Dining and Living Alfresco

I love dining outside in the summertime.  There is something about being outdoors that heightens the experience of even a simple meal.  The fresh air, cool breeze in the evening... it all makes me feel like I've gone on vacation in my own backyard. 

There are scientific reasons why spending time outdoors is beneficial to our emotional health.  Our bodies were created to need natural sunlight.  Vitamin D from the sun is essential for our brains to maintain adequate serum levels, which affect our emotional wellbeing.

Previous generations spent much more time outside. People worked on farms, in fields, and as hunters and gatherers.  , in communities with other people.  Our modern society has in great part retreated from nature.  The average American today spends 95% of his time indoors.  Experts suggest we spend 25% less time outdoors that we did only 25 years ago.  We are confined to inside offices and stay cloistered in our homes, having little connection with nature as well as other human beings.  Research has shown that taking a walk outside can be as effective in treating mild depression as antidepressants.  Interestingly enough, walking indoors did not have the same results in groups studied.  

So, make an effort to spend some more time outdoors this summer.  Pack a picnic and find outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy.  Enjoy the beauty of God's creation!   

The beautiful outdoor setting pictured here is from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Watermelon Jello Slices

Continuing with the theme of keeping cool this summer, I discovered some great ideas online.  Look at these adorable Jello slices.  You can do this with Lemons, Limes or Oranges.   Here are the basic instructions. 

1.  Cut your fruit in half and carve out the inside so that you just have a shell.

2.  Prepare your flavored jello according to the instructions on the package AND add a packet of unflavored gelatin to make the jello firmer. 

3.  Pour the jello into the halved fruit and cool in the refrigerator.

4.   Once the jello is set, then you can cut them into slices.

You can use lemon jello for lemon slices, orange for orange slices and lime for lime.  Or use watermelon jello with limes for a whimsical dessert.  Decorate with edible "seeds" (candy, herbs, etc.)  A lot of people have used this idea for making shots, but you can just use water or juice in the jello mixture for a kid-friendly summertime treat. 

Visit The Family Kitchen to see the recipe for the beautiful Watermelon Jello Shooters pictured here. 

Summer Slushies

The long hot days of summer are upon us, and I am always trying to find ways to keep the kids cool!  We have been eating our fair share of popsicles and italian ice, but have also started making our own fruit slushies. 

Our family seems to have an unending supply of fruit that is just about to become overripe, so I have found that making slushies and shakes are the perfect way to use up that fruit.  It is also a great way to sneak extra servings of fresh fruit into picky eaters.  All it takes is a good blender, some ice and a few spoonfuls of sugar.  We have made delicious slushies using peaches, watermelon and strawberries.   For milkshakes, you just need to add some milk or a few scoops of vanilla ice cream. 

To make the beautiful Watermelon milkshakes pictured above, visit Foodess for an easy, delicious recipe.

High Tea for Alice

When it comes to entertaining, presentation is equally, if not more, important than food itself. Table settings and decor set the mood for parties and can transform even store bought food into something beautiful. I have always been fond of vintage china and glassware. They are both elegant and beautiful without being overly formal.

I recently discovered a lovely Etsy boutique appropriately named "High Tea for Alice" that takes lovely European china plates and teacups and turns them into tiered dessert stands. Can you just imagine serving little tea cakes and sandwiches on something like this? They carefully select each unique plate and coordinate them with others to make a brand new set. The results are simply delightful. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and also take custom orders.

Visit High Tea for Alice for "exquisitely indulgent, remarkably heirloom, extravagantly refined, decoratively sublime & cheerfully divine stands to fill and feather your own personal wonderland."

Keeping Childhood Alive

Recently, I was having a conversation with some fellow moms when the topic of extra-curricular activities came up. We were a varied group of mothers, with kids in public, private and homeschool. But although we lead quite different lives, we discovered that we all had something in common. Each family was involved in a minimum of three extracurricular activities, be it music, sports, dance, church activities, and the like. One family was involved in a whopping 8 extracurriculars! The funny thing was that none of us could remember being involved in that many activities when we were children. I had piano lessons as a child, and a few gymnastics lessons but I certainly don't remember my parents orchestrating their lives around a multitude of extra-curricular activities.

