North Beach, MD. Day Trip.

I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted.

We've been soaking up as much Summer as we can.

Lots of Gardening.

And, honestly, I've been a bit worn out from all the referring I've been doing. The girls adore each other, but they squabble A LOT. Nye-Nye starts Pre-school soon, so it will be interesting to see how that changes the dynamics between the girls.

No large Vacation for this Summer, instead we've had several Little Adventures.

North Beach was one of them.

Neither Papa Bear and I had ever been to North Beach before, which is surprising since we both grew up in the area.

In fact, I had never heard of it before I read an article in the Washington Post that mentioned the town. 

North Beach is a tiny, very low-key Beach Town complete with a Boardwalk. There are no serious waves, which is just right for our kids at this age. There is a lovely pier, perfect for fishing. There are nets that keep out jelly-fish and large fish. And, there is the cutest two-story ship play-ground right on the water's edge.

The best part?

North Beach is only 40 miles from our house.

We left house at Anala Bear's Naptime and arrived in time for Lunch. We played for a few hours,washed off, ate some funnel-cake and drove home at 4 pm. 

Everyone had a blast.

We can't wait to go back.

Supposedly there is a terrific Farmer's Market/Art Fair/Classic Car Show every Friday. We are going to try and hit that up one Friday in September, while the weather is still warm.

It was definitely worth the money. Beach fees for Out-of-County Residents are $15 ages 12-54 and $8 for ages 3-11. The Beach was super clean, the facilities were decent and we didn't have to deal with being stung by jelly-fish. We are thinking about getting a Season Pass for next year.

I Love My Kombucha, Even If It's Like Having Another Kid.

Okay, I'm being dramatic.

Kombucha isn't quite so bad, as taking care of another kid. But, it's a lot of work. Especially when, I also have some Water Kefir going.

It's been about 6 months since I got my first Kombucha Scoby.

Our Kitchen is super warm, so my Kombucha is ready in about 2 1/2- 3 days (as opposed to 5-7 days, which is the normal time-frame).

We only have a Brita hand-held pitcher, so filtering a gallon of water takes FORVER. Every time I walk in the Kitchen, I add some water to our pitcher.

But, it's worth the work.

I love the taste of home-made Kombucha and much prefer it over store-bought (plus it's so much cheaper to make your own).

It's like a cool, tasty Science Experiment.

I definitely feel much more energetic on the days that I drink my Kombucha. I just have to be careful about how much I drink. I started noticing that I develop a yeast infection, if I drink like 5 cups a day.

Five cups a day? Yeah, the stuff is that good. My 3-year-old frequently requests Kombucha. Papa Bear is a fan, as long as it's still pretty sweet (1 1/2-2 days brewed in our Kitchen). He much prefers Lemon Water Kefir.

My favorite tea to ferment is Organic Imperial Jasmine Dragon Pearls Green Tea. (Affliate link).

When I brew the Jasmine Green Tea, I make sure to also brew Black Tea with it.I adore Numi Organic Tea Aged Earl Grey(Affiliate Link). Just make sure you only brew with organic tea!!!

We got our Scoby from our lovely, lovely neighbor.

Kombucha Kamp is a terrific resource, she will do a much better job than I on explaining all the "how-to's" of brewing Kombucha. You can also purchase Kombucha Scobies from her.

It's good, good stuff.

Have you ever made Kombucha?

Baltimore Herb Festival. 2014.

It is that time of the year. Tons and tons of Plant Sales are happening every Weekend.

The absolutely BEST Plant Sale I have ever been to is the Baltimore Herb Festival.

It is a massive event held at Leakin Park with oodles of vendors selling all sorts of plants, including some hard to find Herbs. Last time I went, I came back with at least 25 different herbs ...

"Comfrey", "Mugwort", "Meadowsweet", "Lady's Mantle", "Feverfew", "Boneset", "Calendula", "Tulsi", "Lemon Balm", "Echinacea", "Pennyroyal", "African-blue Basil" and "Marshmallow"...to name a few.

If you live in the area and are curious about Gardening or Herbalism, check out the "Baltimore Herb Festival." Just make sure you bring a wagon or wheelbarrow to haul everything.

