tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70033659501842125932024-02-19T16:50:32.335-07:00Girl of a Thousand FacesEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-84345839260580822142013-10-19T12:07:00.002-07:002013-10-19T12:20:00.920-07:00Pumpkin Pie Syrup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvycp7iUSQQHVOOkXm3MA-3oXEG1H2N1Mtfz4ihU5wroWh4CSpImqXoep4zmQWh6xW_iPGffwicGP3-P1MRXNbcHF_olXKeFDUcxaW64dUG05E_HRDuXYehEJ4odu2-uU__k1J6kbTAk/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvycp7iUSQQHVOOkXm3MA-3oXEG1H2N1Mtfz4ihU5wroWh4CSpImqXoep4zmQWh6xW_iPGffwicGP3-P1MRXNbcHF_olXKeFDUcxaW64dUG05E_HRDuXYehEJ4odu2-uU__k1J6kbTAk/s640/100.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
Like apparently every other girl my age, <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2010/10/reasons-why-autumn-is-best-season.html">fall is my favorite season</a>. In Tucson fall is more of a state of mind than an actual season, since 80% of our trees are cacti and palms (no changing leaves there) and a "brisk" day is 80 degrees, at least well into November. I love fall in theory though and I sometimes escape to Prescott for a few weekends to get my fix, bringing plenty of scarves and boots and tights and sweaters with me. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYKLb5UNafgVgYuvGUsxTV4kY10HlGWMqoGa2CKGbRfBsClSkOEgN-xLQzgUWXHJgdLmOWA0vg_F4Pe-Xd4dam-Vl4tQsfMMSZHTozmG2tTbYDXavbb-7XMGMEtXBI5_LnbY_aWkQrDQ/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYKLb5UNafgVgYuvGUsxTV4kY10HlGWMqoGa2CKGbRfBsClSkOEgN-xLQzgUWXHJgdLmOWA0vg_F4Pe-Xd4dam-Vl4tQsfMMSZHTozmG2tTbYDXavbb-7XMGMEtXBI5_LnbY_aWkQrDQ/s400/024.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prescott trip Fall '10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Something about this time of year seems to breathe new life into me, and I always start feeling really inspired, creative, motivated, and nostalgic for autumns gone by. I love waking up just as it's starting to get light and bundling up to take my dog out, I love the way every mirror and window in the house fogs up when I take a shower, I love sipping hot toddies and french press coffee and hot chocolate with the occasional shot of peppermint or butterscotch liqueur. I love remembering all the angsty autumns of my adolescence- chilly October nights wearing fingerless gloves and black nail polish, listening to hipster bands at the catalyst and crushing on boys with beards and sweaters (Hey, Stewie!) Although, that might have been what I did the whole time. Senior year was interesting. Regardless- fall is a familiar and exhilarating time, and every year as the temperatures drop and pumpkins start showing up in stores I get excited. <br />
<br />
Speaking of pumpkins. Do you remember when 'pumpkin everything!' was not a thing? Sure, there was always pumpkin pie and maybe a novelty pumpkin spice latte here and there, but it was nothing like how it is now. I'm pretty sure the day Starbucks starts selling pumpkin drinks is the first day of fall in a lot of people's minds. And it's not just coffee- there's pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin soup, pumpkin oatmeal, pumpkin mac and cheese, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin butter, pumpkin liquor, pumpkin doughnuts- if you can think of it, someone (or some company) has put pumpkin in it. It's nuts. I always start off the season rolling my eyes and thinking, "really guys? It's just a squash. Chill the f out", but after a few weeks in I'm like, "you know, a pumpkin latte actually does sound pretty good right now". Pumpkins have some really persuasive advertisers.<br />
<br />
I considered just grabbing one at Starbucks on the way to class, but their drinks are usually too dense and sweet for my liking. I also looked at the ingredients for the syrup they use and it turns out there's nothing in it resembling pumpkin or spice, just high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavorings. There were lots of recipes for homemade versions online though, so I decided to just quickly whip one up yesterday. Making simple syrups is seriously easy and only takes like 15-20 mins- and now I have a big jar full of sweet, spicy bronze syrup for less than it would have cost me to buy a single drink at a coffee shop.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pumpkin Pie Syrup </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">makes about 2 cups</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">45 calories/1 tbsp serving</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><b>Ingredients</b></i><br />
2 cups granulated sugar<br />
2 cups water <br />
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp ground ginger<br />
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg<br />
6 cloves<br />
10 black peppercorns<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
<br />
All you have to do is combine everything in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat, and cook for 10-15 minutes until sugar is fully melted and syrup has reduced slightly. It will get even thicker as it cools. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeopdSULFkIbY1-kD_NA1cjFVmyhAx7o3ZitienjxxgCrLAgC0Ssk7DxAdXGYUK9urPTmRNUToU-rgEB7PnNQVHZ28FOjQQQoE0zLVhyphenhyphenV_kNpMmn7ByLdZw6kuNRMsRv1NrVvC1Kf1KE/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeopdSULFkIbY1-kD_NA1cjFVmyhAx7o3ZitienjxxgCrLAgC0Ssk7DxAdXGYUK9urPTmRNUToU-rgEB7PnNQVHZ28FOjQQQoE0zLVhyphenhyphenV_kNpMmn7ByLdZw6kuNRMsRv1NrVvC1Kf1KE/s400/096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Remove the cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaf, and if you want a really clear, pure syrup you can strain it through a wire mesh sieve. I don't have one of those so I tried filtering it with my french press and it kind of worked but not really since the syrup is so much thicker than water. It doesn't matter though, it's mostly for aesthetics.<br />
<br />
I think this syrup would be good for lots of things, such as with pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, or mixed into a cocktail. The amount of sugar in it acts as a preservative so it should last (opened) for a couple weeks. I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure it could also be canned and stored for a few months.<br />
<br />
