simply blythe

oh valentine's day.

2012-02-14T07:48:00.006-07:00

happy day of love.

and love to you.

we'll be celebrating at a pizza place in boulder tonight.

d is always on the lookout for great pizza, and as a faithful pizza quest reader, he's watched many videos of pizza chefs making their best creations for peter reinhart.

that's where he first learned of kelly and his restaurant pizzeria basta.

so, if we don't go into a food coma (how are we to choose what to order!), i'll report back on the deliciousness soon.

cookbook crush.

2012-02-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

(image)

i don't know what took me so long.

my friend steph over at she inspired wrote about gwyneth's book long ago.

well, last weekend i finally picked it up at our favorite library.

this weekend i finally thumbed through it.

so good.

i want to lock myself away in the kitchen and make every vegetarian option listed...nearly.

in time, i will.

beach memories.

2012-02-10T08:43:00.001-07:00

monday night i had a dream i was lying on the beach back home in santa barbara all by myself.

i probably haven't done that in 12 years.

back in the summer of 2000, when i was home from college for a couple months, i used to load up a towel, beach chair, and the family dog into my vw bug, and head to the beach to soak up the sun.

so i pulled out my old photos and dug up the real life images from my dream.

27 weeks.

2012-02-09T08:59:00.002-07:00

here's the bump at 27 weeks and while i can't really see much difference from week 25, we do have snow in the background this time.

still lots of movements inside, we figure this little guy must be a champion swimmer.

(week 23)

current read.

2012-02-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

(image)

enjoying my travels around the world with these chef/authors.

online wanderings.

2012-02-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

inspired by heidi's february favorite list i've wandered through some great online places to visit.

recently loving:

tiger in a jar

fig & fauna

alder & co.

asos (maternity)

schoolhouse electric and supply co.

a foodie saturday.

2012-02-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

saturday d and i splurged on a panini press.

that evening we set up a variety of ingredients and pigged out.

the winning combos:

mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and a splash of balsamic.

english cheddar, pear, fig jam, and arugula inspired by her.

our household favorite grilled cheese: morbier, cashew butter, and fig jam.

brie, chocolate chips, and basil inspired by her.

d wants me to be sure to mention his beer there in the background.

a new pale ale by new belgium brewery, called dig.

he approves.

happy weekend.

2012-02-03T10:07:00.001-07:00

we're back in the snow here.

it's a winter wonderland.

baking week.

2012-02-02T09:48:00.004-07:00

i've been tempted by some bloggers' recipes this week and spent a couple mornings before work making some treats.

monday was this yummy banana peanut butter chocolate chip bread (i omitted the peanut butter chips).

wednesday i made this lemon curd.

so this morning we had plain scones that we could put the lemon curd onto.

yum.

but i must confess, i'm feeling it's time for some green juice and getting back on a healthier track.

for myself, this birthday month, and our little nicolai xander.

and one to welcome us home.

2012-02-01T10:05:00.003-07:00

yesterday i put up the light fixture originally intended for the main bathroom (but proving difficult to replace) up outside the front door.

it was an exterior light to begin with and perhaps a bit big for our narrow bathroom anyway.

so far we think we like it and if we ever paint the exterior (on the dream list) it'll work with our plans.

another little project.

2012-01-31T18:02:00.002-07:00

one of the newest light fixtures to hit the ceiling was in our bedroom.

finally.

originally we had purchased this one for the living room, but made a switch.

we're happy with the choice.

it beats the heck out of naked bulbs, no question.

hello monday.

2012-01-30T22:13:00.003-07:00

hello day gone by.

hello new recipe.

hello an extra day off this week.

hello little one inside...in the form of bumps and blips in my belly.

happy weekend.

2012-01-27T09:09:00.003-07:00

wishing it was warmer.

feeling ready for some summer parties, fire pit hang outs, and color in the yard.

making messes.

2012-01-26T09:32:00.003-07:00

i've been cutting bike seat covers.

still need to sew them up.

i'm feeling like the slowest little creator that ever was.

do you ride a cruiser?

25 weeks.

2012-01-25T09:34:00.003-07:00

here's the bump at 25 weeks.

i've finally found (or grew enough for) maternity jeans that fit, thanks to a target run yesterday.

both the jeans and top are from their maternity section.

also, this is the first week that d has been able to put his hand on my belly and feel the movements.

pretty dang cool.

sunset mag.

2012-01-24T07:38:00.004-07:00

have you seen this month's issue yet?

looking through it this morning at breakfast i'd point things out to d, who would say, 'yep, i liked that, too'.

apparently he thumbed through it last night and there is much to love inside.

a new whoopie pie recipe.

some beautiful plants for the new year.

and some eye candy in the form of a fabulous yellow dutch door.

sunday was for projects.

2012-01-23T07:58:00.007-07:00

we managed to get a few more items crossed off our to-do list.

we replaced the faucet in the kitchen.

