tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83878779289077843392024-02-15T20:34:39.792-08:00riddleloveCelebrating Family, {Real} Food, & {Organic} Farming, Gluten-Free, Homesteading, Gardening, Paleo, GAPS Diet, Cooking, Nutrition, Weston A Price From the home of Jeremy and Katie RiddleKatie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.comBlogger529125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-45458856508124318032016-07-30T11:44:00.001-07:002016-07-30T12:48:51.219-07:00Internship Opportunity<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica";"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">What a happy day it is, after so many behind-the-scenes hours that have been poured into this new beginning, I finally, with much eager anticipation,</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> get to extend an invitation to you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">For so many years, I've been passionate about growing with a community of organic artisans. What is organic art? I have created an internship about just that. Having the ability to offer something to the community like this fills my heart with so much expectancy. The sky is the limit, and this is just the beginning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">To learn more about this internship and Organic Arts, <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/p/internship-information.html" target="_blank">please click this link</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Follow this journey on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/organicartisans/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/organicartscollective/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/organic_arts" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, Snapchat: username organicartisans, or it's own new blog: <a href="http://www.organicartscollective.com/" target="_blank">Organic Arts Collective</a>. All of these platforms will develop as the community does, and even if interning isn't for you, there will be opportunities to get involved, so keep your eyes open!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-71836422799974210882016-02-08T20:18:00.002-08:002016-02-08T20:18:48.454-08:00Returning<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
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It's Monday night.<br />
I'm sitting by the wood stove, unlit due to the summery day, even though it's February. There's an audio book about cats filling the living room that the younger three are intently listening to. Our three-year-old, Joseph just decided he needs yogurt, and impromptu guests will be here any minute. As much as I try to protect intentional writing time, it hasn't happened yet. Perhaps soon. I dream of quiet moments where my head is clear until it fills with eloquent prose that then spill onto pages. For now, it's loud, I'm starting to drag, and I'm going to write anyway (after I get yogurt for Joe).<br />
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I long for consistency and promised such on the blog, a good three months ago. Those holiday months were filled with happy, busy moments and zero motivation to write. In fact it overwhelmed me. After a life-changing time in New Zealand (more on that to come), out of the blue during a shower, everything started falling into place in my mind. It's hard to describe (especially while Tonkinese cat facts blare in this room). Vision renewed, motivation restored. It's not for gaining subscribers or building a business, not that there's anything wrong with that. Maybe someday I will, but the thought currently feels burdensome and stressful.<br />
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This space started off as a place to share thoughts, ideas and life. <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/p/recipes.html" target="_blank">New twists on recipes</a> I didn't want to forget, <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/p/our-year-in-trailer.html" target="_blank">life in a trailer with a homeschooling family of (then) four kids</a>, juggling the homestead life <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/p/family.html" target="_blank"> with a traveling man</a>, and even personal struggles like <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2013/05/i-want-to-homeschool-but-i-am-battling.html" target="_blank">prenatal and postpartum depression</a>. My original intent was to share openly, and welcome anyone interested in hearing it. I pictured readers as friends in my living room, sharing coffee, tea, nibbles, and words. This is what I am returning to.<br />
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I know the number one rule to blogging is to stay consistent, and that is a goal. But my first goal is just to write without a deadline and from the heart. I don't see this as a re-defining, but more of a returning. I am excited to interact again through the comments and to have conversations with people I wouldn't normally see in passing. This return might not be your cup of tea, and that is totally understandable. But starting now, I consider this space as more of a personal one and less informational, though an occasional recipe will probably still speckle the feed every once in a while.<br />
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It's time to put on some tea for those soon-visiting friends. Life is good and nonstop. Living in the present, learning from the past, and planning for the future is my hope. Until next time! xo<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-54261945940689078252015-11-23T11:07:00.001-08:002015-11-23T11:30:45.415-08:00Healthy (Yes!) Buttermilk Biscuits & Gravy<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Did I seriously just write <i>healthy </i>biscuits and gravy? How is that even possible?</div>
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I'm a believer that just about any dish can carry nutritional value. The key, my friends, is using nourishing ingredients and to eat wisely. </div>
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This is quite the hearty breakfast; perfect before a day packed with lots of physical activity and little time for lunch. I made this batch the morning we went to the woods to find our Christmas tree. I don't know about you, but altitude makes me hungry and we were headed up the mountain for a long day of trudging thru the snow, looking for the perfect tree. Truly, we were. My husband doesn't stop until he finds it, and usually it's twice as tall as we need it to be. It was wonderful to not hear an "I'm hungry" until hours later, after we were piling into the car where I had <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/08/cookies-are-sometimes-food-healthy.html" target="_blank">a basket of these cookies</a> at the ready.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKay97dxAgRQW_ym2Kq0nDYBawnUIgf-J1kJWhzONOjaJV1K16De8j-jvzRfYDLb27P2srB2L6O6Uk3lU9oMHQ091U_YyWV6jC5vxhvYoww6__Y2YMRrkYCyUaRgkDp9icS9CvGjKYb_x/s1600/IMG_2556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKay97dxAgRQW_ym2Kq0nDYBawnUIgf-J1kJWhzONOjaJV1K16De8j-jvzRfYDLb27P2srB2L6O6Uk3lU9oMHQ091U_YyWV6jC5vxhvYoww6__Y2YMRrkYCyUaRgkDp9icS9CvGjKYb_x/s640/IMG_2556.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm so thankful our family can now eat gluten without it negatively affecting them, so long as we eat it sparingly. For my GF friends, I'm sorry about this recipe. More gluten-free recipes to come.</div>
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'Round these parts, we like our biscuits tall, like our Christmas trees. If you do, too, be sure your dough is rolled out to at least an inch thick.</div>
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This means you'll be working with a smallish round that makes up it's diameter in thickness.</div>
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You can always use a drinking glass to cut your biscuits like I did, until <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001X9H3W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0001X9H3W&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=S2ESZMCIWRZYENMU" target="_blank">this biscuit cutter set</a> was found in my stocking several Christmases ago. I use the second to the biggest choice.</div>
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I also love baking on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012UF4KI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012UF4KI&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=6FP6E7GWXR5P7X4G" target="_blank">this lovely, non-toxic stoneware pan.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvT33HKfeRQQIfG-D2ClmGVXqiLvvwtqYUAJNZPknhmw-cyjX9bNmpVraYWEkqaUgyBOl5_Qt5yDDBRXVxN0e6XYIIHj_HuAwyT3ehUIie58FrzChmSsF4t1fXhD9LFn-1E489L0wbi9WJ/s640/blogger-image-1531222867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvT33HKfeRQQIfG-D2ClmGVXqiLvvwtqYUAJNZPknhmw-cyjX9bNmpVraYWEkqaUgyBOl5_Qt5yDDBRXVxN0e6XYIIHj_HuAwyT3ehUIie58FrzChmSsF4t1fXhD9LFn-1E489L0wbi9WJ/s640/blogger-image-1531222867.jpg" /></a></div>
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See? Tall, warm, flakey goodness. Stop here if all you need are incredible biscuits. Continue if you're ready for some protein-packed comfort.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dI5_fRvzjOuq75UGji7QUASgwgdQm-aen_xEmOjTCd1bdBZxjScUPXNSL8KogzRnVrjKiEk4ZWqrEqAYyVOCBHwrTzr2yIiZQfxI91TmPCB-6gQsMwVy9G3Q3aE-9yKe1ZDgMUXhBTSx/s640/blogger-image-2119212925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dI5_fRvzjOuq75UGji7QUASgwgdQm-aen_xEmOjTCd1bdBZxjScUPXNSL8KogzRnVrjKiEk4ZWqrEqAYyVOCBHwrTzr2yIiZQfxI91TmPCB-6gQsMwVy9G3Q3aE-9yKe1ZDgMUXhBTSx/s640/blogger-image-2119212925.jpg" /></a></div>
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I will probably be shunned from the south from here on out for using ground turkey instead of sausage, but I'm Californian and it shows, even in my gravy. What also shows is how many recipe steps I try to skip. It works just fine to dump the meat in the pan over low heat, sprinkle the seasonings in, and incorporating it all as it cooks. Less dirty dishes = more life to live.</div>
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Does billowing steam from cooking breakfasts memorize anyone else? It could be the pre-coffee, half-asleepedness, but it's practically hypnotic to me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0PYsZdyO6Se3hX_CZfcC8NHF2f6QOP5NyC8rApnoIs9c6fZhGU_QtfZRAci8GwHVaCEhh11ppcXEttf7zhNNgSBKuTDDRZwxBifVZ_ebQLOM7vIVnQ1EAJ4y1aAV12xfi2lQSJvtuFJC/s640/blogger-image--874110746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0PYsZdyO6Se3hX_CZfcC8NHF2f6QOP5NyC8rApnoIs9c6fZhGU_QtfZRAci8GwHVaCEhh11ppcXEttf7zhNNgSBKuTDDRZwxBifVZ_ebQLOM7vIVnQ1EAJ4y1aAV12xfi2lQSJvtuFJC/s640/blogger-image--874110746.jpg" /></a></div>
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Also, morning light on creamy, meaty goodness sends me into utter bliss. Commence stomach growls. </div>
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Making the biscuits from start to finish only takes 20 minutes. That includes baking time. Add the gravy and the whole meal will find it's way to the breakfast table in 35 minutes, so long as you start the gravy right after the biscuits go into the oven. I pull all the needed herbs for this recipe from the garden and hang them above the stovetop ahead of time, making this dish an even more aesthetically delightful event. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9krAQf0-xVVweCVBt8TIWjEhBkju3nlVns7xQNlIx7a_WvIBOz3ct7s3KGmlv-b_xMpBddYX3DDrzPyF4nHUMBQCmmM1R8I6Mnb4zOHxhyphenhyphenHtPG8fNBH96HmNChLJV0nuiITjOPdj505G4/s1600/IMG_1095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9krAQf0-xVVweCVBt8TIWjEhBkju3nlVns7xQNlIx7a_WvIBOz3ct7s3KGmlv-b_xMpBddYX3DDrzPyF4nHUMBQCmmM1R8I6Mnb4zOHxhyphenhyphenHtPG8fNBH96HmNChLJV0nuiITjOPdj505G4/s640/IMG_1095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A faucet will go where that stump is, one of these days,</td></tr>
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We are family of seven, so my recipes tend to make a lot of food. If you don't go through this batch in one setting, both the biscuits and the gravy reheat wonderfully for yummy days to come.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Buttermilk Spelt Biscuits</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prep time: 10 min, Bake time: 10 min, makes 8-9 biscuits</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>4 cups <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VLVOZO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004VLVOZO&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=L5E73SULAJLJER6C" target="_blank">spelt flour</a></li>
<li>2 Tablespoons <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00655V2L0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00655V2L0&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=XWAMOXDTGLUZVNZC" target="_blank">non-aluminum baking powder</a></li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li>1 teaspoon <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/10/7-reasons-to-choose-celtic-sea-salt.html" target="_blank">Celtic sea salt</a></li>
<li>2/3 cup <a href="https://secure.ttpurchase.com/168FACD6-B83E-F09C-05B1DC7F45199027" target="_blank">palm shortening</a></li>
<li>1 1/2 cups buttermilk</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 450º.</li>
<li>In mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix in shortening, and buttermilk until just combined.</li>
<li>Roll dough out onto lightly floured surface, to a 1-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001X9H3W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0001X9H3W&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=HAMW3BSAPAGRNS4A" target="_blank">2.5-inch biscuit cutter</a>.</li>
<li>Place biscuits 1 inch apart on ungreased pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned. Serve immediately, though room temperature or reheated biscuits are good, too.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<b>Sausage Gravy</b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prep time: 20 min, Serves 8</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>2 pounds ground turkey</li>
<li>1 Tablespoon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046HEPRM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0046HEPRM&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=QI34ATRLRSOUYELL" target="_blank">rapadura</a> (or coconut sugar, or brown sugar)</li>
<li>2 teaspoons <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/10/7-reasons-to-choose-celtic-sea-salt.html" target="_blank">Celtic sea salt</a></li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper</li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoons ground sage</li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoons thyme</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon marjoram</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZK8YJ5O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ZK8YJ5O&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=ASYAYD236UZN6K5A" target="_blank">smoked paprika</a></li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, if you like spicy sausage)</li>
<li>1/4 cup bacon grease, optional (we buy organic, pastured bacon and definitely save the grease)</li>
<li>1/2 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VLVOZO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004VLVOZO&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=L5E73SULAJLJER6C" target="_blank">spelt flour</a></li>
<li>3-4 cups milk</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/10/7-reasons-to-choose-celtic-sea-salt.html" target="_blank">Celtic sea salt</a></li>
<li>2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper</li>
</ul>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Place ground turkey in skillet (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JSUA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006JSUA&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=CXSQIINLXRVZ7PHL" target="_blank">cast iron</a> is the preferred, non-toxic choice), over low heat.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, add 2 teaspoons salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, sage, thyme, marjoram, smoked paprika, and optional pepper flakes to turkey; chop and stir to incorporate into turkey with spatula to combine and cook, turning heat to medium.</li>
<li>Once turkey is fully cooked with no more pink meat, reduce heat to medium-low, add optional bacon grease and sprinkle flour onto meat. Cook for about minute, stirring constantly.</li>
<li>Drizzle milk onto sausage, stirring constantly. Cook gravy until it thickens to desired consistency, 10-12 minutes. If it gets too thick, add milk. If it's too thin, add a little more flour. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper into sausage, stir, and serve immediately with warm biscuits.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Oh and the tree? We found one. Jeremy did good, as usual. This is why I let him obsess over finding the perfect one, even after the children are long done and ready to go home. It's always worth it.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-19875110146117737062015-11-13T13:07:00.003-08:002015-11-13T13:23:09.978-08:008 Months<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
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During this time each year, garden work is down to a minimum, daytime is shorter, work largely moves indoors, and we find ourselves being drawn to the corner of the house where the wood stove now glows at the end of each day. For the first time since March, I find the time to write, despite my best intentions to be consistent with this space, year-round.<br />
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Today, I simply want to say, "Hello," and, "I've missed you," and "Here's what we've been up to and here's what's coming to the blog."<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzb_iDPijEQQUFuIowjk1jERDuc9JFjQRxfH9DKj5xGTFi7xLzXpR5S0mSiQgIyuUMC4ROu_XCrcrZPpGz_yNas4WZg5mZCn8khkQL6DT1kjhHUHbwMaj_wlWHRY9o4pqGf8i_n_58rAz/s1600/IMG_9817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzb_iDPijEQQUFuIowjk1jERDuc9JFjQRxfH9DKj5xGTFi7xLzXpR5S0mSiQgIyuUMC4ROu_XCrcrZPpGz_yNas4WZg5mZCn8khkQL6DT1kjhHUHbwMaj_wlWHRY9o4pqGf8i_n_58rAz/s640/IMG_9817.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our two homesteading classes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>April</b><br />
Planting the garden and milking twice daily dominated this month. We welcomed a new brood of pullets (future laying hens), and I co-taught two Intro to Homesteading workshops.<br />
