In The Key of Life

29 and holding

SO...it's my birthday! It's the last year for me to be a wild and crazy 20 something. Usually, I'm not too big on all about me stuff, but I have to remember what a WONDERFUL day we had ...one day early.

For my birthday this year the hubby said we could do whatever I wanted...really...what.ever.I.wanted!!! He offered a trip to Key West for the weekend, but I just wasn't ready for that yet. As a nursing mom(who has issues with pumping....I know too much info), it's just hard to leave the babe that long. Instead he secured all day Saturday (actually one day before the official day) as a BETH ONLY day. Grandparents were in place for child care (THANK YOU TONS and TONS) and I was set free for what.ever!

SO as the good crafter that I am, one of my requests was 3 hours of uninterrupted time sewing. I wish it was longer, but a girl's got to eat! I have to say though that I got SOOOO much done and took every last second I had. Most of it was sewing for other people but still, I feel like I can check many things off the list! The best thing to come of all of it is that I feel rejuvinated after having some much needed bonding time with my ol' gals (Lil' Miss Kitty Kenmore and Jammin' Janet Janome).

(to view this close up click here to go to Flickr)
My second request was supper on 5th. OHHHHHH, did we luck out this time. We went downtown to the swanky district with no reservations and just a relaxing evening in mind. After perusing a few menus we decided on Bistro 821 and were seated immediately in at an oh so perfect table. After tonight, Bistro 821 is now my most favorite restaurant ever!!!! The smallish dining room, the funky cool waiter, the most excellent food that I will rave about for months if not years to come, and an all around fantastic atmosphere. I just love how the pictures turned out too so go check them out at Flickr.

After supper we headed to the beach for a little hand holding walk on the Pier. We were pleasantly detoured upon seeing friends at the weekly drum circle in the park. So we took in the vibe, did some drumming and just enjoyed it for a little bit. We checked in with Grandma and Grandpa, who we are forever thankful for because they were on kid-wrangling duty, and they said all was swell. SO, we continued on to the beach. A quick stroll up the Pier and we were ready to call it a night.

Got home to two tired grandparents, a soundly sleeping munchkin, a satisfied hubby and one happy, relaxed momma!
It was a night to top all nights! I feel very special and know that I'll be able to tackle tomorrow and maybe even the next day now that I've had a little time ...just ...for...me! (even if I am teetering so darn close to the big 3-0)

And the winner is...

OK, I know you all have been on the edge of your seats waiting patiently for the big giveaway winner announcement.
WELL...the drawing happened this morning (with slips placed in my newly finished crocheted bowl)...

AND THE WINNER IS...
Jody from Ditto Kiddo! Congrats to you lady. I will really need to stop by the store now so that I can drop off your winnings. I have to say that my little bag isn't quite as beautiful as hers but I will humble myself and not look at my 'whimsical' stitching and little crooks in my taping!

I have to say though that I was COMPLETELY flattered by all comments, compliments and interest! I might have a few more of these in the works in the future. Thanks again to everyone who visited! All your comments made me feel so warm and cozy...and inspired.

...and just so that everyone is a winner...know that ALL of your names were picked by the little man in time. Then when everyone had won...he had a little party for you all, complete with party bowl hat! AND...I have to say this was pretty fun to do, keep looking you might see more giveaways in the future!

Internet Radio Day of Silence

Here at the Homestead we LOVE internet radio. Pretty much everyday we listen to Radio Paradise all day long.  We love it...no commercials, so many new artists, a stellar variety of music and just all around good listening. WELL, except for today that is.  It's the Internet Radio Day of Silence.  Webcasters all around the US are going silent today to bring attention to the pending legislation that would raise royalty rates paid by internet radio stations. The basis of the legislation is that the stations that are ALREADY paying higher royalty rates than terrestrial radio will get a boosted rate that is 10 to 15 times higher yet!! 