(before)

(after)

we replaced the drawer and cabinet pulls on the linen closet in the hall (ignore the wood filler).

we installed two new light fixtures.

one in the nursery.

(before)

(after)

and one in the guest room.

(during)

(after)

it felt good to work together and finish some projects.

and yes, the list still waits.

and yes, we'll attack it again soon.

nephew fix: six and a half months.

2012-01-20T08:59:00.004-07:00

yesterday lindley and tyden showed up at our house for a bit.

i figured i better get some pictures taken, while he was seated so well in the corner chair.

i know some of you have been waiting for these a while.

pinned it, made it.

2012-01-19T08:15:00.004-07:00

(image)

i've admired this photo for years now and recently added it to my 'make it' pin board on pinterest.

then recently d and i decided we were tired of our bare kitchen windows and went out to find all the supplies to make the dishtowel curtains.

target had everything we needed and dishtowels that we agreed would work for now.

that's one nice thing about this project, it's easy to switch up when the mood strikes and the old curtains will be useful in another form.

one down, eight to go.

2012-01-18T08:58:00.005-07:00

we've installed one new light fixture in our house.

after living under these,

we now have this above our heads in the living room.

we had fun at lowe's on sunday choosing a different fixture/look for each room.

now it's just a matter of installing them all.

we'll get there.

recent read.

2012-01-17T12:02:00.001-07:00

(image)

i'm still in the midst of it, but this is one of those reads i can't get through fast enough.

i just want to soak it all up.

this instead: lighting.

2012-01-16T08:12:00.002-07:00

you may remember when i photo "shopped" in a little store in old town.

i had liked these wooden lanterns, perhaps to hang in the corner of the living room.

but with our low ceilings and their price, it just wasn't a match.

since then i stumbled upon something else.

these lights, maybe a foot and a half tall, are filling the need,

offering some light in the corner and a touch of natural element.

happy weekend.

2012-01-13T08:54:00.001-07:00

23 weeks.

2012-01-12T07:55:00.003-07:00

i've had multiple friends ask if i've taken pictures of the growing belly.

so finally, i gave it a whirl in front of the mirror.

i'll keep you updated now and again.

here's the bump at 23 weeks.

color change.

2012-01-11T08:03:00.003-07:00

d has added color to our main bathroom.

(before)

we took the slightly pink toned bathroom to a dark moody blue.

(after)

it's english channel by behr and so far we're digging it.

(image)

the room still has a lot we'd like to change (remove plastic tile, install pedestal sink, change out light fixture and towel bars/hooks, another coat of paint), and we'll get there.

bye bye phone nook.

2012-01-09T08:05:00.003-07:00

sunday, d and i worked on removing the platform on the phone nook that's cut between the entryway/living room and the kitchen.

with a little pulling and prying we were able to take it out in 3 parts.

and we were left with this hole.

and these treasures: a newspaper stub from 1975, emergency numbers courtesy of a funeral chapel and a business card for bobby bruntz and the polka kings.

in googling them i found a recent obituary for george, their dulcimer player of thirty years.

(yes, then i promptly googled images of a dulcimer.)

reminded me of the treasures young house love has found and left during their projects.

recent read.

2012-01-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

this year i'll be thumbing through 'be the change you want to see in the world' each day.

a book with daily ideas/thoughts/recipes to give me focus and a direction outside myself.

january first was to get a journal if you didn't already have one.

i've always insisted my blog is something of a journal, so you may find my reflections here every now and then.

scenes from our holiday week.

2012-01-06T08:26:00.004-07:00

christmas week involved a lot of family time.

presents, presents, presents.

d and his parents headed up to rocky mountain national park for some snowshoe adventuring.

we all loaded on a sleigh in red feather lakes.

our backyard.

2012-01-05T09:15:00.007-07:00

here are a few thoughts we've been having about the backyard.

(image)
(image)
(image)
(image)

right now it's a blank slate.

remember?

a cooking mood.

2012-01-04T08:50:00.003-07:00

lately i've been longing to have more time to create in our kitchen.

i've been missing our days of involvement in the book cook club.

my work schedule is not very dinner prep friendly.

but soon enough....home will be my work.....i'll make dinner every night.

yes, these are things i look forward to.

lately d and i have been making this weekly.

and some recipes i've been bookmarking to try soon:

gougares

lemon pesto pasta

tomato soup

sweet potato muffins

if you give one a try, let me know what you think.

don't mind me.

2012-01-03T08:20:00.003-07:00

i've just been getting lost in ikea kitchens over on pinterest.

we love the akurum showroom kitchen at the store.

the baby reveal.

2011-12-30T07:36:00.005-07:00

crack an egg over a loved one's head to reveal the contents (pink or blue confetti) then hunt for the name we've chosen.

(nicolai xander baldwin)

the name nicolai comes from here.

and here's the little guy doing the plow at our last ultrasound.

the tech wrote 'yoga' on the image.

what do you think?

future circus performer?

perhaps he'll take after his maternal grandfather and great auntie and become a yoga master.

time will tell.

and we're so excited.

confetti eggs for baby.

