Happy Fourth of July !

Happy Fourth of July~ Independence Day! I am jetting off to Vermont tonight. The land of Maple Syrup, Green Mountains, Cabot Cheese, Lake Champlain, Church Street ,notches rather than canyons and Ben & Jerry's Ice cream. It is truly a charming place. Catching the red eye with the kids. I will be posting here and there about our adventures and of course we will have our Fun Free Friday Giveaways too so be sure to check in often. Don't forget to enter to win a copy of our July Book Club read Comfort Food. I will try to post this week's winner of the Fun Free Fridays Giveaway and the new giveaway from JFK in the morning Have a great Fourth!

One Great Recipe * Banana Bread

{image by me}

We often have bananas that get too ripe too soon. This is what we do with ours. This is by far the very best recipe for Banana Bread. It has been in the family as long as I can remember. In fact I ate a whole loaf of it by myself when I was about 6 or 7 years old. Enjoy!

{ The Best Darn Banana Bread Ever }

• 3 mashed very ripe bananas
• 1/2 shortening or butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups flour- you can do 1 cup wheat flour & 1 cup white flour
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts(walnuts or pecans)

Cream bananas, shortening/butter, brown sugar- then add eggs vanilla salt & baking soda mix in flour and nuts then pour into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 min then check every 5 min 'til done.

Sweet Family Life * Compost

Every time my kids empty their plates into the trash I cringe. Every time I am chopping veggies for salad or dinner and I have to empty my trimmings into the trash I let out a deep breath because I wish I had one of these really nice Nature Mill Composters to put it in so I can add it to my garden soil. We don't have the best soil here and I try to build it up with what ever I can. What i really like about the Nature Mill Composters is they don't have an odor and create the nicest organic compost for your plants as wells as fit under your counter. You can put the following green and brown items in it: sawdust, wood shavings bread, rice, pasta, grains nuts, nut shells, straw dry flowers, small yard leaves coffee grounds, paper filters fruit, vegetable scraps meat, chicken, fish fish bones, shrimp tails cheese, eggs, egg shells tea leaves, tea bags grass & plant clippings. All to turn in to a rich dark brown soil. Doesn't it sounds just great?!

Sweet Family Life * Fishing & Photography

Today we went fishing as a family. I have not been fishing in over 15 years and even then I was for the most part just an observer. I have three children who have asked more than once if we can go fishing. Well fishing was filed under something dad will take care of and I will go as an observer and possibly the line untangler. Since I am no longer married and haven't been for 6 years now I had to refile the fishing job to my job. We bought our fishing licences a few poles and all the other paraphernalia associated with fishing and we were off. There was a lot of tangled lines and the ewws when putting on the bate but the kids had a great time. For the most part I was the observer and the line untangler and the kids got their wish. My 12 year old who is working on his photography merit badge took these pictures of the Provo River and the fishing reel. He has a good eye! The Valley has some great fishing. In fact the Provo River is a fisherman's destination spot. If you live in The Valley there are so many places you can go. For tips of fishing in Utah or a place near you visit your local Division on Wild Life. The Utah Division of Wild Life has fishing hot spots, weekly fishing reports, a fishing guide book and more. Fishing licenses are required in most places and often free for children. In Utah you are free if under the age of 12 and to our surprise free under the age of 15 in Vermont-we are planning a trip to Vermont the first of July.

Fishing Reel by S. Atwater

Provo River by S. Atwater

One Great Recipe * Fish Sauce

{photo by me}

I came up with this sauce for fish about a year ago. It is a mix of a few recipes with my own touch. My son will not eat fish unless I make this sauce for it. Since fish is high in omega fatty acids it is a great brain food & mood lifter. I am glad he will eat it with my sauce. We could all use a little brain food & mood lift-right! Enjoy your fish.

• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 2 tbs whole seed mustard such as inglehoffer's stone ground mustard
• 3tbs lemon juice
• 2tsp fresh finely chopped dill (can use dried dill)
• secret ingredient!! about a 1/4 tsp of red pepper or red pepper flakes to taste

Mix together and let set while preparing and cooking fish so flavors blend. Add a dollop on top of your cooked fish. Your kids will love it!

From Our Book Shelf * It's Raining It's Pouring

When I woke up this morning I looked out the window and the first thing that came to my mind is the classic nursery rhyme song ...it's raining it's pouring the old man is snoring... As you can guess it is raining at my house. Time to get out your wellies & rain jacket and jump in some puddles. When my children were younger I found this sweet version of the song It's Raining It's Pouring in a book by Kin Eagle -illustrated by Rob Gilbert. It is filled with colorful watercolor illustrations. This book also includes the music to the song on the last pages. Children love rhyming and this book in it's rhyme adds some fun to an old classic. It is a perfect rainy day read.

