The Land of Little Cars…..

It has been 8 years since my last trip to Germany. We traveled there for my husband’s cousin’s wedding. My husband is part German decent and lived there as a child and later as an adult. With two children under age 3 in tow we traveled around for a week or two exploring villages and the countryside. As many of you know a lot goes unnoticed when you have babies. The focus is when they were last fed and if a nap is going to happen that day. We recently had the opportunity for a return visit. This time with three children ages 10, 8, and 4, a bit more self-sufficient and flexible. I arrived with eyes wide open, noticing all the differences in the way most Americans live compared to Europeans. The most profound being how progressive they are and yet how simply they live. From the Wind Mills and Solar Panels lining the Autoban, to small cars and community composting. This progressive and accountable nature is surrounded by a sense of simplicity that permeates their way of life. Clothes lines, kitchen gardens, walking and biking as a primary mode of transportation, small homes, and afternoon naps. Here are some pictures of our adventure...

Garden Update

Here are some pictures from the garden planted in honor of Earth Day.

Recycled Bag Bath-Mat

My Mother-in-Law just mailed this to me, a mat made out of bags she collected from the local market. What a great way to reuse plastic bags! I was so excited at her vision to weave something so functional and eco-friendly. She wrote me that she has already made 11 of these for friends and family. I put ours next to the tub where it keeps water off the floor and dries quickly. Frances, Thanks for the inspiration!

Namaste, Guruji

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, founder of Ashtanga Yoga, passes away at age 94

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Our Vegetable Garden, planted last weekend in honor of Earth Day.... I will keep you updated on it's progress.

Slow Cooker - Lentils

I shared this recipe last year but am reposting it in honor of my friend Lisa who just took the Crock Pot plunge. This lentil recipe is easy, healthy, and inexpensive. It takes me about 5 minutes total (including chopping) to prepare. Yummy and quick! Bon Appetite Lisa!

1. 1 bag lentils
   
2. 1 box chicken or vegetable stock
   
3. 1 cup water
   
4. 1 diced onion
   
5. 1 red pepper chopped
   
6. 2 chopped and seeded jalapenos
   
7. palm full or approx. 2 tbls. paprika
   
8. " " " cumin
   
9. " " " chili powder
   
10. minced garlic to taste (heaping tablespoon for us)
    
11. dash of cayenne
    

put in crockpot on low for 6 or high for 4

serve as burrito or taco filling or nacho topper with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream

freezes beautifully

Quote of the Day.....

Eat when you're hungry. Drink when you're thirsty. Sleep when you're tired.

- Buddhist proverb

Corral your Chaos

You can manage to keep pretty organized by utilizing boxes, bins, and such to corral the little things in your home. By keeping like items together it cuts down on clutter and created a less chaotic environment. You also will save time because everything has a home. Below are some pictures from my home on ways I keep the mayhem to a minimum. 

Knitting Supplies kept neatly in a basket by the couch, ready to use at any time

Bedtime potions and supplies

After school snacks and water bottles kept in wine boxes in the pantry

Ipod and chargers in an antique bowl

Resurrecting the Bread Maker

In an effort to practice what I preach I decided that if I did not use my bread maker on a regular basis it would have to go. So I have documented my bread making experience below. I picked up the mix at Whole Foods, it was cheap, healthy, and easy.... No preservatives or high fructose corn syrup, just lots of whole grain goodness... and my house smelt like a bakery.

Here are the pictures:

What appliances do you need to resurrect? Take inventory of what you really use and what collects dust or just takes up space, & decide if you should keep it or pass it on. My vow to you all is if the bread is all gone and the bread maker sits idly by while I pick up a loaf at the market I will pass it on.

Quote of the Day.....

Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. 

It isn't more complicated that that. 

It is opening to or recieving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, 

without either clinging to it or rejecting it. 

Sylvia Boorstein

Thrifty Thursdays - Black Bean Burgers

Trying to save a few pennies? Here is a great recipe for Black Bean Burgers from this months Gourmet Magazine. I tried the recipe and they were great. One tip, I think I made mine a bit big, so maybe slider size would be better. I served mine on salad with tomatoes, avocado, salsa, and a touch of sour cream. Here it is:

Serves 4

2 (14-oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained, divided

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 soft hamburger buns

Accompaniments: 
sour cream; salsa; lettuce

Pulse 1 can beans in a food processor with mayonnaise, bread crumbs, cumin, oregano, and cayenne until a coarse purée forms. Transfer to a bowl and stir in cilantro and remaining can beans. Form mixture into 4 patties.

Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Cook burgers until outsides are crisp and lightly browned, turning once, about 5 minutes total. Serve on buns.

The Blue Jars

At a recent visit to the Hawk & Ivy Bed and Breakfast in North Carolina I discovered the "blue jars". These antique mason jars lined the open shelving in the kitchen of the inn. Fully functional with nuts, seeds, coffee, and grains they were the highlight of the kitchen. While staying in the Asheville area I peaked around a few antique markets and scored, a slew of "blue jars". While they were not cheap they were definitely worth it. I use them daily for oats, tea, & coffee. Although I have not researched the value of the my jars it is my understanding that they vary in worth. According to a commenter on the Martha Stewart Wedding site, “Antique mason jars are eagerly sought after by collectors, and are bought and sold not only through antique stores, but also on auction sites such as eBay. While most jars sell for only a few dollars, some have sold for as high as $30,000. The value of a jar is related to its age, rarity, and condition.” 

Here are some pictures of the jars in my kitchen....

 And this is the inn where I first discovered these beautiful, yet functional antiques...

ALPHABET STAMPS

Along with my addiction to my label maker I have also developed an obsession with alphabet stamps. I found them at the local Michael's Arts and Crafts Store. Here are some of the labels I have made with the stamps. 

Do you think I should stop now?

Quote of the Day.....

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. 

-Confucius

Teaism at Dupont Circle

Now that I have defrosted from my trip to D.C I thought I would share one of my favorite discoveries. A friend recommended this great little tea shop in Dupont Circle called, Teaism. While walking around in the bitter cold I stumbled upon it and stopped in for a chai latte. The restaurant/shop smelled of basmati rice and spices. My brother and I sat out front amongst the birds, drank tea, and talked. I stayed in D.C for a few more days and each day made the mile walk across the bridge to have a chai. The last day after spending about an hour at Kramerbooks I stopped by to purchase some loose tea for the road. If you happen to be in the D.C area it is definitely worth a visit.