2011-12-29T08:37:00.004-07:00

to reveal our baby's sex, d and i hatched the idea to make confetti eggs.

have you heard of confetti eggs?

growing up in santa barbara we celebrate fiesta every august and part of that celebration is crushing confetti eggs over loved ones' heads throughout the celebratory days.

we decided to fill our eggs with pink or blue confetti revealing the sex of the baby and then went a step further, since we had settled on a name.

we folded up a fortune-sized piece of paper with the name printed on it and told people to hunt through the confetti and eggs shell bits for the name.

come back tomorrow and we'll crack one for you.

last week of the year.

2011-12-27T09:53:00.003-07:00

christmas is done.

i hope yours was calm and bright.

ours was full of baby reveals, ipad surprises, and lounging.

today it's off for a sleigh ride and exploring a new colorado town.

cookie exchange #5.

2011-12-23T09:47:00.004-07:00

the last delivery of cookies in our exchange arrived from san francisco.

and how appropriate that they used a recipe born right there in the city by the bay.

101 cookbook's homemade and all-natural thin mints.

soft, delicate and yummy.

it's a long recipe...if you don't mind, hop over here to view it.

cookie exchange recipe #4.

2011-12-22T22:38:00.002-07:00

one of our latest batches of cookies was a trio.

we received nutmeg logs, vegan chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, and chocolate kiss cookies.

oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (vegan)

ingredients:

3/4 c smart balance buttery spread

1/2 c sugar

3/4 c brown sugar

1 t vanilla

1 T ground flaxseed mixed with 3 T water

1/2 t salt

1/2 t baking soda

1 1/2 c flour

2 1/2 c oatmeal

1/2 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

directions:

cream butter and sugars.

add vanilla, salt, baking soda, and flaxseed mixture.

add flour and oatmeal, then the chocolate chips.

bake at 350 for 11 minutes.

nutmeg logs

ingredients:

1 c butter

3/4 c sugar

1 egg

2 t vanilla

2 t rum

3 c flour

1 t nutmeg

directions:

cream butter and sugar then add remaining ingredients.

bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.

let cool.

frosting

3 T butter

1/2 t vanilla

1 t rum

2 1/2 c powdered sugar

add milk (1 T at a time) to achieve proper consistency.

frost, and sprinkle with nutmeg.

chocolate kiss cookies

ingredients:

1 c butter

3/4 c sugar

1 T brandy

2 c sifted flour

1/2 bag hershey kisses

directions:

cream butter and sugar then add brandy and flour.

roll a single kiss inside dough.

bake at 350 for 10-12 min.

hello winter.

2011-12-21T22:53:00.003-07:00

today marked the first day of winter.

funny, it seems you've been here for weeks.

hello freezing cold bike rides to and from work.

hello new gloves.

hello hot chocolate and chai tea.

hello oatmeal breakfasts with cranberries, walnuts, brown sugar, and cream.

hello christmas lights all over town.

hello scented green tree in our front window.

hello snow...piling up just outside our door as i type.

winter, i'll do my best with you this time around...you know i'm no pro.

time to tell...

2011-12-20T13:24:00.001-07:00

we're 20 weeks pregnant.

cookie exchange recipe #3.

2011-12-19T08:02:00.003-07:00

our third cookie of the season was sent from friends who are the fifth generation on his side to bake french cake cookies.

not only that, but they were loved by john as well.

and yes, they are delicious.

french cake cookies

ingredients:

1 lb pastry flour or whole wheat pastry flour

1 lb sugar (2 1/4 c)

1/2 lb butter

5 egg yolks

1 t sour milk or buttermilk

1 t baking soda dissolved in milk

1/2 t salt

directions:

cream butter, add sugar, add yolks, add soda/milk, add flour (with salt)-work well.

if too crumbly add a little milk so dough will stick together.

make into rolls 1 1/2" in diameter (refrigerate overnight).

slice 1/8" and place on cookie sheet-may need to be a bit thicker.

beat egg yolk and brush/wash on top of cookies.

sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

bake 375 for 10 minute-don't let get brown.

cookie will raise then fall.

(1880 alice melinda spangler)

happy weekend.

2011-12-16T22:48:00.002-07:00

cookie exchange recipe #2.

2011-12-14T08:45:00.004-07:00

this was the recipe that d and i sent to everyone this year.

(along with the same caramels from last year that had the texture of a maple candy this time rather than a caramel.)

we knew we wanted a ginger snap or spice cookie in our package and since one of the cookie exchange crew members is vegan we went that route in our online searches.

we landed on this:

vegan ginger cookies

ingredients:

4 T turbinado sugar

2 c flour

1 t baking soda

1/4 t salt

2 1/2 T ground ginger

1/2 t ground cinnamon

1/2 t ground cloves

1/2 c canola oil

1/4 c molasses

1/4 c soymilk

1 c sugar

1 t vanilla

directions:

sift dry ingredients (except sugar) into a bowl and set aside.

in a large bowl combine wet ingredients (including white sugar) and beat on medium until blended.

stir the dry ingredients into the wet until well combined.

roll dough (about 1 T at a time) with dampened hands and flatten to your liking.

press turbinado sugar onto tops and bake for 10 minutes at 350 on greased cookie sheet.

cookie exchange recipe #1.

