What We Think We Will Miss

Today we were talking about how there are many things we are looking forward to about being in France, but there are bound to be plenty that we miss about the States. It's only natural, no? I anticipate that we won't even know what some of them are until we've actually expatriated ourselves, but we did come up with a few "little things" we are pretty sure we will miss:

• Peanut butter. Why is this such an American thing? It's so good!
• Family and friends. This is super obvious and not "little," but it still made the list.
• Trampoline. No explanation needed.
• Snacking. Love to hate it. Snacking is so fun, but it is mindless. I'm actually excited to try a more French meal-based version of intentional eating ... over grazing.

And the #1 little thing we expect to miss:

Assembled on the Coffee Table

One of the perks of having big(ger) kids? Stacks of fun upon the coffee table.

I am still a little boo-hoo over the fact I have no pudgy-limbed doll-babies anymore, but there is always something new to appreciate about each stage. Books and candles be some of mine!

Lookie Here!

Guess what, kids? Mama's in a Yahoo article! They contacted me a few weeks ago to ask if they could use one of my photos for a kid-friendly snack piece they were writing. Turns out they liked the rainbow fruit-kebabs from Lucette's party. Neat, no?

Funny thing is, it's not even one of my best photos. I just set the plate on the table, adjusted the camera settings a smidge and took a snap. A good reminder that sometimes the fun things in life are those that just happen without a lot of fuss. 

Too Busy Not to Pray

"It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables ..." Acts 6:2

Page one of my summer study. Is it my task, my duty, my privilege, my joy to "serve tables"?  Why, yes! But ... not at the expense of time and response to His word. Convicting.

What's been convicting you lately?

The Lazy-Gal Guide to Planning a Girl's Night

Want to plan the easiest girl-night ever? Send out an e-vite (love these!) to your gal-pals and tell them bring all their old magazines they don't want any more for a swap as well as a treat or drink to share. Done.

An hour before arrival, toss all the random clutter into a pile on the doormat for the children to put away and promise a popsicle if they can get it done in under 15 minutes (You know they will!).  While the child labor is underway, do a quick wipe-down of counters and bathrooms and a speed vacuum and you are ready to go. Remember, your girlfriends don't really care if your house looks perfect, so don't sweat it! (In fact, they'll probably be relieved that your house looks like theirs ... lived in!)

Once the girls arrive, eat frequently, gab incessantly, and be sure everyone goes home with a new-to-them stack of magazines to read when they need a break from productivity. Because we all know, sometimes we'd just rather eat a cookie and read about the 9-day plan to blast back-fat by lifting 28 oz cans of diced tomatoes than fold the laundry. Am I right?

Girls night x Magazine swap = A Good Plan

Paired Up

While elbow deep in birthday cake madness (Lucette has a party tomorrow!), I heard giggles from outside.

A pair of chairs, a pair of Garfield comic books, and a pair of girls. Makes for a good afternoon.

Escaping to a Tree

In Which I Answer Your Questions, Pt. II

 What kind of books do you like? How often to you read?
I adore reading. Granted, there have been seasons where reading has been an utter challenge (hello, newborn babies!), but overall I view it as I do air, water, and pie. One of life's true necessities.

I really like all sorts of books, but I tend to gravitate towards some form of historical fiction. I got to wondering why I like historical fiction so much better than modern-day. For one thing, if  it's well written, it's a great lazy-gal way to learn some new contextual history. If you love to travel, it's a much cheaper way to see the world than an airplane ticket. And also ... I think it's because I can imagine myself as a character set in the past. Somehow feels possible. But modern day? Such an effort to imagine myself as a single young woman with an art career and a penchant for strolling the beach for sea glass ... or a wizened retiree whose decided to take up kick-boxing, dog-training, and opera. It just doesn't work for me.

And as for favorites? On average, I read probably a book a week and then promptly forget the name of it. I'll remember it if you reference the title, but I'm horrible at instant recall on my own. However, I did just finish The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and I looooved it! So clever (a crime-solving 11 year-old girl, 1950's England, w/ a penchant for chemistry and poisons) and I laughed out-loud at some of the witticisms and thought processes of the main-character. I've just started in on Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and have great hopes. I try to keep back-up reads on the shelf that I've picked up at the thrift/used-book store. I'm always on the lookout for vintage Grace Livingston Hill (But not the cheesy-covered reprints of the 90's! I'm a firm believer in judging a book by it's cover.).

And book finding tips? Amazon is a great resource. Find a book you like, look it up on Amazon and see what other titles are purchased by customers who like the same book. And pay attention to the ratings! If it has 4-5 stars and is rated by 30 or more people, it's usually a good bet!

