kamut chia banana bread

The dancer was so excited to cook in the new kitchen.   She began flipping through my recipe books & decided we needed banana bread for dinner.   Don’t worry,  I convinced her to add a few more items to the menu.

After we readied the bread, she went to work in the pantry picking out berries to make a fruit salad and then cut carrots & celery while I prepared some chicken. Later she and her brothers carried some of the warm bread to our neighbor.   Watching the joy she found in the process warmed my heart.  I hope she will always find joy in the journey…relish each part of baking, creating, or simply breathing…life is beautiful watching her learn & grow!

kamut chia banana bread
2 cups kamut berries
1/2 cup millers bran
1/2 cup raw wheat germ
3/4 cup raw sugar
1/4 cup chia seeds
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons almond milk
4 eggs
2/3 cup butter
4 ripe bananas

1. Grind/blend kamut, bran, wheat germ & sugar (if your sugar is as hard as a rock as ours is).
2. Add to remaining ingredients (except bananas) in mixer and combine till smooth.
3. Carefully mix in bananas without over mixing.
4. Pour batter into a buttered 8×8 pan or two 8×4 loaf pans.
5. Bake at 350° for 55 to 60 minutes. Allow to cool 10 minutes before cutting & slathering with butter, honey, & berries

What have you been making with your loved ones lately? xo, katrina

first day of summer (school is out! )

The kiddos are signing été, summer, in french. We are working on 3 new words each day of été.  Words and phrases they relate to that day…like maillot de bain or swim suit:

We’ve started a notebook where we’ll keep track of the words we are learning.Tonight, they were so excited to share with the designer what they had learned.

A day full of sunshine, they ran in the sun, or soleil, all day long…water fights, bubbles, helping Grandma mulch,  and plant tomatoes & peppers.

Later we rode our bikes to the post office, read books together, & they jumped on the tramp with the designer after dinner…a very good start to an adventurous été.

What adventures are you looking forward to this summer?

almost there

Welcome , here is the entry, looking through the front door. We’ve been washing windows,  mopping floors, & anything else we can to get ready to move in.

We are learning all sorts of new tricks in  how to wash the large windows…the norwex mop & polishing cloth do a fine job.  Here’s a sneak peek at some of the rooms:

The downstairs bath is almost done…Levi did a fabulous job on the subway & penny tiles…the salvage wall-mount sink & claw foot tub are really fun…so happy Ben the plumber was patient & made it work.

Thanks to Calder, Barn the welder, & the designer,  the restaurant sink is secure & working…the kiddos love to squeeze the pre-rinse faucet.

The old school conference table…hoping we won’t have to move it again (we’re not the only ones , Brit, the Childs family,  to name a few). We sure appreciate it,  thanks so much everyone!

A few peaceful moments.  Anxious for more.  Meanwhile, the kiddos have been feeding the new neighbors:

Soon! Very soon…and then the real work & adventure begins! xo ~ katrina

guest post: food & vacation

One of my favorite aspects of vacation…or time abroad is definitely the food.  Some trips have resulted in uncomfortable weight gain, where others, I was happy to come back thinner and happier.  What made the difference?  Our guest writer has several suggestions that I definitely agree with and have found to be successful.  Above all, enjoy, and have a wonderful time away!

Meet our guest blogger, Cole Millen: an avid traveler and foodie who never forgets that life’s best memories are made through real life apprehension of legitimate “experiences.” Some people plan a trip to “get away,” while others realize benefit of adding something greater to their current repertoire of knowledge, thought and emotion. Through writing, he hopes to influence the earlier, and connect with the latter.

Thanks so much Cole, happy to have you!

Keeping the Weight Off On Your Vacation

You’ve done it! You were so diligent these past few months, checking food labels, finding ways to fit exercise into your daily routine, refusing to lose sight of the goal. Keeping weight off and learning to fit your new lifestyle into your life is perhaps the only thing more rewarding then the initial weight loss. Fitting your new lifestyle into your vacation plans will show yourself that you can maintain your healthy habits long-term and will also prevent you from returning home too big to fit into your new clothes. Here  are some tried-and-true tips for sticking to your guns while living it up on your vacation.

When departing for your trip make sure that you have eaten a filling and nutritious meal to prevent yourself from those desires to eat during travel.  To fight cravings, make sure to bring along some healthy snacks that will keep you satisfied until you reach your destination. Items like dried fruit, nuts, or whole-wheat crackers will provide you with some valuable nutrients to keep your body running while traveling.  Also, remember to remain hydrated!

Destination is usually the first part of your vacation to consider. Try to find active things to do in the area you will visit. If you are going to the mountains, find a guided hike to go on. Going to the beach? Try finding active things, like surfing, to do in the water as an alternative to simply laying out in the sun. Your hotel has a great role in your success. Search online to find a hotel that has a gym you can use free of charge. Consider taking the stairs to and from your room instead of the elevator. Finding a hotel that is close to areas of interest can encourage you to walk around the city and see the sights. Research your trip online and make a list of at least five things that your hotel has to offer your new lifestyle. Can’t kind five? Then keep searching!

I recently took a trip out west and found a great site that incorporated consumer reviews so that when I was searching for Las Vegas hotels I found a list of great spots with reviews regarding their amenities and services. It also provided reviews on restaurants in the area which made it easier than ever to plan out my meals to ensure healthy eating as well. Finding a destination and hotel that will work for you is invaluable on your quest to keep the pounds off.