I left the conversation wondering, "Is childhood becoming an endangered species?" Children today are much busier than children just one generation ago. They are faced with an overwhelming amount of information and choices. Just think of all the options our children have when they walk through a toy store. Not so long ago, the same toys were kept on store shelves for years. Now, toys are retired almost as quickly as new ones are released. And while today's toys are more complex than toys of the past, they seem to require far less imagination.

It is a brave new world in which our children are growing up. I'm not one to glamorize the past, but I fear that we have lost some of the wonder of childhood. The pace of childhood today is so much quicker than it was in the past. Childhood is supposed to provide time and space for wonder and imagination. It is supposed to be time for catching caterpillars and making mud pies.

Though our kids have rooms full of toys, have they become less able to entertain themselves? Have we begun to view childhood only as a preparation for adulthood? Are we enrolling them in all sorts of extra-curriculars in hopes of giving them an edge on their peers? Has parenting become a competitive sport?

I'm not suggesting that we shut down all extra-curricular activities and throw out all modern toys. The truth is that there are conflicting voices on the ramifications of having children in a multitude of activities. Some have suggested that children can actually thrive in several activities, while others caution of the long-term effects or over-scheduling children. I'm not sure there will be clear-cut answers that fit each family and child. But, like a growing number of others, I am beginning to question some of the conventions of modern childhood.

We all want the best for our children. We want them to have all of the opportunities that perhaps we did not have as children. But somewhere along the line, let's make sure we aren't shortchanging them of childhood itself. When that brief time is over, it isn't something they will be able to find again... ever. So let them have days where they do nothing but explore the backyard or idle away hours constructing things out of paper and tape. Let them sword fight and play dress up. Let them be chldren for as long as they can.

A Taste of France

I recently discovered that Laduree's beautiful Sucre cookbook is finally available again online. The truth is that it is much too beautiful to be called a cookbook. Presented in a keepsake box that looks just like Laduree's iconic mint green gift boxes, the book has gold-lined pages and stunning pictures. Mind you, the recipes in the book are not for the faint of heart, but I just love the book for the pictures. It reminds me of all things French and all things beautiful.

If you have ever visited Paris, you may have seen their legendary flagship store on the Champs Elysees. They also have locations in very select cities around the world (London, Tokyo, Milan, etc.) In 2011, Laduree finally landed on North American shores... in New York City. Let me just say that if you have never tried a macaron from Laduree, it can best be described as a little taste of heaven. They are truly magnificent. They come in such other-worldly flavors like Rose Petal, Black Currant, Caramel with Salted Butter, Mango with Jasmine, Orange Blossom and Lily of the Valley. They will set you back $2.70 per cookie but are totally worth it! And of course, part of Laduree's appeal is in their exquisite presentation. Their pastries come boxed in their signature mint green gift boxes and tied with a ribbon. Each of their stores are graciously appointed. Marie Antoinette would have been pleased. In fact, Sofia Coppola featured Laduree's macarons in her stunning film Marie Antoinette. They have come to epitomize the exquisite heights of French pastry.

For a little taste of France online, visit the Laduree website.
Photo: Yuichi Sakuraba

Favors for a Summer Gathering

Summer is really upon us in full swing, and that means times for picnics and poolside gatherings! We usually think of favors only in terms of weddings and children's birthday parties. But they make a pleasant surprise for any get together, and you don't have to spend a lot of money to make favors everyone will love.

I love this idea for summer party favors from Martha Stewart. It is simple, pretty and healthy. All you need are a few small baskets which can be found at almost any craft store for less than a dollar a piece. Fill with fresh fruit, cellophane-wrapped cookies, scones or other treats. Create your own personalized tags and tie with twine for a rustic look. For a Fourth of July celebration, stick a miniature American flag in each basket. Your guests will love them!

