tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21826911462796032872024-03-14T09:19:22.261-05:00Mikelly FarmsWelcome home.
We found ourselves wishing for something different, somewhere we've been before, doing the things that bring us joy. We're working toward a simple life. One that allows us to go a little slower, enjoy our earth, and celebrate our people. Join us on the journey!Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-27410604743294087272020-11-30T09:49:00.008-06:002020-11-30T10:26:01.469-06:00Shop local, virtually<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhMDR05PiodKo9nxjJQjW2Qnb4u2KqJfSNOzUWjRNhiZon2RZaIXkIjM6mck0KKOBxEHchYxHTwEypunXbwtDEHXdbScnrJ_eSeKB2XMcxkKQxizEcgV7iPAJnN8n6cUxfjk6VaAK-hk/s513/Virtual+Pop-Up+Shop.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="388" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhMDR05PiodKo9nxjJQjW2Qnb4u2KqJfSNOzUWjRNhiZon2RZaIXkIjM6mck0KKOBxEHchYxHTwEypunXbwtDEHXdbScnrJ_eSeKB2XMcxkKQxizEcgV7iPAJnN8n6cUxfjk6VaAK-hk/w151-h200/Virtual+Pop-Up+Shop.PNG" width="151" /></a></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Mikelly Farms</b></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">wants to help you</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a class="x-el x-el-a c2-9 c2-a c2-5h c2-c c2-d c2-76 c2-f c2-77 c2-3 c2-6s c2-o c2-p c2-q" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/shopsmall?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZXwXmuztaZ4pxIyhYc19_PUKHCVkoI2S49hx19iGBMsHJ2B2JUY4SzYpJ5xz8s2p0IoqfkePtBRGl67Jf-d3Bgt17IcRZoSUT5DlBQqE8-z2PwA6IGnHhEOpuDw2C5zScZvaqSJwJ130HY9dWY8zpGUoYTdeIGjrLSy6eiT9wKyZw&__tn__=*NK-y-R" rel="" style="box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-transform: inherit;">#shopsmall</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">this holiday season. We are collaborating with our favorite local Bloomington, MN coffee shop </span><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">West Side Perk</span><span style="background-color: white;"> and a group of other great vendors in a Virtual Pop-Up Shop December 1-18th, 2020! </span><br /><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Vendors include: </i></b></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">Kaleidoscope Kitty Jewelry </span> Give them a like on <a class="x-el x-el-a c2-9 c2-a c2-5h c2-c c2-d c2-76 c2-f c2-77 c2-3 c2-6s c2-o c2-p c2-q" href="https://facebook.com/kaleidoscopekittydesigns" rel="" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-transform: inherit;" target="_blank"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">Facebook</span></a> or follow them on Instagram @kaleidoscopekitty_designs. Go there for unique jewelry and spun creations including kitty tree ornaments!<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">Blue Heron Soaps </span><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">brings you cold processed, hand poured soaps made with natural plant ingredients. </span><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">Like them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blueheronsoaps" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a> and follow them at Instagram @blueheronsoaps. </span></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">Denise Thoen's Handmade Cards</span> are featured on <a class="x-el x-el-a c2-9 c2-a c2-5h c2-c c2-d c2-76 c2-f c2-77 c2-3 c2-6s c2-o c2-p c2-q" href="https://westsideperk.com/" rel="" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; display: inline; letter-spacing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-transform: inherit;" target="_blank"><b>West Side Perk's website</b></a>. She has a beautiful card 6-pack special! <span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Be sure to like & follow <span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">West Side Perk's</span><b> <a class="x-el x-el-a c2-9 c2-a c2-5h c2-c c2-d c2-76 c2-f c2-77 c2-3 c2-6s c2-o c2-p c2-q" href="https://facebook.com/westsideperk" rel="" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; display: inline; letter-spacing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-transform: inherit;" target="_blank">Facebook page</a></b> and on Instagram @westsideperk. Drive through for great beverages and treats, or take your beans to go.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">If you haven't followed <b>Mikelly Farms</b>, we're on instagram @mikellyfarms and <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mikellyfarms" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </b>Give our pages a like! Check out our <a href="https://www.mikellyfarms.com/" target="_blank"><b>website</b></a> for great mason jar and vintage glass soy candles, essential oils and other gifts. Visit our Etsy shop for naturally made and other fun farm favorites.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">Enter to win a gift basket of handmade items. Lucky winner will be announced on December 18th!</span></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><i>To Enter:<br /></i></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">1. Like and follow our vendors on social media. Ok, it's not a pre-requisite, but it's sure a great thing to do for small businesses! Use the links above.<br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">2. Place an order with any of the listed vendors. (You get one entry in the gift basket drawing each time you buy from a different vendor). When you place an order with Mikelly Farms and indicate customer pickup at West Side Perk, you will be entered. Pick up dates are on Saturdays & Sundays the week after you order. Dec 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20th from 11-3pm. Address: 7700 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington MN. <i>(Watch for a confirmation email with your pick up date). <br /></i></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">3. Pick up your order at West Side Perk (avoid shipping costs, safe pick up, you can even grab your order in the drive-thru!) <br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">4. Purchase a Gift Card at West Side Perk when you pick up your order (20% off all gift card sales) and get another entry in the drawing.<br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">5. Check back here or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/westsideperk" target="_blank"><b>West Side Perk's Facebook page</b></a> for the winner announcement on Saturday December 19th!</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">Find some unique, handmade gifts and support your local small businesses! </span></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">For 10% off your cart at Mikelly Farms, enter coupon code POPUP10 at checkout. Be sure to choose West Side Perk for pick up and add a note to let us know you'll be picking up at the Perk! You can also choose paid shipping and send our candles anywhere you'd like (in the US).</span></span></span></div><p></p><div class="x-el x-el-p c2-1 c2-2 c2-c c2-d c2-58 c2-44 c2-2a c2-73 c2-74 c2-5p c2-3 c2-75 c2-4 c2-1n c2-5 c2-6 c2-7 c2-8 x-rt" data-typography="BodyAlpha" data-ux="BlogContent" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; word-break: break-word;"><div><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-5d c2-s c2-4a c2-5e c2-3" color="inherit" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="x-el x-el-div c2-1 c2-2 c2-e c2-g c2-7k c2-7l c2-5n c2-7m c2-3 c2-4 c2-5 c2-6 c2-7 c2-8" data-ux="Block" style="align-items: center; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: flex; font-family: Gudea, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: -8px; margin-top: 24px;"></div>Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-63322997741966231682020-11-06T11:00:00.003-06:002020-11-06T11:51:12.171-06:00Freezing Peanut Pumpkin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinShqCierTIYA646e6m3KHP6KTM6YE1vNlK-JnCQCTwYvw16fNN6ehqSGAWcs0f-HBoMVAcqsnioOrlmZFA2wi1-NcCdQZHFySqQI4mGiD89b-iGv9EPnSnAit0hyphenhyphenSgx3tdD6VoPSx_Uk/s2048/IMG-2294.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Peanut pumpkin" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1790" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinShqCierTIYA646e6m3KHP6KTM6YE1vNlK-JnCQCTwYvw16fNN6ehqSGAWcs0f-HBoMVAcqsnioOrlmZFA2wi1-NcCdQZHFySqQI4mGiD89b-iGv9EPnSnAit0hyphenhyphenSgx3tdD6VoPSx_Uk/w175-h200/IMG-2294.jpg" title="Peanut pumpkin" width="175" /></a></div></div>We had so many fun pumpkins at the farm this year! A newbie to the bunch is the heirloom peanut pumpkin. They look so cool and taste just as great.<div> <div>The pumpkin peanut is actually a squash. (What? Yes, I am going to trick my squash haters into eating squash!) The peanuts are excess sugar in the flesh, which makes for a sweet treat. </div><div><br /></div><div>We whipped up peanut pumpkin puree to use in our pumpkin recipes this winter. Peanut pumpkin bakes much like a butter nut squash, but it's a little less sweet and not quite as dry - eat it any way you like! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Here's how we did it: </b></div><div>1 - Cut your peanut pumpkin in half</div><div>2 - Scoop out the seeds and such</div><div>3 - Cut the halves in half (so you're working with quarters) </div><div>4 - Place the peanut pumpkin quarters on a cookie sheet (jelly roll style with edges) </div><div>5 - Bake on 350F for 40-60 minutes until the flesh is soft </div><div>6 - Scoop the baked, soft flesh out and puree</div><div>7 - Allow the puree to drain through a metal (wire) strainer (20-30 minutes) </div><div>8 - Freeze (we like to use a vacuum sealer to reduce freezer burn and the space needed to store) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOGHErMDWqeA2jlehAiBkgnUJRChjz30tkxIu-3j_ZjqQ7EWjpPHecx0fxqHrnxbXtxZ27i2qYtTcV8bcXJ_luJsZ2BOtzf8LobWhI6KFYNXNWFXldmZApdSRnVWqqHpLk6pvKsmkU6s/s2048/IMG-2298.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOGHErMDWqeA2jlehAiBkgnUJRChjz30tkxIu-3j_ZjqQ7EWjpPHecx0fxqHrnxbXtxZ27i2qYtTcV8bcXJ_luJsZ2BOtzf8LobWhI6KFYNXNWFXldmZApdSRnVWqqHpLk6pvKsmkU6s/w150-h200/IMG-2298.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div>When you're ready to use your puree, thaw and use similar to canned pumpkin. This may be a little runnier, depending on how much liquid strained out - feel free to strain again before using after you thaw the peanut pumpkin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy! </div><div><br /></div><div>XO</div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div>Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-13121429869625496802020-10-25T20:02:00.004-05:002020-10-25T20:12:44.770-05:00Chipotle Tomatillo SalsaWinter came early this year in the midwest. With over 6" of snow last week, we had to do the sad work of pulling the late bloomers out of the garden. We leave our tomatillos, carrots and beets until the very end. Despite a peculiar growing season, the tomatillos did not disappoint! <div><br /></div><div>Tomatillos need a long grow season, 75 to 100 days, and they need friends. Unlike tomatoes, tomatillos are not self-pollinating, so plan to plant them in multiples. Hardy in zones 8-10, this means starting your seeds inside if you want your plants to produce before the snow flies. The tomatillo is ready to pick and eat when it's filled out its husk - the husk begins to turn yellow and dry out. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeFhUCysVVDWGnPAZ2uSeFpv840ORp8jzXO-UtcaKETE_cd_1J-_kz3ERfPPew-Z7SKSWdue1bD-sUMLQTtvD9KkxIi1eA5xS2K1dHH-VmHkkm8mhGeQ03asPOVhN6fFwQBJ-QQjSdoc/s2048/IMG-1971.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeFhUCysVVDWGnPAZ2uSeFpv840ORp8jzXO-UtcaKETE_cd_1J-_kz3ERfPPew-Z7SKSWdue1bD-sUMLQTtvD9KkxIi1eA5xS2K1dHH-VmHkkm8mhGeQ03asPOVhN6fFwQBJ-QQjSdoc/s320/IMG-1971.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>We plant tomatillos for one reason - green hell salsa (a.k.a. chipotle tomatillo salsa!) Green hell is the type of salsa that allows you to turn up the heat or keep it cooler. We were first introduced to this salsa on a trip to California ten years ago -- it took a few days to get used to the peppers. We modify it slightly depending on who will be eating it! </div><div><br /></div><div>This salsa keeps great in the fridge or canned. Tomatillos are a little sweeter than tomatoes and can be used in a number of dishes to provide an acidic balance. We also freeze it to use in white chicken chili throughout the winter (YUM!) </div><div><br /></div><div>The key ingredients - fresh veggies and great cumin. We love Penzey's ground cumin. Good spices make a huge difference in recipes! Feel free to hold back a chipotle pepper or add just a little habanero pepper at a time, to perfect your fire level! The adobe sauce balances the salsa with a hint of bbq, but don't let it fool you - those chipotle peppers pack a punch. If cumin isn't your thing, substitute it for your favorite salsa spices. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>INGREDIENTS</div><div>1 pound tomatillos, cut into quarters</div><div>1 habanero pepper, sliced into two (use the seeds and all!) </div><div>1 onion (white or yellow), chopped</div><div>3 garlic cloves </div><div>1 or 2 chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce </div><div>the juice of one lime (or a little more if you like the kick!)</div><div>1/2 cup parsley</div><div>1/2 cup cilantro (if you do not like cilantro, replace with basil or use only parsley)</div><div>1 t salt</div><div>1 t pepper</div><div>1 T cumin (use cumin to taste, you may like a little more or a little less) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>DIRECTIONS</div><div>Add ingredients to food processor. Chop, then blend. Your salsa should not be chunky, but will have seeds. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy with corn chips, on tacos, or anything else that needs a kick!