Saturday, December 28, 2013

{sayonara, synthetics. #1}

Now that the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and Christmas has passed, it's time to get back to making this house cozy. I've already told  you how I plan to spend next year on a "me & martha" project. I've also decided to rid this home of plastics and synthetics and anything else that is more toxic than good. I don't intend on going over board with it...I just want to feel good about the things that we purchase. And use to feed ourselves.
I have no idea how long it will take, but I plan on replacing at least 1 thing a week, until I'm satisfied.
To get the ball rolling, I took a trip to Williams-Sonoma (pricey, yes...but we are able to splurge a little these days) and got these glass mixing bowls to replace the incomplete (and cracked) set of melamine ones we've been using for almost 8 years. I also got stainless steel measuring cups & spoons to replace the plastic ones (that may or may not have been chomped on by the disposal a time or two...).
 Several months ago, I got a new set of stainless steel cookware and gave the old scratched up, nonstick coated set the boot. Food immediately started tasting better!
I will continue to replace plastic stuff with glass or metal and will also switch out all the cleaners for natural (and probably handmade) ones, clothes made from synthetic fibers (this will probably be the most expensive part, but I want real fabrics on my body!)
I'm going to attempt to sew my own set of these awesome things.
I'm going to start adding to my compost bin. We may be planning on moving next year, but the new people can still benefit from it.

I guess this is my New Year's Resolution. To detoxify.
What is yours?

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas.

I hope that your heart is as full as mine on this lovely Eve.

{Because, sometimes. ..}

At Christmas, my employers give each of us a box full of bacon...and a box full of sausage. Perfect timing for Christmas Eve breakfast. I love my employers.

Friday, December 20, 2013

{2014: my year of living like Martha}

So, I've read/watched this:

















...and I've read this:

















...and I've started cooking my way through this (but stopped out of laziness):

















With a new year and my 30th birthday around the corner, I feel like I want to have my very own year-long challenge. So, I will take these last few days of  December 2013 to get myself ready, and enjoy Christmas with our loved ones. My adventure begins on January 1st. I will be cooking Martha's recipes, crafting Martha's...crafts, and generally following her guidelines for living. All while trying to (finally) become a mom and upgrade us to a slightly larger home.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Monday, December 16, 2013

{taste: learning the basics}


One of my goals for 2014 is to learn about the foods we are eating. I've read some books and done some research already this year but I think I'm better off starting at the smallest level. Instead of planning a menu around food groups, I'm going to put my efforts into planning food around vitamins and minerals.

{At Christmas...}

Go to the ballet. The Nutcracker ballet. Sit as close as you can.
 
 P.S. you are forbidden to take photographs during the show, but I managed to snap this one of the final bow.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

{simplify.}

When did everything become so completely over-processed? So cold, so mass-produced?
Most store bought items are wrapped in several layers of plastic packaging.
Popular music spends hours or even days being "edited" on computers, the end result being catchy but without true heart and raw emotion.
Every photograph in every magazine is subjected to so much photoshop that the final image looks nothing like the beginning.
Even things that should be simple are complicated.
Clothes. Food. Beauty products.


My New Year's Resolution: strip away all of the plastic and chemicals and excessive...mess. All of the overwhelming colors and sounds.  Live more natural, simplified. Be conscious of what I am using and throwing out. What I am feeding myself. What I am reading, watching and listening to.

I want to end 2014 having embraced all of my 5 senses.

For my ears to be delighted by the sounds of nature and...life
For my tastebuds to be awakened by the flavors of the world.
For my body to know the softness of well-loved flannel, the warmth of real wool, the coolness of cotton.
For my nose to smell the natural perfumes of the earth.
For my eyes to see the wonder and beauty all around me.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

{Smell.}

This little crock pot ("the lunch crock") is perfect for simmering your own blend of goodness. My blend: cranberries, orange peel and cinnamon sticks.

Friday, December 6, 2013

{...home}


































...they could hear dad in the shed...

...yes, she does know how to open doors.







Thursday, December 5, 2013

{In my kitchen...}

For a couple weeks now, I've been taking a break from cooking. ...but today, I miss it. Dinner tonight: marinated chicken thighs, roasted Brussels sprouts and some wild rice. It totally hit the spot.

{Because, sometimes...}

An emergency trip to Target (for warm boots) is necessary. Never wear flats when an ice storm is predicted.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

{gratitude in december}

1. for unexpected gifts. everyone needs a pair of footie pajamas.
2. for nifty phone apps that save us money.
3. for the home depot and all it's treasures.
4. for Glee...it's cheesy and odd sometimes, but I love it.
5. for getting home safely when an ice storm hits.
6. for both of us being able to stay home (safe and warm) during Icemageddon 2013.
7. for a "how i met your mother" netflix marathon.
8. for cabin fever that turns me into a crazy-cleaning-lady. the house thanks you ;)
9. for getting safely too and from work.
10. for sunshine after 5 days of gloom.
11. for an abundance of pillows and blankets.
12. for good deals on goodies.
13. for Fridays.
14. for getting almost all the Christmas shopping done at 1 store. and for saving more $$ than was spent!
15. for ballet. and starbucks. and traditions.
16. for finding my missing keys.
17. for delicious new dishes. never knew brussels sprouts could be so damn good.
18. for laughter on the rough days.
19. for chinese take-away...makes dinner so easy.
20. for Christmas sweaters. Tacky or classy.
21. for my parents. and the love that time has brought to our relationship.
22. for small town diners. and treating my parents to brunch.
23. for romantic evenings by a crackling fire.
24. for family. and the birth of Jesus.
25. for beautiful, meaningful gifts.
26. for today. that is all.
27. for friday nights.
28. for HomeGoods. and Williams-Sonoma.
29. for peaceful morning filled with good music and the smells of breakfast.
30. for the excitement of a New Year.
31. for a quiet New Years Eve at home. just the 2 of us.

