beauty that moves

A New Home

Greetings, friends. After twelve years of blogging here at Beauty That Moves, it felt time for a new chapter, a new web home. I'd love for you to join me at North Ridge Farm. 

New Beginning, New Direction

The snow is above Scout’s head at this point but it doesn’t seem to phase him; he just figures he’s in the deep-end and swims anyway. I haven’t officially mentioned it here yet, so now is probably a good time to share that we have moved to Vermont. Most of you know this by now via our daily connections on Instagram, but such a change should be typed out on this page, too. I’ll share more details over time as life here unfolds, but for now, I just wanted to report our happy news. 

Through the busyness of moving and the holidays, I haven’t been able to write any sort of New Year’s post or end of year reflections. Something I typically do. And even now, with the dust settled a bit, I don’t have anything profound to say. Probably because I'm still reeling from the physical exhaustion that was 2018.  

It’s been two years since I’ve felt any sort of excitement about the new year. 2017 and 2018 were consumed with goodbyes and massive change within our family. In many ways those two years were defined by sheer survival, at least emotionally speaking. And while there was still the natural growth and progression that comes with being human, there were no grand plans or big ideas executed. I just sort of floated through and rode each wave as best I could. But finally, 2019 has me feeling excited for some new beginnings. Granted, I’m still very much in the honeymoon phase with the fulfillment of this life long dream of moving to Vermont, but while things are still brand new, I’m ridiculously optimistic and full of idealistic plans. 

In the spirit of January housekeeping, I’d like to share a few things pertaining to this blog as it relates to our new chapter in life. 

In 2018 I retired from creating and hosting online workshops. I felt like I had said most of what I’d like to say, and knew I'd be entering a phase of life that would benefit from bringing new ideas to fruition. But then I moved here, right on the cusp of winter, and couldn't imagine not hosting at least one last Hibernate. So I’ve put that together and we begin on Monday. It's going to be such a sweet spot for these wintry days. You should join us! 

For many years now I have felt disconnected from the name of this blog, but could not find a new name to replace it. I don’t like to force these things, rather, I like the idea to come and then create the work around the idea. Twelve years ago when I started this blog it was not, I’d like to start a blog what should I name it? It was, I need these words - this title - in my life, maybe I’ll create a blog so I can use them as the title. I know, that’s pretty backwards, but I’m still here twelve years later. 

Anyway, I finally have a new blog name! A new direction! A new vision for this deeply-entrenched-in-middle-age chapter of life. Out of the blue, the new name struck down like a lightening bolt and there was no room for discussion. It has claimed me and all I can do is fall in line and do the work. This new(ish) direction will not be for everyone (I’m no longer a thirty-something homeschool mom, for instance), but it will be genuine and it will be right for me, and that’s really all I can offer. I’m going to take a month or maybe two to develop this new blog/website, and will let you know when I’m ready for visitors. 

I’m not sure that I’ll be writing here between now and then, I think probably not. I’d like to devote any creative spark to the new space so if I’ve got some thoughts or stories to share, I’ll write them down over there and they’ll be ready for you when those doors open. 

And finally (this is a really boring “finally”), some of you have asked if I’m still sending out my newsletter and I am not. Here’s the thing: it stressed me out! Not the writing of it, but without fail every time I mailed an issue I’d receive dozens of emails from people saying they did not receive it and could I look into that. I am a one woman show and that got time consuming very quickly. To try and remedy what appeared to be a technical issue, I put a call out for folks to send me their email address if they’d not been receiving the newsletters they'd signed up for. Hundreds of people responded and I manually entered every single one of the addresses into my subscriber list on the host I use for my newsletter, and easily 99% of the addresses were already there and had in fact been mailed the newsletters (I kind of suspected this would be the case). So, I don’t know - spam filter, internet gremlins, a grand conspiracy? I’m not sure what went wrong for people but I didn’t have the energy or time to manage it, so I let it go. All of that is probably a lot more than you needed to know!

I did write a newsletter, but I am not writing one now. (Much simpler.) 

I hope your 2019 is filled with great love, abundantly good health, and the means to live comfortably and give generously. Thank you for being here, and I hope you’ll continue to hang out with me in our new space, coming soon. 

