Author Archives: Mint Chevron

Melted Crayon Hearts!

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It’s almost Valentine’s Day!

Today’s how-to: Heart-Shaped Crayons!

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I’d seen this very clever idea on Pinterest, so I thought we’d give it a try! You will need a silicone (heart-shaped) baking tray, and broken crayons.

Note: you’ll not likely want to use this mold for baking again, so I’d recommend using an old mold or buying one specifically for this project.

photo 1First, pre-heat your oven to 240 degrees. Then, chop (or break) the crayons into small pieces (larger pieces will make larger color “chunks.”)

photo 2Place them in the silicone mold, about 1/4 inch deep. Bake them for 15 minutes at 240 degrees.

photo 3Let them cool before trying to remove them from the tray, you can place them in the freezer for a few minutes to speed the process! Voila!

Snow-Doh!

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It’s a happy snowy day here in Ohio!

It’s also pretty chilly, which means that my little guy can only spend so much time outdoors before getting too cold!

In honor of playing in the snow, I decided to make up a new batch of homemade play-doh. In place of food coloring, I mixed white glitter into the almost-finished doh, giving it a nice sparkly snow appearance! You could also let your kiddo(s) knead it in themselves. Find my original Homemade Play-Doh recipe here!

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Have fun and stay warm!

A Realistic Resolution!

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Hi Friends! A (belated) Happy New Year to You!

Do you set (new year) resolutions for yourself? Do you have any for 2013? I read an article shortly after the new year that in essence warned against setting resolutions, as the majority of us fail. Their reasoning? As a population, we set our goals too high and when we don’t see immediate results, we give up and fall back into our old patterns/routines. They suggested starting small with your goals, being realistic about what you can change and/or accomplish. Do you agree with that? Have you ever succeeded in a lasting resolution?

I have some resolutions of my own, one of which is: I will no longer eat food that is colored with artificial dye/food coloring. All of a sudden, I think it’s gross.

Speaking of creepy Sci-Fi food, have you visited 100 Days of Real Food? It’s an amazing blog about one mother’s mission to banish processed food from her families diet, and at the same time, draw attention to our society’s dependence upon them. I follow her on Facebook and I always appreciate what she has to say!

Another resolution for myself actually relates to Mint Chevron. I love blogging! I love sitting down in front of a blank screen and watching my ideas/thoughts unfold onto the page. However, I struggle with the balance of motherhood & keeping up with the blogosphere. When I am busily blogging, quality time with my son suffers. When I am happily mothering, Mint Chevron suffers. I hope to find a good balance this year, a realistic one. I’m so glad that you’re here, but I can’t promise that I’ll make it every day. I can’t promise that it will always be interesting either! But please do check back often! And I hope that if you set a resolution, you congratulate yourself in 2014 for a job well done.

With that, I have to show you my latest obsession: The Runder Under Pant by LuLuLemon: 

Runder Under Pant, LuLuLemon

Runder Under Pant, LuLuLemon

I’m fairly certain that the fabric “Rulu” is made in heaven – because it’s ah-mazing! These pants are the softest, most comfortable things I’ve ever owned, I’ve considered making them my new “couch pants” rather than new “running pants.”

And my other new obsession: Thorlo Cushioned Heel Micro Mini Running Socks

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I’ve always been a bit of a minimalist when it comes to my running socks, the less fabric, the better. But I tried these on a whim (honestly, I liked the bright pink) and I actually love them. They’re cushioned on the heel and the toes – but not bulky around the arch, which keeps my feet from feeling too cramped in my shoes! Even a new pair of socks can be a good excuse to get out and run?

Thanks for visiting, hope to see you soon!

A Web Based Weekly Roundup!

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Hi there! It’s Labor Day weekend… I had to write it because I just can’t believe it! What are your weekend plans? I’m looking forward to some College Football and time on the water – and then I’m looking forward to the peace and quiet of September!

For today, a weekly roundup of my favorite things from around the web!

I love beautiful stationery and invitations, but I also adore the idea of Paperless Post, an invitation delivered to an email address. I heard a secret this week that Paperless Post is introducing a line of printed stationery! I’m willing to bet that it will be just as classy and beautiful as their online options!

A great resource for style help, Re*Dress is a blog devoted to marrying your wardrobe and current styles. I’ve found it to be a great place to visit when you need inspiration – without spending any dough!

Are you on Pinterest? After discovering it over a year ago, I have been amazed by it’s growth and overnight web presence. Some of my favorite pinners: Jenny // Southern Living // Mackenzie Horan // Angie Helm Interiors // Lilly Pulitzer

Always a good read on Facebook: REAL FOOD gives you fun facts and tips on eating healthy and enjoying life.

With November right around the corner (and regardless of your political affiliation or even lack thereof) Politifact.com proves to be an unbiased “fact checker” in the vast sea of often biased journalism. With a mission of “sorting out the truth in politics” you can check statements made by candidates, and parties alike, on their truth value scale – and decide for yourself!

I hope you’re able to enjoy the last bits of summer & your weekend is relaxing and wonderful! Happy Labor Day, America!

Dilly Beans

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Finding Inspiration in: Dilled Green Beans!

After buying an entire bushel of green beans at the farmers market, and making one batch of Chilled Green Bean Salad, we had little else to do with the rest than make pickled string beans, also known as Dilly Beans.

