tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-325362282024-03-13T12:17:19.793-06:00inspired mama musingserika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.comBlogger687125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-88672535805770888222014-01-05T15:43:00.001-07:002014-01-05T15:43:24.608-07:00inspired mama musings is moving*<div align="center">
Hello friends! Just a little post to let you all know that inspired mama musings has packed up and moved over to Wordpress. You can now find me here :: <a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.wordpress.com/">http://inspiredmamamusings.wordpress.com/</a></div>
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Please pardon my dust as I get all settled and learn the ropes over there. I hope that you will still stop in for a visit from time to time! There is a new blog post up in the new space today!</div>
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New year, new beginnings! See you soon!</div>
erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-64969725702610089162013-12-16T15:10:00.001-07:002013-12-16T15:10:07.951-07:00real food swap*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember back in May when I posted about the <a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2013/05/real-foodiesstart-swap.html">real food swap</a> that some friends and I started? Well, we are still going strong and meeting up every month to swap wonderful, real food goodness! Here are a few photos from our swap today - I think it might have been the best one yet! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ToiBMI1yZ6Q/Uq9zccAQ6qI/AAAAAAAAFbc/YyR6A7wZi7U/s1600/DSC_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ToiBMI1yZ6Q/Uq9zccAQ6qI/AAAAAAAAFbc/YyR6A7wZi7U/s400/DSC_0320.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were my offerings - dark chocolate sauce, espresso stout brewed by my hubby, mint, chocolate-mint and vanilla extracts and chai tea concentrate.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gAJodErDvE/Uq9z-xLT0LI/AAAAAAAAFbs/1yxDC9J65lw/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gAJodErDvE/Uq9z-xLT0LI/AAAAAAAAFbs/1yxDC9J65lw/s400/DSC_0322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spicy canned beans, my offerings from the photo above, beeswax candles, raw beeswax, and tangerines!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHh0nSaKXWU/Uq90CYaj6GI/AAAAAAAAFb0/7D8NC_BXcfo/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHh0nSaKXWU/Uq90CYaj6GI/AAAAAAAAFb0/7D8NC_BXcfo/s400/DSC_0323.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spice mixes, beautiful glass decanters, cinnamon extract and caramel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkj637rCF4o/Uq9z2rtRGgI/AAAAAAAAFbk/s-iXp4mI8vs/s1600/DSC_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkj637rCF4o/Uq9z2rtRGgI/AAAAAAAAFbk/s-iXp4mI8vs/s400/DSC_0324.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our lovely swappers. This is my friend's gorgeous new kitchen in her home that they recently remodeled. I now have serious kitchen envy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SjNeP_y1h4g/Uq90bCj5mcI/AAAAAAAAFb8/iaCeyfBu3Hs/s1600/DSC_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SjNeP_y1h4g/Uq90bCj5mcI/AAAAAAAAFb8/iaCeyfBu3Hs/s400/DSC_0325.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applesauce, purees (pumpkin or squash, I believe) glass jugs/growlers, and pickles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZLo3LpsUs8/Uq90lJvgZ0I/AAAAAAAAFcM/7boired92UM/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZLo3LpsUs8/Uq90lJvgZ0I/AAAAAAAAFcM/7boired92UM/s400/DSC_0329.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yogurt starter, soap, toffee, hand knit dishcloths, homemade vapor rub, mustard and jams and jellies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPvziNyhnPE/Uq90gvlgP1I/AAAAAAAAFcE/fASSDispmRQ/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPvziNyhnPE/Uq90gvlgP1I/AAAAAAAAFcE/fASSDispmRQ/s400/DSC_0328.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulk spices - turmeric, celery seed, mustard seed and more caramel sauce!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">There was even more that I didn't get a pic of. Letterpress goodies (I got the cutest beer coasters to include in my mama's Christmas gift basket!), sausage and bacon, rye and sourdough bread, pizza dough and homemade Nutella!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I posted a pic of all the amazing stuff I brought home with me on my Instagram page - I am <a href="http://instagram.com/inspirederika">inspirederika</a> over there if you would like to come take a peek!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now we are starting to plan the swaps for next year - I simply cannot wait to see what the new year has in store for The Treasure Valley Real Foodies!</span><br />
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<br />erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-90766860663036302232013-12-16T14:35:00.000-07:002013-12-16T14:35:30.168-07:00apples and vinegar :: part two<div style="text-align: center;">
Back to the vinegar making process! I filled you in on the first steps of homemade apple scrap vinegar in <a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2013/10/apples-and-vinegarpart-one.html">this post</a>. Here is how it turned out!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4OOulaIxlQ/Uq9q9s-z2yI/AAAAAAAAFag/INvActGELEg/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4OOulaIxlQ/Uq9q9s-z2yI/AAAAAAAAFag/INvActGELEg/s400/DSC_0205.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the mixture looked like the day I strained the apple scraps out. This is pre-stirring and approximately 3 weeks after I started the process.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMpX46L6RtU/Uq9rQxHfh3I/AAAAAAAAFao/gzTAK0GdtA4/s1600/DSC_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMpX46L6RtU/Uq9rQxHfh3I/AAAAAAAAFao/gzTAK0GdtA4/s400/DSC_0207.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here it is after a good stir. Nice and bubbly and very fragrant!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Dm1-fx5eqU/Uq9sDtQaMmI/AAAAAAAAFa0/BUnkZ0hK6-Y/s1600/DSC_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Dm1-fx5eqU/Uq9sDtQaMmI/AAAAAAAAFa0/BUnkZ0hK6-Y/s400/DSC_0209.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I put the scraps in a cloth produce bag and tied it to the cupboard door to let all the liquid strain out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5Hhtn3XNcI/Uq9sT1x4faI/AAAAAAAAFa8/xGm0EvEe328/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5Hhtn3XNcI/Uq9sT1x4faI/AAAAAAAAFa8/xGm0EvEe328/s400/DSC_0211.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my lovely apple scrap liquid (not quite vinegar yet!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2sUCF-8I_8/Uq9qmNsjP7I/AAAAAAAAFaY/pKC8bc5p8e8/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2sUCF-8I_8/Uq9qmNsjP7I/AAAAAAAAFaY/pKC8bc5p8e8/s400/DSC_0214.