PLAY: Get Fizzy

Courtney and Whitney have both mentioned their love for a glass of fizzy water with some fruit juice added. It's a great way to limit soda intake and curb a craving for a sweet drink. I jumped on the "fizzy water and splash of fruit juice" bandwagon this summer. And, my husband basically took it over. Seriously, I couldn't keep a bottle of carbonated water in the house. While it is not a great expense, I did begin to feel guilty about the number of plastic bottles I was recycling. As you know, it's best not to recycle, but to reuse.

In honor of reusing and reducing (as well as Father's Day), I purchased a Sodastream Genesis for my husband. We are hooked! The machine itself requires no electricity--no cord, no batteries. It's slim, taking up very little space on our counter. Since we're just carbonating plain water, it calls for very little cleaning. It comes with BPA-free, reusable bottles. They feel very sturdy. And, the best part is that it takes about twenty seconds to make a liter of fizzy water, including the time it takes to fill the bottle with water. It might just be the treat you need to get yourself through the hot, hot days of summer.

NEST: wash and dry

When I moved into my new apartment, I had been doing laundry for years. However, for some reason I couldn't find the lint trap on my dryer. It was nowhere to be found! After a few months, I mentioned this to Courtney and she explained a few more places where it might be. Lo and behold! I basically had a carpet hanging out in my dryer.

It made me realize that it might be time to brush up on my skills. I've since gathered a few washer and dryer  tips:

• You can fill a front-loader to the brim, but don't cram clothes past where the last row of holes is near the door. And in a top-loader, don't go above the central column. Avoiding this will allow your clothes to move freely and stay wrinkle free. 
• Don't add extra detergent - it does not get things any cleaner, and actually can lead extra residue, making your clothes look dingy.
• Leave the washer door open after each load to avoid mildew. 
• Don't over wash clothes that don't get worn too often. For example, if you only wear something to work, where you're indoors and sitting most of the day, you probably only need to wash it every few times you wear it. 
• If your gym clothes are really stinky, rinse them in the sink immediately after working out. When you wash them, opt for hot water if you aren't a cold-water-only-girl.
• If you're going to wash a down comforter, dry it on a low heat with a tennis ball to to fluff it. 

Happy washing :)

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PRAY: Summertime

I love how much quieter our schedule becomes in the summertime.

I love warm mornings spent in grubby clothes going for a run, and doing yard work and heading to the pool.  I love not feeling rushed to get ready for the day.  I love the carefree long days.

But one thing I do miss during the summer is my weekly Bible study.  I have a wonderful study that meets during the school year that provides me with amazing fellowship and helps to keep me grounded.  And I miss it dearly over the summer.

This summer, a dear friend and I are planning to read a book and study it together.  While it won't be a formal Bible study, it will be great to challenge one another and help hold each other accountable.

There are so many options for studying the Word.  There are books that have study guides to help you along the process.  Or consider just reading a book with a friend and discussing it weekly.  There is also a wonderful online community of women coming together for Bible study here.  Check it out!

How do you challenge yourself spiritually over the summer?

MAKE: For the Little Girl in Your Life

Coming up with gift ideas for the little ones in my life is a delight, especially when the gift is something I can create. I love when inspiration strikes--I know just what I want to make and am pretty sure that the recipient will appreciate it.

My niece, Bella, loves playing with hair. Loves pink. Loves Rapunzel. With her birthday coming up in July, I wanted to create a special hair styling kit just for her--complete with brush, hair tie, barrette, and ribbon holders. I wanted it to be little girl appropriate, but functional enough that she could use it for years to come. I wanted it to be pink, of course.

Hair Styling Kit Tutorial
(Sorry this turned out to be longer than I had anticipated!)

Supplies: Two colors/patterns fabric (mine were 9" by 23" plus fabric for a small pocket), complementary color ribbon, one button, elastic, hair supplies

Cut two rectangles (9" by 23") of each fabric. (The bag folds into three sections--two 8", one 7" long. The 7" sections will fold in as the innermost layer.)

Cut one rectangle of outside fabric (6" by 14") for the interior pocket

 Making the pocket: Fold down and sew the short ends of the pocket fabric.

Fold fabric with right sides together to make the pocket. Leave extra length on one end to fold over. Sew down each side.

 Add velcro to fasten the pocket.

Attaching Elastics, Pockets, and Ribbon: Lay out all of the pieces that you plan to attach. I included a pocket for hair ties, elastic to hold the brush, and ribbons to attach barrettes and hair ribbons.

Sew the ends of the ribbons into place, leaving a tail on each end that will tuck into the seam at the sides. Then, sew each ribbon in three places to make four sections on each. Attach the pocket and the elastic for the brush.

 Attach a button to the exterior panel about 7 inches from the end.

Putting it Together: Pin right sides of panels together and sew around three sides, leaving one end open to attach the button loop.

 Cut a piece of batting that is slightly smaller than the bag (8 1/4" by 22")

 Insert the batting through the open end.

 Sew a fold line between each of the three sections.

 Fold the fabric under on the open end and insert your ribbon for a button loop. Sew straight across. (Ironing would probably be helpful...)

 Finishing: Add your hair supplies. And, share it with a little girl in your life.

What is your favorite gift you've given to a kiddo you know?