Of course, I used it to make a pumpkin spice latte.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx-ibknA8guZdb93Fbaxa7Yn9eowzlaZIYs8Q9d5JKVy35sEr2VPl0Hbkb9dLu1ITOy5Fa4YLUOGXObWwOIWxb2iWHh92fgGbPDCgZaHG4V4vICinuJXOAYItboCNwBabCUU65C_FmwU/s1600/102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx-ibknA8guZdb93Fbaxa7Yn9eowzlaZIYs8Q9d5JKVy35sEr2VPl0Hbkb9dLu1ITOy5Fa4YLUOGXObWwOIWxb2iWHh92fgGbPDCgZaHG4V4vICinuJXOAYItboCNwBabCUU65C_FmwU/s400/102.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
I used:<br />
1 cup of original unsweetened almond milk, heated<br />
1/2 cup strong coffee OR 1 shot of espresso<br />
2 tbsp pumpkin pie syrup (I might use 1.5 next time, 2 was pretty sweet)<br />
<br />
Calories: 122 <br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Fall :)<br />
<br />
<3 <br />
Em<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-56732739604117011702013-10-14T11:44:00.000-07:002013-10-14T11:45:08.579-07:00Some Thoughts on Self-Awareness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1iNGc1tasiG-o8LH9nG-nX21WpqNR6I6ZbHMnJC7hKD_1EjkMp1MYvYuv57d0ViMWVGc8riaFu8CZDUgACP9EdSLPkT6DDfx5nrnBqThglBQE7M5jgFp2q14ULemNJ5tkIsNIBAvCBY/s1600/you+are+stronger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1iNGc1tasiG-o8LH9nG-nX21WpqNR6I6ZbHMnJC7hKD_1EjkMp1MYvYuv57d0ViMWVGc8riaFu8CZDUgACP9EdSLPkT6DDfx5nrnBqThglBQE7M5jgFp2q14ULemNJ5tkIsNIBAvCBY/s400/you+are+stronger.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Something strange happened to me on Thursday.<br />
<br />
I did something which I have always believed I am bad at, only this time I was good at it.<br />
<br />
It was a class presentation, which I have always dreaded and have in fact dropped certain classes for upon learning that they would be required. My confidence has really been boosted over the past 10 months so they no longer give me a sickening pit in my stomach; however, I'd still prefer to sit and listen quietly than stand up and speak.<br />
<br />
The first strange thing was that out of the three members of my group (we gave a group presentation, each of us talking about a different aspect of our subject), I seemed to be the least nervous. I am slightly older (1-3 years) and have a bit more college experience than most of the students in my classes now since I am a 3rd semester senior, so it may have been that my own anxieties about presenting have become muted while my classmates' are still fresh. However, having never been the "confident one", it felt totally alien to be reassuring the other group members and attempting to calm their frazzled nerves.<br />
<br />
What was really strange, though, was that on the elevator after the class was over one of my other classmates (whom I have never interacted with before) turned to me and said, "Your presentation was really good. You made eye contact and were so confident. I was like, 'I want to be like that'". Not only was I incredibly flattered, but I was also quite taken aback- me, confident? and not just passable at presenting but good enough for someone to actually admire me? This did not fit with my image of myself or my skills at all, and as I walked to my car I thought, "maybe the person I've always believed myself to be is not who I actually am".<br />
<br />
I've found that throughout our lives we seem to accumulate a list of traits and qualities that we assign to ourselves. Some are told to us often enough that we internalize them, others we discover or diagnose on our own. Especially now that social media plays such a large role in our lives, we are encouraged to define ourselves in our profiles, about me's, etc by a list of adjectives rather than letting our personalities come out organically through our interactions.<br />
<br />
One of the biggest ones for me has been that I'm shy or introverted. People have told me this so many times over my entire life that it is just a facet of my identity now. I <i>am </i>pretty introverted, I like my alone time, and I was definitely a shy kid- but having this specific idea of myself cemented in my brain totally blinded me to the ways in which I am <i>not </i>introverted. It even caused me to believe that I was naturally predisposed to be bad at certain things- things like presenting in front of a class. The fact is, though, that many of the things I have self-diagnosed myself as bad at I am actually decent and even <i>good </i>at. It just took an unbiased stranger to bring it to my attention.<br />
<br />
Often people say that you should not be concerned with the opinions of others, just concentrate on how you view yourself. I have found, however, that the way I view myself is frequently inaccurate. I have a list of things that I believe myself to be, and when those things change (or are simply not true) it can be difficult to see the discrepancies. I think sometimes other people can see us far more accurately than we see ourselves.<br />
<br />
I'm so glad that girl complimented me in the elevator, because it brought me a bit closer to understanding who I am and what I'm actually capable of. The past two years have been a whirlwind from which I'm still in the process of re-emerging. I'm recreating and redefining myself, but it's easy to get lost and be unable to see or notice the changes. That interaction was a reminder to try to see myself objectively- to let my personality and abilities speak for themselves, rather than stuffing them under preconceived ideas of what they are.<br />
<br />
<3 Em Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-43358644886442879962013-10-07T10:31:00.000-07:002013-10-14T11:46:45.283-07:00Life/Fitness UpdateHello all! It's that time of the year and school has really been taking up almost every last bit of my time. Maybe it's because the end is so near or maybe it's the fact that 3 out of my 4 classes are essay and discussion based 400 levels, but this semester has been even more overwhelming and demanding than usual. I am really enjoying them, but it's kind of terrifying how quickly the weeks are sweeping by with deadlines seemingly around every corner. I'm nearly halfway done and yet there's still so much to do! I'm just trying to stay focused on that December 21st graduation date :)<br />
<br />