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next I added a couple glugs (technical term) of raw apple cider vinegar to the liquid and gave it a stir then covered it with a clean tea towel and set is aside in a warm corner of the kitchen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp-u0cSR1tE/Uq9qTMzEHVI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/7IqQqXn1k3c/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp-u0cSR1tE/Uq9qTMzEHVI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/7IqQqXn1k3c/s400/DSC_0290.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple weeks later this beautiful mother of vinegar had grown over the surface of the liquid! Now it is vinegar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym1sK5KsG10/Uq9sr4ldYlI/AAAAAAAAFbE/4vq__F_MHtY/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym1sK5KsG10/Uq9sr4ldYlI/AAAAAAAAFbE/4vq__F_MHtY/s400/DSC_0292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bottled it up and added a piece of the MOV to each glass jar. The smaller jars were perfect for gifting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXr9zbRuGfA/Uq9s6QELm1I/AAAAAAAAFbM/1l2xMyA4QkU/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXr9zbRuGfA/Uq9s6QELm1I/AAAAAAAAFbM/1l2xMyA4QkU/s400/DSC_0294.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely and you can see the mother hanging out at the bottom of this jar.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So that's pretty much it! Delicious, homemade vinegar from fruit scraps! I have been saving more apple scraps in a zip lock bag that I keep in the fridge for my next batch. And I will add my own vinegar and mother (instead of the Bragg's raw vinegar I added to this batch) to future batches to kick start the process!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A few notes ::</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I will use this vinegar for dressings, marinades, cooking, etc. but it is not safe to replace in canning recipes as the percent of acidity is unknown. I plan to try it out in place of my apple cider vinegar tonic that I drink for health reasons to see if I notice a difference. I am also going to try it on my hair to see if it is as effective in such applications as my beloved Bragg's ACV. I will keep you all posted with the results!</span></td></tr>
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<br />erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-47593456822763353212013-11-01T13:09:00.000-06:002013-11-01T13:09:07.733-06:00hello november*costume round-up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMeYRwC3pp4/UnP4R11tvyI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/vWgUSDYfM2s/s1600/halloween6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMeYRwC3pp4/UnP4R11tvyI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/vWgUSDYfM2s/s400/halloween6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are the costumes we made this year. A peacock and two little wolves complete with fluffy tails! They wore them for the Ghouls at School event a few evenings ago.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmj5A0GzwV8/UnP4BAF5TGI/AAAAAAAAFZY/gUsv7NM1WDg/s1600/halloween1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmj5A0GzwV8/UnP4BAF5TGI/AAAAAAAAFZY/gUsv7NM1WDg/s400/halloween1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last night for trick or treating they sifted through the dress up box and became superheroes and a kitty.</div>
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Luca was very grumpy and cried and cried while we got him ready. If he were an only child we would have happily stayed in for the night.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzI2CYaX9YA/UnP4INlX1eI/AAAAAAAAFZo/thvnbHwaDgE/s1600/halloween3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzI2CYaX9YA/UnP4INlX1eI/AAAAAAAAFZo/thvnbHwaDgE/s400/halloween3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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However a proven remedy for cranky kiddos is lots of fresh air and running. Costumes and treats just sweeten the deal!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32Its5WerBc/UnP4LZbr7KI/AAAAAAAAFZw/YaP0tCcn4TQ/s1600/halloween4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32Its5WerBc/UnP4LZbr7KI/AAAAAAAAFZw/YaP0tCcn4TQ/s400/halloween4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eai1Tc9iXE8/UnP4WGn7ZvI/AAAAAAAAFaA/yIpn5Aqft3E/s1600/halloween5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eai1Tc9iXE8/UnP4WGn7ZvI/AAAAAAAAFaA/yIpn5Aqft3E/s400/halloween5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today we indulge! Tomorrow we detox...</div>
erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-90910649457898675182013-10-12T07:47:00.000-06:002013-10-12T07:47:00.345-06:00apples and vinegar*part one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V8U_4l_gQ80/Uljb8zja2eI/AAAAAAAAFY4/6zJX2Qc5ADM/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V8U_4l_gQ80/Uljb8zja2eI/AAAAAAAAFY4/6zJX2Qc5ADM/s400/DSC_0208.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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I processed 40 pounds of apples a couple weeks ago. I put up 2 dozen pints of applesauce and 9 quarts of pie filling.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_xwieaULLg/UljaAqq9_jI/AAAAAAAAFYM/6NP060MQkLk/s1600/DSC_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_xwieaULLg/UljaAqq9_jI/AAAAAAAAFYM/6NP060MQkLk/s400/DSC_0215.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I was left with this large pile of apple scraps. I gave a bowl full to the chickens but there was far more than they could eat. Instead of tossing the rest into the compost heap I decided to give apple vinegar a try!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QglRTVZ0bS4/UljaxGiIjVI/AAAAAAAAFYs/OHIXO6ewe0Y/s1600/vinegar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QglRTVZ0bS4/UljaxGiIjVI/AAAAAAAAFYs/OHIXO6ewe0Y/s320/vinegar3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{the following method will work with any fruit scraps}</div>
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Sandor E. Katz's formula from <a href="http://www.wildfermentation.com/">Wild Fermentation</a> is 1/4 cup sugar per quart of water. You need to use enough liquid to completely cover the fruit scraps in a jar or crock. Then cover the crock with a clean tea towel secured with a rubber band and set aside in a nice, warm place.</div>
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You will give the mixture a stir once a day.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 12 - before stirring. There were little bubbles popping up from under the apples. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7oHBdLASUk/UljatEqguCI/AAAAAAAAFYk/bYdFOB1XQ7Y/s1600/vinegar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7oHBdLASUk/UljatEqguCI/AAAAAAAAFYk/bYdFOB1XQ7Y/s400/vinegar2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 12 - after stirring. It is bubbly and starting to smell like vinegar!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am going to strain the apple scraps out this weekend and then it will go back to the crock to continue to ferment until it becomes vinegar. To be continued...</span><br />