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It's been such a pleasure teaching various classes with my friend, Lauren Dahl. We have covered several gardening topics, home detoxing, non-toxic skincare, among other things. I've wanted to share notes and recipes from the classes all year, and I plan to do just that throughout the next month!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDaKuIKvZ9TbAp9D9dBzNeXNhmRR6-5cYwnMHlPzNWryDB9vlTnwZpU4tMd6pX1bE1mstyV7dYwY-BeNM3WAtAuLKJQjusjuyx4vqemlFfDvYNjmwdvhkyJwB8q8XrO2XfSMPOo2xkFcU/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDaKuIKvZ9TbAp9D9dBzNeXNhmRR6-5cYwnMHlPzNWryDB9vlTnwZpU4tMd6pX1bE1mstyV7dYwY-BeNM3WAtAuLKJQjusjuyx4vqemlFfDvYNjmwdvhkyJwB8q8XrO2XfSMPOo2xkFcU/s640/IMG_0617.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigantic spinach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>May</b><br />
Jeremy and I traveled to the Carolinas where he officiated his aunt's wedding on the gorgeous, Ocean Isle coast. Back home, the garden started to explode with springtime goodness. Peas, parsnips, lettuce, carrots, and the biggest spinach leaves ever to come out of our garden! Lauren and I taught an organic gardening class in my garden, mainly using the <a href="http://www.backtoedenfilm.com/" target="_blank">Back to Eden </a>method. Be on the lookout for a post on what we shared at the class.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPu5Tts9dyssOMJkAX-1NdzPca8ORboHeglHRgpw6uiBaQMUgyLhiSgRCBlGcxYQQM8IimiunxkA8ry3vHhsW32qtDwcW28nKnh1bQGwjLxEix-Ni4jdZGQAlbUy74R4skjXsd-dYsLJL/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPu5Tts9dyssOMJkAX-1NdzPca8ORboHeglHRgpw6uiBaQMUgyLhiSgRCBlGcxYQQM8IimiunxkA8ry3vHhsW32qtDwcW28nKnh1bQGwjLxEix-Ni4jdZGQAlbUy74R4skjXsd-dYsLJL/s640/IMG_0724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>June</b><br />
We wrapped up a beautiful year back to homeschooling and started planning for the following homeschool year. The days grew longer and I found myself in the garden every spare chance I could get. There was a dance recital, birthdays, a second family wedding that Jeremy officiated, our sixteenth anniversary, and our oldest daughter started rehearsal for the new <a href="https://bethelmusic.com/bethelmusickids/" target="_blank">Bethel Music Kids music video</a> (BMK)! I also taught a food preservation class, where we covered four methods (canning, fermenting, freezing, drying), and notes from this class are coming right up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyb3Iq4uJ_rCG6KFuU20DAlmOkNDvO2WJQfnRMj-sGolBlMzbLe9nFMLYYTxI2eqIBiFl8doVewZrpec7CggEbAHGMgcpqw9xb5RBkEpdDjEcohXaJ0PqmrxUH8lqtbal53USGgL6p1y5/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyb3Iq4uJ_rCG6KFuU20DAlmOkNDvO2WJQfnRMj-sGolBlMzbLe9nFMLYYTxI2eqIBiFl8doVewZrpec7CggEbAHGMgcpqw9xb5RBkEpdDjEcohXaJ0PqmrxUH8lqtbal53USGgL6p1y5/s640/IMG_1501.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big watermelon and the 3-year-old's new camera face.</td></tr>
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<b>July</b><br />
Our girls all rehearsed for a summer musical, on top of Bekah's continuing BMK video rehearsals. Family from Georgia visited for what felt to be way too short, but our time was precious with them. The garden was producing full speed ahead, and the majority of what we ate came from it, including a huge Moon-And-Stars variety watermelon!<br />
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Tartine's spelt sourdough! And an intoxicating Bavarian cream cake.</div>
<b>August</b><br />
The girls' summer performance was amazing, filming began for BMK, and, because of the extreme August heat, the garden all but stunted for six weeks. Autumn planting began. We took a family vacation to San Fransisco before school started. I made the pilgrimage to Tartine Bakery, voted the best sourdough in the country, and several of their loaves are 100% whole grain. Oh, it was amazing.<br />
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<b>September</b><br />
School was full speed ahead, all the kids' extra curricular classes came back, filling up the schedule, and the van felt like a second home to us all. We started pulling pumpkins, yams, and Brussels Sprouts from the garden and I officially caught the Autumn love-bug, even though the highs don't leave the triple digits until November. I had the privilege of speaking at the <a href="http://ecochiclife.net/flourish-health-summit/" target="_blank">Flourish Health Summit</a> in Napa and was so happy my mom could come along! We shared the best meal of our lives at <a href="http://www.thomaskeller.com/bouchon-bistro-yountville" target="_blank">Bouchon Bistro</a> and I wanted to officially live in <a href="http://oxbowpublicmarket.com/" target="_blank">Oxbow Market</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E_f8ZowTi2OKxvRNW-Zn03QtiMxImFGTUTkWWH8vebgMRkLTmvSNR1li1MOAiHBBP00KESckSIj95BUhW9I4ldtMYSdE8k3YZCKQA8cNKiBCmiumKnBHv2kG_tLE0xKhCnDMf4WcvdP4/s1600/IMG_1873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E_f8ZowTi2OKxvRNW-Zn03QtiMxImFGTUTkWWH8vebgMRkLTmvSNR1li1MOAiHBBP00KESckSIj95BUhW9I4ldtMYSdE8k3YZCKQA8cNKiBCmiumKnBHv2kG_tLE0xKhCnDMf4WcvdP4/s640/IMG_1873.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heirloom Boer Pumpkin!</td></tr>
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<b>October</b><br />
Lauren and I taught a year-round gardening class and I can't wait to share all the info with you! The only thing is, our planting timeline will only apply to our area, but I'll try to find a place to search for your area's planting guide. The milking goats were dried up and then bred. We are expecting about six kids the beginning of March, and more milk than we'll know what to do with. I'm determined to be a consistent, avid cheesemaker this go-around. We celebrated more birthdays, surprised our animal-loving ten-year-old to a birthday trip to <a href="http://www.wildlifesafari.net/" target="_blank">Wildlife Safari</a> where she said it was the best day of her life. <br />
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<b>November</b><br />
My favorite month of the year is here. The trees are gloriously red, yellow, and orange, the mountain tops are once again covered in blankets of snow, and cold weather has prompted baking to re-commence here in the kitchen, making the home constantly smell like heaven. I turned thirty-six, and am filled with thankfulness for being alive during this time in history. There are people to love, foods to eat, a roof over our heads, and <i>plenty</i> of work to do, because, I am determined to do everything in my power to make this world better than before I entered it. I say let's all get thinking, find out what we want to be about, follow our dreams, and work hard at it, starting <i>now</i> and never stopping. Happy November, friends! It's good to be back.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-13752048193101304802015-03-12T21:09:00.001-07:002015-03-12T21:09:38.767-07:00Mountains, Homesteads, Classes, & Such<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
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Rushing three girls to a total of 8 dance classes each week. Popping over to Shasta Rock Club for my son's PE. Planning a year's worth of monthly, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/organic-gardening-class-tickets-15966016786" target="_blank">interactive workshops</a>, and preparing to share at a couple events afar. Homeschooling. Homesteading. Blogging. Hiking. This isn't a look how-much-I-do-aren't-I-awesome post. It's more of a how-did-this-happen one. <br />
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Over the winter months, Jeremy and I rekindled a love we both held before we even met. The beauty of creation heals, regenerates, restores perspective, and brings life into our spirits. Whenever Jeremy wasn't traveling, we planned a weekend family expedition, be it all-Saturday or only for a couple hours. Sure it's a ton of work loading up seven people and a giant Anatolian Shepherd, along with snacks, waters, and extra changes of clothes, just in case (<i>almost</i> totally potty-trained toddler, ahem).</div>
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Sometimes friends and family join. Other times it's just us. Always, we Instagram. Especially him. He's discovered a new gift, that photog extraordinaire husband of mine. It's a delight to watch him come to life as he peers through a lens.<br />
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Occasionally, one or two of our children don't want to go. There's some whining and complaining, but by the time we reach a destination, wonder overtakes every eye and at the end of the day, the van is quiet in the most peaceful, contented, connected-to-each-other-and-creation type of way on the road back home.</div>
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When we <i>are</i> home, there's no shortage of things to do. We purchased two Oberhasli Swiss Dairy goats. One just kidded last week! One may or may not be pregnant, but the children pray that she is, with "two baby girl goats" every day. This batch is extremely cute and extremely healthy, and also extremely masculine, of which we plan to sell, sadly.<br />
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Then there's the new batch of chicks, brooding in the coop until they're old enough to emerge into the great outdoors, come April. Boy do they grow fast (and eat a <i>lot</i> of starter feed).<br />
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Also, the garden. My gym, grocery store, tanning salon , and quiet place all wrapped up in one, 3,000 square-foot plot. The place I find so much joy, anticipation, hope, deferred hope, problem solving, and where I'm challenged to either keep trying or give up. Some things are effortless. Others feel futile. But by the end of most days, there is dirt under my nails, browner skin from both sun and soil, and so much contented peace. We are looking at another year of drought, though we pray each night for rain.</div>
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I am not bored. Amazingly enough, I'm also not stressed (for the most part). That sweet spot where hard work and doing what I love, give and receive, push and rest, all blend into a soft-serve swirl of what "enjoying life" looks like. </div>
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Our youngest just turned three and sleeping through the night is becoming increasingly consistent, giving me more rest and energy that ever before. We aren't living in survival mode after being in that state for ages. I feel a happy anticipation for the day ahead as I go to bed, dog-tired, fully spent, and so satisfied.</div>
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Life here is far from picture perfect. I just snapped at the kids for the messy state of the house and quickly apologized before tucking them into bed. Daylight Savings is getting the better of me this week. An unknown critter took out two cauliflowers from a recent transplant and I had a full blown hissy fit inside my head. But the balance between bummer and peace is currently a gracious one, and I daily thank God for that.</div>
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A friend and I taught our first homestead class together and will teach another one Saturday morning. I'm so thankful she thought of this class-teaching idea. It's been a lot of fun sharing from learning experiences (mostly failures sprinkled with glistens of success). I hesitated at the idea at first. I love new ideas and promptly overwhelm my life with them, taking three steps forward and two steps back. But these classes have been such a pleasure. I feel a new community growing. An organic, cultured, slower, mindful, intentional one. I feel less weird and more a part. We are gathering a kombucha-drinking, scoby-sharing, non-toxic, slow food loving, organic, artisan, handmade, homemade, homegrown collective where our passions and interests are shared and inspire one another. I find myself so looking forward to the next class and a new bunch of kindreds to enfold to the community. I'm tidying up the garden every spare chance in preparation for April's class (linked below). As much as I'd love to make these classes available online, we don't have the funds for that yet. For now, it's been lovely to watch this community? movement? collective? grow organically and locally, and the future is looking quite homestead-y from where I see it.</div>
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"I want to be healthier, but where do I start? <i>How</i> do I start?"<br />
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I have asked this, people have asked me this, and today I share ideas that were most helpful for me when I began my health journey.<br />
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To help us start detoxing our lives, it's my pleasure to introduce to you our new favorite non-toxic cleaner. We have been using <a href="http://branchbasics.com/" target="_blank">Branch Basics</a> for a couple months now and I am super impressed by their product! We haven't even used it for every purpose yet, but I can tell you that it's the most effective non-toxic all-purpose, stainless steal, glass, and bathroom cleaner as well as hand sanitizer we've ever used. I'm excited to also try it out as a laundry detergent and shampoo this month. There's a <a href="http://branch1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Branch_Basics_User_Guide.pdf" target="_blank">long list of uses for this cleaner</a> and absolutely no warning labels, because each ingredient is so safe, it's food-grade and won't harm you, your children, or your pets. I don't cringe when my kids are doing their chores and get cleaner on their hands!<br />
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Our friends at <a href="http://branchbasics.com/" target="_blank">Branch Basics</a> are graciously offering a 20% off coupon code for their non-toxic cleaner for one week only, so jump on this train while it's still in the station, y'all! <a href="http://www.branchbasics.com/" target="_blank">Visit their website</a> and when you're ready to make a purchase, type in <b style="color: #4c1130;">RIDDLE20 </b>in the coupon code box. This is a wonderful place to get started in detoxifying your life and definitely counts as one of your baby steps (explained in the video below) for this month. Also, saving money is awesome.<br />
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<i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">UPDATE: Branch Basics has gone on backorder due to higher demands than anticipated, but the good news is you’ll be the first to receive their newly branded products and more concentrated formula in about two weeks!</i><br />
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As promised, here's part two of my health journey and the first three baby steps that helped me make a permanent change to a better quality of life:<br />
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Have a spectacular, healthier week, friends!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-85420486237225590262015-01-12T06:32:00.000-08:002015-01-19T08:19:15.847-08:00My Health Journey, A GIVEAWAY, & Something To Laugh At<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
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Hello hello and happy new year!</div>
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It might not be legal to say that half way into January, but the year is still new so I wish you a happy one.</div>
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Health seems to be at the forefront of most our minds after we may or may not have over-indulged over the holidays. To kick off 2015 here on Riddlelove, I wanted to share one of my <i>favorite</i> easy-grab foods. We have been enjoying goodies from the <a href="http://www.beardedbros.com/" target="_blank">Bearded Brothers</a> since the golden days of summer. As I share on my health journey video below, I'm a huge advocate for cooking from scratch, but there are those days that take unexpected turns and it's nice to have an emergency supply of grab-able food in the pantry. I adore these bars because they are 100% clean. I couldn't have made them more healthy, so there's no bad feelings while stuffing our hungry faces with them. You flash the words "raw," "gluten-free," and "paleo" at me with the slogan, "Bros Before GMOs," I pretty much order in bulk before I know what's happening. It makes it all the more easier to click that <i>order</i> button when your first one is <a href="http://www.beardedbros.com/" target="_blank">15% off after subscribing with them</a> and free shipping over $75.</div>
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I've tried all their flavors (several times) and have many favorites, but my top three are <a href="http://www.beardedbros.com/collections/all-products/products/outrageous-orange-kale" target="_blank">Outrageous Orange Kale</a>, <a href="http://www.beardedbros.com/collections/all-products/products/radical-raspberry-lemon" target="_blank">Radical Raspberry Lemon</a>, and <a href="http://www.beardedbros.com/collections/all-products/products/vanilla_blueberry" target="_blank">Bodacious Blueberry Vanilla</a>. My kids' faves are <a href="http://www.beardedbros.com/collections/all-products/products/chocolate-maca" target="_blank">Mega Maca Chocolate</a> and <a href="http://www.beardedbros.com/collections/all-products/products/mango-coconut" target="_blank">Colossal Coconut Mango</a>. I'm so happy to partner with the Bearded Brothers to offer you a whole case where you can sample two of each flavor! Go on and enter below!</div>
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Today is packed with healthy goodness. On top of this nifty giveaway, here's a video (complete with some embarrassing childhood photos) of my health journey, and how I went from being chronically fatigued to full of energy, and everything in between.</div>
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But wait! There's more! If you missed it on YouTube, here is my uninspiring pep(less) talk for 2015 from earlier this month.</div>
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And just in case you're bored, another new year's resolution of mine is to laugh more, so I started a new YouTube where I make fun of myself, basically. I find that it's easy for us homeschoolers to take things overly seriously; most of the time unintentionally. It's a lot of work to homeschool! Add the feeling of anti-homeschoolers' hot breath bellowing over our lesson plans and it can get really hard to laugh. I have found myself pulling away from potentially explosive situations in our homeschool just enough to imagine it as a reality TV show and have to laugh, which is the inspiration behind these YouTubes.</div>