Eating out is a major part of vacationing because you can’t prepare meals in your hotel room….or can you? Bringing a small slow cooker to prepare lean cuts of chicken for dinner can reduce the number of meals that you eat out and will keep you on track with your healthy eating. If your hotel offers continental breakfast then take advantage and eat all of the fruit and whole grains that you want. They will fill you with fiber and keep you fuller longer. If breakfast is not offered at your hotel then make a quick stop at a local market and stock up on instant oatmeal. Run plain water through the in-room coffee pot and use it to prepare your oatmeal. Yogurt and fruit will also keep in your hotel room and are good breakfast and snack foods.

When eating at a restaurant, pay close attention. Refusing the bread or chips on the table can save you unwanted carbohydrates. Previewing the menu online is a good way to become familiar with healthy menu choices. Stick with lean meats that are broiled or baked and eat lots of veggies. Sauces and dressings are often loaded with hidden fat, sugar, and calories so eat these with caution.  By doing a little detective work and having a game plan, you can keep the weight off on your vacation!

To read more from Cole, visit his blog:  
http://colemill.blogspot.com

poetry & red butte gardens

(apologies to those of you who’ve received this post already…learning how to use my smart phone & had a publishing issue)

You and Your Children by Maria Montessori

When you are given joy, go to children, and let them share it.
When you suffer a great sorrow, go to children, and let them console you.
When you are in pain, let children heal you.
When you are about to start a great enterprise, ask children to lead you.
When you feel full of courage, devote it to children, so that they may guide it.
When you find a great treasure, place it at children’s feet, so that they may preserve it.
When you are in doubt and have little faith, go to children that they may enlighten and strengthen you.
Wherever you are, whatever you do, whenever you think, let children be with you.

When I first read the poem, I immediately asked myself if I was including all I could with my children…

After our first miscarriage loss, the dancer’s healing powers and love were exceptionally strong.  I remember ZD telling me to let her help me, that she wanted to, and that I needed her.  Lately, all I want to do is heal her from the constant emptiness she feels without a sister.  We had a long talk last week and I reminded her that until she gets her sister, that I am here, and that I will always be here for her.  I hope she knows that in her heart.  I played Castle on A Cloud for the kiddos the past couple days.  They love the line, “she says, Cosette, I love you very much.”  As their mom, I want to be their lady dressed in white…who sings them lullabies, and loves them very much.  :)

 

Then, as I was enjoying the kindergarten conversations of the dancer and her car-mates, I realized that it was I who was blessed today as they allowed me to be a part of their trip to the Red Butte Gardens, Foothill Oriental Rugs, & Sugar House Park.

The journey today seemed to be more beautiful, every step I took…watching Girlie smell a daffodil or Sheldon working on another sketch of mother nature’s beauty…it was a lovely, lovely day.

The garden was beautiful…but it was breathtaking when one of the children ran across or smiled…much like everything in life: they magnify and beautify wherever they go.  One of our favorite discoveries today: fritillaria…

What was your beautiful discovery today?  Did you share it with a small but hugely important person in your life?  xo ~ katrina

Inside the house

Over the past couple weeks we’ve seen some exciting changes…most importantly,  it is officially safe now that the bridge,  stairs,  & above the greenhouse have railings!

Above the entry is a darling salvage window that creates conversion between the guest room &  entry or bridge…even master side of upstairs, as well as giving a mirrored view of the fields, dairy,  & grazing cows.

Meanwhile,  in the kitchen,  friends helped us move in the salvage school prep table & oven range, and the refinished claw foot tub is resting in the pantry.

Barn Bonner adjusted the sink to fit snug against the window, and welded a sweet cradle in which  to drop a salvage cast iron sink.  We’ve been so pleased with he and his “B Boys”.

Outside, it seems more appropriate to say “behold!” As we weren’t sure if we’d ever have soffits! The skylight will do wonders releasing heat in the greenhouse during Summer.  Later this afternoon they finished covering the rigid insulation you see under the french doors. 

Maybe just a couple more weeks? Getting closer each day .  Here’s to progress…sometimes its a long time waiting…but I’m convinced its worth the wait!  Here’s to waiting for the good stuff in life! xo, katrina

wild april & an update on the house

April in Utah is all about the colors green and white.  The snow can’t decide if it should be finished, but the grass keeps on trying.

Just last week the explorer joined his cousin in the front yard for an afternoon of joy in river-making.  They grabbed the hose and took advantage of the ruts the gas company and other large trucks made in the front yard during Winter.

Two little future civil engineers/landscape architects….future kindergartners.

While the designer and I painted trim and baseboards…the boys happily worked non-stop.  They were dirty and ever so happy!

This week the highlight for the kiddos has been watching Cory & Brett, Levi, & John installing trim & shelving, tile, and finishing up.

Levi even let the builder lay a tile.  Ask him…he’ll tell you all about it and which one.  :)

Meanwhile, the dancer and explorer were helping Cory and Brett by shop-vac-ing the living room where sawdust has taken over a bit.

We are enjoying our new neighbors…they are pretty quiet.

The railings were installed yesterday, so the bridge is officially safe.  I think I finished painting today.  Just some touch-ups and then the next thing I hope to paint is the barn-door (James Hendrix is making) to our bedroom.  It will take a while but I’m looking forward to breaking out my paints!  Hopefully soon.

Till then, we’re still waiting on the soffits.  We are told tomorrow.  :)

Happy wild Spring everyone…what colors are you enjoying? xo ~ katrina