Valentine's Day Crystal Hearts

This is a great 'magical' activity that will surprise and delight all ages!

The kids were absolutely stunned by the crystals that formed on these Valentine hearts, as was I.

The Microwave: I just Can't Seem to Give it Up

The safety of cooking in a microwave has been a debate that's gone on for as long as I can remember. Some claim there is absolutely no danger, as long as the seals are all intact, others claim that radiation leaks out and helps cause cancer (heck, the same waves come from our cell phones and our WiFi. Unless we live in a tech-free zone, we are apparently doomed anyway!).

Chewy Oatmeal Granola Bars

We've tried a lot of different recipes for granola bars over the past couple of years. I was determined to find a successful homemade granola bar when my youngest began to want them all the time. I was tired of paying so much money for a box of excessive packaging and lots of extra--sometimes questionable--ingredients.

Pretty Treats for Our Feathered Friends!

Did you Know? Robins are usually solitary and territorial. But in harsh winter weather, you'll be more likely to see groups of them searching for food together. Keep your birdfeeders well stocked!

Mexican Green Beans with Eggs

This could not be any simpler! And it's absolutely delicious. I found it in a Mexican cookbook when I was looking for a side dish beyond beans and rice for our twice-monthly taco night.

Adzuki Beans; Adorable and Delicious

Day One- Fresh and Delicious on its Own

After Day One- AMAZING with cooked rice or barley!

Easy Wholegrain Flatbread

Oh my goodness...crisp edges...utter deliciousness

On My Birthday, No Less!

I'm crazy excited, super stoked. Today was my birthday, and I gave myself a present; I went to visit the library for the very first installment of ...drumroll... a series on Sustainable Living! It wouldn't have mattered how they advertised, but the picture of a chicken coop with a cat perched on top sold me. Immediately.

Here was the blurb on FB:
Have you ever raised chickens or rabbits in your backyard? Have a bee hive in your yard? If you want to learn more be at the New Haven Branch at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18. This is the first in a series on Sustainable Living.

I Never Knew That! --Sweetgum Balls

You know, the super magical thing about the internet is that it can make you the bearer of almost instant knowledge on just about anything. This comes in handy when you hang out with kids. The 'aha, I never knew!' moments are exhilarating.

For instance, yesterday I finally googled 'tree with spiky balls.' Yeah, I giggled a little inside at the search terms.

Last Minute Pizza Sauce

We make a LOT of homemade pizza around here, for lunch and for supper. I used to swear by a very particular brand of pizza sauce, but we are so spontaneous with our pizza making that it is hard to keep the specific sauce on hand.