(In the meantime, I’ll still visit Instagram most days. I’d love to see you there!)

Hibernate :: Online Retreat

 

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire."

 

- Edith Sitwell

Let's slow down and enjoy the season. 

Hibernate is a self-paced, four week, online retreat - a place to celebrate the pause and renewal that wintertime brings. We'll linger through the dark and quiet, welcome stillness, and allow for time to enjoy home and hearth.

Nourish, gather, renew, create, and rest have long been the guiding themes for Hibernate. This workshop is held in our private website, with new content delivered each Monday-Friday in the form of beautiful ebooklets filled with wintry essays, handcraft tutorials, whole food recipes, and seasonal ideas to enhance your days. In addition, there will be an interactive community to share your photos, ideas, and experience. This is an optional element but quite fun!

You will find the days in a single week thread together with projects and ideas that compliment each other. Starting where you are, and working with what you have, you will pick and choose the projects, prompts, recipes and inspiration that speak to you. There is no need to feel like you must "keep up" or complete all that is offered. 

Hibernate is filled with ideas to help you revel in the beauty of the season. As our bodies slow down, leaving the heightened activity of warmer months behind, our hands welcome meaningful work and our hearts open to the beauty of home.  

What to expect?

Given the recent changes in my family's life (a move to northern Vermont), this workshop might feel a little more “real-time” than past Hibernates. I’m feeling really excited about this! This year, I am entering hibernation with some pretty deep intentions and ideas. To put it bluntly: Hibernate is much needed this year, and I am so ready to sink in. Maybe you feel the same? I plan to begin my own retreat fresh with the new year - sewing, knitting, journaling, cooking, hearth tending, candle making, life organizing, contemplating, getting outdoors, soap making, herbal medicine making, hosting, and all the things deep winter asks us to enjoy. I will be writing, filming, and photographing my way through, and turning it all into gorgeous videos and downloadable ebooks filled with recipes, tutorials, essays, and community offerings to share with you throughout our time together. You can also expect to feel inspired by an incredible community of women who are making it a point to create a little peace in their day. 

I look forward to hosting you this winter, welcoming you into my home and heart, sharing projects, and even sharing the stillness that winter brings. 

(Have you taken Hibernate in the past? If so, please know that this year will be ALL NEW content!)

If you feel ready for the warmth and peace found during this cozy time of year, than please join us.

I'd love to Hibernate with you.

Four Weeks

Begins January 14th

$45.00

 

Our Family Gift Exchange

Over the years I’ve been asked how we do gifts at the holidays. Low key spenders and absentee shoppers that we are, I’ve never thought I had much to share on the topic, but with much of my (mid)life being about reflection in recent years, why not. Now that I’ve spent some time thinking about it, I realize we do have a certain way of approaching holiday gifts! Maybe sharing it can be helpful or at least relatable for another person. 

Truth is, for a family of low key spenders and absentee shoppers, we do actually exchange gifts pretty heavily at the holidays. Maybe not “heavily” by western standards, but for us, it is indeed a time of abundance. I guess because we don't shop much throughout the year, or spend much money on ourselves in general, we approach the holidays as a big annual resupply. A single day of abundance, even if most of the items are everyday things that others might budget for throughout the year. Instead, we wrap it all up and place it under the sparkly tree. For some reason, we find this to be fun! And, tradition! Seriously, I’m genuinely happy to receive a half gallon of local raw honey. I have so many more uses for that than I would a gold bracelet. Yes, please load me up with beeswax for candle making, or oils and fun ingredients for soapmaking. A fat quarter bundle from the quilt shop? Heaven! Yarn from my favorite yarn shop? What a gift. A new broadfork? What did I ever do to deserve such nice things! A couple of books for our library? Swoon. 

Adam is thrilled with his annual package of Made in USA bungee chords and also one of tie-down straps (hint: every man you know would appreciate this gift). He is genuinely happy about a few new pairs of Darn Tough socks. Tools are something he usually holds off on buying throughout the year, and let’s me know of a couple he could use. Another axe, one more knife. Maybe some new boots. A couple of books. Good chocolate, a few bottles of wine. Hunting gear. Work gloves. Always new work gloves. 