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Back to the giveaway! Continental US residents only, I'm afraid, though you can order yourself a box from anywhere. A winner will be chosen from random.org once the contest has ended and will be notified via email. Come back to this post to see who the luck winner is. There are so many ways to get several entries, so go for it!</div>
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*** <b><i>Congrats to Heather Simpson who won the bars!***</i></b></div>
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<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com91tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-53146050768793163222014-12-18T06:27:00.000-08:002014-12-18T09:07:33.423-08:00December on the Homestead<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
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Remember when-ing and unendingly dreaming. Cringing a little at all the mistakes (also note-keeping so they hopefully don't repeat) and tearing up at the precious moments. Heartbreaking changes, beautiful redemptions. A hard garden season past, hopeful these rains bring life to our land in seasons to come. December is a month of remembrance and aspiration. A mental account of the year's days play in my head and I desperately try to snag moments to ponder and jot them down. A whole new year ahead of us! What will it bring? How will we spend it? Longing for intentionality in every possible way, yet making space for the unforeseen.<br />
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All this pondering within plays out in the physical this month. We look ahead with hope as the seed order goes in and decide which kind of chicks to buy in a couple months. December is rich with memory-making as traditional cookies are made while familiar carols play in the background.<br />
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The kids were so eager for Christmas vacation to come that we doubled up on school for a week and have since been on holiday for almost a week already. I'm not sure who's happier about that; the kids or I? It's a wonder to me how the days melt away before daily goals are met. A slowing down of sorts is to blame. I often find myself stopping and savoring the season's beauty with my loved ones enveloped in it.<br />
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Winter is brief here (sometimes it feels too brief) and I am thankful for the respite from most things outdoors. Most of the year's reading is done in December and January, then its back to starting seeds and preparing beds for them, cleaning the chicken coop for the next batch, and preparing the brooder and barn for baby animals ushered in early spring. In the meantime, it's cozy to stay indoors, cooking and baking more, tending to the wood stove for warmth, filling <a href="http://www.kinfolk.com/simmer-pots/" target="_blank">simmer pots</a> and breathing in their ambient aroma, and snuggling under blankets with the family after the day's chores are done.<br />
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December holds a special place in my heart. It seems to fade so quickly; especially when business stealthily spins me in it's flurry and I can't tell up from down. It's a good problem, finding the balance of just enough festivities to say yes to and leaving space for rest and intimacy; but it can be a problem nonetheless. May we all find the balance this half of December and enjoy loud, jolly gatherings and quiet, reflective evenings before the advent of the New Year.<br />
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There is much feasting this time of year. Potlucks, parties, get-togethers, open houses... The main attraction is togetherness and food. Here are a few ideas to quickly and simply add a little extra Christmas cheer to dishes served for the eyes to also feast upon. Little touches like these contribute to the festive feel of a party. Instead of just bringing a side dish because your last name begins with A-L, adding a little something can communicate gratitude to guests and a sense of "This gathering is special to me." Here's to having fun playing with food during this happy season.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-2773441102822520532014-12-11T06:27:00.000-08:002014-12-11T06:27:00.069-08:0010 Healthy, Simple, & Festive Snacks, Lunches, & Treats for Wintertime<br />
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Fun food traditions don't have to be laden with toxic refined sugars and flours. The kids and I are starting new wintertime culinary rituals that are fun and full of memory-making potential. They've already made me promise that we do all of the following for winters to come. Several of these were Pinterest finds, so I'll provide the link to each of those and a little note of how our experience turned out.</div>
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My mom introduced us to these <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/100979216620628484/" target="_blank">black olive penguins</a> a couple years ago and have become a wintertime staple ever since. My older kids (ages 10 and 12) help cut the carrots and our 6 and 9-year-olds can do the rest. The 2-year-old more than happily helps eat them. We give him a couple cream cheese balls and olives to play around with while the rest of us assemble them.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMkPCPADcrL93992RMXxGytqTz6W8f9P9mJ7-snb4YsQPnipryXFQS-CwzUJyxmOb3Loz-qoX0NwgPCDYSCxJLzRFUMw-BKWBfVESabnwrx2cuIthzxqQ_wrtfoHSCaqFQMVaai9ft2i6/s1600/IMG_8263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMkPCPADcrL93992RMXxGytqTz6W8f9P9mJ7-snb4YsQPnipryXFQS-CwzUJyxmOb3Loz-qoX0NwgPCDYSCxJLzRFUMw-BKWBfVESabnwrx2cuIthzxqQ_wrtfoHSCaqFQMVaai9ft2i6/s1600/IMG_8263.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHG-lAY3tiy484Ebb4x7197yLbAIAE94VXI153xPNCaWyX30qgarXOJurBg0GpcMcpvJbJGJbQQbTWlp4S81TrJ9b9RaPBRqUkbToejDw-KozPbW3zqtcoWGSJ8kN97nAibHcldyl_FSI/s1600/IMG_8262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHG-lAY3tiy484Ebb4x7197yLbAIAE94VXI153xPNCaWyX30qgarXOJurBg0GpcMcpvJbJGJbQQbTWlp4S81TrJ9b9RaPBRqUkbToejDw-KozPbW3zqtcoWGSJ8kN97nAibHcldyl_FSI/s1600/IMG_8262.JPG" height="256" width="320" /></a> We even roast chestnuts on a, well, closed oven. We found a bag at Trader Joe's and have received them in our produce box before we started growing our own veggies. We loved how they looked like little presents after roasting them. Simply preheat your oven to 350º, cut a big "x" on the flat side of each one (I highly suggest adults do this part; it's tricky), and roast for 35-40 minutes. Unwrap the chestnut presents while still very warm, but not too hot to burn little hands, and enjoy a warming, buttery treat. Martha has some <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/314175/chocolate-chestnut-mousse-cake" target="_blank">pretty yummy recipes</a> for them if you have any leftover.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGenkXFKuq_ZhpYFSnFFUAkXbKBxIniRxKvcgu3ezbV4AgiJ6QY4bEKqLtlW0gvQgCQHaq7O754Jh1ySmccHk2R6JziR3EV3pcWxc8UxqDEZjOfznm_bL96doY2lTEc_aiw2dpi8Wh-Uo/s1600/IMG_8261.jpg" height="256" width="320" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQs21XE2LUhwdHVxUJw5TAapiJinGq7LtCFAE6HwPpMLI_RR8aEIPGo0ZY9h3lABPdnT5Y7bmTlaQ6NfalYgF8vKC02RpAQA28O-inq5Aymkb1lK0c_lBI9QDkIogxHlYZH-F8yjueoy4H/s1600/IMG_8264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQs21XE2LUhwdHVxUJw5TAapiJinGq7LtCFAE6HwPpMLI_RR8aEIPGo0ZY9h3lABPdnT5Y7bmTlaQ6NfalYgF8vKC02RpAQA28O-inq5Aymkb1lK0c_lBI9QDkIogxHlYZH-F8yjueoy4H/s1600/IMG_8264.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a> This simple <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/100979216618676101/" target="_blank">grape-and-cheese Christmas tree</a> with a celery trunk (and little sprigs of thyme as pretty little dividers) was an easy and tasty snack that the kids put together themselves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqS6G1CTyIez25W2i26jqY4lfsLxUkhmj6fnnX4Ztpw7ihIJCwOoaMhKNPyJtDbcPZBzdOqFqt_KjGdXA0lH_wggChgPLcLSTqIn70yFbce1k8ziZaucVEJwh4W2pCJaYriOiPT42V8l2/s1600/IMG_8265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqS6G1CTyIez25W2i26jqY4lfsLxUkhmj6fnnX4Ztpw7ihIJCwOoaMhKNPyJtDbcPZBzdOqFqt_KjGdXA0lH_wggChgPLcLSTqIn70yFbce1k8ziZaucVEJwh4W2pCJaYriOiPT42V8l2/s1600/IMG_8265.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a> We used our old <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/01/hummus-flowers-simple-kid-friendly.html" target="_blank">hummus flower</a> idea to make a Christmas star with <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/08/easy-homemade-hummus-recipe-akin-to.html" target="_blank">hummus (here's a simple recipe)</a> and heirloom carrots of different colors. If you haven't grown your own, Trader Joe's has bags of them available.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1swDxcKI0JHsW5beeODU9PjVoTdBE8qreK9YCDODKIAzwuaWGCp_-u6brY-pedupuNomKwD4HNsDpGj2ocs3AnM0yP60eV4FoKEfGMdM8nHAntC4IJgvJXfcCrfpNSP83rGyA2NnHoRST/s1600/IMG_8266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1swDxcKI0JHsW5beeODU9PjVoTdBE8qreK9YCDODKIAzwuaWGCp_-u6brY-pedupuNomKwD4HNsDpGj2ocs3AnM0yP60eV4FoKEfGMdM8nHAntC4IJgvJXfcCrfpNSP83rGyA2NnHoRST/s1600/IMG_8266.JPG" height="256" width="320" /></a> The most challenging snack were these <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/100979216620662434/" target="_blank">snowmen</a>. The one I made with our 6-year-old fell apart, but our crafty 9-year-old pretty much mastered it. There might have been some tears shed from disappointed little eyes after snowmen cracked and crumbled, but I think we might try them again next year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdr7le22bsVqTTSECY21lzq-CdBclzWioCITZtC07PCi4s1dfWK3x_nariX4ZoadY-j7d4Yd56ciDnP_ssCcg-gBeV0MC9VPb7GnbNUSBBczCqNXHklOmftIhZ5cjx1sTNaNYbQi26mzE/s1600/IMG_8267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdr7le22bsVqTTSECY21lzq-CdBclzWioCITZtC07PCi4s1dfWK3x_nariX4ZoadY-j7d4Yd56ciDnP_ssCcg-gBeV0MC9VPb7GnbNUSBBczCqNXHklOmftIhZ5cjx1sTNaNYbQi26mzE/s1600/IMG_8267.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a> Homemade hot (or warm) chocolate is too simple not to make! It's taste is far superior than powdered mixes, not to mention it's way healthier. We rotate between <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/11/perfectly-frothy-raw-hot-cocoa.html" target="_blank">Perfectly Frothy Raw Hot Cocoa</a> and this <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/10/healthy-mexican-hot-chocolate-recipe.html" target="_blank">Mexican Hot Chocolate</a>. When I'm really in a need for extreme chocolate, we pull out the <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/03/tale-of-woman-who-craved-2-minute.html" target="_blank">Dairy-Free Sipping Chocolate Recipe</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykxgCI1mx7XYJZ2p3AlH04ctjUV6paKflu9E5hSbxyiMiT_zu13cNKunf659YtI1dhR0xxfp8KjjtpQspkXwtsyf_FVrE66BmfiXHGjmfHD3yQaYw4hhCXDNMrQVArNsG1bJ_uNnP4onO/s1600/raw+eggless+nog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykxgCI1mx7XYJZ2p3AlH04ctjUV6paKflu9E5hSbxyiMiT_zu13cNKunf659YtI1dhR0xxfp8KjjtpQspkXwtsyf_FVrE66BmfiXHGjmfHD3yQaYw4hhCXDNMrQVArNsG1bJ_uNnP4onO/s1600/raw+eggless+nog.jpg" height="281" width="320" /></a> Need a little something more than chocolate to sip? Indulge in this super-quick <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2011/12/2-minute-raw-eggless-nog.html" target="_blank">Egg(less) Nog</a>. It's a favorite.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGWL5eImcU6F27PliH6t60ez1DUWCem3nWfJ_8ScXGjHvI1gEKc-h0hhxSV-at7OEEo7d7IBES1lqf2uc9DmC5tL7NWp6Chj7RGjr-v0TX-a7dhAuJAW187cpz5SGFFn91Zz08DmiyKBl/s1600/done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGWL5eImcU6F27PliH6t60ez1DUWCem3nWfJ_8ScXGjHvI1gEKc-h0hhxSV-at7OEEo7d7IBES1lqf2uc9DmC5tL7NWp6Chj7RGjr-v0TX-a7dhAuJAW187cpz5SGFFn91Zz08DmiyKBl/s1600/done.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> These <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/12/coconut-lace-cookies-gluten-free-recipe.html" target="_blank">Grain-Free Coconut Lace Cookies</a> don't last long around here. Buttery+thin+crispy= cantstopwontstop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgiB1AGC7gCmOmoGB0YX5rpM99GbZZm-N8fOvvbhW0la_-Nxra1_f-86JkBVVziOrXhdmqf9_dnn3ukpeSAXrLWzgfjGuykNQTzbsgES1nCXQknPU0ztbyR4VjkiWPn3cHHjwYy9C5hja/s1600/finished+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgiB1AGC7gCmOmoGB0YX5rpM99GbZZm-N8fOvvbhW0la_-Nxra1_f-86JkBVVziOrXhdmqf9_dnn3ukpeSAXrLWzgfjGuykNQTzbsgES1nCXQknPU0ztbyR4VjkiWPn3cHHjwYy9C5hja/s1600/finished+close+up.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a> Originally, I was shooting for a Paleo Peppermint Patty kinda thing, but I actually prefer these <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/12/peppermintbonbons.html" target="_blank">Paleo Bon Bons</a> without the peppermint.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvlh32TmAQNVXzrDVq_Jihgb8Symt_aqL7dpvCxes33yEy9AoFOucTg8L_jaCy0hgVH3Cf57TKt7GqGpsSCqMiGiM8_j_mz-wfWKybKjd64DCY58YjNQJL4X9yRU7-uvFfMiY4nWvBREM/s1600/step+5.jpg" height="240" style="text-align: center;" width="400" /> I love recipes that are naturally grain-free without having to tweak anything. These <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/11/easy-mini-chocolate-cloud-cakes-gluten.html" target="_blank">Gluten-Free Chocolate Cloud Cakes</a> are a real show-stopper and simply delicious.</div>
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Happy festive, healthy kitchens, friends! xo</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-13419092776400869122014-12-08T06:03:00.000-08:002014-12-08T06:42:44.571-08:00Wrap It! Gorgeous, Quick, Easy, Frugal Gift-Wrapping Ideas<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
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Momma taught this girl how to get a good bargain. After-Christmas sales are my jam. When Jeremy and I were engaged, I hit those sales so hard. Decorating for the following Christmas was like Christmas all over again. Wrapping paper is always bought at those sales; I've never paid more than a dollar for a roll. It doesn't get cheaper than that unless it's free. This year, I'm wrapping for free and skipping those sales (except for a few colorful rolls the kids picked out and neeeeeded).<br />
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There are so many gorgeous ideas on Pinterest. Knitted ribbons and bows? Yes. Mini, handmade wreaths as a present-topper? All over it. Except time? Not enough. So here is a collection of wrapping ideas that are quick, natural, free (or almost free, depending on what you have in your home), earthy, and beautiful.<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/zYjHJNadEj4/default.jpg?sqp=CODQkqQF&rs=AOn4CLA_aUJGJMfZ-Navh6-aFNvoUhnPNg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/zYjHJNadEj4?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/zYjHJNadEj4?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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Remember those candied orange disks from the <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2014/11/winter-nature-nook.html" target="_blank">Nature Nook</a>? They keep coming back because I'm crushing so hard on them this year. They last all through autumn and winter and found their way in wreaths, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/v1E7j5qDch/?modal=true" target="_blank">fresh garlands</a>, food garnishes, and now gifts. <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2014/11/winter-nature-nook.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see how they're made.</div>
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I'm always looking for more creative ideas. Share how you are decking the halls by using the hashtag <span style="color: #660000;"><b>#rlovechristmas</b></span> on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; I'd love to see!</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-7196286953723199802014-12-02T19:39:00.001-08:002014-12-02T19:39:36.423-08:00On Homeschooling, Family Life, Chore Troubleshooting... Let's Talk About it!<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><br />
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What does your homeschool day look like?<br />
How to you keep on top of your kids when it comes to school and chores?<br />
How do you juggle ministry and family?<br />
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I attempted to answer these questions and more in today's video. Do you have a question or comment? Let me know; I'd be happy to talk about it.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-21342650986214100792014-11-24T06:12:00.000-08:002014-11-24T07:12:57.499-08:00Winter Nature Nook<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
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As days grow shorter and the chilly air blows us home, it's nice to bring some of the outdoors in to admire by the warmth of the fire. The kids and I created a space in our cabin where we can study this season's beauty in the comfort of hearth and home. We wanted our winter nature nook to delight all five senses. There are cinnamon sticks and dried orange disks to smell and touch, warming candlelight, bright red Christmas Berries to look at, Paper Whites and Amaryllis bulbs to watch grow each day.</div>
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To make dried orange disks, simply slice 2 oranges as thin as you can, toss disks in 1/2 cup sugar, and dry in the oven or dehydrator at 200º for 2 1/2 hours. We tried making a batch without sugar and what we got are brown disks pictured below (the brightness of the other disk was preserved by using sugar).</div>
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It felt good to step away from the business this season can bring, take a deep breath, and collect treasures from creation with the kids. Their creativity was activated and a peace entered the house as everyone crafted elements of the nature nook. We love how it all came together, and checking the bulbs' growth progress each morning has become a before-breakfast ritual. I do think we have started a new family tradition.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-79346124953167977692014-11-20T08:04:00.000-08:002014-11-20T08:26:08.497-08:00Farm Stand Preparations<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><br />
