Linger Moments ~ No. 1

lin·ger

/ˈliNGɡər/

verb

1. to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.

You know those moments: the ones often catching you by surprise, causing you to pause a little longer than perhaps intended.  Whether your upcoming weekend is one filled with activities or a weekend in which the only thing on the agenda is relaxation, you are invited to take a moment to linger before heading to the end of the week.

1. Young House Love Has a Podcast

Sunday's Instagram story featured some background noise of a newly discovered podcast: Young House Love Has a Podcast. Along with many of you, I've been a fan of Sherry & John Petersik for quite a while and have been inspired by not only all of their home renovations and decorations (if you have not yet done so, check out younghouselove.com), but also how dang successful their blog is. They're both fun, down-to-earth people and it's really no surprise I've been binge-listening their new podcast. Check it out- it's seriously awesome and even features a game-show segment. Day. Made.

2. Smith Gilbert Gardens' 6th Annual Hummingbird Banding

This may be news for some of you, but Chris and I are old souls and L-O-V-E bird watching. We also dislike squirrel's breaking out bird feeders, so have taken a bit of break from our seed-beaked friends to pay more attention to our figure-8 winging friends. We've attended multiple classes (see, I told you we were old souls!), and Chris actually attending the 3rd annual Hummingbird Banding event at this same location. It's pretty cool (or so I've heard): professionals catch the hummingbirds, put a tee-tiny identification band on one of feet, and then observers (such as my then two year old daughter) get to release them back into the wild. Last time this happened, I had another commitment and wasn't able to join in the festivities. This time, we had the date on our calendar way in advance and already have our tickets purchased. This event takes place TOMORROW (9-10-16) at 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw, Georgia, from 8:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M.

3. Happy Birthday, Otis Redding!

Who doesn't like this Georgia born boy?  His short 26-year life was tragically cut short, just three days before his hit "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay."  Click on the title above (and skip to minute 33) for an interview with his son, Otis Redding III.

Book List Update and Newly Found Loophole

Since childhood, summer has always been synonymous with reading.  We would always sign up for the Summer Reading Program at the local library and dutifully list every book read.  The reward at the end would be a certificate with our name scrawled in pen and maybe an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen.

Reading has continued to be a great pursuit of mine, and when we discovered we were pregnant, we promptly began to fill shelves with favorite books from our childhood.  This summer, I took our two kiddos up to the local library to see if the Summer Reading Program was still a thing.  It totally is, but instead of a free ice cream upon completion of the list, the ante has been raised to an entry to win a free tablet!

The Library is where I discovered a loophole to my Completion Project... I don't know why I hadn't thought about it before!  I could borrow books and not technically be breaking my vow to finish my stack of half-read books before purchasing a single one more.  My project has taken a bit of a left turn as I've enjoyed some good ol' summer reading:

The Age of Desire

"For fans of The Paris Wife, a sparkling glimpse into the life of Edith Wharton and the scandalous love affair that threatened her closest friendship," (description from Amazon).

The Girl on the Train

One of the few books I've read before it was made into a movie.  Quite the psychological thriller, but honestly felt the ending could have been more convincing. 

Happier at Home

I can't get enough of Gretchen Rubin these days and enjoyed this second book of hers, a new project to make home a happier place.  

The Nightingale

I'm not the book-jacket-reader-type, and once again it bit me in the pants.  A great read, but definitely not one I wold have chosen had I known what it was about.

I still hope to complete my Completion Project by the end of the year, I was just really needing some new material and decided the summer was the perfect time to take a quick detour.  Isn't that what summer is for, though?  Following whims and getting lost in a good book?  I don't feel a bit guilty about my newfound loophole. :)

In Pursuit of Community: Fat Land Farm CSA

The experience every culture has in common is eating a meal together.  Think about it: meals are the cornerstone of nearly every celebration, regardless of race, religion, or origin.  As you can probably tell by my previous posts, I love food.  I thoroughly enjoy shopping for my family's food, I love cooking, and entertaining is an art that is ingrained into not only myself, but also my husband.  So when we met a family that was starting a CSA within walking distance of our home, you can bet your beets we signed up.

