What I Learned in July

It's hard to believe July is over. 

Today, I'm going to share what I've learned this month. Are you ready for some random happenings here at northfield gate? Here we go!

1. I can eat a salad for every meal. 
I've always liked salads. But lately I found myself having a salad almost every meal and sometimes even for a snack. I just can't get enough of it. I think the combination of summer vegetables, leafy greens, and lemon based dressing is refreshing and perfect for summer.

Baby Kale + Tortellini Salad

2. When you compare generic vs. name brand pure vanilla extract, the name brand wins without a doubt.
I've been baking a lot this month and this is what I learned. The generic kind just doesn't have the vanilla scent I want in baked treats. Any thoughts? 
 
3. I believe in the power of packing tape.
Let me start by telling you this: I like pretty things and I love decorating our home. But not-so-pretty things can happen in our household, well, more often than I'd like to admit. This is what happened. My electric piano broke and I used packing tape to fix it. (gasp!) I know.

It works just fine for now. And yes, I'm still practicing the piano almost every day.

4. My cat loves my piano.
Speaking of piano, my cat Margo loves to sit by my feet when I practice. I think she gets comforted by the music. It's nice my furry daughter and I share the same passion. I love her to pieces. 

5. Want to discover your creative genius? I've learned embracing imperfections is the best way to unleash your creativity. You don't want your fear holding back your creative energy. You can read more about it Here.

6. Kids eating popsicles in the bathtub is not a bad idea.
My boys are not usually allowed to eat outside of the kitchen. Yes, I'm that kind of mom. But the other day, I let them have their popsicles while they took a bubble bath just because. All the drippings ended up going in the tub and I didn't have to clean up the mess afterwards. The boys were happy and I was happy. Sometimes it's good to be spontaneous.

7. The sound of rain comforts me.
It's been quite rainy here in upstate NY, but I don't wish for sunny days. I think of my mother in Japan when it rains. I think of the time she told me the sound of rain calms her mind. Listening to the rain instantly transports me to that moment in my childhood. I like it when it rains. 

8. If the blog is a car, then your kind comment is the fuel.
I feel so blessed to be able to share what I'm passionate about here on the blog. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Your encouraging comments have fueled me to keep on going.

You can read more about what I've learned this summer Here. 

What have you learned so far this summer? 

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Today I'm linking up with Emily at chatting at the sky for her What We Learned series.