Posts by: Traci Lea
Try this quinoa pancake recipe from Keeper of the Home
Quinoa (pronounced “KEEN-wah.”) may sound foreign to many people but it dates back thousands of years to the Inca’s. Quinoa is a complete protein and contains all nine essential amino acids and has twice as much fiber as most other grains. Quinoa also contains Lysine, iron and is rich in magnesium, manganese and riboflavin. This heart healthy grain is also believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties.
To prepare quinoa you will want to rinse the seeds to remove any bitter taste caused by the quinoa saponins. Cook one part quinoa to two parts liquid. Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes. I like to add olive oil, garlic and pepper to my quinoa but there are a lot of recipes on the world wide web so you won’t have any problems finding one you like. Be sure to check out the delicious pancake recipe pictured in this post. A perfect addition to your next celebratory brunch.
Are you always on the look out for a new recipe? A fun site to visit? Check out cakeeventsblog.com where you will find the complete recipe for this delicious Honey Cornbread Cake
Taking the time to appreciate our surroundings and enjoy life’s simple pleasures might be an acquired skill. Still the numbers are growing for those who want the simpler life and who are actually taking the steps to achieve this dream. Learning to be satisfied with less is certainly a key factor. Many choose a simple life for different reasons: less stress, healthier lifestyle, and more time to devote to family, friends and to the things enjoyed most.
For some the choice of a cottage lifestyle is inviting. Its quaint simplicity echoes the peaceful repose that many of us desire. Though we aren’t always able to live in our perfect dwelling we can certainly bring to our own homes a piece of its unique charm.
A few ideas:
- Keep televisions in a t.v. armoire so that they are hidden when not in use. Exposed electronics can take away from the tranquil atmosphere.
- Add fresh flower arrangements. Use faux flowers if you have allergies. Tip: Wildflowers look wonderful in old mason jars!
- Do not block natural light. Open blinds and curtains and let the sun kiss your home with its beauty.
- Use a sofa cover to get a softer look. Do not be afraid of white! White covers are actually easy to clean in the washing machine and you can usually add a little bleach. But always read the cleaning label for any fabric for proper cleaning instructions.
- Create a small flower garden that you can view from a window. Even a patio can be transformed to a little haven of its own.
- Perhaps just a corner nook is all you need: carve out space and make it yours. Perhaps a window view overlooking your flower garden?
- Most importantly dress your home with love and laughter. Spend quality time with family: read a book together, play a game, take a leisurely walk or take turns choosing the activity!
Scavenger hunts are exciting and usually go in the bank of favorite memories.
There is no set of rules when planning a scavenger hunt but to make it most enjoyable consider the interests of the child.
Here are some ideas from a birthday scavenger hunt we had for my daughter when she was young and an avid reader of Nancy Drew:
- The day began in the morning when the doorbell rang and a mysterious package was left at the footstep addressed to my daughter. Inside the package included detective business cards with her name on them, a pocket watch, a pen, and her first clue.
- The first clue led us to a special location where she was to look for something red. A red scarf was tied in a tree and she had to climb the tree (with help) to reach another hint.
- She was directed to a friends house where she had to kayak a short distance in a lake (again with help) to find a floating bottle with the next clue.
- And with assistance she climbed to the roof of the house to find a gift waiting and another clue that guided her to a secret compartment in the pocket watch.
- The clue in the pocket watch led to a surprise party at an ice cream shop where all of her friends had gathered to wish her happy birthday. Her next clue was hidden under one of the tables.
- This led to a clue in her pen, which directed her to our favorite bookstore. Inside the bookstore she was sent to the Nancy Drew section in which another hint was found in one of the books.
- She was then directed to find a mysterious person with a hat who gave her the clue to her final destination: A family birthday party where her final clue was hidden in a walnut shell that led to a treasure box.
Ideas for hiding clues:
- Freeze a clue in an ice tray.
- Carefully open a walnut, take out the nut and replace with a clue. Glue shell back together. And place in a bowl of walnuts.
- Hide a clue in a pen, pocket watch, or compass.
- Get friends involved by having them secretly waiting at different locations with funny hats.
- Get other peopled involved and ask them to wear a bright-colored smiley face that your child has to find.
- Hide clues in favorite stores at the mall (with the permission of management).
- Empty an old chap stick tube and place a clue.
- Create funny rhymes that lead to clues.
real simple subscription
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capture beautiful memories
