanted to find something to bring out the positive in this dreadful weather.


I searched the web for fun ways to cool off in the heat, pictures of cold drinks, bathing suit ideas. . . nothing seemed appropriate. 


I realized that what I was looking for wasn't a way to cool off or avoid the heat, but a way to recognize the goodness of the Earth and what is provided for us. Then I remembered a line from one of my favorite childhood movies: "If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard; because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with."  In all my complaining about the heat, I neglected to recognize the goodness of our ever changing seasons and the bounty that we collect as God oversees nature doing its job.


So here you have it. . . Five Friday Finds straight out of my own backyard! (and I have blistered feet and a sweat soaked tank top to prove it!) 

A basket full of zucchini and yellow squash

Remember my rant last week about negative productivity and the weeds winning?  Well, they are still winning, kind of, BUT my little plants are producing!  I picked 3 more after this picture was taken!  This is my second year starting everything from seed and I love seeing the progress!

Chicken love

Despite the heat, our girls are still laying heavily and providing us with lunch each day! We keep them extra hydrated and treat them with watermelon and tomatoes!

The Reporter was happy to note that the zinnias are finally showing their beautiful faces around her cottage. . .

First beans of the season

I decided to plant both green and purple beans this year for some variety.  I only picked a few today, but my plants are covered in blooms.

fresh blueberries

Our blueberry bushes that we planted two years ago have made a tremendous showing this year.  The birds are sharing our joy since it has been a little hot to pick!  The Little Guy loves these and so does his big sister!  She picked a whole bowl last week and only half made it inside the house!  

So, I may still complain about the heat, but I will do it with a happy heart and a full tummy.  

God is good to us--even when we are sweaty.

Have a wonderful weekend!  New projects and posts coming. . .

A Southern Girl's Foray into Frying

Around here, we love food.  The hubby and I haven't met many foods in our time that we didn't like.  Growing up in the south, I learned early on to appreciate good food, especially good southern cooking.  Each New Year I cook up a big ole pot of collard greens and black eyed peas to go with pork and cornbread, just as my grandmother did in this very kitchen.  This kitchen I have the opportunity to create in now has served up some of the best food on the planet--BBQ ribs, chicken pie, and fried chicken were some of my favorites during my formative years.

As I have grown older, I have also grown significantly more health conscious, as has my husband.  I love to cook, but tend to stick to healthy choices (most of the time) using techniques like grilling, baking, and sauteing over smothering and frying (although I won't pass up a good stuffed pork chop drenched in gravy!) I enjoy taking time to create a weekly menu full of delicious, healthy and colorful meals for our family.  I often seek out new recipes and ingredients to expand our palates and my cooking skills.  I am not easily intimidated by recipes or techniques.  However, there is one thing I have never attempted. . . frying.

Now, I have fried up a pound or two of bacon in my time, sure.  But deep frying in a pan of oil is a whole other story.  The thought of a vat of hot oil sitting on my stove top was paralyzing.  What do I do with it?  How hot do I make it?  What if it pops all over the kitchen and someone gets burned?  The anxiety was overwhelming, so I simply avoided the situation altogether.  I deemed it unhealthy and never revisited the thought of frying anything in my kitchen. . . until today.

This morning, I started thinking about dinner (I had failed to plan the menu for today) and suddenly wanted a big plate of fish and chips. mmmmm. . . I could just imagine crispy chips dipped in ketchup and beer battered fish drenched in malt vinegar.  Several places in town have delicious plates of fish and chips, but we have vowed to eat at home more often, so I knew that going out was out of the question.  I had fish in the freezer, but how could I make chips at home?  I called upon my good friend Pinterest and started searching for frying tutorials (I tell ya, Pinterest has everything!).  I found this one that looked easy enough, and started making a list of things I needed to tackle this project.  Dutch oven--check! Potatoes--yep, from the CSA! Thermometer, strainer and lots of oil?  Uh-oh. . .  so we took off to the store to get the rest of our supplies.  When I told the hubby where we were headed and what was on the menu, he looked at me skeptically and pointed out that the oven was broken.  I assured him, that I would not be making my traditional (and yummy) baked chips in the oven.  Never fear, Dear!  I am frying!!

When we returned home, The Reporter and I got right to work.

Potatoes, Oil, and Malt Vinegar!

Our original plan was to use the apple, corer, slicer, peeler thingy to make ribbon fries, but the slices were too thick, so we settled for using the mandolin.  The Reporter had fun requesting different slices--ruffled, plain, julienne, etc.  Then the potatoes took a bath. . .

Soon, it was time to face my fear and FRY!!!!

I was shocked at how easy and non-messy it was!

