Wednesday, March 30, 2011

semi-homemade: Greek Yogurt

To give credit where credit is due, I first saw this idea from the amazing mommy of 3, brilliant homemaker, Nicole Lane. (You should definitely check out her blog...adorable kids, sweet family, words of wisdom....but at the very least, her recipe section. This girl makes her own deodorant and laundry detergent! And of course the energy bars that I blogged about a while ago.)

Anyhow, in case you didn't know it, there is a simple way to make your own Greek yogurt! I've used regular non-fat Dannon yogurt, and PS organic yogurt as well (found that the organic yogurt took a little long to strain before I got my desired consistency, but does have more protein, less calories, etc).

GREEK YOGURT
Step 1: Hang a medium-sized colander/strainer (w/ small perforations) over a larger bowl.
(There should be plenty of distance between bottom of colander and bottom of bowl, for the whey to drip and gather.)

Step 2: Line the colander with a coffee filter.

Step 3: Pour yogurt into coffee filter (I do 32 oz. at a time).

Step 4: Cover w/ saran wrap.

Step 5: Refrigerate for up to 8 hours/overnight, or according to the consistency that you prefer. I like it really thick, so the longer the better.

Tada! Greek yogurt!

As Nicole mentions in her post, you can save the whey in a mason jar to use for other purposes, which I did. However, I only take homemade to a certain level, so we'll see if I ever use it for anything!


Now, there are some debates about the nutritional value of Greek yogurt that has been purchased as Greek yogurt. But, on our budget, I just can't justify spending the $3.29 for a 7 oz. jar of Greek yogurt that I'm going to consume in three days. So, I like this idea much better!

Monday, March 28, 2011

a perfect match


This just cracks me up. Read more about it here.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

slumped


I've been hit by a bit of a slump/funk/whatever you want to call it, so I'm afraid I just don't have any of my own material that I've felt like posting these past few days. But since it's been a while, I thought I should at least give you some sort of good reading material.

So, today's feature is from Lindsay's blog. I know I've been giving her a lot of press lately, but that's for multiple reasons. 1 - She's a super, duper friend. 2 - Her blog is about FOOD. 3 - She offers insights, tips, and recipes that are tasty and better for your waist line.

So, with one simple click here, you should go straight to her blog post, Cake Artifacts. If you don't have time to read all the tips she's included, you should at least scroll down to the picture of the cake...to read the story about the cake. And then try baking Lindsay's home made, natural version of chocolate cake. You won't be disappointed!

Friday, March 18, 2011

legacy

My brother walking Mema down the aisle at my wedding

This morning, we said goodbye to one of the most beautiful southern women that I've known: Louise Herrington Allen (also known as, Mema). She turned 88 years old yesterday, and I think she decided that it was finally time for her to join Papa. I've got so many thoughts on this sweet woman, and on their generation as a whole, but I'm heading out to join family as we celebrate her life. Rest easy, Mema. And tell Papa hey.

Monday, March 14, 2011

can't. stop. eating....


gummie lifesavers! of all things? we've had them around the office, and i'm pretty sure i've eaten a whole bag myself. oops. perhaps it's because we've got another TEDxAtlanta here tomorrow and things are CRAZY!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

THAI

My mouth is watering and my stomach is antsy because tonight we are eatin' good! Lindsay is coming over to cook us Thai. A few dishes that she learned how to cook while she was in Thai-land. What could be more authentic than that?!

Photo from Lindsay's blog,

If you haven't checked out Lindsay's blog yet, you are crazy. Do yourself a favor and go NOW! Seriously, that girl has a gift, and I consider myself blessed to occasionally reap the rewards. :)

Friday, March 4, 2011

rainy days?!


I've been SO grateful for all of the sunshine and blue skies over the past few weekends! But of all weekends for it to storm...this had to be it?!

The reason for my dismay? We get to keep these lil' munchkins tomorrow night...

the four munchkins on the bottom row, that is

To clarify...:)
Yep, these munchkins

I am SO excited, but I had all these plans of playing on our rope swing, walking to the park, eating on a patio, etc. Now, looks like we're going to need to be creative. And pack their sleeping bags as a midnight thunderstorm usually means kids sleeping on our floor!

Wish us luck! Happy weekend to you, friends.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

currently


this is me at my desk. we have such a cool office space with a whole lot of natural lighting. but for a season, that great lighting blinds me. so this is me at work right now. about 5:45pm for the next week or so, the shades go on. :)

[photo courtesy of David Naugle]

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

i have a serious problem


Now that Yoforia is conveniently located 1.8 miles from my office and 1.9 miles from my house, I cannot. stop. going. Original flavor, topped with kiwi, strawberries, mango, and lots and lots of mochi! Heaven. I was craving it in the cold weather, but now that it's warming up? Serious trouble to our budget!