I think there is a BIG misunderstanding that comes with this whole subject.  There is a lot of people illegally downloading music and not paying royalty rates, but these stations are ALREADY paying! They are not ripping off artists or stealing music. In my opinion, they are giving exposure to so many independent artists that you would NEVER hear on the radio! The new rates will pretty much shut down all internet radio...especially our beloved Radio Paradise which is visitor supported...no commercials, but definitely not enough income to cover these big bills.

SO...go find out more!!
If you're not already a internet radio fan, please take my word for it and call with the hope that you can listen to it in the future...or listen tomorrow to get an idea and then of course CALL(find your rep's number at SaveNetRadio.org) as soon as you see it's a wonderful addition to your home! You could go there today, but all you'd hear is sounds of the jungle and more info on the day of silence.

This concludes this public service announcement on behalf of internet radio!!

Passion!

Yup, we have passion at our house...no this isn't turning in to a racey blog...we have PASSION FLOWER! and ECO-passion.  Let me elaborate...

This morning Brian came inside saying 'Come outside and bring the camera!' I've been waiting and waiting to see if our pathetic looking passion vine would ever come to life and actually have one of these amazing flowers. Well, here it is!! I'm so excited! There's even another flower about to open...the beauty and awkwardness of it this blossom is so intriguing to me!

As for the Eco-passion...as many of you know, Brian is very passionate about the environment, sustainability and green living. Well, this week he was able to spread his message! A professor friend of ours invited him to speak in his college course on Sustainability (it has a different name that starts like coloc...ism, but neither of us can remember).  It was really impressive to see my hubby as a college teacher!!
Here he is gearing up for the talk...and of course a shot of our over achiever, ready to take notes.
I really think that Brian could do this in a lot of different venues. He has so much knowledge on so many environmental subjects and he's a good speaker!  I was only able to stay for part of the 4 hour class, but what I heard was great. At the end of the talk he also brought the class out to see our veggie powered car. He said he had a bunch of questions and interest! That's great to hear and heck...we might have a few new visitors to the blog too because of it! So great job, honey!

Also, a special thanks to our friend Kathryn for watching the big boy while I was 'in class!' I think they both had a good time playing.

*****Don't forget to enter the giveaway here if you haven't already***

Yet another reason to love the front loader!

 

He's only 14 months and he's already doing laundry...sort of. His aim isn't really great and he was done seconds after I finished recording! So maybe we need a little more practice.

ALSO...WOWZA!! what a great response to the giveaway. I am so impressed with all the compliments and love being sent my way. Thanks you so much. It really has helped me out and made me a little more motivated to get back to crafting more. If you haven't sign up for the giveaway yet...go here and comment before you miss out!!

It's giveaway time folks!!

I've been thinking of a good way of giving back to all the awesome readers of In the Key of Life lately.  I know that you are thoroughly filled by all the wonderful wisdom that I write about each week, but I know you all are just yearning for more. RIGHT?!  ok...who am I kidding.
What I really want to do is keep the good karma flowing!  After winning a lovely giveaway over at Beauty that Moves, I figured it was only right to keep the love going. So, YOU are lucky that I was a winner. Just the thought of someone else being as giddy as I was when the mailman rang the doorbell is enough to do a giveaway!
..here's the loot...

One reversible bias tape bag (made by yours truly of course). Uniquely crafted so that you can go from crunchy earth girl right to trendy nightclub goer in just a flip of the bag!

AND six custom made notecards (all Beth H originals once again)
...and...if you're lucky I'll find a surprise or two.

What you have to do...
Comment on this post. YUP, that's all!  All you have to do is say you want this with all your heart ...or...that you think this is the worst blog you have ever read(hopefully, not the later)! It's that simple! You press comment...and you're in.
What I will do...
On Monday Wednesday (I just realized Monday is going to be a little crazy), I will draw a winner! There's nothing like the old draw your name out of hat trick. With the help of my little guy, we'll hopefully pick your slip of paper. I'll  post the winner Monday Wednesday afternoon and contact you to get shipping info so that this lovely little bundle can be on it's way.