Mark your calendars, it is THIS Saturday, May 24 from 9:30 am - 3 pm.

The Simplicity Month. Gardening with Milk Crates.

I really want to grow some veggies this Summer. But, we are moving in June. What to do?

Container Gardening.

Most of our pots are already inhabited by some Herbs. Buying lots of pots can get expensive very quickly. So, I decided to use what we already have...

Milk Crates.

My Mother found 8 crates along side the road, last year. She gave them to us, but I hadn't found a really good use for them.

Enter Landscaping Fabric.

I bought a 50 foot roll that is suppose to last 15 years (so I can reuse the crates for several years). The Landscaping Fabric keeps all that precious soil INSIDE of the crate. 

I cut a large piece of the fabric for each crate and put it inside. Some people staple or sew the fabric around the crates. I was out of staples, so I didn't bother.

I had originally thought of drilling some holes in some extra tubs we have laying around. But, the crates completely eliminated the need to drill any holes for drainage. Wahoo...less work for me.

After I put the Landscaping Fabric in the crates, I filled each one with a mixture of Potting Soil and Compost. I bought the bags at the family-run Hardware Store, down the street. These are the bags I bought....

I mixed all the Potting Soil and Compost one of those blue tarps. Each time, I dumped half a bag of Potting Soil and half a bag of Compost and mixed in a 1/4 of the Lobster Compost.

I planted (from seed) Arugula, Radishes, Turnips, Cabbage and a Basic Salad Mix. The seeds were left over from our failed Microgreens Experiment.

I'll add some Tomato and Pepper plants soon.

I love the fact the crates have handles, so they will be easy to move to our new home. Crossing my fingers that this works!

I'll keep you updated.

Cost

Crates. Free.

Landscaping Fabric. $11 for 50 feet.

2 Bags of Potting Soil, 2 Bags of Compost and 1 Bag of Lobster Compost. $40.

Seeds. Free.

DC Yoga Week 2013 is Here.

It's that time of year again.

DC Yoga Week. April 28-May 4, 2014.

Over 30 studios in the DC/NOVA/MD area are offering free and reduced cost prices classes. This is a great time to check out a studio, you may have been eyeing but have never visited.

Last night, I went to Honest Soul Yoga's free class.

It was the first time I've gone to a yoga class since the baby was born (almost a year ago).

It felt great.

I love the vibe of the studio. Very welcoming and relaxed. It was one of the most diverse racially, body-wise and age-wise classes I have ever attended.

And, the most exciting part is that the studio will be in walking distance of our new home (when we move in June).

If you live in the area, do yourself a favor and take a free yoga class this week! There will also be a massive event on the National Mall. Yoga on the Mall will take place on Saturday, May 3rd from 10-noon.

Yoga on the Mall 

May 3rd   10:00 am  - Noon

Links to participating Yoga Studios.

Babies Discovery Basket: Shells.

Poor second kid. She has totally gotten the shaft.

By the time her Sister was the same age, I had done lots of interesting, fun Activities with her. I carefully rotated out her toys and materials every 2 weeks. She had been to numerous Music Together Classes and even a Yoga Class or two.

Not this time.

The Living Room is starting to starting to feel overwhelming, so it's time for a "Toy Rotation."

Sorting out Toys, prompted me to put together this quick Discovery Basket.

I collected around 10 or so Shells from our various collections. I made sure none were too small. I sat right next to her, after introducing the Discovery Basket and made sure that all the Shells stayed on the Sheepskin Rug. The Living Room has wooden floors and I was concerned that if she started walking around with the Shells, one would drop and shatter.

Each and every one of the Shells went into her mouth (of course). It was fun seeing which ones, she really responded to and kept picking up again and again.

This is such a simple, but beautiful Activity to share with your baby! 

River Farm's Spring Garden Market. April 10-12, 2014.

River Farm is one of my favorite local spots. It is the headquarters for the American Horticultural Society and has the most inspirational Children's Garden I have ever seen.

This Thursday will be the start of their annual Spring Garden Market. Tons of plants, seeds, garden accessories, etc... will all be on sale.

