Monday Feature: No Cry Baby

Tis the season for…babies!!! I honestly couldn't even tell you how many babies have been born in my circle of family and friends over the past 2 years. I could easily count at least 30, but I'm going to say, there's probably been way more then that. Gone are the days of wedding showers, come are the days of baby showers. In my husbands family alone, we had 4 girls (including our own) born within 8 months. This Christmas is going to be fun fun fun as they will be together for the first time ever! Even as I sit here and write this, my 10 month old is eating banana pancakes beside me and tossing them onto the floor, squealing with utter delight, her face beaming with the biggest smile possible, having the time of her life. If only life could be that simplistic for us all.

As fun as babies are however, I discovered they require an insurmountable amount of "stuff". I couldn't believe it, when our Lalaith was born, what all we needed to care for her, to care for Hayden and I, and what was used to help us establish a new, normal, day-to-day life once more. Swings, jolly-jumpers, toys, music, blankets, burp cloths, diapers, soothers, etc. These items, while some are more essential then others, do not alway do the trick. Take the swing for instance. Many babies love to sit in their swing and sleep for hours, while a content mommy can then take time to take a nap, clean the house, do some laundry and maybe even cook a dinner. My L, she HATED her swing and if I was lucky, I would get about 5 good minutes out of it. L wanted to be held and snuggled All.The.Time.

As you can imagine, getting anything else done in a day became near impossible. Until we discovered "The wrap!" That's right! The first time I used it, I was able to prepare supper while L slept, snuggled up close to me. I had use of both my hands and felt a new found freedom I hadn't yet known. I just wished I'd used it sooner. :)

my wee one, snuggled in her wrap

I had first discovered this marvellous wrap when, a year earlier, I heard about No Cry Baby from a new mommy I had seen, sporting her wee one around in one. Hayden and I then purchased a wrap from No Cry Baby for Hayden's brother and sister-in-law, who were expecting their first baby (#1 of the 4 girls :)). Once Lucy was born and we saw pictures of how it worked, I was determined to have one for myself, as I was then pregnant (with #3 of the 4 girls). Thankfully Crystal Marshall, owner and creator of No Cry Baby, frequented the Medicine Hat Christmas markets last year and I was able to procure my very own wrap, with much excitement. The fabric was soft, stretchy and oh so comfortable. I have not regretted this purchase in the least.

The road to creating No Cry Baby wasn't all fun and games for Crystal, however. The inspiration came more from necessity then desire. Crystal recalls, "On October 8th, 2008, I had my second son, only 18 months after my first. I was plagued by postpartum and seasonal depression. I found it very difficult to deal with running a home, coping with my failing mental health and caring for two very small children. As we (mothers) have heard, our babies often react to how we feel. This was the case. My new baby was, what most would refer to as, colicy. He cried all the time and I couldn't put him down for even a minute without him kicking into a tantrum. This made me question my ability to raise my boys."

Crystal's beautiful 3 boys

"I already had a couple carriers, a ring sling and backpack style, but neither allowed me the security to be hands free. I went to a local store and inquired about a wrap. I don't remember the brand, but I do remember the price. $99 for essentially a large strip of serged fabric. I have sewn since I was twelve, and had recently purchased a serger, so my next stop was the fabric store. That night, I whipped together my first wrap."

Crystal then decided to make some wraps for a couple of her girlfriends, as baby gifts. This spurred on the domino effect, as they, while loving their wraps, then asked Crystal if she could make wraps for their friends. Crystal decided it was time time to find a label company and went to work making a directional DVD, which you get with the purchase of a wrap. It was definitely nice to have that DVD for myself, to show me how to properly use my wrap. I would have been lost without it!

In addition to wraps, Crystal makes and sells other baby accessories as well, including, but not limited to: bibs, slobber bibs, nursing covers and carseat covers.

"I added a couple items that would fill a table at the farmers market. Items that I found either too expensive in stores, impossible to find, or items inspired purely by my children ("Slobber Bib"). I love to sew, but in today's market it is very pricy. Most things are cheaper to buy then to make. No Cry Baby has allowed me with a hobby that pays for itself. I love seeing babies when I'm out and about, sporting something I made. A reward that I never considered when I set out on my little adventure."

