30 days of lists

Things that go well with coffee...

1. Pie

2. Books

3. Conversation

4. Knitting

5. Cupcakes

6. Bacon

7. Toast

8. Boots and winter jackets

9. Donuts

10. The soundtrack to "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

#coffeecoffeecoffee

Around here we love our coffee! It all began last year when we visited a local coffee roaster and decided to test out all the coffee related gadgets we'd received as gifts over the years.

During the year we tried french press, cold press, drip coffee, aeropress, espresso, stovetop espresso, lattes, americanos, and I'm sure something else I'm forgetting. Next we tried changing up the roast of the beans and ordered a variety of beans from here. Then we decided to use a gift card to buy a hand grinder. This seemed like a great investment because we could take it camping, or use it when the power fails. But as you can see, with new ways of preparing coffee, came a more complicated involved process.


This is when I kind of hit a wall. You see, I like to do things quickly. It's a blessing and a curse really.  The more complicated a process becomes, the less accurate I get; the more I begin to improvise. Sometimes this works and my creativity is welcome, but not always.  So I stopped making coffee. If it was made for me (barista or otherwise) I enjoyed it greatly, but in the mornings when I got ready for work, the thought of weighing and hand grinding beans just to START the coffee put me over the edge. I was out.


Fast forward to last week. I'd been on homemade coffee hiatus for a few months and suddenly found myself longing for a cup of coffee.  One of my favorite methods we'd discovered was french press (aka, the method that takes the least amount of time) and I decided to jump back in! I got out the scale, weighed the beans, adjusted the hand grinder to the right level and started up the kettle. That cup of coffee was so satisfying! It made me realize that the process doesn't really take that much time. In fact, I enjoyed the quiet hiss of the kettle and the crunch sound of the beans. In the stillness and quiet of the early morning I found myself relaxing into the experience. This has since become my tried and true method for getting my morning cup of coffee and I'm calling it:

We like our small demitasse cups as it means the coffee doesn't get cold. I also usually wrap a tea towel or napkin around the carafe to keep in the heat. But really, the coffee doesn't last long. It's so yummy and rich that we drink it up quickly!

There are so many things in life that are meant to be enjoyed. I'm working to find and savor these small rituals in my days. Even if I only linger for a moment, there is joy. Do you have a daily ritual or regular task that you savor?

Here's another yummy recipe and some of the tools we use (or similar).

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

list no. 7 - gratitude

today i'm thankful for...

1. leftover chestnut praline latte that can be reheated

2. multiple knitting projects

3. layers upon layers of quilts

4. blank journaling pages

5. colorful pens and writing tools

6. cold quiet mornings

7. fresh laundry

8. a cozy hooded sweatshirt

9. lists

10. creative outlets

What little things are you thankful for today?

*the idea for this post came from here and is part of the 30 Days Of Lists Project

currently - August 2014

tending to my plants that are somehow still thriving
planning lessons
eating olives and berries (not together)
racing to finish this sweater before school starts
opening this book with the goal of making time to read during the school year
snapping photos of the little people in my life
savoring the last days of summer freedom and sunshine
enjoying my clean and quiet house
sipping coffee
choosing to be joyful always and to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5.16-18)

fiber friday

I love knitted dishrags/washcloths. They are absorbent, easy to launder, and simple knitting projects perfect for the car or a dark movie theater! We use them a lot around the house to try an avoid the extra cost of sponges and paper towels. 

When my mom asked about some knitted washcloths for the project Days for Girls, I jumped at the chance! I've been wanting to try some new patterns and stitches so I started with this basic washcloth while I searched around for more options.  I found some bold and bright colors from the Sugar and Cream line: Blue Mod and Playtime featured below.

Then I decided to try a new pattern I found on Ravelry called Waffle Knit Dishcloth. I really like how this one looks and it is an interesting knit, however the stitches are looser.  If you are looking for a tighter weave, I'd recommend either going down a needle size (to a US 5 from a US 6) or use a different cotton yarn.

Next I'm thinking I'll try something from this website. I especially like the Two Square Washcloth, so we'll see how they turn out!

weekend - list no. 5

Weekend Goals
1. fun with friends
2. laughing
3. playing with nephews
4. knitting
5. walking, walking, walking
6. at least one run
7. good great food
8. coffee - strong coffee
9. road trip conversations
10. mental rest

What are your weekend goals?

*the idea for this post came from here and is part of the 30 Days Of Lists Project

Currently - April 2014

returning to blogging!

wearing my new shawl (see above)

eating goat cheese & apple slices

packing for  Hawaii - trip isn't until June, but it's good to have something to look forward to!

listening to Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Gazarek, the husband's jazz piano from the next room  

searching for a new audiobook to listen to while I wash dishes and knit 

reading A Causal Vacancy by J.K. Rowling (lots of characters with interesting connections and a steady pace)

choosing to move: running and yoga a few times a week with shorter core and toning exercises on "off days"

browsing A Beautiful Mess projects that I don't necessarily make yet always inspire me to try new things no matter after how daunting and Lining Up My Stitches for inspiration and accountability to keep doing the things we love regardless of life busyness

enjoying  the wall of our living room which showcases a small quilt I finished last year, a fun and dynamic paper art project, and an old bingo board from my Grandparent's house. Each has a certain faded, antique quality that I find cozy and relaxing.

watching most things PBS and "Chuck"(we just began season 1)

sipping americanos - hand ground and homemade

knitting any chance I can get!

I enjoy reading currently posts from a variety of bloggers. It is a fun way to document the little and big things happening. Here are some links to other ways of recording what is currently happening:

Elise Blaha Cripe

Stephanie Howell

Ali Edwards

july 30

old coat pocket

held a fun surprise!

Slice of Life 2012 - 15

There is something about a fresh cup of coffee that helps the day start smoothly. Perhaps it's the caffeine, the aroma, the warm billowing steam, or maybe it is the intentional choice to pause amidst the busyness, close your eyes and take a slow sip. Maybe this is the reason I choose to start my fullest days with an extra stop at the coffee shop, in hopes that I will savor a moment or two and not let the day pass me by.