Loving Lately | September 2014

1. Ellie Holcomb on vinyl |  Ellie’s sound is unique – a lot folk-pop a little soulful.  What I love most is her scripture-rooted, straightforward lyrics.  The kids catch on to her tunes and always ask to “turn it up” when I play her album – maybe the greatest compliment of all.  That, and I’m never not in an “As Sure as the Sun” mood. One of my favorite tracks – “The Valley.” We’ve been having fun with our record player, but if that’s not your thing, you can find her album on iTunes.   

2. Easy Lunchboxes | Maybe you’ve reached a new low when one of your favorite things is a lunchbox.  But for real. I’ve used these every school day for two years now, and each year my affection grows.  They are perfectly simple in their form and easy for the kids to use.  I’m always able to make our lunches work in them, even when I stray from the peanut butter and honey sandwich a few times a week.  Most of all, they won’t break the bank. 

3. Naan Bread Pizzas | We’ve eaten naan pizza almost once a week for a couple of months.  No lie.  It’s so simple to use as a base, we (and when I say we, I mean my awesome other half) spread pizza sauce, a little mozzarella cheese, applegate pepperonis, pineapple, jalepenos and Italian seasoning.  The kids get a slightly different variation.  The naan freezes great so we can keep some on hand for a quick meal.  Easy. Delicious. Pizza.  It’s a win.

4. The Invention of Wings Audible edition | TIOW was our August book club read, and I used an audible credit to snag it when I became the 169th person on the wait-list at the library.  It turned out to be the best non-intentional decision.  The chapters alternate between the voices of Sarah Grimke, white slave owner, and her slave, Hetty.  The fantastic narration brought to life the internal and external conflict of Charleston, South Carolina and its residents in the 1820s.  Kidd beautifully wove fact and fiction through the story of Grimke, a real-life abolitionist and women’s suffragette. 

5. House M.D. on Netflix | I know I’m about 7 years late to the party, but I’m completely wrapped up in the melodrama that is House. He’s possibly the most sarcastic, narcissistic, sardonic character on prime time, but his inner turmoil over the existence of God and the purpose of life has me hoping for him.  Will he find resolution, redemption, peace and value in life?  I’m about 17 episodes away from finding out.