One would think, with the surplus of babies being born, seemingly daily, business would be booming. However, the opposite seems to be the case, as Crystal explains. "As No Cry Baby starts up its fourth year, business has slowed. A number of other crafty momma's have taken up the hobby of making and selling baby items. It has come to a point that in order for No Cry Baby to continue, it must evolve." 

This Fall has introduced No Cry Baby's final "baby" related product, in what is likely to be, a long time, the curved nursing pillow! This nursing pillow compliments the, already successful, nursing cover, with peek-a-boo design. Although many items will be discontinued, fear not new momma's and momma's-to-be, as all baby products can still be purchased upon request. You will just have to put a special order in, instead of finding what you're looking for at the local market, which is not a big deal at all.

The exciting part, is that these discontinuations are being done in order to make room for new items, coming this Spring, to the 2013 Farmers Market Season. "A tease of what the new lines will include are; items for the busy mama, the daughter I never had, and tools of survival in a house monopolized by males." Sounds intriguing does it not? I know I'm looking forward to seeing what new products No Cry Baby will product this Spring, that's for sure.

To catch No Cry Baby before Christmas, to pick up that perfect gift for the new mommy or mommy-to-be in your life, head out to these two markets coming up in Medicine Hat:
*December 6th at the Cypress Centre 5pm-8pm
*December 8th at River Park Church (503A Allowance Ave SE) 1pm-6pm

Other markets you can find No Cry Baby at are:
*Mommylicious tradeshows. (Check out Mommylicious for upcoming tradeshows. No Cry Baby is always on site with a stroller check and wrap loans (free of charge).)
*2013 Farmers Market season.

All future markets will be posted on Facebook, so please go to No Cry Baby's site and "like" it here to stay updated on market news and new products!

And of course, if you can't make it out to any markets, no problem at all! Crystal is always happy to arrange a private sale. This can be done by contacting her directly, either through Facebook, email, or Phone.

Check out No Cry Baby's website at www.nocrybaby.com for further information on products.

For further questions, or to make an order, please contact Crystal directly and she will be happy to speak with you.
Email: info@nocrybaby.com
Phone: 1-403-488-2361

For baby accessories, you could drive 2 1/2 hours to Calgary and hit up Toys R Us, or you could save the $100+ on gas and support your local businesses. Look no further the No Cry Baby. I promise, you won't be disappointed.

next week's feature hint: Vats of golden liquid: the beverage of times long past.

Tuna Chard Wraps with Dill Sauce

Sometimes, when it comes to preparing a meal, it's nice to have something so simple that it takes under 10 minutes to prepare. No baking or cooking required. Thursdays have become a day for such meals, as I now am the new Winter Market manager and thus am away from about 1:30 till 8:30pm. It can be a bit difficult to prepare a healthy meal for myself and my man and wee one when I'm not even at home to make it. A crockpot is a great alternative for these days, but not always the best solution depending on what we have in our cupboards and fridge.

Therefore, aside from having a frozen pizza or homemade meat pie awaiting my love, I'll try to have something pre-made and in the fridge for him. Today's recipe was the result of one such occasion and was delicious, healthy and, like I said before, so incredibly easy.

Hope you enjoy!

TUNA CHARD WRAPS WITH DILL SAUCE

ingredients for these wraps and sauce

Ingredients:

(Serves 2)

- 4 leaves of Swiss chard (2 per person)

- 1 cup leftover fresh tuna or 1 cup (approx 2 cans) of canned tuna*

- 4 Tbsp full fat organic coconut milk. I used the cream from the top of the can

- 4 green onions

- 2 Tbsp fresh dill (if you don't have fresh, then add dried dill to taste)

- 2 Tbsp lemon juice

- 1/2 tsp Himalayan or Celtic sea salt

- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

*You are looking for mercury free tuna. If you can't find it, salmon will work well also

Directions:

- Lay the Swiss chard leaves face down, so that the stem is visible. Run a small knife along the stem to remove the bulk of it, but not so much that the full leaf separates. Repeat for the remaining leaves and set aside.

- Place coconut milk, green onions, dill, lemon juice, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth.

using the magic bullet

- Place tuna in a small bowl, combine with 1/2 the sauce, and sprinkle with pepper.