Anyways, after having a bit of a stress-induced meltdown over how busy I am and how little spare time I seem to have last week, I sat down and wrote out a very detailed schedule. The main reason I did this is because there are so many things that I really <i>want </i>to do that seem to live perpetually on the back burner- so I wanted to really look at how my time is spent and find ways to work in some of the extra things around all my school and work commitments. Lists, schedules, and getting organized always seem to calm me down and help me regain control of overwhelming situations.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYjyO1t03nfaKyDTWYDhYGJz1BiTlQzMpXCP7PMoQxMmacgMc1OhLYk9wKirhrUzGyjPHuG_PcaFLjwesbAC9C_y1ijyeNkyT1-c_LxiJR24hEbVr-PfUarlxdBpn3VSkflbe2x3QvUg/s1600/IMAG0646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYjyO1t03nfaKyDTWYDhYGJz1BiTlQzMpXCP7PMoQxMmacgMc1OhLYk9wKirhrUzGyjPHuG_PcaFLjwesbAC9C_y1ijyeNkyT1-c_LxiJR24hEbVr-PfUarlxdBpn3VSkflbe2x3QvUg/s640/IMAG0646.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
This schedule is now hanging on my fridge, and I've color coded it and everything to include activities for work, school, fitness, and general lifestyle. If the schedule works as I hope it will, it will hold me accountable for doing homework each day (which I've had a habit of procrastinating in the past) while also allowing me ample time for blogging, crafting, writing, and other enjoyable activities each day. The schedule will also help me meet my fitness goals- I'm still working on my 5k to 10k regimen (currently running about 5 miles), but I've been wanting to add an additional daily form of exercise to my routine. Specifically, I've really been wanting to try Insanity- a max interval training program which is supposedly as difficult as the name suggests. The program is designed for people who are already somewhat fitness-competent and are looking for a boost or something new and intense to mix things up. I've been hovering around 120-123 lbs for the past few months and have been slacking a bit on cardio and strength training (other than running) so I'm hoping this program will give me the kick I need to help me keep progressing towards my fitness goals. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Speaking of fitness goals/progress, I recently posted a couple before/after photos on my tumblr, which I use mostly as a space for all things fitness, feminism, self-care, and nerdiness. One of the things I like about tumblr is that very few people that I'm connected with through it know me in real life, so I can post unflattering before pictures of myself without feeling too embarrassed about it. I wasn't sure I wanted to post the same pictures on blogger, because I'm hesitant to remind (or show) people that I know and frequently interact with how I looked when I was at my highest weight and unhealthiest lifestyle. Ultimately, though, I decided that it is the progress and who I am today that is important and that I want to document- hopefully people will appreciate and notice how far I've come, rather than where it was I came from.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8n5rH48qmEXXZXG0SVrE_BnhyGBauQhNjY_g_e7wrsBDnUhbMUmjdK-0gNYXjj6FMShz1sET8wpvPBA0q0yg0kA4Kw_T3ijeiyxACIBjXNEz-yQzoJJPRKahQMtSS3ndtjWt8X_YlvY/s1600/tumblr_mu1yeob8c81s76laxo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8n5rH48qmEXXZXG0SVrE_BnhyGBauQhNjY_g_e7wrsBDnUhbMUmjdK-0gNYXjj6FMShz1sET8wpvPBA0q0yg0kA4Kw_T3ijeiyxACIBjXNEz-yQzoJJPRKahQMtSS3ndtjWt8X_YlvY/s400/tumblr_mu1yeob8c81s76laxo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCv4uUFekRrlXKZXomtn-eLnFt0_A9h55bPOmjMToht5AhnlYrI_VYiPC-mVzl8NXTY3zKRdFKKBD2L8x-3OIv1tvJ97F5eoHi4cqtgvhBrOh7yXehNrGiRt8rH6zs6vpj8DTSRFGIN8/s1600/tumblr_mu1yeob8c81s76laxo2_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCv4uUFekRrlXKZXomtn-eLnFt0_A9h55bPOmjMToht5AhnlYrI_VYiPC-mVzl8NXTY3zKRdFKKBD2L8x-3OIv1tvJ97F5eoHi4cqtgvhBrOh7yXehNrGiRt8rH6zs6vpj8DTSRFGIN8/s400/tumblr_mu1yeob8c81s76laxo2_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photos are watermarked with my tumblr address, etc. to prevent pill/diet companies stealing them to promote their product.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
I don't have many photos of myself at my highest weight, because I avoided cameras at all costs :) It's a bit of a bummer though, because I wish I had more for comparison. It's pretty crazy to look at the ones I do have though, because although I knew I was overweight, I never felt <i>that </i>big. Regardless, I'm happy to have come quite a ways from that place, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. I'm really proud of where I am today! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Em</div>
</3></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-43746719206840364622013-08-03T12:28:00.002-07:002013-08-03T12:28:50.804-07:00Homemade Living: Summer Jams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDK4q6XFp3frDNQ2FHC22RC4BhFDaH7n91OvNDsxAI89-8PfGNXWXW6pNuePEZkJETVnQNnNDDyT1A2IQImXYKkBZn5k__hO5rSQQHXd2bUOEc1D_0ndqjkagFK6_nmxZrgOPP7hrkN8/s1600/homemade+living+jam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDK4q6XFp3frDNQ2FHC22RC4BhFDaH7n91OvNDsxAI89-8PfGNXWXW6pNuePEZkJETVnQNnNDDyT1A2IQImXYKkBZn5k__hO5rSQQHXd2bUOEc1D_0ndqjkagFK6_nmxZrgOPP7hrkN8/s400/homemade+living+jam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
At the beginning of my summer vacation I decided I wanted to do a feature called "Homemade Summer", in which I would make and blog about things that are usually bought premade in the grocery store but can actually be made fairly cheaply and much more deliciously at home. Of course, various vacations and work and life got in the way and I only managed to post about <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2013/05/homemade-summer-vanilla-bean.html">marshmallows</a> before it was suddenly August. I should just learn my lesson about starting new features. I never can seem to stick to the schedule I set for them.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I still LOVE the original idea of Homemade Summer, especially since many people are trying to step away from processed ingredients in an effort to get healthier. That's part of it for me as well, but I also just like proving to myself and the world that supposedly complicated things like cheese and pickles and mayonnaise are not only possible to make in a small home kitchen but easy, fun, and typically loads cheaper and more delicious. That's why I've decided to change "Homemade Summer" to "Homemade Living". Instead of being a 15-week rushed summer feature, I'm going to make this particular type of home cooking an additional facet of my blog with posts appearing regularly but not according to a strict schedule. Not only will this allow me to blog at a pace that fits my busy schedule, I'll be able to keep writing about this fun topic for as long as I still have things I want to try to make!<br />