Master Gardeners will also be available to answer any questions.

If you have been bitten by the Gardening Bug and live in the area, you definitely will want to check it out.

Cost to park is $5 for those non-AHS members.


Thurday. 3 pm- 7 pm AHS Members only.

Friday. 9 am- 6 pm. Open to the Public.

Saturday. 9 am- 4 pm.



You can find out more details right here.

I have written about River Farm before here, here and here.

The Simplicity Month. Egyptian Red Lentil Soup.

This has been one of my quick, simple go-to meals for several years now. It's crazy cheap and crazy good. 

It's a terrific soup to freeze, if you are pregnant and trying to stock-up your freezer.

My friend gave me the recipe at one of my Soup Swaps. Thanks, Molly for introducing it to me!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of Butter or Coconut Oil
1 Onion
3 cloves of Garlic
1 cup of Carrots
1 tablespoon of Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon of Cumin
2 cups of Red Lentils
8 cups of Water, Veggie Stock or Chicken Stock
Sea Salt to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the Butter (or Coconut Oil). 

2. Add Onion and Carrots. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently (about 5 minutes). 

3. Add Cumin, Thyme and Garlic (about 1 minute).

4. Add Lentils (3 minutes). Keep stirring so they don't stick.

5. Add Water, Veggie Stock or Chicken Stock (or a combination of all 3).

6. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

7. Blend if desired.

***Sorry for the unappealing photo. My Sissy wanted this recipe today and I didn't have any photos of bowl of my "Egyptian Red Lentil Soup." I didn't want to defrost this container just so I could take a photo, so this will have to do. 

Pregnant Mamas. On Eating and Making Your Own Greek Yogurt.

I ate A LOT of Greek Yogurt, during both my pregnancies.

If you eat dairy products, it's a terrific way to add more protein to your diet. I would have a cup with my Breakfast, one with Lunch and sometimes as a Snack. That's over 30 grams of protein right there.

I wish I had know how easy it is to "make your own Greek Yogurt."

Seriously, all you do is dump Plain Yogurt into the Greek Yogurt Maker and let it sit over-night.

It's so much better than the commercial kind, especially if you make your own Plain Yogurt first. I really can't believe it took me so long to figure out how incredibly easy it is to make Greek Yogurt.

Head Smack.

I used this tutorial on how to make Yogurt.

I bought this Greek Yogurt Maker. Totally worth the 30 bucks I spent (considering how much Greek Yogurt we still eat around here).

Pure Yumminess.

I promise.

Turning Your Front Yard Into A Garden.

I got Dreams.

Glorious Garden Dreams in the middle of the Winter.

Sigh.

I have been pouring over photos from the lovely book I received for Christmas. "Edible Landscaping With a Permaculture Twist: How To Have Your Yard and Eat It Too."

Michael Judd is a local boy (from Frederick County) who spent many years in Mexico and Nicaragua learning  about and experimenting with Permaculture. He is a genius at turning Yards into low-maintenance Gardens and Orchards. No weeding, no watering (except for in the beginning). Seriously, why Garden any other way?

He's transformed the Gardens at Volt.

You may have heard of that place.

I listened to him speak at the Holistic Family Health Conference in Frederick, last Spring. He's a dynamic speaker. When he mentioned an upcoming book, I was thrilled.

The book didn't disappoint.

Gorgeous photos. Clear directions. And, brilliant ideas.

I am all about digging up that grass and planting useful and beautiful plants.

Even though, I was familiar with a lot of what was in the book, it was great to see more examples of "Herbal Spirals," learn about growing Mushrooms and be given so much information of Uncommon Fruits that grow well in this region.

Judd's section on Rainwater Harvesting, Swales and Rain Gardens may completely change your relationship with your Yard.

I had never heard of a "Hugelkultur" (which is a shame because it's a terrific concept and would have been helpful to know about when my Sister had all these fallen down trees in her Yard).

If you are in Maryland or Northern Virginia, you are in luck. He does 1 1/2 hr-2hr consultations starting at $175 (depending on where you are located). His schedule fills up fast, but now is the perfect time to have him come out and brainstorm with you on how to transform your Yard into a beautiful, edible Landscape.