- Divide the tuna mix and place on each leaf. Roll the leaf tightly (be gentle!) and cut down the middle.

- Place on a plate with extra lemon, remaining sauce and veggie sticks.

And there you have a simple, healthy, delicious, unprocessed, fresh meal for lunch or supper! Hope you enjoy.

Happy Eating!

Thai Basil Pesto Zucchini with Shrimp

I have found a new fondness for zucchini. It's not that I ever "disliked" zucchini, I just never ate them. We sure eat zucchini now….a lot….all the time. My poor hubby, somedays I'm sure he's tired of eating the same veggies and raw foods over and over. At least I turn the repeat veggies into unique creations, so hopefully stifling the boredom that could ensue with the monotony of the same thing, day in and day out.

As I was perusing my go to blog sites, for some more dinner ideas, I came across the following recipe at Healthful Pursuit. I thought we should give it a try, thus try we did…and liked it too! (The pics are also a bit better now, as we won a new wee camera, complete with macro! woot woot).

To see the original recipe by Healthful Pursuit, click here. Or, keep reading! Enjoy!

WARMED THAI BASIL ZUCCHINI PASTA WITH GARLIC SHRIMP

My "zucchini noodles" are not as thin and fine as they should be, but I don't own a spiralizer….yet. It's on my ever growing foodie wishlist. :)

If you don't own a spiralizer, slice your zucchini into1/4 inch slices

Then slice lengthwise to create strips

Place Zucchini "noodles" aside in a bowl

Fry up your shrimp with some butter (or whatever oil you like best) and garlic

Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside

Melt coconut oil in a deep frying pan. Once hot, add the zucchini

Add a few spoonfuls of some Thai Basil Pesto

Throw on your shrimp

Stir together and suppers ready! Simple, fast and easy!

Ingredients:

Serves approx 2-3

- 4 Tbsp Basil Pesto

- 2 large or 3 medium zucchini, shredded in a spirializer or finely shredded

- Cooked shrimp (as much as you desire, or omit altogether)

- Small chunk of butter

- Fresh Garlic or Garlic powder, to taste

- 1 Tbsp extra virgin coconut oil

- Celtic sea salt, to taste

- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

- Melt butter on medium heat in a small sauce pan

- Cook Shrimp and add garlic, then set aside.

- In a medium frying pan, melt coconut oil on medium heat

- Add zucchini noodles and cook for 30 seconds, just to warm up

- Add pesto and shrimp and stir to coat. Cook for another 30 seconds

- Transfer to a plate and garnish with salt and pepper, and if you like, some parsley and a lemon wedge

There you have it! A delicious dinner for the whole family that is healthy, easy, quick and not full of processed chemicals. 

Happy Eating!

Monday Feature:Thai Manna

I've had many dreams in my 30 years of life. Many have come to fruition, others have not…yet. One of my dreams is to travel the globe and experience vast cultures, beyond my bubble of North America. I've had a taste, being fortunate enough to travel to Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Papua New Guinea (none of which were resort experiences, but real, down in the dirt experiences), and those travels have only sparked my desire, of travel and exploration, to grow to an unmatched intensity. I have but to fan the spark and watch a blaze erupt.

The dream: to backpack Europe and parts of Asia with my husband. Not only to explore and experience the immense culture found through customs, clothing and dance, but most especially through food. As I have said in many other posts, I do love my food. Thus, the discovery of new palates across the globe is only natural and desirable.

With the growth of our little family to include an, oh so adorable, little girl, this venture has not become impossible, just a bit more difficult and may have to wait a time longer before fulfilment will be realized. But that doesn't mean that I can't indulge in exotic tastes from around the world. I continually run into others who have travelled around and had those experiences first hand, and willingly share their knowledge with all they meet.

Yes, there are restaurants aplenty that offer cuisine from around the world. But how do we truly know what we're eating is actually what we would consume if we were in the heart of that country, sitting at the local market cafe or across from a local, in their home, who had just prepared a common dish from their country? We don't. We all just trust. However, just because the sign said "Chinese Buffet", doesn't mean the food before us is actually served and eaten by the locals of China. I've heard from many who have travelled through Asia, that the Asian food eaten here is nothing like the food eaten there. So how do we trust these restaurants that claim authentic, ethnic food? Take a step back from the big chain names and generic buffets, and go to that small cafe, complete with a total of 4 tables, run by that sweet couple who have immigrated over and prepare their cultural foods themselves. Or try some homemade food from that friend who has travelled through those countries and tried the food first hand, in the local setting.