<br />
One of the reasons I decided to change the format of this feature is that I've recently gotten into canning. I've canned once or twice before- a jar of apple butter here, a couple jars of salsa there- but I've never really embraced canning for all the wonderfulness it is. It's the chance to snatch up all the glorious fruits and veggies of each season when they are at they're lowest price and greatest flavor/texture and turn them into something that can be enjoyed all year long! Things made with out of season ingredients are just not going to taste as good as things made with ingredients in the peak of their season. Instead of switching to store bought sauces, preserves, etc in the off season, wouldn't it be better to have a couple jars of homemade summer tomato sauce or autumn apple butter in the pantry ready to use whenever you please? Yes, it would be.<br />
<br />
I think the reason most people don't can is that they presume it is complicated and that you'll need a whole bunch of fancy, expensive equipment. This is not the case AT ALL and if you saw my crappy, scratched up, 5 piece pots and pan set that I have to work with, you'd have to believe me. All you really need are jars, lids and bands which are super cheap (10$ or less for a set of 12 at Fry's), a medium-large sized pot for cooking your preserves/brine, a large pot for processing your jars, and a small pot for simmering your lids. Ideally you will also have a set of tongs for lifting the jars and a small rack to keep them off the bottom of the pan, but I've gotten by without- it just makes for a riskier canning adventure (meaning, I dipped my hand in boiling water by accident yesterday. ow.). If you have the desire to can, don't let a limited kitchen hold you back. It's easier than you think! I recently purchased Marisa McClellan's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Jars-Preserving-Batches-Year-Round/dp/0762441437/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375472901&sr=1-1&keywords=food+in+jars"><b>Food in Jars</b></a>, which I definitely recommend for the novice canner as it goes over the basic waterbath process and has loads of delicious recipes. <br />
<br />
Today, I wanted to focus on one of the first things people think of when they think canning- jam! Jam is awesome because it really concentrates the flavor of whatever fruit your using and can be eaten in so many different ways- swirled into yogurt, spread on toast, with peanut butter on a sandwich, mixed into a vinaigrette, glazed over chicken or pork, spooned over ice cream- really anywhere you might want a punch of bright, fruity flavor, you can insert jam. This post is going to focus on three different jams I've made this week using delicious mid-summer ingredients: blueberries (I just can't stop buying those giant boxes of them!), tomatoes, and cantaloupe.<br />
<br />
All of these recipes use the waterbath processing method which is as follows:<br />
1. Collect and clean the number of jars your recipe will require. For each jar, make sure you have a band and a clean, new (previously sealed will not work) lid.<br />
2. Place a rack in the bottom of a large pot and place the jars on top of the rack. This will keep the jars from coming into direct contact with the heat source and thus prevent breakage. Fill the jars and the pot with water until the level reaches 1-2 inches above the top of the jars. Cover the pot and place over high heat while you prepare your recipe.<br />
3. Place the lids in a small saucepan and cover with water. Simmer for 15 minutes on very low heat. Keep the lids in the hot water until ready to use.<br />
4. When you have completed your recipe and the water in the large pot is boiling rapidly, use tongs to remove the jars (pour out all the water) and place them on a clean, towel-lined counter. Do the same with the lids. Fill the jars, leaving 1/4-1/2 inch headspace at the top. Use a moistened paper towel to clean off the rims of the jars. Place the lids on the jars and lightly screw on the bands to keep them into place. Don't over-tighten.<br />
5. Place the filled jars back into the boiling water. Cover and process for the indicated time (usually about 10-15 minutes, though altitude makes a difference so make sure to look it up for where you live. Higher altitude=longer processing time).<br />
6. When the processing time is complete, use tongs to carefully remove the jars and place them back on the counter. You should notice the sound of each lid popping inward as the hot air escapes almost immediately after being removed from the water. That means the processing has done its job! Let the jars cool overnight at room temperature and don't move or mess with them.<br />
7. The next day, test the seals by removing the bands and lifting each jar by its lid a few inches off the counter. It should hold fast. Most preserves can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Once opened, store in the fridge and use in a few weeks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX0tkywDocxIc9JPpKZuIg3OxOq-qbRg_c4Dnt98MH-b8AGPaDXFUc0ySwVt11XBG72awQWbQ2lUzctvel3PfSgOjieebp-ojpDR-QKUX6E2Ux9pydHy1kWa3EfnVnDyYN4DtrhTfpWc/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX0tkywDocxIc9JPpKZuIg3OxOq-qbRg_c4Dnt98MH-b8AGPaDXFUc0ySwVt11XBG72awQWbQ2lUzctvel3PfSgOjieebp-ojpDR-QKUX6E2Ux9pydHy1kWa3EfnVnDyYN4DtrhTfpWc/s400/062.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
I first fell in love with tomato jam at a cafe in Portland where it was used as a signature spread on breakfast sandwiches, and I've been wanting to recreate it ever since. This recipe is adapted from the blog <a href="http://userealbutter.com/2012/09/09/jennies-tomato-jam-recipe/">Use Real Butter</a> and it's (added) pectin free so relies solely on sugar, the pectin already in the fruit, and a long simmering time to reach its smooth, spreadable texture. The result is a bright red intensely tomatoe-y jam that is sweet but also warm and savory. It is ah-maze-ing on crackers with sharp cheddar cheese or soft goats cheese (or probably any other cheese, too) and can also be smeared on toast by itself or topped with a runny fried egg. It can also do whatever ketchup does and then some!<br />
