June 27, 28, 29 & 30

June 27

Strawberry parfait.

June 28

My yarn came! I've started crocheting the afghan. 

June 29

Poppies in the garden.

June 30

My hair today- in a reverse roll/side bun.

...yep, I'm a bit sunburned...:D

Homemade Magic Shell Topping with Coconut Oil

July is National Ice Cream Month! 

(thanks President Reagan!)

Newsflash!!  We have an excuse to eat ice cream all month now!  Woo!  How shall we celebrate??

Well...

When I was a kid, I scarfed many a dipped vanilla cone from DQ, they were dreamy!  Fast forward 20 years *ahem* and what do I see on Pinterest?  Homemade Magic Shell!

  

Lesley Eats tantalizes us with her version:

A handful of Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips (60% cacao)

1/2  T. of coconut oil

Sprinkle of sea salt (AHmazing)

Melt, stir, pour.

Alphamom celebrates like this!

1  1/4 C. semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2  C. coconut oil

It doesn't get any easier than this!

Personally, I like to include the sprinkle of sea salt to the chocolate and coconut oil and then melt.  After drizzling your ice cream in magic, try tossing a few chopped almonds on top...okay lets add whipped cream too, it's National Ice Cream month :)

Rebecca

Library Book Sale Haul

Today was the second day of our library's book sale. 

Amanda and I were slightly disappointed that we hadn't been able to make it to the first day of the sale- I mean, other people probably got all sorts of cools books that we could have bought! ;)

But then...

We found out that after noon it was $2 per bag of books. 

Oh yeah! 

"Life in the Great Ice Age" -I used to read this book all the time when I was growing up.

"Half Magic" -I confess, I already had this book- but not in hardcover! ;P

"All-Of-A-Kind Family Downtown" -I had this one as well, but I'd forgotten. And it's a hardcover, so I had to get it.

"The Hundred Dresses" 

"Through The Green Gate" -Another book I read a lot as a kid.

"Encyclopedia Brown's Book of Strange but True Crimes" 

"Russian Wonder Tales" -I grabbed this one as we were leaving. It appears to be a collection of Russian fairy tales.

"The Phoenix Dance" -This one looked kinda interesting, so I added it to my pile. Has anyone else read it? 

"Swords For Hire" -I read this once several years ago, and if I remember correctly, it was kinda fun.

"Bulfinch's Mythology" 

"The Eagle (of the Ninth)"

Eleven books + $2 = Win. :D

Five {ish} Essentials for Comfy Gardening!

I Garden.  I get Dirty.  I Love it.

One of the reasons I {LOVE} gardening is gardener's gear.  Don't you love gear??  I do!  Here's a few things I make sure to have on hand when I'm elbow deep in Smart Water, knee deep in Manure or simply enjoying my coffee in the garden on cool summer mornings.  Sorry about manure and coffee in the same sentence...I have dirt under my nails too.  

One of the 5-ish  things that make my life sheer bliss while gardening is one of these!  I call them trugs...it's a flexible plastic tote that I carry potting soil, manure, manure tea, deadheadings, tools, leaves, compost etc. in.  You name it, if it fits, this can carry it!


I've bought name brand, I've bought Walmart and cheap or expensive, they're invaluable in the garden!


And...they come in all sizes and lots of different colors, completely irresistible to gardeners and clean people.




Secondly, a four foot watering wand.  A wizardly wonder if ever I wielded a wand.  Seriously, a good wand really is magical in the garden.  A softly cascading spray of water makes all watering chores so pleasant!  

When you run out and buy a water wand, make sure to pick up one of these shut-off valves too.


Invaluable!


This valve saves me SO much time.  I no longer have to run across the whole yard to turn the water off at the spigot.  I can just flip this lever and the water get shut down until I need it again.

Thirdly plus, keep a smaller trug handy for toting tools and other necessities:


1.  When you're working in the garden...deadhead flowers as you see them.  Toss in the trug.


2.  Keep scissors handy for deadheading.


3.  Keep gloves at the ready so your nails don't look like mine.


4.  Keep a bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar nearby for weed blasting.  

Meet Rox, the poster child of boredom.  


Sheesh.

Fourthly (?), raised beds make gardening so much easier, productive and comfortable! 


As you can see, mine are rustic to say the least.  They don't have to be pretty...just get some!  


If you're wondering about the black things, they're my Deep Watering Tubes, they're awesome too!

Lastly, a weatherproof, comfortable chair is a key component to comfy gardening.


This is where coffee is sipped, flowers admired and garden dreams envisioned.  Just breathe it in!  


For me, there's nothing more peaceful or gratifying than to stop for just a moment to look and listen to my garden.