This brings me to today's feature: Thai Manna. Out of all the Asian countries, I can honestly say that Thai food is my most favourite. It's fresh, flavourful, and gives the feeling of comfort food, yet is filled with fresh produce and spices that offer a more healthy alternative to greasy, oily foods found at your nearest buffet.

Thai Manna offers you a way to prepare you very own, authentic tasting Thai food, right in your own kitchen! Umm…yes please!

Let me introduce you to your new best friend, owner, creator and the food genius behind Thai Manna, Michelle Chick.

Michelle is one of those individuals who have been to the heart of the Thai culture, experienced their food first-hand, fell in love with it, and when she came home, decided to share the beauty of Thai food with the rest of us. Michelle recalls, "While we were still dating, my husband, Tyler, and I took a trip and backpacked throughout South East Asia for a year, where I learned how to make as many great dishes as I could."

"When Tyler and I returned to Canada, I was just excited to recreate what I'd experienced and I would find all of the exact ingredients to make them perfectly. I wasn't planning to do anything with it when we got back (other than cook my way into an engagement ring) but after serving a bunch of Thai dishes to friends and family, and getting great feedback, I figured it was time to see if we could do something with it."

Thus Michelle ended up making a few makeshift kits for some friends one year for Christmas, and the storm of ideas went from there.

It wasn't a fast transition and didn't happen overnight, but like anything of value, building Thai Manna to what it is today took time, a whole lot of energy and some love.

"I was in the corporate world for a long time and when Tyler and I had our first boy, we decided that we'd really like for one of us to be home with him, for as long as possible."

"I never really know what our next step is going to be, as doors open and close for us all the time. Opportunities that I never would have even thought of, will present themselves, while other times, places I thought we might go get flooded with red flags. As we near our slower season, we're working on a couple new products and business ideas. One day, I'd like to see us on a menu at some local restaurants." Which would be amazing! In my opinion, having tried three different kits, any restaurant that carried Thai Manna's food on their menu would be better off for it.

As is the case with any business venture one may embark on, Michelle couldn't have done it alone.

"I have some of the greatest people in my life, that anyone could ask for. I love the team we have, as everyone has a heart for what they're doing, for our customers and for our food. We could never have gotten this far without them."

"With help from many friends that (really must) love me so much, we were able to pull together everything from a beautiful website, logo, packaging, and most importantly, perfecting our recipes (thanks to a test group of some seriously critical girlfriends)." Sign me up on that one! :D

Michelle also had help crunching the numbers, which, unless you love numbers, can be quite boring. She claims that without this crucial help, she's still be "locked in a room, trying to make my numbers balance." Michelle's friends have been by her side late at night, packaging kits, and early on the cold mornings, getting ready for markets. "There were times when Tyler just couldn't have one more conversation about whether or not tonight's curry was a little too garlicky, compared to last night's, but he's always been the voice of reason when my "box" gets a little too big to think anymore outside of. He's also there to push me forward when the current hurdle looks as big as Goliath."

Michelle finds that one of the most rewarding parts of running Thai Manna is you, her customers!

"Farmers Market customers are generally a very real group of people that will let you know exactly what they think of you and your product, right then and there. We've made several changes over the years, based on their feedback, and because of that, our kits just get better. I'm absolutely inspired and motivated by their support, encouragement and even criticism. It seems like just when I'm feeling a little stuck as to where to go next, I come into contact with a customer that has a story of where they heard of us. Be it a friend that loved the kit they got as a gift, a sibling that forced it on them, a co-worker that wouldn't share their leftovers, or a daughter-in-law that really impressed them, till they found out her secret. I even got a Christmas card from a family last year. It amazed me that people come to thank us for what we do. I get thanked for doing this! It blows my mind ;)"

Michelle continues, "I love how our kits have developed. With so many different tastes, allergies and personal food choices out there, we're close to being able to cater to everyone's needs." With Thai Manna's kits, you can decide on the spice level (which is great when cooking for multiple people who like different spice levels, such as my husband and I. Hayden adds some of the chilies into his own bowl of curry, so his has a kick and mine has none), how salty or sweet, you can choose from our regular or light coconut milk, and you can add any of your favourite meats and/or vegetables. If you prefer a less starchy meal, Thai Manna's kits are great on a bed of spaghetti squash too!