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<br />erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-49019574745425781562013-09-25T08:00:00.000-06:002013-09-25T08:00:05.464-06:00sad news from the farmette*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5t_nNq_xnU/UkJCDImfd6I/AAAAAAAAFXk/2iVE4_ifepo/s1600/bettybunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5t_nNq_xnU/UkJCDImfd6I/AAAAAAAAFXk/2iVE4_ifepo/s400/bettybunny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our sweet senior angora bunny left us yesterday. We suspected that she was not feeling her best so I brought her inside and held her in my arms and that is where she eventually took her last breath. </div>
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Then my kind-hearted husband stood in the rain digging a hole for her tiny body. She is buried right next to our garden where she loved to spend her evenings.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0mgKlQxFoA/UkJCAPJweSI/AAAAAAAAFXc/cYXKt5bxeFc/s1600/bettyandella1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0mgKlQxFoA/UkJCAPJweSI/AAAAAAAAFXc/cYXKt5bxeFc/s400/bettyandella1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rest peacefully Betty Bunny. You were loved deeply.</div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/dYLmTsIrJN/embed/" width="612"></iframe>erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-11186348351541485642013-09-24T11:38:00.000-06:002018-08-30T17:57:35.401-06:00cold packed pickles*<div style="text-align: center;">
My family loves a good pickle. We eat them for snacks, add thick slices to sandwiches and chop them for salads. The three cucumber plants in my garden produced insane volumes this year and I pickled every cuke that was not eaten fresh. I made several pints of dill pickles from a canning book and also canned a whole lot of <a href="http://foodinjars.com/2009/08/garlic-dill-pickles/">Garlic Dills.</a> </div>
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The idea to cold pack a big batch of cucumbers came from a place of an over abundant garden and absolutely no time to put it all up properly.</div>
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The results of my "lazy" preserving were the best tasting and crunchiest pickles ever. Not even kidding!!</div>
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I used <a href="http://davescupboard.blogspot.com/2010/08/quick-cold-pack-pickles.html">this tutorial</a> (with a few changes noted below) which makes a gallon jar of cold packed pickles. I was hesitant because let's face it, a gallon sized jar is a huge refrigerator footprint! But I got over that real quick when I tasted the results. I made a second batch yesterday and just tuck the jar into the very back of the fridge until they are ready to eat. From that point on the jar lives at the front of the fridge for easy access! Once the jar was half empty I transferred the contents to a smaller jar.</div>
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First I made my brine ::</div>
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8 cups water</div>
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1 cup white vinegar<br />
1 cup apple cider vinegar</div>
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1/2 cup pickling salt (or 3.5 oz by weight)</div>
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Bring this mixture to a boil then remove from burner and let the brine cool to room temperature.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXkqHWoYdQM/UkHGLROMk7I/AAAAAAAAFW8/bS-1CuDMlH4/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXkqHWoYdQM/UkHGLROMk7I/AAAAAAAAFW8/bS-1CuDMlH4/s400/DSC_0203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next up are the aromatics and spices. I added 8 garlic cloves, 4 dill heads and 5 tsp. of pickling spice to the bottom of the jar.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on the photo above to read the contents of the pickling spice that I used.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uizdpaQW8KU/UkHGuFaHieI/AAAAAAAAFXM/H_Zo_3Ett-U/s1600/DSC_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uizdpaQW8KU/UkHGuFaHieI/AAAAAAAAFXM/H_Zo_3Ett-U/s400/DSC_0207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I pack the jar with freshly cut cucumber spears (some of the smaller cukes are cut in half rather than spears). Some of these were plucked from the garden and immediately packed into the pickle jar! I topped the jar with 4 more dill heads and filled the jar with the cooled brine until everything is submerged. Refrigerate them for approximately 4 weeks and you will then have the best pickles you've ever eaten! Yum!!</div>
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<em>{the smaller jar above is quart sized and I used the same technique but decreased all of the aromatics and brine ingredients by 3/4. So I added 2 garlic cloves, 2 dill heads... you get the picture!}</em></div>
erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-64637450850825135482013-09-23T09:21:00.001-06:002013-09-23T09:21:54.752-06:00happy thirteen*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAnoa3cgkSY/UkBYHPxMTxI/AAAAAAAAFWs/HSrR-GHz3r0/s1600/tonyand+erika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAnoa3cgkSY/UkBYHPxMTxI/AAAAAAAAFWs/HSrR-GHz3r0/s400/tonyand+erika.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today I am celebrating 13 years of marriage with this fine fellow.</div>
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This has been a very difficult year for our family. We have been living with a lot of stress and uncertainty. Not my favorite. But there has also been a tremendous amount of love and support from our amazing friends and family. And from my sweet husband. I am in love. Deeply and forever.</div>
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Thirteen is our lucky year. Bring it!</div>
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<em><a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2012_09_01_archive.html">Here</a> is our 12th anniversary post.</em></div>
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<em>And our <a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2011/09/happy-eleven.html">11th</a>.</em></div>
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<em>and our <a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2010/09/ten-and-one.html">10th</a>.</em></div>