</div><div><br /></div><div>XO</div>Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-57028567889783258002020-10-15T08:00:00.000-05:002020-10-15T08:11:02.482-05:00Gingersnap Cookies - Gluten Free Style<p>There may not be a better food season! Those delicious, spicy fall baked goods capture my heart. </p><p>I have a couple of recipes that have been converted to gluten free versions that get gobbled up as quickly as their gluten filled counter parts. But, we all need a new adventure now and again! </p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><b>INGREDIENTS</b><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-2 large eggs<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-3/4 cup softened (not melted) butter<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-1 cup granulated sugar (divided into two 1/2 cups) <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-1/2 cup light brown sugar<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-1/3 cup molasses<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-2 1/4 cups gluten free flour (see flour notes below) <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-2 teaspoons ground ginger<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-2 teaspoons cinnamon <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-1/2 teaspoon ground cloves <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-1/2 teaspoon sea salt<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">-parchment baking paper </span></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><b>DIRECTIONS</b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">Cream together the butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer. Add eggs and molasses until well combined. </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">In a small bowl, mix together the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, sea salt, and baking soda. Add this to the sugar, eggs, and molasses mixture and mix well.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">Add the gluten free flour and mix well until all of the ingredients are combined. The dough will be slightly wet. Cover the dough in the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes, until the dough is just a bit stiffer.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">Roll the cookie dough into 1" balls. Roll each cookie dough ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Place the cookie dough ball on baking sheet lined with parchment baking paper. (No stick and easy clean up!) </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;">Bake for 15 minutes or until the cookies crackle and begin to flatten out. Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet, then enjoy! (We can hardly wait this long!!) </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpyZ4QhPvtyEwnxg4Ts2XhMZebfBow-k56qeqALQkSD-8Ek5qYQuA10Qz9O9VvYUHrDbeX2_x4fOtwVBF9Jj-vL7Ql73Ck-o7bpeUCRH3LwP-zBe89kI0D2BuC46BdKZ2sZbBE0uAvhw/s278/gingersnap+cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="278" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpyZ4QhPvtyEwnxg4Ts2XhMZebfBow-k56qeqALQkSD-8Ek5qYQuA10Qz9O9VvYUHrDbeX2_x4fOtwVBF9Jj-vL7Ql73Ck-o7bpeUCRH3LwP-zBe89kI0D2BuC46BdKZ2sZbBE0uAvhw/w200-h188/gingersnap+cookie.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gluten free flour notes: </b>Flour matters! Your flour mixture should also have xanthan gum. If it doesn't, add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to your flour mixture. If your flour mixture tends to create recipes that run a bit on the dry side, use 2 Tablespoons less flour mixture in the recipe <i>or </i>add 1/4 cup sour cream. Sour cream is a great binder that will bring many of your gluten free baked goods together! </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><div><br /></div><div>We love <a href="https://premiumgoldflax.com/product/gluten-free-flax-ancient-grains-all-purpose-flour-5-lbs/" style="color: #351c75; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">this gluten free flour</a> and didn't change a thing in this recipe.</div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton;"> </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Neuton; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></div>Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-33535277720979654142020-10-07T16:00:00.000-05:002020-10-07T19:08:12.209-05:00Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars<div class="separator"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9Z0-O0FZ0pw_XoH-rSE7XRNZqk5H2iQjxrt_T4Gb4B02PVPNDXivDLuPWWI9VAC7YgmQ9muqkwNBm0wL5Hwoo8ESR_TJGdzj0lDFQVdeZMElvAlMGs0XNmM9J6XRqxbM1nnHtAGiIGg/s2048/IMG-1894.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1512" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9Z0-O0FZ0pw_XoH-rSE7XRNZqk5H2iQjxrt_T4Gb4B02PVPNDXivDLuPWWI9VAC7YgmQ9muqkwNBm0wL5Hwoo8ESR_TJGdzj0lDFQVdeZMElvAlMGs0XNmM9J6XRqxbM1nnHtAGiIGg/w164-h223/IMG-1894.jpg" width="164" /></a></div></div><div>It's fall and we're ready for pumpkins!</div><div><br /></div><div>We've tried quiet a few gluten free pumpkin spice bar recipes, but couldn't find one that was as good as our old trusty recipe. That's the struggle with reimagining life without gluten -- it's similar, but not quite the same. Isn't that the theme of 2020? </div><div><br /></div><div>We finally have a gluten free pumpkin bar recipe that everyone in the house loves!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>To get started:</b> set the cream cheese, butter and eggs out ahead of time to bring them to room temperature. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>INGREDIENTS</b></div><div><i>BARS</i></div><div>-4 large eggs</div><div>-1 cup brown sugar, packed</div><div>-1 1/2 cups granulated sugar</div><div>-1 cup vegetable oil</div><div>-1 15oz can pumpkin puree</div><div>-2 cups gluten free flour blend (see notes below)</div><div>-2 teaspoons baking powder</div><div>-1 teaspoon baking soda</div><div>-1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div>-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon</div><div>-1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</div><div>-1/2 teaspoon ground ginger</div><div>-1/4 teaspoon ground clove </div><div><br /></div><div><i>CREAM CHEESE FROSTING</i></div><div>-1 8oz package softened cream cheese </div><div>-1/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature (salted butter also works if that's what you have!) </div><div>-2 to 3 tablespoons milk</div><div>-2 teaspoons vanilla extract</div><div>-4 cups powdered sugar</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><b>DIRECTIONS</b></div><div>Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease the sides and bottom of a 9" x 13" baking pan.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>BARS</i></div><div>In a large mixing bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together: </div><div>-Eggs</div><div>-Sugars</div><div>-Oil</div><div>-Pumpkin</div><div><br /></div><div>In a small mixing bowl, stir the dry ingredients together: </div><div>-Gluten free flour blend</div><div>-Baking powder</div><div>-Baking soda</div><div>-Salt</div><div>-Spices</div><div><br /></div><div>Stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredient mixture. Pour the batter into your prepared <br />9" x 13" pan & spread the batter out evenly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the middle of the pumpkin bars comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>CREAM CHEESE FROSTING</i></div><div>Cream cheese frosting is our favorite part! </div><div><br /></div><div>Place the room temperature butter and cream cheese into a medium mixing bowl and beat the mixture with a mixer until combined. </div><div><br /></div><div>Add milk and vanilla to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Beat until combined. Add one cup of powdered sugar at a time and beat until combined. The cream cheese frosting will be creamy and delish! Use a spatula to spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4w8GOrAm6QnIUG-cH4ztrZeYtEa4zRLjmKHsskcvA-wB9AgLrDsvxdxHd9GRz1UMqUVYYsRRjasvE4Cl7NtiUy251tjKeVntvXFLoVdaNXnIVggnIvaozROPTEQqQ1a2QB-76Ho5KcY/s720/IMG-1907.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pumpkin bar with cream cheese frosting" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4w8GOrAm6QnIUG-cH4ztrZeYtEa4zRLjmKHsskcvA-wB9AgLrDsvxdxHd9GRz1UMqUVYYsRRjasvE4Cl7NtiUy251tjKeVntvXFLoVdaNXnIVggnIvaozROPTEQqQ1a2QB-76Ho5KcY/w200-h200/IMG-1907.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div><b>A couple of notes:</b> this recipe does not turn out as well with a straight almond flour. Almond flour is heavy and the center sinks. Flour matters! Your flour mixture should also have xanthan gum. If it doesn't, add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to your flour mixture. If your flour mixture tends to create recipes that run a bit on the dry side, use 2 Tablespoons less flour mixture in the recipe <i>or </i>add 1/8 cup sour cream. Sour cream is a great binder that will bring many of your gluten free baked goods together! </div><div><br /></div><div>We love <a href="https://premiumgoldflax.com/product/gluten-free-flax-ancient-grains-all-purpose-flour-5-lbs/" target="_blank">this gluten free flour</a> and suggest using 2 Tablespoons less flour in the bars recipe for this flour.</div>Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-35078812932268630672020-05-26T18:40:00.002-05:002020-10-07T19:12:53.363-05:00You're Enough These last couple of months have really forced me to think about enough. When is enough, enough? What is enough? I am enough? Are we doing enough? Do we have enough?<br />
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One word. It's SO big.<br />
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There's so much brilliance and trauma wrapped up in that word. A cup overflowing as a child tries to pour himself milk for the first time. A full heart, enjoying the love of a favorite person. A humble being, happy with what is. A parent who has done all that can be done and is at her wits end. A human who is perfect in their imperfection, just as they are. The one who gives everything, but has nothing, so others can find joy. Enough.<br />
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Enough has two camps. We don't always get to live in one. I really wish I could take up permanent residence in the enough = minimalist in regard to stuff camp, so I could show up big and great in other ways. Minimalist mindset, damn that's hard to do. I keep reminding myself, live simple. Yep - this is a work in progress.<br />
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The other camp, well that one is harder to adjust because it's heart work. These last few months at home, being the everything to everyone has been draining. You may have hit this trench recently too. It's hard to get out when you are tired and everyone needs something. Is a shiny new project going to be too much or just enough? How does my enough stack up to yours? When do I just have to let go and let others support. If I do let go, will I still be enough? Yes, you will. Even if it's the same old enough. You are enough. You are exactly as you were meant to be.<br />
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Here's an example: you have a drawer of great socks. They do their job. They show up for you. Some are fancy, some are work horses, some are terrible and you only wear them at Christmas time for aunt Bess, others are just there because well, you can't part with them because they haven't really done anything <i>wrong.</i> You have your most favorite pair and you love those socks, they are the BEST socks. You have enough. You have a favorite, go to, ugly pair of socks...until later that day when you see something shiny. Even though there was nothing wrong with the best socks, they are no longer enough. You don't need new socks, but you get some, and then the new socks become the best socks with a hole in your pocket where the money once was.<br />
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Although it's my heart that's struggling with being enough as a person, I swear I'm like a sock. I actually don't really like socks, but I like what they stand for. Dependable (usually, until I am not). Part of a pair, but don't mind going solo for a while. Adaptable - can be paired with other unlike socks and still be functional. Flexible - can be sewn back together if needed or turned in to something entirely different, fabulous, and unique. Cozy, yet full of expression and grounding. If it's not enough, add another layer to support. The sock is what it is. It's enough.<br />
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That last piece - that support, being enough. Oh that's tough. The socks that don't seem like enough anymore, they get tossed to the back of the drawer.<br />
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We do this to ourselves, too.<br />
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When we try to get it all done. When we deny support. When we compare ourselves to other people. When we let other people define our brilliance. When we forget that just as we are, that's enough.<br />
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Today, start just where you are standing. Close your eyes. Take in a deep breathe. Do it again. Listen to the world around you. Allow those sounds, the ones that right now may be pushing you over the edge, to bring you joy. Let your heart smile. Absorb the greatness in the sunshine, the peace in the breeze blowing, or the rhythm of the rain fall. Just as you are, reading this right now, know that you are enough. Especially if you have mismatched holey socks on.<br />
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XOMikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-11140728483185976882020-04-07T08:00:00.000-05:002020-04-07T12:30:11.744-05:00Managing the Distance - Learning, Work, FamilyWhat's worse than every media and social media moment being spent on COVID-19? The reality of working from home, supporting education from home, and finding your new norm as a family.<br />
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It is not easy redefining roles, space, and schedules. We are having to let go of just a little bit of what we knew, to create space for what we now know. And you know what? Letting go is a process. A grieving process. So, if you're struggling, that's normal and absolutely okay. </div>
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I'm held hostage, I'm struggling, now what? </div>
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Good question.</div>
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<b>Reflection</b></div>
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Take a step back. You might be two weeks in to distance learning, or a month into working from home. It's never too late to take a step back and assess. Ask your tribe - what's working and what isn't working? Sans tribe, reflect on what is stressful in your life right now, what you have control over, and what little changes you could make to increase the tolerability of our situations.</div>
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<b>Do what Elsa does - let it go, let it go! </b></div>
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If you're like us, your schedule runs pretty tight. It's been difficult to leave that routine behind. Letting go is our place to start.<br />
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Let go of what used to be, at least for a little while. The path, pace, time and place for learning, work and family time has changed. Trying to hang on to the way you used to do things will make you crazy. Allow a different schedule unfold, one that is do-able. </div>
