MARY OLIVER

When it’s over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms. 

When it is over, I don’t want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument. 

I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.

—Mary Oliver

KITCHEN FIRES

In true October fashion, I roasted pumpkin seeds this weekend. This was my first go at roasting seeds and it was a thrill. This was one of the easiest snacks I have ever made, and everyone loved them. The time in the kitchen was less than 10 minutes! Click here to see a detailed recipe.

This snack recipe is vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free! Chili powder is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cooking Diary:

Purchased 2 cups of pepitas and a glass jar.

Spread the pepitas over griddle and started roasting. Mixing bowl ready.

Caroline got spooked by the popping seeds and took cover in Chris's arms.

Mixed the roasted seeds with chili powder, salt and oil. Cooled in fridge.



Transferred seeds to jar to store.

Enjoyed my new snack and a cup of tea on the porch!

WORDS

MONDAY MUSINGS

Inspirational images for the week...

Staying cozy with my Vagabond blanket

Warming up my mornings with breakfast tea

Giving thanks for the much-needed Texas rain

Rainy day updos

Try to stop buying books faster than I can read them

Keep dreaming of a sailing trip

Read more Shel Silverstein poems

FRIDAY DIARY

The birds are back!

Girl time in the neighbors yard

Shootin pool listening to blues music

iPhone photography fun

AFTER THE FACT

As summer comes to a close, I highly recommend listening to Fruit Bats album, The Ruminant Band. After-the-fact Newsflash: I’m way behind on the discovery of this album. Released in 2009, it didn’t fall on my delayed music palette until early 2011. I’m convinced there is some cosmic reason for this. Nevertheless, I spent this summer enjoying Fruit Bats and it’s not too late for you to enjoy a untimely listen either!

WORDS

TEA

My love for green tea may be a bit excessive. Most days I drink 4 cups, sometimes more. I have also grown to love herbal teas, most of which contain no caffeine. Some of my favorites are:


Detox tea - This tea usually contains licorice root which is known for detoxifying the liver. Drink some of this tea after a night drinking to speed up the hangover process. Also, detox tea is great for your skin. You skin is a peek into your overall heath. If your insides are clean, you’re skin will soon follow.

Chamomile – known for its relaxing properties can be used for insomnia and anxiety. Also can be used to calm the stomach. Drink some right before bed and you will sleep like a baby. Chamomile is often found in “Bedtime tea” blends.

Lemon Ginger – both of these ingredients work wonders for your digestive system. This tea is great for settling the stomach. 

Echinacea – known for boosting your immune system. If you ever feel a cold coming on, spend a couple days day fighting it with this tea paired with Vitamin C.

MONDAY MUSING

I should’ve kept a photo diary of last night. I was a walking cliché. I enjoyed takeout food, wine, chocolate, and a face mask while watching Serendipity. The only things that could have made my night more cliché are a aromatherapy bath, a book, and some tears. The good news is I feel well rested this Monday and ready to take on the work week.

 These inspirations are setting the tone for my free time this week...

Buy flowers

Make more earrings

Draw some organic type

Continue kitchen-witch journal

Enjoy beer in nature (or wine for me since I'm gluten free)

Find a bathtub and relax