Early Mother's Day present? Or maybe forget that fancy bouquet and expensive dinner this Valentine's Day? Hmmmm....

We will be moving from one rental house to another this Summer, so planting much is out of the question. But, there are always Mushrooms...

Making Elderberry Syrup

*** Yesterday, I started feeling like I was coming down with something nasty and quickly made a patch of Elderberry Syrup. Along with the Elderberry, Acupuncture and Acupressure has been helping me keep it at bay (knock on wood). So, I thought this would be a good time to re-post this....Jane this one is for you...Love you.... 


It sounds like the Flu Season has really begun in earnest here in Northern Virginia. So, I wanted to share again how to make "Elderberry Syrup" for your family.

In 2011, Medical News Today reported how German scientists had found that extracts of "Sambucus nigra" had been shown to inhibit "the growth of influenza A and B viruses and bacteria associated with upper respiratory tract infections."

If taken before being infected with the flu virus, Elderberries can help prevent infection. If taken, AFTER being infected, Elderberries can help reduce the length and severity of your infection. Pretty nifty, right?

Since making my first batch of Elderberry Syrup, Nye-Nye and I have both been taking a tablespoon of Syrup every day. It's safe for pregnant women and children, over the age of 1 year old (just remember to run it by your Doctor first).

Whenever it seems like we start coming down with something, I up the dosage to 4-5 tablespoons a day. The one time I ran out of syrup and I took awhile to make some more, we both got sick. Otherwise, we've had a healthy Winter (so far).

As I wrote in this post, my daughter enjoyed helping me make the Syrup.

She helped pour the 1/2 cup of dried Elderberries I got from Frontier Herbs into the pan. She carefully added the tablespoon of crushed ginger, the cinnamon stick, and the 5 cloves to the mix. She then stirred the mixture for a few minutes (totally unnecessary...but she was having so much fun).

Together we added the 2 cups of water and then I put the pan on the stove. I covered it and brought it to a boil and then down to a simmer for 15 minutes.

She watched as I strained the mixture and used a spoon to squeeze out all the liquid from the berries. "HOT, HOT, HOT," she reminded me. Together, we sampled the syrup after it cooled.

GOOD.

I agree.

We've since made several more batches, some of which did not include the ginger, cinnamon stick or cloves. Those batches didn't taste quite as yummy. I definitely recommend adding all three of those ingredients.

I bought 1 lb of dried Organic Elderberries from Frontier Herbs which at $21 seemed expensive. But...when you look at an 8 oz bottle of Commercial Elderberry Syrup costing $16, you quickly realize how much money you can save by making your own!

The pound of Elderberries made enough Syrup for our family for 2 months. I just went to order some more from Frontier and found out they are already out of the Organic Elderberries.

Lesson learned....buy ALL the Elderberries you need by September. Mountain Rose Herbs was out by the beginning of October.

I bought 3 lbs of the wild-crafted berries sourced from Poland (non-Organic). Frontier Herb serves numerous health food stories from around the country, so I'm hoping that they are very responsible about where they picking their berries. I can't wait until the berries arrive and we can make another batch.

If you are interested, check out this simple video on how to make your own! It's easy and fun to make with children (even toddlers). Enjoy and stay healthy this Winter...

Fermented Green Tomatoes. Gratitude Month.

I've been interested in the "Health Benefits of Fermented Foods" for a long time. Unfortunately, I don't like the taste of Sauerkraut and Kim-chi is way too spicy for me.

But you know what? There are TONS of foods you can ferment.

Like Green Tomatoes.

Last week, I picked the last of our Green Tomatoes from the several amazing volunteer Tomato Plants growing in our Compost Heap. Those babies were tough. Those babies were little miracles.

Because you know what? I never watered them. Not once all Summer. 

So, what am I Grateful for today?

Those Volunteer Tomato Plants. Thanks for bearing such lovely fruit for us!

I am hoping my "Fermented Green Tomatoes" will turn out. Supposedly, they will taste a bit like Green Olives. I'll keep you posted.