<br />
Makes 2 pint jars with a little extra. <br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
3.5 lbs mixed tomatoes- I used a BIG (1 lb) yellow heirloom, a box of grape tomatoes, and 5 or 6 vine tomatoes.<br />
1 small yellow onion<br />
1/2 cup diced granny smith apple<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1 1/2 cups sugar<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp coriander<br />
1/4 tsp cumin<br />
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar<br />
juice of 1 lemon<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI7klM9HptiY3cuprMWCmF4NmYOiJD8Rx31SCLu35N1XT6x-YV4cnxURg5uGSRgDHW96pyB0M3D3OefvsUNgnZLRsGe9PmPT6zI31wSY7jvcGUVmyR76P1Ua7iJcJL8Yr7wXEiuWKYF4/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYvaGAOB7eWpr8An70F4uID3qX8EKeC7f3EPGorVUnNrGhghMShyphenhyphenBoLfypoew2c4aFxuh0Xj4IeIaLxNaRTCuJc3oohoj1nn8i2k-8WCVDao4qekCBkENeiQvqAzpK8Ffw9wqmZRDTug/s200/011.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI7klM9HptiY3cuprMWCmF4NmYOiJD8Rx31SCLu35N1XT6x-YV4cnxURg5uGSRgDHW96pyB0M3D3OefvsUNgnZLRsGe9PmPT6zI31wSY7jvcGUVmyR76P1Ua7iJcJL8Yr7wXEiuWKYF4/s200/015.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zB-Q32BAK3Pubemf_jjzBITtr2UfTl-t2N7-lEKyAFsPA5lX95zgfSyTrBNzW_0-hJ-JFSF66-sT08GJiT6yi2rmfuuGko2Ale7sqnTxGIxBLgd_vBt_bhcF722JBaH-v5H8FhMhwAg/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgcqB3Wa_IiaSG0K3nfJDvKUkPSRCn1qUuqh1X6WogHWR987HzlE3GipqRz7prlfQMnd4APR4s7FOYbzUOun0SP9QTIcffC6QotPg5GU-WKdzmtLwANUW4em0YLE-PDQY82_d38-RDvY/s200/019.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zB-Q32BAK3Pubemf_jjzBITtr2UfTl-t2N7-lEKyAFsPA5lX95zgfSyTrBNzW_0-hJ-JFSF66-sT08GJiT6yi2rmfuuGko2Ale7sqnTxGIxBLgd_vBt_bhcF722JBaH-v5H8FhMhwAg/s200/025.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
1. Chop up all the tomatoes, onion, and apple and place in a large stock pot.<br />
2. Add all other ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce to a simmer.<br />
3. Cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom. <br />
4. Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, fill your (already cleaned, heated) jars and process for 15 minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRvbHAMZJHl5IDUcVuKN5qdmYwgRKWRoVoqQgtDL0q1yO9JgB8iiai1lGlCBBTkOnPxatwUE5Xd_tm9mmfeJFLZuKwmFm7UsMQrIUFX8iJ3Kx8X1nnTKWYPp5-PCPIoIFrLND5jD2GcM/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRvbHAMZJHl5IDUcVuKN5qdmYwgRKWRoVoqQgtDL0q1yO9JgB8iiai1lGlCBBTkOnPxatwUE5Xd_tm9mmfeJFLZuKwmFm7UsMQrIUFX8iJ3Kx8X1nnTKWYPp5-PCPIoIFrLND5jD2GcM/s400/075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX47bxE3GUhCO78RX_QUbq4eqSkhw3MKymlB6brsSLwF0Hy0IYZ42MJ500qXSx9ilGSyEklOjh_5FxKM12m5qP4oB6EIAwjAiS3WfqKrQC-76wrS9V1924wEyaOVrrfW-ViD_JzC39SM4/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX47bxE3GUhCO78RX_QUbq4eqSkhw3MKymlB6brsSLwF0Hy0IYZ42MJ500qXSx9ilGSyEklOjh_5FxKM12m5qP4oB6EIAwjAiS3WfqKrQC-76wrS9V1924wEyaOVrrfW-ViD_JzC39SM4/s400/063.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
This is classic, uncomplicated Blueberry jam. It works anywhere you would usually put fruit jam such as yogurt, toast, or a pb&j. Like all other homemade jams, the flavor of the main fruit is super concentrated to the point that it just seems to be bursting with fresh summer blueberries. I've never been a fan of store-bought fruit jams because they tend to be cloyingly sweet and unappealingly sticky and thick; luckily, this version is free from those issues. It's sweet and spreadable while remaining light and fruity. This and the following recipe are adapted from the book <i>Food in Jars</i>.<br />
<br />
Makes 3.5 half pint jars or 7 4 oz jars<br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients </i><br />
4 cups<i> </i>smashed blueberries<br />
2 cups granulated sugar<br />
zest and juice of 1/2 lemon<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg<br />
1 3-oz packet liquid pectin<br />
<br />
1. Combine blueberries and sugar in a medium sized pot and bring to a boil. Add lemon juice and spices and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam is thick and shiny.<br />
2. Add the pectin, stir, and cook an additional 5 minutes or until jam is thick enough to drip slowly from a spoon.<br />
3. Fill prepared jars and process for 10 minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ16jY_bEv1yc9vxOUe7ZG_Q22Asb_P6rddjfJLE1FIdTdN5bed8iA1eUVjW2u-eLjW9D0280P7kiQQtFlhyCEkwJ7rXDQg9nQpgZ3zhiIwYA58ogJ_OqOmpP8jrGiqJCSRTjFT5sPEY/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ16jY_bEv1yc9vxOUe7ZG_Q22Asb_P6rddjfJLE1FIdTdN5bed8iA1eUVjW2u-eLjW9D0280P7kiQQtFlhyCEkwJ7rXDQg9nQpgZ3zhiIwYA58ogJ_OqOmpP8jrGiqJCSRTjFT5sPEY/s400/076.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00XrYLwZmRwiV8nOQEs8AjzT-_hFViEUWU_t-0USBLsMwSZ6TG2PHD951zJmM4MSptmSTYfziikvucOzk8xVGnc6yB3ZDwGPxwJE7dCkjsw014DoSKvYZ0Php_BB43WAxlwfEhd4-Hio/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00XrYLwZmRwiV8nOQEs8AjzT-_hFViEUWU_t-0USBLsMwSZ6TG2PHD951zJmM4MSptmSTYfziikvucOzk8xVGnc6yB3ZDwGPxwJE7dCkjsw014DoSKvYZ0Php_BB43WAxlwfEhd4-Hio/s400/064.JPG" width="265" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not the biggest fan of canteloupe but I'm a BIG fan of this jam. It tastes less like the melon and more like a zesty, creamy, tropical treat. It uses real vanilla bean which makes a world of difference in my opinion- I just can't resist things flecked with those teeny little black spots. Like the blueberry jam, it does what any other jam will do. It's a bit thinner than some other jams, making me think it would be particularly excellent over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Makes 2.5 half pint jars or 5 4 oz jars</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3 cups diced peeled cantaloupe<i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
