Thursday, August 13, 2009

Morning Meditation

I began my day early this morning (well, early for me) 6am.. as I have been doing for several weeks now. In fact, I have only missed one day. I can't wait to sneak out into the living room while it is barely light, followed only by the cat. All is still and cozy. I wrap up in a small throw, turn on my meditation music on my Ipod and have a blissful hour (or whenever the first girl gets up!)
I put many intentions out to the universe..I contemplate parenting issues, ask for help in homeschooling and ways to grow my finances. But, most of all I enjoy just.. Being... Me

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Fixing Felt Toys

We took a good look at some half finished projects and some toys that had been really "loved"
I got out my huge bag of felt roving and my felting needle and I began to repair. New eyes sewn on, ears re-created and for that poor family- new hair!!
I even made a Pinto Horse out of the felt horses the girls received for the holidays many years ago. They had holes in them, so I patched with dark brown felt and they loved it!


I am inspired now to make another felt cat.. I will keep you updated!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Peach Cobbler

This recipe is just too good not to share... If you have peaches at their peak, this will be amazing! The following is with the sugar cut in half..I made it previously and it was too sweet. This time, fantastic! My peaches were very ripe..

*Boil peaches for 60 seconds, remove, then plunge into icy water. Skins peel right off. Cut and chill butter for later.


6-8 fresh peaches-peeled, pitted and sliced 1/4 brown sugar
thin wedges 1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp fresh lemon juice 1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 tsps corn starch

Preheat to 425. In large bowl combine above ingredients. Toss to coat evenly and pour into 2 quart baking dish. Bake 10 minutes.

Meanwhile..

1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup boiling water chilled and cut into small pieces

Topping: 3 tblsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon= mix together

Combine flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. Blend butter in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in water just until combined (not too wet)


Remove peaches from oven and drop spoonfuls of flour mixture on top (we took small amounts and spread them all over) Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping over entire cobbler.


Bake until topping is just golden, approx. 30 min.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Under the Orange Moon

We watched the amazing orange moon the past few night. Last night, my DH and I took a walk on the beach. Hand-in-hand we walked under starry lit skies, until that huge orange glowing ball arose over the ocean... magical.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Summer on the Farm

Yesterday we drove to Indigo Farms about an hour north in NC . What fun! The girls fed the goats weeds they pulled up, chased chickens and turkeys and saw the biggest pig imaginable. Inside the farm store were luscious fruits and vegetables waiting to be taken home. I saw a basket filled with fresh yellow wax beans and couldn't resist! Blackberries, butter beans and fresh baked goods also made it into my basket.


I received these 3 white bowls as a gift from a dear friend. I just love them! Look how amazing they look holding this fresh fruit. Lazy, summer days...

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Farmers Market Fare

We visited our local weekly Farmers Market. Though it was hot, the girls were refreshed by the free ice cream cones they were served upon arrival! I scrounged around looking for a sweet melon and some excellent red peppers.

I did buy something new- a Patty-Pan squash. It is the onion looking thing. I was told to cut out the stem and slice like a tomato. Then, rub with olive oil, salt and grill or fry! Here is a link to more recipes with this cute, but odd squash. Can't wait to try it, we agreed to try something new each week.


Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Homeschool Planning


I have been gathering all my books and supplies the last few weeks. It has started to look like a Waldorf store in here! I am planning First grade for my twin girls.. It is the first "real" year, since Waldorf Education really begins in First Grade. We have been doing basic rhythms and circle time, handcrafts and stories the last 3 years to establish a gentle flow.
For me, planning becomes an important part. In the past, when I had a basic outline with supplies ready -it all went smoothly. The time I thought I could wing it, not so smooth. So, this year I am determined to plan through the end of the school year even if we don't follow exactly.
Any tips on planning or ideas you have are welcome!
Here is a link to wonderful planning audios & other info. Waldorf Planning