Thai Manna's kits are gluten, dairy, egg and preservative free. Though they don't provide a seafood free option normally, Thai Manna will take special orders for their curry paste by the cup.

Thai Manna currently carries 4 curry kits, in small and large: Red, Green, Panang and Massaman. The Massaman curry kits are seasonal and absolutely delightful, if I may say so myself! I just loved it, with it's hint of cinnamon and warm, comforting spices. Although I admit, the green curry kit is still my favourite.

This year, Thai Manna has started offering a Lemongrass soup (yum yum) and a Pad Thai. The Pad Thai has been my husbands favourite kit so far. You'll just have to try them all to find out which one you like the best! 

Thai Manna also offers 1 cup of their special curry paste and other hard-to-find ingredients in bulk, which can be picked up at the Kingsland Farmers Market, anytime during regular business hours. If you would like the seafood free curry paste, it can be specially ordered by contacting Thai Manna by either email or phone.

"This Winter we're looking at rolling out something a little different and we're really excited about this one. If you ever come over for dinner, this is the one I'm going to impress you with."

I'm so intrigued and, I don't know about you, but I can't wait to find out what is up Thai Manna's sleeve! It's sure to surprise and please us all.

Please visit Thai Manna's website at www.thaimanna.com for more information on kits and links to markets where you can purchase them.

If you have any further questions, or to order seafood free curry paste, please email Michelle at

michelle@thaimanna.com or phone her at 403-998-7049.

Go to Thai Manna's facebook page here, and "like" it to stay up-to-date on markets and news on new kits!

You can find Thai Manna, year round, at the Kingsland Farmers Market: 7711 Macleod Trail S (just a few minutes South of Chinook mall, in Calgary), Thursday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm.

Thai Manna was also a part of the following markets this past Summer: Millarville, Bearspaw, Hillhurst/Sunnyside and Northlands Farmers Markets. Michelle plans to be at all of them again, kits in tow, next Summer as well!

Ok, now the part you've been looking forward to. Your Growing Green special PROMO CODE!!!

For the week of November 15th - 18th, 2012, simply mention that you are a follower of Growing Green and read about Thai Manna on my blog, and you can get one of Thai Manna's small, lemongrass soup kits for only .50 cents! This is an incredible deal that you won't want to miss out on! Go into Kingsland Farmers Market anytime this Thursday - Sunday, and you can sample all of Thai Manna's curries and pick up your soup for a delicious supper. Hope you enjoy!

What's your favourite ethnic food?

Next week's feature hint: No more crying

Sweet Pure Honey: BeeHave Honey Strong Ale Review

Growing up, alcoholic beverages were not a part of my life. I don't feel I missed out in any way, shape or form, but I do remember one time, when I was younger, taking a sip of some home-made, dry, red wine and thinking it the most obtrusively abhorrent taste to have ever entered my mouth. Needless to say, I was in no rush to pursue this, or any other alcoholic type of beverage, when I became old enough to legally indulge.

thus, I never endeavoured in trying a beer until I met my husband. Hayden had grown a taste for beer only a short time before we met, and I thought one night I would try a bit. I wasn't completely convinced or impressed, if I can be completely honest. But as time wore on and Hayden would try new brands and variations from all over the world(he never liked the typical brands most drink), I began to acquire a taste for it, enjoying one here and there with him. Till one day, as I found myself contemplating a beer and turning my nose up on a particular brand, I realized with shock that I had become….*gasp* a beer snob.

I have my preferences now and my favourite go-to's when we decide to indulge now and then. Even with my gluten sensitivity, I still enjoy an occasional beer, regardless the outcome, as I am reluctant to completely forego partaking in this fabulously brewed beverage, not that it happens that often anyway. And thank goodness too, because along came, into my life, this fabulous lady, Stella, and her out-of-this-world honey, Sweet Pure Honey. What does honey have to do with beer? Absolutely everything when this decadent honey is transformed into the most delightful Honey Strong Ale ever to be found.

