About

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Studies

I've been fiddling with my camera.  I LOVE to take pictures.  I HATE when they are bad!

I want to know my camera and its settings so well that the thought that goes into my pictures isn't about the mechanics of it, but rather the artistry.   

On this last shoot I did with Hannah I wanted to find suitable backgrounds on our property to use for future shoots too.   That's a challenge because brambles and branches are everywhere, but they aren't always welcome.

These are unedited and all taken with my telephoto lens.  


Trying different angles.  (me slightly above her)

(me a bit lower than her)

I wasn't expecting much from this background - it's the side of our barn!  
But, I like it.  (She's a nut and she makes it fun!)


Zooming in super close.



We moved inside due to the down pour.  The lighting inside my home is really awful for pictures, but I had this idea for her to stand in front of the front window with the sheer pulled.  I think I may have stumbled onto something.  This could work - at least it did on this cloudy, rainy day.  


Our window of time ended, but I want to try more in this spot.  

Have you seen the Secret Life of Walter Mitty?  
How cool would it be to be a Shaun O'Connel traveling the world taking iconic pictures that evoke awe and emotion.  The kind good enough to make the cover of Life Magazine.  
"The quintessence of Life".   

So that's my goal.  No, not working for Life Magazine, but to be that good. 

Your feedback on my photos is always welcome.  Tips and tricks that you use are appreciated too.  :-)     


Monday, January 25, 2016

A clean clean

So by now you probably know that I am a bit of a health nut.  And you probably get that I am an all-natural kinda gal.  I like pure.  I like simple.   (pur et simple!)
I like clean and uncluttered.
Over the years we have overhauled the way we eat.  We eat whole food, and we eat clean food...mostly.   

But an area I haven't done too much with is making my own cleaning solutions.  
I do have two recipes - one for an all purpose glass cleaner, and one for an all purpose wood cleaner that I make,  but I still use the commercial stuff to clean the bathrooms and do laundry.   I've tried some homemade products in the past, but they just don't seem to clean well - so inevitably I revert back to the tried-and-true commercial cleaner.

The other day, I saw something on Pinterest, which led to the bunny hop of websites where I discovered Environmental Working Group.  They rate the cleaners from (A - F) like school grades according to their danger to personal health and the environment.  

My laundry soap - F
My dryer sheets - F
My tub/sink cleaner - F
My toilet cleaner - F
My dish soap - F
My dishwasher soap - F 

Seriously!  

So now I am on a new, highly motivated quest to find replacement products that fair much safer for my family.
Seventh Generation and Biokleen seem to be the best options. 

Now this may seem like a shameless plug, especially since I just featured their soap in my most recent post, but it isn't really.  Visit Shadow Hills Handmade.  Watch their video and tell me if it doesn't inspire you to use 100% natural, good for you products. 

Replacing commercial pump soap and/or body wash with all natural bar soap is an easy switch, so I am starting with that.  

Next will be the bathroom cleaner (Smelly fumes can't be healthy!) and the laundry soap.

Do you use any homemade cleaning products?  

Here are my simple, easy recipes in case you want to give it a try. 

Glass Cleaner  
2 c. water
1/4 c. white vinegar
1/4 c. rubbing alcohol.  
Combine all in a spray bottle.

Wood Cleaner
1-3/4 c. water
1/4 c. white vinegar
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. lemon essential oil 
Combine all in a spray bottle.

Floor Cleaner
2 c. water 
1/4 c. vinegar 
Combine together and add to the bottle of your stick mop.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Little Letters - winter - twenty sixteen edition





Dear Music:  I think you must be a Siren in disguise because you draw me in with your beauty.

Dear Winter:  I am sorry, but I don't love you anymore.  It's summer I love, and it always has been.

Dear Camera:  Let's you and me go on a date.  I know of a fun place or two.

Dear Children:  I am so glad that we get to spend our days together.  Even when we are in separate parts of the house, doing our own thing, I love knowing you are there. 

Dear Ocean:  Has anyone ever told you just how beautiful you are?  

Dear Husband:  We are like peanut butter and jelly, or like steak and potatoes.  We just go together.  Period.

Dear Wisdom:  Please come for an extended visit.  We'll ready a room just for you.  How we'd love for you to stay for a good, long while.

Dear Portland:  I'm looking forward to seeing you.  Give Caleb a hug for me until I get there.

Dear God:  Thank you that you hear my heart's cry.   Thank you for your kindness and grace. 


. . . . . 



Thursday, January 21, 2016

Giveaway Winner

Thank you to all who played along in this fun Shadow Hills Handmade soap giveaway. 


