What I learned in May

1) Life is precious. Recently the hubs received the unsettling news that his 32 year old cousin was murdered in broad daylight. She was the innocent victim of a shooting. She was killed by strangers, while in the process of fulfilling her life's dream of owning a clothing store. She had saved meticulously to pursue her dream, and was set to open her store just  two weeks after her life was taken. Her passing came as a shock to her loved ones who knew her as a good role model and upbeat person.

I do not know why tragedies like this occur, or have all the answers on how to stop them. What I do know is that we should all be thankful for our family and friends, and spend time with them when we can. It's easy to not make enough time for loved ones, but you never know when someone you love could be gone forever.

"If we remembered everyday that we could lose someone at any moment, we would love them, more fiercely and freely, and without fear- not because there is nothing to lose, but because everything can always be lost."  ~Emily Rapp

SALE ALERT

Hello locals! For those of you looking for good deals on household items, I have two sales to tell you about. THE WISE PENNY is currently offering 50% off all housewares. In addition, the owners of SUNPORCH ANTIQUES are retiring and offering steep discounts as they attempt to clear out their inventory. Happy shopping :-)

Spring in Lake Walker (2015)

Spring is such a fantastic time in Lake Walker, in large part due to all the wonderful flowers. I especially love all the azaleas that can be found in the neighborhood. Here are a few images I snapped not too long ago when they were in full bloom. 

I'm big on garden inspiration these days, as the hubs and I are planning a large landscape overhaul soon. There'll be more to come on that adventure shortly.

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today." ~Dale Carnegie

FREE ALERT: Hubble STEMfest

Hi neighbors! I wanted to alert you to a cool free event being held in Baltimore. It's a celebration of the Hubble Telescope's 25th anniversary. The event will take place Saturday June 6th from 10am to 6pm at the Space Telescope Science Institute. It will feature tons of free science and engineering exhibits and hands-on activities for the whole family. Learn more and sign up for the event HERE.

Around Town: Terra Cafe

One of my favorite Baltimore restaurants is a place called TERRA CAFE. The hubs and I have been going there for years. It's not super close to where we live, but it's well worth the drive down to Charles Village. Terra offers delicious inexpensive comfort food, in a warm casual environment. The veggie wrap, mac and cheese, fish sub, yams, and chicken dishes are all scrumptious and cost under $10. The Terra Burger is AMAZING and makes me miss the days when I ate red meat. I have used them for catering in the past, and my guests were very happy campers.

What makes this place extra special is not just the food, but the vibe when you come inside. The owner is an awesome guy by the name of Terrence who is so much fun to talk to, and never forgets a customer's face. He is also super active in the Baltimore community and regularly assembles groups of volunteers to distribute food to the homeless, should you be looking for any outreach opportunities. The sign on the front of the restaurant says "welcome family", and you will feel it come to life should you decide to stop in. Make sure to go when you have a good amount of free time though because it can be crowded and service is not very fast, but worth the wait. Feel free to bring little ones with you.

In the Kitchen: Beet Soup Recipe

Beets are one of those foods you either typically love or hate. As one who previously despised beets, I'm surprised to be sharing with you a recipe I found to be quite savory. Not only did it taste good, but it froze beautifully as well. I'll be using it as one of go-to convenience freezer foods in the future. So here's how you make it:

• Cut into chunks and roast one beet in the oven on 400 degrees, sprinkled with olive oil, salt and pepper. Remove from oven once a fork can easily pierce the beet.
• While beet is roasting boil one large red potato.
• When beet is almost done roasting begin roasting 3 garlic cloves and 3 shallots.
• Dice cooked potato and add to a simmering pot of veggie broth, then add roasted beet, garlic, shallots
• Season soup with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste
• Add 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar (or more if you'd like) and continue simmering for a few minutes.
• Take cooked soup of stove and puree in blender or with stick blender
• Garnish soup with extra parsley, olive oil, and balsamic. You can also add pieces of goat cheese   if non-vegan.

This pairs well with garlic bread. Enjoy!

One Baltimore

Thank you to the members of my community, from all walks of life, who came together to peacefully assemble yesterday. Your presence helped to protect our neighborhood from harm, and to demand an equitable and reasoned resolution to Freddie Gray's death. A special thanks to Councilman Bill Henry for his impeccable leadership during this time. I am proud to call myself a Baltimorean!

"We are already one. But we imagine that we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are."

- Thomas Merton

6 Months

 

Dear Baby Z,

In April you entered your sixth month of life. I can hardly believe how fast you are growing. Some days I wish I could push pause to savor your babyhood more deeply. The other mamas told me this would happen, and they were absolutely right!

This first half year of parenthood has been quite the journey. To say it is hard work is an understatement. Life is now filled with a million to-dos and not nearly enough sleep, but you've certainly been worth the trade-off. Just seeing you smile and the way you light up when Daddy comes home melts my heart. And the teamwork you force your father and I to do just to survive, has strengthened our marriage in unimaginable ways.

In these past few months you have become our best little friend. You make an excellent workout partner, and holding you while I exercise is helping to tone me up. You are also a wonderful confidant, and more than once I've caught your father bouncing ideas off of you. Of course you do not talk back yet, but I think that's a part of what makes you such an awesome little buddy right now.

We are both enjoying watching you grow, learn to sit up, giggle, play with your toys, and eat solid foods. It has been as one friend put it, "a time your kid will never remember, but you will never forget."

We love you with parts of hearts we did not even know existed, and I am awestruck by how blessed we are to have you.

Love Always,
Mom & Dad

Sale Alert: Timonium Totswap

Hi locals. This weekend the local children's consignment pop-up shop Totswap will be holding a sale at the state fair grounds in Timonium. It's a great place to find affordable kids clothes and toys. You can learn more HERE.

What I Learned in March

1) How to make croutons, tortillas,  vegetable stock, and a bunch of other stuff. I have been cooking up a storm lately. With learning to cook comes lots of hits and misses. Thankfully, I've had several hits as of late, so I'll have several good recipes to share with you soon. A few basic items I learned to make that are easy and delicious are croutons (found HERE), tortillas (found HERE), and vegetable stock (found HERE). I will try my hardest to make all of these at home from now, instead of buying them pre-made as they turned out so much better than the off the shelf stuff.

2) How to clean my yoga mat. The other day I noticed my yoga mat was hurtin' for a cleaning. I tried wiping it down with a rag and some all-purpose cleaner but that did not do the trick. So I decided to put it in the washing machine (alone) on the delicate cycle. It worked wonders.

3) Fancy kitchen equipment is not for me. As I cook more and more, I'm beginning to feel it's time to invest in more kitchen equipment. I recently purchased a fancy mandoline in the hopes of making restaurant grade french fries and such. When I brought it home and started using it, I realized it was way more hassle than it was worth. For now I'll be sticking to a knife and cutting board. Are there any kitchen tools you cannot live without? Please share in the comments section.

4) Slow cookers are splendid! I bought a slow cooker off Ebay a few weeks ago for not too much money. I am enjoying the heck out of that thing. Why didn't I purchase one of these earlier?!? For a busy parent who is trying to eat healthier this thing is amazing. I've been making all types of yummy soups and stocks in it. I can't get enough.

5) I really enjoy Bells of Ireland. I picked up a Bells of Ireland bouquet from the grocery store a few weeks ago. It was my first time having any in the house, and I really enjoyed looking at them. The pop of green they added really lifted my spirits.

What's something you learned this month? To learn from others visit CHATTING AT THE SKY.