You may be asking, "What the heck is a CSA?"  It's pretty simple: Community Supported Agriculture.  Over the past 25 years, Community Supported Agriculture has become a popular way for consumers to purchase local, seasonal food directly from farmers.  Basically,

1. A Farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public.
2. Interested consumers purchase a "share" (think: subscription).
3. Consumers receive a box of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

So back to our local CSA... Fat Land Farm is located on 3 acres in the middle of Roswell, Georgia.  Owned and farmed by Gary and Barrett Walker, the CSA started its fourth season Summer 2016.  We met the Walkers a few years ago through church, but just recently I had the chance to sit down with Gary and ask questions about his history in farming.

Gary's interest in farming goes back to his childhood when his family owned a vineyard in Sonoma, California.  The 5 acre vineyard produced Jam (and surprisingly not wine) and was eventually sold.  Gary continued to have an interest in farming and food quality and over the years became very passionate about eating well and knowing where his food came from.  

Once married, Gary and Barrett continued gardening on their patio, bringing in organic soil and even raising chickens in the middle of the city!  When they weren't tending their container gardens, they were filling up their Mercedes with Corn Oil.

On their current Roswell farm sits a 1933 (recently renovated) farm house whose original owners were the Colemans (Fellow Roswellites may recognize "Coleman Road"- that sweet little cut-through from downtown Roswell over to East Cobb.).  The home was purchased by Barrett's family from the Colemans and has been in the family ever since.

I really enjoyed picking Gary's brain about what he's learned about farming.

"It's physically demanding!  There's so much involved from organizing all aspects of farming, marketing, and scheduling crops.  Come February, after a short two months off, you're starting your seedlings fro April's crops to be harvested for the first CSA pick up in April."

He goes on to say that people tend to over-complicate farming.  That anyone can really do it.  One of Gary's favorite parts?  Composting.  He says it's a great example of how everything works together creating food that makes things grow.  

"Everything serves a purpose and it's great to have a hand in that process."

Weekly "shares" from Fat Land Farm contain in-season non-GMO produce (also chemical and pesticide-free) ranging from hearty greens (Kale, Swiss Chard, Collards) to potatoes and squash to bouquets of freshly harvested herbs.  Many more crops boast bountiful harvests throughout the seasons- some common household favorites and others less common that we've come to know and love.  In all this diversity of crops, Gary's favorite to grow?

"Tomatoes,"

Gary says, not thinking twice.  Quit coincidently, that's our family's favorite crop to gather around the table to eat.  And the fact that it's grown walking distance from our home absolutely makes them that much sweeter.

In Pursuit of the Arts: The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Concert

Many of you know my main "gig" in life is teaching piano.  I started teaching piano lessons when I was in high school and recently reached the age where I have taught lessons longer than I have not.  I love teaching and am passionate about helping my students develop a love for music.  I believe that music enriches lives so it's no surprise that I'm a supporter of different avenues of introducing communities to classical music.

I have the privilege of sharing a city with the Grammy winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.  While I am not able to attend concerts as often as I would like, I do try to make it to a concert at least once a season.  Last week, I received a text from a student's parent informing me that they would not be able to use their tickets for ASO, which was featuring André Watts in an "All Brahms" program that night.  Thrilled to have the chance for an impromptu outing, I called texted a friend, and we headed downtown!

Upon arrival at the Woodruff Arts Center, we learned that Mr. Watts was unwell and would not be performing that night.  I was disappointed as I was [obviously] looking forward to hearing the Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2.  However, when the Usher told me what the Orchestra would be performing instead, I was ecstatic!  

While many claim Beethoven's 5th and especially 10th Symphonies as their favorites, his 7th has always been my favorite.  You may remember the second movement from the 2011 Oscar winning movie, The King's Speech.  If you need a refresher, check out this video:



It was every bit as glorious as I had hoped it would be and it was not until after the concert that I learned that due to Mr. Watts' unfortunate cancellation (at 4:00 that afternoon), the Orchestra had not had a chance to rehearse the Beethoven.  Apparently by their Sunday concert of the same program, it was phenomenal.

I know I take for granted having such an amazing Orchestra so readily available to attend.  An Orchestra that can pull a Beethoven symphony out of their back pocket and execute it in such a way as to pull at the heartstrings of every audience member.  Quite amazing.

