It is almost full-on summertime and it is hot outside! One of my family’s favorite ways to keep cool during the summer heat is to sip on cool smoothies made with fresh, seasonal fruit and freezing those smoothies into popsicles. I love using whole, fresh fruit (whatever is in season at the farmstands!) to make our smoothies and popsicles, as it keeps all the goodness and fiber from the fruit intact, while allowing you, the parent, to sweeten to your family’s taste. We prefer just a bit of honey to make these sweet treats a hit. Not only are these recipes tasty, but they are also a great way to use up lots of fresh fruit before it goes bad. So get out your blenders and your popsicle molds and [... To read more, click here ...]
Jun 082010
Jun 012010
By the time you read this, I will be a new woman. I will have met up with a new man this past weekend. I will have divulged secrets and shared with him intimacies few have ever known. I will allow him to touch me in ways few men have touched. And I will walk away from our meeting with a bounce in my step and a smile on my face. As he runs his fingers through my locks one last time, we will smile shyly at each other through the mirror, knowing that we have both been fulfilled by our chance encounter. Who knows? Maybe I’ll buy him coffee. I have an appointment to get my hair cut. Finally. Why, what were you thinking? With the craziness of this [... To read more, click here ...]
May 252010
It was hot this weekend. Really hot. And really humid, which, as this West Coast transplant can tell you, is hard to get used to. By the end of each hot and humid day (End? Let’s be honest here, within 10 minutes of stepping outside), I feel wilted. Hair has regained it’s natural curl with a touch of frizz, no matter how much time I spent that morning making it sleek, the formerly crisp, white shirt is hanging loose and damp and my makeup is in serious danger of sliding off my face. And don’t even get me started on how my conversation skills go south when it’s hot; it’s like the warmth just saps the energy from me and firmly entrenches me in nap mode. Don’t get me wrong, [... To read more, click here ...]
May 182010
When we moved into our little house in the country, we took on a new challenge that I never expected to happen so quickly. We adopted chickens. Suddenly, I find myself going out every morning during my youngest’s morning nap with my oldest, Lloyd, following close at my heels, rubber mud boots flying in the wind. Out to “feed the hens!” he yells, excited to meet and coo to his new lady friends. We have all been pushed past our comfort zone with these new hens. City girl that I was, I’ve learned how to confidently reach under brooding hens to obtain still-warm eggs, while my son has overcome his fear of the chickens in general and now feeds them bits of clover from the garden and boldly walks into [... To read more, click here ...]
May 042010
I am proud to announce that my husband and I are now homeowners! We officially closed on our first house Friday and are moving in next weekend. We are so excited. Moving to Omaha – after living in cities where starter homes cost more than half a million dollars – allowed us to finally realize this dream. The impending move means I’m perpetually in a ponytail, newspaper ink on my fingers from wrapping up delicate items, and a black permanent marker in my back pocket ready to mark boxes. Oh, and two little ones underfoot, which makes moving a heck of a lot harder than it used to be. Here are a few tips I’ve discovered to make the moving process easier with little ones. Not easy but easier … [... To read more, click here ...]
Apr 272010
As I write this, I am surrounded by boxes in various stages of packing, crumpled up birthday wrapping paper and the bits and pieces of the Sunday newspaper. Part of a half eaten sandwich still sits on the table, along with half of a cup of cold coffee from breakfast. Both boys are in bed napping – one boy is asleep, the other is not – and I have eight windows open to different Web sites on my computer. Did I mention that I’m also trying to dye my hair at home while I’m at it? Because I can’t seem to find the time to make or keep an appointment? The timer is set: 25 minutes of “free” time while my brown hair gets browner to catch up on Twitter, [... To read more, click here ...]
Apr 242010
I can’t believe it’s been a year already since you were born. Luke, you are such a joy! Always smiling, always loving, you make my heart swell.And what a gorgeous day to celebrate your birth! We went to the park, where you played on the swings. And down the slides, holding Lloyd’s hand the whole way. Your big brother wouldn’t have it any other way. We indulged in some fresh, locally made frozen custard (Mama’s favorite.) And later had Grandma and Poppa over for gumbo, presents and strawberry short cake (recipe coming soon!) Along with the wearing of the birthday crown, of course. What a day! Happy First Birthday Luke! We Love you Mucho!!
Apr 202010
As the days are getting warmer, I find myself wanting to get out and explore more and more. We are spending lots of time outdoors, at the park, picnicking and just enjoying ourselves. After a visit to a local park last week, I feel the need for a gentle reminder of a few guidelines that will make everyone’s experience all the better. So, my “10 Commandments of Playground Etiquette.” Because we all just want to get along. I: Thou shalt not eat on the playground. There seems to be two main detractors from this etiquette rule. The 10-year olds who eat their sandwiches while staking a claim on the swings or the merry-go-round or at the bottom of the slide, thus monopolizing that particular piece of playground equipment, or the [... To read more, click here ...]
Welcome to the Heartland! Reformed Urbanites, we are enjoying new life on a small family farm/homestead in the Midwest. Join us as we garden, cook, read and enjoy our boys; becoming better stewards of the Earth while raising our family.
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