Emily is a less is more person when it comes to material goods; too many gifts would be stressful for her. She’s young and is building her library, so books from her favorite authors are always appreciated (she is someone who re-reads favorites). Clothing if she needs it, maybe a new pair of boots. She’s become quite the world traveler so luggage and travel accessories have made their way under the tree in recent years. She likes a new journal and stationary set each year (she is a dedicated journal + letter writer). Living Libations face wash (Best Skin Ever). Adam likes to buy her organic-free-range mascara and nail polish because the thought of her buying low quality makeup on her slim college student budget is not cool with him. Tea, snacks, some cash. Good chocolate.  

Chocolate for all!

There are popular themes out there (something to wear, something to read, something to play with... though I’m probably getting that wrong), but we’ve never followed a theme. For us, it’s really just about not buying much throughout the year, then having fun, being generous, and stocking up on one special day. All with a nod to practicality and good consumer choices. Also, anything that can be found second hand, all the better. 

Our main gift exchange takes place on Christmas morning, which we try to linger over as long as possible. As for Solstice, I’ve written about how we celebrate that here. One more fun link: I made this Cranberry Orange Tea Bread over Thanksgiving and it was the very best ever. I think the buttermilk can take credit for that! And the orange zest in the glaze. If you're looking for a good cranberry orange recipe, look no further.

I do love this time of year. 

They Continued Walking, Close Again {Plus, Homemade Macaroni & Cheese}

On Sunday I took the long way to my destination, choosing a winding drive around the lake over a straight shot through heavier traffic. Beside the lake, two older women walked closely together, but quickly put some distance between them as my vehicle came into sight. Driving closer, they switched to single file. I couldn’t give my usual wide girth, moving entirely to the opposite side of the road, as their position was just near the top of a hill I was about to crest and no telling what was coming from the other side. But I gave them all the room I could, and slowed my pace considerably. As I passed we exchanged a wave, one of the women decked in comfortable L.L.Bean-type attire, earthy heathered colors, properly bundled in layers for the brisk October day. The other, walking closest to oncoming traffic, wore a blaze orange safety vest with yellow reflective stripes. Both women were dressed far more sensibly than me; I didn’t even have socks on, reluctant that I am to give up my sockless feet of summer. 

Past them, I glance at their increasingly distant reflection in the rearview mirror. Then, with me safely down the road, the silver haired woman reached for the hand of her partner, and they continued walking, close again, holding hands. With me, safely long gone. My stomach tightened as I thought how painful it must be for two mature, consenting humans to not trust that their love is allowed. How so many feel that way. Do I rage or do I weep? Both. I thought of them for the rest of the day, and still am, four days later.

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I prefer to wrap up tender posts with a silver lining. It's more comfortable for everyone. But sometimes I can't think of a way to do that. So how about some comforting food if I cannot find a comforting sentiment?

I haven’t made this in a couple of years, though I thought of it yesterday as it’s been a traditional Halloween meal for Emily and friends many times. Even though I can't seem to justify a pan of such tasty gluttony for two middle aged empty nesters, you should definitely make it. This recipe is unapologetically filled with dairy and carbohydrates and if we’re being really honest, it is also the gateway to heaven. 

 

Homemade Macaroni & Cheese 

Inspired by Tasha Tudor’s Recipe

Serves 4 to 6. Can be doubled to make a large pan. 

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 5 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup Gruyere, grated
• 1/2 cup crumbled buttery crackers, for topping

 

1. Preheat oven to 350º F and butter a shallow 2 quart baking dish.

2. Cook macaroni in boiling salted water until just tender.  Drain and prepare cream sauce (you could also prepare sauce while pasta is cooking).

3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp of butter, then whisk in the flour and slowly add the milk, keep whisking.  Whisk mixture until it thickens, then add the both cheeses and stir it in until it melts.  Season well with salt and pepper. 

4. Place the drained macaroni in the prepared baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over it, and stir gently to mix. Sprinkle the crumbled buttery crackers over the top, and dot with the remaining butter.  Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until browned and bubbly.

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See? If you’re not sure how to end on a high note, offer carbs and dairy.