Growth

I really do believe that with all life experiences, we grow in some way - positive or negative. I hope with all my family has been through that we grow stronger, more accepting, more appreciative of every day.

In an attempt to grow not only emotionally... but also to grow my life skills, I am trying so hard to literally grow more life around our apartment. Nature has a way of calming, reminding us that life does go on. Yes, I am sad I didn't learn everything my mom knew about growing things - but I will try to borrow from her passion and love and slowly and patiently learn.

Odds and ends

I am even more amazed and inspired by some of the blogs I read regularly now that I have attempted to blog. Time gets away so quickly and it truly is a commitment! Here are a few odds and ends that could constitute a whole post but I have been putting off.

• My sister sent me this great link about how beer can help prevent weak bones. Beers with high levels of hops and barley are the best.


• I went with my brother, brother-in-law, dad and hubby to International Tap House in Chesterfield last weekend. The 35 beers on tap were picked by STL Hops and there were some great ones! We had a sampler and several regular beers, including a Pilgrims Dole and a Bell's Two-Hearted. Fun times hanging out with the boys drinking great beer!


• My brother also told me about an article in the New York Times discussing the resurgence of growlers - The New Old Way to Tote Your Beer. The benefits? Fresh beer, variety, economical, and ecologically-friendly! Would love if this trend makes it way to Mid-Missouri!
  

Cans vs. bottles

If you want to purchase craft beer, bottles seem to usually be the only option. However, increasing numbers of craft brewers are using cans according to a recent article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. The reasons? Cans eliminate light and oxygen from spoiling beer and are also cheaper for brewers to label and ship.

Another reason I personally like: Cans are made from more recycled materials so they are better for the environment.

And if you're going to pour your beer into a glass, what does it matter anyway what it came out of?