we’ve been up to here in peaches this week, with more to come and tomatoes to follow. then apples. It’s my third year for home-canning the last taste of summer, which hardly makes me a pro but I can honestly say it’s so fulfilling. A couple of hot steamy hours in the kitchen (ok, now it sounds really exciting) with all burners going and every inch of counter space in use. Then ta da! These golden beauties. And my neighbor…
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Shortly after C was born we gutted the second bathroom upstairs. We needed to renovate, bring the bathroom into the 21st century. A little more functional. In fact we just wanted function, period. You realize C just turned 5. FIVE. This bathroom has been a sore spot in our lives for several years, and finally, finally, FINALLY it is almost done. Victor is pretty handy with a tile saw, I’ll give him that. In fact, I can’t really think of…
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We bought our new home 2 years ago. It’s cozy (small-ish by western US standards), and we spent the first year here finishing the basement. I never knew choosing paint could be so traumatic. The major work is done, now it’s time for prettying things up outside and in, like with our toddler’s room. I was aiming for comfortable, cheerful, boyish, but not babyish or too grown up. On a very very snug budget. I’m pleased with it so far,…
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Sometimes I just love what I do. I’ve been a fan of the local Timpanogos Storytelling Festival for years. My mom was one of the original brains behind the idea, so it’s near and dear to my heart. A few months ago I was invited to attend a *mini* storytelling festival event sponsored by Cherish Bound, a company dedicated to helping you create and publish your own stories. Sometimes I just love what I do. I’ve been a fan of…
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Summer drinks to refresh!! I love summer and the warm sun!! Last month we looked at water intake, so this month lets look at some other ways to increase your fluid intake. Nothing beats a cold glass of ice water, but often I find clients get a little tired of just water. You may find that adding a lemon wedge adds some flavor, or getting the small ice chips. You may want to add some flavor to your water or…
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I have something that you absolutely must put on your summer to-do list. And if you don’t have an ice cream maker, add “beg, borrow, or buy an ice cream maker” to your list right before this: MAKE LEMON ICE CREAM. So delicious. So refreshing. So summery. The lemon ice cream recipe that I use is one I found by way of Cafe Johnsonia, who found it by way of Martha Stewart. What I love about it is that it’s…
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I’m a big believer in teaching babies sign language. I saw it work with my nephew and knew that I’d like to do the same with Little O. The idea that he can actually let me know what he wants and why he’s upset before he can use words sounds great to me! But I’m also attached to the “no screen time before 2 years” idea. (I’ve made it 6 months so far. Ask me in a year how I’m…
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I think I may have mentioned a thing or two about this little party I’m co-hostessing at BlogHer this year, the Social Luxe Lounge. It’s going to be so much fun, I can’t wait for next Thursday to come! One of the hostesses is an obscenely talented woman named Jennifer Sbranti aka Hostess with the Mostess aka graphic design goddess. Not only is she amazing at styling parties, she’s also someone you’d want in your inner sanctum of girlfriends. Here’s…
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If you’ve never tried gazpacho, I recommend you do. It’s a perfect summertime meal: colorful, healthy, light and full of zesty garden goodness. Also great because there is zero cooking involved. Don’t you just dread turning on an oven in the summer months? Perfect for lunch or dinner, could be fun to take to your next cookout, served in clear plastic cups. We like this recipe at our house, a modification of Barefoot Contessa’s famous recipe. Mr. J prefers his…
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