http://thissimplelife.net/blog Thoughts on simple living, faith, parenting, & other randomness. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:28:41 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/07/06/imagination-at-work/ and what day says "summer" better than July 4th.    Strawberry-Banana Ice Cream (original recipe from FoodGeeks.com) 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup whole milk (I used 2% and it worked just fine.) 2 tsp. arrowroot (This is a thickener like cornstarch but they are not the same so ... http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/07/04/because-its-like-a-law-that-you-have-ice-cream-in-the-summer/ We've had flannel wipes in our home for quite some time now.  Purchased during a "green moment" they're one of my  little contributions toward saving the planet and all that.  They are incredibly soft and surprisingly easy to use and maintain once you know few tricks.   Trick #1 - ... http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/07/03/say-goodbye-to-disposable-wet-wipes/ Previous savings - $1 dollar and 25 cents Vacuuming the living room rug - 25 cents Scrubbing down the back door - 50 cents Doing a load of laundry (start to finish) - 2 dollars Putting away all the dishes - 1 dollar Hosing down the back windows - 25 ... http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/07/01/yet-another-shameless-replication-of-master-card-marketing/     If you buy an Intex Easy Set Pool you will perhaps believe set up to be easy.  And why not!?  It clearly states on the box that it is.  See?     All you have to do is: 1    Make an offhand sort of promise to your daughter ... http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/06/24/draft-whoever-coined-the-term-easy-set-pool-was-a-marketing-genius/ If you hear of a workshop in your town where one can learn to play the harmonica AND said workshop is specifically for children AND each child walks away with their very own harmonica with which to practice what they've learned, you may think that sounds like a fun, educational ... http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/06/17/pass-the-cottonballs-please/ Begin by listening to this famous storyteller. Have lunch with Dad.  Discuss the business behind those insipid claw machines that take your money and still keep their cutesy stuffed animals. Attend a magic show. Return home inspired.  Make up your own magic trick. Discover this bug on your morning glories ... http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/06/16/an-unschooling-day-whatever/ While watching this Sister queries, "Can you really make butter just by shaking milk?" "Yes," I reply.  "I believe you can." Many minutes later she appears by my side. "Can we do that?" "Do what?" "Make butter?" "Yes," I reply.  "I believe we can."   And here is ... http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/06/12/a-pictorial-recipe/ Go here.  Read this.  I pray that as my children grow they will grasp the essence of the faith as clearly as this young poet does. http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/06/11/because-this-is-too-beautiful-not-to-be-shared/ Here's something completely weird about me.  I'm a stay-at-home mom. (That's not the weird part.) I take care of my kids and my man and my home. (Nope, not that either.)  I have no desire whatsoever to work in corporate America, own my own business or even be a work ... http://thissimplelife.net/blog/2008/06/10/youve-got-to-know-when-to-hold-em-know-when-to-fold-em/