I am certain many of my readers live in a city that has an orchestra that gives regular concerts.  Even smaller suburbs generally have community orchestras that give regular concerts.  I encourage you to support these musicians by attending their concerts!  If a formal, strictly classical concert does not appeal to you, look for orchestras that do "Pop" concerts, such as ASO's "Delta Pops!" Music Rocks!

In Pursuit of a Fine Mind: My Top Four Podcasts Recommendations

I will admit, I am a bit late to the "Podcast" game.  I listened to a few episodes over the years but haven't genuinely looked forward to new episodes of a particular Podcast until last Spring.  Upon finishing Shannon Ables book, Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman's Guide, I ventured to her website and was delighted to she not only had a weekly Podcast, but also a plethora of episodes I could "binge" listen.

Since last Spring, I have found several other Podcasts that I thoroughly enjoy.  Since I firmly believe that Cultivating Your Mind  can be a very fine thing, I wanted to share with you my top four podcasts recommendations that turn my daily chores, morning walks, and car rides into constant learning opportunities.

I use iTunes Podcasts to subscribe and listen to all of the following recommendations.  I am not super tech-savvy, but I'm sure there are other Podcasts apps where you may find these recommendations as well.

1. The Simple Sophisticate

This Podcast is the one that got me hooked on listening to Podcasts.  Shannon Ables shares 20-30 minutes of inspiring information, ideas, and insights on how to curate your own simply luxurious life.  Airing every Monday morning, this Podcast brings me inspiration to start my week with purpose and beauty.  The end of each episode features a "Petit Plaisir" where Shannon recommends a book, a film, a play, a recipe, or anything else she is eager to share.  Each episode, along with show notes, can be found in the above link.

2.  The Splendid Table

Lynne Rossetto Kasper hosts this delightful radio series which is then published as a weekly Podcast.  Like many of you, I've enjoyed The Splendid Table for years via my 90.1 F.M. NPR station, so I was thrilled to find I could listen to SO MANY EPISODES at my convenience.  The Splendid Table declares itself, "The Show For People Who Love to Eat," and delves deep into food through interviews of chefs, writers, travelers, any many others.  Additionally, Lynne answers questions from listeners who call in with the culinary inquiries.  

3. Financial Rock Star Scott Alan Turner

While finances is not one of my favorite topics, Scott Alan Turner presents tips to "Get out of debt, save money, and retire early," in a fun, upbeat, and SIMPLE way.  Even though budgets have been a part of most of my adult life, I never knew the difference between a 401k and Roth IRA and was completely petrified of the Stock Market.  I am not [yet] wheeling and dealing with stock market day-trading; however, I do feel as though I am much more informed (and have a better understanding) investment opportunities as well as the best ways to save and get out of debt (tip: getting out of debt doesn't matter one flip if you don't change your spending habits).  Thanks, Scott!

4. Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

This is the most recent addition to my Podcast collection, and I couldn't be happier to have found it.  I was introduced to Birds on a Wire from a dear friend (thanks, Angela!) and fell in love with Karen and her ministry to encourage and equip moms.  I've attended several BOAW groups and had the great pleasure of taking part in the first BOAW Conference a few years ago.  Karen provides such awesome, motherly advice from discipline and boundaries how-to's to helping our children grow their own faith.  

I would love for you to check out these Podcasts and hope that you'll enjoy them all!  What Podcasts do you currently enjoy?  Please share in the comments below!

In Pursuit of Steel Cut Oats Breakfast Recipe

A few weeks ago (five, to be exact) I posted a picture of my first attempt at Shannon Ables's recipe for "Buttery Steel Cut Oats."  Since then  I have fallen in love with the recipe and have made it nearly every morning.  We've always been a big oatmeal family, but these buttery steel cut oats definitely top the charts.

Y'all, I seriously had doubts that steel-cut oats could taste so good, but decided to give them a whirl after hearing @thesimplyluxuriouslife share her recipe. I toasted my slivered almonds right before adding them. This stuff was amazing! I literally devoured the entire bowl. #heathyfoodwin #tsll

A photo posted by Ashley Craig-Diaz (@inpursuitofthefinerthings) on Apr 19, 2016 at 9:32am PDT

I received several requests for the recipe and rather than just directing  you to Ms. Able's website, decided to share the recipe in a post.

