I recently caught the local production of the Vagina Monologues and was awed and inspired. (I can’t wait until I can take my daughter to see it when she’s older.) Celebrate Valentine day by celebrating being a woman. For info on shows in other cities, details about the V movement and community awareness of women’s safety, check out the v day site.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.

–Minnie Aumonier–

The Autumn Recycle Circle was a blast. Read about it here. If you know of any Pittsburgh area charities to which we may donate items from our next Circle or if you’d like to set up a Recycle Circle in your area, contact me!

Sweet Winter Squash Baked Pudding

The pudding was sweet and delicious on it’s own. But, the kids begged me for a marshmallow treat so I obliged by adding them. Did I mention Sweet & Sara’s yet?

10 oz. frozen mashed winter squash

10 oz. frozen butternut squash

2 Tbsp pineapple juice

1/4 Cup apple cider

1 tsp. apricot all-fruit jam

1/4 Cup brown sugar

dash nutmeg, cinnamon, all spice

1/2 Cup crushed pineapple

1/3 Cup +2 Tbsp crushed graham crackers

1/2 Cup marshmallows, optional ( I am dying to try sweet & sara’s vegan marshmallows. Friends in NYC hook me up!)

Simmer squashes with 1/4 cup water 10 minutes. Make a syrup with juice, cider, jam, brn sugar and spices. Combine with squash and 2 T graham crumbs. Top with additional grahams and marshmallows.

Bake at 375 for 20minutes covered. 5 minutes uncovered. LET COOL lest you lose the inner lining of your mouth!

Making daily activities more exciting has become a big priority. We’ve had alot of commotion around here lately, and it feels like it’s a good time to stop and smell the roses a little bit. I’m starting to feel like life is going by too fast. Here’s a look at what we did to liven up an average weekday dinner on a recent chilly November evening.

Who says you can’t find a balance between being on the edge of modern life and embracing the simplicity and wisdom in nature? Not me.