After you've got your title(s), get online with your local library and order up the book. If they don't have it, do an inter-library loan. If your local library network doesn't have it, WorldCat it. WorldCat is a library service that most libraries in the country participate it. For no fee, (although, you have to be willing to wait a bit for it) I've received books from libraries in Texas, colleges in North Carolina, and seminaries in Colorado. (The service is a great resource for hard-to-find Christian titles!) Don't know how to access WorldCat? Call up your library. They are nice there.

And finally, magazines! I love magazines! My favorites are Real Simple, Sunset, Martha Stewart Living, In Style, Health.

What About Travel?
If I had buckets of money lying about, I would travel, travel, travel. My most favorite thing ever. (It's right up there with pie.) I love new places, new people, new food (!!!), new cultures, new vistas. Adore it. I took a European-blitz during a summer in college and have never been the same since. It had a profound effect on me.

Travel widens my view of the world. Gives me a deep appreciation for God's creation and plan for his people. Teaches me to value the differences in customs, cultures, faces, joys, and struggles. And reminds me that we are not so very different from one another after all. We are all just people who are trying to figure out life and, at the end of the day, all still need Jesus.

So. Where would I go tomorrow if I could? I'd go just about anywhere, to be frank. But I would love to see Greece and Turkey. The colors, the culture, the history, the food, the music, the biblical connections, the architecture ... yes. That sounds grand.

Art on the Shelf

 Have you seen these gorgeously bound reprints by Penguin Publishers? So many classics exquisitely done. Oh, there is Woman in White, Little Women, Treasure Island ... the list just goes on. They've been producing them for a little while now and I just keep forgetting to hint during appropriate gifting seasons.

So today, armed with a rare 40% off coupon and a store gift card (my spending hiatus, still in effect) I happily toted home an edition of Pride and Prejudice for our own shelves. Because, really. Books read even better when lovely, don't you agree?

And these particular books? Mercy, I'm so smitten. I've already begun mentally ticking off holidays and b-days as reasons to start purchasing them for the children so we can create a collection. For I've long been a believer that a book, thoughtfully inscribed, is a gift that will endure the seasons. Toys come and go, but isn't there always more room on the shelf for a lovely book?

**Just discovered a smattering of children's titles due out in the fall by Puffin Publishers!

Down-To-Earth Vintage

Last weekend, I managed time to sneak into a country "antique" store for about 45 minutes of vintage bliss. To me, "antiquing" often seems fancy and way out of my price range. But this little wine-country establishment is near perfection. Not too ritzy or spendy, more like fancy thrifting. Fun!

As I walked up the stairs and began eying the goody-laden porch, I immediately spotted a vintage wire basket all marvelous in it's salmony-pinkness. It didn't take much deliberation 'til I knew she was coming home with me.

She's large and sturdy and handles the girls bedroom books like a pro. Her form is stout enough to not budge as they flip through their books and I love how easy it is to see all of the titles at once.

I'm rather smitten with our new friend. She's practical, yet refined ... and not at all stuffy or pretentious. Just my style.

All in a Row

And suddenly, there we all were. Contented, scarf-adorned readers.

A Conscious Effort

So far, I've been pretty good with my new year's goal of breakfasting together. When it doesn't happen, we miss it. I take this as a good sign. Friday's, however, tend to be more casual as Pops is out of the house early and we are afforded a late start.

The kids ate their mush with applesauce and I put together my own little meal. Leftover crustless quiche (mix eggs, little water, a bit of cheese, and any desired veggies and bake at 375 degrees 'til done!), yogurt with blueberries and black coffee. (Plus a new book I was happy to find at the thrift store. Nevermind the good reviews, the cover is gorgeous!)

I've been trying to be more conscious about my sugar intake and my snacking by writing down everything I eat. So revealing! While I force my kids into healthy eating habits and we all eat well at shared meals ... I don't always follow the same rules when on my own. I want to start modeling better habits for my kids as well as establishing them for myself. Writing down every morsel has been forcing me into self-accountability and definitely motivates me to eat well so I'm not embarrassed by my tally at the end of the day!

I'm also finding that preparing my meals and snacks in a simple, but attractive way works for me. I'm more likely to be satisfied, eat sitting down, and enjoy the experience. Presentation makes a world of difference, doesn't it?

I think eating can be a real struggle for those of us stay-at-home gals. We're often at home all day, food accessible, and sometimes ... it's the most exciting thing we can think of in the moment. We all know it's not a good idea to use food for entertainment or comfort, but sometimes a giant bowl of ice cream at 1:30 in the afternoon sounds really, really fantastic. Sometimes is really, really fantastic. Can you relate?

Well, I think I've finally tired of my silly mentality. Food is good! I love it! I'm just going to eat better stuff. A pint of blueberries costs way too much ... but using fruit as a treat instead of ice cream? Completely worth the extra couple bucks. And while I'll never completely swear off sugary delights (who would want to?), I'm going to be more selective and aware. For me, this isn't about weight, it's about health and moderation. It's about setting life patterns for myself. It's time to change my whole perspective.