SO...if you think this looks remotely exciting for you, or it would make a great gift for the mom, sister, or maybe your brother is a purse wearer! It's all yours as soon as I draw your slip.

REMEMBER...all you have to do is comment on this post!!

We Love our PaPa's

Today we had a great time celebrating all the wonderful Papa's in our lives.  Actually, the celebration began on Thursday night. I wanted to surprise Brian with a gift that he would have no idea about! Since he had off of work on Friday, the only way I could get it all put together and actually surprise him was to do it on Thursday after he got home from work. During the day I did the last of my research and headed out to Lowe's to pick up this LOVELY woven hammock! When he saw it he REALLY was surprised. He and Dexter took the it for a test swing right off the bat.
THEN...later the next day I was looking for Brian after putting Dex down for a nap...and I found this... He said later that the crazy thing about the new hammock is that you lay in it and it just makes you fall asleep.Over his 3 day weekend I think he was able to take at least a quick snooze in it each day. I saw this late this afternoon too. It makes me smile to know that he really is enjoying it.

THEN, on the actual Father's Day we made the call up to the WI Grandpa to let him know that we were thinking about him and that his gift was on it's way. I want to post info and pics of the gift now, but I'll show a little restraint so that it can still be a surprise. REALLY, the gift is awesome.

Last but not least, we went down to Marco to meet Grandpa FL, Grandma FL, Aunt Denise and Cousin Hollie for a celebration lunch at the Crab House (same one we had our wedding get together at). I think that Grandpa FL really enjoyed it because Dex sat on his lap the whole lunch and shared his sweet potato fries with him. I know that he really loved his gift too...but, I can't show you it just yet, because it was such a great gift that I got it for all the Papa's in the family...and like I said it would ruin the surprise!  You'll just have to sit on the edge of your seat until we get the word !!

All in all we had a fun Father's Day and we sure hope they each know how much we love and appreciate them. WE LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOOO MUCH!!! Heck...if it wasn't for you all we wouldn't be where we are right now!! Hope each of you and all the other wonderful Papa's out there had a great celebration on your special day.

Tuesday was a GREAT day

Last week was filled with fun times with friends and other cool stuff. Tuesday ended up being a really great day...and even though it's Saturday now...it's fun to go back in time

Dex and I had a great time having his first official play date with a blogging friends, Danielle and Zane.  Kind of funny but we met outside blogging, but now love seeing each other's pics...even though we live about 5 minutes from each other. We're looking forward to taking our Sweet Rides out for some spins when the weather gets a little cooler.

THEN...after Papa got home from work we headed out to our favorite organic cafe and market for a talk on Raw and Living Foods. It was so interesting and we walked away with some great recipes including our new favorite Green Smoothie, Igor's Favorite(from Green for Life). It is suprisingly DELICIOUS and nutrition! So far we've had it for breakfast everyday! Here's the recipe for you to try ...really even though there is a bunch of spinach in it...you should try it...it's like Lime-ade. (I was going to write this post at breakfast on Wednesday as you see from the pic...but...the big guy was all done before I was!)

SO...make this and enjoy....Igor's Favorite.

1/2 bunch of spinach

1/2 of a lime with peel

4 apples

1 banana

2 cups of water

Blend it up and drink to your health!!

Well, now I'm off to enjoy some time with the Papa in our family as he enjoys his new gift for his special day...more on that later!

Food, Not Lawns

OK all, it's time for a SUPER GREEN, Tree hugger post that ended up being really long...but it's worth it so read on...

For a while now Brian has been planning to convert our front yard into 'the jungle'! It first started with a in depth tour of a good friend's property. He has a city lot and it really is a jungle. He did lots of the planting himself just within the last 5 years and we walked away completely inspired. Then Brian read the book Food Not Lawns which really drives home the fact that we are wasting so much of the world's energy sources by having lawns that don't give us anything back. As they say...we should be turning our yards into gardens! The amount of water that people use to water their grass, especially here where we have a dry season, is staggering.  Lawnmowers spew pollution that worse than a car. Let alone the amount of sweat that is generated mowing a lawn with a push mower in the heat of a Florida summer is enough to make you call in the mulch man!!