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<em>An our<a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html"> 9th</a>...</em></div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-17289970803752152462013-09-22T16:14:00.000-06:002013-09-22T16:14:24.881-06:00autumn*apple picking*and filling a canning pantry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ8_Was0Vjk/Uj9j043m3dI/AAAAAAAAFV4/GlgfQne0cJ0/s1600/apple+picking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ8_Was0Vjk/Uj9j043m3dI/AAAAAAAAFV4/GlgfQne0cJ0/s320/apple+picking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy day, friends. Today is the Autumnal Equinox! Yesterday we met some friends at a local orchard to pick apples. Sadly due to a devastating frost we experienced in late May the apples in our area are scarce. The orchard we visited yesterday said they lost 90% of their crop. But the weather was lovely and the company was fantastic and it was overall a whole lot of fun!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEqmLApc600/Uj9j3-fBKOI/AAAAAAAAFV8/QtrMYG9-vmY/s1600/applepicking2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEqmLApc600/Uj9j3-fBKOI/AAAAAAAAFV8/QtrMYG9-vmY/s400/applepicking2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmoEGBPQyUc/Uj9j-K8YJGI/AAAAAAAAFWM/gjYzEvVPQOw/s1600/applepicking4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmoEGBPQyUc/Uj9j-K8YJGI/AAAAAAAAFWM/gjYzEvVPQOw/s400/applepicking4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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{I remembered to charge my camera battery the evening before but I forgot to put the battery back into the camera. Boo. Thank goodness for smart phone cameras, I suppose}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pfTWJBnuE-o/Uj9kY6BetPI/AAAAAAAAFWc/ZSh9mej_jck/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pfTWJBnuE-o/Uj9kY6BetPI/AAAAAAAAFWc/ZSh9mej_jck/s400/DSC_0310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We collectively picked two 22 pound bushels of apples and split them up. I brought home approximately 10 pounds of golden delicious apples from the orchard and stopped at a little fruit and veggie stand on the way home and bought 24 pounds of organic gala apples. Applesauce, pie filling and apple butter production begins tomorrow! I also bought 3.5 pounds of peppers from the kind folks at the orchard. And I harvested 1/2 pound from my own garden the morning before. I am planning a big batch of candied jalapenos for the pantry and will make fresh jalapeno poppers with the leftovers.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtN1BHVKkuo/Uj9kBhHGbgI/AAAAAAAAFWU/tct3I6nNL1c/s1600/canningpantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtN1BHVKkuo/Uj9kBhHGbgI/AAAAAAAAFWU/tct3I6nNL1c/s400/canningpantry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Speaking of the pantry it is slowly but sure filling up. This is the most recent photo taken last month. I have added a few more items since then. We have preserved our entire garden this year - canning, freezing and drying everything in sight! I have been roasting tomatoes and garlic one pan at a time and freezing them so I can make one huge batch of sauce. Over the next few days I will post recipes for the things I have made this year - for my reference and yours! My family has a new favorite jam and I cannot wait to share it with you!</div>
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Happy harvest, loves! I hope you are enjoying this magical time of year as much as I am! xo</div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-78539650668551356252013-08-01T17:21:00.005-06:002013-08-01T17:21:57.523-06:00betty the angora*welcome to the farmette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vXlV03a1k70/UfrqwxEf0bI/AAAAAAAAFT4/jGAWDL738X0/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vXlV03a1k70/UfrqwxEf0bI/AAAAAAAAFT4/jGAWDL738X0/s400/DSC_0201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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meet betty, our new angora bunny! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jv5xP6y__0/UfrrGMCxqJI/AAAAAAAAFUA/n6D2Sic9_1s/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jv5xP6y__0/UfrrGMCxqJI/AAAAAAAAFUA/n6D2Sic9_1s/s400/DSC_0202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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she is a senior rabbit at 5 years old and was rehomed because her family is moving and was unable to take her along. at one time she was a kindergarten classroom pet so she is quite used to lots of attention. we plan to add more fiber rabbits to the farmette next year but for now we are happy and content to have this little sweetheart around.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plH7EQJc2S8/UfrqRH7EtGI/AAAAAAAAFTw/NHXWLK7KBH0/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plH7EQJc2S8/UfrqRH7EtGI/AAAAAAAAFTw/NHXWLK7KBH0/s400/DSC_0199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">betty bunny's little hutch, right outside our patio door.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">the farmette is growing again! yesssss!</span><br />
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-22091443631231083862013-07-27T22:06:00.000-06:002013-07-28T09:48:58.156-06:00*beeswax cloth tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made a bunch of beeswax cloth a few weeks ago bringing us one step closer to a plastic free kitchen! It is simple to make and even easier to use. We wrap food (like cheese and sandwiches) and cover bowls and jars with them. And they smell so sweet and good!</div>
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You will need ::</div>
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<strong>Beeswax</strong> - if you do not have pellets like I did you can use an old cheese grater. But the wax is really hard to get off so you need one that will only be used for this project. I got my beeswax from <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/wax/wax.html">Mountain Rose Herbs</a>.</div>
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<strong>Fabric</strong> - I recommend only natural fibers for this project. Cotton or linen is ideal. I used lightweight cotton for my wraps. Cut the fabric into any shape or size you want. I used pinking shears to keep the edges from fraying. Make sure it is clean and lint free.</div>
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<strong>Cookie sheet</strong> - lining your cookie sheet with foil will make clean up a breeze!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXLlBjIAD1s/UfRPzmZf5kI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/FhC9l51Y2Ek/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXLlBjIAD1s/UfRPzmZf5kI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/FhC9l51Y2Ek/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Heat your oven to 170 degrees. Put your fabric on the lined cookie sheet and sprinkle the beeswax on like the photo above. You do not need to cover the entire surface as it will spread as it melts. Put it in the oven for 6 or 7 minutes. remove as soon as all the beeswax is melted.</div>
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Once it is out of the oven you will need to work fast! The wax will start to harden as soon as it is out. Hang the cloth up and let it cool. If there are spots with no wax put it back on the cookie sheet and put a small piece of wax on the bare parts and pop it back into oven. If you ended up with too much wax put it on top of a fresh piece of fabric and put it in the oven for a few minutes.</div>
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Use the heat of your hands to mold the beeswax cloth to whatever you are wrapping. It will also stick to itself or to the rim of a bowl or jar to create a seal. You can wipe it clean or wash it with cool, soapy water then air dry. Just do not use hot water, of course.</div>