That's right, you heard, er, read me. Sweet Pure Honey has joined forces with a brewery in Montana, and their rich, delicate, nutrient packed, raw honey, is blended in perfect harmony with hops and Rye, to create one of the finest Rye Ales on the market. This I say with absolute confidence. I first heard of this marriage of decadent tastes, this past summer, when brewing had already commenced, and I have been on the edge of my seat with anticipation on the outcome, and to taste this marvel in a bottle, ever since. Finally the day has arrived! Bee-Have Honey Strong Ale is available for purchase and consumption! Head over to Trackside Liquor Store to pick yours up!

To set the mood on the brilliance you're about to partake in, Bee-Have is, and I quote "A beer of harmony and collabeeration, the Bee-Have Honey Strong Ale illustrates the epic results of the combination the two best countries have to offer. Brewed in site of the Bridger range and the Spanish peaks in Montana with "Sweet Pure Honey" from the fragrant prairie of Porcupine Plains, Saskatchewan, this international effort is sure to please palates of all kinds."

Eeek! How can one be anything but excited! But there's more to further tantalize those taste buds of yours. 

"The malted barley used in this unique brew is complimented by the subtle spiciness of rye. Bittering and flavour hop additions help keep this brew extremely balanced. In addition, there is a mild sweetness, that dulls any overwhelming rye or hop flavour, derived from Sweet Pure Honey."

"These ingredients blend together to create a lighter bodied drinking experience for beer drinkers from all persuasions…"

Thus, it was with great anticipation that Hayden and I bundled up and set out for a beer tasting down the road! That first initial sip solidified all my expectations and beyond! It was just enough to wet my tongue and spark the desire for more. The next day, Hayden and I split a bottle (Bee-Have Honey Ale comes in a whopping 650mL Glass bottle and is 5.6% Alc./Vol) as it would be too much for either of us to drink on our own. Never before have I tasted a beer so smooth. The hops in many other beers can almost sting your throat, or give a tingling sensation, as you swallow. Not an always enjoyable experience for everyone. I was expecting and waiting for this to happen with my first mouthful and was shocked and delighted when none came. Just a rich, smoothness pouring down my throat.

The taste was light, slightly sweet (though barely perceptible, so fear not those who despise sweet drinks. It's not an overwhelming sweetness in any way, just enough of a hint to please the palate), and despite the lightness, very full. Whether you love a strong, dark port beer or a light, pale ale, you're sure to love everything Bee-Have has to offer, and like me, you'll keep coming back for more. You may want to eat something whilst drinking this remarkable beer, or you may find yourself feeling the effects in no time. It was all I could do to force myself to sip and enjoy each mouthful and not pour back my glass in one fell swoop. How else can I describe this enchanting Ale? Bee-Have is an elixir of mingling flavour, seemingly poured forth from the the light of the heavens. If the Northern Lights could be reached and encapsulated in a bottle for our pleasure and enjoyment, this is what it would taste like. How's that?

If you love beer, then I encourage you to try Bee-have Honey Strong Ale. If you don't like beer, then I encourage you to try Bee-Have. :) Others, who don't care for the beer variety of beverage, have found themselves enjoying this new Honey Strong Ale, so before you write it off completely, give it a try.

Bee-Have will be available for purchase all year round (can I get a woop woop?) and will be available in 650mL Glass bottles, as well as on tap, at Trackside Liquor Store, so don't forget to pick up your "growler" (for on tap beers), singles or 12 pack today!

Enjoy and remember to please drink responsibly and don't drink and drive!

Comment below and let me know how you liked Bee-Have Honey Strong Ale! Everyone has their own likes and dislikes and I'm curious to know if Bee-Have worked wonders on your palate as it did mine.

Monday Feature: Ash Grove Studios

Nature is woven into an immanent part of each and every one of us. Whether you're a city dweller, comfortably surrounded with high rising buildings, brick and pavement, perfectly manicured lawns and shrubberies, and the constant hum of ceaseless traffic. Or whether your a true blue country dweller, comfortably surrounded with towering, massive trees, dirt and gravel, unkempt wild grass and flowers and unruly nature growing all around you, with the constant hum of nature occasionally invading the stillness and quiet that lays the soul bare. A connection with nature happens in each of us, even if in the smallest of measures.

