Learning Together

 If you’re a Facebook user come like my page concerning essential oils. It’s a good way to start a conversation if you’re interested in essential oils (and if you’re interested in a healthy lifestyle, you are probably interested in essential oils. You just might not know it yet!) I will post regular tips and information regarding the oils and how to use them.If you’re like me, you are constantly learning and this page will give us the opportunity to learn side by side. You can click below to like the page or follow the link in the menu above.

Can’t wait to see what we find!

~Cate 

Tuesday Morning Musings

I’ve been meaning to write something for a while now. I tried numerous times before, but either I (or my writing) was never focused enough. This morning, however, I was sitting out on our back porch because I was drawn early out of bed by unknown forces. I sat for a while listening to the peaceful birds, watching the peaceful lake and feeling inside similar to a tornado of hummingbirds. My mind would not settle on any one thing but hopped from one flower-thought to another, leaving destruction in the wake. I began to write to relieve some pressure and something okay-ish emerged.

It went like this:

I am trying to sit here on the porch and slow down. But I am freaking out inside. My mind is on all the things I want—“need” to be doing. Clean the house, travel, spend time with family, read the many books lying around my room, organize my stuff, get my head together, FIGURE IT OUT. That last one is the biggest, the most difficult. Figure out where I’m going, what I’m doing, why I feel this or that . . . Understand more, discover more.  

Part of the reason being nineteen is so scary is that I’m old enough to start “figuring out” what to believe, what’s right and true. But I’m also young enough to keep changing and reinventing and redefining my not-so-solid beliefs, values and ideals.

That’s not even the scariest part, though. The scariest part is that when I was nine, I was sure that by now things would be much clearer. Things would be worked out and, I would know exactly what to do, who to choose, which path to take.

But in reality I don’t even know where I’m walking, and even if there were road signs, I probably wouldn’t know how to read them. The scariest part is looking ahead and realizing if I live as I intend to, I will need to keep redefining my ideas so that they don’t get dusty and make people sneeze. Yes, I will have a core of beliefs that remain constant, but mostly my ideas about “the way things are” will constantly be changing. That means I will probably feel nineteen at twenty-nine, at thirty-nine and probably even ninety-nine. (Maybe I’ll have it figured out by one hundred.)

From there, I have a set of choices.

One choice is to descend into a steady stream of hopelessness; nothing will ever change. Another choice is to turn to a false wall. Pour cement over the things I think I know and don’t let anyone tell me that I am wrong.

The choice I hope I always choose is mostly an option because of what I do believe. My belief in God helps me to feel secure in the knowledge that I will never be sure, not really. Although I try to figure God out, he is constantly growing out of the cardboard box I try to tuck Him into. My final choice is that I could move forward. I could open myself up to not knowing yet, not understanding just now. Then I could be okay with that.

Perhaps this is not applicable to anyone else, and this is simply a diary entry born from a phase in my life. I have a sneaking suspicion, however, that I’m not the only one who doesn’t know what I am doing, and I for one will probably never figure it out. Sometimes knowing someone else doesn’t have life all sorted out either is a priceless comfort. So I will take what I have—the lake, the birds, the peace—and be okay.      

My Road to Gettysburg

My mother, father and three siblings are from sunny central Florida and I am living in Gettysburg, PA.

Life is an adventure, and I am constantly bombarded with the reality of how unpredictable and amazing it can be.

On a hike through the Appalachian Trail. 

I am spending the summer in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with David and Junko Young and their four sons. It has been an amazing, crazy and unpredictable adventure.

Florida, where my family lives, is a long way from Gettysburg, it's true. It's a pretty good story of how I migrated north.

I had just graduated from high school. I knew I wanted to do something amazing but I wasn't sure what it would be. I wasn't ready for college, not yet knowing where my passion lay. Having been home-schooled and one of four children in a close-knit family had molded me into a person with different qualities than my peers. I was faced with the question of what I would do with these mismatched talents cultivated in me. I was praying for an adventure where I could use them.

In the fall, I took a trip with my family to our hometown in New Jersey. It was a great trip. On our way south, we stopped at Gettysburg. I had been there a handful of times since I was a kid, and I had always wanted to live there in an offhand kind of way.