The winner is......


fairviewfarmlife.com

Congratulations.  Hope you enjoy your little package that will be arriving shortly.  :-) 

Monday, January 18, 2016

Four new favorites and a give-away

Guess whaaat? 
I have some new-found favorites I want to share them with you,
and I think you're going to love them! 



CC Beanie


It's been so cold that I've been wearing this CC slouchy beanie non-stop. 
It's super cute and comfy and warm.  It is truly my fav.or.ite! 

. . . . . 


Trader Joe's Coffee a Cocoa


This coffee is wonderful!  It only has three ingredients:  coffee, unsweetened cocoa, and chocolate liqueur.  It has a really nice flavor, but it's not sweet.  LOVE THIS!

. . . . . 

Rend Collective - As Family We Go


They are a Christian Irish folk band.  
Give them a listen.

. . . . . 

Shadow Hills Hand Made soap


Made with 100% all natural ingredients such as coconut oil, organic palm oil, goat's milk, botanicals as natural colorants and exfolliants, and scented only with essential oils.  These soaps are mild and moisturizing.  

I'm excited to team up with Shadow Hills Handmade for a fun give-away because I know you will love these soaps too!

They will be running a sale beginning January 25th  for their fabulous soaps, and they are featuring this three bar Valentine collection.
Wouldn't you just love to have them?  You can!

To enter the giveaway for this Valentine trio
1.  See my post on Instagram (@pur_et_simple) 
     Leave a comment and tag a friend. 
     Follow @shadowhillshandmade.

2.  Leave a comment here on my blog about why you'd like to win these lovely bars.

If you don't follow Instagram, you can just leave a comment here and still be entered.  :-)  
One winner will be chosen at random.  I'll close the give-away in a couple of days.  

Be sure to check out the website www.shadowhillshandmade.com.

Also - just a word to the wise - if you think you might like to order from her soap sale, be sure to place your order early as they sell out quickly!  (At the last sale all was sold in just one hour!)


~ Carol







Wednesday, January 13, 2016

5 lessons

"Are you tired?
Run down?
Listless? 
Do you poop out at parties? 
Are you unpopular? 
Well, are you? ..."




Here are some things I've learned from dealing with adrenal fatigue.

I have eight children.  EIGHT.  Whenever I tell people that, they look at me with either complete admiration, or astonishment or pity - or maybe all three.  I don't know.
"You sure must be busy!".     Yep, I am. 
But a couple of years ago, I was really feeling exhausted.  I mentioned that a time or two to my doctor, but she just chalked it up to the many demands of a homeschooling mother of many.  
I bought it - sort of. 
Except this was different.  I know tired.  This was DRAGGING and EXHAUSTED.

* Lesson #1 - You know yourself best.  You know what your "normal" is.  I decided to make an appointment with a naturopath recommended by a friend.  She listened carefully. She did blood work.  As it turned out - my iron levels were extremely low, my adrenal numbers weren't much better, and gluten was not my friend.   

* Lesson #2 - It's ok that the calendar looks different from how others' look.   In other words, some can manage a very full schedule, and others not-so-much.  It's ok to choose to be in the "not-so-much" category.

I don't like having every square of the calendar page filled with activities, commitments, and/or appointments.  For me, that is stressful.  I'm stating the obvious here, but stress does NOT help adrenal fatigue. 

race.race.race.  Why do we do that to ourselves anyway? 

* Lesson #3 - It's ok to say, "no".
This isn't a license to check out and become completely self-absorbed, but the commitment level definitely needs to be addressed and revised.  Re-prioritize what is absolutely important and essential. (God, husband, children, home.) 
This one isn't easy, but for a time, necessary.

Being honest with myself and evaluating whether I could really meet some extra needs outside my immediate family was important.  At least I need to be willing to re-think what that could look like.   How can I be a blessing to others and not over-tax my energy level? (Because with adrenal fatigue there is a finite amount of energy!)

* Lesson #4 - Stick to the basics.
Make simple meals.  My time with Julia Child's book Mastering the Art of French Cooking is not for right now. 
Save bigger projects for summer.
Be realistic.

* Lesson #5 -  TLC is essential.  Also - it's ok to put your jammies on early in the evening. 
Cut yourself a little slack and be gentle with yourself.  
If you feel like you have hours of work ahead of you after the children go to bed, perhaps it's time to rethink the 'must do' list. 

It's very slow process to recover from adrenal fatigue that includes conscious decisions to drastically modify your lifestyle.  It's not like you can see the recovery process as if you were sick with the flu.  

There are supplements that help (at the advice of your doctor) and diet modifications can help too, but ultimately, relieving the stresses of life must also be a major factor.  Obviously, we can't get rid of it all, but we don't have to add to it by piling on unrealistic expectations (either our own or what we perceive others have of us) and workloads that are beyond burdensome.  