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Schedules are not permanent. If something isn't working, change it. There is no harm in taking care of yourself mentally, spiritually and physically. Trying to do it all and be as great as the next person takes its toll. Grieve, reflect, renew a little every day, until you find yourself in a place that works.</div>
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<b>Set up your space</b></div>
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One of the hardest parts of staying at home during this time is finding space. Space for new routines. Space for school at home. Space to work. <u>Space to breathe</u>. </div>
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Work together to carve out a work space for each person based on what they need to do. A blanket fort is a great way to have a reading nook that each child gets some time in. A standing work station will help to keep your busy child engaged. A brain break station will provide for some non-academic time...a list of high impact exercises (jumping jacks, push ups) or a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5uIZ2KOZZeQDQo_Gsi_qbQ" target="_blank">yoga YouTube video</a> will help your wiggly one refocus. Keep it simple. Keep it scheduled. DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. </div>
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<b>Put your people to work</b> </div>
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You are not the only person who knows how to do the things. You might like to do the things a certain way at a certain time, but to survive the new norm, engage your tribe. If nothing else, they will come away with some incredible new life skills! I promise you, if our teenager can do the laundry, refill prescriptions, and make dinner, your teenager can add some value to your routine as well. It's not about comparison, do what works for your family. </div>
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Create a jobs list. Each person chooses one that they want to do. You assign one that you need them to do. Continue the process until the jobs are divided. Then conquer! This might even include homework. </div>
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If your tribe isn't in your house, collaborate with friends, family, co-workers, to support each other with the tasks we have. It's amazing the talents we possess collectively and how much we can get done when we bring those talents to the table to share. (P.S. This includes distance learning - find a pal who can support your people in a particular subject and support theirs back in another...relief for everyone!) </div>
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<b>The "master" schedule</b></div>
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Start over. Scaffold the schedule to support only when needed. Assign meals. Keep it simple. </div>
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Divvy out jobs that children can do independently. Assign buddies for jobs that are more difficult so they can support each other to get it done. Embrace the lack of perfection that's going to happen as they start to blaze their own trails - it's coming. You know it is! </div>
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Assign activities in chunks of time. Empowering the littles to be independent gives you time for your own thing. It's hard to let some of what we have always done go, but I promise you, you'll thank yourself. When the struggle is real, know that you are not alone. Lean on a friend or family member to support your people virtually - help with homework, read a bedtime story, just connect for belly laughs. </div>
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Include tech free down time. One of the most incredible opportunities we have right now is to revisit our creativity. You know, that thing you had when you were young that kept you busy outside, in the neighborhood until dark. It's okay not to be the entertainment for your people all day long. Let them struggle a bit to find their creative space. Encourage discovery and exploration in a book, with crayons, dressing up, building legos, putting together a puzzle, writing a play, singing a song, doing the things that make our hearts happy. </div>
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Some of us need a to do list. This is a great way to support our children with a self guided list of expectations for the day. It removes the struggle and creates space for independence. Include times only for those things that are time bound, such as a school attendance check in. Remember that you may need to operate outside the norm in order for each person to contribute and get their jobs done for the day. Use pictures for those who are emerging readers. Above all - do what works for your family. </div>
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<b>Celebrate the Wins</b></div>
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In all of this chaos, celebrate the wins. If you're struggling to see these, set small goals that you know are attainable. Acknowledge when you're there - you survived the day! Talk about the highs and lows for the day over dinner or at bed time. Share what was fabulous and what you're going to work on the next day. EAT THE CHOCOLATE if you need to! This is hard, we all deserve a little extra love. </div>
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<b>Grace</b></div>
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Acknowledge this new adventure, one you've never taken before, and give imperfection permission to exist. We aren't going to get this right the first time...maybe not even the second time. Stop the train when it's not working and change the path. (Are you feeling like this is a crazy train? I'm feeling like this is a crazy train!) If you don't get it all in today, let it go and move on to tomorrow anew. Be gracious to yourself. To others. You will get there. We will get there. Together. </div>
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XO</div>
Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-11709406725884257092020-03-22T12:02:00.001-05:002020-03-22T12:04:22.141-05:00Banana Chocolate Chip MuffinsSpending a little more time at home and having to cook EVERY. SINGLE. MEAL. has stretched my imagination and quite honestly, my behavior skills, too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh3DUph0_MfUIVzfLBGbBOYjS05GIlX4qUKYF6bZWVqLrrQhdBf6xe1Gv1c-VJ6D8r8nGakJ3W_05Exo3Zarbr8FjJRdeBPbyxdM_fFbq_k-B5E1SQXyCUbc6EwgEMHJLFVoE84lLUCg/s1600/IMG-9307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin on a small jadeite plate" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh3DUph0_MfUIVzfLBGbBOYjS05GIlX4qUKYF6bZWVqLrrQhdBf6xe1Gv1c-VJ6D8r8nGakJ3W_05Exo3Zarbr8FjJRdeBPbyxdM_fFbq_k-B5E1SQXyCUbc6EwgEMHJLFVoE84lLUCg/s200/IMG-9307.jpg" title="Mikelly Farms Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin" width="200" /></a>I've been making the same banana chocolate chip muffins for quite a few years, because the peeps love them. Since the middle age body gluten free revolt began, I haven't been able to enjoy them. I have a thing for breakfast. What I really want are recipes that everyone will eat. It's definitely too much work to duplicate everything gluten into a gluten free option as well (not to mention the cost).</div>
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I have tried quite a few recipes and they still come out grainy and gross. Until yesterday!<br />
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Last summer, my mom found <a href="https://premiumgoldflax.com/product/organic-ancient-grain-gluten-free-baking-pizza-flour-5-lbs/" target="_blank">PremiumGoldFlax</a> products at a market in ND. You know how we love to share simple products that work! I have tried quiet a few of their products and have had great success. Free delivery when you order online and stock up, too!<br />
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One of my discoveries during my baking experiments has been that these gluten free flours are heavy. Many of them tend to be a little more gritty. And, they need some help to be all that they can be.<br />
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For this recipe, I replaced my regular (wheat) flour with the <a href="https://premiumgoldflax.com/product/organic-ancient-grain-gluten-free-baking-pizza-flour-5-lbs/" target="_blank">Baking & Pizza Flour</a>. I also added a little Zanthan gum and sour cream. Why? Binding. Wheat flour tends to have a smoother consistency. Gluten is also a binder. It traps the beautiful gases that make our baked goods rise. It gives our goodies their togetherness, but with a soft, fluffy, chewy texture. Let me tell you how much I miss gluten!<br />
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I've also found that if your recipe calls for baking soda or baking powder, you need a little bit more. Not a LOT more (poof!), but just enough to get that heavier dough rising.<br />
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I've also found that adding sour cream or room temperature cream cheese can help to bind the ingredients together if your dough is grainy (you'll know - your baked goods will be grainy, too). It's all about the proteins friends, that bind us together.<br />
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<u>GLUTEN FREE BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS</u><br />
3 ripe bananas<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1 1/2 Tablespoons regular cream cheese<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
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1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (not needed if your flour mix already has this in it)<br />
2 cups gluten free flour mix (<a href="https://premiumgoldflax.com/product/organic-ancient-grain-gluten-free-baking-pizza-flour-5-lbs/" target="_blank">Baking & Pizza Flour</a>)<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
Dash of cinnamon<br />
1/2 to 1 cup mini chocolate chips (regular also work) - add last<br />
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Mix the dry ingredients. Mix the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix. Add the chocolate chips. Fill muffin tins almost to the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.<br />
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(Depending on the flour you use, you may need to bake a little longer - watch for brown tops that are fluffed up with no soft spots).<br />
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<u>BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS (with gluten)</u><br />
3 ripe bananas<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
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1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
Dash of cinnamon<br />
1/2 to 1 cup mini chocolate chips (regular also work) - add last<br />
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Mix the dry ingredients. Mix the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix. Add the chocolate chips. Fill muffin tins almost to the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.<br />
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Make mouths happy and serve them warm.<br />
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Enjoy! XO<br />
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<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-17104222736032365982020-03-14T12:16:00.003-05:002020-03-14T12:17:47.187-05:00Self Care in ChaosStaying healthy is on all of our minds lately. Self care is one of those things we forget to do when life gets chaotic. Yet, it's one of the best ways you can keep your mind, body and spirit healthy every day.<br />
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If you've got your toilet paper and sanitizer situation under control, then you're ready for self care!<br />
Seriously, you need the self care even if you don't have three years of supplies in storage. The goal is to bring your stress down a few notches and take some time for you.<br />
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Why now? We just don't do enough self care. It's hard to make healthy changes and stick with them. Life is stressful. We are busy. And, many of us are caregivers...we just forget about ourselves.<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Start simple: </span></b></i><br />
1. Take a nature walk.<br />
2. Do something crafty.<br />
3. Watch a funny movie or video - laughter is fabulous for the soul! Get those endorphins movin'.<br />
4. Read something that's been on your read pile for a while.<br />
5. Do yoga. (Sub yoga for any exercise that lifts your mood and brings you calm).<br />
6. Spend 5 minutes stretching at the beginning and end of your day.<br />
7. Make a big pot of soup and freeze some, to take a load off of yourself for dinner later.<br />
8. Take a snooze.<br />
9. Use a salve infused with calming essential oils to give a massage and get a massage.<br />
10. Color. Yes, color.<br />
11. Take an virtual tour of an <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours?fbclid=IwAR0FFJfw_CJXdxjO6aOMyrm85cU-gMkE_wcSMBb9wrGEtzZ7OOhIpZE2BDA" target="_blank">art museum</a>.<br />
12. Burn your fave candle or diffuse your favorite essential oil - aromatherapy has so many benefits!<br />
13. Take a hot, relaxing bath.<br />
14. Add some bright and beautiful flowers to your kitchen table.<br />
15. Fix something broken that you've had stashed in a closet that needs your TLC.<br />
16. <a href="https://mikellyfarms.blogspot.com/2020/01/resetting-crazy.html" target="_blank">Declutter</a> and donate the things that would bless someone else's life to your favorite charity (such as Epilepsy Foundation - they pick up donations in most places).<br />
17. Have a dance party!<br />
18. Connect with someone you haven't talked to in a while.<br />
19. Pay it forward.<br />
20. Crank the tunes - music you love will bring joy to your soul, a smile to your face, and a it gets your body moving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSVNeZ7_JMfKE3PvTceJShKuTkPc6nYpEYRnqPFPrLtfog9DDdZt4w6eqRrNESqjAV_k0Xot51Mq6VXg7ETvWpT5Zve92czBFLSwuaRD9spbC8-exqEepgVdFBpnFIxoz9bj-v8EMh0Y/s1600/selfcare.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="heart clip art" border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1292" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSVNeZ7_JMfKE3PvTceJShKuTkPc6nYpEYRnqPFPrLtfog9DDdZt4w6eqRrNESqjAV_k0Xot51Mq6VXg7ETvWpT5Zve92czBFLSwuaRD9spbC8-exqEepgVdFBpnFIxoz9bj-v8EMh0Y/s200/selfcare.png" title="heart clip art" width="200" /></a></div>
