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.