If you are interested in learning more about the process of Fermenting Green Tomatoes, I read the following posts: this, this and this.

Don't Forget to Order Your Elderberries!

It's that time of year again (at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere)... Flu and Cold Season has arrived.

In 2010, Medical News Today, reported how German scientists had found that extracts of "Sambucus nigra" had been shown to inhibit "the growth of influenza A and B viruses and bacteria associated with upper respiratory tract infections."

If taken before being infected with the flu virus, Elderberries can help prevent infection. If taken, AFTER being infected, Elderberries can help reduce the length and severity of your infection.

Once my Eldest reached the age of 1 (and could safely take honey), I began to give her 1 teaspoon of Elderberry Syrup daily during the months of October-March.

If we have been exposed to friends and family who are obviously sick, I amp up the dosage.

If I start feeling that familiar tickle in the back of my throat, I also amp up both her dosage and my dosage. I figure, she's not at the age of being able to recognize and articulate to me when she starts feeling those first signs of a Cold and if I've been exposed, she has too.

I make about two cups of Syrup at a time and add about 3 teaspoons of Elderberry Tincture to help prevent it from spoiling. I also make sure to refrigerate it.

I made the mistake of waiting too long to order my dried Elderberries, last year. Once they are sold out for the season they are GONE. So make sure to order ASAP.

Last year, we went through 7 lbs. I just used the last of the berries a few weeks ago.

I preferred to buy from Mountain Rose Herbs but have also been happy with Frontier's products.

Or better, yet, visit your local Herbalist. The shipping costs from Mountain Rose can be very high per pound, unless you order A LOT. So, it may be cheaper just to buy from your local Herbalist.

If you live in Baltimore, check out "Zensations by Jen" in Hampden. She's amazing!

I am sure you've seen commercial Elderberry Syrup at Health Food Stores (where it can easy cost $10 for 4 ounces). I haven't calculated out how much money you can save by making your own, but 1 lb can cost anywhere between $15- $26 with shipping costs. It takes about 1/2 lb of the berries to make a little less than 2 cups (16 ounces). Pretty hefty savings!

Here is my post on how to make Elderberry Syrup. It's crazy easy and fun to do with children (even Toddlers) and is so very tasty!

Here is another post on successfully using Elderberry Syrup.

Best Wishes on staying healthy this Flu Season!



***Obligatory reminder...please remember to check with your M.D. first before taking Elderberry. Thanks!

Black Bean and Edamame Salad

 

 

My friend, Erin, rocks! Not only is she the reason that Papa Bear and I met, but she also took the most gorgeous photos of my most recent Birth. She also introduced me to Black Bean and Edamame Salad.

 

It has become one of my go-to meals.

 

It is cheap. It is fast. It is healthy. And, my 2 1/2 year old LOVES to help make (and eat) it.

 

What is not to love?

 

I have made a zillion variations, depending on what I have on hand.

 

 

 

 

Here are some ingredients I have added...

 

• Black Beans
• Edamame
• Avocado
• Tomatoes
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Feta
• Olive Oil
• Sea Salt



Wash, slice, dump, stir and refrigerate. You have a meal in minutes. Doesn't get much easier than that, does it?

Anala's Montessori Corner

 

 

 

Poor kid. She only gets a corner of a Bedroom to claim as her own. But, she doesn't seem to mind. Look at that concentration. Look at those smiles.

 

I think this may be my newest favorite part of our house. Sometimes it pays to be part of a long line of Pack Rats.

I borrowed the sheepskin from my Mama's house.

The mirror I took from the Master Bedroom (which originally came from my Mama's house).

 I bought the child's furniture piece from an auction for $2. My Sissy did a lovely job of painting it. And, I just added the crystal pulls from my favorite vintage store Ginger and Spice in Walkersville, MD. They cost $6 each. I moved the bookcase from one part of the room to this corner.

Since our Family is a bit Bird-crazy right now, I cut out a photography from an Audubon Calendar and put it in a frame I already had.

The "Gobbi Mobile" I made.

I am so loving this "Montessori infant room." (Even if it's just a corner).