All along US 15 are signs on bicycles advertising "The Lion Potter". The signs are quirky, inviting conversation as you drive along. We had visited The Lion Potter every time we went to Gettysburg and loved it. Naturally we went this time as well to introduce my dad to David Young, the potter. David engaged us in conversation, and it happened to come up that he and his wife were working on the concept of a healthy rest stop. He related how much they were doing and all the things they were working on. I was intrigued.

That spirit within me prodded me to ask, "Do you need help with this?"

Of course, I didn't know that just that morning David and Junko had made it a point to pray for an extra hand. They thought it would be coming from Japan where Junko is originally from but instead it was little old me.

I reached out again after I went home and ended up in Gettysburg in December for a two week trial and loved it. I've been living in Pennsylvania full-time since February.  

At first it was scary and hard to explain to people. However, I am learning so much and gaining so much experience that it's not hard to explain anymore. I'm on an adventure, and I am exactly where God wants me.

Wheat croissant experiment for cafe menu. Success? I think so. 

 I have always loved to cook, but I am cultivating a style and learning from Junko and David. We eat three sit-down meals every day, so there is always opportunity to make a meal.

We are working on taking the rest stop from an idea to a reality (read more about that here or here). I am mostly in charge of any online work.

The four boys are home-schooled, and I help teach them and give input from my years of being taught at home.


I have been learning about natural healing methods, whole eating and methods of being self-sufficient that I had never thought of before.

It's been spectacular, and I try something new every day.

I wanted to share because it amazes me again all the time how things can work out for a marvelous purpose.

-Cate    

The four boys and me. Some of the greatest guys I know!   

Days 30 & 31

       Of course, I couldn't be expected to ACTUALLY write the last posts on time could I? Oh, well. My last two days were pretty uneventful. There was the fourth of July prep and then the day itself. Prep included cleaning the house and cooking.
       Cleaning the house with a two year old at my heels, that is. The cooking was just me. Colin is a very independent two year old who didn't give me any trouble while I cleaned except for one thing. I was cleaning the tub as I usually do, spraying scrubbing bubbles, sprinkling baking soda and scrubbing away and then turning on the shower to wash all the muck down. Colin came up and stuck his hand in the stream of water while I scrubbed the rest out and then he disappeared for a moment. By some muted instinct I knew what was coming next but did nothing to stop it. All of a sudden he was in the shower I was trying to clean, grinning at me through the water. The little booger. I merely had time to instruct that he was NOT to pee in my clean tub.
     
       The fourth was fun and fairly relaxing. We cooked, cleaned and decorated (a little) until a few friends arrived later. We played a lot of spoons, ate a lot of s'mores and then piled into the car and inched our way downtown to watch the fireworks.
       It was really beautiful, actually. Everyone in my family said it was the best display we've seen in Florida since we've moved. In our small town in New Jersey, we got the parade and fireworks and it was generally more organized. But here, we haven't found any good parades and the fireworks are hard to find and to get to. So this time we got a perfect spot at the edge of the lake and sat on top of the car to watch (with plenty of OFF handy). They were really great and I always say that the older I get the more I like fireworks. Plus, over the lake you not only see the local display, but also the ones way across. Basically, you're surrounded by fireworks. It's pretty beautiful.

       So, this marks the end of my 31 days. It's been fun to write, even if I'm not exactly the most consistent of bloggers. My next project on this blog will be 10 days of DIY Pinterest Projects. We'll see how that goes!    

Twenty-Nine

       Ugh . . . I am exhausted! That kind of exhausted where you know you ought to get rest but you still have things to do and you're hung up on the fact that you still have to get up at 7 AM tomorrow. UGH!

       And here I am writing but I'm SO CLOSE to 31, I can feel it. Well, today was nothing special but I'll write about it anyway. I woke up early (sob) dragged myself away from some dreams and kick started my day with a reeses. Wow, I have a serious problem. Oh well, if I'm living according to the great wisdom of "Friends" 'the diet starts tomorrow' anyway. Later, we took Colin to visit Devyn and go swimming and he informed me I should "always swim with a buddy". The kid could kill with his cuteness.
       We dropped bubba off on the way home (puke free, woo hoo!) and stopped to pick up groceries where I was NOT picked on by any creepy old guys. Look at that, things do get better. At home I made dinner, ate dinner, cleaned up from dinner and sat down to watch "Warm Bodies" with my family. It was the second time I've seen it and it's still a really great movie.
       Although it's summed up and looks rather boring written out, that was my day. It's always nice to have a busy day, I just hope I get a little downtime this weekend. I feel like I haven't stopped going for at least a week now. Tomorrow should be a little slower. Let's hope!    