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Preparations are well underway for our family to be a part of a wonderful <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/737350372987163/" target="_blank">bazaar our church holds</a> annually. This is no ordinary boutique. Thousands walk the isles to browse the vendor's offerings. My kids have begged to sell something, anything, for years, so I wrote it into our <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2014/10/what-it-looks-like-returning-to.html" target="_blank">Homestead Day</a> curriculum (more on that soon). The hope is that the kids learn a thing or two about money: marketing, pricing, and economics in general. It's been fun to watch their excitement rise, the closer it gets to setting up our little farm stand and revealing the fruit of their hard work.</div>
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Us grown-ups joined the fun, too. My mom has made some gorgeous, hand-crafted woodworkings, a newfound love of hers, and she is <i>good</i>. My dad helped our oldest son to make stilts, something he helped my brother and I make and sell when we were kids. Oh, the memories that came flooding back! We used to have countless races and tournaments on those stilts. Any time friends came over, they would make a beeline to them and the championships would would resume. I hopped up on an old pair we made as kids at my daughter's birthday party and became ten again. I literally had to bite my tongue (as seen in the photo above) so as not to challenge the poor nine-year-olds to a battle. I always win, you see. Always. I think I need to invite some of my friends over for a battle so I can dominate once again. Fierce stilt competition is not something one outgrows easily.</div>
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Our oldest daughter and her friend have made some rad raw-hem tank tops that they designed themselves. The last batch was just finished last night and they are so cute! I'm really impressed.</div>
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Our younger girls and I have added several sourdough items to the farm stand, including (sour)doughnuts, loaves of <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2014/11/video-how-to-make-rustic-sourdough.html" target="_blank">rustic sourdough</a>, and sourdough starter, all made with only spelt. They will also help to ladle organic hot apple cider made from scratch into mugs for our customers.</div>
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If you are in the area, I do hope you stop by and say hello. We'll be the booth with millions of kids and matching aprons that my mom made for us all. Our little farm stand will be open for business this Saturday, November 22 from 3:00-8:00 at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/737350372987163/" target="_blank">Bethel Bazaar</a>. You can follow our progress on <a href="http://instagram.com/riddlelove" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as we make the final push until the big day.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-14678768226166489032014-11-19T06:56:00.000-08:002014-11-19T06:56:00.565-08:00Cheesy, Gluten-Free Cauliflower Soup ~ A Recipe<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
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The fact that I am posting a cauliflower recipe means that there has been some serious palate-healing. It was one of the two veggies that made me gag as a kid. I hated everything about that pale cruciferous: the rotten smell while it steamed, the deceitful whiteness making one think it might taste something like potato, then the massive shock and disappointment when that first bight confirms otherwise. If you would have told me as a child that I would grow up to one day love, and even crave cauliflower, I'd laugh in your face. Yet here I am, grown-up Katie, happily sharing a recipe that in fact has become my husband's favorite soup to come out of this kitchen. Miraculous.</div>
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A note on this soup: It can be a wee bit on the watery side since there is no flour to thicken it up. A simple remedy to that is peeling and cubing 2-4 potatoes or sweet potatoes and adding them in with the cauliflower. I tend to avoid this simply because it adds more time to the process and we don't mind the consistency.</div>
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<b>Cheesy Cauliflower Soup</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prep time: 15 minutes, simmer time: 20 minutes, serves 8-10</span></div>
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<li>1/4 cup bacon grease or other healthy fat (We only buy organic bacon from pigs who foraged freely so the grease is actually nutritious and makes this soup <i>incredible.</i>)</li>
<li>1 onion</li>
<li>1 head cauliflower</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A381HMY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00A381HMY&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=LT2UQRXJ25PMWVXJ" target="_blank">smoked paprika</a></li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon thyme</li>
<li>1 pinch cayenne pepper</li>
<li>2 quarts chicken stock <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/03/traditional-stock-raises-dead-almost.html" target="_blank">(find a recipe here)</a></li>
<li>1 cup creme fraiche <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/02/nutrition-monday-le-creme.html" target="_blank">(find a recipe here)</a></li>
<li>2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E5SGI4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000E5SGI4&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=OIYME4AYNERWANPF" target="_blank">this truffle sea salt</a> is my secret ingredient to make the soup phenomenal)</li>
<li>5-8 slices Canadian bacon or ham</li>
<li><i>optional garnish: finely-chopped <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/sauteed-mushrooms-julia-child-446721" target="_blank">sautéed mushrooms</a></i></li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Place grease in soup pot and heat until melted. While the grease melts, chop onions, then add to pot and sauté for about 3 minutes.</li>
<li>While onions sauté, chop cauliflower, then add to pot.</li>
<li>Stir in smoked paprika, peppers, and thyme. Add stock. Stir, then cover and let soup simmer to a light boil for 15 minutes.</li>
<li>While the soup simmers, grate cheese and finely cube Canadian bacon.</li>
<li>Once soup is done simmering and the cauliflower is soft, turn off heat source and add creme fraiche, cheese, and salt. Blend with an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ARQVM5O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ARQVM5O&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=IZWFAB336ATKA2WD" target="_blank">immersion blender</a> or in batches in an upright blender.</li>
<li>Stir in cubed Canadian bacon or ham and reheat on low if necessary. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with finely-chopped sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and to increase immune support, if desired.</li>
</ol>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/p/recipes.html" style="color: #c45400; text-decoration: none;">~ Browse more Riddlelove recipes here. ~</a></i></span></i></span></b></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-21123357505054749612014-11-17T06:03:00.000-08:002020-04-07T15:37:17.493-07:00How to Make a Rustic Sourdough Bread Loaf with 100% Organic Spelt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmBiLGIKJrhFGhoBpyP2Eh0RGLHoPKsL3eK72FC16xBlhzBs44viV5ZSwxtwjjxmEXIT9qx2mouC0B9ISePpLcKaiUqVQXVRqW9nAxXiYD7aP1OIBFGdkrvBdDI0MbDEnHtKxi0Y5q8G9/s1600/sourdough+tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmBiLGIKJrhFGhoBpyP2Eh0RGLHoPKsL3eK72FC16xBlhzBs44viV5ZSwxtwjjxmEXIT9qx2mouC0B9ISePpLcKaiUqVQXVRqW9nAxXiYD7aP1OIBFGdkrvBdDI0MbDEnHtKxi0Y5q8G9/s1600/sourdough+tutorial.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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UPDATE: The video is no longer available but the recipe and instructions are below! I still use this recipe 6 years later as it’s a family favorite. </div>
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The cool thing about sourdough is it really adaptable. I'm going to list tools and supplies you can use around the house as well as the up-your-game version. If you are new to sourdough, I encourage you to try it out for size using what you already have around the kitchen for at least a month before committing financially by investing in more expensive gear. Just remember that if you end up loving the process of sourdough, your loaves will turn out even more magnificent once you get those new toys.</div>
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<b>You Will Need:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Spelt flour. Store-bought will work fine, but when you're really ready to commit to this bread-making thing and want the best results and highest-nutritive-value loaf, you won't regret having <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTY74WC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CTY74WC&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=5PYQ4U6DEP4KNIIM" target="_blank">a WonderMill</a> in your kitchen. Flour is also less expensive to mill yourself, and makes 8 cups of flour in two minutes. Be sure to store freshly-milled whole-grain flour in the freezer to keep it fresh. I also mill the rice flour used to flour the bowls and baskets with this mill.</li>
<li>A glass or ceramic bowl for souring. My favorite is the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QODRF0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000QODRF0&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=QAR53S7ZARD5PUBE" target="_blank"> lidded glass bowl</a> shown in the video.</li>
<li>Sourdough starter. I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VY8MK0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000VY8MK0&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=2QSKUZIX5XMYAG66" target="_blank">this one</a>, followed the instructions provided in the packet, fed it all-purpose flour for about a week until it was well established, and gradually fed it spelt until it became all spelt. </li>
<li>A wooden or plastic spoon, or non-reactive stainless steal for mixing. Up your game with this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQQJ3N6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HQQJ3N6&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=YKPK7R5ZE2E77MXL" target="_blank">Danish wood whisk</a>. I adore mine.</li>
<li>A bowl lined with a floured dish towel for proofing, or make your loaf gorgeous, darling, with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=a%20proofing%20basket&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=XEUYEUPLEZU3TQMG" target="_blank">a proofing basket</a>.</li>
<li>Bake your loaf in anything with a lid, but I'm telling you... Once you get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=clay%20baker&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=MZHPCMVLOEXQYK4I" target="_blank">a clay baker</a> your bread will forever be better. They also make ridiculously delicious, moist roast beef/chicken/meat in general.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Rustic Sourdough Bread with Spelt Flour</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Makes 1 loaf, takes 15 hours altogether but 10 minutes of your time</span></div>
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<ul>
<li>1 1/2 cups water</li>
<li>3 Tablespoons honey</li>
<li>1/3 cup fed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VY8MK0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000VY8MK0&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=OYM43AR4XYZ7L37J" target="_blank">sourdough starter</a></li>
<li>5 cups <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049YMBKA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0049YMBKA&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=L74K7FQIWDW73BXM" target="_blank">spelt flour (organic is preferred)</a></li>
<li>1 scant Tablespoon <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/10/7-reasons-to-choose-celtic-sea-salt.html" target="_blank">Celtic sea salt</a> (about 1 1/2 teaspoons if you are using table salt)</li>
</ul>
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<ol>
<li>(If I want bread for lunch or dinner, I start this process at 4:00 the afternoon before.) Pour water into mixing bowl. Heat honey until it's liquified and whisk into the water. Whisk starter into the water mixture.</li>
<li>Mix salt into flour, then incorporate them into the water mixture. Stir and kneed until everything is really incorporated. Cover and set your timer for one hour.</li>
<li>After an hour, remove lid and stretch the dough at every angle to activate gluten. Place dough back in bowl, cover with lid, and set timer to 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Come back to your dough at 30 minutes and stretch again. Place back int bowl and cover again.</li>
<li>After 30 minutes, pull the dough again. Place back in bowl, replace lid, and set timer for an hour.</li>
<li>After an hour, it's time to pull the dough one last time, then replace lid and let sit overnight or 12 hours in a warm place.</li>
<li>The next morning, after 12 hours of rising, heavily flour a bowl with a tea towel over it or a proofing basket with rice flour. Pick up the dough and form a smooth "top" the shape of your proofing bowl until it's nice and smooth and place the smooth part resting into the proofing basket or bowl. Cover and let rise for an hour and fifteen minutes. </li>
<li>After it's been an hour and fifteen minutes, place baking vessel into the oven and set the oven to 500º. Once the oven has reached 500º, quickly and carefully remove baking vessel from oven and close oven. Quickly and carefully flip dough into the baker so that the bottom part is now facing upward. Score the dough with a really sharp knife or razor blade to guide the cracks in the crust. Place lid on the cooking vessel and place in oven. Immediately turn oven to 450º and bake for 35 minutes.</li>
<li>After baking for 35 minutes, remove lid and let crust brown for 5-10 minutes. You want the crust to come out with a dark brown crust, and even little bits of blackening on the tips of where you scored the bread. Remove bread from baking vessel. You will know the bread is done when you knock it and it sounds hollow and the bottom of the loaf is dark brown.</li>
<li>Sourdough should be fully cooled before eating, and the flavor doesn't peak until day two or three, but we have been known to be impatient and cut into a warm loaf, slathering it with grass-fed butter or (my personal favorite) eating it with a slice of organic raw white cheddar.</li>
</ol>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/p/recipes.html" style="color: #c45400; text-decoration: none;">~ Browse more Riddlelove recipes here. ~</a></i></span></i></span></b></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>
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<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-90414961544944208802014-11-14T06:10:00.000-08:002014-11-14T06:10:00.700-08:00Over 50 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for the Whole Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkU14VHKGg6AqSNxhOF3j5csetntsnzTQRKcaeZkGOVrkUEqv5ZXMFpitj4FXYZkhR74AWBXRfNOY-8uGeBWA_cCx9bP0oYRCtD6rpKM5nyj4dJWl9ydXnsBZv5OBUYbY8cMmsD0cu6FS/s1600/gift+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkU14VHKGg6AqSNxhOF3j5csetntsnzTQRKcaeZkGOVrkUEqv5ZXMFpitj4FXYZkhR74AWBXRfNOY-8uGeBWA_cCx9bP0oYRCtD6rpKM5nyj4dJWl9ydXnsBZv5OBUYbY8cMmsD0cu6FS/s640/gift+ideas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I put together a list like this a couple years ago <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/11/35-natural-tasteful-gift-ideas.html" target="_blank">(you can see it here)</a> and still very much stand by those suggestions. This compilation was created as a continuation of that list. Everything on here has been personally enjoyed here in our home over the years and comes highly recommended. How fun would it be to give a gift basket for the baker/gardener/cook/crafter/homesteader/coffee drinker/fermento/child in your life? I guess I love themes. Many of these suggestions would also make beautiful gifts or stocking stuffers all by themselves. I like to veer away from just giving "stuff" that will likely fill the dump in a month or two and instead invest in one or two meaningful gifts that the receiver will actually enjoy, and is even inspired to go after their interests even more. I hope you find this helpful. Please add any suggestions you may have in the comments below.<br />
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<b><i>For The Baker</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTY74WC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CTY74WC&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=KTB4HX44XPRXANUO" target="_blank">WonderMill</a> ~ Mine is almost ten years old now and is going strong with heavy use. Although it's quite an investment, you just can't beat the flavor that freshly-milled flour imparts to breads, cookies, and cakes; not to mention the major increase in nutrition and decrease in the cost of flour when you mill your own. It has three settings for pastry, bread, and coarse and mills eight cups of flour in less than two minutes.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Clay%20Bakers&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=PZ5JCEKXQ47FHH2K" target="_blank">Clay Bakers</a> ~ Not only do these bring your bread-making game up to a professional level, you can craft some <i>incredible</i> roasts and whole chickens in these guys. I do believe they are totally worth the investment. Also? They are a clean, non-toxic way to bake your food, and are naturally non-stick without any chemicals.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Proofing%20Baskets&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=GLAHOPQAW6ZVX5XT" target="_blank">Proofing Baskets</a> ~ These babies are what take your loaves from just homemade to artisan. You know those cool markings found on super-expensive breads you buy at high-end bakeries? It's because they let the final rise happen in these proofing baskets.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQQJ3N6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HQQJ3N6&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=QEEIFIKIEXTXZYB7" target="_blank">Danish Dough Whisk</a> ~ I love using this especially for wetter doughs, like with spelt flour. It's incredible how effective it is!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SOVMVO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000SOVMVO&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=PW22ZZDJW6DNJIH3" target="_blank">Bowl-Scraping Spatula</a> ~ This is my all-time favorite spatula <i>ever.</i> It doesn't leave any of the precious dough behind in the bowl and it is effortless to use.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FBUMLQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FBUMLQ&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=WZOUS2JRA4B6R2TZ" target="_blank">Lidded Bowl for Rising/Souring</a> ~ Even though they aren't nearly as pretty as a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FPW3VCW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FPW3VCW&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=ZHIAKOPMXLMBDOVC" target="_blank">traditional bread bowl</a>, I love these because no disposable plastic is needed to cover rising dough and the dough doesn't dry out like it can when using a cloth. The lid does the trick!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DJYF3/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000DJYF3&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=RMN5PFFIYMOOO52O" target="_blank">A good bread knife</a> ~ Home-crafted bread deserves the courtesy of being cut with a good, sharp bread knife. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DJYF3/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000DJYF3&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=RMN5PFFIYMOOO52O" target="_blank">This is the one I have used and loved for years</a>. Once you use a well-made knife, it's pretty card to carve and cut with anything else.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452114307/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1452114307&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=CNICHXZ2V2VOJVRY" target="_blank">Tartine No. 3</a> ~ A very inspirational recipe book using whole grains, written by Chad Robertson, the legendary sourdough genius and owner of the famous San Francisco <i>Tartine Bakery & Cafe</i>.</li>