We were lucky enough to get a 'hook up' on the mulch.  Brian stopped to chat with a tree service guy who was cutting trees in the neighborhood and wouldn't you know it ...in the next week we had 6 loads of mulch across our front yard, an appointment with the workers (and one of their little munchkins) to have them spread it over the weekend, and a promise of as many more loads as we wanted...ALL FOR FREE!!!
The mulching took place a while back...I'd say it was before Christmas!  And the neighbors have been giving us sideways glances ever since. Now that the grass and weeds are starting to pop through they're asking more questions.
Before the mulch we planted a bunch of bananas and now that the rains have started we put in a whole slew more trees!  Hopefully, the neighbors will see a little of our vision now.

We had a few trees already planted, but now that Brian and I have gone over the list as a whole, we sure do have quite a fruit basket in the making! Here's our list (with handy links for the weirder ones)...Navel Orange, Page Orange (Tangelo), Atemoya, Valencia Pride Mango, Hayden Mango, Moringa, Chaya, Coconut, Jaboticaba (Tropical Cherry), Strawberry Fruit Tree, Loquat, Egg Fruit, Persian Lime, Green Tea, Papaya,and last but not least more Pineapples. As you see all of these will be producing fruit of some sort and I just can't wait for the day when we can walk through our front 'jungle' and just pick snacks off the trees. Dex is already loving the Mulberry in the back yard and it only has one or two berries every two or three days. I bet he'll be in heaven when these get bigger.   

I have to say that I was a little skeptical at first,(maybe the sideways glances were getting to me) but now that the trees are in...I'm way into it.  I'm trying to think of other plants to put in the low growing areas, some more shade loving trees or bushes, where our paths will go, maybe a bench or two...so much to do now that the jungle-izing has gone into full swing.

SO...if you've made it to the end of this super long post...first of all...CONGRATS. Second of all, please consider taking even the smallest section of your yard and making it NOT lawn, but maybe a nice salad bed, a fruit tree with some edible flowers or greens under or even a herb garden.  In the end your tummy and the earth will thank you.

YUMM...would you like some?

On the same vein as the listening post...here's a tasting post.
This week I've been thinking more mindfully about a few things...one of which was eating. A favorite topic of many, RIGHT?!
It all started with the whipping up of a batch of Aunt Annette's famous cookies. I'd share a recipe, but it's a family one ...and you're going to have to beg to get it!  It's won lots and I mean lots of 4H contests.

The cookies got me thinking because I really think they are more than just a cookie. I was thinking how they are so special because I always am thinking about how wonderful my 'Auntie Net' is every time I make them. I look at the handwritten recipe card and I imagine here making them right along with me. We're in her kitchen with it's blue fleck counter top, special stool that's perfectly placed to chat with the cook and Pillsbury dough boy cookie jar.  We're chatting about life and she's asking all the right questions that only she knows how to put so lovingly. She cares so much and you can feel it every time she gives you one of her super soft hugs.
She's one of my favorite Aunts! She's special just like the cookies.  I have to say though that when I make the cookies they just don't taste the same. They are delicious of course, but I think when I eat hers there is just an added feeling that goes with them. The two extra scoops of love maybe!

So now that I've ate my fair share of the batch...and Dex has had his first highly anticipated taste of the coveted cookies, we'll be taking a few extra walks this week.  They taste so good because they have all the 'good' stuff in them!  This batch was peanut butter oatmeal with peanut butter/chocolate chips.
This time around we didn't use any healthy subsitutes either so we'll be back after a walk to the park, a bike around the neighborhood and a paddle through the Gulf.

What are your 'mindful' recipes? Leave a comment and you might get my recipe in return.