 Our days are full right now.
We are in the midst of a parenting season with lots of “little people needs,” as is the norm for a family with three children, ages 5 and under (and 12 chickens). Hours and minutes fly by, filled with dishes and laundry, potty training, homeschooling, church/community ministry commitments, gardening, doctor appointments, groceries, library visits, and bedtime routines.
Our sweet baby boy is a happy, easy-going little guy, and has brought extra smiles to our days. He’s almost 8 weeks old now, and nearing 12 lbs! I’m rediscovering a new schedule with a baby again (notably, the challenge of a little one who often wants a 6 pm bedtime, and planning supper accordingly). All the children have been growing quickly lately, and I’ve had the endless task of sorting clothing for storage, hand-me-downs, and thrift stores.
We are also in the process of growing our business (and preparing for the seasonal influx of the summer months). The hospitality business is a joy, and yet, adds more responsibilities as we answer phone calls (often late at night), and provide rest, meals, housekeeping, and travel instructions for our guests. Our family loves meeting people from all over the world, hearing their stories, and sharing ours.
In preparation for this intensive season as a family, we took a short family vacation for Mother’s Day weekend. (I’ll share more about this soon!) Sandy, sunkissed, and a bit sticky, bearing dirty laundry and thrift store finds, we arrived home in time for a quick visit from my dad, for a couple nights’ stay.
The lilacs are in full bloom, filling the air with their gorgeous scent. I took a short walk by the barn last night, during the dusky moments at the end of sunset and beginning of moonlight (my first chance all day!). I picked a handful of rhubarb and a big bouquet of lilacs for the coffeehouse (greeting us with their fragrance at the foot of the stairs early this morning, when we awakened).
Meals this past week or so have been mostly fingerfoods (namely, children’s favorites) of nitrite-free hot dogs, gluten-free macaroni & cheese, oranges, carrot sticks, bagged organic salad mixes, canned salmon, peanut butter sandwiches, trail mix, fresh hard boiled eggs, gluten-free pretzels, and frozen coconut milk treats. I was so thankful for these semi-healthy finds (albeit packaged) at a local discount store, so I was able to stay in my grocery budget, and manage meals during a crazy week of scheduling (with business obligations, a few doctor visits, and a vacation).
It’s a season.
(What season are you in right now?)
 Post by Contributing Writer, Katie
Summer is almost here! Guess what time it is? Ice cream time! Honestly, who am I kidding? I don’t wait until summer to whip out the ice maker. I make ice cream all throughout the year.
Still, there is something special about eating a bowl of homemade ice cream on a hot summer day. It is the perfect treat to cool off.
I am always up for trying new kinds of ice cream, so when one of my friends asked me to make lavender ice cream I couldn’t wait for my lavender plant to bloom so I could make some.
I added a twist of my own and decided to make the lavender ice cream with coconut milk instead of dairy. The coconut milk adds a smooth and subtle flavor. This recipe is for a custard-based ice cream. Custard takes more effort but the end results are worth it; it makes for much richer and creamier dessert.
Lavender Ice Cream
2 cans full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup raw honey
1/4 cup fresh lavender blossoms
4 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt
In a small sauce pot, bring the coconut milk and lavender blossoms to a simmer. Continue to simmer for five minutes. Turn off heat, add honey and stir till dissolved. Cover and let infuse for one hour.
At this point you can pour the the coconut mixture through a sieve to strain off the lavender blooms if you chose. I keep them in for their texture and added beauty.
In a small bowl whip up the egg yolks. Reheat the lavender infused coconut milk on low. Pour a couple tablespoons of the the infused coconut milk into the egg yolks and stir well. Gently pour the yolk mixture into the sauce pan, whisking continuously while pouring.
Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, scraping the bottom of the pot with the spatula. Stir until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spatula. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
Cover the custard and chill completely in the refrigerator for a few hours or over night.
Once the custard is chilled, pour into your ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer instructions.
I’m thinking that this ice cream would go perfect with Michele’s Lavender-Vanilla Cookies.
I love lavender, as do most of the ladies that write for Frugal Granola. Here are some ideas on how to use lavender for cooking, cleaning, and medicinally!
Culinary Uses for Lavender
Lavender, A Soothing and Medicinal Herb
Natural Homemade Deodorant
Do you use lavender? If so tell us how in the comments.
 Katie is a dorm “mama” to 12 amazing girls ages 8 to 18 at a home and school for the Deaf in Baja California, Mexico. She and her “hijas” can be frequently found in the kitchen, the garden or making friends with their new chickens. She loves to read, hike the hills near her home and spend time with her girls. In her spare time Katie blogs at Mexican Wildflower about nourishing foods, herbal remedies, simple living, raising her girls and encouraging other women in their walk with Christ.