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So there you go! Bye-bye plastic wrap! </div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-36931213212436997322013-06-29T18:54:00.000-06:002013-06-29T18:54:05.633-06:00*it's hot, folks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Things I loathe when the temps are in the triple digits ::</div>
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* driving * dog breath * bras * making food * eating food * </div>
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Things I love, even when it is ridiculously hot outside ::</div>
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*happy, healthy veggie plants * cool showers * smoothies for dinner *popsicles *</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FX31mh4xXU/Uc98pIVyhpI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/WAbvhvwtQyU/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FX31mh4xXU/Uc98pIVyhpI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/WAbvhvwtQyU/s400/DSC_0070.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">* watching my boys water the garden with buckets *</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INO1nNpCOaw/Uc98gKIQ6xI/AAAAAAAAFQw/SjikBKSns_U/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INO1nNpCOaw/Uc98gKIQ6xI/AAAAAAAAFQw/SjikBKSns_U/s400/DSC_0054.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">* cold brewed coffee, lots of ice, sweetened with local honey <br />
and topped off with a splash of raw milk *</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">* watching the kiddos from this spot in my dining room, <br />
right next to an A/C vent for good measure *</td></tr>
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<br />erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-11613389735154190522013-06-19T19:04:00.001-06:002013-06-19T19:06:48.061-06:00happy, HAPPY mama*<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyone remember <a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2012/03/welcoming-weekend.html">this</a> unfortunate incident that took place last Spring? </div>
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I have been using that broken range for 15 months (but who's counting?!). Turns out it is perfectly functional without that outer glass however the door no longer stayed open by itself. That means I have been propping the door open with my knees this whole time. Not fun when I am wearing a skirt or shorts. I have burned my legs and forearms approximately 8 dozen times (again, who's keeping track?).</div>
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We are currently in the middle of finishing our basement and part of that project involved plumbing a line to our kitchen for a gas stove. Eek, excited doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about this.</div>
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I expected to wait until next Spring to get a gas range but then we came across this gem on Craigslist for next to nothing and brought it home. Some folks had just bought a home in a fancy-schmancy pants neighborhood and promptly purchased brand new appliances and were practically giving the "old" stuff away. And as we all know I have absolutely no problem with previously owned treasures!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">five gas burners! swoon!!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3frOZZQCDF8/UcJOxAdbGII/AAAAAAAAFQE/vohGD7Modxs/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3frOZZQCDF8/UcJOxAdbGII/AAAAAAAAFQE/vohGD7Modxs/s400/DSC_0065.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
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One itty-bitty downside is that the gas range is off white, or is that almond? Anyway, the rest of my appliances are bright white (like my micro in the pic above) but I think I will get over that real quick as I cook and bake with this baby. And I am never, ever canning outside with the propane burner again, woohoo! </div>
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Buh-bye broken door range. See ya never!</div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-62253857138128473032013-06-18T07:29:00.000-06:002013-06-18T07:29:00.987-06:00inspired mama miscellany*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n138/inspiredmama/null_zpscd2b6648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n138/inspiredmama/null_zpscd2b6648.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He found this guitar in the closet in my studio and serenaded us all weekend.</div>
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Our real foodie group had it's second <a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2013/05/real-foodiesstart-swap.html">food swap</a> today. I took oregano plants that I thinned from my herb garden, kombucha SCOBYs, and sets of cotton "unpaper" towels. I brought home freshly baked ciabatta and rye bread, plum butter, strawberries, cherries, plum seeds and recipe cards with cute little bicycles on them. </div>
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Oh, and I made another <a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2013/04/lace-appliqued-tanks-re-fashion.html">embellished tank</a>! Hoorah!</div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-69183881477171551292013-06-16T17:00:00.002-06:002013-06-16T17:00:28.600-06:00water kefir*welcome to my living kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OowVBDX5HKE/Ub48d-nb-LI/AAAAAAAAFPY/UnwinmlW-Ms/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OowVBDX5HKE/Ub48d-nb-LI/AAAAAAAAFPY/UnwinmlW-Ms/s400/DSC_0263.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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This is the newest addition to my fermenting kitchen - <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/water-kefir/">water kefir</a>.</div>
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(Those jars in the background have kombucha in them and that one on the right has four (!!) SCOBYs in it, each approximately 1 inch thick. If you are local and need a kombucha starter, hit me up!)</div>
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This is what water kefir grains look like. Little gelatinous pearls.</div>
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Making water kefir is pretty simple. And quick! Mine was ready to bottle in just 48 hours. The first thing you will need to get started are the grains. If you have a friend who makes kefir they can probably share with you because just like my SCOBYs above kefir grains also multiply each time you use them. If you can't find them through a friend you can order them from various places online. <a href="http://www.culturesforhealth.com/">Cultures for Health</a> is always a good source for such things.</div>
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Here is the process I followed ::</div>
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I filled my glass jar with 5 cups of warm, filtered water (just warm enough to dissolve the other ingredients).</div>
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Then I added 1/3 cup raw sugar and 1 tsp unsulphered, organic molasses. I also added 1 tsp of baking soda as I read that the minerals are good for the grains and it can also result in a fizzier kefir.</div>