</ul>
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<b><i>For The Gardener</i></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Heirloom%20Seeds&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=O7RMQASA6OT6BPNR" target="_blank">Heirloom Seeds</a> ~ All heirloom seeds are GMO-free and naturally genetically diverse and disease-resistant. My favorite companies are <a href="http://www.anniesheirloomseeds.com/" target="_blank">Annie's Heirloom Seeds</a> and <a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/" target="_blank">Baker Creek</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005YX30/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005YX30&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=DHMFPFIRYS3LPCJV" target="_blank">Garden Bucket</a> ~ How fun would it be to make a gardener's "gift basket" with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H1GSE8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001H1GSE8&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=7RPMMV4FMJHOGBGB" target="_blank">five-gallon bucket</a> lined with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005YX30/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005YX30&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=DHMFPFIRYS3LPCJV" target="_blank">this caddy</a>, filled with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Heirloom%20Seeds&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=O7RMQASA6OT6BPNR" target="_blank">heirloom</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Heirloom%20Seeds&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=O7RMQASA6OT6BPNR" target="_blank"> seeds</a> and shiny new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=garden%20tools&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=PFOPBBI3QITM7J65" target="_blank">hand tools</a>?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=garden%20tools&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=PFOPBBI3QITM7J65" target="_blank">Hand Tools</a> ~ Mentioned above, but could also fill a stocking fast.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EON26O2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EON26O2&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=YTFBSMUNMC4LNASK" target="_blank">Favorite Gloves</a> ~ Nothing beats a good gardening glove (or two).</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875969623/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0875969623&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=LIYZ2M6AHTKKS46O" target="_blank">Lasagna Gardening</a> ~ My new favorite gardening technique.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594869170/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1594869170&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=2D3AUCVRRBDOUD5S" target="_blank">Rodale's Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening</a> ~ Simply a must-have.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594863083/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1594863083&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=QF6CHC65HP5UDHCR" target="_blank">Vegetable Garden Problem Solver</a> ~ Currently devouring this book myself.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><i>For The Healthy Cook</i></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967089735/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0967089735&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=BX2LSBYC722N6VNI" target="_blank">Nourishing Traditions</a> ~ Another must-have for every healthy kitchen.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449450334/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1449450334&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=64JSWDUNEPJBQZDJ" target="_blank">Nom Nom Paleo</a> ~ Probably my favorite cook book purchase this year.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E5SGI4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000E5SGI4&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=7RBMYFM44AQVNROF" target="_blank">Truffle Salt</a> ~ A delicious indulgence that brings "umami" to pretty much any savory dish. A little bit goes a long way!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=organic%20chocolate&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=QTEBFWHY6MKEUKC5" target="_blank">Fair-Trade, Organic Chocolate</a> ~ Can anyone say, "yummiest stocking stuffer ever"?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CKX18D8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CKX18D8&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=G3BGIDCFBGLFINHQ" target="_blank">2-Ounce Angled Measuring Cups</a> ~ I have three of these and use them all the time for measuring vanilla extract, sourdough starter, making salad dressings... I was surprised how often they're in use and really glad I have three because I go through them so often.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Cast%20Iron%20Pots%20and%20Pans&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=5IUICDRPLXK4BXMP" target="_blank">Cast Iron Pots and Pans</a> ~ These are a must when you're wanting to get away from toxic non-stick pans. These are naturally non-stick when seasoned properly and can go into the oven and on the stovetop; and campfire!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Clay%20Bakers&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=XD7LG2PMR743SWKD" target="_blank">Clay Bakers</a> ~ These were already mentioned in the baker's gifts but are also incredibly valuable for roasting meats and veggies. You'll never roast a piece of meat any other way!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=le%20creuset&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=7OESKAPNR3AMBAZA" target="_blank">Ceramic Pots and Pans</a> ~ The next step up from regular cast iron pots and pans mentioned above.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032RPLSY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0032RPLSY&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=C5FE6TFIPGACVXTB" target="_blank">Ghee</a> ~ My favorite fat for stovetop cooking because of it's high smoke point (prevents fat from becoming carcinogenic) and nutrient density. Also it's GAPS-diet and Paleo-friendly!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062NYH1C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0062NYH1C&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=DVSC7A5CHZYVH2CX" target="_blank">Grade B Maple Syrup</a> ~ I mean, I'd swoon with some of this in my stocking.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UYEI9M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003UYEI9M&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=VUPEQUJDFTLCVORA" target="_blank">Vanilla Beans</a> and Vodka to make <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/02/gluten-free-homemade-vanilla-extract.html" target="_blank">this gluten-free vanilla extract recipe</a> ~ Whether you make a cute vanilla extract kit for your favorite chef or give it to them made by you, nothing beats a good vanilla extract.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><i>For The Natural Crafter</i></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Organic%20Yarn&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=4PYI4V34MYPE2S3H" target="_blank">Organic Yarn</a> ~ Nothing beets the soft, clean feeling of organic when your crafter is knitting or crocheting something cozy.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P8KH4CE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00P8KH4CE&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=2VJR45QXQH23JN25" target="_blank">Bamboo</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P8KH4CE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00P8KH4CE&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=2VJR45QXQH23JN25" target="_blank">Crochet Hooks</a> ~ Why use plastic or aluminum when there's beautiful, smooth, sustainable bamboo?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NQ3RW0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009NQ3RW0&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=5O4CUEL5YIBU4DYZ" target="_blank">Bamboo Knitting Needles</a> ~ Again. Natural is my favorite.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1584793678/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1584793678&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=2AXEVGW5V2IZKL67" target="_blank">Last- Minute Knitted Gifts</a> ~ A gorgeous and inspirational book; so good that there's also a...</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1584798602/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1584798602&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=SVM2WNIKB5N5JVWW" target="_blank">More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NHPSR4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001NHPSR4&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=ZZJOOTZOSIEFDONB" target="_blank">Beeswax (for candlemaking)</a> ~ A candle-making gift basket with the following three items? Heavenly.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QQU28M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001QQU28M&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=VTSXBA7KLBBDJGKU" target="_blank">Cotton Wicks</a> ~ no toxic lead in these beauties!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600597807/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1600597807&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=TQ3AUABUKVCVNOZU" target="_blank">Candlemaking The Natural Way</a> ~ A lovely, easy-to-follow book.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><i>For The Flower Lover</i></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BD02OQO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BD02OQO&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=PK552LCF33EQ5DU3" target="_blank">Favorite Flower Shears</a> ~ Also great for cutting fresh herbs from the garden!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BPJBDW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004BPJBDW&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=LPEFOUEDG55HEQVO" target="_blank">Floral Foam</a> ~ Shears, floral foam, and the book below. I sense another stunning gift basket.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579655513/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1579655513&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=RO5NNPDLQFU7O3OJ" target="_blank">The Plant Recipe Book</a> ~ Recipes for impressive arrangements with flowers and clippings from plants.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><i>For The Coffee Lover</i></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I5W9OQ6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I5W9OQ6&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=53RLFUG6NVVAMW6W" target="_blank">Home Roaster</a> ~ Although this isn't the top of the line, it's been serving us well for five years and counting.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JAPSTUY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JAPSTUY&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=P42QVAISBTDQUIG2" target="_blank">Green Coffee Beans</a> ~ You're gonna need some green coffee beans to roast, after all.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312312199/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312312199&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=UWDUAKODTLDA3VHC" target="_blank">Home Coffee Roasting book</a> ~ ... and knowing <i>how</i> to roast the beans is always helpful.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><i>For The Fermento</i></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K7ILDQ0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00K7ILDQ0&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=BBPSCJMW4RG2QQ3O" target="_blank">Fermenting Crock</a> ~ Pickles, sauerkraut, brines, oh my! I adore my crock.</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Celtic%20Sea%20Salt&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=ODP4WMXNO3TDL36N" target="_blank">Celtic Sea Salt</a> ~ Gotta have good salt for all that pickling.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160358286X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=160358286X&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=PPBAL2IZZWDO3EOQ" target="_blank">The Art of Fermentation</a> ~ You wanna culture/ferment/make cheese? I love this guide to it all.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CIFIDO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005CIFIDO&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=LK2AYUCNJAVCTUWB" target="_blank">Beer-Cap Bottles</a> ~ A must-have for bottling your own kombucha.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><i>For The Aspiring Homesteader</i></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=joel%20salatin&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=SYFIX4CHHSO7LUHO" target="_blank">You Can Farm (and any other book by Joel Salatin)</a> ~ He's my favorite farmer-philospher ever. He doesn't just write about it; he lives it.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600596266/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1600596266&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=X5LKPSXWVQRNPHWK" target="_blank">Keeping Bees</a> ~ Ashley English's books make everything homestead feel attainable and intriguing for the novice.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600596274/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1600596274&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=5TLBTVGR3T2IXTW7" target="_blank">Home Dairy</a> ~ Because cheese.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603421386/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1603421386&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=6KTVJ65RD7UQ7CKM" target="_blank">The Backyard Homestead</a> ~ Now this book will make you salivate for growing your own food and that's a fact.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b><i>For The Children</i></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<i>Ages 0-3</i></div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VN8HLA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000VN8HLA&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=MJIB57UD7DFSPA5G" target="_blank">Playsilk</a> ~ Soothing for the baby and creative play for the toddler. I love a toy that grows with your child.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=waldorf%20teether&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=VI3LNIOFJOW32PPL" target="_blank">Natural Teethers and Toys</a> ~ They can gnaw on them while teething and play with them as they grow.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i>Ages 3-5</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063FGFPU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0063FGFPU&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=UEW7YBR54SHURZ55" target="_blank">What's In The Bible? DVDs</a> ~ Our kids have learned <i>so much</i> from these DVDs. Even the older ones enjoy them.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=waldorf&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=4APN3CUCVX2FN6X6" target="_blank">Waldorf Crafts and Books</a> ~ Oh, the space creativity is given when children get to engage with these! (also suitable for older ages)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i>Ages 6-8</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=william%20joyce%20books&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=AIZKML2N76M7KBH5" target="_blank">William Joyce Books</a> ~ Gorgeously illustrated and I won't lie. They make me cry.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0768425026/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0768425026&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=OWODB73YJENJ7TCA" target="_blank">Here Comes Heaven!</a> ~ We loved going through this book during our nightly devotions.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i>Ages 8-12</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1419711318/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1419711318&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=4AZ3IXNXC6GUPK2S" target="_blank">Origami Yoda Files</a> ~ Our son devoured these books and has lent them out to several friends who did the same.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WV1XVW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WV1XVW&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=2ZFVXNRYAKSVRJZX" target="_blank">Felting Starter Kit</a> ~ A wonderful sensory activity while they listen to you read books.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<i>Teens</i></div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H9GXISO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00H9GXISO&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=NULI2CAUKX4KSCSA" target="_blank">Darling Magazine (for young ladies)</a> ~ My oldest daughter and I have really enjoyed reading through these together. "The Art of Being a Woman" is their subtitle. One read through their mission statement on the back of their publications and you will be hooked.