....in comfort :)

Rebecca

Daybook 13

Outside my window- It. Is. Super. Hot. Out.

I am thinking about- I think I got a bit sunburned while I was outside this morning.

From the kitchen- We're having strawberry parfaits for dessert tonight. :)

I am creating- I'm drawing a picture for Lilia.

I am reading- I read "The Boomerang Clue" by Agatha Christie over the weekend. It was excellent. :)

I am hearing- Mollie has a CD of Bible verses set to music playing downstairs. Did anyone else listen to "GT and the Halo Express" growing up? :D

I am planning- Hopefully Amanda and I can make it to the library book sale tomorrow...

I am wearing- Capris and an aqua tank top. And my apron.

My hair is- I put it up in a high bun this morning to keep it off my neck, but it kinda slid down while I was swimming...

Around the house- We picked tons of strawberries this morning, and then went swimming.

DIY Energy Drink {Good for You Quench!}

SUMMER'S HERE!  

{AND SO IS THE HEAT!}

Pardon my beat up, road weary,  stainless steel companions, they may not be pretty but they help keep me buzzin and hydrated all day long!  Trust me, as a UPS driver, avid gardener and hiker...I know what it takes to quench a thirst and boost my energy.  

My go-to energy drink is an iced tea base drink, made with a South American tea, Yerba Mate and a bottle of Lipton Raspberry Tea.  I love, love this tea!  The combination of the two makes for a "sweet enough", thirst quenching, energizing drink.  I prefer Yerba Mate over Black Tea because of it's health benefits that are unmatched in comparison!    

1.  Rich in antioxidants

2.  Enhances ability to focus

3.  Increases physical endurance

4.  Aids digestion

5.  Helps with weight control

6.  Supports cardiovascular health

Yerba Mate contains caffeine (my BFF), but provides a sustained energy boost because of the way Yerba Mate stimulates your metabolism to use carbs efficiently.  It's also great for post workouts because it keeps lactic acid from building up in muscles!

  

Your new super healthy energy drink can of course be made in a large batches like sun tea or just enough for the day, which I prefer.  This is how I make mine...

I take a large working glass (2 Cup) and fill it 2/3 with water, pop it in the microwave until almost boiling.

Steep {3} tea bags for ten minutes. Yes I know, but you're going to want a STRONG tea which we'll dilute later.

Remove the tea bags and fill the glass with ice.  Stir it around to speed the melt and cool off the tea.

Next, grab a bottle of Lipton Raspberry Tea from the fridge, chilled is better!  

I also keep my insulated road warriors in the refrigerator overnite for cold tea all day.

About these containers:  If you use my measurements, you will have enough tea to fill a sip container and a bullet thermos.  I use the thermos to refill the Camel Back container thru the day.  I highly recommend investing in insulated, stainless steel to keep the drink COLD.  As a UPS driver, I drink this year round, even during our frigid WY winters because of how good it makes me feel and, I don't crave soda when I have this on hand!  Believe me, you will feel SO good if you drink this throughout the day!

Now all you have to do is fill your containers with 1/2 Yerba Mate and 1/2 Raspberry tea.  I usually add a couple of ice cubes too, just to help keep it cold throughout the day.

This isn't exactly an inexpensive DIY energy drink, but you'll feel so good you'll soon realize that your investment is worth it.  BUT!  This drink is much cheaper than that Red Bullish drink that tastes like hell and has no health benefits whatsoever!

You can find Yerba Mate in most all chain grocers and even though I prefer Raspberry tea, you can certainly change the flavor up too.  A splash of fresh lemon is a nice addition to all flavors as well.

To your health and well being...

A happy, healthy buzz!

Rebecca

June 24, 25 & 26

June 24

Our lilies are blooming...

June 25

While the rest of us were picking strawberries, Mollie got baby duty. :D

June 26

Road work. We haz it. :/

June 20-23 {Boundary Waters Camping Trip}

This weekend Amanda, Morgan & I went canoeing/camping in the Boundary Waters with a group of friends from our Bible Study.

June 20

Since we were reaching our campsite by canoe I put all my stuff in plastic bags to keep it dry. 

June 21

 Once we reached the campsite some of the group went back for a second load.

The rest of us set up camp.

When we finished setting up tents the others weren't back yet, so we went exploring. 

But first we wrote them a message so they wouldn't wonder what happened to us. ;P

We had MRE's for supper the first night. It was better than I was expecting, but not something I'd like to eat a lot of. :)

 Mine came with a just-add-water strawberry shake...

June 22

 Pancakes for breakfast.

 Morgan climbing up a cliff...

...and Jim jumping off it. 

I did jump off as well- but I don't have pictures in my possession to prove it. 

You'll just have to believe me. :D

I found a rather perfect place to journal, right next to the lake.