I, myself, am a country girl through and through. I was raised in the country and my love of that beautiful isolation is as strong as ever. My dream is to one day move away with my growing family, once more, from the hustle and bustle of the city and set down some roots in our own private "forest" in nature. That's not for everyone, however, as some people like to be within a 5 minute drive of their favourite store, hobby, entertainment facility, or dear friend. The convenience of the city is a wonderful thing indeed. While one personality may look at the other and think the other odd, we all have our loves, needs, and comforts. I totally understand that some of you out there would go absolutely squirrely after even 5 minutes spent in quiet isolation. I go squirrely after sitting in traffic for 5 minutes.

However, whether you love the city life or the country life, a common denominator is the love of nature. I'm hard pressed to find anyone who does not value or love nature in some facet and you don't have to live amongst nature to appreciate or love it. Some of the most beautiful and vibrant gardens I've ever seen have been in the middle of vast cities. I've also seen some of the most unique wildlife in the middle of the city too, birds most especially. I have actually seen quite a variety of birds, almost as if the concrete landscape draws them in. If there's a home with a welcome mat on it, be it a mature Oak or quaint birdhouse, guaranteed birds of vast array will flock to your yard and stay put, to the delight and wonder of all.

This brings us to today's feature, Ash Grove Studios. Owner and creative genius behind Ash Grove Studios and it's amazing plethora of unique, vintage birdhouses, using reclaimed materials, is Colin Quincey.

I first met Colin and his beautiful wife, Toni (see the feature on her business FROSTED here), when they moved out to Whispering Pines Camp, out by Elkwater, Ab, 3 summers ago. Hayden and I connected with them instantly and felt a unique bond of friendship. Colin and Hayden, who are two peas in a pod and have many of the same interests, began discussing their love of trees and wood and creating beautiful art with them. 

Colin's unique craft are the most rustic and unique birdhouses I have ever seen. They truly are a work of art, yet functional and never cease to bring in some of the most beautiful birds around. Imagine yourself sitting on your deck, sipping a cool beverage on a late, summer's afternoon. As you gaze out, you find yourself watching the flitter and flutter of colorful, happy little birds, enjoying their home in your yard, whilst singing to you the most beautiful song you've ever heard. It's a moment that causes you to sit back and sigh in perfect contentment and reflect on life and all its joy.

Colin is a born and bred Saskatchewan farm boy, who grew up building things with whatever was to be found or lying around. As he recalls "I figured out at an early age that I loved to carve and used it as my first creative outlet. Working with my hands has always been fun and rewarding. While trying to come up with a gift for my sister one year, I grabbed an old license plate and decided to make a birdhouse for her. Though it wasn't until many years later that I started making more birdhouses like this, it always stuck with me as a good idea."

After Colin graduated from High School, he traveled and lived in Sweden for 6 years. While there, he developed his passion for the outdoors and working with nature. "I became close friends with a Swedish man and his family, and for his 50th Birthday I made him a Totem. It was a standing dead Pine, 3 feet across and I topped it off at 4 meters. [The Totem] was a great project and took over 200 hours to carve, during the summer months of 2003. I’ll never forget his expression when he saw the Totem completed. I guess that’s a big accomplishment for me. I’ve also built a log house, that’s gotta be up there too."

Growing up, Colin's dad would always point out birds and tell him what their species was and what sound they made. One of the first construction projects Colin can remember doing with his dad, was building birdhouses specifically for blue martens, in an attempt to lure them to their farm.

"I guess that's when I got hooked. There was something about making things with my hands that something else would find attractive enough to live in. I remember this being a cool idea then, at 5 years old. And I still do."

"Family and friends, who first saw the birdhouses, all told me how unique they were, and if I could make custom ones for them, to give as gifts to their friends. Slowly the number of birdhouses on the shop wall grew and so did the demand. My wife said: Instead of just keeping all the houses to myself, I should let others enjoy them as well." And I know many people who are enjoying these remarkable houses, along with the plethora of birds they attract.

"Using license plates  for the roofs started just because it was the only metal I had when I made my first [birdhouse]. I already had a large collection of plates and throught it would be a great way to use them."

Colin enjoys reusing old items, thus giving them new life by intermingling them with other reclaimed materials. Out of the old comes a new creation, a birdhouse or feeder mounted upon a wall.

