A Few of My Favorite Things {this Spring}
[bl]I[/bl]t took a long time getting here, but I dare say Spring has come at last! This sun deprived girl is pale and ornery, so I’m counting all the things I’m enjoying right now as I get reacquainted with the warmer weather and brighter days! Last year I shared a favorite things list, so I thought I might start a tradition and do it this year too.
1. My Matilda Jane ruffles
I hope ruffles stick around for awhile. They’re feminine and sweet and make me feel all girlie. Matilda Jane clothing offers great quality for a not so great price — I recommend finding used items through Facebook groups that buy/sell/trade the clothing line.
2. Our chickens
I love the way they wander through our yard. The way they run up to us when we come outside. The way they go into their home every night before the sun sleeps. The way they provide for us. The way they give my children something living to care for. The way they give me my next favorite thing…
3. My Favorite Eggs Recipe
Half way through the scramble, I add a dollop of fresh salsa and a handful of crumbled tortilla chips. Don’t overcook, but keep them really moist. Place the scramble in a hot tortilla and add cheese. Avocado is super yummy with it! So is sausage.
4. My Vintage Pearl necklace
I bought this Eclectic Charm necklace etched with the children’s names several months ago but it’s been hiding behind scarves. I love wearing my children around my neck. Except today I sneak away to Florida with Mark for three days. No children…not even the necklace. If you aren’t familiar with the company go check it out — they have lovely things.
5. My Young Living oils
My friends Robin and Tracy introduced me to the healing qualities of essential oils. I’m enjoying discovering the ways they are able to bless our family. Already, Lavender oil has proved to be a favorite because of the way it helps Luke with his congestion, coughing and Asthma. We are rubbing them on our feet, breathing them in, and massaging them over problem areas such as sinuses, lungs, bug bites and boo-boos. If you appreciate natural ways of healing and maintaining health, you may want to consider adding some yummy smelling oils to your medicine cabinet.
6. Mark’s vision for our land
…and the way he’s teaching our children about redeeming the land and using God’s created world in fruitful, productive ways. Mark is changing the way we are living and working. The children are growing in appreciation and learning how to participate with more grateful hearts. We want our children to LIVE their story, not watch someone else’s story on TV or play another story on a screen.
7. Philippians 2:15
I love this prayer Paul offered to the Philippians. I am praying it for myself. That {my} love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that {I} may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God. Oh that my love will abound…
8. My Toms
Even though I like to keep up with current trends, I’m usually late in the game. I finally bought my first pair of Toms and I love them. These shoes and I really will live happily ever after together since they are both cute AND comfortable. Of course, they make me think of Tom, which makes them extra special.
9. These Vintage Afghans.
I’m a quilt girl, myself, but as it turns out my children love afghans. So I looked at Salvation Army and found several cute ones. They only cost about $3-$6, which make them great blankets for kids, the outdoors or homechurch in the barn on a chilly rainy day.
10. This Caesar salad recipe
- 1 bunch of romaine lettuce, cut into bit size pieces (I use the leafy green and the crunchy hearts of the stem).
- Shredded parmesan
- 1 French baguette for homemade croutons
- Caesar dressing
Toss the lettuce with a generous amount of shredded parmesan. In a large skillet heat a generous amount (cover the bottom of skillet) of oil – my preferred oil these days is grape seed oil thanks to Amy Brown. Sauté the pieces of bread in the oil, add more oil if the original amount doesn’t coat enough. Sprinkle the croutons with garlic salt and an herb like basil or oregano. Toss frequently until they brown on the edges – about 5 minutes or until crunchy. You may have to do the bread in 2 batches so the skillet isn’t too crowded.
Add the homemade croutons to the lettuce and cheese and toss with both pictured dressings. I do about a 2:1 ratio of these two dressings. 2 parts of the creamy Caesar to 1 part of the garlic vinaigrette.