zest of one lemon small lemon or 1/2 large lemon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 3-oz packet liquid pectin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Combine cantaloupe, sugar, and vanilla bean pod and seeds in a medium pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Add lemon zest, juice, and pectin and return to a rapid boil. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the bubbles are thick and then mixture has somewhat reduced. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Fill prepared jars and process for 10 minutes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6UDCN8QKhxVURjrv_2X0c1sP6nhq2knq3BiGItNv9as1ze8gUo-mvQKfCZxopSxWokqFRGul4b0bbHO5DGuTZPBK0MxAaIpGzJq0_GkVp1ZD5Q0s-NFI4PiEFF_Ty7uIwOLsltaKrFE/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6UDCN8QKhxVURjrv_2X0c1sP6nhq2knq3BiGItNv9as1ze8gUo-mvQKfCZxopSxWokqFRGul4b0bbHO5DGuTZPBK0MxAaIpGzJq0_GkVp1ZD5Q0s-NFI4PiEFF_Ty7uIwOLsltaKrFE/s320/080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's the weekend, so find your local farmer's market, snatch up some fresh produce, and try making some jams! You won't be disappointed. Plus if you can hold on to a few jars you'll already be stocked with delicious homemade gifts for the holidays! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<3</3></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Em </div>
<!--3-->Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-67119085830937061872013-07-29T12:00:00.003-07:002013-07-29T12:01:10.871-07:00My Running EssentialsI posted this to Instagram and Facebook already, but on Saturday I completed the couch to five K program <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2013/06/i-think-i-love-running-now.html">I've been gushing about</a>. It was a nine week program which took me a little over 12 weeks to complete due to a couple trips out of town. It feels so good to have accomplished it! I remember coming home from my run on the very first day of the program and fantasizing about the day I would complete it, somehow being able to run for 30 minutes without stopping. That day has arrived and now I can't wait to see what else I can push myself to do! Tomorrow I'm going to begin the follow-up program, 5k to 10k, and hopefully in another 9-12 weeks I'll be running 6.2 miles! I've already rambled on about this in my previous running post (linked above), but if you have any inkling at all that you might want to try running, I can't recommend it (and the c25k program) enough! I've yet to find any activity that is so noticeably beneficial to your body and mind.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKufPFKYEsWSDNuhID1VPiLdurnWhgU2fD9_jAKpKxk3kRPl35eJVthQsxKT5fdokAIxdtKSdX1zj3z_BxGbnWTA3_DtqCK9AYezVKaOSNkso5yQDAU_cA-csJOhlE5p-IhttudZDzNYg/s1600/1000111_10153202284515727_1681941524_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKufPFKYEsWSDNuhID1VPiLdurnWhgU2fD9_jAKpKxk3kRPl35eJVthQsxKT5fdokAIxdtKSdX1zj3z_BxGbnWTA3_DtqCK9AYezVKaOSNkso5yQDAU_cA-csJOhlE5p-IhttudZDzNYg/s400/1000111_10153202284515727_1681941524_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had Colton snap this picture of me after I'd gotten back from my last run to commemorate the event :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Luckily when I started running I had already been on a fitness kick for a few months so I had a lot of the things I would need- all you <i>really </i>need to run is a pair of good running shoes and clothes that let you move. As I progressed in the program, however, I found that there were a few things that made the running experience not only more enjoyable but often a bit easier. Here is my list of running essentials for the amateur runner:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Running shoes: a good pair of running shoes is a must, and you need to be properly fitted for them to make sure you get the right kind for your foot. Good shoes will keep you comfortable and decrease your chances of injury or strain while bad shoes will guarantee discomfort and eventual injury. Running shoes can be expensive (although you can sometimes find them on sale), but they are well worth it and will last a long time (most shoes will be good for 300-400 miles). There are many brands of running shoes and deciding which kind to get often comes down to price and style, as most brands create shoes for all different types of feet. I currently have a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 13s which I love and have found to be reliable and comfortable. </li>
<li>Running shorts: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA6mGZhcp2kjlhH4XpZENZIWzFgDsU435PIQDxzvDRZoyyKMtjK-cxtfkNkFB4K0hoUBDGbktITnV0XNlnOaMKBkUPG8LIoXB-DJVbjG_kHOZNgoBs8NnqIQOrkbSkRSw5a7TL-zfXZE/s1600/nike+pros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA6mGZhcp2kjlhH4XpZENZIWzFgDsU435PIQDxzvDRZoyyKMtjK-cxtfkNkFB4K0hoUBDGbktITnV0XNlnOaMKBkUPG8LIoXB-DJVbjG_kHOZNgoBs8NnqIQOrkbSkRSw5a7TL-zfXZE/s400/nike+pros.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/fitblr">fitblr</a> community is obsessed with Nike Pros, and for good reason. They are made with Nike's dri-FIT material which makes them stay comfy, breathable, and dry throughout your run. They also come in a gazillion awesome colors and prints and look really cute, so that's why I love them. Really, any pair of pants or shorts that are comfy and allow you to move will do the trick, but I like compression shorts and I like the look and feel of Nike Pros... and for 25$ a pop you could do a lot worse.</li>
<li>Sports Bras: Everyone will need a different style/fit, so find what works for you! Personally, I love the colors, variety, support, and price of Forever 21's sports bras so I get all mine from there. Different people may need bras of a higher quality, though. </li>
<li>Running socks: We are now getting into the things that I didn't realize I needed until I learned about them... and then once I tried them I couldn't imagine going without! Running socks are more cushioned and breathable than normal cotton socks, and they conform to your foot really well. Before I used them my feet would often get uncomfortably hot while I was running (especially in the Tucson heat) which would distract me from having a good workout. Now that I use them, I rarely if ever have any discomfort in my feet. My brand of choice is Balega- they make socks designed for both men and women with different running needs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.frontrunnersla.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/fr_portfolio_activewear_balega_socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://www.frontrunnersla.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/fr_portfolio_activewear_balega_socks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Armband: I use my phone not only to listen to music but to run my
running app which tells me when to run and records my pace/distance.