"I really like being invited out to old farms with falling down barns and lots of 'out' buildings and being told to take what ever I want. Those kind of people quickly become friends of "The Birdhouse Guy."

Finding little bits of hand forged metal in the dust/manure of an old barn is something that gives me pleasure and gives some lucky bird a one-of-a-kind perch."

All the materials used to build Ash Grove Studio's birdhouses are of solid/sound quality and Colin strives to make each house different and unique. "I'm lucky that a lot of my friends and family now keep their eye out for materials, like rusty hinges, and of course, old license plates. Right now it's a nice hobby and a great way for the creativity to flow."

Currently, you can find Ash Grove Studio's birdhouses at Annie McGuire Interiors and Design Studio Inc, in Medicine Hat, Ab. In the Spring, you will also be able to find these remarkable birdhouses sold at Windmill Gardens and The Hive, in Medicine Hat, and also Premium Sausage in Seven Persons, Ab., as well.

You can find Ash Grove Studio's at the Millarville Christmas Market this weekend, Nov 9-11, 2012, alongside Halifirien Wood. 

If you would like to place an order for a custom birdhouse that is a bit more specific to your tastes or personality, or to place an order period, please contact Colin directly by email at ctquincey@yahoo.ca, or by phone at 403-893-2236 or 306-945-7479. This will make a perfect Christmas gift for that bird lover you know!

As a special for Growing Green's readers, Ash Grove Studios is offering a 15% discount when you order your birdhouse. Simply give the Promo Code: Warbler when you order, to apply the discount.

This Promo Code expires Dec 31st, 2013. 

May your life be filled with those small moments that bring pure delight and that sense of connection with the nature around you.

Next weeks feature hint: Thai for the tongue

Brown Sugar Banana Bread Pancakes

If there is one rule I abide by when it comes to food, it's this: Breakfast food can and should be enjoyed at any mealtime. I love to eat breakfast food for supper especially. If we go out to a restaurant and there is the option of anything remotely breakfast related, I'll most likely order it.

Pancakes are one of the best breakfast foods, in my opinion. The leftovers make great peanut butter and jelly sandwiches the next day for lunch too.

With my gluten sensitivity, I've had to tweak my other pancake recipes, causing my light and fluffy creations to become, well, flat as a pancake. I don't love paper thin pancakes, I like thick, moist pancakes. Pancakes should be a filling and substantial comfort food! Those flat pancakes have become a disappointment to me.

Until one day I discovered something fantastical! That's right, fantastic+magical=fantastical, as is what I'm about to share with you.

A new recipe of pancakes that I thought I would endeavour to try out and transform into gluten free. I was skeptical that my pancakes would be as deliciously thick as the ones pictured on the website, but I'm all about trying new things. The results were nothing short of, you guessed it, fantastical! Hayden even proclaimed whilst eating, that these were the best pancakes he's ever had! That's quite a statement that made me smile and warmed my heart.

I found this recipe originally on Pintrest (I knew there was a good reason I was addicted). The original recipe can be found here. I'm not the creative genius who created these pancakes, I just transformed them into a gluten-free version and I'm positive if I never told you they were gluten-free, you'd honestly have no idea. These pancakes were like individual, flat banana bread loafs, and they will be making a return to my kitchen. Our wee one also loved this recipe and devoured her pancake bits. We could hardly keep up!

Hope you enjoy!

BROWN SUGAR BANANA BREAD PANCAKES

Ingredients:

1 cup gluten free all purpose flour

1 cup buckwheat flour

2 tsp gluten free baking powder

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp all spice

2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 lg ripe bananas, mashed

2 Tbsp butter, melted

Directions:

- In a large bowl, combine flour, backing powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon and allspice.

- Measure out the milk and add the vanilla extract to it. 

- Whisk together the dry ingredients and add in milk and vanilla, stirring to combine. The mixture will still be dry.

- Add in mashed bananas and mix.

- Add in melted butter and stir until batter is somewhat smooth.

- Heat a skillet or grill on medium heat. Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, spoon batter into rounds and cook until bubbles form on top and/or pancake has lost it's "sheen".

- Flip and cook for a minute or two more.

-Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve hot with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Happy Eating!