2011-12-13T08:40:00.004-07:00

our first cookie exchange delivery of the year, arrived friday.

in fact, this was a hand delivered batch, as our weekend guests were a couple from our cookie exchange crew.

their recipe is a family one called sandbakkels.

the flavor is like an almond shortbread or almond sugar cookie.

grandma phillips' sandbakkels

makes 5 dozen

ingredients:

1 c butter

1/2 c shortening

1 c sugar

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1 t almond extract

3 3/4 c flour

directions:

cream together butter, shortening, and sugar.

add egg, egg yolk, and almond extract.

beat until well mixed.

add flour until you have a fairly stiff dough.

refrigerate for 1 hour.

press about 2.5-3 t dough into a greased 3-inch sandbakkel tin.

start at the bottom and press evenly and thinly as possible up the sides (these do not fill the tin, they make a shell).

bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until lightly brown.

remove from oven and place upside down on cooling rack.

tap bottoms while still warm to remove cookies from tins.

happy weekend.

2011-12-09T09:11:00.002-07:00

project #1 in the new house-check.

2011-12-08T08:24:00.002-07:00

yesterday i spent the morning putting light switch plates and outlet plates up.

our lights went from this.

to this.

one day we'll replace the switches and outlets so they're also white as can be, but for now it's looking a little less construction site-ish around here.

it's that time again.

2011-12-07T07:53:00.003-07:00

last year we did our first annual cookie exchange with our bay area friends.

this year we're doing the same.

i've thrown a new (vegan) recipe into our box this year, which i'll share later.

along with a repeat from last year, which seemed popular, fleur de sel caramels.

this is my 3rd attempt, though...the caramel keeps going past the firm ball stage.

this was a breeze last year.

hopefully i can send this batch away to friends.

photo shopping.

2011-12-06T08:30:00.004-07:00

are you like me?

do you "shop" online by filling the virtual cart and then exiting the site without paying for even one thing?

if i bought everything i liked everywhere i went, i'd quickly realize how junky most things are and that i really only love something for a short time.

somehow i get tired of what i own and rotate through my small belongings regularly.

my sister taught me to consign clothing and that's been fantastic.

so, yesterday while out with my mom during my lunch break i just took phone pictures of the items/displays that i thought i'd like to have.

i think these would look swell hanging from a corner in our living room.

this one may have to go on my christmas list...a foot massage in the form of a floor runner for our hallway.

hello monday.

2011-12-05T08:30:00.004-07:00

hello snowy town.

hello baking in our new kitchen.

hello readying the house (enough) for our first guests this weekend.

hello lights and trees appearing in home windows.

hello...cold, bundling up, hot oatmeal breakfasts...it's feeling like christmas.

(photos by d)

thanksgiving salad.

2011-12-01T08:52:00.003-07:00

one of the best dishes during our thanksgiving trip was a persimmon spinach salad my mother-in-law found via sunset magazine.

while there's still access to persimmons, give it a try.

(image from here)

this house.

2011-11-30T08:16:00.004-07:00

i guess it's my week to vent about our new house.

d has worked so hard to get the ceilings, floors, and walls in shape to live in (without the original outdated issues, oddities, and smells).

he has done a fabulous job.

we're both proud of all his work.

yet, we are so overwhelmed by the remaining projects that spring to mind as we attempt to live in this space.

what overwhelms him today: the light switches and outlets have countless paint marks and grime from years of use...just throwing new switch plates over them won't change it enough, they need to be replaced to look more presentable.

what overwhelms me today: maybe 1000 square feet is just more space than we need...this house feels too big.

home.

2011-11-29T22:21:00.003-07:00

(sunrise from my in-law's driveway yesterday)

we made it home tonight, after a great time away visiting family.

home is now the new house, full of half emptied boxes, piles, disorganization, and semi-working systems.

we did start our first load of laundry in the new washer and dryer.

we did get the internet set up.

the work ahead to get this house to a point we are truly comfortable in is a bit daunting.

hello monday.

2011-11-28T18:43:00.005-07:00

hello extended thanksgiving trip.

hello hometown visit.

hello day out with my husband, just enjoying each other's company and hitting our favorite spots.

hello toes in the sand at lunch.

hello sand...water...salt air.

happy thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T08:01:00.003-07:00

we're headed to tahoe to celebrate with d's family.

hope this day finds you happy, well, and full of thanks.

living room inspiration.