When I first started, I just held my phone in my hand and it was a huge
pain. Literally- it made the shoulder of whichever arm was carrying the
phone ache throughout the run and for a while afterwards. Using an
armband allows me to have my phone with me while maintaining good form
and keeping my hands free. It also gives me a way to keep my house key
with me while I'm running instead of hiding it outside my house. There
are lots of fancy, high-tech armbands out there, but I've found that a
simple one is all I need. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ACH9FY/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">I got mine off of amazon for only 6$ (2$ before shipping!)</a>
and it's cute, sturdy, and easy to use. The plastic front allows me to
use my phone while it's inside the arm band, which is nice. The only
downside is that the armband is not totally waterproof, so if I were to
run in the rain or sweat an inordinate amount during a workout water
might get to my phone. I haven't had any problems with that thus far,
though.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Fou3cHkVL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Fou3cHkVL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li> Earbuds: It's so annoying to be running and to have to constantly be
adjusting your headphones to try and keep them inside your ears or
putting them back in every time they fall out. It totally gets you out
of your running groove! They make special running headphones which
either hook behind the ear or twist and lock inside your ear, but they
can be expensive- just make sure that whatever headphones you use are
well fitted to your ear and don't cause you any problems. I found a nice
pair at Ross for about 10$ that do the trick.</li>
<li>Running apps: A huge part of the fun of running is competing against your previous paces and distances. Running apps like c25k, 5k to 10k, and Nike+ Running all use GPS to show you how far and how fast you run. It's a great way to keep track of your fitness progress. If you are a beginning runner or are training for a 5k or 10k race, the first two apps also help you get to a certain level of running ability within 9 weeks. I have found I am much more motivated to go running when it feels as though I am accomplishing something by logging days in a set program. It also lets me see how far I've come! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gsmnation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Couch-To-5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://www.gsmnation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Couch-To-5k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li> Running music: It goes without saying that having something to listen to while you're running (especially something that keeps your motivation and energy up) greatly improves the running experience. I have a few songs that I know will always give me an extra boost, so I make sure they are on my playlist. <a href="http://www.pandora.com/music/workout">Pandora also has several stations designed with fitness in mind</a>. So far I've enjoyed the Pop and Hip Hop Power Workout, Dance Cardio, Pop Fitness, and Alternative endurance training. Lastly, <a href="http://jog.fm/">this is a great website</a> which lets you put in your average running pace (if you use the apps mentioned above this will be easy to figure out) and gives you a big list of songs that will match your stride as you run. Isn't that awesome?</li>
<li>Yoga mat: After you run, you HAVE to stretch! It helps prevent injury and lactic acid build up, which will make you stiff and sore the next day otherwise. I use a simple yoga mat that I bought for about 15$ at Ross. I use it not only for stretching but for strength training workouts, so it gets a lot of use. Having something you can quickly lay out and then roll back up again ensures that you do your stretches after every run, so a yoga mat is definitely necessary running equipment!</li>
</ol>
There you have it! My running essentials for the amateur runner. As I begin running longer distances (I'm hoping to be able to do a half or even full marathon within the next couple years!) I'm sure I'll discover more things that are necessary for longer, more difficult runs. For now, these things should be more than enough to help any short-distance runner have a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable running experience!<br />
<br />
<3 Em <!--3--><!--3--></3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-41368810426314429952013-07-28T13:19:00.000-07:002013-07-28T13:19:09.908-07:00Classic Blueberry Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix98w_fnWcUvJf6YcQIXTF5PlxoXhDknrGnZhft-e3mrwXyoCPyNoRlJ2a1OIzJ0i67ppp2KxbhNLwZxJZe3BjJYVzYNRD5FsAS5ECQJXyLpc-ZBesk6QPGmPKrS9EDRTd9ikrcwFGmrE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix98w_fnWcUvJf6YcQIXTF5PlxoXhDknrGnZhft-e3mrwXyoCPyNoRlJ2a1OIzJ0i67ppp2KxbhNLwZxJZe3BjJYVzYNRD5FsAS5ECQJXyLpc-ZBesk6QPGmPKrS9EDRTd9ikrcwFGmrE/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been interested in cooking and experimenting in the kitchen ever since I was a little girl. On uneventful summer days, my sister and I used to make "creations" by throwing random amounts of random ingredients into a bowl and then baking whatever dough or batter resulted and hoping it would turn into the most marvelous cookie/muffin/cake ever. Most memorable are the slightly-off-tasting-but-actually-not-that-bad green tinted cupcakes and my naive attempt at coffee cake, which I had misinterpreted as cake containing coffee. Needless to say the gummy flat cake flecked with my parents expensive coffee grounds did not impress. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I got a little bit older, I starting reading my parents' copy of the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, picking random recipes based on what ingredients we had in the kitchen, and trying my hand at them. I liked that cookbook because it not only seemed to have the recipe for every dish in existence, the recipes were all the simplest versions of themselves. Most of the time I could just pick something that sounded interesting and see if I could make it without having to ask my parents to buy me some obscure ingredients. Thanks to the BHaG cookbook I made risotto before I knew what risotto was, polenta before I knew what polenta was, and a vast array of other dishes for not much reason other than I was bored and felt like cooking. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On one of these occasions, I decided I wanted to try to make blueberry pie. I had never made or even eaten blueberry pie, but I loved the way it looked with its dark purple-blue hue, delicate little berries, and flakey lattice top. Fresh blueberries were (are) expensive, so we only had a couple bags of frozen blueberries for me to work with- according to Better Homes and Gardens, that would be just fine! I remember being pleased and surprised by how simple the recipe was. The dough was a simple flour-butter-salt-sugar-water pastry and the filling was not much more than blueberries, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice. While I wasn't courageous enough to attempt a lattice top (opting for a traditional flat top crust instead), I had high hopes for this simple, pretty little pie. When it came out of the oven it smelled and looked perfect, but when we cut into it later that evening my heart fell as the filling dripped out from the pastry, making a thin juicey mess in the pie tin. It still tasted fine, but it was far from the picturesque, delicate blueberry pie I had imagined. I chalked it up to blueberries (especially the frozen variety) containing too much water and never made another attempt, preferring the sturdiness of apples or chocolate cream.