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486250571/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0486250571&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=NCUAAKBJIHCPKX4S" target="_blank">Easy Carpentry for Kids</a> ~ My brother and I actually worked through this book with my dad when we were kids. <i>So many beautiful memories!</i></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Happy gift-giving!</span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-2802297732485467492014-11-13T06:48:00.000-08:002014-11-13T22:15:58.196-08:00Grain-Free German Apple Pancakes Recipe with Paleo Options<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the mornings grow colder, I find myself wanting to tuck into something warm after waking up. The smoothies get moved to snacks, and breakfasts that come out of the oven are welcomed once again. I don't want to spend a whole bunch of time on breakfast; it's a busy part of the day over here. This new favorite tastes and looks like it should've taken a lot more time to make than it actually does. The key, my friends, is the right kind of tools. If your household likes apples and you don't already have what my kids call "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DLP4EM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001DLP4EM&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=FAAJ6D5BF45EVNA5" target="_blank">The Amazing Apple Machine</a>," please, for the love of everything good and pure, invest in one. I don't know about you, but I can't peel, core, and slice an apple in ten seconds by hand. For this recipe, I whiz the apples through the "machine" and slice the spiraled apples in half. The slices are the perfect thinness to naturally cook just enough during the process of baking the pancake, so there's no need to pan-fry them ahead of time. You'll see what I mean in the recipe, but first, one more note. If you don't <i>have</i> to be paleo, please choose the buttermilk option over almond milk. Also, <i>pretty please use butter instead of coconut oil.</i> The paleo version totally works, but the flavor of good, organic dairy from grass-fed cows... I swoon.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">NOTE: </i>If you happen to stumble upon a recipe that calls for coconut flour such as this one, <i>you must only use coconut flour.</i> Coconut flour is very different than any other of it's kind and cannot be substituted cup-for-cup with any other flour. You also cannot substitute coconut flour for any other kind of flour in a recipe or else you will end up with some sort of nasty. Moral of the story: <i>Coconut flour recipes are for coconut flour only, and keep it out of any non-coconut flour recipes. </i>Thank you. Carry on.</div>
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<b>Grain-Free German Apple Pancakes with Paleo Options</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 8, prep time: 10 minutes, bake time: 15-20 min.</span><br />
<ul>
<li>1/3 cup butter (or coconut oil), for the pan</li>
<li>1 cup buttermilk (or almond milk)</li>
<li>6 eggs</li>
<li>2 tablespoons more butter, for the batter</li>
<li>1 tablespoon grade <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/11/7-reasons-to-choose-grade-b-maple-syrup.html" target="_blank">grade B maple syrup</a> or honey</li>
<li>2 teaspoons <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/02/gluten-free-homemade-vanilla-extract.html" target="_blank">vanilla extract (find a gluten-free recipe here)</a></li>
<li>1/4 cup <a href="https://secure.ttpurchase.com/AF41D6F8-1E0B-90B3-0EC7664B0841CB56" target="_blank">coconut flour</a></li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li>2 big or 3 small apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (see pictures above)</li>
<li>1 tablespoon cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon nutmeg</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 425º. Put 1/3 cup butter in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JSUA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006JSUA&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=5T22KB7XCQE73OYK" target="_blank">10-inch cast iron skillet</a> or a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CEIUXO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004CEIUXO&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=REBWIUZH7HXODYV7" target="_blank">9x13 pan</a> and place in oven while it heats up to allow butter to melt.</li>
<li>Blend buttermilk, eggs, 2 tablespoons butter, syrup or honey, vanilla, coconut flour, and soda in a blender until smooth. </li>
<li>Slice apples as seen above. Mix cinnamon and nutmeg together in a bowl. Add apple slices and toss to coat.</li>
<li>Remove hot pan or skillet from the oven once the butter is melted. Arrange apple slices evenly on the pan. Sprinkle any residual spices over the apples. Pour batter over the apples and place pan or skillet back into the oven.</li>
<li>Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the center of the pancake is set. Cut into slices and serve hot with a dollop of butter and <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/11/7-reasons-to-choose-grade-b-maple-syrup.html" target="_blank">grade B maple syrup</a>.</li>
</ol>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/p/recipes.html" style="color: #c45400; text-decoration: none;">~ Browse more Riddlelove recipes here. ~</a></i></span></i></span></b></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-45853276472962804872014-11-10T06:17:00.000-08:002014-12-02T21:04:48.441-08:00Wisdom From My Mother: Tips for a Fun, Successful Thanksgiving with Kids!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZDoOwPvFCP3pXKJ-2ulqp2to-LwEkggOE7EANBLXZsdBGRWjglrNvbUStanbCN-4JsyQEH_m2NTAauTDkEfdF9M-E9kgygmRKyZwd0psDJqAgfKs62bU2dGkP6qfofR7vOLHHatPXv9c/s1600/thanksgiving+with+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZDoOwPvFCP3pXKJ-2ulqp2to-LwEkggOE7EANBLXZsdBGRWjglrNvbUStanbCN-4JsyQEH_m2NTAauTDkEfdF9M-E9kgygmRKyZwd0psDJqAgfKs62bU2dGkP6qfofR7vOLHHatPXv9c/s1600/thanksgiving+with+kids.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanksgiving is coming. Does this bring excitement to your heart or do you shudder at the thought of it? Over the years, I've learned so much on how to host or contribute to big get-togethers by watching my mom do it so well. She never shooed us kids out of the kitchen. If there wasn't a job for us to do, she made one up. I really think this is why I adore holidays and hosting so much. It brings such memories of togetherness from years past. There was always a job if I wanted one, and being involved in the preparation might have been the most enjoyable part of the holidays for me; and still is!</div>
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I had the honor of getting gold nuggets of wisdom from my mom and I'm so happy to share them with you:</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/riddlelove/happy-autumn/" target="_blank">Here's a link</a> of the turkey we mentioned in the video, as well as the penguins she made with the kids in the winter. If you have any words of wisdom regarding Thanksgiving with kids and involving them in the kitchen, please feel free to share with the rest of us in the comment section below. Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-4716887327866459212014-11-06T06:17:00.000-08:002014-11-06T06:17:00.222-08:00Thanksgiving Countdown! An Easy Guide to Thanksgiving Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0Op5YoLqoqcOn63xOZjAJv2ebMyPkKbNb5bsm4mjye5aWnwEl03GLLRhaQLp_-PNa7FgEK8W4wZWUwOmbPc2-nhnV_EaD10gnTBTxd3LN6BJTmMi-nkS02tyTZ3VPOGePBVZiQCK6d9R/s1600/Thanksgiving+countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0Op5YoLqoqcOn63xOZjAJv2ebMyPkKbNb5bsm4mjye5aWnwEl03GLLRhaQLp_-PNa7FgEK8W4wZWUwOmbPc2-nhnV_EaD10gnTBTxd3LN6BJTmMi-nkS02tyTZ3VPOGePBVZiQCK6d9R/s1600/Thanksgiving+countdown.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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It's November! I am on a mission to take stress out of the holidays and infuse it with peace by making space for creativity and togetherness. Allowing just a little bit of forethought from here until the big day can actually make Thanksgiving enjoyable; even for those of us putting it on. Imagine that! I've assembled a little guide. Just plug in your recipes and boom. Thanksgiving done well. Let's get our Turkey Day Game on, shall we?</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2-3 Weeks Before:</span></b></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Prepare menu.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Coordinate with others who will be apart of the feast: who is bringing what? Don’t forget drinks!</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Collect recipes for the dishes you are responsible to make, including turkey brine if you plan on brining. Google recipes you need if you don't already have them (be sure to read reviews; they're life-savers!).</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make a grocery list of every item needed for the recipes you will be using.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Buy all needed </span>non-perishables<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> NOW, before they are sold out. Also check expiration dates on perishables needed and buy what won’t go bad before Thanksgiving. The earlier you can get your supplies, the better! Avoid risking your needed ingredients selling out. Don’t forget the turkey!</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Be sure you have enough place settings for all your guests. If you are buying </span>paper ware,<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> do it now, as well as napkins, </span>flatware, <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">cups, and mugs. Do you have enough foil? Butter? Things for guests to take leftovers in? Better yet, ask guests to bring take-home containers for leftovers.</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make a shopping list of any needed kitchen gear and place settings: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KIE1926/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KIE1926&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=2FHU2TYEZGJB7UYS"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">roasting pan</span></a>, enough <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EURKG8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EURKG8&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=CE3G437IKWAMV3XW"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">pie pans</span></a>/<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CEIUXO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004CEIUXO&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=JSDGQ5IS32BZG36U"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">baking pans</span></a> for dishes you are making, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CFTOE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000CFTOE&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=H6FCUCOLMDXZ3TPW"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">a baster</span></a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009IH0BZ0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009IH0BZ0&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=NM3WIN53T2M5OTUZ"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">thermometer</span></a>, if you are brining the turkey, be sure to have all the ingredients for brining as well as a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FW6CA6E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FW6CA6E&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=UUXML6TLODXLOH5T"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">brining bag</span></a>. Do you have enough <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AZKOOI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004AZKOOI&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=OX4HXKKMCXDUA6JC"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">serving spoons</span></a>? Ask friends, parents, aunts, grandparents, if there’s anything you can borrow.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Start eating through your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Make room for Thanksgiving supplies by preparing your current meals with ingredients you already have. This will save money and give you the space needed.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1 Week Before:</span></b></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Prepare a super-easy menu plan from now until Thanksgiving, using as many ingredients that you already have (and won’t need for Thanksgiving). <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/p/seasonal-menu-plans.html"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Find simple menu plans here</span></a>.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make ahead and freeze: pie crusts, sweet breads, such as <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/11/gluten-free-grain-free-chocolate.html" target="_blank">pumpkin</a> and <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2012/11/cranberry-lemon-scones-grain-gluten.html" target="_blank">cranberry</a>, and dough for rolls.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Buy the rest of the perishables on your shopping list. After you have done this, you can sit pretty, knowing you have all your ingredients before the pre-holiday shopping frenzy when supplies become scarce. </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Add any festive touches to your home: download a Thanksgiving soundtrack, decorate the table with some mini pumpkins, candles, </span>gourds<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">… Have some fun on </span></span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/riddlelove/happy-autumn/" style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">! </span></span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Turkey Week!</span></b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Sunday:</b> If you're using a frozen turkey and plan on brining, move turkey to fridge to start thawing.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Monday: </b>If using a frozen turkey and aren’t brining, move to fridge to start thawing. Make cranberry sauce and store in fridge (it will stay good for up to two weeks).</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><b style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;">Tuesday: </b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Begin cleaning the house and setting up for the big day: do you have enough napkins, toilet paper, and kleenex? Get all caught up on laundry so everyone has enough clothes to pull from and things like hand towels are clean and ready for Thursday. Make turkey brine (if brining) </span>and store in the fridge. Brine recipes can easily be found on the internet if you don't already have one.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><b style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;">Wednesday: </b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Start cooking! If brining the turkey, get out he brining bag, place turkey inside, and pour brine over </span>turkey<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. Close it up and store in the fridge for 16-24 hours (brining instructions are all over the internet if you don't have one). Defrost pie crusts and sweet breads you froze a couple weeks ago; leave them out on the counter for a couple hours, then let them finish defrosting in the fridge. Prepare appetizers and arrange on serving platters if you have enough fridge space and if you don’t have to reheat them (olives, cheese, pickles, cold cuts…). Make any other sides that will reheat well, like soups, yams, casseroles, creamed corn or onions (Brussels sprouts and green beans will need to be made Thursday). Rinse and prepare any salad greens, store in a zip-lock or air-tight container with a towel on the bottom to absorb extra moisture and keep fresh. Prepare the table: arrange chairs and place settings so all that’s needed is the food. Rearrange any furniture, if needed, to accommodate guests. Double check that you have those things that slip through the cracks, like foil, butter, things for guests to take leftovers home in (or remind guests to bring take-home containers).</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Thanksgiving Day! </b>It’s go time! Crank up some music and work your magic. You’ve got this.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Morning: </b></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Follow your turkey-roasting recipe and get that bird in the oven! Give yourself some extra time and start it at least an hour early. If it’s done before guests are </span>seated at<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> the table, cover it with foil for up to an hour.</span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Defrost pre-made rolls or dough in their containers on the countertop.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Chill any drinks that need chilling.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make pies.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Midday:</b></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;">Prepare salad and cut veggies in their serving bowls/platters. Store in fridge until it’s time to eat. Make dressing but keep </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">separate in the fridge.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make mashed potatoes and keep warm in a slow cooker with pads of butter on top to keep them from drying out.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Bake/reheat as many casseroles alongside the turkey as you can during the last hour of roasting the turkey. Keep things warm by wrapping them in towels and storing them in a a closed ice chest. This will keep your dishes warm for up to four hours if you need them to!</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pull out all appetizers a half hour to an hour before guests arrive.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Half-hour Before Feasting:</b></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make the gravy.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure everything is warm. Do you need to reheat the rolls?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Dress the salad.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;">set out butter, cranberry sauce, and any other </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">garnishes on table.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Let’s Eat! </b>Sit down. Feast with your loved ones. No more fussing in the kitchen. Enjoy your hard work!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>After Dinner:</b></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make coffee/tea.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Whip the cream for pies.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Serve dessert.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Divide take-home leftovers and refrigerate all perishables within 2 hours after serving. No one wants food poisoning as their party favor. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After taking all the meat off the turkey, place carcass in slow cooker, get out a turkey stock recipe, and start the stock (or refrigerate the carcass until the morning, then start the stock).</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You did it!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Slip into some cozy clothes and let the turkey coma set in. </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-52831941604287854522014-11-03T05:22:00.000-08:002014-12-02T21:05:09.255-08:00How to Set Up Chores & Chore Charts for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYLORW1yn87-5KoXL2qqzBWT15d3k2qklLHI5fy4vK-7TE5_uWalZeVme9QrUQBKyE1qCqAU0gR-A0RWULSDKd8I_RMdrBErWBDoRUAwZtxNDQnG2eybLKBuOnJ6DhXF8Fd2v1HTAJ4lU/s1600/chores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYLORW1yn87-5KoXL2qqzBWT15d3k2qklLHI5fy4vK-7TE5_uWalZeVme9QrUQBKyE1qCqAU0gR-A0RWULSDKd8I_RMdrBErWBDoRUAwZtxNDQnG2eybLKBuOnJ6DhXF8Fd2v1HTAJ4lU/s1600/chores.jpg" height="640" width="522" /></a></div>