After several batches, and even more taste-tests, the finished product met the plate:

Fish and Chips!
with
Slaw and Hummingbird

Wow!  So easy and delicious!  My six year old cleaned her plate and requested more (slaw, that is--although she is munching chips right now as I type!) In fact, a little too delicious.  I told that hubby that this new knowledge and skill could be dangerously fattening.  He nodded and requested fried chicken next.  All kidding aside, I do feel a bit better about my homemade junk food versus what we would get when we dine out.  And knowing that it won't be a habit (right?) gives me a special treat to look forward to every once in a while.  I felt successful and actually had lots of fun cooking dinner tonight! After 34 years of living in the south, I guess I am a true southern cook now, since I have learned to fry!

Off to find a fried chicken recipe! Right after I clean up The Little Guy. . .

Negative Productivity

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel that you have accomplished nothing?  Yep.  That's been my week.  We returned from Maryland on Sunday evening and I hit the ground running by weeding a bed in the vegetable garden and topping it with a rich layer of leaf mulch.  I went to bed that evening with dreams of tackling the garden head-on the next day. I also planned to kick of Christmas in July this week and finish some outside painting projects.

Monday came and the temperatures began to soar out of control.  It was too hot to garden, run, bike, anything.  So, instead of garden, I cleaned out the kids' closets and toys and made a trip to Goodwill for a sizable drop-off.  The playroom was rearranged (not really to my liking, but better) and I even got in a little knitting and a good swim.  Despite the wicked temps outside, the week held promise of productivity and progress.

Tuesday arrived and all productivity ceased.  It was too hot to move (our OLD house has poor insulation in the kitchen which deters cooking and cleaning in that area when the mercury rises) and the humidity outside was miserable.  Workouts outside were out of the question, unless it involved water. So I swam, again.  On a positive note, I dropped a  sizable chunk of change on a rockin' new ride!  Wednesday followed suit with heat and humidity.

I felt utterly defeated.  I looked out at the garden that so desperately needed weeding and wanted to cry.  The weeds had won.  Again.

Thursday brought marked improvements in the heat and humidity.  I woke up with a new feeling of hope that this day would lead to progress.  Indeed!  The Reporter wanted to go on a bike ride, so we headed out for a 3 mile ride (I walk/run with her)! I'm so proud of her for setting goals and sticking to them!  When we returned home, I tackled the weeds for a bit while the kiddos enjoyed the sand and water table (now filled with water only since the Little Guy sees sand as a great snack food!).  The weeds continued to win, but not by much.  The day ended with family TV time and lots of snuggles.

This morning's glorious temperatures (62!!!!) have restored my faith and hope that I WILL win in the garden, I WILL get in a good run today, I WILL play outside with the kiddos, and I WILL maintain a positive attitude.

So there you have it.  A totally unproductive, nothing to show for week.  But I remain hopeful that the weekend has great things in store!

Baby, I Can Knit While You Drive. . .

Ahhhh. . . summertime. . . the open road. . . 

kids in the backseat for hours at a time. . . this is what I live for. . .

Several (ok many) years ago, Trisha Yearwood sang a song entitiled “Baby, You Can Sleep While I Drive”.  I often hum this familiar tune as we travel, but with different words. . . Baby, I can knit while you drive. 

You see, I have a little obsession with knitting.  OK, not little—it is a huge, time-consuming obsession.  I have been knitting for 5 years now and have progressed from the dreaded garter stitch scarf to cabled socks and lace stoles.  I knit whenever I can, and have even found myself dreaming of stitch patterns (nerdy, I know).  My hubby has caught me snoozing mid-stitch more times than I can count when he arrives home after a long night of work. 

Knitting is more than just a finished project for me.  It is like therapy.  Each tiny flick of the needle moving stitches from left to right brings me a sense of peace and calm.  It keeps my hands busy when I would otherwise busy myself with biting my nails, or picking at my cuticles.  It helps me pass the time when I am waiting impatiently for a meeting to begin or to be called in for an appointment.  It keeps me occupied so that I can endure scary movie scenes and football season with my hubby. And believe it or not, I really concentrate better when my hands are busy clicking along on a project.  I have happily knitted along to keynote speakers during workshops and have even snuck my knitting into the “cry room” at church while my babies were little. 

I am not quite skilled enough to knit and read at the same time, although some knitters are, but audio books are an option. I can, however, knit and nurse at the same time-- A skill that has saved me from utter boredom during those early days of non-stop nursing sessions, and produced some pretty great hats and socks and such.

Unfortunately, between working full-time during the school year, taking care of a household, and parenting two children, my knitting time is very limited.  Oh yes, after all the chores are completed and children are fast asleep, I can sneak in a few stitches, but honestly, who has energy for that at the end of a long day?  My favorite time to knit is early in the morning—just me, my coffee, and my needles—but in the hustle and bustle everyday life, that opportunity is typically limited to the weekend, if I’m lucky.