Potatoes Au Gratin

     

       I found a cool food network article, 50 Things to Grill in Foil, and although I don't have a grill I thought a few would be yummy to adapt to an oven. Tonight I tried #41, Potatoes Au Gratin and the following is my adaptation. They turned out delicious for me, although you might call them upside down potatoes au gratin because the best, crispy ones are on the bottom!

Ingredients:
-1/4 C. Parmesan, gruyere and swiss cheese (or just add your favorite cheese!)
-4 Tbsp. melted butter
-4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
-Salt and pepper to season
-1/2 C. heavy whipping cream
-1 Tbsp. or so of garlic (you can add more or less depending on how much you like garlic.)

You will also need:
-Tinfoil
-Medium size casserole dish

Oven:
Your oven will need to be preheated to 425 degrees. I usually do this when I think I'm 5-10 minutes from finishing the prep work.

Directions: 
       Peel and thinly slice your potatoes. I used a mandolin (God bless the mandolin) but as long as the slices are thin (seriously, thick slices = hard to cook through) it doesn't matter what you use.

            

       Grate your cheese, mince your garlic and melt your butter. In a large bowl combine the cheeses, potatoes, butter, salt and pepper and garlic. Time to get your hands messy; make sure the butter and cheese coats every potato!

       Line your casserole dish with plenty of tinfoil. I made the mistake of not sealing in the heat well enough and it took a lot longer to cook. Layer your potatoes into the foil-lined baking dish. 

       Pour the cream over the potatoes, making sure to coat each one. Now this is important: make sure to seal the potatoes into as much of a secure packet as you can. You don't want any heat escaping! 

       Place the baking dish into your preheated oven on the bottom rack and cook for 25-30 minutes. Mine took about 40, but as I said, I didn't seal them up well. After I adjusted the tinfoil they cooked much faster. When potatoes are tender enough for a fork to go cleanly through, they are finished. Pull out, open up the packet and serve!

       Enjoy! 

Twenty-Five And The Previous Days

       I've missed so many days but I'm so close to finishing the 31 days that I might as well keep going. So here are the days I have missed!

Tuesday: Zoo Day
       We debated going to universal but it's just so stinkin HOT. We went to the zoo, instead, and I took bubba around to see all the animals. Colin loves the zoo and so before going he drew a picture for the "'nakes" and monkeys, llamas and birdies. Although, he was skeptical that they really had parrots until I showed him. Also, a few of the volunteers in the herpetarium were holding snakes but it quickly became apparent that Colin likes his snakes safely behind the glass. He did tentatively pet the snake skin, however, after making absolutely positive that it would not bite him.     

Wednesday: Pantry Day
       Wednesday was one of those days you have to say to yourself, 'I am so lucky for the food I have in my pantry and my freezer.' Seriously, this was the kind of week where we really had to look beyond our situation and be happy. It really wasn't a bad week but it is always so easy to fall into the sticky trap of thinking, "why are we here, again?" whether it's financial or spiritual or something else entirely.
       Actually, though, I did bring David out to run some errands and we had a nice time. That made my day!

Thursday: Lazy Day
       "Lazy" is a relative term. I slept in and then I got up and got a surprising amount of work done around the house (I think my to-do list is magic). Afterwards I settled down to watch some Doctor Who.
       Actually, between today and yesterday I've watched a disgraceful amount of Doctor Who. Like, seriously, an embarrassing amount. But I'm so close to finishing!

Friday:
       I didn't watch Doctor Who ALL day. Just a good part of it. I slept in, made nutella pancakes for my sister and I, and watched a movie before browsing around the mall for a bit. I didn't get anything; I'm insanely cheap and one glance at the eight dollar underwear or fifty dollar sweatshirt had me running for the door, unfortunately. I like pretty things, don't get me wrong, I just like them to cost as little as possible.

       So those are my missing entries. Hopefully I will be a little more with it tomorrow because "Tomorrow is another day" or something like that.        