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Chores.<br />
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Not many other things can make both kids and parents wince. Introducing kids to contributing around the house can be a lesson in patience and self control, for both child and grown-up. I've spent the past several years trying to find that magical chart that, once I tape it to the wall, the kids read it and get to work with all skill and know-how. The thing is, there's no such chart. I <i>did, </i>however, devour Dave Ramsey's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937077632/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1937077632&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=7J7JYM6OXBL3QUOK" target="_blank">Smart Money, Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money</a>, and his simple, logical method of setting up chores and handling money with kids. It just made... cents. Teehee. Because this is such a comprehensive subject, I decided to talk about it on YouTube. Please forgive the amateurish delivery of this info. I'm still getting the knack of this vlogging thing. Because of such humble beginnings, I'm still learning how to avoid bunny trails and losing my train of thought when a housefly keeps trying to steel the show (welcome to the real, organic country, y'all).</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SQq-QJuuC20?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I want to add a few more notes to what the video covered. I also highly recommend reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937077632/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1937077632&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=RO7ZHB4NHU6EA5FW" target="_blank">Dave Ramesy's book</a> for more information and inspiration.</div>
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<b>Why Ten Dollars?</b></div>
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We pay our children $10 a week if they get all their work done at a level they are capable of reaching for their age and skill level. Maybe it sounds like a lot, but this isn't just free money. We don't cover every luxury for them. To give them the opportunity of managing their money well, they are responsible for buying their friends birthday gifts. If they are invited to go to the movies with friends, they pay for their ticket and any snacks (if it's a family event, we like to treat them to the movies, and now that they know how much those tickets cost and all the work it takes to cover the tickets, they are far more grateful for that treat). If we go to a family fun center, vacation, or amusement park, we might cover a small amount of spending money, but if they want more, they have to come up with it. The goal is to never be a free-money machine for our kids. We provide for all their basic needs and a lot of fun things, but they need to think ahead and save accordingly so that when they're invited to do an activity with friends that costs money, they have worked and saved enough to be able to afford it. It also gives an opportunity for them to understand that money doesn't grow out of parents' hands. Ten dollars is also easily divided in percentages. Paying at least 10% in tithe is an easily-calculated $1. However, we encourage putting more than that into their "give" envelopes so they have the freedom to be generous to charities or when a collection is being made for a family or group of people in need.</div>
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<b>Resist the Urge to Take Over</b></div>
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I've been guilty of this too many times. When I just want a job done right, and <i>quickly</i>, it's so easy to take over and do all the cleaning myself. This is destructive in many ways. First, I watch a wave of defeat wash over the child's face. Second, it teaches them that if they take long enough and do a consistently slow, sloppy job, I will end up taking over and they don't have to do the work. Third, I become a grumbling, seething, not fun parent who doesn't allow their child to hone their skill of feel the joy of completion. However, when children are still mastering a task, I do have to clean up after their job. I try to do this stealthily so they don't feel incompetent. They thrive off of praise and encouragement after doing their best, even when, on the inside, I might be moaning because I <i>still</i> have to re-do it and it would've been so much faster had I done it myself. But that's short-term thinking. Keep in mind that one day your children will be skilled cleaners who you really can count on, even when guests are coming, and someday they <i>will</i> save you time because you won't always have to clean the area they just "cleaned."</div>
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<b>The Balance of Expecting Excellence and Knowing Their Skill Level</b></div>
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We want our children to always do their best. However, our expectation of each child should <i>never</i> be higher than what they are capable of doing for their age and however long they've been working on mastering a certain job. A couple of our children were overwhelmed by the thought of making their beds every morning. Granted, when you're on the top bunk, it's hard making that thing. I remember. I start with asking them to just flatten out their sheet and blankets as best as they can, and the more they practice, the better their bed will look. I also can't expect my six-year-old to wash the windows as well as my twelve-year-old. First of all, even with a stool, the little one can only reach so high. Secondly, she just isn't as strong as our tween. Their skill set will grow along with them. Our standards can develop with the children, but set the starting bar low enough to where they can feel proud of completing a job they did their best on, and that it's not completely and hopelessly out of reach for them to do. As parents, if our heart truly is to see the children thrive and grow, this will come naturally.</div>
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<b>Practicalities to Set Children Up for Chore Success</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Invest in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=step%20stool&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=46OTRTWZXTBCNKUP" target="_blank">a step stool or two</a>. I bought two of them so our younger ones can use them at the same time when needed, which often happens. Little people can do so much more when they are able to reach things. Stools also give them better leverage when scrubbing countertops and washing dishes.</li>
<li>Use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=non%20toxic%20cleaners&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=N5FLY4PDPU46SM5G" target="_blank">non-toxic cleaners</a> only. This is something that benefits us all, and we don't want our children exposed to fumes that can hurt them. It also keeps babies and toddlers safe if they end up getting ahold of the cleaners when the kids forget to put them away.</li>
<li>Cleaning accessories can be fun. Some kids could care less, but when it feels like you're suiting up for a job, things can seem more official and important. Buying a pair of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040MH110/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0040MH110&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=5E2ZC66YD3MNOAIW" target="_blank">cleaning gloves (these are our favorite)</a> for each child with their names written on them can help children attain a sense of ownership and importance, and that their work is the real deal; because it is!</li>
<li>Laminate the chore charts and use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IFGV/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006IFGV&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=TR22QPC6EYGFPPYQ" target="_blank">wet-erase marker</a> to check off the tasks. It cost me $12 to laminate eight charts at Office Max. I felt it was a worthy investment. I used strips of packing tape as a kind of home-laminating technique on our first set of chores, but the ink easily bled through and our toddler found it fun to rip them. Laminated charts easily wipe off and are virtually indestructible. I like having the children use wet-erase markers because it holds up against smudging or erasing that can happen with a dry-earase marker when a hand rubs up against it as they check off another box or accidentally brush by the chart.</li>
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<b>Chore Charts</b></div>
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As promised in the video, <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B55H4ZsJ1H-KVHA0WlRyMHZaVlU&usp=sharing" target="_blank">here's what our two lists look like</a> (feel free to use and tweak them to fit your family if you want).</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-81268520047881698782014-10-24T05:54:00.000-07:002014-10-24T08:32:52.360-07:00Getting Outdoors: New Perspectives & Togetherness<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb055WPTnNc0CIhyphenhyphenAQuOJI_BBNX54A04bC7Qay8oZBTfCiukDDk5p_pYHFb-tYOO9D-thWKEHYZtY9lISzKJQ290osyjCMaSEi2JANwa6hvh-D5Ic8t1hZRJ24m5SYSSNiYkrLUVe3bYn6/s1600/IMG_7470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb055WPTnNc0CIhyphenhyphenAQuOJI_BBNX54A04bC7Qay8oZBTfCiukDDk5p_pYHFb-tYOO9D-thWKEHYZtY9lISzKJQ290osyjCMaSEi2JANwa6hvh-D5Ic8t1hZRJ24m5SYSSNiYkrLUVe3bYn6/s1600/IMG_7470.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier National Park, on Going-To-The-Sun Road</td></tr>
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There was no summer vacation getaway this year. Life is busiest for Jeremy in the summertime, and for lots of other various reasons, we stayed home. I must explain to you that we are not heat-loving folk. We'd prefer to wear layers and drink hot beverages. However, we live in a land where summer lasts for half of the year. Not just any summer, no. The daily temperature highs like to stay in the triple digits for a solid two to three months. There is a six-week period when the garden all but quits producing because the pollen in veggie flowers scorch and never has a chance to bear fruit. It's <i>that hot</i>. When autumn finally does grace us, it feels like nothing short of a miracle each year. Summer finally relinquishes it's stifling grip around late October and we breathe a huge, crisp, sigh of relief. I get ahead of myself.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1_wRMUFEldrSyrzFvAgpVjRO2Xclk9-3Igd1wAlYvPzJOD5gM43cMpwnzK45pJtqWPdDH_w4NR96cmJi7qtu1PoLZ3JDWWWRLjMDzcG5csCfFHrnpYbop_HWTH8nojapVXFgJiti43Ln/s1600/IMG_7464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1_wRMUFEldrSyrzFvAgpVjRO2Xclk9-3Igd1wAlYvPzJOD5gM43cMpwnzK45pJtqWPdDH_w4NR96cmJi7qtu1PoLZ3JDWWWRLjMDzcG5csCfFHrnpYbop_HWTH8nojapVXFgJiti43Ln/s1600/IMG_7464.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy at Logan Pass, on the Continental Divide</td></tr>
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September is the hardest month of all. We see friends up north and Back East post pictures of turning leaves and steamy drinks clutched by hands barely peaking out of cozy sweater sleeves. Meanwhile, the highs still frequently reach the hundreds and we lose patience. This September, however, Jeremy agreed to officiate the marriage of some friends. The wedding was in Montana. Neither of us had ever been there, but were always so curious. We decided to plan a family road trip. Preparing for this "vacation" was almost so stressful that I wanted to call it off before it even began. Arrangements had to be made for the animals and garden, school lessons were doubled for three weeks straight so we wouldn't have to worry about getting behind. Then there's the packing and stress of wondering how the two-year-old would do on a 16-hour road trip (obviously broken up into 2-3 days). As we squished the last suit case into the trunk and I snuck a couple cast iron pans, freshly-roasted coffee, and jar of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032RPLSY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0032RPLSY&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=I53IALLGLFBMG6WL" target="_blank">ghee </a>under my seat (three things I simply couldn't forsake), we took deep breaths and headed north.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MR40LLaKsK8BfOrBx-srWJp_0dn6WgVxPyJUrrIHQ9twjAn62ksFz_vlwDNE30tGehp5GcxqtCEVZavfHHpRqBiWWuAEAqPXjqjKpnzYSmekKxF2OdB8IxsF_U0dTdSxMVYclkIU8Tmn/s1600/IMG_7467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MR40LLaKsK8BfOrBx-srWJp_0dn6WgVxPyJUrrIHQ9twjAn62ksFz_vlwDNE30tGehp5GcxqtCEVZavfHHpRqBiWWuAEAqPXjqjKpnzYSmekKxF2OdB8IxsF_U0dTdSxMVYclkIU8Tmn/s1600/IMG_7467.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found myself getting overtly giddy. I couldn't figure out why, at first. Then I realized it was because we were about to embark on a real family adventure for the first time in what felt life five years, <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/p/our-year-in-trailer.html" target="_blank">when we moved into the trailer.</a> We were all going to a place none of us had been, which is saying something. Jeremy has ventured what seems like everywhere. This trip involved everyone, and everyone had to be involved. We needed help loading the luggage trolleys for our over-nighters in hotels. We all died laughing as we watched the two-year-old experience the thrill of an elevator for the first time (yes, we live in a small town with precious few of those contraptions). Jeremy and I almost wet ourselves watching all five kids pull an "Elf," trying to get on an escalator (something not found in our entire county to my knowledge). Apparently, boarding one does require some skill and doesn't come naturally. We Yelped good food places along the way and congratulated one another for some incredible finds. The kids rolled their eyes a little while I geeked about traveling a substantial amount on the Louis and Clark route. It was lots of little things that wove themselves into a blanket of togetherness that I hadn't felt in far too long. Suddenly, all I wanted to do was go on adventures with my family. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeuLocO9RN9owU0FQgWhY9sejImfkrFiDKrfYiqea4auf89d-PGVEL_iialWfgyRxYgn_YAYKpPPsG4Z_IXj7qTze8M8GZb0mbhm4trlHkd-3poSr7RxbZS7Yq3oYXFoUNC0DBLiVSNka/s1600/IMG_7490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeuLocO9RN9owU0FQgWhY9sejImfkrFiDKrfYiqea4auf89d-PGVEL_iialWfgyRxYgn_YAYKpPPsG4Z_IXj7qTze8M8GZb0mbhm4trlHkd-3poSr7RxbZS7Yq3oYXFoUNC0DBLiVSNka/s1600/IMG_7490.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fourteen hours and one flat tire later, we made it to Montana. Needless to say, the place is other-worldly. My husband and I are enraptured by beautiful places. This was the beautifulest either of us had ever been. Visiting <a href="http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm" target="_blank">Glacier National Park</a> was the crowning jewel of this treasured time. The kids and I spend hours learning about it back at home. It was sobering for us all to learn that the glaciers are rapidly vanishing and might be completely gone in just a couple of years, and that this rapid climate change was risking the lives of several creatures who call it "home." Our nature child was particularly affected, and she reminded us on the trail to Avalanche Lake to pray over the land as we walked it. We did. She is desperate for her children to one day absorb the beauty of this land, without the absence of glaciers or grizzly bears. We all caught our breaths watching a grizzly walk in front of the van. What an incredible animal. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO_ySd4gItYm88jQ4Xo26ZM2DuIwgV-tba6p8ArX7hzNci9sVhgv7XjSgzGPUYzn0Z0DqNQWj2HfuuAD9f1uNXR_Um2xFpiHmbpL6BCKDFNPsj57xPoW4E2mtlEnLIRP-bwl2eDt0kL4-/s1600/IMG_7541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO_ySd4gItYm88jQ4Xo26ZM2DuIwgV-tba6p8ArX7hzNci9sVhgv7XjSgzGPUYzn0Z0DqNQWj2HfuuAD9f1uNXR_Um2xFpiHmbpL6BCKDFNPsj57xPoW4E2mtlEnLIRP-bwl2eDt0kL4-/s1600/IMG_7541.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't think any of us realized how impacting the trip was until we returned home. Normally, we all basically kiss the threshold after opening our front door after trips. We love home. This time, we wished for just one more week back in that captivating land. Getting away was <i>hard.</i> Preparation for is was grueling. As the hours passed in the van on the journey to Big Sky Country, all of us released the everyday stressors, focused our attention on one another, and <i>really</i> enjoyed each other's company. Feeling so connected and experiencing an adventure together was just what the doctor ordered. I find myself planning day trips to cool hiking trails every weekend possible. Removing ourselves from the everyday, as much as I love it, brings perspective and connection with the ones you bring along. Sure, it's a lot of work to get ready for even a day trip, but I hold these memories at the forefront of my mind and heart. They spur me up and out of complacency and into fresh air and new places making my blood pump and awakens my mind. It makes space for memories to be made and connection with those who come along; space that can't always be found in the home, much as I love it. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity...” </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5297.John_Muir" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">John Muir</a></h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbqIfLBKHaGkXb1I0XC7nudolh9irAn7Ci2AA59QrLzFlIdwm341Kis6LxRkw9mnHXyV72891Z8F9FOSo74VV7BeCjDyDWpQQGT9PEw2dHE4STRVTXf6BrYTfet5Dl70OB33UEjHCncfP/s1600/IMG_7564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbqIfLBKHaGkXb1I0XC7nudolh9irAn7Ci2AA59QrLzFlIdwm341Kis6LxRkw9mnHXyV72891Z8F9FOSo74VV7BeCjDyDWpQQGT9PEw2dHE4STRVTXf6BrYTfet5Dl70OB33UEjHCncfP/s1600/IMG_7564.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-71884081828748820842014-10-17T07:39:00.000-07:002014-10-23T16:57:16.850-07:00What It Looks Like Returning To Homeschool <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Don't you have so much extra time now that your kids are in school?"</div>