Monday, December 2, 2013

{Because, sometimes...}

You get tired of searching for that one hat that he needs, and you finally give them a proper home.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

{In my kitchen...}

 
Chicken Pot Pie & Gluten Free Cornbread

(I don't really worry about measurements when I'm cooking!)
1: herb-roasted rotisserie chicken, meat pulled and torn/chopped into bite-size pieces (will shred more as soup boils)
10-ish: Baby yellow potatoes, roughly chopped to bite-size pieces
2 large handfuls: fresh green beans, snapped 
7-ish: carrots, sliced
water, vegetable broth, & cream of chicken (or mushroom) to add some thickness
garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt
*David suggested adding some cornstarch next time to help thicken.

Mix all ingredients in dutch oven and place over medium-high heat. Cover and boil about 30 minutes (or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork), stirring occasionally.
Reduce to simmer for a few minutes before serving.

For the cornbread, I used Bob's Red Mill cornbread mix and just followed to recipe. Delish.

{my aura}

So I gave in and took that little "what color is your aura" quiz that's floating around facebook. Here is my result... creepy accurate.

Green

Your Aura is Green!
Personality: Most people associate green with money, which green is one of the least materialistic auras around. Comfort is most important to them and they like to feel as relaxed as possible in any situation. Greens also like to try to make others feel at ease. Greens tend to shy away from aggression and anger, and are usually the peacemaker. The one thing that ticks greens off is when people can’t get along; they wish everyone was kinder to one another. They always have a fresh perspective on things and are very innovative and smart. Greens tend to embrace change and growth, and are always excited about what’s on the horizon. They are very driven, competitive, and even a bit jealous. However, they seek out balance in their lives and usually achieve it. Greens are a natural healer and persuader. They always find it easy to get what they want in life, whether it is material success or just making a difference in other people’s lives. A strong Green individual lives in a world of intangibles where hopes, dreams and emotions are most important. You look at the big picture, are not detail oriented, and like to explore possibilities and alternative ways of doing things. You march to your own drummer and frequently find it difficult to get on the same wavelength as others. This often puts pressure on your relationships. You have a rich vivid imagination and thrive in an atmosphere that encourages the use of your creative abilities and talent. Your intuition is highly developed and you seem to be able to sense what others are feeling. You are practical, down-to-earth person. You are stable and well balanced You are kind, generous and compassionate. You have a great need to love and to be loved and you tend to wear your heart on your sleeve- you are an open book. You have a need to belong. You are at home in any social situation. You have high moral standards and doing the right thing is important to you. You like to be accepted,appreciated and admired for the good you do in the community as well as in your family life. You are a loyal friend and a faithful partner, gentle but not passionate. You are strong-willed and do not like to be told what to do by others. You do like to win arguments and do not concede defeat easily. You are not a risk-taker and not action orientated, rather more of an observer. Detail bores you. You process information quickly and prefer to develop an idea, organize a plan and then delegate the rest to someone else. The ability to put yourself in the shoes of others is one of your true talents.

Love Life: Picky with high standards, it's hard to find your match. You need someone as driven as you are!
Yellow: Greens may be attracted to yellows but KEEP MOVING ON!!
Red: To cruel to even consider greens needs
Pink: Very Quirky but not something greens take an interest into
Orange: You had a crush on an orange for the longest time now its time to move out of the “Friend Zone”
Blue: The perfect mate for a green aura they are very loyal and meet your standards to their highest.  
Purple: Purples never even seen of a green aura before they are way to high maintenance for a green
Perfect Color Love Match: White: Your long lost soul mate is definitely a white!
Friendship Color: Orange,  no matter what they will always stick by your side 

Color Opposite: Your color wheel opposite is Red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you.
Words that Describe Green: Balanced, Relaxed, Flexible, Compassionate, Philosophical, Humble, Loyal, Inventive and Unique
Purpose of Life: Inspiring Others to Be Great

Saturday, November 23, 2013

{undo.}

{reading. watching. listening.}


My thoughts:
I really liked this one. I'm a sucker for a good indie film. Even though this has a cast full of big names, it still feels like a heartfelt indie to me. Basic synopsis: 2 teens are raised by their lesbian mothers and when Joni is 18, her brother convinces her to track down their sperm donor (father). There are a few rather graphic sex scenes, but other than that, this is a really great film.











My thoughts:
I love Kristen Bell. Her performance in this little film is spot on. As a 29 year old myself, I could totally relate with her feelings of being lost. I cried along with her and Little Jason. Again, graphic sex scenes...












I watched Sex and The City sporadically...
I started this on netflix yesterday, and I am already addicted. I think AnnaSophia Robb is perfection.


I might even go back and actually watch SATC.










Sad about Mark Darcy.
Happy that Bridget is back though.















Stunning.
I didn't expect anything less.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Sunday, November 17, 2013