Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Buckwheat?

Oh yes they are!  For a few months I have been waking up with neck pain.  Sometimes it was so bad, I would find myself with a pack of frozen peas on the neck.  My mom suggested a new pillow, a buckwheat pillow.  Well, what the heck? I would try anything at this point. So, I ordered one up from here... and after a night or two of sleeping on this unusual pillow, I feel better! I don't wake up with pain anymore.  I am so happy.

The crafty gal in my could not resist making a new pillowcase for this amazing piece of sleepy goodness.  It truly deserved some LOVE.  Amy Butler LOVE that is.  So now every night I get to rest my head on something pretty and comfortable.  Hurray for new pillows and pretty fabric!

Oh My!!!

I know this is old news, but I LOVE these cupcakes.  I found this blog while researching some vegan recipes. On a side note, this 30 day vegan thing is turning out to be really YUMMY.  While I spend more time in the kitchen, the food has been delicious. Totally worth it!  Okay, now onto the cupcake post, by Vegan YumYum 

   Seriously how cool are these??!!! She is so amazing. There are other really tasty recipes on her blog and a cookbook as well.

Saaaay "Cheese"

 Lately nothing has beat the convenience of soup.  There are always leftovers to freeze and let's face it, "soup is good food".  I have been experimenting with vegan friendly options on certain foods we love around here.  How does one make vegan cheese broccoli soup?  The solution for this comes from a friend and wonderful cook in her own right.  The recipe she gave me can be found here, cheesy broccoli soup.

  Who knew that cashews and nutritional yeast would make such an awesome combo?! I substituted red pepper for pimento (that was what was in the house).  Otherwise I followed the rest of the recipe as written.  The hubby enjoyed it also.  I was very happily surprised at that. The kids were dipping there crunchy bread in their bowls and actually enjoying the cheese flavor.  The best part is, the leftovers are just as tasty.  You don't feel so heavy after a bowl (so one more was had by us!) I would say this was a success around here! I will be keeping this one in my cold weather rotation!

Time Out!

 I am shaking things up in a personal way this summer.  In a good way (I think).  Life has been moving at the speed of light and things are always on fast forward.  In order to take some time out for myself and really grow a little I have joined a meditation group.  This is a little out of my box, which is great.  I am trying to make a more conscience effort to try new things even if it scares me a little.

The idea of mediation has always appealed to me.  But who has the time??!!!  Ha Ha.  I am making time starting out once a week.   Of course I needed (and still do) some instruction. So I went to class and became the newbie. I learned that this is indeed a practice.  It is ongoing, but hey isn't that what self discovery is all about?  I love the people in the group. They come from all walks of life, all ages, all different religious backgrounds.  As a newbie I am just happy to sit and practice. To learn what is truly important and what is not, what drains us vs. what nourishes us.  Ahhhh simplicity.

Trying New Things

  Once again I owe this adventure to the SouleMama (a.k.a. Amanda).  Her post on The Laundry Line was very inspiring.  I have taken her recipe on how to make your own laundry soap and tried it out.   It was very easy to find everything and my favorite part was picking out what Dr. Bronner's soap to use. 

All kinds of questions ran through my head.  Will it really work?  Will it leave a residue behind? Will it smell?  My concerns were all put to rest right after the first load.  The smell was very subtle ( I think due to an error on my part, need more castile soap next time!)  Everything is coming out clean.  It is fantastic.  For really tough stains, I am trying vinegar.  I am keeping a spray bottle in the laundry room to have on hand.

 My next project is to get a clothes line for the backyard.  I just need to get out and get it.  Oh, and I also need to finish a little landscaping project that we have going on. That would give me some space for the line. Hoping very very soon to have that under control!! In the meantime, I am enjoying this new adventure in to a chemical free, cheaper, and fun way to do laundry.

At It Again!

  In September I will at it again.  I am racing for the cure, but this year is different.  My sisters best friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  She (friend not sister) is 31 yrs. old, a wife, and mother of 4 beautiful kids. Lynette is an amazing person who has been part of my sister's world since they were kids. Our whole family has been effected.  Right now we are in limbo waiting for results, but the news so far has been a little alarming.  11 of her 17 lymph nodes they took had cancer. We are still waiting for results from more tests and continue to be hopeful and positive.  She is strong, surrounded by strong family, friends, and  her community. 

For the race I am part of Team Bell.  Being part of a team is new for me.  It feels good to be part of something and share this with others.  My sister won't be able to take part in the race this year.  She is due in August with her 4th baby boy (can't wait)! Also she lives in Vermont, so I am going to race for her as well as myself.  Last year the race was such a positive and moving experience.  I think this next race will be more so.   Off to get ready........

This year it is getting very personal.

The Great Popcicle Experiment

After reading a super fantastic idea over at the ever lovely Urban Orangica blog, I knew I must try this for fall. The idea?? Echinacea Popsicles! (she is such a genius) With the wet and damp weather upon us compiled with all the flu talk, these are a great way to keep the kids (along with their parents) healthy.

The Ingredients

The honey is for some added sweetness. A good thing for the kids. I let the 5yr. old be my taste tester. (if you can get some local honey, might also be helpful with allergies!) We just brewed the tea, and let is steep for an hour or so (to taste). The kids picked out Spongebob Dixie cups to pour the tea into.

We let them freeze and then eat. The result? Happy boys who love their new treat!! YEAH!! They ask for one everyday. Even J. thinks it is great. It is the simple and easy ideas that can be the most pleasing!