2011-11-23T08:03:00.003-07:00

our new living room has walls that curve into the ceiling and one arched doorway into the kitchen.

being unsure of how to paint this rounded point, we decide to keep the room white.

here is my inspiration for the space.

(image)
(image)
(image)

500th post.

2011-11-17T20:32:00.004-07:00

wow, my 500th post.
i was about to sit down last night and post a less than stellar idea, when i realized it was going to be my 500th post.
so i skipped yesterday's post in order to think things through for this 500th.
i've decided to list the 5 best things about my blogging experience on this day.
1. reflection:
my blog is basically a journal of my little life. i enjoy the reflection blogging provides me around these everyday things that go on here in my world.
2. photos:
when i have the time and energy (seems like very little lately) to get out with our camera and snap pictures of the life all around, i love that the blog provides a place for me to keep them.
3. connection:
i've enjoyed connecting with friends, family and strangers through this online world.
4. going back:
i love that i have a place to travel back in time across the few years that i've blogged and visit the experiences and emotions i've been through.
5. the unknown:
blogging is a business for some, which always makes me wonder what simply blythe could perhaps become in the future as it evolves....or doesn't.

(image from here.)

the kitchen has gone...

2011-11-16T08:35:00.006-07:00

grey.

after carefully choosing colors that we thought wouldn't scream at us or be too deep or overpowering, our light blue-ish kitchen ended up rather grey instead.

so, we're running with it.

we both shared the idea to take the cabinets even darker grey.

this morning i hopped online for a little grey kitchen inspiration.

here white subway tile keeps things bright as does the white countertop.

and wine storage in a kitchen always makes us feel right.

(hey, our decade-plus in wine country made an impact.)

the addition of a light colored wooden table adds work surface while perhaps warming the room a bit.

i also like their use of glass cabinet doors.

the darkest in the bunch...and maybe a bit too dark.

added lighting under the cabinets to bring in brightness.

and i like the open cabinet shelving.

(images from here, here and here.)

over at the new house.

2011-11-15T15:20:00.002-07:00

the painting continues.

the ceilings are all white and now color is hitting the walls.

here it comes.

2011-11-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

i have a confession to make.

friday night as we locked up the little shop, a co-worker squealed as she realized the city had started lighting the trees in old town.

a holiday season tradition.

she excitedly told us that 94.3 had become santa radio, playing only christmas music, all the time.

i quietly smirked and thought, 'it's way too early'.

but saturday morning, home alone, and heating the oven to make scones...what did i do...i dialed the radio for a little santa.

yes, it's early....yes, we still have thanksgiving plans to attend...but, what is it about christmas music?

how appropriate that the first song i heard was, "we need a little christmas".

'put up the tree before my spirit falls again'...ok, i'll wait until we're at least settled into our new home (just one week and counting).

happy weekend.

2011-11-12T07:18:00.002-07:00

dinner: peanut-coconut-curry noodles.

2011-11-10T08:52:00.004-07:00

last night's dinner was very last minute, but totally delish.

riding my bike home from work, wondering what d was making for dinner, i received a text from him saying he had been working at the new house and was just heading home from home depot.

oh, i realized, no dinner, yet.

hmmm, my mind wandered into an easy take-out option....but already after 8...we'd fall asleep before the meal was picked up.

my mind landed on asian.

here's what i managed with what we had on hand (i measured nothing, so these are estimates):

peanut coconut curry noodles with tofu and edamame

1 package whole wheat capellini

1/2 package edamame shelled

1 package silken tofu cubed

1/2 c peanut butter

1 can coconut milk

1T curry powder

2 t cayenne pepper

salt to taste

boil edamame (5 min cook time) with pasta (4 min cook time)

meanwhile in sauce pan over medium-low heat mix the coconut milk, peanut butter, curry and cayenne.

heat tofu in sauce.

when pasta and edamame are cooked to preference drain and mix in saucepan with other ingredients.

serve in bowls.

so so creamy, vegan, and good.

over at the new house.

2011-11-09T08:20:00.005-07:00

d has been busy finishing the floors.

so far everyone who has ventured in has been very pleased with the new look.

now it's time to cover those beauties with paper and paint the ceilings.

remember it started like this?

hello monday.

2011-11-07T09:07:00.003-07:00

hello monday.

hello stained hardwood.

hello polyurethane.

thanks d.

hello time to get serious about paint colors for each room.

hello closing in on moving plans.

hello boxes, tape and labels.

it's getting busy around here.

color inspiration.

2011-11-04T09:24:00.005-06:00

soon we need to paint over at the new house.

can these rugs offer inspiration for the rooms?

i'm tending towards more neutral paints...d wants color.

i'll default to him...he's spent much more time over there than i have.

any rugs here you like?

(images from overstock via pinterest)

hours in the kitchen.

2011-11-02T09:10:00.004-06:00

yesterday on a much needed day off, my sis and i made some treats.

one was almond nougat (replacing the apricots in the recipe with the almonds) and peppermint patties.

we'd like to try the nougat again with a more trusty candy thermometer and perhaps another take on a peppermint patty recipe, though d thinks they're just great.