Homemade Laundry Detergent

     

       There are some things that are just too insane to buy ready-made. I feel like laundry detergent is one of them. My motto is, if you can make it yourself, don't buy it. My mom started making the laundry detergent a while ago and after I learned how to do it I've kept us stocked. One batch usually lasts at least a month (and that's with five people) and it's insanely easy. This isn't an original recipe, we found it online, I'm just not sure where!
       What you'll need:
          -1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
          - 1/2 cup Borax
          -1/3 of a bar of Fells Naptha soap (or any bar soap, but wal-mart sells Fells Naptha now!)
          -Lots of water
          -A bucket
          -Any scents you want

       Recipe: 
       In a medium sauce pan, pour six cups of water and the bar of soap. You can grate it but I usually just chop it with a knife and it crumbles to workable pieces. Melt the soap in the water over medium-high heat, but don't let it come to a full boil. When the soap is mostly melted (for me there are usually a few stragglers that don't melt) pour in the washing soda and borax. Stir until dissolved and remove from heat. Pour four cups of hot water into your bucket and then pour in your soap mixture. Then add 22 more cups of water. Stir it all together, add any scent you might want, cover and let it sit for 24 hours. At first it will be watery but after sitting it will have a gel-like consistency. Use a 1/4 cup with every load and you're good to go.

       Enjoy!

Twenty-One

       Ten more days until I hit 31! How exciting. I've not been the most consistent writer, perhaps, but I do my best. My blog is rather hap-hazard at the moment, but as I post more I am hoping to get it more organized.
       Today was a nice stay-at-home day. I got to dust my room, clean the kitchen, spruce some things up and work in the garden. Oh, and I managed some homemade brownies, as well. Not too shabby, I guess.
       Now, I'm always trying to find ways to make a weeks cleaning easier. As I worked and thought, and took breaks to glance through pinterest, I kept thinking of this. For me, it's best if it stays clean ALL WEEK until I can go back and clean it. It doesn't always work that way though. The counters, for instance, cannot keep themselves decent. For shame, counters, you dirt collectors! So, to make my week easier, I find it better to keep our counters free of junk so we can wipe them down easily. What is one thing you do that makes the week's cleaning go smoother?

       So, growing up we were always the "buy the brownie mix" type of people but I couldn't tell you the last time I bought brownie mix. It just doesn't make sense anymore, the homemade is too good! 

       My homemade brownie recipe: (keep in mind these are delicious-read: horrible for you)

1 cup sugar (I feel guilty just writing that)

1 cup butter 

A pinch of salt (DON'T IGNORE ME, I'm in the recipe for a reason!)

3/4 cup cocoa powder

4 eggs

1 cup flour

       Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl beat together the sugar, salt and butter. Add the cocoa, flour and eggs and combine into butter mixture. Spread in a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until knife comes out clean.  

       Below are the pictures of the sprucing up I did in our pantry. Our pantry is large, with shelves on one end and storage on the other. We just had these aprons precariously hung on a nail so I used my handy dandy drill-skills to put up some hooks. I found these pictures in our stored decorations and they made the project, fitting perfectly above each apron hook.

Day 20, Catching Up

       Day 20 and I'm seriously slacking on the whole writing thing.
       I spent the beginning part of the weekend at my best friend's house enjoying time with her and her family. We went to the Typhoon Lagoon, saw World War Z and watched many, many movies. We may have watched Mamma Mia and there may have been some serious singing/dancing going on. I have been so blessed with our friendship because when I say I can be myself around this girl, I mean it. I had a great time with their whole family.
       This morning I had my usual Sunday school, preparations and handing out snack and singing songs and reading book and just all of the little things you expect to do when you're taking care of two year olds. I love my Sundays because they are becoming a set pattern now. I was so proud of myself, however, I woke up early and did yoga before getting ready and I couldn't believe how much easier it made the morning.
       After church we had dinner with my sister and her husband and enjoyed a really mellow afternoon. Maybe I'm boring, but I always think those days where you get to sit at the table long after doing the dishes are rather restorative.
        That's where I'll leave it, because my computer is literally about to die. Hang on little guy. Until tomorrow.    