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So what's happening at our house today? Chicken soup, elderberry syrup, salves, loud music, an extra cup of coffee while the rest of the house sleeps in, and a good book. Self care really isn't about the list. It's about making time to allow yourself to restore and renew.<br />
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Slow it down and keep it simple. You're worth it!<br />
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XO<br />
<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-72367501749278632072020-02-24T08:00:00.000-06:002020-02-24T10:34:47.307-06:00Naturally CleanOne of the challenges of simple living is how to keep the house clean and the space under the sink organized. It seems like something new that we must have to keep our homes clean pops up on the market every day claiming to be organic or natural - it's hard to know what to keep and what to avoid.<br />
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When we started this journey, (the chemicals) under the sinks were the first places I organized. I couldn't toss some of the chemicals in the beginning, for the most part because I just didn't know how to get rid of them safely. I had a side goal of reducing my footprint on our earth. I did some research and found that our community has a recycling center which also accepts household cleaners. Yay! Off we went, chemicals and old paint in hand.<br />
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With the junk that makes our skin go crazy out of the house, our next step was to figure out what worked just as well and what we could access easily. More research. Did I mention that you can't believe everything you read on the internet? There is so much bull-honky out there. My advice? Do what works for you and your family and start where it makes sense for you. Let go of the stuff you (almost) never use, first.<br />
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We started replacing harsh chemical cleaners with more natural-ish products that were premixed and easy to find (the local Tar-jay store.) Little by little we tried out our own mixtures and found that we get just as much clean, for pennies. Sorry, not sorry, Target.<br />
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A family fave is our Clean It spray. It's easy to make, I have all of the ingredients in my kitchen, and it truly costs less than a dollar. I much prefer the smell of vinegar over bleach, though bleach does have its place in our home. Clean It spray uses vinegar and essential oils to blast through just about everything.<br />
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Do be careful using this cleaner on wood surfaces. Because Clean It spray has lemon essential oil in it, it could damage wood surfaces (and some porous plastic ones too). We use this all over everything else - counter tops, the fridge, the laundry room, the bathroom, any place that needs a good clean.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzS2pIyEE3gYrG-pIQeophJ3876jpQj3u75EvRCS7Ox9hyTbyn6CBxFMh586OrbH9L5sK-V2SyJ8dySi8f4VUzWtzeLxuM1LI6Pz27Hbnko10skqFhnPC4snOlCBJfEOgOm0OEEjoTTk/s1600/cleanit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1322" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzS2pIyEE3gYrG-pIQeophJ3876jpQj3u75EvRCS7Ox9hyTbyn6CBxFMh586OrbH9L5sK-V2SyJ8dySi8f4VUzWtzeLxuM1LI6Pz27Hbnko10skqFhnPC4snOlCBJfEOgOm0OEEjoTTk/s200/cleanit.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
<b><u>Clean It Spray</u></b><br />
1 - Start with a 16 oz. glass bottle. (Keep vinegar and essential oil mixtures in glass containers. We love the glass bottles from <a href="https://www.grove.co/referrer/83650087/" target="_blank">Grove Collaborative</a>. They are inexpensive and have a silicone sleeve, so they stay put where you set them.)<br />
2 - Add 1 3/4 cups distilled water. (You can use tap water. Our tap water is very hard, so it leaves spots. Distilled water does the trick!)<br />
3 - Add 1/4 cup white vinegar.<br />
4 - Add 20 drops On Guard essential oil and 10 drops Lemon essential oil. (We love <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/on-guard-oil" target="_blank">these ones</a> that you can order over <a href="https://mikellyfarms.blogspot.com/p/work-with-us.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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<i>If you are a Thieves essential oil fan, use 20 drops of Thieves and 10 drops of Orange essential oil instead - Thieves has lemon in the oil blend already. </i><br />
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Give it a good shake until you can see the essential oils sparkling through the bottle. You'll want to shake this spray up each time you use it as the oils will separate a bit from the water.<br />
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Clean away!<br />
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XO<br />
<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-41916524823205374842020-01-18T11:26:00.000-06:002020-03-01T11:25:46.259-06:00Resetting the Crazy About this time of year, I start missing the extra daylight, feeling a little restless, and I have the need to recenter. We make it through the holidays and there's no recovery time to organize the house, my thoughts, and the new year. This weekend, instead of traveling about the country side in a snow storm (which we like to do), we're staying home.<br />
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We have wanderlust spirits. It's hard to keep us in a place for too long. But, to be able to just pick up and go requires that the things are in order back home. Right now, amidst the actual snowstorm, life in general feels a little stormy because "there's just too much to do" is looming around the corner. <i>Thankfully it's a four day weekend! </i><br />
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I call this time, when I feel like I need to break free from the mountain on top of me, a time when I can feel the wind blowing. I know that I need to get in to gear, so I can reset the things that are overwhelming, but I haven't hit the clutch just yet.<br />
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It's time to recenter, to reset the crazy - in my mind, in my heart, in my house. Flip that order.<br />
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<b>Declutter</b>. We collect SO many things during the holidays by way of wonderful gifts. Now that the littles aren't little, it's hard to find a perfect gift for them. What we're learning is that the perfect gift is an adventure, an experience, rather than a thing. Life's a work in progress, right?<br />
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Donations help us clean out the closets, both our actual closet disasters and our the proverbial skeleton type ones. There's no time for new year's resolutions until you can clear the clutter and muck. Not only are we adventurers, we tend to be collectors of things. Maybe someday that'll make the resolution list, but not this year. Because of this, we have to be intentional about what we're going to keep and what just isn't working for us. (This is quite a challenge when the better half is a farmer at heart and he likes to keep all of the things, because we may need it someday for a project...sometimes he's right). In short - we have to make ourselves reset when things feel too crazy and cluttered.<br />
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Rule of thumb? If you haven't used it in a year and it is not packed with memories that you will reminisce over with your grandchildren, you don't need it. (Whoa mama, the stare downs involved in this process - you may need a helper, like I do, to do this). There are great things with so much more life in them, that others will find fabulous uses for. Where you bring new life to your things is up to you - garage sale, <a href="https://www.epilepsy.com/make-difference/ways-give/donate-clothing-and-household-goods/how-donate" target="_blank">donate</a>, gift to someone. The key is to get those things out - don't let them sit waiting to leave for very long.<br />
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Next up - paper. Put a hold on the paper insanity. Keep what you can't find digitally, get rid of the rest. Our refrigerator is a paper hoarder! Declutter. Reset. Throw things in to your calendar that are sitting around on post-it notes and handouts, so you don't forget the kids' deadlines, that kind of thing. I did not make time to do this with the school calendar this year. I cannot tell you how many surprise (to me) no school days we've had. It's January. I have now figured this out! We're about keeping it simple and baby steps over here, friends!<br />
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<b>Organize</b>. Here in the midwest, it's been about four months since we could keep the windows open and let the breeze in. It gets a bit frosty in here when we open things up in January, so I do a little deep clean to get the dust out instead. Deep clean the places that you don't usually go. This is also a great time to toss expired and out of use things in the bathroom. Oh the products we buy and ditch, that take up residence under the bathroom sink! Buh-bye dirt that gets there somehow and its clutter, too.<br />
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Now, let's be real. I do not deep clean my entire house in one day. I choose one place that's been bothering me and get it done. Most often, this seems to be the hallway closet and under the sink - anywhere that's going to give you a sense of accomplishment and increased space will do it!<br />
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Once you get down to simple, those things you absolutely need, the hardest part is not filling the space with more. This is also a work in progress, so I haven't any brilliant nuggets to share, except that I must ask myself daily - do I absolutely need this? The answer is usually no, even when I really want to go to Target and just fill my cart in peace!<br />
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<b>Take a day</b>. There's something to be said about feng shui. When the things are in order and the energy is flowing in your space, it gives you a sense of peace and motivation to allow that work for yourself. When our space is cluttered and busy, chaos tends to set in. If there's less around to make a mess, there are less messes. (Our teenager's bedroom is a prime example of this!)<br />
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In our house this means go through all the little trinkets, things we thought we'd use, ideas we thought would be good but meh, extra emails we don't need to receive, activities that stress us out, saying no to things that there just aren't time for - all the things. Reduce the things until it feels manageable to you personally. You'll know you've hit this point, because your spirit will start to wiggle into this little space of freedom and spread its wings. You'll actually start to feel lighter and I can promise you, you're going to want more of this!<br />
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Take a day to just be. It may not be a whole day, but you need a good amount of time to allow your body and brain to relax. I find that I need at least four hours. Two to goof around and kid myself, the other two to actually get down to it. A whole day by yourself is best, but is often like finding a four leaf clover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQK5k7QPIr2Qw8S-nOubP4u0cmulQ37BeatdB8uzo-5AcbuTaLqgJ961iEBd93MVI4-XbBXxerPUdSl1ewLwuqszbiEhm9I_QG73-24hryzWKVZLAsmZdB7hVbmboN2JQnoulf16cNGY/s1600/IMG-8410.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQK5k7QPIr2Qw8S-nOubP4u0cmulQ37BeatdB8uzo-5AcbuTaLqgJ961iEBd93MVI4-XbBXxerPUdSl1ewLwuqszbiEhm9I_QG73-24hryzWKVZLAsmZdB7hVbmboN2JQnoulf16cNGY/s200/IMG-8410.PNG" width="200" /></a>You cannot do the day to just be until you've kicked some of the stuff, things, over-commitments, junk you don't need, things that do not serve you, people who bring you angst, out the door. Why? Your mind will continue to go back to those things and you will feel like you just can't find the time. Still, don't wait. There is no perfection in resetting. The goal is to make yourself a little space, so you can allow yourself the time to take a day.<br />
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Reflect on the work you want to do for you. These are also the things that bring you joy that you want more of. Celebrate your wonderful. It's so easy to get caught up in trying to be as good as or better than the next person. You yourself, you are enough. You are brilliant and accomplished just by being you! I promise. It's our own wacky that makes us an incredible piece of the life puzzle.<br />
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<i>A little thought about the next person: </i>We don't usually see each other's imperfections and tribulations. We work really hard as a society to be perfect and to keep those imperfections stored away neatly (closet cleaning needed on 5th Street!) Not one of us is perfect. Trying to be perfect alone will make you crazy. So many of struggle with this. If you're fighting this battle right now, start small. Choose one thing to let go. Just one. Be graceful with yourself, you won't let it go perfectly. It's a continuum - some days you will rock it and other days, let's face it, you're just going to have to hit reset and start letting it go anew. Let it go a little at a time until it's gone. Then select another. Slowly the freedom, joy, peace factor will fill the spaces where the thing you let go used to be.<br />
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Here's one that's hard for me, but oh so important. When I forget to do this, I get in a rut. To restart myself, I go through the process. Donate. Organize. Find a little peace. Then...schedule one thing in a week for you. You are as important as the other things on your calendar!<br />
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Some weeks, the one little thing is a cup of coffee in the morning while the rest of the house is sleeping. It's tromping about in the yard barefoot. It's spending fifteen minutes to just feel the sunshine on my face and warm my bones (they are getting older, they need more warmth!) It's taking all the post-it notes and putting the many things we do into my calendar. It's making candles. It's taking a nap. It's whatever slows life down a bit, connects me to the earth, and allows me to come back to - I got this.<br />
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What works over here may not work for you. Take any small step that feels good to you today. You got this!<br />