The necessary ingredients include:

• 1/4 Cup Steel Cut Oat Meal (original, not quick cooking!  The one pictured is John McCann Steel Cut Oatmeal, but I've also used Bob's Red Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats, and both are good)
• 1 Tablespoon Butter (I've been using Président Salted Butter)
• 3/4 Cup Boiling Water
• 1/4 Cup Cream (pictured is Organic Valley Heaving Whipping Cream.  I've also used Regular Whipping Cream, and they're both good).
• 1 Tablespoon Honey
• Handful of Toasted Slivered Almonds

I've been toasting my own almonds while the rest of the meal (pun intended) cooks and decided quickly to toast enough for a whole week and keep them in a small glass jar (exactly what I did with the walnut and rolled-oat mixture for the Magical Breakfast).  These directions will tell you the steps I take to do this, but once your almonds are toasted for the week you would (obviously) leave those steps out of the process.  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Place your kettle of water on the stove to boil.  Place several handfuls of slivered almonds on a lightly sprayed baking sheet.

In a small skillet, melt butter with oats over medium heat to begin toasting the oats for 2-3 minutes.

Once the oven is preheated, begin to toast almonds for 5 minutes.

When the water in the kettle begins to boil, add 3/4 cups to the oats in the skillet.  It should immediately continue to boil.  DO NOT STIR!  Add a dash of salt and reduce heat to low.  Allow oats to absorb liquid for 8-10 minutes.

I normally enjoy my cup of coffee while waiting for the timers to go off.  Check out this super cute "Milton" mug by The Scribble Studio that I picked up from 

Cheeses and Mary a few weeks ago!

 After almonds have toasted for 5 minutes, stir around and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.  NOTE: There is a very fine line between perfectly toasted almonds and over-toasted (aka, burnt) almonds.  Keep an eye on them and take them out RIGHT as they start to brown in color.  

(You'll notice in the above picture that I've found the "hot" spot of my oven 

and have learned to work around it. :)

Once your oats have absorbed liquid, stir and add 1/4 cup cream.  Allow cream to become absorbed then transfer to bowl.

 

Add honey and small handful of toasted almonds.  Save the remainder of almonds in a small glass jar to use throughout the week.

This recipe is for one but can very easily be doubled, tripled, or quadrupled for more!  Just as with the Magical Breakfast, have fun adding different toppings to make it unique to your taste.  I've played with a few toppings, but the honey and almonds are definitely my favorite!

Summer Movie List + Book List Update

Longer days. Easier schedules.  Much more flexibility.  Just as Ms. Fitzgerald sang, "It's summertime, and the livin' is easy."  Man, how I love summer!

In case you haven't noticed my theme, I view the start of each new season as a fresh slate.  Inspiration in itself to continue creating a life I love to live.  Living in each moment and soaking up every bit of relaxed state of mind.  That's what I plan to do this summer.

As soon as Fiona's school ended, we started our Summer tradition of evening movies.  Every year we try to stick to a theme (last year was Shirley Temple; the year before was Disney animated movies).  This year's theme is musicals.  The old fashioned classics.  Below is our list:

1. My Fair Lady

2. The King and I

 3. Annie, Get Your Gun

4. Oklahoma!

5. On the Town

6. An American in Paris

7.  Anchors Away

8. Holiday Inn

9. Meet Me in St. Louis

I foresee us finishing one or two movies a week as we'll probably end up splitting most of them into two evenings.  You may be asking where's The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, or many of the other, most popular musicals.  We've seen these so many times (and LOVE them!), so we (I) decided we'd see movies she had not yet seen (and, to be quite honest, I have not yet seen!).  I'm excited to share this experience with her!

I'd love to receive more recommendations!  We've got a few spots left to fill and I'm sure we're missing some of the greats!  I'd also love to hear if anyone else has summer movie lists and if you have a theme or just go with the flow :)

Quick update on the progress of my book list:  I've finished two more books (Marrying Mozart, and The Happiness Project), and am almost done with Joie de Vivre, which I am enjoying tremendously.  I am also still reading through Spark Joy.  At this rate, I won't finish them all by the end of the year (there were 15 on my list and I'm only on my 5th!), so I decided to help my chances by ONCE AGAIN moving my phone charger away from my bed.  It's been moved for three days now and I've already noticed the difference in how much further into my book I've progressed.  Go figure.