Shirt To Slouch Bag

        Here is the tutorial I used for this bag. You have to scroll down a little on the page to find it.
        I made a few changes to mine. I sewed up the bottom, cut off the top, right under the sleeves, and (since it was long sleeved) used the sleeves as the handles.
        For the handles I just cut the ends of sleeves that were connected to the shirt originally so that they were straight and not diagonal. Then I cut them in half at the seam and sewed them onto the bag. Aside from a few quilting classes when I was younger I don't have any formal training, so I don't know the sewing lingo and the best way I can describe how I sewed on the handles is bunching. I bunched them up. What a great word.
        After I had the sleeves (handles) on the bag, I started on the lining. I think it really makes the bag perfect because the orange pops against the print.
        First, I cut off the top of another shirt so the bottom was approximately the size of the bottom of the bag. I DID NOT sew up the bottom of shirt number two, yet. After cutting it, I pinned it all around the top of the bag, right sides together, hanging over the handles. I sewed that up, flipped it inside and sewed the bottom of the lining shut. Finally, I sewed the sleeves--handles, excuse me--together. Voila, my master creation. I think it will be nice for overnights, just to tuck in clothes, a book, yada, yada. It's very roomy.
        Sorry for the lack of pictures, I hand sewed it so I did most of it this morning while I was waiting before church. Enjoy!     
  

10 Steps To Getting, and Staying, Organized

       

       As I've said before I like to be organized and these are the secrets to my success when it comes to organizing things (and keeping them that way!) around my house.

1. Organize Around Your Personality 

    There will never be one set of rules to organizing. This or that aspect of several different methods may be what you go for, or maybe you have to create your own method. Feel it out and see what works for you! The definition of organize is "arrange into a structured whole". Your way of arranging your things may be different then everyone else's. The point is to make it easier to get to everything you need in a way that won't keep falling apart.  

2. Choose ONE Section At a Time

    Don't try to build Rome in a day. Because it ain't happening. I find that if I try to deal with too many areas at once, I get frustrated and give up the whole thing. If you are organizing a lot of clutter, break it down. First sort it into shoes, then sort through your shoes.     

3. Sort Through

    I don't care if you just went through that, go through it again! I tell myself "You can always get rid of more!" Make trash, donation and keeping piles. 

4. Create Sub-Sections

    After you've sorted through and decided what you want to keep, break everything down into subsections. If it doesn't have something akin to it, it belongs in the miscellaneous pile!   

5. Enable Access To Everything 

    Make sure that everything has its own place and that it's easily accessible. If you can't get to it, you can't use it and it won't get put away if you do use it. Make sure you can get to what you need. If you're organizing something for your whole family, make sure everyone can get what they need. Sometimes a method will seem practical to you until you think about someone else using it! 

Okay--So everything has a place and now people actually have to live their lives and still keep it organized. How? 

1. If It's Not Working, Change It

    We've all tried things that haven't worked before. Just don't let it stay that way! If you are trying a method of organizing and things aren't getting back where they ought to be, explore new options.

2. Everything of One Kind Is Together

    I couldn't stress this more; keep all of one kind together! Don't keep your jewelry in three different places or your craft supplies scattered around. Of course, if it works for you that's all that matters. I've always found that when it comes to sorting through things again I hate to have to gather everything from five different places. 

3. Sort Through--AGAIN! 

    Yes, you can never, ever go through it too much. At least once every other month delve into this or that and donate a few items. Of course, it helps if you aren't constantly buying things but even so, it's good to have a fresh knowledge of where everything stands. 

4. ALWAYS Put It Back Where You Found It

    The phrase I always rolled my eyes at as a kid is one that travels often through my mind now. Don't be okay with just sticking it on the counter! Make it a habit to go the extra mile, bring the scissors to the drawer or hang up that towel. It will save you time in the long run.

5. Keep a "Clutter Collector"

    This is mostly a "me" thing but I have a feeling that most people get the same way. SOMETIMES you just don't have a place for something or you might need it tomorrow or it needs extra work. Have a place where you put those things instead of all over the kitchen table, counter or some other clutter-collecting place. Just make sure you go through it weekly and it doesn't pile up! 

       So that's it. They're not the golden rules of organizing but they've always helped me!   