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XOMikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-5822666659617361162019-12-22T10:19:00.002-06:002019-12-22T11:15:52.186-06:00Nature Knows - Elderberry SyrupShare your love, memories, and germs with your friends and family season is in full force! We have experienced a wild virus season at our house already and it's just getting started. Yuck!<br />
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This wasn't always as complicated. Even last season, we just jumped in to the germ pot and came up kickin' with cold medicine. Now that we're thinking about seizure triggers, gluten, and repairing the gut, we've had to change our game. Oh the hours of sleep lost to coughing before we decided to put the kitchen apothecary to work! The good news is that we found an awesome local-to-us honey and the kidlet now believes me that lemon essential oil helps clear up the phlegm "fun".<br />
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Last year we purchased elderberry syrup and gummies at about this time, which is also when we started contemplating tossing out the white flag. Most of what's out there works just fine, but as I started researching more, this little gem didn't seem as though it was too far out of reach to make at home. Nature knows what we need. Also, the less mystery chemicals we consume as we try to figure out seizure and belly ache triggers, the better!<br />
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A word to the wise about elderberries - they have some huge health benefits, but are also a berry that needs to be cooked/heated before being consumed. Elderberries contain the chemical lectin and a cyanogenic glycoside called prunasin. When this reacts with our digestive system, it creates hydrogen cyanide. If you eat the elderberry raw, you could build up a toxic collection of hydrogen cyanide in your body that is likely to make you sick or could potentially cause death. When you heat the berries, the cyanide inducing glycoside in the seeds breaks down and the berries are safe to eat. The rest of the plant? Also toxic.<br />
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As always, there are a few schools of thought on the level of toxicity one must reach. I assure you, elderberries don't taste great raw, so you'll want to cook them anyway. I'm just a mom, trying to find a simpler way to support our health and this should not be taken as medical advice. Given that there's a potential for an adverse affect, it's pretty important to follow the directions on this one!<br />
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Generally, in elderberry syrup, you'll find the black elder or sambucus nigra. High in antioxidants, many people use elderberry as immune support to shorten the symptoms of influenza or the cold. We found success last year in both shortening the impact of influenza and reducing the number of times we got sick during the yuck season. This year, flu season hit much sooner and in different strains. Now we're ready to prevent round two!<br />
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We add star anise to our elderberry syrup. Star anise has a bit of a black licorice flavor. You can leave this out if that's not your thing. Star anise is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C. It supports digestion and nausea. You might even find it in a flu fighting chicken soup recipe!<br />
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The hardest part of elderberry syrup? Convincing the people to try mom's crazy idea. (<u>Nothing</u> is as bad as Formula 44D - 1980s green and cherry version).<br />
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<i><b>Here's how we make elderberry syrup: </b></i><br />
-1 cup dried elderberries (from the food coop)<br />
-4 cups water<br />
-1 tsp whole clove<br />
-1 or 2 cinnamon sticks (use 2 teaspoons of powdered cinnamon if you don't have sticks)<br />
-2 T ginger (use raw ginger if you'd rather, powdered ginger root is great if it's what you have on hand!)<br />
-1 star anise (optional)<br />
-1 cup raw honey (local or other - wait until the end for this)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5QhdRG_I5hSl3MyyV4SRUp9UTpSfOaxtKqzNqL0VnGOTFj9cylDmEAUkBQFqG4c8MveQ9tXoSgiLnEdMvsV4z5fAoXax2Z_pusn3SFsF_yQfhUSuxw-c5rjn9CIBbj4_aopGD3QXaUg/s1600/IMG-7931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="elderberry syrup straining and cooling on a mesh strainer" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5QhdRG_I5hSl3MyyV4SRUp9UTpSfOaxtKqzNqL0VnGOTFj9cylDmEAUkBQFqG4c8MveQ9tXoSgiLnEdMvsV4z5fAoXax2Z_pusn3SFsF_yQfhUSuxw-c5rjn9CIBbj4_aopGD3QXaUg/s200/IMG-7931.jpg" title="elderberry syrup straining and cooling" width="150" /></a> Add the dried elderberries and water to a saucepan. Allow to soak for 30-60 minutes. Add the cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and star anise. Bring to a boil. Cover and allow to simmer for 45 minutes. (You should have 2 cups of liquid remaining).<br />
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Strain the goodies out from your liquid. Allow the liquid to cool. Once cooled, stir in the raw honey. I find it easier to stir it in a little, then dump it all in a large mason jar and shake!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxP3c3z04br5aWUpF3e_kszGwsZEKRrc5p5LYQlyy16MTztNoinS971qn81y15QR_jYy-uzOLyq3_Y_dbsN24jpUBLRsBdO6POClFgI5MetZBvXNyN9Thoo1IZidI-8R3mhsR8c6KbtU/s1600/IMG-7937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="elderberry syrup in pouring jar and mason jar" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxP3c3z04br5aWUpF3e_kszGwsZEKRrc5p5LYQlyy16MTztNoinS971qn81y15QR_jYy-uzOLyq3_Y_dbsN24jpUBLRsBdO6POClFgI5MetZBvXNyN9Thoo1IZidI-8R3mhsR8c6KbtU/s200/IMG-7937.jpg" title="elderberry syrup in jars" width="150" /></a>The elderberry syrup keeps for about a month in the fridge. You can absolutely freeze a batch, make cubes with it for a spritzer or add it to tea. Take a tablespoon daily.<br />
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Stay warm and be well!<br />
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XOMikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-5573049603638348122019-11-29T11:54:00.003-06:002019-11-29T12:14:13.787-06:00I Can Sleep Through a StormThere's nothing better than a good night's sleep during a storm. Mother nature doesn't clatter about, making you certain of her presence when it snows, still you know she's changing the world as you know it. The aftermath of the storm isn't always visually beautiful either, yet the renewal of life and the joy our littles find in splashing through the puddles or digging through the snow is endless.<br />
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As a teenage junior camp counselor, I came across a devotional about a man who didn't seem like much, but knew he could sleep through a storm. I loved this story. It reminded me of my dad and my mom, who each took these giant leaps of faith and built dreams into successful businesses. As the story goes, the man was looking for a job. He didn't come with a robust resume or a long line of people to vouch for him. He needed a job and it just so happened that a nearby farmer needed a farm hand. When asked what his skills were, the talents he would bring to the work, the man explained that he could sleep through a storm. </div>
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The farmer was pretty confused as you might be now. He wasn't really sure of the man, who didn't look like anything special, but he needed help and gave it a try.</div>
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Then, a storm rolled in. </div>
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The farmer looked to the sky, saw the storm rolling in from the house and called for the helping hand. There was no response. Frustrated and frantic, the farmer ran outside to close everything up as the storm began. As he went from building to building, what the farmer found was that even though he hadn't asked the man to, even though he man didn't come with some sparkling recommendation of greatness, even though they barely knew each other, the man kept his word to himself and to the farmer. That night, they both slept through the storm. </div>
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I've taken that story with me. I think some folks will tell you that I take on too much. And, they might be right. I'm finding that I have to really think about what I am all in for, in my life, and what doesn't fit anymore to achieve peace and balance. It's kind of a like a Goodwill donation. If we're just cleaning out the closet, we hang on to things. If we know it's going to go to good use, it's easier to stick with a straight Hell, yes! Or, Hell, no! (Let me tell you, when your clothes don't fit and you can't breathe squeezing in to them, it's just a no. Hanging on to that guilt is just not fair to yourself - enjoy the cookie and get rid of the shaming pants, people).</div>
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Now some of us, we just can't imagine sleeping through storms. We have a hard time letting go. Life doesn't always let us. Still, you can achieve this same type of peace.</div>
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I recently leaped to a new job. When I took the leap, it was on the wings of an incredible leader. She has faith in me that I don't always have in myself. </div>
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This new journey came with changes both for me and the organization. When I joined the team, a giant project was presented and when asked if I could make it happen, I answered "I got this, I got <b>you</b>" without hesitation. Doesn't that just make it entirely personal? Insert enormous fear of failure. My very next thoughts were: <i>Crap! How will I pull this off? I'm all in -- I didn't even secure an option for what if. Wait, I can do this. How am I going to do this? I think I just took on way too much. I got this. </i></div>
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The other night, as I powered through the last days of this project, it kept me up until the wee hours of the morning. Truth be told, it didn't have to. I could have closed myself off in the office for the last few days and taken until the last possible second to wrap things up. I can't work that way. I can't sleep if it's not done, if there's a potential that I told someone I got this, when in fact, I have nothing. So power through I did. I ended up with the cold the family shared, that I tried hard not to get, but you know what? Cold and all, I can sleep through the storm. The peace is amazing.</div>
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I'm not saying you should take on things that are larger than life. I am saying, there is immense peace and joy in a job well done. Balance is realized. Simple has entered the building! A year ago, I am not sure if I could have done it. I was half in on so many things that I didn't want to be part of. The missing joy factor was sucking the life out of me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxj0u3EBtfGfq2aVuxALSBmZnE8tcD2viBaMfSbrJBb-vjlmCG3k7A5h38Eq-S9ekcKzIIubYYyVXUvIqSM6fnlfH8tFnPl5ngIpqT6xs0gcSHc4iaTJ2SRbprgtK-7AAJLNeeXWuHDs/s1600/farmstorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dark gray storm clouds over farmland" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="852" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxj0u3EBtfGfq2aVuxALSBmZnE8tcD2viBaMfSbrJBb-vjlmCG3k7A5h38Eq-S9ekcKzIIubYYyVXUvIqSM6fnlfH8tFnPl5ngIpqT6xs0gcSHc4iaTJ2SRbprgtK-7AAJLNeeXWuHDs/s200/farmstorm.jpg" title="Storm on the farm" width="200" /></a></div>
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This crazy journey to simple, it's more work sometimes. Make yourself the space to hang on to the things that are a hell yes. Let go of the things that aren't. Maybe they're a sort of yes, or a maybe no. You don't need those. They are making you feel bad and they are making you tired. Find those hell yes's, pour your talent on in, and let them fill you with joy. Enjoy the work you do, relish your people, and you'll find yourself sleeping through the storm. </div>
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Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-59422303454366081512019-11-23T08:08:00.000-06:002019-11-23T14:31:49.671-06:00Changing GamesAs a parent, there have been times when we're moving along thinking, we got this! Life is great, the people are great, everyone is doing and enjoying all the things. Then something happens.<br />
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I sometimes hear people say, well, something <i>always</i> happens. Or, some people don't get a break. Why me? Must be nice...</div>
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In my life, if something is going to happen (read: break, go on the fritz, not show up, show up wrong), it happens to me. Somewhere in my third decade I embraced my wanderlust spirit and just starting rolling with the crazy stuff that happens. It does happen to me, but it's part of the fun, part of the adventure. What a relief that was to just embrace the crazy.</div>
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It's so easy to get caught up in why me, or why not me, to perseverate on the negative, and start to feel just overall defeated. The stakes are high. We're told to succeed. We're conditioned for perfection. There are even pictures of perfection for us: family pictures in fields, photoshopping of every model in print, any ad you pick up, television, make up, the family dog. (This family picture thing has gone a little crazy, but that's another blog post). </div>
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So, we're going along through life, striving for perfection and never get there. There's a huge cost for this never being perfect, never being the best, never being enough. It's your mental health.</div>
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Then you get hit with a big thing. Life changes. A factor that you don't plan for, one that's not desirable, it doesn't look like that perfect family picture in front of the barn that you had in your mind, and bam. How will we go on? How can I survive this? Why me? These things, they start to circle in your brain and your life, and you have to figure it out or it'll take you over. </div>
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That's so much easier said that done.</div>
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Even as I sit and share these thoughts, I realize the date. Today, is my gramma's birthday. Today, she'd be 104. She left us when she was 73. It's been a long time, yet those vivid memories of why, how, the huge hole, they loom on a day like today. I was 13. How profound that is, as we are now helping our teen work through losses of a different kind, but heavy on the heart just the same. I didn’t think then about being on this side now. </div>