I have, though, found the perfect time and place to focus on knitting, with minimal interruptions—the car.  No, no—not at stoplights as I drive to school, although the thought has crossed my mind.  When I am safely buckled into the passenger seat, you will find me knitting away, no matter how long the trip may be. I get excited about any car trip, as soon as it is mentioned!  One mile to my parents’ house for dinner?  Why, that is enough time to do two rows on this hat!  A trip across town to go to church? Wow—I can turn the heel of this sock!  A trip to the in-laws’ for dinner?  A baby hat will surely be made!  A trip to the beach (mountains, family reunion out of state, any other far-away place)?  Well, that is the jackpot, the ultimate prize.  The possibilities are endless. 

When we prepare for a long trip out of town, I first pack all the regular things—you know, clothes, toiletries, etc.  Then I pack the essentials—“The front seat bag”—full of projects.  Yes, plural.  I always overestimate the number of projects I will need to keep my hands busy because I would certainly not want to be stuck without something to do!  Heaven forbid we are stuck in traffic and I knit through all ten skeins of yarn I have packed without a back-up plan!  Never mind that a cabled sock would typically take me weeks to complete—I should pack 5 extra projects “just in case”!  Stranded without knitting?  Never!

I realize that many couples share the driving experience when they travel.  However, my husband’s line of work required many hours of strategic driving training, so I am only asking him to use these well-tuned skills to deliver us safely to our destination and back home.  Prior to my knitting obsession, I read while he drove, so now I can knit AND carry on a conversation with him!  Bonus! 

So tonight, as we are packing for a family reunion six (SIX) hours away, I am not laying out clothing and planning outfits.  Nope.  I am winding yarn and carefully organizing my projects for the drive.  

Because Baby, I WILL knit while you drive. . . .

Make and Do

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have always been a lover of books.  I have recently become enamored with non-fiction, but as a  young child, my selections were usually fiction--delving into words of fantasy to escape my own little world.  However, I often picked up informational books for fun--to learn new things or get ideas about how things were made.  I guess my obsession with arts and crafts started early, as one of my favorite childhood books was the Childcraft Make and Do book.

How many of you had a copy of this very book? I still have my copy somewhere in my parents' attic.  I could spend hours combing through the pages of this book looking for my next "art project".  Would it be clay beads?  What about a doll house made entirely of old shoe boxes?  Stilts out of tin cans, anyone?  I fantasized that my projects would be just as perfect as those pictured on the pages of Childcraft.  Somehow, they never turned out quite the same--a little drippy glue here, a misplaced bead there.  But still I held onto the hope that I, too, could create art pretty enough to display.

Well, not much has changed over the years.  I still comb through pages of books and the internet (Have I mentioned Pinterest?) to find "art projects" to occupy my time (as if I have any spare time!).  Most of my projects over the past few years have focused on knitting (my primary crafty love), with some occasional EASY sewing thrown in for the kiddos.  The Reporter makes frequent requests for stuffed animals, legwarmers, and pillows.  I also enjoy "crafting" new recipes and kitchen projects.  This summer I decided to get back to crafting and involving the kids in the process (although the Little Guy is happy just to roll a ball around the living room as the Reporter and I craft!).  So, here you have it. . . . a photo journal of some of our recent projects (and a few links to where ideas came from, if they weren't originals!).  As the summer progresses, I hope to have more to show, especially with our upcoming Christmas in July project I will share with you next week!   I hope this will inspire you to pull out your sewing machine, or just a few pipe cleaners, and get crafty!  

Tile Coasters found here

The Reporter inherited these flowers and butterflies from her cousins.
 We transformed them into a mobile!

Bandanna Pants!  Tutorial found here.

A first birthday shirt and hat!

My favorite project this summer, so far--the Sleepover Pillowcase!
We made one for a gift and one for The Reporter!

Fun Fourth Shirt!!!  Idea from here.

A little kitchen creativity for The Little Guy's birthday!  Almost Vegan Mudpie!

Now, go get crafty!!

Friday Finds!--Fun Fourth Finds

Happy, happy Friday!!!  For some, this Friday brings a long, holiday weekend.  For us, it brings a birthday celebration for the Little Guy (yay!) and a weekend of working for the hubby (boo).  However, we will take time out on Monday to celebrate Independence Day.  Here are some easy, inexpensive, fun finds to consider for your celebration!

Start your day with a yummy breakfast!

Fancy up your table with some inexpensive beans!

Deck out the kiddos in some cuteness!  Tutorial here

Dip into some edible sparklers! Courtesy of Martha

Light up the path to your celebration with these!

 How do you plan to celebrate?

Happy Weekend!