PLAY: Going to the Market.

We have a wonderful farmer's market in our city that I absolutely adore.

It seems so simple, but on a Saturday morning, going to the market is one of my favorite weekend activities.

We don't always buy things, but I just love being in the atmosphere of the market.
Everyone is always so cheerful.
The farmers are so happy to share their vast knowledge and are generous with offering samples of their goods.
The shoppers tend not to be rushed or grouchy.
The creativity flourishes and it always makes me want to go home and try to create something new.
And the food is just so very good.

Food just picked from the earth has such a wonderful taste.

And you feel good supporting local, small farms.

If you have never been to your local farmer's market, consider going this week.  For me, it is much more than a shopping trip.  It is something so enjoyable and holds so many teachable moments for our children.

And I just love it so much!

Here is a link to farmer's markets across the US.  Happy shopping!

NEST: Jars.

Last week Whitney wrote about increasing the amount of water you drink in a day with some fun suggestions. Mountain Knitter left a comment that ties in to today's post:


Mountain Knitter said...

I love those add-in ideas! Thanks!! I drink my water out of a wide-mouth quart canning jar ;)

There's something about glass jars that inspires me. They look fresh and clean. When filled, they beautifully showcase what's inside. And, I have so many in my house. Just open your refrigerator and you will see what I mean. You can certainly dump those used jars into the recycling bin, but an even greener alternative is to reuse them. Once I started thinking about it, I realized that I have reused them all over my house. You may have jars that were once filled with spaghetti sauce, salsa, baby food, peanut butter, or applesauce. No matter what, you can find a new use for them! Here are a few of my favorites:

How do you reuse in your home?

PRAY: bible study

Last night I officially started a new bible study.

I'm really excited for the new adventure and I will be sure to report back with details. I was in a wonderful small group throughout middle school and high school, and now that I've settled in Atlanta, I'm eager to find the same type of fellowship here.

We're starting by reading Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. Has anyone else read it? I've been told it's very uplifting and enjoyable to read. I will be sure to let you know what I think!


image via

MAKE: Frameable.

When I was about Lily's age, I drew a picture for my aunt of a handful of multi-colored hearts.

She was so sweet as to frame that picture and hang it in her house.
And when I got older, she gave me that precious picture back in the frame to hang in my room.
It has been a treasured item of mine for years.

It meant so much to me that she would have framed it when I was little.  And that she held onto it for so many years.  And that she saw the beauty in a 4 year old's art.

Lily recently drew a picture for Crosby of our family.  It proudly hangs in his crib.  She was hoping to remind him of his family waiting at home who loves him dearly.  I almost cried when she showed me the picture.  It is beautiful and simple and brings such warmth to my heart.  She drew it in all black because she knew his eyes can best see black and white right now.  And I cannot wait to frame this simple picture.

Sometimes I forget that art need not be professionally done or complicated.  Sometimes it is the most simple thing that can stir your heart the most.  Consider framing something special and memorable to you.  Whether it be a collection of ticket stubs or photos from a trip or coasters from special dates or a card you've received or just a child's art.  It may become your most treasured piece of art.

EAT: Let's Grill!

'Tis the season to break out the grill. So, let's talk about grilling some meat! Probably once a month, my husband tells me how thankful he is that I am not a vegetarian. While he loves many of Courtney's vegetarian recipes, he is (without a doubt) a meat eater. When you are craving a juicy burger, you can make some choices that will make less of an environmental impact.

Livestock emissions are among the highest contributors to greenhouse gases, so eating meat less frequently is better for our planet. I'm still working on convincing Jose of this. Eat smaller portions or combine the meat with veggies, and I'm betting that you won't notice much of a difference.

Choose meat that is local. Most cities have farmers' markets up and running, so start there. Talk to the farmers or vendors. Simply buying your beef, chicken or turkey locally decreases the amount of gas required and pollution created.

Ask the vendors how their beef or chicken is raised. Often, farmers will use organic methods for raising meat or vegetables without being certified organic due to costs. Free-range, grass-fed is best. Even when eggs or chicken are labeled as "cage-free" the animals may never step foot outside. They simply have an access point to the outdoors. Worry less about labels and more about conditions. Not only is this better for the animals and environment, but it's better for you.

Make better choices while grilling. Use lump charcoal instead of briquets and a charcoal chimney instead of lighter fluid. Your charcoal grill will then be closer to carbon neutral. If you're going to use a gas grill, try to purchase one that is energy efficient.

Don't give in to the quick clean-up temptation. Even if you're eating outside, use your regular dishes and cloth napkins. The plastic plates and paper napkins may seem like part of the season, but they don't need to be.

Get outside and enjoy!

PLAY: water

As the sun is getting hotter and the days are getting longer, I just can't stay indoors. From long runs to reading on my patio, I'm itching to be in the fresh air. 

With this change, I've also found myself dying of thirst at night. Although I consider myself to be a very avid water drinker, it's amazing how much more I need when it's warm. As I aim to transition to summer-worthy consumption levels, I've decided to get a little more creative with my H20.

Courtney has recommended that I add a little seltzer and fruit (or a tiny splash of fruit juice) to my water, which definitely helps around 3 pm, when I am yearning for something sweet (like iced coffee). My favorite combinations are either grapefruit juice, or citrus fruits, best when shaken, not stirred, in my water bottle.

I've also heard that freezing fruit into ice cubes really jazzes things up. This is less portable and not an option for me during the workday, but I think trying it on the weekend might make for a lovely activity.

Another option, which is great for those who are prone to stomachaches is to add ginger, cucumber, lemon and spearmint, which will soothe your tum and feel like a poolside cocktail sans calories.

If you can't quite bear the thought of adding things to blissfully simple water, try switching up your routine. Throw in a straw, buy a fun new glass, or switch to a water bottle.

With bonuses like boosting your metabolism, clearing up your skin and keeping you regular, I'd say it's definitely worth it to make yourself a little hydration station.


images via fitbie

NEST: Fresh.

This truly has to be one of my favorite times of year.

Everything is so fresh and alive and vibrant.

I adore spring and with the promise of summer on the horizon, it is just an amazing season.

And it is the perfect time of year to plant something in your own backyard!

I absolutely do not have a green thumb, but there is something so very fulfilling about harvesting something out of your own yard.

My husband and I have had a garden in flower boxes on our deck, in pots in our kitchen, in the dirt on the side of our home and in a raised bed in our backyard.  

Each garden we have planted has had varying degrees of success, but it has always been a lot of fun and so satisfying to put something on your plate that you grew and nurtured yourself.

If you live in an apartment and don't have a yard, consider planting herbs or flowers in pots on your deck or even near a window inside.  

Many herbs are very hearty and even I have a hard time killing them!  

Some of the easier plants to grow include:

- beans

- lettuces

- tomatillos

- basil

- green peppers

- tomatoes

- garlic

- sunflowers

You can buy packets of seeds or for an even easier option, you can buy them as seedlings.

Many gardening stores even sell the seedlings in pots that biodegrade in the soil so you don't even have to take the plant out of the pot!  It couldn't be much easier!

Of course, you want to read the instructions that come with your plants and be sure to plant them at the correct depth and space, in the correct sunlight and give them the right amount of water.

Whatever your success or level of gardening experience, I hope you find your gardening enjoying and fulfilling!