Grace-Based Relationships

In his book Grace Based Parenting, Dr. Tim Kimmel states, "The primary word that defines how God deals with His children is grace." As such, grace should define how we as parents treat our children. To take it one step further, grace should be the crowning characteristic of the way we treat all people. But if you looked at your relationships, would grace be the first word to come into your mind?

If I were to be completely honest, most of my relationships are based on reciprocation, not on grace. A friend does something nice for me, and I want to do something kind for her. Other relationships are characterized by expectations. Work relationships and in-laws and often fall into this category.

But as Christians, as recipients of God's amazing grace, we are therefore to give grace back to others. Andy Stanley once preached a series of sermons on defining what it meant to be "Christian." Today, we usually define someone as a Christian based on what they believe. If someone agrees with a set of doctrines, they are considered Christian. But Andy Stanley suggested that first century Christians not so much based on doctrinal beliefs, but based on how they loved.

If grace defines our relationships, we would be quick to forgive, understanding that we have often wronged others as we feel they have wronged us. If grace characterizes the way we treat people, we would not hold grudges. Instead, we would treat others in the way we wish to be treated, not based on how they have treated us in the past. We would not be so quick to condemn. We would be quick to listen.

When it comes to our children, grace-based parenting is tricky business. For one thing, it means recognizing that parenting is a fluid thing, based on relationships with unique little people who have very different personalities. It isn't about a set of rules that promises to churn out obedient little creatures. If we treat our children with grace, it might sometimes mean that we will appear to be bad parents to other (more legalistic) parents. But parenting with grace means that we choose to respect our children and see them as the wonderful, unique creations for which God has His own purposes. I think it comes down to placing more trust in God than in ourselves to raise them into the men and women they are supposed to be.

And so, don't be afraid to let grace define your relationships. God is a God of grace, and when we extend grace to others, we are reflecting is character.

An Afternoon Repose

In our busy lives, it is sometimes hard to pause for even a moment in the day. We in America are especially prone to keep ourselves going at a dizzying pace because we carve out time to just relax. In many other cultures, there are built-in breaks during the day. If you travel to Spain, you will find that most restaurants and stores are closed for several hours during the afternoon for "Siesta." Workers return home for lunch with the family and a short nap before returning to work.

In England, the tradition of Afternoon Tea provides a respite in the midst of a busy day. Afternoon Tea was started by Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford. She was a good friend of Queen Victoria. During the 18th century, dinner was often served as late as 8:00 p.m. There was a long period between lunch and dinner, and so she often got a "sinking feeling" right around 4:00 in the afternoon. During a stay at Belvoir Castle, she began requesting Darjeeling tea and small cakes or sandwiches to be sent to her room in the afternoon. She enjoyed it so much that she started to invite her friends to join her, and thus the tradition of afternoon tea was started.

Afternoon Tea is a wonderful way to relax and appreciate the beauty in each day. Everything about teatime is beautiful. From the china teacups to the petite sandwiches and delicate cakes, Afternoon Tea exudes elegance. And because a cup of tea takes some time to finish, it almost forces you to slow down and take pause. And you can experiment with taking tea in a variety of ways. During warm weather, have a glass of iced tea outside on the porch. This lovely setting from Tea Time Magazine captures the beauty of an alfresco setting. Add some edible flowers in your teacup. In the fall, add a cinnamon to some apple tea. In the wintertime, substitute tea for hot chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream.

Psalm 23:5 says, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil, my cup overflows." So when you drink your cup of tea, think of the many ways in which God has made "your cup overflow." Name your blessings. God has promised to bless you so that you will always have more than you need and enough to give to others.

For Afternoon tea recipes, table settings and inspiration, visit Tea Time Magazine.

What is True Beauty?

