Everyday Joys

*************************************************************

 

Last night, he called her his best friend.

I cried thinking about how lucky we are to have each other.

 

*************************************************************

{ this moment }

Our first real snow arrived over night. 

Not to be outdone by it's majesty,the sky celebrated with a beautiful sunrise.

 

***************************************************

 

A Friday ritual inspired by Soulemama. A single photo - few words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

:: Fresh Gingerroot Bath :: 

 

 Winter has finally arrived in Chicagoland and after several days of sub-zero temps, we just can't seem to warm up. This kind of cold settles deep in the bones. They don't call it the Windy City for nothing. brrr....  We have been bundled in layers of wool, snuggled under blankets & sipping warm drinks constantly these days.  Sometimes, the only real cure is a long, hot bath with a cup of tea & a good book.  I love to blend up my own herbal bath products so I was really excited when I came across this idea while doing some research for work this week.

 

 Ginger is known for it's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Taken internally, it's famously soothing for the an upset stomach and can reduce inflammation throughout the body.  Fresh gingerroot has a sweet, spicy fragrance that is also a mild stimulant. Used in the bath, it promotes circulation and is perfect on a cold day to warm both your body and your senses. Ginger is extremely warming. It will open your pores and aid in releasing toxins. You will most likely sweat for at least an hour following this 20 minute soak. Make sure you drink plenty of water after the bath to replenish. If you have sensitive skin or are allergy-prone, test ginger on your skin for irritation before the bath. 

 

{ Make it }

 

1/2 cup baking soda

2 tablespoons grated gingerroot

1/2 cup water

 

Mix together all ingredients.

 

To use: Pour entire mixture into the bath as you fill the tub, stir well, and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. After bathing, dress warmly, as this bath is super cleansing and really opens up all your pores.

 

enjoy!

 

{ this moment }

A Friday ritual inspired by Soulemama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

~ Granola ~

Makes about 8 cups

My favorite go-to granola recipe whips up quickly & is very versatile.  Substitute the walnuts for almonds (or use both), use golden raisins or dried cherries instead of currants… you get the picture. The main flavor elements here are coconut and orange, so whatever you do, make sure you don’t skip them!  It has quickly become my favorite breakfast served over yogurt and the kids enjoy it with dessert as well over ice cream.  Yum!  Enjoy! 

4 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cups walnut halves

1 cup unsweetened shredded large-flake coconut

1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

2/3 cup dried currants

grated zest of two oranges

1/3 cup unsalted butter

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup of juice from the oranges

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees with racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven. Set out two rimmed baking sheets.

Combine the oats, walnuts, coconut, salt, currants and orange zest in a large mixing bowl (hands work well). Heat the butter in a small saucepan over low heat and stir in the maple syrup and the juice of the oranges. Wisk until thoroughly combined, then pour the maple mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is well coated, at least 30 seconds. Divide the mixture equally between the two baking sheets and spread into a thin layer.

Bake, stirring a couple times along the way, for about 35 to 45  minutes, or until the granola is toasty and deeply golden. You may want to rotate the pan once, top to bottom, to ensure even baking.

Remove from the oven and press down on the granola with a metal spatula–you’ll get more clumps this way. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Epiphany ~ March 1st 2012

Brown rice cooking on the stove.

A cup of hot tea in hand.

Indie music on Pandora.

Two cats sleeping on the back of my vintage couch.

Laundry washing with organic soap & homemade wool dryer balls that was created with

wool that I purchased from a local farmer. 

 I washed, carded and dyed it for 15 other women to make wool dryer balls this week too.  

At a meeting for a non- profit group of families that chose to live holistically that I helped create.

Floors freshly mopped with homemade cleaner & essential oils.

Preparing a program for Saturdays Whole Kids organic nutrition class.

Earlier this morning, knitting while watching Wayne Dyers The Shift 

and sipping organic fair trade french press coffee.

Getting ready to do some yoga before I make curry, gather the kids from the 

environmental charter school and head to my office to give a couple massages.

Looking into signing up for the Celebrate Your Life conference in Chicago.

Ordering organic seeds and contacting a friend about installing my raised garden beds.

In this moment, I realized by looking back upon the sum of what my day has consisted of,

 I am living the exact life I always have hoped to be.

There may not be a farm with a chicken coop & beehives.

The sheep & alpaca will come one day.

The big, bearded enlightened organic farmer man in due time.

But for now, right here in this moment, in this house in the middle of this small town, 

we are making it happen.

And for that, I am so grateful.

February 7th

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the 

affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure 

the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; t

o leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a 

redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier 

because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” 

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson~