oat milk

One of the ingredients hanging around in my cupboard, not being used, is oats. I try to like oatmeal, and it's not awful, but Erik doesn't care much for it so I forget to make it. A few nights ago, I came across this awesome post about making a variety of things with your juicer, one of which was oat milk! Suddenly, my juicer use has been taken to an all time high. 

I don't like milk very much, and tend to only use it to make yogurt. Almond milk is my usual purchase in the way of milk alternatives, but I'm completely willing to make a switch if it means not needing to buy anything. Finally, a use for all those oats.

One thing to note, however, is if your juicer has a small top opening, it's a little painful trying to get all the oats and water through without making a giant mess. I managed to, for the most part, contain my mess, but it was a little annoying having oat water spill around the juicer and countertops. I suggest something like a funnel or a small ladle (not a giant one, like I was silly enough to use) for a less likely chance of creating a lake on your counters.

If you don't own a juicer, here is a recipe for making oat milk with a blender and strainer. You can add sweeteners or seasonings to your milk if you care to, but I left mine plain.

Oat Milk

1 cup oats (anything but quick, I have steel cut)

3 1/2 cups water

Directions:

Soak oats in 1 cup of water overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, add the rest of the water to the oats and stir. Pour mixture into juicer, using funnel or ladle. When all the mixture has been juiced, take out the oat pulp and re-juice, just to get every last bit out. Pour into a jar or bottle, cover and store in the refrigerator up to a week or so.

Five ways to get a free (or nearly so) workout

For some reason, many of us think we need to join a gym to get any exercise done. I usually do, I don't know if it's just because I expected to not get a good work out in if I was at home, or that it's expected that you go to the gym to exercise and that's where it's done.

When we moved, I didn't have a car and I didn't like the idea of going to the gym on the bus, being all smelly on the way home. Also, I hate spending money on things I could probably do for a lot cheaper or free. I decided I wanted to get more fit (after gaining 20 lbs--AH!), and while browsing through blogs, found this workout. Later, when I decided I needed a little more, I researched a few DVD's. I started with Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, then moved on to two other workouts of hers once I got through the 30 days.

However, I get really tired of doing the same workouts over and over (and Jillian talking to me). Not to mention, it's not really the best way to train. Your body gets used to whatever you're doing and eventually you start to plateau. I needed some variety.

Here are a few ways that I've figured out how to get my exercise in, while keeping things fresh and free (or next to it).

1. Hulu. This is where I get most of my workouts from. If you look in their genres, there is a health and wellness station, with anything from pilates and yoga to kickboxing and intense circuit training. Some of the stations only have clips and not entire workouts, but I've noticed that it makes it fun that way. I tend to put together a workout using three 20 minute clips so I don't get bored looking at the same people or doing the same thing for an hour.

2. Podcasts. If you're someone who doesn't need too much visual instruction, podcasts are a great way to find good workouts, especially yoga. 

3. Pinterest. Have you ever searched for 'workouts' on Pinterest? It's insane, there are so many on there! When we did our holiday vacation, I looked for my workouts on there. I only did one workout (intention is all that matters, right?) but there were so many great workouts that didn't require a single bit of equipment, were quick, and worked.

4. Take a long walk. I know it's winter over on the mainland and it's snowing, icy and cold in many places, but if you get a nice day, walking is awesome. You get some vitamin D from the sun, fresh air, and great things to look at. Plus, it's been said that those who walk every day for exercise tend to keep their weight off better than others. I think it's just because it's more fun :)

5. Get a DVD with a variety of workouts. Those DVD's I got were only $7-$9 each, and were well worth it. If there's more than one workout on there, you get even more bang for your buck. I still use them from time to time, if I'm wanting something really specific and can stand to do it another time. 

Just a little side note--A lot of workouts want you to have weights. A set of hand weights can cost $15-$20, depending on the size, but if you're actually going to use them, it's money well spent. Circuit training is fabulous for you and adding some weights along with cardio helps you get more out of your time spent exercising. 

Does anyone else have some helpful tips for getting your workout in for free?

Weekend Brunches

I love making brunch.  Since we wake up at 5a.m. on weekdays, a "real" sit-down breakfast doesn't happen and as you've seen from menus I've shared, it's usually yogurt and fruit.  So I save it all up for the weekend, pulling out all the fun breakfast/brunch recipes from my cookbook collection.

Saturday, we had ouefs en coquettes with spinach and red onions.  Just a little ramekin filled with vegetables, topped with an egg and a tablespoon of cream.  Such a delightful bit of breakfast.  This morning, I whipped up a few chocolate crépes, filling them with créme fraîche or lemon curd.  And with everything, always a bit of fruit and endless cups of coffee.

A note on the créme fraîche; did you know you can make it?  I had absolutely no idea, but it seems so silly to say you can't make something at home when obviously someone had, before it was mass produced and sold in supermarkets.  One simply adds a tablespoon of yogurt or cultured buttermilk to every half cup of cream.  Be sure it sets out in 70 degrees or so for 12-24 hours (I allowed mine to sit for 24).  I have never purchased it, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I thought it turned out quite well.

Transitions: Late summer

While my summer is a little different than many others, I still feel the change in attitude and heart from summer to autumn.  School has started again, things are becoming busy, and we've been getting more rain. It seems the excitement of lazy days in the grass or by the pool, eating popsicles and listening to Foster the People on repeat is fizzling out.  Death Cab for Cutie and Alexi Murdoch are beginning to dominate my music time, these days.  Even the variety of produce is dwindling.

I welcome the change, for one cannot live without it.  As season moves to season, I say goodbye to the old and hello to the new.  It's an exciting time, full of new beginnings.  But for the time being, we're all in a transition, still with one foot in summer and the other in fall.  So here are some things to do as we move.

  Weeping Cherries

1. Preserve some of summer's bounty image via Weeping Cherries

2. Add flannel and boots to your summer shorts.  image via Kenza

3. Make the most of still available summer produce.  Try Heirloom tomato panzanella with poached eggs.

4. Listen to Codes and Keys by Death Cab for Cutie. The perfect pair of happy and melancholy.

5. Find some warm berry tones for your closet.  image via asos

6. Take a walk. image via Ashley Akers

7. Go swimming one last time. image via Pinterest

8. Host an outdoor dinner party. image via Pinterest

9. Make sangria. image via Myrecipes.com

10. 5 tips to end the summer well.

Travel in Style

In honor of my trip coming up next week (yay!) I've put together what I think would be an ideal travel outfit--with style!  You want to be comfy, yet pretty, no matter if you're going through security at the airport, hitting up a train or spending a few days on the road.  

1.  Blooming romance floral maxi at Ruche
6.  Reach new levels satchel at Modcloth

What we're eating this week//3

A little late in getting this put up, but (just spelled butter) better late than never!  

With my trip coming up, we're trying to keep our spending more limited, so I'm pulling out the lentils, pasta and pinto beans that have been sitting in the cupboard.  Also, we're eating lots of green salad, since I found a tub of greens for a good price.  And as you can see, there is going to be lots of yogurt eating this week :).  

How do you cut back grocery spending?

Travel travel travel

Trip logic

In about two weeks, I get to jet set off to Washington for ten days!  My family is doing a trip to the coast, which I initially thought I wasn't going to be able to attend but was able to shuffle a few things around.  Afterwards I'll spend a few more days visiting friends and family.  It's pretty darn exciting, and I'm looking forward to the chilly coastal air.  Sweaters, here I come!

If you want this awesome travel-inspiring subway art, check out trip logic for the free printable.

Summer Solstice

Happy Summer Solstice!  

Now it's officially time for lemonade and shades, beaches and road trips.  So why not throw yourself a little party to celebrate?

There is a lot of history behind the solstice, many reasons why people have celebrated over the centuries.  Maybe you're even into the faeries that come out and whatnot.  But for me, I just find that it's a good reason to be happy for the sunshine.  It's a specific day when I can say "Hey, summer--you're awesome."  Even though I live summer all year round, I'll be having a delightful time tonight with a few fizzy drinks, twinkly lights and some grilled veggies.

Source: theglitterguide.com via Alexis on Pinterest

Try champagne over popsicles!

Source: shopsweetlulu.com via Alexis on Pinterest

You'll need a few fun straws for your bubbly drinks

Source: marthastewart.com via Alexis on Pinterest

Decorate with flowers and candles--hanging from wherever you can put them!

Source: thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com via Alexis on Pinterest

One should always have a fruit trifle in the summer.

Source: savorysweetlife.com via Alexis on Pinterest

Caprese salad is a perfect addition to any warm weather meal

Source: acouplecooks.com via Alexis on Pinterest

Mushrooms make an excellent substitute for a meaty burger

Here are a few more helpful bits of info:

• Real Simple's Guide to a Summer Solstice Party
• History of Midsummer
• How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

Happy Summer!

Yogurt at home

Yogurt is one of those "things," isn't it?  One of those you-should-eat-it-because-it's-amazing-for-you things, right?  It's kind of become "that thing" you should be making yourself, too.  Mostly because it's cheap, but also because it's great for your tummy (part of what makes it amazing for you).


I purchased a really cheap yogurt maker about a year or so ago.  It had four tiny containers and kept a constant temperature so you didn't really have to worry about keeping track of all the temps that are important to a proper yogurt.  But for some reason, I just didn't use it.  And I think when we moved two times ago, several of the little containers got lost and now I've just got one small machine with one small container.  Not very helpful.


But since I'm home all the time and I'm feeling particularly dedicated to the health of myself and my husband, I've been on the look out for a good yogurt recipe.  And I found it! .  The Simple Dollar offers an awesomely easy recipe for yogurt made in a crock pot--because none of us use that crock pot quite enough, right?  I've made this yogurt a few times already (posted about it here) and it worked out perfectly all but one time (read here for some reasons yogurt might not turn out quite right)  I encourage you to try it out yourself!  


And remember--keep 1/2 - 1 cup of the yogurt at the end to make a new batch.


Have a happy Wednesday!

Drug-free colds

You heard me whine about it all last week, and you get it once more.  I got super sick, and it hung around and I was miserable.  But now I'm feeling better!  Hooray!


As part of living simply, I always try (emphasis on try, because sometimes I get annoyed and need the symptoms to go away NOW) to keep away from over the counter cold and flu medicine because letting the illness run its course and not adding all those yuckies the meds seems to be better.  So I've kind of figured out what works for me (until I can't sleep because my lungs decide to stop working--then I give in to the nyquil).  Here are a few homemade cold "medicines" in case you, too, might be interested in a drug-free cold.


Super duper hot toddy
10 oz water
1 Ecchinachea tea bag
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tsp lemon juice
1 Tsp fresh ginger root, chopped
1 oz whiskey
2-3 sprinkles cayenne pepper

Boil water in a kettle with tea bag.  Allow to steep for 10 min.  While steeping, coat mug with honey, then add lemon juice, ginger root and whiskey.  Once tea has steeped, pour into mug and stir.  Add a few sprinkles of cayenne pepper.  Enjoy! (or try to...)

Homemade cough syrup
I found this amazing recipe on youtube while searching for a good cough syrup recipe.  It works very well and doesn't taste quite as terrible as over the counter syrup.



And some links!

7 Homemade Alternatives to Controversial Over-The-Counter Cold Medicine
Homemade cold remedy
Cough and cold remedies

From scratch

My week has already started off incredibly productive.  One of my favorite things about the move is all the time I finally have to explore cooking and making as much as I can from scratch.  I've already shared a few things, but this week is the week when things are really getting serious.  

Cheese.

Pickles.

Yogurt.

Ice cream.

Strawberry jam.

Birthday cake.

Ant killer.

Dryer sheets.

The list is a little intimidating, but yesterday I tackled four of these things.  It's only Tuesday!  The cheese did not turn out well, so I will have to try again.  But three out four successes isn't too bad.

Here are a few photos from my adventures.

DIY Febreze Recipe

I had no idea you could make febreze until I saw someone I knew had made it.  She gave me the recipe, and then I did some research to find out where it originated from.  While it's always hard to track things like this down, I found the recipe I received at FakeitFrugal.

1/8 cup Fabric Softener

2 tablespoons Baking Soda

Hot water

 Mix fabric softener and baking soda in a measuring cup until smooth.

Fill measuring cup with hot water and stir until well mixed.

Pour into spray bottle and fill the rest of the way with water.

Voila!  

Routines

I've finally gotten into a little routine of how my days and weeks go.  I don't like everything to be exactly the same day in and day out, but it is nice to feels some sense of stability.

One thing that has really helped is getting on a housekeeping schedule.  This took some time to start establishing because at first I was barely cleaning since there was nothing to clean and then I was unpacking and whatnot.  My favorite thing about Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House is the idea of keeping up with everything. 

Due to full time job and full time school, I have been a "clean it when it gets dirty" kind of housekeeper.  But now that I have the time to establish better skills, I'm working hard to become a "clean it before it gets dirty" person.  I read a lot of blogs from stay-at-home mom's, but I always feel like things maybe work a little differently for me because I don't have any children, just because there aren't very many people in our home.  

So I have a schedule.  Not one that's written in stone, but one that helps things stay clean.  It goes something like this:

These are things that absolutely must be done every day, or they pile up and become overwhelming.

Sometimes these things need to be switched out with other days of the week in case something doesn't work, but this tends to be the schedule I follow.  The bathrooms and the kitchen are the most time consuming (and the most tiring) so I get those out of the way at the beginning of the week.  Over the weekend, things slip a little since we're usually out exploring and Monday comes with a bit of a mess to tidy up.  The bedroom and the living room are generally tidy as long as things get put away regularly so they just require washing sheets and dusting.

What do you do to keep up on housework?

Pizza Friday's

What is it about Friday's that just scream pizza?  I know growing up we often had our pizza day on Friday, and lots of other people do the same thing.  Perhaps it's a celebration of the weekend, to feel good about all the hard work we did during the week.  Whatever it may be, I am happy to make it tradition in our home.

The recipe I chose was Basil Tomato Pizza from the "Mennonite Girls Can Cook" cookbook, a bridal shower gift from my aunt (the baking stone I used was from her too :) ).  I was actually able to find the recipe on their blog, so now you can try the recipe out if you would like!

First, the pizza dough recipe is great!  It makes enough for two medium pizzas, so I put half the dough in the freezer for next week.  Adding a cup of whole wheat flour gives the dough a little more "health" so you're not eating only refined flour.  I also didn't let it rise quite so long (20 minutes) so the dough would be a little thinner.  

It's a white sauce based pizza instead of tomato sauce.  Erik and I don't like tomato sauce pizza as much as a white sauce, so I was happy to try this recipe out even though white sauce means far more calories (it's the weekend!).  There is a lot of chopped fresh basil and garlic, making the sauce more than just something to stick the toppings to.  It becomes a topping!  The only odd part about the sauce is the use of mayo.  I used Veganaisse, a vegan mayo substitute--I still maintain a lot of the habits I picked up over the years I was vegan.  

The rest of the pizza is loads of tomatoes and cheese.  I found some fresh mozzarella on discount because it was going to expire in a few days.  If you ever use fresh mozzarella, try to dry it a little beforehand.  It's full of liquid and will make a huge mess when you're baking the pizza.

All in all, this was a great recipe and will probably do some variation of it again in the future.

Any pizza or other food traditions in your home?

Clutterific

My goodness, it's already Wednesday and I haven't posted anything.  Time to remedy that.

This week has been the unpack-and-find-a-home-for-it week.  Isn't it amazing how much random stuff can accumulate?  Those darn things you have such a hard time finding a home for because it's category is "miscellaneous."  It's becomes a little taxing, but I think I've made it through the worst of it. 

The whole ordeal has led me to find organization blogs, tips and photos.  I have to find just a little guidance to get me going in the right direction!  There are a lot of weeds to go through, but these two were my favorites.  

iheartorganizing was my first stop.  I had come across a really great cupboard organization photo and had to look around some more.  Everything looks so fabulous and inspires me to get my things in order.

Chaos to Order has a short entry on dealing with all those various items in your closet (which always seems to be the spot for them).  Photos and all!

How do you deal with organization and clutter?

Covering Up.

As a girl who grew up with a fairly conservative background when it came to clothing, I never quite got used to wearing a bikini when swimming.  My parents never let me wear one so as soon as I moved out of their home I purchased one.  Delightful as I thought it was, I felt utterly naked.  But with all the advertisements containing nothing but cute and sexy bikini tops and bottoms and frumpy one pieces, I certainly was not going back to the old ways.

Now I have admitted to myself that I don't care for being nearly naked in front of total strangers.  In fact, I would probably feel better about wearing nothing at all than wearing these little patches of fabric attached to strings.  Not to mention my lack of confidence.  My rear never does seem to get to a point of firmness and the cellulite doesn't leave completely regardless of lunges, so I end up wearing shorts over the bikini bottom anyway.

So in search of new swimsuits, I have run across Shabby Apple's collection of swimwear.  Remember that dress I won?  Well they make swimsuits too!  It is incredible.  All are so beautiful and elegant, but most are nowhere near string bikini status.

Source: shabbyapple.com via Alexis on Pinterest

This one is beautiful.  I am a huge fan of olive colored anything.  And that bow is fantastic!

Source: shabbyapple.com via Alexis on Pinterest

And you can even wear pearls with these!  My favorite :).

I think it's a good reminder that as women, we do not need to look sleazy in order to be noticed or fit in.  In fact, one can look far better if one presents one's self as a classy lady instead of Victoria's Secret model.

Blue is the new black

Finally, I am completely out of the old apartment.

12 days later.

So now it's on to getting a place for everything in this new space.  And trying to paint everything blue and white.

I'm interested in making some paper garlands for some spaces on the walls, like in the entryway along the arch.  Here are a few I've found for some inspiration.

This delightful garland from Creature Comforts is fantastic and would match the color scheme of my decor ideas.  And I have so much newspaper lying around (and books I can tear up from the recycling center) that it would be a cinch to create without wasting.

And then there is this one from Pam Garrison using coffee filters in various colors.  I love the floaty-ness.  And if I changed that little dash of pink to a blue that matches my paint, it would be perfect.  So pretty.  Not to mention all those coffee filters I have in my cupboard that no longer get used since I'm a French Press coffee drinker now.