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About a year ago, our teen had a seizure. We thought it would be a one time thing, though it hasn't been. Fortunately, they have occurred in a controlled setting, but that doesn't reduce the fear level, chaos, or unknown. </div>
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Watching my child experience a seizure and not being able to stop it, just wait, is the scariest, most awful experience I have had in my life. I struggle with what to share after, how much she needs to know, and what if. I struggle with why. She struggles with why. It's changed how we function, as now we have to pre-plan our adventures and account for the meds clock, in all that we do. That is not how our spirits are and it's maddening.<br />
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I know there are those of you out there working through things that are so much bigger, heavier. I want you to know, that difficult change, the kind we just don't want to do, it can also be freeing. Change your game, instead of letting the game change you. The great thing about a game, is that it's never played alone.</div>
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I started this post talking about how we feel when things happen - out of control, ruined, hopeless; and, this discussion around perfection. What's the connection? </div>
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It's easy to feel defeated. At work. As a parent. As a chef (yeah right, I'm no chef, but we're fed!) As a human. Doubt creeps in - you try to block it, hide from it, say you don't have it, but it's there. When these things happen, these game changers, and we're not ready to shift, oh how the grief (for what was or what could have been) is hard. </div>
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Grief. </div>
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When change happens, especially when it's not by our own choosing, we grieve. So, let yourself. Grieve the thing, the perfect picture, the spotless house, the dreams you had, the life you knew, your people. Let yourself do that. You don't even have to own it. Give yourself a break. Activate your army and just take it all in, be with whatever is going on to allow your heart and your mind to make peace with it. </div>
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We forget to do this. I spent weeks drowning myself in work, creating the perfect routine, telling the story but never dealing with it. I kept the frustration, pain, guilt - inside, because I didn't want her to see it and I most definitely did <b>not </b>want to deal with it. I tucked this whole thing into a nice corner, questioned my decision to change jobs, questioned my performance as a parent, my self worth, and just kept pushing.<br />
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Let me tell you, that didn't fix things. I suppose I'll admit now that squishing the grief into a cute little box and duct taping that beast shut never does fix it, but for me it's nice to drown the sorrow in some work for a while, even soul work! (Definitely something I need to work on there...)</div>
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When I finally spent some time with my feelings and honored where I was with all of the stuff that comes with mandatory shift, it was freeing. It allowed <u>me</u> to change the game, to change my game, to change my perspective. I regained some peace. I traded in a little fear for joy. </div>
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No doubt having a child who has some health challenges in her life, particularly ones that are not self-induced and we cannot control, requires a strategy. There is never a day when we can just go back to what we knew, but this new adventure, it's ok too. It's time for her to use those how to be a warrior lessons we've been working on all along. </div>
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She's grown. She's got this (oh, was she mad!) It's not fun, perfect, simple (at all), or anything like what we thought the teenage years would bring, but it's the gift we've been given to use in a way that helps others. </div>
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November is epilepsy awareness month. If you've never supported someone with a seizure, take this moment to learn about #<a href="https://www.epilepsy.com/make-difference/public-awareness/national-epilepsy-awareness-month" target="_blank">staysafeside</a>. </div>
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The game changed. It even required change in us. We won't let change beat us. We've got this. Whatever you might be struggling with, you’ve got this. You're never alone.</div>
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Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-64677774319044734602019-11-01T08:57:00.003-05:002019-11-01T09:09:50.010-05:00Then, they grow up...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We love Halloween over here, getting our Jack Skeleton groove on, and watching those PG Halloween movies on repeat. Usually, we're racing around to find all the pieces to a costume, or picking up trick or treater candy at the last minute. As kids get older, Halloween becomes an observer activity and that my friends, is bitter sweet. </div>
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They tell you when your kids are born, don't blink, it goes by quickly. Then life happens. You get caught up in the daily grind, no sleep, working too much, trying to figure out how to keep the littles alive. Terrible toddlers, kindergarten, middle school, moody teens, driving and before you know it, it's over. You realize this when you find yourself enjoying the little kids who stop by in their costumes, looking out at the freezing adults escorting them to your door, wishing you could get those little kid days back. </div>
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Reflecting, I wonder how much of the little stuff I missed just answering that last email, taking a work call at night, getting ready for a training. I do think it's good for children to see us working. It's ok to talk about things at work that are frustrating, how we worked through them, and for our children to see that hard work can be good work. (I <u>love</u> to work. When I'm struggling, getting lost in work is a good way for me to hide and figure things out). And yet, we never get the time back that we miss with our people.<br />
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Ugh, balance. Damn balance. If we forget about the balance, we may also be missing the good stuff. And the good stuff, that's what our souls need. (Don't you hate it when you realize that only you can fix your malfunction?) </div>
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This was my revelation last night. It's not too late to adjust, to balance, to connect to the soul work. This work I've been doing to shed the extra, the joy suckers, it's getting me there - back to simple, back to balance, back to my people. That last email, it can wait. My people, the ones who love me and support me through my crazy ideas and adventures, they deserve to be first. I need them to be first, because that's where my soul work is and that's where I achieve the balance. </div>
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You might be thinking, yes, but OH THE GUILT and now I feel worse about myself, thanks. Sure there's guilt in what I missed. But there's joy that balances that guilt when I honor the time, put the tech away, and make some memories. The laughter, the joy, it fills that empty space. Yep. Self induced change needed here - order up! </div>
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So today, this first fabulous day of Christmas season (we've been counting the days!), the first morning we woke up with sparkling snow on the porch, is an opportunity to get a little closer to where I want to be. No guilt, no shame, just doing better because now I know better. Baby steps. I sure do miss those baby steps. I definitely don't want to miss watching them grow up to who they are meant to be, who I am meant to be. Good news is, I don't have to. </div>
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XO</div>
Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-3951448015515414342019-10-29T17:46:00.000-05:002019-10-29T17:46:13.668-05:00Slow your race As I sit and enjoy my morning coffee, complete with my lactose-free milk, (because...well...you can be simple, but you can't be stinky!) I reflect on October, the month of change.<br />
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Some of this change was self-induced. Really, that's the only true change when you're talking about improvement. The change that you initiate and hold yourself accountable for. The change that you can feel radiating goodness in your soul and down to your tippy toes. The same change that makes you feel as though you might be going against every fiber in your body until boom! A breakthrough happens. That's the kind of change that September brought.<br />
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Then there's the change that is required of you, but you didn't chose it. Ours was around health. This change hurt. It was a surprise, it was up in our face, and it will hold us relentlessly up against a wall until we make it. When someone you love is struggling, you help them make the changes, to reduce the struggly. This is the change October brought.<br />
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I am sharing this with you because I like to believe that I like change, until I don't. It's probably the same for you. Change isn't always easy. Usually, this is because we're grieving the loss of one thing to have another. Sometimes it's not even something we need, like gluten. (Yes, I said it, I don't <i>need </i>gluten). When the loss is about all we've ever known, we grieve it even when it really isn't that important to us.<br />
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It helps to be ready for this change, the letting go, but we do have to give ourselves a little push. It hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be to give up some of the things I thought we needed. Still, we know we want to get back to simple. We've made some trades. We've grieved some losses. We've gained some sanity. We may never arrive and that's ok.<br />
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It's easy to get caught up in the next best thing. I think we're all guilty of that at one time or another.<br />
Our mantra becomes, "when I just have this or when I can just accomplish that, I'll be enough." It's a journey, like a continuum. <i>What happens when we realize that we'll never fully arrive? </i><br />
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The truth is, we're already enough. What we're missing is relationship - with each other, with ourselves, with our world. When this is lost, then we are truly lost, and we feel it in the depth of our soul.<br />
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This hit me in the face, hard this week. It made me question taking a leap of faith to change jobs. It made me afraid that I made the wrong choice to leap when diagnoses and unknowns took over our lives. It made me angry that I lost track of the relationship, when I thought I was doing pretty well leaving the things behind. I spent hours reflecting on my work as a mom, wife, daughter, friend, educator, maker, adventurer and not once did the race to get it all done, the stuff I earned, or my title at work make it to the top of the list of things that were most important.<br />
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True change requires reflection. I did just that. With enough time to just think in the quiet of my own reflection, I know I made the right choice to leap. When I bring it all together and reground us, I know we'll get everything under control. When I wonder, are we doing the right thing trying to simplify our lives to enjoy each other the answer is an astounding yes.<br />
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I'll never regret letting the extra go.<br />
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Find your center this week. Spend time in the quiet space of your reflections. What speaks to you? Who do you need more of? What do you need less of? What brings you sustaining joy? This is your soul work.<br />
<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-52852133472165838222019-10-27T08:35:00.003-05:002019-10-27T08:51:19.638-05:00Older as BetterFunny things happen when you turn 40. It's almost as though an instant meter of oldisms kicks in and you get a higher dose - bones creak, you get to have extra medical tests done, you need more sleep, recovery time for any self-induced injury is double, your body actually needs the vitamins you've been taking, coffee and you are besties, and computer glasses.<br />
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Computer glasses?<br />
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Yes. It's a funny thing how we change the name of something that's been around for a long time, because it sells. It sells, because it makes us feel better. Would you buy them at forty if they were still called reading glasses? Probably not.<br />
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Usually, we try to keep it simple around here. Much of my 9-5 work, however, requires computer work, reading, writing, and I'm finding that the lights have to be turned up just a little bit more each year. And threading a needle, well...bring on the LED spotlights!<br />
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About four years ago we had Lasik. This was a beautiful thing. It is incredible to be able to see all of the things all day long. Is it simple? No, but it simplified our lives tremendously. I think we may be past the point of no return. (HA!) Lasik doesn't help with the need for 'computer glasses'.<br />
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Why do I share this? I want you to know that it's okay to get older. It's okay to embrace the changes and love yourself. You don't have to make yourself crazy chasing perfection. The people who have something negative to say about your beautiful silver hairs, your reading glasses, or whatever else this journey has given you, their opinions don't matter. It's okay to be you. In fact, it's amazing to be you! You'll feel so much better if you just do you.<br />
