What I’m into (January 2014 edition)

Linking up with the lovely Leigh Kramer to share what I’ve been into lately.

It seems like a snowy day photo would be more appropriate, but I’ve had enough: I’m dreaming of spring instead.

January has been a lovely month, except for the record freezing cold. My grandmother swears it hasn’t been this bad since the year I was born! But at least we’ve had sunshine–and birthdays and weddings, crafty mornings and cozy evenings, and plenty of soups and comfort foods.

What I’m reading

This is my current stack of library books. It’s a little scary, even for me.

But at least I’ve already knocked two of the books I’ve been meaning to read off my list. That feels good.

Worth watching

Sherlock. The last episode of season three is still blowing my mind.

Veronica Mars. I loved this show the first time through (it’s hard to believe that was almost ten years ago), and it’s standing up well to re-watching.

Both of these series stream free on Amazon Prime. Not a member? Start a thirty day free trial and get to watching.

In my kitchen

I’m completely obsessed with soaked nuts. I’ve been reading for years about how they’re healthier this way, but I always thought it sounded nasty. I completely failed to realize that you dehydrate them after you soak them.

And after they’re dehydrated, they’re delicious–so much crunchier than regular roasted almonds, and healthier for you than raw.

Here’s how to do it:

• Cover almonds with water. (Hot water will get the job done faster.)
• (Optional: add a couple of teaspoons of sea salt.)
• Soak overnight.
• (Optional: slip off the skins. It’s not hard but it does take a few minutes.)
• Dry nuts in a dehydrator or in a 150 degree oven for 6-8 hours. Keep tasting them until you like the results. (My oven only goes down to 200 degrees, so I turn it off periodically to keep it cool.
• Cool and enjoy!

Store them up high so you don’t eat them all in one day.

Pinning

Hey girl.

Happy rooms and window seats.

I love you so much, I will even talk to you on the phone.

The library–in LEGO.

I want one of these for my front door, please.

This is a genius way to deal with kids’ artwork.

I might brush up on my knitting just so I can make this.

Yeah she does.

You can’t buy happiness, but this is kind of the same thing.

I can’t stop pinning gingham for spring.

I love the way they styled this pretty dress.

(Follow me on Pinterest here.)

Best of the web

Apparently, people with these first names make better spouses. I’m married to a #6 and I think he’s pretty great. My daughters are #4 and #10. I’m not on the list, but my middle name is #3–does that count?

Kristen let her eighth-grader get her nose pierced. Read her ten reasons why. (So good.)

Carrie brilliantly articulates something I’ve been feeling for a long time.

5 times it’s more expensive to be a woman.

Jo March and Atticus Finch, Katniss and Aragorn, and other fabulous made-up literary couples.

Why Women Want Sherlock. Maybe smart is the new sexy, but the “bromance” bit is my favorite.

It took me a minute to realize this one was from The Onion, which pretty much means they nailed it.

Do tablets make it impossible for kids to get lost in a story?

What were you into in January?

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