Momma Blogs

So, I have recently become ADDICTED to a series of Momma Blogs.  The blogs aren't just about being a mother, they are about being creative, being alive, being simple, being resourceful and just sometimes...being.  I wanted to share these with you in hopes you find joy in them as I do.

SouleMama by Amanda Blake Soule (So far I have 2/3 books and LOVE them.  #3 on the list next)
Design Mom by Gabrielle Blair
Domestic Reflections by Jora (This is a new one for me)

As a side note:  I find so much Momma Mojo in these women...they really fill me.  What are some of your favorites?

This Moment

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Thank you SouleMama for the inspiration!

Cantaloupe & Lime Sorbet

Cantaloupe & Lime Sorbet

I volunteered to make Watermelon Sorbet for my Hungry Scholars Book Club this month but when the time got closer watermelons were out of season.  I still had a cantaloupe left in my fridge so I thought, "Why not?".  I mentioned the recipe idea to my dear friend, John (not the same one I'm married too).  He looked at me and said, "I think you better stick with vanilla ice cream."  What a doubter!  This recipe rocks...I only wish he had been here to eat it along with a side of crow.  

Ingredients:

1 Cantaloupe

2/3 cup Sugar

1/2 cup Water

1 tsp Lime Zest

1/4 cup of lime juice (about 2.5 small limes, save the extra half for garnish)

Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Cut open melon, scoop out strings & seed, cut off rind and compost.  Dice up melon and puree in a blender or food processer until smooth.  Set aside in a bowl.



*2. Make a simple syrup by placing the sugar, water, and lime zest in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Heat until the sugar has melted and the mixture has come to boil. Remove from heat, let sit 10 minutes and strain out lime zest.

3. Combine the simple syrup, lime juice, and salt with the puréed melon. Stir well. Cover and allow to chill completely in a refrigerator. (Chill for several hours or overnight.)



4. Process in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. I have a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker and it took about 45 minutes for the mixture to get to the consistency of sorbet (see photo above).  You can freeze this but it will need to unthaw a little before serving, so keep that in mind.



Variations:  Spice up this recipe for the adults in your life by adding a few tablespoons (or more!) of rum!  You can also use lemons, oranges, or grapefruits instead of limes.

*Our local cantaloupe was so sweet naturally I could have cut back on the amount of sugar and it still would have been fantastic!  This is one of the many benefits to eating local, in season foods.  The taste is so fresh and full of flavor!  If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake consider reducing the amount of simple syrup you use.

Cereal Box Applique Templates

This year is Anna Bee's first family reunion (on my mother's side).  It was also the first for her cousin, Lucy.  I wanted the girls to have matching outfits but didn't find anything I just loved.  So!  I made these matching onesies and a bib for Anna's new cousin arriving this September.

Using old cereal boxes for applique templates is easy, economical, and eco-friendly (My 3 E's).  I love using patterns but after "round one" they have been pinned, folded, cut, torn, etc.  These templates can be used over and over.

Start by cutting open an old cereal box.  I like to use the flat large surfaces (the front & back of box) but you could use the entire open box for large templates.

Next, free-hand your design.  For this project I drew two pieces, one for the tree top and one for the trunk.  If you prefer more precision, you can download clip art and trace on to the cardboard.  Cut out template.

Use the template to finish creating your applique.  For instructions on applique techniques, check out one of my new favs Sew, Mama, Sew!

When you are finished, you will have a one of a kind, unique piece that can be replicated again!

Bee-ing Green:  Look for old tees or onesies at consignment shops.  Or, before you throw away worn out clothes think about using them for your applique project.  Also, use your favorite fabric scraps instead of buying new fabric.

I racked up several "Bee eco-points" on this project.  The large onesie came from a consignment market (eco-friendly).  It was brand new in a bag with 4 other onesies for $6 (eco-nomical).  The small onesie is from Anna's closet that had something on the chest (eco-friendly & eco-nomical).  The bib was purchased for .25 at a store sale because there were loose threads on the front.  I simply snipped them and appliqued over (very eco-nomical)!!

Note:  For printing text on fabric use transfer paper or paper made for iron-ons you can run through your printer.

The Best 5-Minute Margarita!



This is THE BEST homemade Margarita I have ever made!  You can make it in under 5 minutes!  John & I had some friends over for a Mexican dinner this weekend.  I made three different pitchers of margaritas and this pitcher was gone before dinner was served!

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cup frozen Limeade concentrate (1 can)
4-1/2 cups Water (you can use the leftover Limeade can, 3 fills)
1/2 cup Pineapple Juice
1/2 cup Orange Juice
2 oz. Tequila
1 oz. Orange Liqueur

Directions:
Mix all ingredients into one large pitcher, stir, and serve over ice. 

Variation:  Add 1-2 cups of local, in season pureed fruit.  Watermelons are ripe here in the south so I mixed in a few cupfuls.  Yummy!  Or make it family friendly and omit the tequila & orange liqueur.

For my breastfeeding mommas:  If you are like me, you are very concerned about breastfeeding and consuming alcohol...for good reason!  Check out Kellymom.com for guidelines on nursing and alcohol consumption.  And always trust your super power momma instincts!

The Complete Organic Pregnancy

The Complete Organic Pregnancy by Deirdre Dolan & Alexandra Zissu

For all my mommas-to-be out there, this is a must read!  I know, I know, you have What To Expect and the breastfeeding book, and the childbirth book, and the healthy pregnancy book...how can you read anymore?  The great thing about this book is you can literally pick it up and just read about a certain topic...it is organized so well.  You don't have to read cover to cover.  But let me tell you...you will want to!  The authors cover everything from your personal care products, to baby care products, to your home and work environment.  My favorite part is the list of toxins commonly found by name, what they are found in, and what they do.  Knowledge is power and this book will make you one powerful Momma!  Let me caution you:  most of us will not be able to do everything in this book and that is perfectly ok.  Our job as Momma is to do the best we can and this book will show you small, simple steps you can take to make you & your home as safe and environmentally friendly as possible for that sweet, precious angel on their way.  Baby already here?  Still a must read!  Anna is now 5.5 months old and I still reference the book.