And finally, what to do with all those elements that simply do not match what I want?  I don't want to just toss them, but we've collected all these random items for the walls.  I can always re-paint things like candle holders and the black furniture, but paintings and posters aren't so easily changed.  Hmm.  Decisions, decisions..

The Summer List.

Well here it is. Spring semester is over and for those who mark seasons by their school schedules, it is now summer.  I am taking summer classes, so it isn't quite as fabulous as it is for others but I am enjoying it just the same.  The weather has been more enjoyable lately and we're even hosting a BBQ this weekend in celebration of our move and to celebrate the beginning of a great time.

I saw on Fit Foodie Finds a Summer list of sorts and I thought I should make my own.  Goals for the summer and things that I just want to do in my spare time.  Here is what I have come up with.

1.  Walk.  Every single darn day.  It is so pretty here, there is no reason to not take at least a half hour jaunt  to enjoy the pretty flowers and greenery.  Plus, I could use the extra exercise.

2.  Learn how to garden.  Even if it's just a few little potted plants, I need to hone this skill.  I just hope the squirrel doesn't eat all the green stuff and leave my plants to nothing.

3.  Feel good in my swimsuit (and shorts).  I stole this one from Fit Foodie Finds.  Every Spring I eat too much which leads to a poor self-esteem in Summer clothing.  I am bound and determined to feel good in my swimsuit and feel capable of putting on a pair of shorts, which was not possible last Summer.  The varicose veins sure don't help, but I figure if I can tan up enough they aren't as visible.  I refuse to let my self-esteem and laziness get in the way of cooling off this Summer.

4.  Get up before 10a.m.  Until June 25th, this won't be a problem since I have class at 8:30a.m. every day.  But last Summer, since I had no job and nothing to do I pretty much slept until 10:30a.m. or even as last as noon every single day.  I will not waste my mornings this year, no sirree.

5.  Enjoy time.  Take advantage of the cool evenings.  Relax.  Read books.  Sew.  Write.  Do all the things I want to do in my spare time when I have the spare time.  Don't waste it.

Decoupage it all!

As I mentioned yesterday, school is becoming rather hectic.  But not so busy that I won't include some decoupage into my day!  I decided to add pretty vintage labels from The Graphics Fairy to every single body and face care product I have on my bathroom counter--including the Seventh Generation disinfecting wipes!

It's probably the girliest looking bathroom I have ever had, but I adore it.

On top of that, I made a whole bunch of headbands!  The one below is my absolute favorite.  You can see the rest on my Etsy shop

And last, but not least, laundry detergent!  We've been running out of our current laundry soap so I decided it was time to make a batch myself instead of purchasing some from the co-op.  In comparison to the $10-$15 I spend on pre-made detergent, I spent roughly $1-$2 on 4 gallons which should last us several months.  I remember my family making it a lot when I was growing up, and funny enough it's the same recipe the Duggar Family uses.  Here is the recipe!

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

4  Cups - hot tap water
1  Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and allow to cool.

I suggest you add 15-20 drops of essential oil to your detergent if you want a fragrance other than the Fels Naptha bar.

-If you want a heavy duty detergent, use the soap as it is.  If you want to spread it out over a longer period of time and it works for you, dilute it using half the detergent to half water.

-Use 1/4 cup per load.

Natural smells--Keeping Odors Away

While I don't want to brag, I'm told whenever I have guests over that my house smells nice.  I'm quite obsessed with making sure that everything smells pleasant, since I remember growing up with cat smell.  But, most of the time anything that helps improve the smell of a room or home tends to add harmful chemicals to the environment.  Here are some ideas I've found to make your home smell extra pleasant.

1.  Flowers.  Not even living flowers are necessary.  I have a bouquet of dried lavender hanging on my bathroom wall, which not only adds decor and color, but a delightful smell.  The steam releases the oil from the flowers each time you shower, so the scent is constantly renewed.

2.  Essential Oils.  Take a bath.  Add sweet basil, eucalyptus, lavender or rosemary essential oils to your tub.  Not only will you make your skin smell incredibly delicious, but the whole house will smell amazing.

3.  Candles.  Remember that lighting a match trick?  It works.  Find some soy candles that contain essential oils and place them strategically around you home.  Or beeswax candles.  They have a fairly neutral smell, but do contain a very light honey scent.

4.  Baking soda.  Absorb the smelly things in your home.  Put some in a pretty bowl and find an inconspicuous home for it.  This way, not only are you trying to add pleasant smells but you're taking the yucky ones away.