Audrey Hepburn, one of the most fashionable and beautiful women to grace the silver screen, loved the poem "Time-Tested Beauty Tips." In fact, the poem is often attributed to her, but was actually written by Sam Levenson, and describes the sort of beauty that doesn't come from the right clothes and makeup, but from the character of a woman.

TIME TESTED BEAUTY TIPS

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows.
The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.

The Bible also teaches us about a woman’s true beauty. I Peter tell us that a woman's beauty comes from her internal qualities and do not fade with time.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear." (I Peter 3:3-6) In this passage, Peter is not saying that we are forbidden from braiding our hair or wearing jewelry, but that our beauty does not come from external aids. Our efforts towards becoming truly beautiful should be focused on developing a spirit that is full of gentleness, trust, integrity and courage. And that is the sort of beauty that will last through the passage of time.

Saying Grace vs. Speaking Grace

When we pray before meals, we sometimes call it "Saying Grace." But recently, I started thinking about the difference between saying grace and speaking grace.

Have you ever thought about how you would sound if someone secretly followed you around and recorded everything you said, and then played it back to you? Well, our children are sometimes like little tape recorders. I recently heard one of my boys scolding his younger brother and it occurred to me that he sounded just like me. Only I didn't like it so much hearing it from his mouth. I started to wonder what messages I am communicating to my children with my words. Sadly, they have not always been gracious words.

Often many of the words that come out of my mouth are words of correction and negative statements. "Don't run down the stairs so fast!" "Don't push your brother." They are often conditional statements. "If you don't do your homework now, you will not be allowed to play video games for a week." "We will not go outside to play unless you first pick up your toys."

Colossians 4:6 instructs us to speak words of grace, in fact to always speak graciously. "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." God is full of grace, which means that if His Spirit lives is us, we will reflect grace. God's grace means that He loves and gives without putting conditions on us. We don't have to do anything to make Him love us. So we too should love without making people jump through hoops. The words that God speaks to us through the Bible are words of encouragement. And when He corrects us, He doesn't beat us over the head with how horrible we are. Instead, his correction always includes the hope for change and is what leads us to repentance. So our words should be words that encourage and empower our children, not make them shrink back in fear and condemnation.

I'd like to say that I've been able to change all of my words to be more gracious, but it is an ongoing process and struggle for me each day. The first thing to pop into my head is usually the exact opposite of graciousness. But it is my prayer that over time, God will enable me to always (or more often than not) speak words that reflect His grace and are an encouragement to those who hear them.

Queen Victoria and the Role of Women

This June marks the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and as I think back on England's royals, I can't help but remark on my favorite queen of all, Queen Victoria. She has continued to have a special place in English memory as well as in popular culture across the shores here in America. Most recently, she was played by Emily Blunt in the strikingly beautiful film Young Victoria.

Queen Victoria reigned for over 63 years (the longest reign of any British monarch). During that time, the British Empire experienced great expansion and progress which paralleled the technological, economical and social advances of the Industrial Revolution. Victoria's reign also saw the rise of the middle class and changing roles for women. Among Victoria’s greatest contributions was her promoting a culture of domesticity and family life. She was a model of morality, and a striking contrast to the regents that preceded her. Although she was Sovereign, she celebrated her role as wife and mother. Her marriage to Albert was a happy one and they had nine children together. The public often saw her out and about with her family, and she soon came to represent a feminine ideal for women to emulate.

The home was hailed as the center of a woman’s moral universe, and a symbol of her feminine capabilities. Coventry Patmore’s "The Angel in the House" eulogized the Victorian wife and homemaker and set up an ideal for women to emulate. Homemaking was no longer mundane drudgery but re-envisioned as the means by which a woman fulfilled her God-given calling. The Victorian era in many ways created the feminine ideal of a woman as wife, mother and homemaker. Although later generations of women would question a woman's role in the home, it was a welcome and notable change for women during Victoria's reign.