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Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is dissolved.</div>
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Pour your grains into the mixture once it is room temp - you will need 1/3-1/2 cup of grains.</div>
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after a day or so little carbonation bubbles would float to the top of my jar when I moved it. On day 2 it was very fizzy.</div>
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I bottled and flavored it much like I do my <a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2012/04/kombuchabrewing-bottling-and-flavoring.html">kombucha</a>. I added some pineapple juice that I had on hand and will let it sit out at room temperature for a couple days before I refrigerate and drink it.</div>
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Then I mixed up more water and started a brand hew batch. This time I am going to add vanilla and try to replicate cream soda! I will keep you all posted on how it turns out, friends!</div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-43708886642231535902013-06-12T17:25:00.000-06:002013-06-12T17:46:41.341-06:00sourdough*not just another farmette pet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I successfully made a sourdough starter a few weeks ago. I have stirred it daily and fed it weekly. I lovingly clean it's jar twice a week and change the organic cotton cover whenever needed. It kinda-sorta sounds like caring for a little pet, right?</div>
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I tried baking bread with my meticulously maintained starter but it did not turn out. I also made pizza dough. Eh, it was okay, but it could be way better. I am going to do some tweaking to make it closer to perfect this weekend. </div>
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The one thing I have been making regularly with delicious results are sourdough pancakes. Lovely batter is started right before we go to bed and finished up while the coffee brews in the morning and then cooked to golden perfection in coconut oil.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our batter is a pretty pale orange thanks to the spelt flour and fresh eggs from our backyard coop!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plate full of glorious real food breakfast!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HE58NLsQUzM/Ubj6zGGNt7I/AAAAAAAAFPA/J8WD_yERUZc/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HE58NLsQUzM/Ubj6zGGNt7I/AAAAAAAAFPA/J8WD_yERUZc/s400/DSC_0254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We serve them with pats of grass fed butter and homemade strawberry-rhubarb jam that has been warmed up. </div>
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You can find the recipe that I have been using here ::</div>
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<a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/sourdough-pancakes/">traditional sourdough pancakes</a></div>
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And here are instructions to make your own sourdough pet, er, starter ::</div>
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<a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/how-to-make-a-sourdough-starter/">how to make a sourdough starter</a></div>
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and one more good link ::</div>
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<a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/sourdough-tips-and-tricks/">working with sourdough - tips and tricks</a></div>
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Oh, and if you have a wonderful sourdough bread recipe to share pretty please leave me a comment and I will love you forever! Thanks friends! xx </div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-88613741922890169952013-06-10T21:43:00.000-06:002013-06-10T21:43:22.662-06:00open house*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scenes from my very first <a href="http://www.barefootbooks.com/marketplace/25669/">Barefoot Books</a> event - an open house in my home ::</div>
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Of course I didn't snap a single photo while our home was full of people but we had a lot of fun with our guests! Thank you all for spending the day with us, dear friends! xo</div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-83164867287841660292013-06-06T21:00:00.000-06:002013-06-06T21:00:00.647-06:00i made a dress*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8qp7k1ARJY/UbFJn4rLHGI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/rgYFWHYxg2A/s1600/dress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8qp7k1ARJY/UbFJn4rLHGI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/rgYFWHYxg2A/s400/dress1.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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In my last post I shared my desire to make stuff for myself and my family now that I am no longer sewing for my handmade business. Making good on that declaration here is my first completed project of the season - a new dress for ME! I am so excited! </div>
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The Pattern is <a href="http://sewliberated.com/products/ashland-dress">The Ashland Dress</a> from Sew Liberated. I used designer quilter's cotton from JoAnns. I installed the prettiest invisible zipper. And this thing fits like, well, like it was made for me!</div>
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Next up in my queue are darling vintage inspired shorts. I have dreamy visions of creating an entire handmade summer wardrobe. And this evening I dyed enough wool yarn to knit my self a cozy winter sweater.</div>
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Stay tuned for more selfish crafting posts, friends! </div>
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xx </div>
erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-26607523611955099522013-05-29T15:37:00.000-06:002013-08-01T15:32:50.644-06:00new beginnings, endings and a little in between*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vG9ydVhg94/UaZsRSrd8TI/AAAAAAAAFMw/IHo1jyX_7q4/s1600/transformation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vG9ydVhg94/UaZsRSrd8TI/AAAAAAAAFMw/IHo1jyX_7q4/s400/transformation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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the past few weeks have presented my family with many changes - a new school for the kids, exciting employment opportunities, a change in summer plans, just to name a few. transformation is hard, but so is stagnant living. so i am currently rolling with the tide, trying to keep my head above water and just waiting anxiously to see where life leads us.</div>
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i recently made the huge decision to close up my little handmade and organic shops. this was not an easy choice to make and i am still very sad to let it all go but i am also breathing a sigh of relief. i am participating in one last event this fall with some friends, so if you are local please come visit me at my last Hyde Park Street Fair appearance! i am hoping i can spend my creative time sewing and knitting items for my family and tending to my garden and my animals and canning, baking, cooking... all those lovely homestead-y things i truly enjoy doing but often do not have time for!</div>