(photos from blue-eyed bakers via pinterest)

over at the new house.

2011-11-01T14:43:00.003-06:00

there's been a lot of sanding going on over there.

the floors are looking better and better all the time.

d has been busy as can be...me, out of town, then working like a maniac....not much help.

thanks to our friend shannon and d's long hours, we'll have presentable hardwood throughout.

happy weekend.

2011-10-29T09:33:00.002-06:00

time away.

2011-10-28T10:15:00.003-06:00

my sis, nephew, and i went away to visit our dad for his bday.

it was such a relaxing time.

we cruised around on the boat.

we worked on (and completed) a puzzle.

we lounged around for days.

i loved it.

back again.

2011-10-27T16:17:00.004-06:00

we've had no internet.

we have no deck.

we have no fence.

a storm blew in and things got messy.

today things are melting, internet was fixed...we'll be back to normal soon.

hello monday.

2011-10-24T07:18:00.001-06:00

hello time away with family.

hello distance makes the heart grow fonder.

hello boat rides on the lake.

hello no schedule, no commitments, no agenda.

happy weekend.

2011-10-21T22:12:00.002-06:00

bathroom ideas.

2011-10-20T23:08:00.005-06:00

so what about the new bathrooms?

we really don't like them.

our half bath feels like a hallway.

we're planning on pedestal sinks in an effort to make the small spaces feel more open.

but we need some inspiration for the future of these spaces.

(image)
(image)
(image)
(image)

(?)

do you have any favorites?

nephew fix: nearly four months.

2011-10-19T22:08:00.002-06:00

just a little update on the nephew.

here's a shot of him solo and one with his memaw.

we're beginning to get giggles out of him and he squawks and makes shrill squeals for anyone around.

dinner: thai-spiced pumpkin soup.

2011-10-18T21:10:00.003-06:00

it was a windy fall day.

the yellow leaves are quickly fluttering down from our trees around town.

tonight it's supposed to be only thirty-one degrees.

so for dinner...we needed soup.

thai-spiced pumpkin soup hit the spot.

over at the new house.

2011-10-17T21:46:00.005-06:00

d and i rolled up the carpet on saturday and heaved it into the garage.

then, we spent sunday with family and friends taking up carpet tack board and revealing some disgusting looking hardwood floors.

later the guys started removing the glue.

it always gets messier before it gets cleaner, right?

we hope we're onto something good.

happy weekend.

2011-10-14T21:40:00.002-06:00

breakfast: pumpkin oatmeal.

2011-10-13T09:15:00.005-06:00

it's fall.

i must embrace it.

this morning while putting out the garbage bins, i paused to appreciate the crisp air.

while printing an important email i paused to notice the changing leaves against the bedroom window.

then i searched out a pumpkin oatmeal recipe online.

nothing seemed just right, so i read a couple different recipes and then threw some ingredients in a pot.

let the heat do it's thing.

stirred and stirred.

and enjoyed a bowl of my own.

discount for readers.

2011-10-12T08:26:00.004-06:00

a family friend has started a new online business, eyewear insight.

they're selling great eyewear at very inexpensive prices.

go check it out.

my sis got a pair and they're excellent.

mention this blog for a 10% discount.

so many choices.

2011-10-11T20:36:00.006-06:00

i spent some time clicking through kitchen inspiration today online.

it's so hard to decide what direction to go in.

(image)

do you have a favorite?

over at the new house.

2011-10-10T08:53:00.003-06:00

we spent the weekend scraping the popcorn texture off the ceilings at the new place.

my mom was the water sprayer, d did the scraping, and i spread plastic in the rooms as they moved through the house.

i was surprised by how thin the layer actually is and how easily it came down.

another project checked off the list.

happy weekend.

2011-10-07T10:03:00.001-06:00

we'll be missing an old tradition in the bay area.

(photo by d)

around the garden.

2011-10-06T08:23:00.002-06:00

little signs of fall are all around.

we've still had nice warm days, though.

rain today?

pumpkin bread.

2011-10-05T15:01:00.003-06:00

this morning i decided it was time to get baking with pumpkin.

so i journeyed over to tulips & flight suits, where i had bookmarked a recipe.

this bread is super easy, we had everything on hand.

it made the house smell great and it tastes really good.

over at the new house.

2011-10-04T21:47:00.004-06:00

our first project is behind us.

we spent two evenings removing wallpaper from the kitchen and a bathroom.

it feels so nice to have our first 'to-do', done.

(missing from the photo are my ma and sis...thanks!)

fall blogger interview: she inspired.

2011-10-03T06:51:00.003-06:00

(the two of us in san francisco a handful of years back)

it's monday again...let's kick off the week with another fall interview.

this time we're visiting with stephanie of she inspired.

steph and i were roommates almost ten years ago.

she was finishing her undergrad and i was finding my way in the world post college.

we became great friends, with so many similar interests, doesn't hurt that our husbands turned out to be chums as well...couldn't be better.

1. what inspired you to start writing your blog? what is the focus of your blog?

"I began “she inspired” as an outlet for creativity and inspiration. My main creative focus in life is always cooking, but there are so many beautiful, wonderful things to share, discuss, do, create and see that I needed a place, a blog, that would allow me the freedom to express whatever was on my mind at that moment. So while I do post and write about food, I also get to talk about inspirational people, books, my family, current news, and fun DIY projects... it’s everything that’s “me” in one place."

2. what do you look forward to most in the fall?

"I feel each season has something special to offer. For me, fall means cable knit sweaters, cozy scarves, falling leaves, pumpkins, crisp air, and apple pie. Being in San Francisco, I look forward to the amazing weather we have; fall is the most beautiful time of the year and I feel very fortunate for the experience!"

3. what's one budget-friendly fall date idea with your love?

"I love picnics; I think they are the most romantic date. Fall offers sweethearts the opportunity to pack warm soup in a thermos, a loaf of crusty bread, a bottle of wine, and a soft blanket to take anywhere you wish: a beautiful park, the rooftop, the edge of a dock, the back of a pickup truck, the shore of a lake, the sand of a beach, or the bow of a boat. The cooler temperatures are just another excuse to cuddle even closer."

4. can you share a favorite (vegetarian) fall time recipe?

"Fall is the perfect time to pull out the ol’ trusty crockpot; everything that emerges out of this wonder-appliance usually required little prep-work and is incredibly delicious. When the weather becomes cool, I usually turn to warm bowls of chili; so much protein and super budget friendly. My favorite is a vegetarian chili that I can put on in the morning and have ready for dinner:

The basics:

Beans: any kind will do! I like to grab the 17 Bean & Barley Mix at Trader Joe's.

Soyrizo: the delicious soy alternative to chorizo

1 onion, chopped

1 can of chopped tomatoes in juice

4 garlic cloves, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Additional add-ins:

· Peppers: any variety, spicy, mild, sweet – poblanos, jalapenos, serranos, bell peppers, etc

· Seasonings: the soyrizo has a lot of paprika and other flavors, but I will usually add more cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne and coriander powder... really I just raid the spice cabinet and add whatever sounds good!

Stock: a good vegetable stock would be great as a liquid base for the chili instead of water

Topping Suggestions:

Sharp cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, pickled jalapenos, diced onion, lime

How to:

1. Soak the beans overnight in the crockpot. The next morning, rinse the beans until the water is relatively clear. Fill the crockpot with water until it is about 2-3 inches above the beans.

2. Add all the basics and any additions you wish. Turn to high and let your crockpot works its magic until the chili is done, about 4-6 hours, depending.

3. Season as needed, serve with desired toppings, and serve with warm cornbread (jalapeno cheddar in my favorite). Enjoy!"

Thanks Steph!

happy weekend.

2011-10-01T09:24:00.002-06:00

where in the world.

2011-09-29T22:39:00.003-06:00

d and i went exploring at some nurseries on sunday.

now that we have a completely blank slate for a backyard, we're curious to know what we can add in hopes we love it like we've loved the outdoor space at our rental.

wandering through one nursery we came upon this scene...i had to snap a picture on my phone.

had you just plunked me there and asked me where i was, i don't think i'd have ever guessed.

wordless wednesday.

2011-09-28T15:17:00.002-06:00

today we become...

2011-09-27T07:19:00.004-06:00

homeowners.

we have some plans for our new blue home.

we didn't think it'd happen...it needed a new roof and new sewer line...we were ready to walk...then the seller fixed them both.

we'll stay in our rental a bit longer so we can remove the outdated popcorn ceiling treatment, paint every room, explore carpet removal, and possibly build a fence.

today we'll take some photos and update this post later.

fall blogger interview: peas n carrots

2011-09-26T08:00:00.002-06:00

(jenny and me in santa barbara back in april)

to usher in fall i thought i'd interview a few real life blogger friends.

jenny and i met in junior high...way before 'blog' was even a word and yes, maybe before either of us had ever set eyes on the internet.

i love jenny, i love following her little family via the blog (peas n carrots), and i love her simple approach to life.

i hope you love it as well.

1. what inspired you to start writing your blog? what is the focus of your blog?

"The focus of my blog is just our everyday life. The kids, our attempts at urban homesteading, sewing projects, family adventures, and homeschooling. I have always been one to journal and I LOVE my journal that I kept when my first two kids were in the belly and new. The transition from two kids to three was very smooth except I was so BUSY! I no longer had the time to sit and journal, and I missed it. I felt like memories of my youngest's life would slip past and be nearly forgotten. I started the blog to keep record of my kids' lives, for them, and for me. I can type way faster than I can write and I add WAY too many pictures. I love that I now have this record of our lives together. I also love to celebrate motherhood, and try to do so on my blog."

