Let's get personal

I've been really into cooking at home for the last few months. Cameron joined the carnivores world in February and that blew my cooking world wide open. I also received a KitchenAid from my darling mom and dad for Christmas! (thank you thank you thank you!) There is something so calming about cooking dinner. Chopping veggies, boiling water, and adding dashes of this and that. And then the total reward, sitting down with my love to enjoy and a delicious meal. I've really been trying to cook relatively healthy things with fresh ingredients. I also started reading "In Defense of Food" and that has been totally eye opening. I don't even know where to start. Mostly I'm affected by his point to eat food. Not all "food" is food I'm starting to realize. That may have been my inspiration to grow my vegetable garden this year. If I grow it I know it's food. I can't wait to cook with my home grown goods....and not paying for it.
The main reason for my post today was a reality show. Now let me explain. I just finished watching the first episode of "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution". Sure it's got all the typical reality show qualities...such as drama, tears, and conflict. But it's also got some really awesome things to say. I hear all the time about how our country as a whole is really blowing is as far as eating healthy is concerned. I hear it all the time on the news, in the papers, at the cafe, and it makes me feel guilty. I'm not sure if you know this but I get a little self conscious when weight and obesity is being discussed. I remember in high school figuring out my BMI and realizing I was "obese". It was awful. It hurt. And it was far worse than any teasing I had ever endured. And worst of all it sticks with me. If we, as individuals, had to label ourselves, "obese" would be on the top of my self chosen list. So when I hear all this news and read articles about how America needs to shape up I take it very personal. Like they are talking to me. My eating habits, my cupboards, my waist line. But you know what people.....I realized something recently. THEY ARE NOT TALKING TO ME! I'm doing just fine. I eat wonderful foods! (most the time) My cupboards and fridge are full of healthy wholesome foods. And my waist line. Psh, you can just ask Cameron, there is nothing wrong with that. So goodbye guilt, hello wonderful life full of tasty foods.P.S.
I just bought new nail polish! I never get fun colors but my life it is a changing! Also dyeing my hair red tonight. Pictures to come!

I've been inspired! This last week I worked my butt of around the house. Thursday Cameron and I got some serious work done on the yard. Our house was painted recently (love it!) but all the garden beds got a little trampled. No problem...just an opportunity to start a new.

PLUS...I am attempting to start a vegetable garden. I've been working on a 20ft x 5ft area in the back yard. I've got broccoli, salad lettuce, jalapenos, celery, and Romain sprouting in the window. Oh yummy yummy! There will be plenty to go around. So please come one come all!
Also tonight I did a little work on a onesi I've been dying to try out. I love little babies with frilly outfits. I used some vintage pillow cases to make the frills and bought some "organic" onesies. Ta da! I can't wait to play around with some more frill ideas.

Long Awaited...

(The ones, the onlys, the parents)

Something that I've wanted for so long is finally in reach. My parents house has finally sold in Alaska and they (and 3 dogs) have packed up and hit the road. There are so many mixed emotions coming from these events. I'm absolutely ecstatic for my parents to be less than 100 miles from me. We have had Canada between us now for about 9 years. However it is horribly sad losing my childhood dream home. Our house in Soldotna has held so many great memories. I was incredibly blessed to have parents that enjoyed having a house full of kids and pets and NOISE! We had the best snacks, the best movies, the bus, and our door was always open. Those days are sadly missed. I think that has been the hardest thing for me since moving to Portland. My parents home was always full of visitors. My homes in Carlsbad with Jake and Tara were always home base for my OPC family and living with the Jefferson Benditos was always a riot. Since getting to Portland my house is been empty except for my lovely traveling guests. You need friends to fill a house and I think having Mom and Dad here will be a wonderful start to a bustling home.

(Me enjoying some nature)

Second order of business, I am finally feeling crafty! I think being outside riding my bike and having the wind in my hair has helped so much. I've started a vegetable garden. I'm in the process of picking colors and decorating our bedroom, and have got a few wonderful ideas for crafts to sell. I feel so relieved to have some ideas. Oh and an extra hour of daylight after work has made me oh so giddy. I hope to be posting pictures soon of some of my new inventions.

(A little something that makes me happy)