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This was asked several times during that first month our kids attended the church's school two years ago. I think most of the people asking hoped to see relief from my apparent weariness. After all, it seemed logical that relinquishing the homeschool <i>would</i> free up some time, right? But the answer was always a laugh and a "no."</div>
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First of all, we were in the middle of moving our family from one place to another almost monthly. <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2013/08/more-changes-for-christmas-cabin.html" target="_blank">Our home was expanding</a> and we had incredible opportunity to live in other people's homes, free of charge, for almost an entire year. With a family of seven and trying to keep everything clean and unbroken, it was also quite stressful. The baby and (for the first year before going into kindergarten) preschooler missed their siblings <i>so much</i> while they were in school. Family dynamics completely changed, and I think it was roughest on the younger two who were left behind. It might have only been two kids at home all day instead of five, but their needs didn't change.</div>
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A couple of the children thrived academically in school. One who needed a little positive peer pressure really excelled in new areas and it was incredible to see. One loved trying out a traditional school for the first time and did well. Another just didn't thrive in the school setting. The noise and atmosphere of a classroom was too much and concentrating on anything was almost impossible. Our younger one joined the school in kindergarten last year and absolutely loved her class, but I got several calls throughout the year saying that she was crying because she missed me. I watched our family dynamics change. Our kids had become so used to being with only their peers all day, that they almost forgot how to get along with their siblings. We had never encountered that problem so consistently before. By the end of that second school year, all four children asked to go back to homeschooling. I found my heart warming back up to the idea, too. We were finally moved into our home and the dust settled enough to where it felt feasible.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6PXih3dxrQWZNeLSZAfjlHVsMDExLLQ6q69uUoYGVteoJzMFscMcgpUmxUM4q5X4W_NxnCkyqPnW9ZR97RMFvaa0L1_SwoyviloQ-pycgpNSwVfqhvuqlPKV-wG4LLpX1uecyXqe5x_U/s1600/IMG_7192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6PXih3dxrQWZNeLSZAfjlHVsMDExLLQ6q69uUoYGVteoJzMFscMcgpUmxUM4q5X4W_NxnCkyqPnW9ZR97RMFvaa0L1_SwoyviloQ-pycgpNSwVfqhvuqlPKV-wG4LLpX1uecyXqe5x_U/s1600/IMG_7192.JPG" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofing off while reading history lessons to little sisters.</td></tr>
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While they finished up their year at school, I spent every spare minute preparing for their return to homeschool. I was desperate to do it well. The last year that we homeschooled wasn't excellent. We had outgrown our home and <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2013/05/i-want-to-homeschool-but-i-am-battling.html" target="_blank">I was in a swirl of postpartum depression</a>. I wanted the return home to be beautiful. After lots of research, we finally chose to invest in <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/" target="_blank">Sonlight curriculum</a>. I was drawn to it in years past, but didn't have the funds for it at the time. Indulging in it this year, and signing the children up for sports and dance, was still less expensive than the school tuition we had been paying. The lack of text books and abundance of <i>good</i> literature chosen for the Sonlight curriculum really caught my eye. Their <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/ig.html" target="_blank">Instructor's Guides</a> are also a massive perk. Lesson plans are already laid out and even scripted, and all I have to do is follow them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sjlYxgdsvuBcJvA2y5ZdIITLI9LZYVgAz2aowUfVcFfNNE6LXIQZKgyMERCUAkcbQc0nNkWof5P7r_qfdXcvBXkXFWPgjrAfXfkJIT9_JBzdq-EM1jnGZt7Da42FW-BpN70dRWRzKsJy/s1600/IMG_7174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sjlYxgdsvuBcJvA2y5ZdIITLI9LZYVgAz2aowUfVcFfNNE6LXIQZKgyMERCUAkcbQc0nNkWof5P7r_qfdXcvBXkXFWPgjrAfXfkJIT9_JBzdq-EM1jnGZt7Da42FW-BpN70dRWRzKsJy/s1600/IMG_7174.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Being eight weeks into the school year, I'm familiar enough with the program to know how to tailor it to our family. I have swapped out some of the older kids' readers for books on how to raise <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2014/10/jumping-back-in-big-news.html" target="_blank">our new Anatolian Shepherd puppy</a>. The older two and younger two are broken up into two different <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/core.html" target="_blank">"cores"</a>, (convenience and togetherness all in one!) and each child has their own individual math and handwriting/spelling lessons for their specific level. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-k7m82vbjGWwiVuT6hEmdIh-mUdjvJoirFH_daSD46nraUxzA0XeGuITLggRihSGHs17tPXZSjQDgUltFcNPQ5Cz5o3_cn-6NraZcxQFD4Tx9gT1u40llXdiIuv2DLsk0VikNCl6naBR/s1600/IMG_7196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-k7m82vbjGWwiVuT6hEmdIh-mUdjvJoirFH_daSD46nraUxzA0XeGuITLggRihSGHs17tPXZSjQDgUltFcNPQ5Cz5o3_cn-6NraZcxQFD4Tx9gT1u40llXdiIuv2DLsk0VikNCl6naBR/s1600/IMG_7196.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning how some seeds (green beans, in this case) hitch rides to find more space for new plants.</td></tr>
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We also get the week's lessons done in four days to allow us a "Homestead Day" on Fridays. This started as an idea and ended up turing into a self-made curriculum. We all look forward to Homestead Day, and I can't wait to share more about it very soon.</div>
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Over the last eight weeks, I've watched sibling relationships naturally re-bond. Our child who struggled in school for two years has quickly caught back up to grade level. Those of us who hated school and struggled to retain lessons because of the boring textbooks are now reading ahead because the books are so interesting, and in turn attaining more of what's being read. The wild card toddler is actually so much more peaceful. I think just being around his siblings more, and watching them work on their lessons, has encouraged him to find things to engage in during school time. There's no denying that homeschooling requires a lot. I am definitely excited for bed at the end of the day, but seeing the fruit in just the few weeks we've returned to homeschool has made it so worthwhile.</div>
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The sun is almost up. My morning chores need to get underway and it's almost time to start this week's edition of Homestead Day. Happy weekend to you all, and so many blessings!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-54514152612573809632014-10-15T06:58:00.001-07:002014-10-23T16:59:23.174-07:00Jumping Back In: Big News!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Puppies.</div>
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Homeschool.</div>
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YouTube.</div>
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Cookbooks.</div>
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After a whopping six months of silence, where does one start? Moving back to our home <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2013/08/the-christmas-cabin-has-growth-spurt.html" target="_blank">after it grew (and after being gypsies for almost a year)</a>, took more energy out of me than I thought it would. I think when we all let down from survival mode, the settling in had a bit of a falling-apart affect on our bodies and emotions after muscling through for so long. As soon as life felt more put into order, school began. <i>Home</i>school. Homeschool done <i>well, </i>with four students and a toddler took every bit of energy out of me for the first seven weeks. The choice to return home felt good and right, and I don't regret it for a second, but I am happy to finally be in a routine and have more headspace for other areas of life. I'm excited about sharing more about this pocket of life in another entry, coming very soon.</div>
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Also? There's this puppy. Heidi joined our family only a couple of weeks ago. Heidi is big, and will only get so much bigger. We all love her dearly. Desiring to raise this very trainable puppy properly, she has become a homeschool project for our ten and twelve-year-olds. They will be taking her to obedience school soon, and now spend their reading hour each day immersed in one of four books they agreed to consume if we were to bring Heidi home. They are learning so much and in turn, present their knew knowledge to the rest of us. I can't recommend these books enough, if ever you find yourselves in the market for a puppy -- particularly a Livestock Protection Dog (LPD):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GX9gI3o571Mn0CiMJLvIojniCMRZEG-pgIKy8IT69KdCCfFV5HJPLg_-dbv8noLOR5NZ3qQ9KAiKgiytxEA-3VPwRDeSp4IbYFMvp6M4zS3cCDw9B1Kgk0jydemazYNigcu6Vh-gl_nQ/s1600/1411501033.880967.IMG_7534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GX9gI3o571Mn0CiMJLvIojniCMRZEG-pgIKy8IT69KdCCfFV5HJPLg_-dbv8noLOR5NZ3qQ9KAiKgiytxEA-3VPwRDeSp4IbYFMvp6M4zS3cCDw9B1Kgk0jydemazYNigcu6Vh-gl_nQ/s1600/1411501033.880967.IMG_7534.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316083275/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316083275&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=GVGUAPKJ37NU7TP4" target="_blank">The Art of Raising A Puppy</a>: A must-have if getting any kind of puppy is in your future (or even thinking about getting one), written by the legendary Monks of New Skeet.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316610003/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316610003&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=7M5OXMLS6QSVFS3M" target="_blank">How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners</a>: Also written be the aforementioned monks, this book carries you through training beyond the puppy days.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1577790626/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1577790626&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=XDSWTB2IR7LNOVNX" target="_blank">Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care, and Training</a>: If you have some land and livestock (or are dreaming about the day that you do), this is a very inspirationally helpful read.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1499780443/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1499780443&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20&linkId=BWF2QWKBL6KTPTLL" target="_blank">Sheep Dogs of Anatolia</a>: This isn't a training manual, but more of a history on our specific, rare breed that dates back thousands of years to ancient Anatolia (now Turkey). This book gave new perspective to the world outside our western culture (it was written by a Turk and only recently translated to english) and was brought to life through interacting with our puppy and realizing her heritage.</li>
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Then there's this YouTube situation. Why start a channel? Well, I explain it in this video. It's exciting. It feels awkward. But it also feels <i>right.</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/GTsBUhAlwXo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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A cook book? Why not? It's in the very beginning planning phase, and I have a title and release-date dream churning in my head, but need to materialize it a bit more before sharing any further for now.</div>
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So much love to you all, and I can't wait to hear from you and re-establish connection. I'm incredibly thankful for this creative outlet and have felt a massive void while it was neglected over this past half-year. There's lots of excitement stirring in me for things to come, and I very much look forward to sharing them with you. Blessings!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" target="_top"><img src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/accounts/default1/banners/1-leaderboard.jpg" alt="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" title="Free Kefir Recipe eBook from Cultures for Health" width="728" height="90" /></a><img style="border:0" src="https://www.culturesforhealth.com/affiliate/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=4db582eb97c22&a_bid=918d345c" width="1" height="1" alt="" /></div>Katie Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842697893979039395noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8387877928907784339.post-3370309200475538982014-04-06T09:32:00.001-07:002014-10-23T17:01:02.733-07:00Crispy Lemon Ginger Waffles ~ A Paleo Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6MUpGVF6S8BQdkCv8Ok7B8LfCw3DcIRH5ttQ0YIN2DWqqrkgJ1XEpu3C9hTxYDDlSsS0-Frcj3O1JucqMaV1LLwX3iTHvvMd6gpvTFK-Tu4kqq02c_0alzzpqvJHcRJOUxc3Esfo8_vs/s1600/crispy+lemon+ginger+waffles+paleo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6MUpGVF6S8BQdkCv8Ok7B8LfCw3DcIRH5ttQ0YIN2DWqqrkgJ1XEpu3C9hTxYDDlSsS0-Frcj3O1JucqMaV1LLwX3iTHvvMd6gpvTFK-Tu4kqq02c_0alzzpqvJHcRJOUxc3Esfo8_vs/s1600/crispy+lemon+ginger+waffles+paleo.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's true, it's been months since any new posts. I haven't stopped thinking about sharing life here in this space, but in order to keep priorities in alignment (family first!), the blog has suffered. Often times, good choices are hard choices. I miss being here and hope to pick up a regular writing routine so very soon (after we have established our <i>home school</i> for the upcoming year! More on that soon). In the meantime, I give you this recipe as a peace offering. This is no ordinary waffle. Crispy, airy, flavorful yet not overwhelming... This is our current favorite waffle of all time, and it just happens to be paleo. I will be doubling this recipe in the future because they were inhaled before everyone was satisfied. I might just make another batch for lunch, who knows? All I know is that I can't stop thinking about them.</div>
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<b>Crispy Lemon Ginger Waffles (Paleo)</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 15 minutes to cook entire batch; makes 8 waffles</span></div>
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<li>1 cup milk of choice</li>
<li>1/3 whole lemon (rind included)</li>
<li>1/2 knob of fresh ginger</li>
<li>2 large eggs</li>
<li>2 cups<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006ZN538/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0006ZN538&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20" target="_blank"> blanched almond flour</a></li>
<li>3/4 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DY1FNC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002DY1FNC&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20" target="_blank">arrowroot powder</a> (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005P0I322/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005P0I322&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20" target="_blank">hazelnut</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DEZWSVM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DEZWSVM&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20" target="_blank">cashew flour</a> will also work. coconut flour WON'T)</li>
<li>3 tablespoons honey</li>
<li>4 teaspoons <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00655V2L0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00655V2L0&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20" target="_blank">aluminum-free baking powder</a></li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon <a href="http://www.riddlelove.com/2010/10/7-reasons-to-choose-celtic-sea-salt.html" target="_blank">Celtic sea salt</a></li>
<li>1/4 cup <a href="https://secure.ttpurchase.com/1BDC928A-1E0B-90B3-0E613D6E60493A73" target="_blank">coconut oil</a> (or butter if you're not totally paleo like me)</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Preheat waffle iron and grease with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032RPLSY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0032RPLSY&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20" target="_blank">ghee</a> if needed.</li>
<li>Place all ingredients in high-speed blender like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008H4SLV6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008H4SLV6&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20" target="_blank">Vita-Mix</a> and blend thoroughly. Open lid and give it a stir, looking for any chunks, blend again if any chunks are found. Batter is ready when completely smooth.</li>
<li>Pour about 1/2 cup batter into waffle iron to make each waffle. Serve hot. Optional garnishes are maple syrup, pear slices, and a sprinkling of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WS1KHM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WS1KHM&linkCode=as2&tag=riddlelove-20" target="_blank">organic cinnamon</a>.</li>
</ol>
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