Day 16

       I don't feel like a truck ran over me! Finally! The best part about being sick is that I appreciate feeling healthy so much more. I had good day, a slow day. This will be short (surprise, surprise!) because I really have nothing of consequence to report. My Wednesday was mostly just hanging out with Colin and making sure his juice cup was topped off. He is such a good toddler, terrible twos they are not! Of course, we only have him two days of the week, but still.
       We also had breakfast for dinner and although it was delicious, I think I need to work off some of the meals from the past couple of days! I'll be using my goals board to do some exercising either today or tomorrow--thank you Pinterest!
       I may be absent for a few days as I'm going to spend the weekend with my friend but there may be a few interesting things to write thereafter. Hopefully it will be worth the wait.
       "It is very strange that the years teach us patience-that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting." Elizabeth Taylor
     

Day 15 and Pineapple Fried Rice

       Look at me, writing on time and all that jazz. My blog has a new look and I have a headache! I woke up feeling much better today and although I tried to keep it slow I ended up making dinner and doing a lot more today than I should have. I have no one to blame but myself that I am still sniffly and sickish. But I did spend some time out in my garden today and with my favorite little gardener.

       As I said, I also made dinner. Pineapple Fried Rice, a recipe my sister originally found and again, one of my favorite vegetarian recipes. Although, it's very easy to add some chicken and make it a carnivore meal. The original recipe can be found here but I do things a little differently so here is my version. There are two ways to do things so I'm splitting it up into two sections: on a good day and on a bad day. 

       On a good day:

What you need to cut:

-Garlic (2-3 cloves)

-Onions (1-1/2 or 2)

-Carrots (1 large)

-Pineapple

-Roasted asparagus (just toss in a foil-lined baking dish with some oil and garlic and roast at 400 degrees until tender) 

-Green onions (about 1/4 cup)

-Pepper (optional)  

What you don't need to cut but just have ready:

-1/2 tsp chili powder

-1/2 cup cashews

-1/4 cup Veggie broth

-3-4 cups cooked rice (any kind will do), it's a good day so maybe you got the chance to cook it yesterday

-Soy sauce (a little under 1/4 cup)

-2 tsp curry powder 

-a dash of sugar

-Mrs. Salt and Mr. Pepper (to season)

On a bad day: 

-The pineapple is canned so you don't have to cut it

-The asparagus is frozen so you just have to cut it and stick it in the skillet

-You cook the rice an hour or so before making the rest (I have always done this and it never hurt the texture)

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat then add garlic, onion, green onion and chili powder. Cook for one minute and then add the carrots, asparagus and pepper. Add a tablespoon of veggie broth if it begins to look dry. Meanwhile, mix together the soy sauce, curry powder and sugar. When the carrots are tender, add the cashews, pineapple and rice. Pour the soy sauce mixture over and stir. Cook until the mixture starts to look a little more cohesive, probably 3-5 more minutes. If you feel like doing extra dishes, transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy.  

Note: I used forbidden rice so it may look a little odd at first! Usually I use brown rice, though.   

   

       So it was a long day as usual but it was a good day. I just hope I stop feeling so ill soon! 

       

Day 13 and Day 14

       I'm late again. I have a valid excuse this time, however, I've been sick. Not too badly sick but the kind of sick where you can tell you've been doing too much and you need to spend some quality time with your bed.
       I picked a good two days to be sick since Sundays and Mondays have nothing set in stone. Tomorrow, though, I can't be sick! We'll see how that works out . . .
       Nothing eventful happened, otherwise, this weekend. I finished a book, watched a movie and caught up on So You Think You Can Dance. Such are the thrilling affairs of my life. I guess I should be grateful for the downtime, and I am, actually. This is going to remain short because I can't keep my eyes open. Here's to a little more energy tomorrow!
       

11 & 12

       This is going to be short and sweet but I've got to write for the past two days! Oi . . .
       Yesterday was spent cleaning, babysitting and spending time with my sister and her husband. There may or may not have been a visit to Twistee Treat thrown in there somewhere. My sister is an amazing person (both of my sisters are). She works two jobs and goes to grad school full time, not to mention keeping house and cooking. I feel like some of my greatest gifts are serving by way of food and cleaning so I helped out a bit for my sister to alleviate the stress but I think I got the better end of the deal! Great company and great food.
       For breakfast I made these little beauties which are quickly becoming some of my favorite breakfast food. They are so easy to make and they don't have any sugar in them. Plus, as I said to my sister, they are healthy simply because they only make twelve! The only thing I did differently than the recipe was putting chocolate chips on top instead of pecans. But really you could use any topping you wanted. Blueberries would be fabulous.
       After getting home today I decided to dive into fixing up some things in my room. I did that and also tried not to die in the humidity. Really, Florida, calm down. Now it is sleeping time for me and my tired feet. Because "I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." --Thomas Carlyle. Where do they come up with these things.       

