by Kelly | Apr 22, 2014 | Creativity, Natural Learning, Simple Living |
I was so pleased this Easter to be able to participate in a few of my favourite activities: thrifting & crafting.
A few days ago, the kids & I tried wet felting some Easter eggs, and Sea and I crafted a lovely little yarn nest for them. Then, as I’d been dreaming of gifting some needle-felting to them for Easter, I made a little rabbit to add to the nest. Isn’t he sweet?
We also decided we’d try our hand at silk-dyed Easter eggs (inspiration care of The Magic Onions). What a simple, beautiful project to do. I think the results are beautiful.
We picked up the silk scarf we used at a local thrift store. It was obviously hand-dyed, which led to some very beautiful blending of colours on our eggs. Quite different from the example we were following, but equally lovely, I think.
While thrifting, we also picked up a couple of sweet tea cups for less than a toonie. We meant to use them for fairy tea gardens, but they are so lovely, we might save them for poetry tea time (inspiration care of Brave Writer).
Either way, it was a beautiful, hand-crafted Easter, resplendent with the perfect kind of creating – that which equally appeals to both Mama and the babes.
Happiness to you in this season of rebirth,
Kelly
by Kelly | Apr 11, 2014 | Homesteading, In the Kitchen, Natural Learning |
Spring was everywhere today. The sun was shining. The flowers were blooming. Smiles were on all of our faces.
I took photographs.
Harvested edible herbs.
Built a compost bin.
Spent some quality time with my eldest son.
I can’t tell you how exciting it was to finally get our compost bin set up. I’ve been planning it for almost a year, but was trying to figure out a way to make it bear-proof. Turns out there isn’t a way… However, I did come across some pretty great tips on doing your best with compost to make it a neutral for bears. Turns out a very small percentage of human encounters with bears have to do with compost. So, we’ve decided to go ahead and give it a go (placing the compost bin nicely away from the house, just in case). The best thing is, we were able to use old palettes that we had from our workplace – and never had a use for (which, after consulting Pinterest, it turns out there are so many uses for!).
The other thing I am so incredibly pleased with, is the chickweed we found in our yard. We got an e-newsletter from LearningHerbs, the creators of the boardgame, Wildcraft, today (which we love). They are introducing their Herb Fairies book series, and shared some information on the herb, chickweed. It was just what we needed today. I had my son to myself for a few hours this morning, and we spent the morning learning all about this wonderful, healing herb. Then, as promised, we found some in our yard! Lastly, we grilled up some chickweed grilled cheese sandwiches from their recipe – on my new cast iron grill pan! Yum!
For years, I have been wanting to learn more about edible herbs, and wild plants. For years, I’ve been wanting to compost. Sometimes working on small goals can feel so huge!
Hurray for effortless, nourishing, wonder-filled days!
by Kelly | Nov 3, 2011 | Natural Learning, Our Days |
Because autumn is my favourite season, and the photos mostly speak for themselves. An almost Wordless Wednesday.
And new skills to celebrate!
She's Walking!
He's Riding!
May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
– Traditional Irish Blessing
by Kelly | Sep 24, 2011 | Natural Learning, Our Days |
Today was the first day of fall. I had so many wonderful plans for the day, and it turned out just as I had hoped – mostly.
I woke in the morning with a dreadful stomach ache, and was feeling rather sorry for myself. But, I rallied, and we set off to spend the day among friends, in the beautiful setting of a local apple orchard and pumpkin farm.
We picked.
We walked.
We ate.
We shared a brief moment of beautiful peace.
And two untimely wasp stings.
In the meantime, my stomach ache disappeared.
Sea was fascinated with the apple sorting and cider machines.
Forest with the pumpkins.
Returning home, we read stories together, and took a lovely family walk.
Sea and I (but mostly me) baked pumpkin bread.
In the evening, Sea was sick. Too much fun. Too much sun?
They’re now both peacefully asleep. As will I be, too.
A day just as I imagined it to be. With just the right amount of company, ceremony and serenity (and a bit of the unexpected for good measure).
Welcome, beautiful season, bring all your blessings and magic.
by Kelly | Aug 28, 2011 | Natural Learning |
A few days ago, Sea and I went walking in the tall grass near our house. We followed the well-worn trail, and stopped next to a tall stand of trees.
We listened to the wind blowing in the branches.
Talked about the grasshoppers we heard buzzing in the grass.
And then, he pointed. Look at that! Silly me, I was taking pictures of him pointing.
When I looked up, this is what I saw!
Needless to say, we tread softly from that point on. I, for one, have never seen a wasps nest quite so close. It was pretty impressive. But, as much as Sea wanted to step up for a closer look, I decided we were close enough.
What a wild and wonderful place is the earth.
by Kelly | Aug 5, 2011 | In the Kitchen, Natural Learning, Simple Living |
It’s funny. Before I had kids, I hated being in the kitchen. I hated cooking, although I suppose I didn’t mind baking every now and again. Since having kids, however, I have started to take pride in my kitchen, and the things I prepare for my family. Part of this is an effort to provide healthy foods for my children. Things that will help them thrive. But, another part is the fact that it is fun to cook with kids. At least, with Dylan. He loves to help me make muffins. It is one of the few activities I can always count on getting a hearty “yes!” Since Dylan has been born, I have slowly been getting more domestic in the kitchen. I have made pies, waffles, yogurt and bread for the first time. And, I’ve made an awful lot of fruit and vegetable purees.
This week, we happened upon a great thing: a stainless steel popsicle maker.
For a long time, I’ve been wanting to try popsicles, but I cringed at the thought of making food in plastic. I’ve been trying more and more to separate our food from plastic, and for some reason, plastic popsicle makers were a real sticking point for me. So, when I found this item, I knew it was a must have!
This week, we made orange, carrot popsicles. We got the recipe from Jessica Seinfeld’s newest cookbook, Double Delicious. It’s as simple as they come. Orange juice and carrot puree. Voila.
Dylan and I had a great time together. He helped measure the water for the orange juice, mix and stir, blend the carrots, and put the sticks in the popsicles.
Oh, yeah, and eat the popsicles!
He learned about freezing (liquids & solids), measuring, counting and brushed up on his fine motor skills. He also got to use a myriad of senses, from taste, to touch, to hearing.
But, mostly (and by far the most important), we shared a lovely afternoon – and a popsicle.
What about you? What’s your favourite thing to make with the kids? Favourite new kitchen gadgets?
Hi! I’m Kelly Woods, writer, mother & librarian. I write about beauty, creativity, green living and lifestyle design to help others live a life of inspiration, too.