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i have also decided to start a brand new journey and i recently joined the <a href="http://www.barefootbooks.com/marketplace/25669/">Barefoot Books</a> company - my family has loved these books for years! i bought a couple at a children's fair several years ago and then had a book party in my home a couple years after that. last month i wanted to purchase a barefoot book for each of my kids for their birthdays and i discovered that this wonderful company was sadly under-represented in my neck of the woods. after a whole lot of discussion with my hubby and some friends i decided to sign up and bring these amazing stories and gifts to my valley! i will be honest, i had a somewhat hard time talking myself into this - multi-level marketing has never been my cup of tea, but i adore these books so much - the diversity, the art, the magical tales - i am proud and very excited to share them with others! </div>
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so there you have it. wish me luck, sweet friends! here we grow again...</div>
erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-65903288862547936842013-05-28T16:03:00.000-06:002013-12-16T15:32:33.421-07:00real foodies*start a swap!<div style="text-align: center;">
A few weeks ago I posted in a local natural family group on facebook asking if anyone had kefir grains to share or to trade for a kombucha scoby. I ended up finding milk kefir grains <em>and</em> I traded two kombucha starters for a giant bunch of beautiful rhubarb and the tastiest homemade elderberry jelly as a result of that post. I then had a big, bright light bulb moment - what if we met up regularly with all of our homemade real food and starters and produce and such and had a big swap?</div>
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I mentioned my idea in the same facebook group and there was a lot of interest. So The Treasure Valley Real Foodies was born. Of course this idea isn't new and real food swaps are actually becoming quite popular! Here is how ours came to be... </div>
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The first step was to start a facebook group and invite all the local real food lovers and ask them to invite all their friends. Within a couple days there were 50 members. Next I offered to host the first swap in my home and put up a poll with some tentative dates so everyone could vote for the day that worked best for most. Once the date was settled I created a facebook event and invited everyone in the group. When each member RSVP'd to the event they would post a list of what they would be bringing to swap and what they were in search of. We decided to include a few non-food items in our swaps like organic soap, wool yarn, recipe cards and paper goods and other handmade things.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyJHyh_qKU0/UaUaD9D5EDI/AAAAAAAAFME/DMH9Gh0Yl8g/s1600/foodswap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KyJHyh_qKU0/UaUaD9D5EDI/AAAAAAAAFME/DMH9Gh0Yl8g/s400/foodswap1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In typical Inspired Mama fashion I completely forgot about my camera while everyone was here for the swap, dang it! But above is a photo of the lovely items I ended up with - several plants (mint, parsley, lettuce, hen and chicks, wonderberry, and a tiny apricot tree!), a fresh baked whole wheat loaf and some handmade recipe cards. I also got some bundles of dried sage and catnip for tea.</div>
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Other items that were swapped ::</div>
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*eggs</div>
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*natural elk burger and sausage</div>
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*sourdough starters with care instructions and recipes</div>
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*an oak tree</div>
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*canned jelly</div>
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*kombucha scobys</div>
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*hand dyed wool yarn</div>
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*soap</div>
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*letterpress items</div>
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*milk kefir grains </div>
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* herb filled dream pillows</div>
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We each explained and identified what we had to contribute and when it was time to trade it was a lot of "Hey! I would love this! Can I trade you for a pound of burger or a bar of organic soap?" There was no set value for the swap items, we all just worked out our own little deals and everyone left happy with bags full of goodies.</div>
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As the season progresses we will have plenty of backyard produce and canned goods to add to our swaps. We have decided to meet once a month for now but may meet every other week when our gardens are in full bloom.</div>
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Do you have a similar food swap in your community? If so I would love to hear all about it! And if you are inspired to start your own local swap please let me know that too! And next time I attend a food swap I will make sure to take lots and lots of photos...</div>
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<br />erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-31145757300073782352013-04-30T07:00:00.000-06:002013-04-30T12:19:24.126-06:00little vintage sofa makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is my little vintage sofa. I adore this thing. It is comfy, cute, and made from the perfect fabric (so soft and so easy to clean!) </div>
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I thought it was just right until I saw a couple pins on Pinterest over the weekend that made me gasp out loud. Seriously folks, the quickest, easiest vintage sofa/chair makeover ever.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Remove the skirt!!</span></em></div>
