Little By Little blog -

Contemplation

May 17, 2013 By Kim 12 Comments

An unexpected opportunity was presented to me this week, and I have been in a state of contemplation since.

Sometimes contemplation looks and feels a lot like a wrestling match. The internal back and forth unsettled feeling can feel both exciting and terrifying. Should I? Shouldn’t I? The real question being is this God’s will for me? I’m doing a lot of praying, seeking wisdom, and direction.

I apologize for vague blog posts. I really don’t endorse the covert, so I ask forgiveness. I’m just still deciding and coveting prayers of the Body. Sisters, would you pray? And brothers? I will say that none of this has to do with blogging or photography. It’s not that kind of opportunity. It is something that is totally me, and yet out of my comfort zone. A return to roots, and yet completely new.

I promise to share as soon as I feel a little more affirmation to move forward. Meanwhile I contemplate, which really just means pray. I know the answer does not truly rest in me.

Linking with the sweet Melissa.

Filed Under: personal, photography Tagged With: personal, photography

Little Things Thursday | Photography Link Up

May 15, 2013 By Kim 18 Comments

Friends, it is giveaway time! I’ve been thankful for your support in linking here and friending me on Facebook! To say thanks, I’m giving away 3 Darlybird grab bags. These bags are so fun because you don’t know what you will get until you get it. So… your prizes were a surprise to me, too!

Here is what is up for “grabs”.

Prize One::

I’m so jealous of whoever gets the banner! It is adorable, and I’m thinking photo prop!

Prize Two::

This truly is a smorgasbord of good things.

Prize Three::

Lots of jewelry in this bag!

I’m going to make the entry easy. Leave a comment for the mandatory entry, and then you will have two optional entries. I will select 3 winners via Rafflecopter and announce this coming Monday. Contest is open to all locations. Contest not sponsored by Facebook. Prizes provided by Little by Little.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Let’s see your lovely links!

Filed Under: Blogging, giveaway, Little Things Thursdays Tagged With: giveaway, Litle Things Thursday

Refreshing Fruit Shakes (Thai Style)

May 14, 2013 By Kim 14 Comments

My eight years living in Thailand really widened my palate, and I discovered so many new foods that I fell in love with. Thai fruit shakes are high on the list of my favorites. With summer coming, these are an easy way to stay cool and refreshed. Before you begin, it is wise to have some simple syrup on hand. Traditionally you make simple syrup with regular granulated sugar, but I wanted to make my syrup with turbinado (raw) sugar. I simply want a less processed sugar, but either works fine.

Traditional Simple Syrup is 1:1 sugar to water. Simmer one cup of each in a small saucepan until the sugar melts and cool thoroughly. Keep cooled leftovers in your fridge.

Turbinado Simple Syrup is 1:1/2 sugar to water. Simmer one cup of turbinado and a half cup of water in a small saucepan until the sugar melts and cool thoroughly. Refrigerate cooled leftovers.

Watermelon shakes (Thaengmo Bun) are so hydrating! This shake is probably my favorite.

In your blender add 1 cup of cut seedless watermelon, 8 oz of crushed ice, and 3 Tablespoons of simple syrup. You can add more or less syrup according to your taste. Blend this until you have a slushy consistency, and serve. I should add that a real Thai shake adds a bit of salt. I actually love a bit of salt in this shake, but not others. So, the salt is up to you. Add a pinch or two if you like.

Lime Shakes (Manao Bun) are the favorite of most people who visit Thailand. It’s just like a frozen limeade.

In your blender add the juice of 2-3 freshly squeezed limes, 8 oz of crushed ice, 4 oz of water, and 3 Tablespoons of simple syrup. This shake can stand a bit more simple syrup to cut the sour, so sample to get the right amount. Salt is optional. Blend until slushy, and serve.

Pineapple shakes (sapparot bun) are popular with travelers, but you won’t have to go far to enjoy.

In your blender add 1 cup of fresh pineapple, 8 oz of crushed ice, and 3 Tablespoons of simple syrup. Blend until slushy and serve.

As you can see once you get the basic framework, you can try other fruits. I recommend mango. You can also try mixing fruits for fun combinations.

I hope you find these as “aroi dee” (delicious) as I do!

Linking up with Gina, Sarah, and Nancy. Be sure to visit tomorrow to enter my giveaway!

Filed Under: photography, recipes Tagged With: photography, recipes

Wacom Bamboo Connect Tablet

May 13, 2013 By Kim 16 Comments

For Mother’s Day, I received a Wacom Bamboo Connect Pen Tablet CTL470. I am really excited about this tablet because it will add a bit of fun to blogging. There are times when I want a little more creative freedom such as adding handwritten text to my images. Or perhaps I want to draw a diagram, or some other graphic. The Wacom Bamboo Connect will help me do just that.

