What I Learned in June

For the past few months, Emily over at Chatting at the Sky has been posting about what she's learned each month. When I read May's I had thought, "Maybe I'll do something like that." But then I felt like I would be a copycat. So, I was super excited when a few days later she posted and invited her readers to share what they've learned and link it onto her site! I've been building my list all month.

In June I learned:

1) How to make fruity kombucha. I've been brewing kombucha for a few months, but haven't tried it with fruit because I felt like I needed to know more than "put some fruit and kombucha in a jar and let it sit for a few days." But you know what? It's that simple! I've tried strawberry (amazing!) and watermelon (not amazing).

2)  The status of my high school exchange student. She stayed with me for a week or two my senior year of high school, then I went to Germany and stayed with her a couple weeks after graduating. We were like sisters. We stayed in touch for a few years, but it's probably been close to 8 years since I've heard from her. Out of the blue, she emailed me! She's married and has twins. It's been so good to exchange emails with her.

3) That my daughter can sleep through just about anything. If you had told me that when she was a baby, I would not have believe you. But now she sleeps through all her brother's crying or talking. As well as falling off the bed or sleeping half on the bed. So that's why they are sharing a room now. And it is SO nice!

4) That I want to do hooping. I watched a video, I tried it out. I'm hooked - or shall I say hooped? (Sorry.)

5) My new favorite song is Home by Philip Phillips. I had no idea he was the American Idol winner of the one season I actually followed some.

6) That freecycle is truly awesome. I scored this vintage teacher's desk, which I hope to paint a fun blue color in the future. It's huge, but solid.

7) How to run a baseball scoreboard. I could do it all day! Really.

8) How to  make yogurt in a crockpot. I was worried about how it would turn out, but it was great!

9) How to treat my wavy hair better after reading The Curly Girl Handbook. I hope to post more about what I learned and how things are going with my hair now that I'm a true "Curly Girl."

10) How to cut a boy's hair. Or not really how, but that I can wing it and it turns out okay. 

Before

After

11) How to cook beets, and that you have to peel them, and that I like beets! Thanks to our awesome CSA and Joy of Cooking my veggie know-how is expanding!

It was really fun looking for things I'm "learning." There's so much I want to learn, but not always the time and sometimes I feel like I'm getting no where. But having a reason to keep tabs on it, I see that there's a lot going on!

My 100th Post - and a late announcement

I guess one hundred posts feels like a milestone. But ironically, it's kind of the beginning. As you probably noticed, I have a new title. (And a new, but not finished, look.) I meant to explain it before I did it, but this late explanation will have to do.

I do not have an eloquent explanation, as I had hoped to come up with by now. It comes from the verse that has been shaping my thoughts and life for many months now.

"but seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

And every time I try to explain more, the words seem jumbled. So when they come out right, I will write them on the "About this Blog" page. Stay tuned! 

Recipe: Granola Balls

It’s about time I put a recipe on here, with how much I love food and all! So here’s a new favorite of ours: Granola Balls. 

I got the recipe off of Pintrest, but I do not have the original link anymore. There are lots of different recipes around. So the credit goes to someone out there. This is not one of my creations. 

It was originally called Energy Balls, but that just sounded odd to me. And it made me think I could go ahead and eat a couple more to get through the day – for energy. I can’t say I’ve noticed great increases in energy from eating them. I just know they are delicious! They are our favorite things, all rolled up in a ball: oats, peanut butter, coconut, honey, nuts… and if you choose – chocolate!

Granola Balls

1 cup oats

2/3 cup coconut flakes

1/3 cup finely chopped nuts

½ cup ground flaxseed

½ cup mini chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries

½ cup peanut butter

1/3 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup melted coconut oil (optional)

Combine oats and coconut flakes on a baking sheet. Toast in 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted.

Put oats and coconut in a big bowl. Add nuts, ground flaxseed, and raisins, cranberries or chocolate chips. (If you are using the chocolate chips, let mixture cool first - or add and you will get Chocolate Granola Balls). Add peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and coconut oil if using. Mix well. 

Chill for at least 30 min. Next, roll mixture into 1-in balls, pressing together tightly. Store in the refrigerator.