EAT: veggie burgers

I’ve already admitted that I’m a veggie burger addict. And after months of making the recipe Courtney sent me* last fall, I think I am finally ready to share it. This is a big deal…

Corn and Two Bean Burgers:

2 T olive oil
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 c dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup corn (if canned, then drained)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 large egg

For burgers, heat oil in a large skillet over med high.

Combine kidney beans and black beans in a bowl and partially mash with a fork. Add breadcrumbs, corn, onion and egg and stir until well combined. Add any spices you might want. FYI - I normally need more bread crumbs in order to get them to stick. Form into four to six patties. Add patties to pan and cook about four min on each side or until crisp and beginning to brown. If you’re making a large batch and freezing them, I prefer to freeze them raw, and then cook them later, but Courtney prefers to cook then freeze.

Also, I don’t do ketchup, but Courtney makes this Chipotle version for them. If you dare eat ketchup, I think this is the way to go…

For Chipotle Ketchup:
1/3 c ketchup
1 t honey
1 t lime juice
1/2 t chipotle chile powder
1/2 t cumin

Combine ingredients, add to burger, and enjoy!

*Are you noticing a pattern? Kind of a recipe thief…

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PLAY: Free

We recently attended a polo match at a local vineyard.  The backdrop was picturesque and the entertainment was wonderful.  It was the perfect way to spend a warm spring afternoon.  And the best part was that it was free!

I think we often get stuck in a rut of thinking that entertainment comes at a cost.  However, there are so many activities that can be enjoyed without spending a dime.

Some of my favorite local activities (that you probably have in your city) include:

- Going to a park with a picnic.

- Enjoying a hot afternoon at a spray ground.

- Going to the library with a list of books you'd like to read in hand.  And if you have kids, enjoying story time at the library.

- Our city pools have several free days each summer where admission is waved.  

- Going on a strenuous hike.

- Having a lemonade stand.

- Hosting a pitch in cookout or picnic. (Just a small cost if everyone contributes!)

- Enjoying farmer's markets.

- All comers track meets (these sometimes cost $1 to participate in)

- Join a book club!

- Going to local museum exhibits.

- Start or join a playgroup.

- Going to a beach, lake, or river for a swim!

- Many cities have free outdoor summer concerts.  We adore these!

This is just a small list that might give you some ideas of some inexpensive summer entertainment.  

What are some of your favorite free summer activities?

NEST: Finding home on a business trip.

About a week ago, my husband learned that he was expected to be in Florida for work. He knew it was coming, but didn't expect to be given only 3 days notice prior to stepping foot into the office. I knew that if Griffin and I wanted to accompany Jose, I would have to do all of the preparation on our end, while Jose prepared for the work he would do. I rushed around our house--cleaning, packing, watering plants, doing laundry. I made lists of things that make life more convenient and planned to pack them or think of alternatives we could find at our condo. I know, for example, that Griff does better with his special milk cup and water bottle to drink and his stuffed cow to sleep. I know that I need lightweight, comfortable long pants for evenings and our jogging stroller for my sanity.

Some people truly adore business travel. Since Jose was dreading it, I took it as a challenge to prove that it could be a fun and relaxing change of pace. I knew it would be a matter of making our condo feel like home. A few of the things I considered were what we would eat, how we would sleep and what we would do to make this business trip feel like vacation.

1. Food: If you can stay in a studio or one bedroom place with a kitchen, you have a huge advantage. You can end up making money off your food stipend if you don't eat out all the time.

Plan a menu for the week ahead of time. You may be more exhausted than normal with the pace of work or a time change and having a meal on the schedule keeps you from being tempted to give in to fast food joints. If you arrive the evening before you're expected to work, find the grocery and get your necessities.

If you always feel great when you eat eggs, toast, and a banana for breakfast, but your hotel offers a continental breakfast of Eggo waffles and doughnuts and bagels, make your own protein-rich meal. There may be a tiny twinge of guilt that you're not taking advantage of the "free food," but you'll feel better for it.

2. Sleep: Get enough of it. Bring your favorite pillow if you need it. Keep your normal bedtime and routine. Although you may be tempted to skimp on toiletries, so you don't need to check a bag, packing your regular face soap, night cream and toothpaste may help your brain prepare for sleep.

If you always sleep with a fan or noise maker, try to pack it or find a substitute. You could call ahead and ask if you could borrow a fan from maintenance. Making yourself comfortable at night will make each day a little brighter.

3. Vacation: You're traveling, so you should get to pamper yourself just a bit. Plan a meal or two out during the week at restaurants that locals recommend. If you're near the beach, take a walk or run on the sand each night after work. Buy yourself a cup or two of fancy coffee on your way into the office. Or, (what I'm longing for) schedule a pedicure at a nearby spa.

Griffin and Jose on our family business trip.

Try to Keep Your Green Going: Buy only what you need at the grocery store--just because it's on sale does not mean you need a family-size bottle of ketchup. Travel with your own toiletries, instead of buying the travel-size shampoo. Pack a water bottle that you can refill, so you won't feel the need to buy bottled water. Borrow a map of the area and plot out any errands that you need to run to prevent wasting gas driving all over town. Ask about recycling at your hotel or condo so you can be responsible with the trash that you will inevitably create.

Just remember: If it's really important to you, take it with you!