The Art of Preserving Herbs

My neighbor was kind enough to let me take some cuttings from her oregano patch. That night I made a pasta dish, but didn't want the rest of the herbs to go to waste. So, with some help from my good friend Google, I was able to combine bits and pieces of advice on how to preserve herbs. Here is what I came away with and it worked out great (and easy too)!

The first step is to gather the stems of the herbs you cut and place them upside down into a paper bag (one that you cut several slits in for air movement). Wrap the top of the paper bag around the ends of the stems and tie a string around all of it to keep them hanging in the bag without dropping to the bottom. Then, hang the bag upside down for at least a week. Once the herbs are dry, chop up the dried leaves (or stems too depending on the type of herb you have) and place in an empty jar for later use.

Have any of you tried drying or preserving your own herbs? If so, please let me know if you have any alternative methods!

~ Lindsey

The Simple Things In Life: A Lesson From a 15-Month-Old

Well, no tutorial or showing of latest project with this post - just a few notes on life at the Hotz Ranch. Our little family has had (and it isn’t even close to being over) a VERY busy summer. Later this month our best friends are getting married, then we’re off to the Ozarks, then it’s Jeremy’s Grandmother’s 80th Birthday Bash, then football. Phew.
As we took a break to catch our breath on Monday after the 4th, we were lucky enough to spend some good, long quality time with The Bug (aka Lily).

What is it about the simple things in life that make life so fulfilling? The Bug reminded me that we don’t need anything but love and a laundry basket to have a good time. These are the moments that make life worth living and these are the moments that matter. Not the extravagant vacation you’ve been planning for months, or the new toy or gadget you want so badly. It’s all about the small, simple pleasures such as riding around in a laundry basket. She couldn’t be happier and no amount of trips or toys can replace or replicate the joy I saw in her face on Monday when it was just the three of us and our love and laughter. I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July and was able to enjoy time with what matters most, family.