There was a gorgeous sunset that evening.

June 23

Daniel juggling axes & a machete. :D

We packed up camp and canoed back to the main land Saturday morning- so we wouldn't get caught in a storm that was coming.

We did some sightseeing on the way home- there was this amazing building that looked kinda like a castle. 

I want one. ;D

We finished off the trip with a stop at Dairy Queen for ice cream and then went to see "Brave"- which was super fun. :D

How did you spend your weekend?

5 Essentials for Comfy Camping!

I like to camp, and I like to be  comfortable.  Since we're tent campers, it's not easy to bring along the comforts of home but, I try.  


Here's a list of a few things that I absolutely want with me to fully enjoy my camping experience, and I don't leave home without them!






First and foremost, I can't imagine being without my Patagonia Nano Puff.  It's not down, it's synthetic which makes the price point easier to swallow (sorta). It blocks wind, sheds snow and traps heat. All that in a compact quarter zip pullover.







When I camp, I want to be able to sleep comfortably, this is non-negotiable.  Comfort is a cot with a 2 inch piece of memory foam, an extra large sleeping bag and a down comforter just in case :)





Is there anything better than the smell of coffee on a frigid morning made by somebody else??  Noooo...there isn't!  While I love camp coffee brewed in an old school stainless steel percolator, I  love not having to get out of my warm sleeping bag to make it, more :)

I'm a loyal Keen Targhee fan and have been for years!  If you've never had the pleasure of walking on air, run don't walk to your nearest REI, Cabela's etc., and try on a pair.  Seriously, you will wonder where they've been all your life, you won't want to take them off and hiking will be a pleasure again.

Real wine glasses, made of glass.  A total luxury when you're sitting around the campfire waiting for someone else to fix dinner.  A nice glass of cold chardonnay after a long, hot hike just helps the world make sense again.  

There you have it, a glimpse into my pathetic lack of grit :)

Have fun out there and spoil yourself a little!

Rebecca

Daybook 12

Outside my window- It always decides to rain when we need to pick strawberries. Today is no exception.

I am thinking about- Apparently it's flooding so much in Duluth, MN that the seal and polar bear escaped from the zoo. They were both re-captured, though. :D

From the kitchen- There's enough strawberry pizza left over from last night to have for dessert tonight as well. ^_^

I am creating- I have this strange urge to try crocheting a baby afghan- I've picked out the yarn I want to order. :)

I am reading- I'm bringing a couple Agatha Christie books on the canoeing/camping trip that we're going on this weekend.

I am hearing- Bird songs.

I am planning- I've got to finish packing for the weekend. I'm trying to fit all my stuff- clothes/books/etc -in one bag.

I am wearing- Polka-dotted shirt & a denim skirt.

My hair is- In a braid.

Around the house- Mollie got stung by a hornet. Poor thing, her eye is rather swollen. :/

Fun Ideas to Celebrate Summer Solstice with Your Family!!

Welcome Summer!

Today is the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.  That alone is a reason to celebrate after a long, cold winter!

Here's a few traditions with a twist to welcome Summer!

Traditionally, a bonfire is lit.  The Celts believe the Summer Solstice is a celebration of fire and light, they built huge bonfires to help increase the sun's energy.

The Summer Solstice is the PERFECT excuse to sit around the campfire whether it be at home, the beach, mountains or desert. 

 Celebrate the energy of Summer Solstice with S'mores!

Oh yes, chocolate has long been revered as an energy source and, marshmallow and graham crackers (gluten free crackers courtesy of my little sister, Jillee too!) have calming properties.  What?  You didn't know that?  *grin*

The Summer Solstice is a time to celebrate the first harvest.  Tonight, I'll be harvesting spinach in the spirit of the day...lots and lots of spinach for a delectable salad or 5...

 ...dressed with Penny's amazing Blind Dog Grill (Park City, UT) Bleu Cheese Dressing.  






Cook dinner over an open flame, or even hot coals...okay, grilling.  The point is, celebrate being outdoors on this, the longest day of year!

Here's a recipe for roasted chicken on the grill.  Served with fresh grilled vegetables, it's a perfect way to celebrate the bounty of Summer time!

And for the kiddies...

How about frozen treats like yummy, homemade, creamy chocolate fudgsicle pops from Riches to Rags by Dori, another little sister.

Lest the other hand feel left out, put a wand in those chubby little hands for...bubbles!  Love this idea of a Bubble Station from La La's Home Daycare.

To me, the Summer Solstice is about celebrating light and bounty of life!  Take some time to mark the day in your own special fashion, teach the kids about the earth in a magical way...get outside tonight and make it fun!

Happy Summer Solstice!

Rebecca