Master tonic update

 I recently made a new batch of master tonic so that we would be prepared for the upcoming flu/cold season.  I used the recipe that I posted here, but I put it together a little differently.  Each of the ingredients equaled about 1 cup each.  I added all the ingredients to a half-gallon canning jar and then covered all with 1 quart of raw apple cider vinegar.  This way I didn't need to worry about having enough room while allowing for displacement.

If you didn't/couldn't grow your own ingredients, or you didn't/couldn't make it to a farmer's market, you can buy all the ingredients needed at your local grocery store.  I actually bought fresh horseradish along with the tincture bottles with dropper tops on Amazon.
These are 2 oz. size.  The recipe yielded 1 dozen 2 oz. bottles and 1 pint - for refills.

This particular batch is hot, but it isn't crazy hot.  The recipe calls for including the pepper seeds when combining everything.  I, unfortunately, had discarded them, and then realized I was supposed to include them.  I was kind of afraid to work with the hot peppers - I wore rubber gloves and discarded the seeds because they are usually the hottest part of the pepper...which is why you need to include them.   Light bulb moment for me.

This is super easy to make.  If you are interested in a natural way to help you through a congestion or sore throat bug, I encourage you to give this a try.   Because this is infused vinegar, it doesn't expire.   

The ZOO in the PNW

Large families have unique dynamics, one of which is finding yourself with "sets" of children.  You have "Olders", "Littles", and "the either-neithers" (the ones that are in the middle and, depending on the situation become one of the Olders or one of the Littles.)

It is challenging to have two simultaneous seasons of life, that of enjoying and encouraging our adult children in how their lives are unfolding, at the same time more direct parenting of toddlers and school aged kids.  

What a blessing it is to find other families with these commonalities AND where the children are great friends.  

When our Olders were younger, we did lots of field trips.  Then life happened.  I think by the time baby six came along, I was both tired and bit overwhelmed by the mere thought of field trips.  Not to mention, that field trips for a crowd can get expensive quickly - at least ones that hold interest for all ages.   That said, my Littles haven't gone on many field trips, but I'm beginning to feel a bit more up for the task.

What could make better memories than a chilly autumn day at the zoo with friends?

It was a perfectly rainy, cold, want to hold a hot cup of steamy apple cider kind of day

Leaves, in their kalidescope of colors, dangled on branches, or gusted past our feet.

and we had the necessity for jackets, beanie hats, and boots

and friends!

 And on an educational note we saw grazing zebras, smelly wart-hogs, an ostrich and its eggs, three lazy tigers, a sleeping lion, an aloof jaguar, a motionless Komodo dragon (seriously, we thought it might be dead), two wading hippos, various birds, bugs, and snakes, frisky otters (who were by the far the most active and fun to watch), squawking lemurs, pacing grizzly bears, lovable wolves, a moody porcupine who didn't want to show his face, a majestic elk, and an elusive red panda (which made Dan's day!)

The big bonus is that the zoo is the perfect place to bring God front and center.  How can you not marvel at all the uniqueness in Creation?!  

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."  Romans 1:20

Cali Vibes

When it comes to Cali I am a little biased.  Born and raised there, it will always be home.  It's familiar, and it's fun.  There is so much to see and do.  

Here are some of my favorite things that give it its unique Cali vibe...

Convertibles!

They are the bomb!  

Coffee! 
and coffee houses.  They are catching on to Pour-Overs.

  

People moving!

How I wish Washington would catch on to this!  See the "X" in brickwork in the middle of the street? When the light is "go" for pedestrians, traffic stops all ways allowing for crossing in the usual way or criss-cross in the X.   Considering the volumes of traffic that flow in the city streets, this is brilliant.
It's the details (like brick in the street) that give it charm and style.

Architecture!

Old and restored

Artsy
(It's Walt Disney Hall - what else would you expect?)

Streamlined and modern

Fun places to eat!
There are endless choices of really good food, that burst with flavor.

From beach-town seafood

to iconic fast food burgers and fries

to trendy coffee bars (with full menus)

to upscale fine dining with outside seating options

Shops!
I mean look at this amazing bookstore.

And this sweet shop called Sugarfina.

Talk about charming.  And while you may see this store pop up elsewhere in the country, I bet it is safe to say that it all started in California.

Palm Trees! 
Nuff said

The Beach!
Nothing, and I mean nothing screams California more than the beach! 

So there is a little bit of my Cali for ya.  

Scroll down for the best kept secret

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It DOES rain in California 

;-)

A quick trip

Hello!

 Hannah and I just returned from a trip to Cali.  While the boys were away on their annual hunting trip, and a sweet friend cared for our little girls, Hannah and I hopped on a plane headed for sunny California.  (Except clouds and thunderstorms threatened their arrival. Also, did you know that people who live in California never refer to it as Cali?  It's true. 

Even though I'm a California Girl through and through, I still call it Cali.)

Early morning coffee ~ SeaTac Airport

We spent time with my dearest friend.  We've known each other since our freshman year of college.  It really is a treasure to have a friendship that has stood the test of time and distance.  I am so blessed.

This post is dedicated to the best.girl-time.ever!

lunch date upon arrival ~  Romancing the Bean, Burbank.

 Intelligentsia Coffee, Pasadena

Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles

Le Venus Spa, Montrose

 On the way to Newport Beach

On the second part of our trip we got to spend time with my mom.

Coffee at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Glendale

The Americana, Glendale

Morning coffee ~ Burbank Airport

This trip was amazing in so many ways and on so many levels.  I am just so thankful!