2. what do you look forward to most in the fall?

"Nature walks with the kids. We live near a lake with oaks everywhere. We love to gather acorns, acorn caps, and pinecones. We also identify animal tracks and scat. Yes, scat....the kids love it. :) In the Summer, we can't go for these nature walks because we have rattlesnakes where we live. We definitely miss these walks in the Summer. Now, when I feel those late evening breezes that hint of Fall, I crave those nature walks. Its a very peaceful way to start our day."

3. what's one budget-friendly fall date idea with your love?

"I love to go out to the coast in the Fall, just as it's beginning to turn cold. Bowls of clam chowder, warm jackets, and watching the waves. Plus, Grammy watches the kids for free. Hooray for free babysitting!"

4. can you share a favorite (vegetarian) fall time recipe?

"Roasted Roots. Cut up red potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots into large but bite size chunks. Fill a large ziplock bag. Oh, also add some whole garlic cloves to the bag. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle in some garlic salt and Lawrey's seasoning salt or any other herbs and spices you like (something spicy would be yummy). Shake the bag (I have my kids throw it around a bit). :) Dump contents of bag into a greased 9 x 13 and put in the oven at 400 until fork tender. Simple but yummy and healthy side dish."

thanks jenny!

happy first of fall.

2011-09-23T07:53:00.006-06:00

rumor has it, today is the first day of fall.

i knew last night when i was out in flip flops riding the cruiser home, that i had made an error.

oh, it was too cold for exposed toes.

yes, summer has ended...my very favorite season of all.

(apparently i whined about this last year, too.)

goodbye sweet friend, i'll see you next year and we'll play all the more.

ok, now, in an effort to embrace the new season...some things worth looking forward to this fall:

all the blog posts by those who love the crisp season

baking with pumpkin: cookies, breads, muffins...

watching the leaves change

scouring pinterest for cute layered outfits complete with boots

throwing on a scarf

homemade chai

a trip to lake tahoe for thanksgiving

slow progress.

2011-09-21T22:25:00.005-06:00

yesterday we (my mom and my sister) devoted hours to my bike seat cover idea.

we measured, we traced, we cut, we sewed, we scrunched.

we worked and worked and worked.

by the end of the day we had two seat covers to show for it.

progress is slow and full of trial and error.

we'll get there.

we must.

fast forward to dessert.

2011-09-20T21:38:00.003-06:00

here's a recipe for the laziest of nights when you just want to skip over dinner and grab something to shut that sweet tooth up.

hop on bike, in car, onto plane.

get to nearest cold stone creamery (yes, a major chain, ugh).

order a coffee ice cream with oreos and cinnamon.

yep, it's one of those nights here.

(and it was delish).

sustainable living.

2011-09-19T09:01:00.005-06:00

we spent sunday at the sustainable living fair.

we went to the chicken coop workshop, a cooking competition, and a presentation on winter gardening.

we're feeling quite inspired to make our new backyard a productive food source for ourselves in the future.

the guys building the chicken coop used recycled materials.
the materials totaled only $25-$30.

i loved the cute window they used for one side.

cookies.

2011-09-15T09:27:00.002-06:00

last night we had a little impromptu dessert party.

i had recently come across dandee's chocolate chip cookie recipe and needed an excuse to give it a try.

they were delicious.

the cause for our celebration....hmmm....well, it looks like we're getting that house.

the nephew.

2011-09-13T22:11:00.003-06:00

just a couple shots of the growing boy.

it's so fun to have him as part of our life.

america's favorite pastime.

2011-09-12T08:26:00.007-06:00

yesterday we spent one of america's most difficult days enjoying america's favorite pastime.

there was junk food, cheering, a fly over, american music...

and the home team won.

afterwards, any kid that felt so inclined, was able to head down to the field to run the bases.

it was swell.

remembering.

2011-09-11T09:10:00.002-06:00

a new site.

2011-09-09T16:08:00.001-06:00

our wedding photographer has a new website.

we were so happy with our pictures 5+ years ago that we've talked a couple friends into hiring her for their weddings.

if you're in need of a photographer, contact her.

yes, she does some traveling.

new to me.

2011-09-07T21:37:00.004-06:00

i've been listening to a local artist lately and i think he's worth a share.

check out christopher jak.

see what you think.

me?

i like.

my favorite so far?

unbound.

recent read.

2011-09-06T21:40:00.004-06:00

i've been flipping through this sunset book we've owned for a few years now.

it's funny how my tastes change depending on where i imagine "this garden" to be set up.

in northern california? in southern california? in colorado?

at this point it's all just in dream stage.

and that doesn't bother me one bit.

hello monday.

2011-09-05T08:47:00.002-06:00

hello to change....i may need a little.

hello new ideas.

hello goal setting.

hello to the week i must finally go get a new driver's license.

hello getaway planning...summer isn't over yet.

(hello monday lisa leonard style)