Using the tablet is super easy, and essentially this system works much like your computer mouse. Learning to write and draw was awkward at first. There is an adjustment in getting the hang of the pen. The first thing I discovered was that I needed a handwriting intervention. It was pretty rough looking, and I do not have the best handwriting anyway. After a day, I felt the results were on par with my real writing. It is beginning to feel more natural each time I use the tablet.

I love that this tablet is just $80. The price seems very reasonable for what you get. The best part for me is the amount of precision the pen provides in my regular Photoshop editing. A mouse can feel slightly unwieldy and inaccurate sometimes, so I’m loving the pen for work on skin edits. A definite work-flow boost!

I’m still experimenting with ways to use a Wacom Bamboo Connect Pen Tablet.

It’s fun to think in terms of creative blogging. I like the idea of combining a font with personal handwriting.

The possibilities go as far as your imagination. Use your Photoshop brushes to draw. Adjust opacity and size for varying effects. I’ve found fast favorites while trying out all the brushes. My Bamboo tablet is simply fun to use. The program comes with some “app” type games that help you gain practice and control of the pen. It won’t take long to feel like an old hat.

Linking with Tuesdays Around the World via Mamahood, Among Other Things…

***My Wacom Bamboo Connect Pen Tablet was purchased, not sponsored. Link is an Amazon Affiliate link. I receive a small commission on purchases made through the link.***

Filed Under: Blogging, photography, products reviews Tagged With: blogging, photography, products

This week, according to Instagram.

May 13, 2013 By Kim 8 Comments

I hope all the mamas out there had a lovely day yesterday. My day began with Jack making breakfast for us all. I slept in just a bit while preparations were going on downstairs. The kiddos made handmade cards, which I love far better than store bought. We had a bit of time to relax before church, which was wonderful. Sunday mornings are usually a bit of a rush with dressing, breakfast, and the mad dash to leave by 9:00 for Sunday School.

Time to savor a cup of coffee was appreciated.

This past week was busy! Like crazy busy. There was a traveling hubby and his airport drop off and pick up. That meant me holding down the fort to finish school. But…we did have Thai curry, and Fregola Sarda! We. shall. eat. well! We fit a library trip in to load the kids up with nighttime reading. They are all about the Ramona books currently.

We had a sad week on the bird watch. Cupcake, the sparrow, seemed to be ready to leave the nest within days. We found that she died a day after the top image. We grieved for the mama bird who had no survivors this time around. Still, we had to press on to finish the last days of school. We got her done!

Our kids love watching I Love Lucy. Who wouldn’t? Gracyn worked for 2 hours to embroider Lucille Ball one evening. She has since added a Ricky Ricardo. My kids crack me up doing excerpts of Vitameatavegamin or singing Babaloo. Not to mention impressions of Ricky.

I’m over the moon that school is finished for the year. I do love homeschooling, but I also love breaks. Leisurely coffee in the morning is going to be sweet! And hey…Happy Mofers Day to all of you wonderful ladies once more…whether you be a Mama, Grand, Awesome Auntie or friend.

P.S. I have a giveaway this week because you are awesome!

Linking up with Tamar and Gina for P52.

Filed Under: instagrams, P52, photography Tagged With: instagram, P52, photography

Happy Birthday Little by Little!

May 11, 2013 By Kim 12 Comments

It’s my blog’s birthday.

6 years of blogging right here.

In recap of these last 6 years, this blog has changed names 3 times. There was Mommy’s Circus, and then Kimmy’s Kids for like 5 minutes…blech. I finally landed on Little by Little as a testament to the baby steps I was taking on several fronts. I didn’t know what I was doing, at. all. I just knew that it felt good to have a place to put my thoughts out “there”. It was a kind of therapy that no one read, save a handful of people. My blog was helping me through some tough transitions in life.

We won’t mention how many designs have come and gone.

Most of my vintage posts are cringe worthy. Hello big blocks of text and embarrassingly hideous images! To name a few. I was winging this blogging thing. I didn’t know that blogging really was a thing with certain proprieties. But…I’m glad I have those years archived. Memories documented are their own treasure, poorly formatted or not. They serve a purpose. At the very least they are a sort of , “you’ve come a long way, baby”. There was a time when I truly thought I’d never be happy again as we turned our lives upside down and left Thailand. I survived with a few skinned knees and bruises, and started learning how to accept the new road in front of me. Maybe I even began to thrive.

I guess you could say this place has been a bit of an Ebenezer stone.

Over the years I have come to want step off the curb and explore. Ask a few, “what ifs”. I think that is natural. My original reasons for blogging still stand, but it has been fun to leave the safety of my own front yard. It’s been a blessing forming friendships. I have received more encouragement here than I ever expected. I simply love that there is a community that understands this gig. I cherish each and every relationship that has formed over the last year.

I’m not fluent in blog. There are days when I still don’t know what I’m doing. There are days when I can’t keep up with trends, and feel that I have nothing to offer. I have days of insecurity, if I’m being honest. I just choose not to let that hold me back.