I see a lot of young moms running at the pace I used to keep, doing all good things, but I'm thinking rather than the rat race, a leisurely stroll with stops to smell the flowers would be ever so much more enjoyable now and profitable for the future too.   



Linking with Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth






Monday, January 11, 2016

A tall hall and a happy wall

It doesn't seem all that long ago that we made the photo gallery wall hall.  It was fun to create it with the input of the children. 

Then last summer my dad gave us my grandfather's ship stuff.   The ship's wheel is big, and the model needs to be kept in a case so that the dust doesn't settle on all the rigging, which is very, very cumbersome to restring.   After trying a few wall spaces, we finally had the idea to move our photo gallery hall and use that space instead to display the wheel and ship.  


Eric had the great idea to visit Tap Plastics and have them cut plastic to our specifications so that he could build a case.  As it turns out, it wasn't much more money to just have them create the case for us so that's what we did.  While it was being made, Eric bought the materials to make a shelf.  He used his router so that the edge of the case fits right into the groove to make it more secure.  

We've been on the hunt for a boat cleat that we can hang the sailor's thimble and monkey's fist from, but aside from that the hall space is done and the ship has a home port.  :-)

But now, we have the question of what to do with the photos we took down.  
My happy wall...

I'd seen on Pinterest this idea of using paper the size of the frames to position them with tape until you decide upon an arrangement you like. 


First I laid the frames on the floor in an arrangement that I thought I would like.  Then I took a photo so that I could reference back.  I did that a couple of times - arranging - picture, rearranging- picture.  Once I settled on something I really liked I traced the frames onto plain newsprint paper and cut them out for Eric.  

I had to leave, but left Eric to do his magic.  Using his laser level, Dan and Eric worked together putting up the papers, measuring the wall and spaces in between the frames and also transferring the nail position from the back of the frame to the paper. 
The paper on the wall really lets you see if you like the arrangement without extra nail holes. 



Then it was just a matter of replacing the paper with a frame.
He started with the "B" because it is the focal point.  



He put all the frames up in their right places.  I've been combing through my archives for updated photos.  I uploaded all them this morning and they'll be ready by the weekend.


Then my happy wall will be happy indeed. 

Friday, January 8, 2016

A note to my readers/followers

So I guess there is a bit of "house-keeping" that needs to be done for this blog.

There are several ways to access this blog - first, you can type in the URL in your search engine. That's great, if you think about it. But it's nice to get a little "tickle" to tell you that there is something new to look at here at Pur et Simple.

You can "follow" me. This allows notifications to come to you that there is a recent post.
I've tried to make it easy for you by allowing several ways to follow. The aqua "buttons" on the side bar - allow you to follow by Bloglovin (+), Google ( g+ ), or e-mail (envelope) or further down on the side bar there is Google Friend Connect. (your Google account).

With that said, below is the notice that I received from Blogger regarding some changes they are making with Google Friend Connect. Not knowing if you follow me by a non-Google account profile, I wanted to give you a head's up in case things get wonky. Hopefully they won't.

In 2011, we announced the retirement of Google Friend Connect for all non-Blogger sites. We made an exception for Blogger to give readers an easy way to follow blogs using a variety of accounts. Yet over time, we’ve seen that most people sign into Friend Connect with a Google Account. So, in an effort to streamline, in the next few weeks we’ll be making some changes that will eventually require readers to have a Google Account to sign into Friend Connect and follow blogs.


As part of this plan, starting the week of January 11, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. At the same time, we’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count.

Posted by Michael Goddard, Software Engineer

So, I guess the bottom line is that, in order to continue with easy access and notifications, signing up for a Google account and then following me again will be the easiest way for you to see the latest posts and activity on this dear ol' blog. 

For me blogging isn't about the numbers, (I'm no professional blogger!) but, I have to say it is encouraging to see that people follow, and that maybe something I say blesses you or brings a smile to your day.  

Keep on the sunny side and follow along, won't you? 

If you follow via Bloglovin' or e-mail I don't think anything will change for you, but honestly, I am not the techie in this family so don't quote me on that one.  :-)





Wednesday, January 6, 2016

The fort and art stuffs

Last Saturday we had plans to visit Fort Casey and meet up with friends.  The first family adventure of the new year!
But...the day before Abbie complained of a sore throat and body aches, then in the middle of the night Mary had a croup episode.  Ok, we figured, we'd go with Plan B:  a quiet day at home.

Nope.