Fun Free Fridays * Sundance Cone Flower Print

I can not believe it is already June. Sorry for the delay in our Fun Free Fridays. It has been a busy weekend with a totally cool "Junior High Here We Come" 6th grade graduation party. The kids had a great time with a BBQ that included lawn games, old fashioned style soda bottled sodas, home made ice cream sundays, a water fight and it all ended with a bang. The kids made a giant popper out of a whole box of poppers. It was sooo junior high lol. My son added the gum with "you know mom you have to have some gum!"

I've had several requests for the Sundance Cone Flower in Print so I decided to giveaway three 5x7 prints to 3 lucky winners. They will also be available on my etsy shop if any one wants to buy one. I also wanted to thank everyone for all the kind words and support. I read every email and fully enjoy them all. I love writing Sweet Life in the Valley & I am glad you like it too!

{To Enter to Win the one of three Sundance Cone Flower Prints }

~ Send me an email with Sundance as the subject to sweetlifeinthevalley@gmail.com

~ Answer the question of the week: Is there a book you would like us to read for Our Book Club?

~ Include your name & address-open to anyone is the U.S

~ You have until midnight Thursday June 5th enter this giveaway.

~ Don't forget to *get extra entries !

1}*Refer someone & get an extra entry! We want to spread the word about Sweet Life in the Valley so if you refer someone to our giveaway & they enter you get an extra entry.1. Send the names of the people you referred with your entry2.They enter you get an extra entry for each person who enters

2}Write about our giveaway on your blog myspace or other place online send me a link to your post and get an extra entry

{Congrats to Jenni S. and Kara P. they each won a Busy Baby Wrap- thanks to random.org for helping us choose our winners}

Sweet Gardening * Photos of Your Gardens

{This is a purple cone flower in the Sundance Resort gardens I took last summer}

After posting today about gardening and mulch I was thinking about taking photos of my garden and posting them every now and then to show it's progress. I would love to have you all send in some photos of your gardens and their progress the big and the small even if you just planted a couple of pots on your balcony. So everyone please share and we will post them once a week as they come in. Be sure to include where you are located. I am looking forward to seeing what you are all doing!

Sweet Gardening * Mulch a Must in The Valley & Everywhere Else Too

Mulch

With our garden just about completely in the ground a few things have been on my mind one of them is mulch. I have in the past mulched my garden with grass clippings, straw and dry leaves. I have heard that some of these can damage your soil's pH balance so this year before putting down the mulch I thought I would do a little research. After planting and tending to your garden everyone wants a glorious abundant harvest as a reward for their efforts. The United States Department of Agriculture says that all the items I listed above are just fine along with bark chips, saw dust and even newspaper but I am still a bit skeptical so off for some more research. On Wikipedia these mulches are also mentioned as well. They say straw mulch is a neural in pH and does a better job keeping moisture in the ground as well as keeping weeds away. Pine needles are also mentioned. I have never tried them but would be beautiful for a ground cover in a naturally landscaped yard or garden. One thing I came across over and over on State extension sites is the beware of Sour Mulch warnings. Sour mulch lowers the pH of your soil and will kill your plants. Your mulch should smell sweet and organic like when you take a walk through a forest. If it starts to smell sour it needs more air. Get rid of the sour mulch right away. Be sure as you work in your garden to mix up your mulch a bit it a hoe rake or other gardening tool to be sure it is getting some oxygen. The results are in for which mulch is best. Although different mulches may start out more acidic as they decompose they become more alkaline. All of the mulching materials we listed grass clipping, leaves, saw dust, straw and pine needles are good for mulching. I think this year I am going to go for the straw mulch. Now to find a local farmer who will sell me some. If anyone knows of a great place please be sure to let me know. Happy Gardening!

{Image via MarthaStewart.com}

See all that straw mulch in Martha's Garden

{ Tips on Mulch that I have Collected }

For drier climates such as The Valley layer your mulch at
least 6 inches deep. It will compress over time. Wetter
climates should use a light layer so mold and stem rot
doesn't occur.

Gardenguides.com has a great guide on how much mulch to
purchase for your garden (if you need to purchase)

NRCS reasons to mulch:

• protects the soil from erosion
• reduces compaction from the impact of heavy rains
• conserves moisture, reducing the need for frequent waterings
• maintains a more even soil temperature
• prevents weed growth
• keeps fruits and vegetables clean
• keeps feet clean, allowing access to garden even when damp
• provides a "finished" look to the garden

{ Get more information about gardening in The Valley }

State Extension Service in The Valley Click Here
100 East Center- Room L600
Provo UT
801.851.8460
Hours 8:00 - 5:00
Mon. - Fri.