I’m pressing on. I have loved every part of the journey. I’m not ready for my Swan Song.

Filed Under: Blogging, photography Tagged With: blogging, photography

School’s Out!

May 10, 2013 By Kim 8 Comments

Last official day of school, folks! Today will be a lite day, just tying up loose ends really. A few final touches.

And then, Paaar-TAY!

The kids should brace themselves, as Mama’s bringing out the camera once again. I gave them a small reprieve, but the light of summer begs to be captured. ^^^ We are still stifling our smiles, but I will crack the toughest nuts.

Linking up with Melissa for Friday Photo Journal.

Filed Under: homeschool, photography Tagged With: homeschool, photography

Little Things Thursday|Photography Link Up

May 9, 2013 By Kim 19 Comments

In two days I am going to take a huge sigh of relief. School will end for the year. My summer will be here!

The creative side of me lives for school breaks. We’ve been in school since July 18 minus a break here and there. Mama is ready!

On a side note, you guys have stepped up to help me reach 300+ Facebook fans! Thank you! I can’t wait to host a giveaway soon to say thanks. Just waiting for the prizes to ship!

School and testing have really cut into my time to capture, but I managed to spy on Beezus perching on a overhang outside of our playroom windows. See? I really do need summer!

You guys are always sure to inspire. Let’s see the creativity from your corner of the world.

Link up with Little Things Thursday::

Post your Little Things Thursdays on your blog. Link will go live at midnight on Thursdays for linking up.
Please include my Little Things Thursdays button in your post. You can grab it on the sidebar!
Submit the URL/permalink for your post, not your home address, please. Flickr entries welcome!
Visit other blogs and leave some encouragement! We all love feedback! Please visit as many others as you can.
Please do not submit giveaways, inappropriate content, or link more than one post per week, thank you!

Filed Under: Little Things Thursdays, photography Tagged With: Little Things Thursday, photography

Fregola Sarda

May 8, 2013 By Kim 14 Comments

Pasta is one of the great loves of my life and I really could eat it daily. While I don’t actually do that, I do tend to eat pasta a few times a week. Recently I stumbled on a pasta that was new to me, Fregola Sarda.

I just happened to be shopping at Fresh Market, and saw Fregola Sarda on the shelves. The texture and color caught my eye.

The tiny ball shaped pasta looked like little toasty bread crumbs. I started to Google Fregola in the store to get some information, but 3G let me down. I bought the pasta anyway, and vowed to figure it out later.

I did a few cursory searches for recipes, but didn’t really like the offerings. I decided that I could figure something out based on the basic scaffold of the recipes out there.

I came up with Pea and Baby Bella mushroom Fregola. This dish is so easy! With summer coming, I like easy.

Fregola takes roughly 12-14 minutes to boil. You do not want to overcook these. You’ll want them al dente to keep the firm texture.

While cooking 8 ounces of Fregola according to the package directions, you can begin the “sauce”.

I diced half a sweet onion, 5 Baby Bella mushrooms, and 1 large garlic clove. You want to keep all your add-ins small.

I sautéed these 3 ingredients in 2 Tablespoons of good quality butter for about 3-4 minutes. I have a thing for nice imported butter. Once everything is sautéed nicely, add 1 cup of either vegetable or chicken stock. I had chicken on hand, so that is what I used. Add a half cup of frozen peas, freshly ground pepper, sea salt, and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the stock is reduced by half.

When the Fregola is al dente, drain, and add to the sauce. Mix well, and let simmer a minute or two. Next, add some freshly grated parmesan reggiano and mix well. Go for quality cheese.

Turn off the heat and serve in bowls with additional parmesan reggiano on top. Serve with good crusty bread and butter. A glass of wine would compliment perfectly for an easy summer meal.

Make this a versatile meal with different add-ins. I think a primavera will be next.

My kids devoured this. Recipe serves 3-4.

Linking up with Kleinworth and Co. Your weekly Best. and Wordless Wednesday.

Filed Under: domestic bliss, photography, recipes, Wordless Wednesday Tagged With: Food Photography, recipes

Blossom

May 6, 2013 By Kim 21 Comments

We are having a very atypical beginning to May in the south. My sundresses remain hanging in my closet, and I’m wearing a hoodie. One does not wear a hoodie in Georgia during May.

It’s been rainy and chilly. There hasn’t been a great opportunity to get out to capture anything grand, but I did slosh around my yard to take stock of things. My blackberry bush is blossoming.

We have quite a few blossoms, but I’m remaining cautious. Each year the birds beat us to the blackberries and blueberries. I’m hoping we get the blackberries at the very least, because I have dreams of blackberry jam.

I’m still just 2 Facebook fans away from hosting a giveaway. I have 3 cute prizes in store for you! I would love for you to join me on Facebook.

Linking up with Communal Global, and A Rural Journal.