 Our Staycation 2011 Post by Contributing Writer, Rachael
Summer is my FAVORITE season! You can tell because in the last year I have written several articles about some ideas for summer fun and budgeting including:
This year our summer will be different. In the last year we have added another child, lived in our new town for 1 year, hit some financial speed bumps and braved homeschooling for the first time. Everything just feels different.
Often our emotions largely play into how well we handle our finances. I am sure you can relate! Think about your emotions while making your summer plans. Knowing how you feel about what is upcoming can greatly help keep you and your budget on track!
Priorities Matter
 Spending Time Together Summer brings out the desire to have fun and the schedule to spend time together. Before you spend one cent make a list of your priorities. Here are two simple questions to ask:
What is one thing that is important for you to accomplish or learn this summer?
What is one thing you would like to see your family accomplish or learn this summer?
After you answer these questions, make a financial map. What will it take logically and financially for you to accomplish your priorities this summer? Put this map somewhere as a reminder!
Our family puts our summer financial priority map with our checkbook. Every time I go to withdraw cash or write a check I am reminded of our summer goals and it helps me control my summer impulse spending.
Impulsiveness vs. Self Control
 Slowing Down This summer I can tell I am already facing feelings of impulsiveness. I am no longer pregnant so I have more energy and have a desire to do more things. My kids are also at a more interactive age which also makes me want to have more activities for them.
STOP! Before you jump the gun and make a quick decision about DOING something, just stop. Ask yourself:
- Why do I want to do this, does it match our family priorities?
- Is it in my budget?
- Can I get a coupon or discount for this activity?
- Am I purchasing an item or am I making a memory?
You know what is important to you and your family; make every cent count!
I would love to know how you are feeling about the upcoming summer? Are you planning anything fun? What are you doing to be creative with your time? Let us know in the comments!
 Rachael shares financial tips from her kitchen table surrounded by a newborn, two active toddlers and her husband. God has called her from corporate life into His grace as an at-home wife! She shares about her passion for motherhood and life at To Be a Mom…
If you have a financial question or topic you would like us to discuss, leave a comment or send us an email!
I had my first taste of a marinated portobello mushroom nearly 13 years ago at an Italian restaurant in Indianapolis. I was pleasantly surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did. I was equally surprised at the texture: it was like eating a tender, juicy steak… but not “chewy.” (If I recall
Continue reading Marinated Portobello Mushroom “Steak”
Spring is here (although a rainy one), and we’ve started enjoying some rhubarb lately. What seasonal favorites are on your menu?
Day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Other
Sun 5/6
Cheese Omelets, Toast
Popcorn, Ants on a Log, Oranges
Chicken Salad, Raw Veggies, Biscuits
Mon 5/7
GF Pancakes, Eggs
Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Oranges
Fish Spring Rolls, Brown Rice
Tue 5/8
Rhubarb Baked Oatmeal, Eggs
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Oranges
Easy Orange Chicken & Veggies, Millet
Wed 5/9
Porridge,
Continue reading Menu Plan {5.6-12}
I love giving and receiving homemade gifts, and one of my favorites is a simple, pampering scrub. It took me only a few minutes during a busy holiday season to mix up a batch of Soothing Lavender Foot Scrub. My sisters-in-law and mother-in-law loved it!
Plus, I can usually anticipate my own jar of a lovely sugar
Continue reading Simple Scrubs to Make & Give: eBook Giveaway!
Post by Contributing Writer, Emily
Scarves are a versatile way to add a feminine touch to your closet. Whether you work outside your home every day or barely make it out of the house to get groceries, any woman enjoys adding a pretty (easy and inexpensive) accessory.
It seems as though scarves are popular
Continue reading Easy Accessory – Scarves
Post by Contributing Writer, Beth
Historical Background
Throughout history, the placenta has been respected and revered for its powerful healing abilities and function. Medieval people believed that the placenta nurtured an unborn child in both body and soul. Indonesians call it the brother or sister of the newborn, and the Balinese believe that it will meet
Continue reading The Oldest Natural Remedy: The Placenta
We have a busy week ahead, so I am accommodating road trips, a busy work week, and some simple meals for babysitters (and this mama with a newborn!). Yay for slow-cookers and finger foods!
Day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Other
Sun 4/29
Omelets, Toast
Peanut Butter Popcorn, Oranges, Cottage Cheese
Enchiladas, Carrot Sticks
Mon 4/30
GF Pancakes, Eggs
Brie, Bacon, & Spinach Sandwich, Oranges
Paleo Seafood Balls with
Continue reading Menu Plan {4.29-5.5}
With a sweet baby sleeping on my arm, I’ve been able to do a bit more reading lately… and typing this post one-handed. Here are some of my favorite finds.
{Food}
Healthier Peanut Butter Balls @ Tropical Traditions/Free Coconut Recipes… These were delicious!
{Faith}
Why Everybody Needs to Make Art Everyday {7 Keys to Creativity} @ A Holy Experience… Beautiful
Continue reading Weekend Inspiration {4.27}
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