Next morning, they asked if we were going to the Fort.  Claiming to feel much better (and looking like it too), we decided a day outside in the fresh, crisp air would do us all some good.  We packed snacks, blankets, jackets, beanies, gloves, and skate gear (just in case).

2016: Adventure #1 
A ferry ride to Whidbey Island, and a day at Fort Casey State Park, and fun with friends. 
  
I wanted to try out some new camera gear and work on my manual settings.
The kids just wanted to explore the fort.  The olders ones played Cops and Robbers with all the friends that showed up. There are A LOT of hiding places!  We kept the little girls with us as there are a lot of steep drop offs, and because it was so cold, the surfaces were very icy.

The older kids thought it was awe-inspiring especially thinking about its history.
I thought it was an amazing place to see curves and angles, and pattern and color in an abstract way.  

Here are some pictures for your viewing enjoyment.
(Read - these are for you, Dad :-)  )

the expansive fort by the sea

curves and edges


all alOne

icy messages that warm a heart

look out






cute stuff


ghost-like Mt. Rainier



more cuteness


rugged PNW coast

yin and yang (with water and land) sort of.

be still my beating heart

the ferry from my phone.

The line for the ferry home was crazy long - in fact, we left the fort in the late afternoon in order to catch the 4:30 ferry, but didn't make it on until 6:00 pm.  By then it was dark, but the ferry just looks magical reflecting off the Sound.  (though this shot isn't magical, you get the idea.)

It was a very fun day.  Even though it was pretty chilly (30s), the wind never picked up and sun shone brightly.  :-)  I am glad we went with Plan A for the day. 

Monday, January 4, 2016

Shrinky Dinks

Abbie and I had a little time together the other day, and I discovered 
the positively BEST craft ever.  



First, let it be said, that I am not a craft kind of mom!  It's a conscious effort on my part to "keep calm and craft on".  I don't know why it becomes such a big deal when messes are made.  This from the neat-nick, control-freak, perfectionist.  Gee, I wonder? (God is sanctifying me, if ever so slowly.)
And I tell myself,  Bissell's motto for their Little Green Steam Machine, "Life's messy, clean it up."  It's no big deal.  Or at least it shouldn't be.  

So - anyway - I remember Shrinky Dinks from when I was a kid, but I did not remember how much fun they were.


I helped Abbie by tracing the shapes onto the plastic.  
She did all the drawings. 



I cut them out for her, but she could have easily cut on the black lines that I drew.



This little kit comes with everything needed to make a bracelet and necklace - even the little hole punch.  (Thank you, Caleb!)


3 minutes at 350 is all it takes. (And please, ignore my dirty oven.)



No mess!  No fuss, just plain fun.   Now that's my kind of craft!  We are so buying more Shrinky Dinks!

If you are looking for something fun to do with your young kiddos and they can at least color - then do yourself a favor and buy a box of Shrinky Dinks!  Seriously.

Happy crafting.  ;-)

Friday, January 1, 2016

Christmas and following

I think this is the only photo we have of the group, and not even everyone is in it.  
But, I am thankful my brother thought to snap this one of us gathered around the table for Christmas morning breakfast.  (Giant cinnamon rolls and sausages - so good!)


Sarah arrived shortly after breakfast and we all exchanged gifts.   











Photo credit:  my brother.  
When the children were little, I would always write down the gifts they received and who they were from so that they could write thank you notes.  They've come to rely on that - even still. 
So while Eric handed out gifts, and each person opened theirs, I took notes, and my brother took photos.  We made a great team.

For Christmas supper we had baked ham, varenyky, sweet potato casserole, and sauteed green beans with shallots.  It was delish.
Birthday cake for dessert.  Happy Birthday, Jesus.  


My brother graciously offered to take everyone out for breakfast the next day.  
(Except Caleb went snowboarding with a buddy, Matt had to work, and Sarah had other holiday plans - so it was mostly everybody.)
We opted for a diner not far from here.  
We don't often eat out so when we do, it's always a treat.  


Along with food, board games are a great way to have fun together.   The kids played a lot of games. It was good cousin time.


After church on Sunday, some friends wanted to see Caleb before he headed back to Portland.


So they came over and played games too.

Bananagrams
Settlers of Catan
Clue
Spot It

There was a lot of laughter and fun conversation.
While the hours passed and daylight faded, the snowflakes piled up outside!  

Though the kids were sad that Caleb had to leave, they were excited to play in the snow again. This batch looked a little more promising. 

Next morning, first thing...












While the younger ones played in the snow, Grampa and Hannah had some good talk time.
He added to her Wreck It Journal.   :-)


Before we knew it, the week was up and it was time to say Good-Bye.  I've decided I really don't like Good-Bye's.