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Don't believe me? See for yourself.</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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4dZRNqNZrk/UX9JqsNqfUI/AAAAAAAAFIM/XYUE8mVzUXs/s1600/untitled+(8).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4dZRNqNZrk/UX9JqsNqfUI/AAAAAAAAFIM/XYUE8mVzUXs/s400/untitled+(8).png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">with dingy, ruffled skirt.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQk0rTjje-A/UX9JsStOpII/AAAAAAAAFIU/sWm5YGFcsRw/s1600/untitled+(9).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQk0rTjje-A/UX9JsStOpII/AAAAAAAAFIU/sWm5YGFcsRw/s400/untitled+(9).png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">and without!</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have a black dog who loves to lay up against the sofa so the skirt was pretty dirty. This just made perfect sense. It came off really easily. My husband pried it off with a butter knife while I went behind him and pulled all the staples out with pliers. 10 minutes and we were done. And now you can see darling sofa's pretty wood legs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> >>><<<</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/233553930648344851/">Here is a chair</a> that was updated by removing the skirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And another <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/233553930648334906/">sofa makeover here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One more! Go check out my friend <a href="http://instagram.com/chelseaoohsnap/">Chelsea's Instagram feed</a> to see pics of her new thrifted sofa that she transformed by removing the skirt! It's amazing, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">What do you think, friends! All vintage furniture should be freed from their skirts, yes? If you decide to transform a sofa or chair this way please send me a link or pics!</span><br />
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-59384160549662720042013-04-26T09:06:00.000-06:002013-04-26T17:41:36.024-06:00kombucha coffee * a new brew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kombuchee? Coffucha? Still trying to decide what to call this new staple in our house. A friend suggested Kombucino, I like it.</div>
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So folks, this was my new kitchen experiment this week and it turned out really {really} good! I've been brewing and drinking kombucha tea for quite some time now and recently I came across <a href="http://www.culturedfoodlife.com/coffee-kombucha-and-cold-kombucha-latte/">this</a> post at Cultured Food Life about using coffee instead of tea and I knew I had to give it a try (did you all know I have a slight coffee addiction?...) Fermenting coffee this way makes it less acidic so it is gentle on tummies and you also get all the lovely probiotics that are found in kombucha tea. Plus the iced coffee tastes divine and makes a very tasty treat!</div>
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If you have brewed kombucha this will all make sense. If you have not read these posts to get all caught up ::</div>
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<a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2012/03/kombuchabreed-your-own-scoby.html">kombucha - breed your own scoby</a></div>
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<a href="http://inspiredmamamusings.blogspot.com/2012/04/kombuchabrewing-bottling-and-flavoring.html">kombucha - brewing, bottling and flavoring</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">counter top science experiments! SCOBYs on the left, kombucha coffee in progress on the right.</td></tr>
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you will need ::</div>
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freshly brewed black coffee (either a gallon or half gallon)</div>
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sugar (1 cup for a gallon of coffee, 1/2 cup for 1/2 gallon) </div>
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a scoby</div>
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The process is very similar to brewing kombucha tea. I brewed a half gallon of coffee, poured it into a glass jar and stirred a half cup of sugar into it while it was still hot. Once the sugar is dissolved set your sweetened coffee aside until it cools to room temperature. Once it has cooled put your scoby on top of the coffee and cover with a clean cloth secured with a rubber band. Set it on a counter top out of direct sunlight and let it work it's magic. I started tasting mine after 3 days. It was still pretty sweet but on day 5 it was only mildly sweet and ready to bottle. I strained it through a small funnel lined with a piece of cheesecloth (totally optional) into a half gallon mason jar and popped it into the fridge. You will serve this brew cold or at room temperature as heating it will kill all those good probiotics and such. I saved a cup or so of the fermented coffee to add to my next batch. I am very anxious to find out how it will effect the next jar. </div>
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My scoby was pretty gnarly looking when I retrieved it from the jar and it is my understanding that it works best to use a new scoby each time so this one went into the compost pail.</div>
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Here is my final product - mildly sweet kombucha coffee over ice with a splash of almond milk! Yum!! New favorite treat!</div>
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Cheers to healthy guts and happy tummies, friends!</div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-48005599186359921172013-04-25T17:58:00.000-06:002013-04-25T17:58:22.472-06:00ruffled tie tees * another re-fashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I stitched these up for a friend last week. </div>
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thrifted tops + men's ties (also thrifted) + vintage buttons = adorable tees! </div>
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The tutorial can be found <a href="http://mckells-closet.blogspot.com/2011/08/ruffle-necktie-tee-tutorial.html">here</a>. Super cute and endless possibilities! So there you go friends, go re-fashion something!</div>
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-5937129404249700082013-04-24T18:50:00.002-06:002013-04-24T18:50:34.629-06:00mama and monkey * this is how we spend the days<br />
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We go outside every single day. I tend to gardens and animals while he runs and climbs. We both get really dirty. Then sometimes when my backyard chores are done I pour myself a cup of coffee and lay in the hammock with a book while he plays. Or I can go into the kitchen and make food or clean dishes and watch him from the window. </div>
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Then we come in, full of fresh air and vitamin D and we cuddle and read. And he often sleeps and then I can pick up my book once again. Or sew something. Sometimes I roam around the internet during my quiet time.</div>
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I know I have said it dozens of times but outdoor living really does suit us well. </div>
erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32536228.post-84080863431864098912013-04-19T09:21:00.000-06:002013-04-22T08:54:24.259-06:00{this moment } monkey in the middle<div align="center">
.............<br />
<em>{this moment}</em> - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.<br />
<em>inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">soule mama</a></em><br />
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erika~ the inspired mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17284818917758089116noreply@blogger.com2