Mothers in May * Truly a Treasure

{Bethany W. submitted by Becky W. ~ her sister}

"There are a few mothers that I could have chosen but, I chose my sister Bethany. What makes her a great mother is her ability to be just as excited for her 8th baby that is on the way as she was for her first. She is kind hearted and has a gentle spirit. She shows unfailing patience and love. She has 7 kids and is pregnant with her eighth. She runs a farm. She home schools 6 of those kids. She is the Gospel Doctrine teacher at church. While she goes to one ward with all her children her husband is the Branch President of another. She reads her scriptures. She also makes most of the family meals from scratch as well as grows and takes care of a huge garden with her husband and family. Bethany harvests, cans, and freezes what she grows. She helps her husband butcher animals. She ran the Art merit badge for the Boy Scouts and helps her oldest son earn other merit badges. She helps renovate her home. Does all this and runs the household like most mothers. She reads, and goes for walks. She helps her husband run a sugar bush in the late winter, early spring. She is very busy and still has a smile on her face most of the time. She is rarely angry, and always welcomes the family. I love her and I think she deserves a little something special. "

Becky W.

Bethany will receive a beautiful jewelry set from Bounjour Belle as a lovely gift. Be sure to stop by Bonjour Belle at the University Mall in Orem Utah to see their complete collection. Bonjour Belle will soon have their online stop ready for everyone outside The Valley.

Mothers in May * Happy Mother's Day

{ Rose S. submitted by Jane M~ her daughter }

"My mother grew up as one of eight children in rural Canada. Farm life was tough work in those days, and the six girls, of "sturdy German stock," were expected to do their share. Imagine the culture shock when Mom, with my one-year-old sister and infant brother, moved with her husband across the ocean to India to work as missionaries. Another sister arrived in India, followed by a new sister in what was then East Pakistan, and finally me in Bangladesh. Mom and Dad have continued to work in exotic locations, including New York City, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. They finally retired a couple of years ago and moved to Vancouver Island, BC, hoping to enjoy their twelve grandchildren more frequently. Shortly after their retirement and move back to our continent, I discovered I was pregnant with my first baby. And then hubby and I decided to move across the world with their newest grand baby to Mozambique. Rather than expressing regret that we were moving away so soon after they moved back, Mom encouraged us to go, recognizing the calling. I love this photo of Mom with her five sisters and mother, dressed in beautiful Indian saris. My Grandma (far right), a true Canadian pioneer, is still alive and well in her nineties. This photo represents the meeting of two cultures and a mother who followed her calling across the ocean, instilling that same calling into her own children. I want to pass that on to my baby, too."

Jane M.

Rose will receive a lovely gift from American Crafts which includes their new Spring & Summer line:

A Cloth album – Leaf color

All 12 patterns from our Spring & Summer paper line

A package of Spring & Summer patterned chipboard

A package of Spring & Summer Minimark rubons.

You too can get these pretty scrap booking supplies for your mom click here to find a local store. Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Weekend Edition * Bubbles

I saw this Sony commercial on Black Eiffel. What an amazing experience to be able to walk & run through all those bubbles, to feel like a child again. Enjoy watching! It also reminded me of my boys enjoying some really fun bubble wands I found for Easter.

Sweet Family Life * Mary Jane's Farm

Last year for Christmas my sister gave me Mary Jane's book Mary Jane's ideabook-cookbook-life book for the farm girl in all of us. It has everything from embroidery patterns, to gardening tips, to apron patterns, to how to make cherry pie, to tips on camping, to how to fold a cloth diaper. I think I love this book because she came from the same type of people I did. A large family with a small gentleman's farm in Utah. These are good people that are self-reliant, grow gardens, live the golden rule, raise animals, make things from scratch, "put-up" (can) jam & green beans & mustard relish for the winter and love their families. I recently stumbled upon Mary Jane's website. It is a treasure of information for anyone who likes to create, sew, cook, organic garden, farm, etc. etc. She has a bed and breakfast where you can stay. She has her Pay Dirt Farm School. She has a magazine. She is truly a marvel and testament to all women to follow your dreams and do good things with them. Oh and she also has a chat and chapters of The FarmGirl that you can join or create in your area. Have fun exploring her site!

Sweet Family Life * Five Simple Rules

{Five Simple Rules}

1. You will be asked to do something such as- Will you please put away your shoes? You will be give a second chance -Put your shoes away now. Then you will be given an bonus chore-we have a list of extra chores from which Mom chooses a bonus chore. The consequences for not listening should be something the child finds unpleasant. It could be taking away video game time or a time-out away from everyone. I give the children 10-20 seconds to do the thing asked then I ask again then give them 10-20 seconds then they receive a punishment.

2. Do your chores- Dailies Weeklies & Rationals with an earned allowance once a month. We have a chore chart that is our to do list for the Day, the Week and then chores we Rotate between the children. I will post our chore chart sometime in the feature. The allowance is $15 per month for ages 10 & 12 with a chance for more after 6 months with a review of how they have been doing.

3. After chores & school work are finished you have the rest of the day free. We have agreed that the children can take all day and night to do their chores & school work but they do not get any TV time, video game time or get to play with friends until the work is done.

4. Do your best the first time or you will do it over. If they truly make a good effort in their school work & chores they can move on for the day but if they don't they will do it over.

5. Be kind to others. Simple & sweet!