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I figure, I made it into the forties and I deserve to enjoy myself. SO DO YOU!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7y3w-Dv1fUQTNq1TAD5Uv1YKVMaRo2OSVaL-VIQ9lpJ1mm45t64OzyEXL3vO5zo2dgYAFjGkVZqHKOwwnNnLE2Xg80IM3unHlVWv9ILQQZFRRIq7YMZFbooKD5yYC84uc1QZnbXZvN2o/s1600/kellyglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="womanwithnewreadingglassesmakingafunnyface" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7y3w-Dv1fUQTNq1TAD5Uv1YKVMaRo2OSVaL-VIQ9lpJ1mm45t64OzyEXL3vO5zo2dgYAFjGkVZqHKOwwnNnLE2Xg80IM3unHlVWv9ILQQZFRRIq7YMZFbooKD5yYC84uc1QZnbXZvN2o/s200/kellyglasses.jpg" title="newreadingglasses" width="160" /></a></div>
I'm going to take my great new computer reading glasses and enjoy seeing things, all the things, <i>even the sparkling silvers</i> while I sip my Sunday coffee and learn more about keeping it simple to increase healthy living for the littles.<br />
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We all need something. Today, I need a little more self love and time to enjoy what is. I hope you find that too.<br />
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XO<br />
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<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-84827140943124313792019-10-20T11:01:00.002-05:002019-10-20T11:01:31.650-05:00Banana Chocolate Chip MuffinsYou guys: We buy bananas to make banana muffins. Every now and then one of us will actually eat a banana, but the goal is ripe bananas = muffins.<br />
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I've tried a few times to make our favorite recipe gluten free. If you've ever tried to transition from a gluten delicious recipe to a gluten free recipe that can trick not only your taste buds, but the rest of your senses, you know that it takes a few fails. And, we have fails! Most of them have turned out gritty. No one wants a gritty muffin.<br />
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As I've been playing around with what makes gf baked goods similar, I've discovered that sour cream and cream cheese bind things together and help with the grittiness. This gf muffin recipe doesn't rise as big and fluffy as wheat flour muffins do, but the taste is the same. FINALLY! I get to enjoy what the people are eating!<br />
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With any recipe, you're going to change things up a bit - this recipe has room for that! If you like a more banana bread tasting recipe, you might add a dash of cinnamon or Penzey's cake spice.<br />
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<b>Here's what you need: </b><br />
3 large ripe bananas<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1t baking soda<br />
3/4c light brown sugar<br />
2 cups gluten free Mama's blend almond flour (the brand and texture matters - must be smooth!)<br />
1/2t xanthan gum<br />
1/4t salt<br />
1 stick (1/2c) butter - slightly melted (somewhere in between softened floating in some melted butter)<br />
1/3 cup sour cream<br />
1/2 to 1c mini chocolate chips to taste<br />
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<b>How to make it: </b><br />
-Mix the dry ingredients.<br />
-Separately, mix the wet ingredients.<br />
-Combine the dry and wet, mixing until the bananas are broken up and mixed in well.<br />
-Add chocolate chips.<br />
-Fill regular sized muffin tins almost to the top.<br />
-Bake @ 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlz3BA6zgV536tG7OgagsfhL0fzh4sHUPzj6RY5AICVS1bISY4v4VgWrtvPSbkxPW0lX8OhBy2N8CnpbCXeYGZe_Jzyn9P4pUZhDSvGaNcM0GCSTY49fX3_KsFRgueuTkhyL4nPhdAjA/s1600/banana+muffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="gluten free banana chocolate chip muffins stacked on a plate" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="550" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlz3BA6zgV536tG7OgagsfhL0fzh4sHUPzj6RY5AICVS1bISY4v4VgWrtvPSbkxPW0lX8OhBy2N8CnpbCXeYGZe_Jzyn9P4pUZhDSvGaNcM0GCSTY49fX3_KsFRgueuTkhyL4nPhdAjA/s200/banana+muffin.jpg" title="gluten free banana chocolate chip muffins stacked on a plate" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>A few notes: </b><br />
-The butter being partially melted helps the muffin ingredients bind better and makes for a creamier batter. If you accidentally melt it all the way, let your butter cool just a bit before adding it.<br />
-If your batter seems way too runny, add a little more almond flour. This happens sometimes due to the variation in bananas and eggs.<br />
-You can use regular size chocolate chips if you'd like a lot more chocolate flavor. The minis maintain the banana flavor with just the right amount of added chocolate fun!<br />
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ENJOY!<br />
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<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-85409955756201207472019-10-17T19:51:00.002-05:002020-11-01T18:49:38.451-06:00Pasta e Fagioli I am thrilled that the fall weather is upon us! Bring on the soups, stews, and all things comfort food.<br />
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We gave pasta e fagioli a try this weekend. It was pretty awesome, homemade, and an inexpensive dinner in under half an hour. This is a pretty flexible recipe. You can change up the veggies, use ground sausage instead of beef, beef broth instead of chicken broth and pick your spices. It's one of those whatever is in the kitchen kind of soups - my favorite kind!</div>
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<b>Here's what you need: </b></div>
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1 T olive oil </div>
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1 lb ground beef or sausage</div>
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1 chopped yellow onion</div>
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1 to 2 cups diced carrots </div>
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1 cup diced celery</div>
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3 cloves garlic, chopped finely</div>
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24 oz (canned or homemade) tomato sauce</div><div>30 oz chicken broth</div>
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1/2 to 1 cup water (add more after you taste test if you'd like) </div>
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1 15 oz can diced tomatoes</div>
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1 t granulated sugar (not required) </div>
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1 1/2 t dried, crushed basil</div>
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1 1/2 t dried, crushed oregano</div>
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1 t dried thyme</div>
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1/2 t dried marjoram</div>
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2 t salt </div>
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2 t freshly ground pepper </div>
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1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed) </div>
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1 15 oz can great northern beans or canelli beans (drained and rinsed) </div>
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1 cup of dry pasta (ditalini or elbow pasta works best!)</div>
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<b>Optional toppings: </b></div>
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Finely shredded parmesan cheese & 3 T chopped fresh parsley or basil for serving</div>
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<b>Cook it up: </b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Brown ground beef or sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat. </li>
<li>Drain the fat from the ground beef and transfer the ground beef to a bowl. Set this aside. Add 1 T olive oil in the same pot. </li>
<li>Add veggies (onions, carrots and celery). Saute until tender (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and saute for one more minute. </li>
<li>Add broth, tomato sauce, water, canned diced tomatoes, sugar, spices, and cooked beef. Season to taste with salt and pepper.</li>
<li>Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft (15-20 minutes). </li>
<li>In a separate pot, prepare dry pasta. Cook and drain the pasta. </li>
<li>Add cooked and drained pasta, as well as beans, to the soup.</li>
<li>If the soup is too thick, thin with more broth or water. </li>
<li>Cook for one minute longer. </li>
<li>Top with toppings if you like.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUPKgE5olUKjfF8RR1dNDchcBmFkpDvxJN4dUiotzoMacfOrXvrlMUEMC9rw0ZSiPv2iqUYbD1HqxpbUOB6RVA04TpFw6tL6jkCwW_EYQFEVjiI-SraDVCDyYgt0Q2TM7i3IpT7B7G9k/s1600/pastaefagioli.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="780" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUPKgE5olUKjfF8RR1dNDchcBmFkpDvxJN4dUiotzoMacfOrXvrlMUEMC9rw0ZSiPv2iqUYbD1HqxpbUOB6RVA04TpFw6tL6jkCwW_EYQFEVjiI-SraDVCDyYgt0Q2TM7i3IpT7B7G9k/s200/pastaefagioli.jpg" width="159" /></a>We make both regular and gluten-free pasta in our house when recipes call for pasta. If you have leftovers or need to serve this dish to some people gluten-free, add the noodles as you dish up the bowls. Pasta gets pretty squishy and sucks up the extra liquid if it's left in the soup overnight or frozen.</div>
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ENJOY! </div>
Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-4108055016720284012019-10-06T08:31:00.001-05:002019-10-06T09:33:01.340-05:00The Joy FactorThis last year has been about the search for simple. Things get too complicated. We spend our time running to and from, using products that are quick and accessible, buying things we don't even need. As moms, there is an unwritten expectation that we will mom perfect, work perfect, keep our house perfect, keep our people alive - perfect. That's not even possible. What we can do, is let go until we find balance. What we can do, is create space for play, and joy.<br />
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My work outside of the search for simple can be really stressful. This stress, it's a funny thing. You don't really see a wall coming, but it's in there, all disguised behind the stress, just waiting for your forehead to make contact. I knew it would come, but I was working on this simple life - right? So, obviously I could keep it at bay.<br />
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Wrong.<br />
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Here's what I've learned: there is incredible beauty in the imperfections of life. Simple is good. Imperfect is real, it's lovable, it's memorable, it's me. It's you, too, which is why we need it. We're losing ourselves, our joy factor, in the quest for perfect, while the quirky parts of us, the best parts of us that bring us joy -- they're shoved in a winter sock drawer somewhere. When we do this, we end up stifled. We shrink. We feel lesser about ourselves. We wonder, what else is out there?<br />
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If you know me, you might think me outgoing, outspoken, a doer of all things. An extrovert of sorts. When you know me well, you'll find that my peace, my joy, my energy, is in the little things...in the silence of thought and creativity.<br />
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So this joy thing is part of the simple I've been searching for, though this is a recent discovery. I have to pay attention to doing it.<br />
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I have been asked, how do you find time to do things like make candles and learn about essential oils? Well, sometimes I don't. Those times, I end up miserable. I race to get it all done and then my garden fails (miserable fail this year, laughable actually), I get cranky, I refuse to cook, I forget things, and I keep myself so busy that I start to feel badly about not being able to do it all. This, friends, is not good for the soul.<br />
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Truth be told, I have to make time. I schedule that time and then, because I'm a yes person, I have to fiercely defend that time. Multiple. Times. A. Day.<br />
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It goes like this: <i>Could you put this together for...</i>Thank you for thinking of me, but I can't help you with that right now. Ask me again next time. <i>I can't get ahold of, since you're over there would you...</i>I'd love to be able to help you, but I can't help you right now. Here's a resource that might help. <i>Mom, I need this tomorrow and it's mandatory</i>...I'm sorry you didn't plan this out very well, what other options do you have?<br />
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This is protecting time is dang near impossible for me to do. Did I mention I'm a yes person? I never thought of myself that way, until I started defending this me time. It's ok to say no. In fact, in order to keep myself in order and honor the time I set aside to do the things that bring me joy (cue candles and oils), I <i>have</i> to say no. It's part of defending the space to have my own joy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy0TjpbVdfPFdrQxwLTPl08z6v3sQxNK4-iYIC9GxKfO9EhAjveu2skrOsreSdMlJgHs9c7nFzbA5s8zMIFQgC2huVzEmCeUgBoi0BUxrxphLKCg73GLNjMzvhGRzwySMpwWT2pMQNFQ/s1600/Darkness-Christmas-Candle-Love-Flame-3026952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tealight candle in dim lighting with twinkle lights behind" border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1280" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy0TjpbVdfPFdrQxwLTPl08z6v3sQxNK4-iYIC9GxKfO9EhAjveu2skrOsreSdMlJgHs9c7nFzbA5s8zMIFQgC2huVzEmCeUgBoi0BUxrxphLKCg73GLNjMzvhGRzwySMpwWT2pMQNFQ/s200/Darkness-Christmas-Candle-Love-Flame-3026952.jpg" title="candle love" width="200" /></a></div>
The things we share with you here, are my soul work. They are the things I do to bring me peace and joy, to give myself thinking time, and refill the ole bucket.<br />
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Give yourself this kind of time. Schedule it. Defend it. Start small and allow yourself to play, to create joy, to share it with other people. I am a candle maker, an essential oil lover, a seeker of simple things that make our lives richer, and these are the things that bring me joy. I need these things. I give myself permission to do these things and the joy keeps on coming. It's ok if you do it, too.<br />
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XO<br />
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<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-30325307795638257172019-10-03T05:56:00.003-05:002019-10-03T06:36:36.152-05:00A Cleaner CleanThis blogging monthly has become a thing. There's so much to share and so little time! I always think -- I'll get up early, before anyone else, enjoy my coffee and blog. Fat chance. I love this find so much, that I just had to share!<br />