They are relatively easy to can, and make a great addition to salads, Bloody Mary’s or simply eaten alone!

This recipe makes 4 pints – what you’ll need:

  • 2 pounds green beans
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 1/2 cups white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup salt

In each jar put:

  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried dill
  • small sprig of fresh dill
  • 3 or 4 peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  1. Cut ends off of beans and wash thoroughly. If the beans are small – leave them whole, otherwise cut into 1-inch lengths.
  2. Prepare your jars and lids by sterilizing them (a dishwasher for the jars will do, boil the lids and rims for 2 minutes before using) and then fill each jar with spices.
  3. Bring water, vinegar, and salt to a boil, then add beans and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Remove beans to a paper-towel-lined cookie sheet, making sure you save the liquid the beans were cooked in.
  5. If whole, stand the beans in the jars and fill to within 1/2 inch of the rim with the cooking liquid.
  6. Release the air bubbles (gently shaking the jars will work), clean around the outside of the rims with a clean cloth and seal.
  7. Place them in a large “water bath” canner for 10 minutes (be sure the water is boiling before submersing the jars).

Wash and trim your beans, making sure to use only the perfect beans.

You can prepare your jars ahead of time, by sterilizing them and filling them with the spices.

Be sure to boil your lids and rims for at least 2 minutes before using them.

Remove the beans from the liquid and place them on paper towel, before placing them in jars.

Fill the jars, but don’t pack them too tightly. Pour in the liquid, leaving a 1/2 inch of room at the top of the jar.

 

 

DIY: Toddler Safe Paint!

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Finding Inspiration in: Colors that are Worth Eating!

Hi there! Happy Monday, I hope you had a great weekend! We spent time relaxing, reading & creating; it was great!

What we created: kid safe paints! With just three ingredients, you don’t have to worry about what might go into their mouths, making this a great way to introduce little ones to painting.

What you’ll need: 2 Cups of flour, food coloring, cold water & boiling water

Use a mixing bowl that is large enough to hold your flour and water.

Start by adding cold water, until it forms a thick paste.

Add your boiling water until your mixture becomes runny, like paint. If you’d like to use it as finger paint, leave the consistency a bit thicker.

Divide your mixture into separate containers, then add your food coloring.

Paint!

Until they get side-tracked by the sand box :)

Happy Sunday!

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This is for Lisa, an incredibly inspiring friend!

It’s been a very busy summer! I’m hoping that yours has been filled with wonderful memories and joyful moments. I look forward to getting back into the “swing of things” with Mint Chevron. Stay tuned!

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Marinated Bean Salad & Quinoa Recipe

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Finding Inspiration in: Summer Vegetables

Hi there! It’s Wednesday again, summer is flying by! How have you been? We’re on another quick trip back to [home] Ohio and it’s been great to kick back, watch some Olympics — and enjoy some family time. I love summer, but I always let out a big sigh of relief when Labor Day Weekend rolls around — and life slows down.

Today I wanted to share a great summer salad recipe with you: by combining veggies, protein and grains, it also happens to be a perfect running “recovery” dish as well!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked green string beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked yellow wax beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked red kidney beans (I prefer to use an organic Tri-Bean blend)
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked garbanzo beans or chick peas
  •  1 large onion (I prefer red), sliced into 1/2-inch clivers
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 2/3 cup cider vinegar
  • salt and lots of fresh-ground black pepper
  • 2 to 3 Tbs. sugar
  • 1 cup chopped green pepper (I used red and yellow)
  • chopped fresh herbs, basil or mint (I prefer basil)
  1. Combine all of the beans and peppers in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix the rest of the ingredients to make the dressing, and pour it over the beans.
  3. Toss until everything is thoroughly combined.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight (a few hours will do).       This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.
  5. Cook 1 cup of Quinoa to package specifications, allow it to cool in the refrigerator before serving.

I love the Red “Aztec” Quinoa – 1 Cup (uncooked) yields 3 cups

Serve the salad over a serving of quinoa. Drizzle it with excess dressing from the salad bowl. Enjoy!

 

Weekly Roundup! Happy Friday!

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Hi there! Happy Friday! Any good weekend plans? We’re still in Michigan, headed to Mackinac Island on Sunday to watch the boats roll in. I can’t believe how quickly the summer is passing. Here are a few things I’ve been thinking about this week:

I absolutely LOVE the creations by Rosella Resin on Etsy! Inspired by nature, made by hand, and totally unique! Be sure to look for the bangle with inset seashells!

I’m having a hard time choosing my next summer book, but I think NPR’s Summer Book List will help?

Every year, about this time, I start to dream about cool, see-your-breath Fall days… it’s not that I’m wishing the summer away, it’s just that I love the change in season – from summer to fall. I love boots, sweaters and football – I wish fall lasted a bit longer! I’m also thinking about my next foot race and am considering the inaugural Lighthouse Half, here in Traverse City.

DillyBeans and Dill Pickles: I loaded up on veggies at the Farmers Market on Wednesday, I’ll have a post for you soon on how to can your own dill pickles and string (dilly) beans!

I pinned it and tried it (below): We had our sons Birthday party a few weeks ago and I wanted to make frozen water balloons for the drink tubs. I made it as far as getting them into the freezer before the big storm rolled in and knocked out our power (for 5 days). So, I really can’t tell you how well it works, but I think it would be cute!

Have a great Friday!