The A/C Behind the Curtain

       I should be asleep but I'm so proud of todays little project I just have to write about it. The reason for the project in the first place was my ugly sticky-outy A/C unit. It doesn't work, I just can't do anything about it! Such are the trials of renting a house. I've been meaning to do something about it since we moved in but I haven't had the time or energy. So today in a burst of renovating/fixing creativity I finally did something about it. 

       It didn't exactly come with the click of a button. I tried several-several-different ways to hide it and I just wasn't satisfied. Finally, I came up with the solution. I took an old shower curtain that I had turned into a shorter curtain for a project at my old house and strung it through a curtain rod, tacked it up and voila! I also added the shelf above for a little flair. It looks cute and it's off my mind. This was what worked best for me since the unit was sticking out so far, but I've also seen a way to cover ugly A/C's up with a canvas or shelving. Definitely something to keep in mind!      

TEN

       Well, it's officially summer, folks. At least for me. Don't ask me why it felt like it all of a sudden but I was walking outside just as it was getting dark and I realized it really is summer. The only thing missing was lightening bugs! There is something about twilight that really feels like summer to me.

       So after going to the beach today with my oldest sister for the first time in a while it got me thinking about other summers and about how summer is just the best most amazing season. 

       The beach is like my top favorite summer pastime. As a kid growing up in Jersey we said "going down the shore" and you definitely get the best experience of the beach on the boardwalk. Or at least, that's my biased opinion! I have so many good memories of the most amazing pizza place in the world, the awesome little candy shops and cute little stores. It was the best. I miss the shore the most about New Jersey. I still crave pizza, ice cream and chocolate covered pretzels when I go to the beach. It ruined me!

       I got absolutely NO pictures today because, genius that I am, I brought my camera and left the battery charging on my wall. Awesome. But it was still fun and I am exhausted!  

       As Dr. Suess said, "Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."

        

Soap Scum

       Since my post today was short and I've been late writing lately, (no pun intended) I will add a little tip on here from my day.
     
       Cleaning the bathroom is something with which I have a love/hate relationship. I love to see the sparkly results but I hate to put work into something that just doesn't come out clean! I always have this particular problem with the tub. I can't stand how the soap scum layered on the tub bottom. The trick to getting rid of it (really rid of it) is baking soda. Ah, baking soda, you sneaky thing, you. Baking soda and a scrub brush is the general idea of it. My method is to sprinkle the baking soda (probably about 1/4 cup more or less, but I just eyeball it.) and then spray scrubbing bubbles, or whatever you usually use to clean your bathtub, on top. Then I usually kneel beside the tub and, using all my body weight, scrub as hard as I can up and down the tub. You can actually see the scum coming off with the baking soda. It's so exciting. If you give the sides a scrub it'll work for them too!
       This tip actually originates from my sister, Devyn, from whom I draw my clean-spiration.
       

Day 9

       Today was long. Some days just are. It wasn't bad, not at all, just long! We didn't end up having bubba because of a conglomeration of events--most of them traffic-related. Actually it just wasn't our day to be on the road at all.
       The notable points of the day include:
                                                      -Watching Braveheart. Well, not ALL of Braveheart. The bits I did see were bloody and sad but good. Those damn English.
                                                      -Taking a good amount of pictures with my new camera which continues to entertain me.
                                                      -Making chocolate chip cookies. They're delicious, however I don't have any pictures of them because I was simultaneously doing about a gazillion other things.
       I had to stuff all of my cleaning later into the day because Haley went out to run a few errands and she wanted company. May I just say, I realize I have a buying-stuff issue when I'm at places like Wal-mart and Target. Oh, I didn't realize I needed an electric umbrella holder. Thank you, clearance shelf! Luckily I made it through the trip without getting anything extraneous. Although I was sorely tempted by a pair of very cute shorts at Target that were 5 dollars. I mean, that doesn't really happen at Target. But I convinced myself I did not need them and moved on. Of course, it may have helped that I left my wallet at home.
       Well, this post has been short and boring but as always--at least I'm writing!
     

My sister has the cutest desk.

I need good book to read! I'm having book block.