On the Summer Solstice

We were expecting rain for the summer solstice but were pleasantly surprised by sunny weather. We decided it would be a perfect night for backyard camping. We just spent time together in our little piece of earth. We set up the tent, we harvested some soft neck garlic, we ate strawberries straight from the vine, watched the moon rise, played Wildcraft, ate popcorn and all snuggled together under one sleeping bag for the night. It was the perfect celebration to welcome summer.
How did you celebrate the solstice?

The Den

In our house there is one room that is an everything room. We call it the den. It is where our computer lives, our writing desk, our library, my sewing table and all the other items that I use for crafting live. It's an overwhelming room to say the least. It is difficult to keep orderly since there is so much changing and living happening in that room. So I've been trying to focus on one corner at a time.

The other day I decided I needed to organize my fabric and yarn so I would know where to find it when a particular project called to me. My sewing table is still a bit disorganized so it is next to be spruced up. But having my fabric organized by material, and length helps immensely then I'm holding a  pattern I was to begin but feeling overwhelmed by all the fabric pouring off my shelf.

My yarn could still use a bit of organization. I had Jon attach some old crates to the wall above my sewing table. Then I used mason jars to store my double pointed needles and the few straight needles I have. The rest of my needles live in my Addi kit which is permanently in my knitting basket. I've also stored a few knitting books a top one of the crates.

It will always be a work in progress but it feels so good to know things are in there place and when I was to start a craft I have a clean slate to work from. It doesn't exactly look pretty (and really I'd love it if it were more esthetically pleasing but I was going for function at the time) but I feel so much more relaxed in this space. I'd love to hear how you organize your creative space. What works for you and what doesn't.

Raw Energy Balls

April is a huge fan of Larabars. So much so that we were spending quite a bit of money each month buying just the bars for her. I had tried making my own before but ended up with a sticky mess. Then we went camping with some friends and she brought along what she called "Laraballs". They were so good, I felt the need to race home and make a large batch of my own. She was kind enough to share her recipe which I have tweaked to make right for us.

I love seeing April eating foods that are healthy and nourishing. She calls these "cookies" and honestly I would rather see her eating a dozen of these than a dozen chocolate chip cookies. There is a lot of room to customize this recipe so make it what your family with enjoy.

Raw Energy Balls
You will need:
1/2 cup dried fruit (I used dates, dried cherries and goji berries)
1/2 cup raw nuts (I used almonds, cashews and walnuts)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4-1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

In a food processor pulse dried fruits and vanilla extract until it forms a ball. Spoon the ball out into a bowl for now. Add the nuts to the food processor and pulse until fine. Add the ball of dried fruit back into the food processor. I like to pulse the two together a couple times then add the cocoa powder. Pulse until well incorporated. Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and squeeze and roll it into a ball. Roll the formed ball in a dish containing the shredded coconut. Repeat until all mixture has been formed. Balls with keep at room temperature in a sealed container for several days.

For the Fathers

You have been the best partner to parent along side. You have given our baby all the love she deserves. You make her laugh more than I do. You are patient when I am not. You are the greatest father. We love you.

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Inspired by SouleMama

Taking Care

 

We are all feeling under the weather here. Summer colds always seem to last longer, missing out on sunshine makes it so much worse. We are drinking lots of fluids, reading books, resting and taking the time to care for our bodies. I hope to be back here sharing projects and ideas very soon but for now I will join my little one in a nap.

Scenes from My Garden

 

Things in the garden are progressing. We are finally at the part where we can start to harvest a few things. A few strawberries have started to turn red, our raspberries are slowly coming ready, the kale and radishes are both ready to eat. I've collected chamomile for tea and chive and sage for cooking. I have calendula that I was hoping to use to make a lotion infusion but April picks them before I get a chance. Oh well, I'd rather she pick calendula than pick fruit blossoms.

Speaking of fruit blossoms, the blackberries are coming into bloom. I'm not sure who is more excited, us or the bees. I think we shall get quite the haul of blackberries again this year. It also looks like the garlic is getting ready to bloom. What to do with all those scapes? We used them last year for pesto and we still have some left! I found a recipe for pickled garlic scapes so I think I might give that a try. Can't waste a thing from the garden.

I have some fertilizing (I'm giving seaweed fertilizer another go this year), weeding and mulching to do this weekend. The garden has no down time, it is always growing, always changing. It's been such a joy for me this year. I've been taking my time, observing more than before, and feel more in touch with my garden as the years go on. We are getting to know each other better and better with each passing year. I can't wait to see what the summer brings.