December 2012 - Roots & Boots

Sauteed Red Peppers

This recipe is SO EASY, it almost seems silly to post it as a recipe. But just in case you haven’t discovered the greatness of sauteing with coconut oil, and just in case you need a super-simple veggies-for-dinner (or breakfast!) idea, here you go! Mr. Native Texan and I love these for dinner (with some…

Dear Jesus

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is a small Norman Rockwell Christmas book, opened to this page and displayed on a black, wooden easel. Every time I see it (which is multiple times each day from Thanksgiving to Christmas) it helps me regain a proper perspective. In the words of the familiar carol O Come, All…

Thankful Mary

Older Brother drew this picture several weeks ago, near the beginning of the advent season. (A week or so later, he drew a second, identical picture. To me, it was like a gentle reminder from God Himself. Have I mentioned that Older Brother’s name means “God’s messenger”?) I found the picture so striking that I’ve…

Our Favorite Winter Poem

In certain circles, I am known for having a song or poem for any and every occasion. It’s a handy trait, I must say, especially when there are young children living in your home. The snowflake picture frame (shown above) was a random gift to us, just perfect for displaying our favorite winter poem. We…

Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon

Plain, steamed vegetables do not taste good. I recently ordered sauteed spinach at a restaurant, with no butter, please. Guess what they brought me: steamed spinach without a hint of oil, seasonings or flavors of any kind. Guess how it tasted: absolutely terrible! Note: In my experience, the chef at any decent restaurant will know…

Easy Gift Idea: Homemade Air Freshener (and the dangers of regular air fresheners)

I live in a house with three boys and a dog. Let’s just say there are times when I could use some air freshener.

Make Your Own Chocolate Chips (and my favorite brand of chocolate)

Making these chocolate chips is not exactly rocket science, but I thought it might be helpful for those who are anything like I was at the beginning of our Strange New Dietary Journey: needing all the help I could get!

32 Favorite Christmas Books for Kids | Roots & Boots

32 Favorite Christmas Books for Children

I may have a slight addiction to wonderful Christmas books for children.

The Nutcracker for Kids

Last December we enjoyed our first experience with The Nutcracker. Older Brother was five and Little Brother not quite two, so we haven’t yet ventured out to a live performance. [I should also point out that Mr. Native Texan is not quite convinced of the value in watching leotard-clad dancers pirouetting around a stage, especially in…

World’s Easiest Guacamole

I love guacamole. Until Little Brother arrived on the scene, I was, alas, the only avocado-lover at the Yankee Homestead. So sad. I made guacamole only for guests, because I was incapable of eating a whole batch on my own. Now I can whip up a small batch and even Mr. Native Texan will pitch in and…