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On our search for cleaner living, we've tried a bunch of different laundry solutions. Liquids, powders, homemade, store bought, weird things from websites that we didn't have a ton of experience with. So far, nothing we want to make that life long committment to.<br />
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We have some requirements for our detergents: must be able to break through big dirt and dust, must be able to get the smell out of work out clothes, has to be super sensitive skin friendly, and our clothes have to smell good when they are clean. That's not too much to ask, right?<br />
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Over time, my sensitive skin has decided to revolt against our old trusty store bought powder, so we needed another solution. I'm not a huge fan of borax on my skin and the homemade detergents we've tried just don't get the grime out that the better half of us collects at work. Also, we sweat big, and any detergent worth keeping around has to do better than a swish.<br />
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Given that we love our oils (and it's cold season), I thought well, let's use up some freebie points and give this <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/doterra-on-guard-laundry-detergent" target="_blank">On Guard Laundry Detergent</a> thing a try. It smells delicious, just like On Guard, and we love that smell!<br />
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I have to admit. It's awesome. It's ultraconcentrated, which always makes me skeptical. How can so little detergent clean all of that stuff in the washer? It works. REALLY. WELL. All of our dirt, stink, stains, and sweat were gone (I'm half way through the bottle - that's a lot of washes!) My skin is happy. My clothes are clean and not as crunchy. It's human friendly, dog friendly, and earth friendly. I get about as many washes as I do with old trusty powder and I'm sold!<br />
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<a href="https://www.mikellyfarms.com/p/work-with-us.html" target="_blank">Try it out</a>. See what you think!<br />
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P.S. I'll let you in on my laundry secret weapon, too. If you have a really stubborn stain, as simple as it seems, this <a href="https://goatmilkstuff.com/products/laundry-stain-stick?_pos=1&_sid=ac01442f6&_ss=r" target="_blank">stain stick</a> is the best.<br />
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<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-44781503642729778022019-09-06T18:35:00.002-05:002019-09-06T20:23:58.018-05:00A Light Unto My PathWe've been playing around a bit with a new thing. Some of you may have gotten samples or the real deal to sniff, share and enjoy. You're in for a treat!<br />
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It does take 2-3 times longer to get things rolling when there are so many moving parts -- and, when we are some busy humans!<br />
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Here's what we've been up to...<br />
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<i>CANDLES AND WAX MELTS AND SOY MUCH FUN, OH MY! </i></div>
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We have been sampling essential oils, fragrance oils, more soy waxes that you knew existed, new containers, old containers, recyclable containers, and all sorts of gadgets, so we could bring you a candle that we adore. We can officially say that we have created a selection of soy candles that we love and we think you'll love them do! </div>
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<i><b>What's so awesome about our soy candles? </b></i></div>
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-100% natural American soy wax</div>
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-Braided cotton wicks</div>
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-No added chemicals, no zinc or lead, and no color additives to keep the burn clean</div>
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-When the candle is gone leave a quarter inch at the bottom, (you don't want to burn the house down) so you can wash out the container with soap and water to reuse it</div>
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So, how do ya' get some? </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikellyFarms?fbclid=IwAR39DAg_wYmlfWibBY5UzR75nXf-1Kv4GhQKywcgYlc-rbvKoJViAn9zuq0" target="_blank">Shop Mikelly Farms</a> to the right to visit our Mikelly Farms Etsy shop. We've added a small selection of our soy candles with a few fall scents to get started. We'll share a seasonal scent or two with you each season, to keep it fresh. Let us know what you love and we'll make more. You can get some of our fave essential oils and oil accessories there too! </div>
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If you're local, give us a shout about our candles if you want to pick them up. </div>
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Peace, love and candlelight, friends. </div>
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XO</div>
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<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-71581200744133141542019-08-07T08:00:00.000-05:002019-09-06T17:06:06.001-05:00Sizzle SizzleWork hard and play hard in the sun? We do!<br />
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While we'd like to believe that we're awesome about protecting the good ole skin and peepers over here, the truth is, we're just not. That first layer of sunscreen, yes. That second layer is usually where we fail.<br />
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Enter: refrigerated sunburn relief! (Brr! Yes! Run! Relief! All at the same time).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gMa4LuzIoBcryFMwqtwYsmex_x_3lxu5JOtmL8OndNxBa3a6q4SgmAX9N3RWBYt8RV4QQyN6DsM2AZZ0m5CaDCG8vOMNx4MYiiYYTlYPrehxGb33wSw8SlC5LD_0c534pd0NsXJ3uTM/s1600/sunburn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sunburned guy putting sunscreen on head" border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="217" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gMa4LuzIoBcryFMwqtwYsmex_x_3lxu5JOtmL8OndNxBa3a6q4SgmAX9N3RWBYt8RV4QQyN6DsM2AZZ0m5CaDCG8vOMNx4MYiiYYTlYPrehxGb33wSw8SlC5LD_0c534pd0NsXJ3uTM/s200/sunburn.png" title="sunburned guy putting sunscreen on head" width="187" /></a></div>
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There are quite a few oils in this mixture. Each one has its job to bring you relief.<br />
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Lavender is usually known for bringing on relaxation and peace. Lavender also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which supports your skin's healing process. Peppermint just makes us think of cool and ahhh. Peppermint promotes a cooling sensation and the scent will just bring you joy. Geranium has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness. Frankincense helps to promote the healing of your skin through regeneration.<br />
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<b>What you need:</b><br />
-4 oz glass spray bottle<br />
-10 drops lavender essential oil<br />
-7 drops frankincense essential oil<br />
-5 drops peppermint essential oil<br />
-5 drops geranium essential oil (or, exchange geranium for chamomile essential oil)<br />
-3 Tablespoons of aloe vera gel<br />
-2 Tablespoons of witch hazel<br />
-Top with Fractionated Coconut Oil<br />
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Feel free to add a few drops of vitamin E oil as well, if you have some.<br />
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<i>Shake well and spray on to sunburn. This mixture is for external use only. </i><br />
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We like to keep our after sun spray in the fridge, which adds a little challenge, as you have to let it sit out for a few minutes to warm up so it sprays well when you use it. And, it may be a little surprising, but it feels oh so lovely when the cooled after sun spray hits your skin and just about sizzles.<br />
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Load up on your oils <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/mikellyfarms?fbclid=IwAR2gm9Gd0gfdaOAYhzAs2DUoi0RDFgnvJYDbKfbgdGoMZSek6RZs_b5lSLA" target="_blank">here</a>. You <u>never have to sell oils</u> to get them at wholesale prices! We just love using them and want to share this goodness with you all.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-51379672237592405142019-08-05T15:22:00.000-05:002019-08-05T15:27:06.503-05:00Summer Bug BustersWe're loving summer - the sunshine, summer nights, time at the lake...and the bugs are loving us! Chomp chomp.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrM8voKLCYw0ev1F8Z1Oty_8gq_A-ChOwKlnqtTvtGuyzqMTI89yDcoss3R-xEi1xLoZtWOrd4bpWaDPjg52mMSAdd0rmpr-ppIORtnrmg6uhyD-3vRCyvMFCgUR4g6BLIWNnF7RHKhY/s1600/mosquito1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1000" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrM8voKLCYw0ev1F8Z1Oty_8gq_A-ChOwKlnqtTvtGuyzqMTI89yDcoss3R-xEi1xLoZtWOrd4bpWaDPjg52mMSAdd0rmpr-ppIORtnrmg6uhyD-3vRCyvMFCgUR4g6BLIWNnF7RHKhY/s200/mosquito1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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We love to use <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/terrashield-blend" target="_blank">Terrashield</a> to keep the bugs off without all of the chemicals. It smells <i>nice </i>and will keep you from being skeeter dinner.<br />
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Terrashield is safe to diffuse and it won't stain clothing.<br />
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<b>What you need: </b><br />
-1 oz glass spray bottle (always put essential oils in a glass bottle)<br />
-10-20 drops of Terrashield (you can you get your favorite oils here)<br />
-1/2 oz witch hazel (with alcohol - this works as a preservative)<br />
-1/2 oz distilled water (distilled to keep funky sedatives out)<br />
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<i>Shake and spray! </i><br />
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<b>Here is another similar recipe you might like:</b><br />
-4 oz glass spray bottle<br />
-10 drops Terrashield essential oil<br />
-5 drops Purify essential oil<br />
-3 drops lemongrass essential oil<br />
-3 drops lavender essential oil<br />
-1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil<br />
-1 teaspoon witch hazel<br />
-fill the remainder of the spray bottle with distilled water<br />
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<i>Shake and spray!</i><br />
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You can find any of our favorite oils <a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/mikellyfarms?fbclid=IwAR192TsciftokOENhIZniqVVY6P5wsp2Qdg0O1-GMB_Oh3FrsxHZJnYMxjU" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2182691146279603287.post-82563697493333569052019-07-04T19:56:00.001-05:002019-07-05T10:41:13.464-05:00Gluten Free Lemon Blueberry Muffins You know when life gets a little hectic and you, well, hibernate?<br />
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Summer's finally here!<br />
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We have a great company recipe to share with you, in case you're spending the weekend celebrating our Independence with some folks who just can't do gluten.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMuB3b0XQLr7TxlXPLYrNsHqTuJmisT8EZZvxUrEY3tNq5Le77y-nxdOHzwGIa6ULbeUo6Mgd1a1VejWV_21xy1xd6O5g5zpGQqSHLALdRwiCwyuH57gim9aVHO8ZsCK3z4tXwKSlJ6Q/s1600/024E74C1-373F-42F5-AFAA-FB4E38DC107A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMuB3b0XQLr7TxlXPLYrNsHqTuJmisT8EZZvxUrEY3tNq5Le77y-nxdOHzwGIa6ULbeUo6Mgd1a1VejWV_21xy1xd6O5g5zpGQqSHLALdRwiCwyuH57gim9aVHO8ZsCK3z4tXwKSlJ6Q/s200/024E74C1-373F-42F5-AFAA-FB4E38DC107A.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>What you'll need: </b><br />
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<i>MUFFINS</i><br />
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries<br />
2 cups + <a href="https://amzn.to/2JdhVRO" target="_blank">2 T Gluten Free Flour</a> (divided)<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2XsCpid" target="_blank">1 t Xanthan Gum</a><br />
1 1/2 t baking powder<br />
1/2 t salt<br />
1/2 cup butter softened<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1/2 c sour cream<br />
2 t vanilla extract (be sure to use real vanilla extract; some imitation versions may contain gluten<br />
1/4 c milk (we use Ripple Vanilla Unsweetened -- any milk will do!)<br />
1 T lemon juice<br />
1 T + 1 t lemon zest<br />
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<i>TOPPING</i><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2JdhVRO" target="_blank">2 T Gluten Free Flour</a><br />
2 T melted butter<br />
4 T granulated sugar* <br />
1 t lemon zest<br />
*if your topping is not crumbly, add a little more sugar; if it is not crumbly enough, add a tad more<br />
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<b>What to do: </b><br />
-Put together your crumble topping in a small bowl. Mix with a fork.<br />
-In a small mixing bowl, roll your blueberries lightly in 2 T of gluten-free flour to coat the berries.<br />
-In a second small mixing bowl, mix together 2 cups of gluten free flour, 1 teaspoon xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt.<br />
-In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, vanilla, milk, lemon juice and lemon zest. Beat until smooth. (Don't panic if things start to separate...flour is next and that'll bring it all together!)<br />
-Add the flour mixture to the large mixing bowl one cup at a time.<br />
-Add the sour cream to the mixing bowl.<br />
-Carefully fold in the blueberries.<br />
-Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full of muffin batter. Spring each muffin top with a T of topping before baking.<br />
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<i>Notes:</i> The gluten-free flour you use <b>matters</b>. If you have one that you adore, give that a try. Some gluten-free flours and flour mixes have a grainy texture that you won't like in your muffins!<br />
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If you want a really lemony punch, add a drop of lemon essential oil.<br />
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<b>Baking: </b><br />
-Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. These muffins will have a light color when baked - use a toothpick to check if they are done at 20 minutes.<br />
-Let your muffins cool, then enjoy!<br />
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<br />Mikelly Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570711903720136384noreply@blogger.com0