Are you motivated too? Do you have any methods that work for you? Please do share. You girls really know how to encourage and inspire.

Tea for Me ... and Heloise

The thrift store was very good to me today. Three new shirts (half-off!), a skirt, and a make-me-giddy new book and tray.

The book, Heloise all Around the House, is simply cracking me up. Full of tips from Heloise, "the housewife's favorite helper." After describing a helpful hint, she will then command you authoritatively ... "Try it."

One of my favorite passages is from the section entitled Newlyweds:

After you return from your honeymoon, keep those stars in your eyes. But don't work yourself to death to do it!

When your husband goes off to work, get the most important things done first. Make the bed, do your dishes, empty the ash trays and hang the bath towels straight.

As soon as he walks out the door, fill your kitchen sink with all your dirty dishes and put in some detergent, then turn the hot-water faucet on until the dishes are covered. Forget them for awhile. (Never put your hands in hot water if you can help it. Mother didn't know this in her day.)

Immediately go into the bedroom and make the bed.

Next, go back and have that second cup of coffee or tea. Read the paper. Your dishes are soaking, your beds are made and you aren't in too bad shape even if your mother-in-law drops in.

Don't you just love housewives with a sense of humor? All day I've been musing over her suggestions and then I hear a little no-nonsense voice in my head saying ... "Try it."

On the Reading Docket

84 Charing Cross Road

Watched a wonderful movie last night called 84 Charing Cross Road. Made in the 80's and starring Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, and Judi Dench, it's a story about friendships and books and all the love and quirkiness that comes with both. While the story ends in the late 60's, it begins in the post-World War II era, to which these actual photos are from.

Aren't they lovely? The silent character in the movie is the London bookstore, Marks & Co., and made me nostalgic for the rhythm and fervor of the small bookstore. My grandparents opened a sweet little bookshop over four decades ago and my folks closed doors just a few years ago. Between the internet, Amazon, and Borders, there was just no keeping up.

But times change, and that is okay. I love being able to search for a title online, order, and have it delivered right to my front door. It's a far cry from the days when I would spend weeks searching for a singular, obscure title for a customer. The methods? A simple utilization of catalogs, microfiche films, and chatting up publishers. A lot of work for a $12 book? Yes. But oh the glee in telling Martha Goldenstein ... "I found it."

This movie makes a lot of quiet statements and delivers some delightfully sharp one-liners. Nothing fast-paced about this film, but a steady development of understanding and heart. If you are a bit of a bibliophile, like myself, toss it in your netflix queue or your library basket. And don't forget the pot of tea.

Bindings in Afternoon Shadows

A Little Coffee Break

A quick run to the thrift store today (must find attractive plates for bake-sale cookies!) yielded this old title. I had no idea what the story was about, but how could I resist that cover? After lunch, I acquiesced to the urge and snatched a little break from the day. It was quite nice outside, swaddled in a large blanket (pretty, but chilly out) and accompanied by a pot of Kenyan coffee. I settled in quickly and dove into my new read with contented expectations. So far, so good.

Good Read

If I actually kept a list of favorite books, I think this recent read would have to go on it.

The story is wonderfully written in journal format by an intelligent, transparent, and witty seventeen year-old character. Cassandra writes from a once abandoned and crumbling English castle, which is now home to her impoverished and highly quirky family.


I was particularly entertained by the melodramatic and humorous musings peppered throughout the book.

Another great luxury is letting myself cry -- I always feel marvelously peaceful after that. But it is difficult to arrange times for it, as my face takes so long to recover ...



While written sixty years ago and set in the 30's, this composition reads remarkably modern. It is fantastically peculiar and yet causes surprising introspection. The author seems to write from a secular perspective and then dances with some rather touching thoughts on God and the establishment of church. I like authors who can whip up a dish that merge flavors of sweet, cynical, honest, and funny ingredients.


Since I had such fun with this library find, I thought I'd patron ebay and purchase an old copy. (Old books are indeed so much more fun than new!) Well mercy me, the old copies were selling for 100-450 dollars! Perhaps I will simply content myself with an eight dollar reprint after all...

Permanent Confusion

The permanent-press cycle is usually best for synthetic fibers and for wrinkle-resistant cottons while using regular (vigorous) agitation for a shorter period of time. This reduces wear and tear and pilling. It also provides a cool-down rinse, a cold final rinse, and a slower spin speed.

--Summary from Home Comforts, Cheryl Mendelson

I've always wondered what "permanent press" actually means. Now I know. Sort of. Actually, I might just keep setting it to "regular."

Midday Enchantment

Yesterday:

and

Lovely.