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But now I do the grocery shopping for myself, so when I noticed Safeway had 2 lb boxes of fresh blueberries on sale for 5 dollars (versus the 3 dollar pint box I usually buy), I just couldn't resist. It wouldn't have been fiscally responsible! Of course 2 lbs of blueberries is way too much for a single person to eat before they go bad, so something had to be done. I decided it was time to make a fresh, more experienced attempt at blueberry pie. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This recipe appealed to me because the <a href="http://www.traceysculinaryadventures.com/">author of the blog I found it on</a> also lamented too-drippy pie filling, insisting that this pie is sturdy enough to hold it's shape without being so thick as to resemble Jell-O. The filling recipe is also very simple, but not as simple as the Better Homes and Gardens method, which makes me feel more confident because for some reason I tend to think more steps/ingredients=more consistent, controllable, and delicious results. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZD1O5D9piUCXtJ1MLyM-Ts4pSJNK3XUPGVn0Hrh_7y2Qa2pfpqQerJyoUWNX0DXvzecG49KzAYdhp2XhOgtV0I5FZ2SiXwSD7Q6HL9Oenzfc1AdzMgMvY6zcbMKNxHBkwXMI-Js93vY/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZD1O5D9piUCXtJ1MLyM-Ts4pSJNK3XUPGVn0Hrh_7y2Qa2pfpqQerJyoUWNX0DXvzecG49KzAYdhp2XhOgtV0I5FZ2SiXwSD7Q6HL9Oenzfc1AdzMgMvY6zcbMKNxHBkwXMI-Js93vY/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8Y_z4kBv5ttNC-zrWZLlZQHZlbp9MSJ7kKgJ5zRi_upYmdDwVjWuoKElmVeKEDo5YTemtZM5lsICqtyemrLCJbLczUdWUcVAUdGKVY8jbR-FiEYcDjGBUvvT-FtFz7C-EW9J3m8VApw/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8Y_z4kBv5ttNC-zrWZLlZQHZlbp9MSJ7kKgJ5zRi_upYmdDwVjWuoKElmVeKEDo5YTemtZM5lsICqtyemrLCJbLczUdWUcVAUdGKVY8jbR-FiEYcDjGBUvvT-FtFz7C-EW9J3m8VApw/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only change I made was to use my favorite pastry crust recipe, which uses a mix of shortening and butter instead of exclusively one or the other. I like the flavor and crumbliness that butter lends to the crust, but find that shortening adds flakiness and helps keep the bottom crust from becoming thin, flat, and hard. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.traceysculinaryadventures.com/2013/07/ultimate-summer-blueberry-lattice-pie.html#.UfV1wG3m49a">Here</a> is the link to the original recipe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2.5 cups flour</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp salt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tbsp sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup shortening</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6-8 tbsp ice water</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6 cups fresh blueberries, divided</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 granny smith apple</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 tsp lemon zest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 tsp lemon juice </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3/4 cup sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 tbsp instant tapioca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/8 tsp salt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 tbsp unsalted butter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 large egg beaten with 1 tsp water</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIXwkLfRz0Z0Nu09ILEffEtuUDfTE7KlJEg9ex5NX7pxEkueqDcvNaT6wyzKXNEO9diRA-eL3VB4pIYynanG19nJN9qBj55HsCWgg6FQ-I-fnT46UpafmDZujJ7IZkl0t5UcvA1qDpjk/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIXwkLfRz0Z0Nu09ILEffEtuUDfTE7KlJEg9ex5NX7pxEkueqDcvNaT6wyzKXNEO9diRA-eL3VB4pIYynanG19nJN9qBj55HsCWgg6FQ-I-fnT46UpafmDZujJ7IZkl0t5UcvA1qDpjk/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place on the bottom rack of the oven. Preheat over to 400 degrees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Make the dough by combining flour, salt, and sugar. Use a pastry cutter (or your hands) to cut in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles course crumbs. Add ice water 2 tbsp until a cohesive (not sticky) dough is formed. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for one hour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Place three cups of blueberries in a medium saucepan and cook on low, mashing with a spoon or potato masher until the berries have cooked down. They should turn into a thick, slightly chunky blueberry compote. Remove from heat and let cool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Peel, core, and grate the granny smith apple. Place inside a paper towel and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. To the cooked berries, add the apple, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, tapioca, salt, and remaining blueberries. Stir to combine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Roll out half of the pastry dough to form a 12 inch disc. Lay inside a 9 inch pie pan and trim edges to no more than 1 inch excess. Spoon the filling into the dish and spread evenly. Cut the 2 tbsp unsalted butter into pieces and place on top of the filling. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. Roll out the other half of the pastry dough. For a classic crust, simple lay the disc of dough over the filled pan and cut 4-6 slits in the top for ventilation. For a lattice top, use a pizza or ravioli slicer (or a sharp knife) and cut 10-11 long strips in the rolled out disc of dough. Lay 5 strips vertically across the filling, spacing evenly. Fold up strips 1, 3, and 5 halfway and place a strip horizontally so that it crosses over strips 2 and 4. Lay strips 1, 3, and 5 back down. Repeat, folding up strips 2 and 4 and laying a strip horizontally over 1, 3, and 5. Do the same for the other half of the pie. <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/tipstools/slideshows/2011/08/lattice-crust-101#slide=1">Here's a visual explanation. </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. Cut away excess dough from edges. Use the egg wash to adhere to top crust/strips to the bottom crust. Use your fingers or a fork to make a decorative pattern around the edge. Brush the top crust with the egg wash. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. Bake the pie for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350, and bake for 30-40 additional minutes, or until filling is bubbling and crust is golden brown. If necessary, line the outer crust with tin foil during the baking process to keep it from burning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vE7pULhyphenhyphenlCC-tKPHbLO0K1mi0MCCD4iWwlcW-FAsVQuT3gvgWP2B5QyGF-f7cBp3yLcpLSSQKs7ecJsU8RS1YXrlyoGIlr405sUwjM8FM06qAmHdxx6zBkLEBBWzFL4uYj9gH3jyXiQ/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vE7pULhyphenhyphenlCC-tKPHbLO0K1mi0MCCD4iWwlcW-FAsVQuT3gvgWP2B5QyGF-f7cBp3yLcpLSSQKs7ecJsU8RS1YXrlyoGIlr405sUwjM8FM06qAmHdxx6zBkLEBBWzFL4uYj9gH3jyXiQ/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-77014801062426285392013-07-27T13:33:00.001-07:002013-07-27T13:34:40.273-07:00The Vacation that Never WasFor the past three years, I've taken a couple weeks in the middle of July off of work and headed up to the redwood forests of Northern California to, well, work. I have the honor of cooking for the <a href="http://www.ruhaniat.org/index.php/youth-retreats/youth-mendocino">Mendocino Sufi Youth Retreat</a>, a wonderful 5 day spiritual retreat for 18-29 year-olds. I've been attending the youth retreat as a regular camper since I was 16 (the age limit has since been changed), and when I was offered the opportunity to take over the kitchen responsibilities at age 20 I jumped at the chance.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3SnXdr9lcnAmK2elkmHfNpArwQoIRs0-qzj-CYBlL09zcByJogaA8PgP3qoTwIKohxCf3NF35A0i0A8ax2Z7R6uDWGT2K-UtEBTbMPRpDohPrpBZ7gOvOjTz38LtaNGJxmkzdiuJ1vI/s1600/196570_4511397035_3771_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3SnXdr9lcnAmK2elkmHfNpArwQoIRs0-qzj-CYBlL09zcByJogaA8PgP3qoTwIKohxCf3NF35A0i0A8ax2Z7R6uDWGT2K-UtEBTbMPRpDohPrpBZ7gOvOjTz38LtaNGJxmkzdiuJ1vI/s400/196570_4511397035_3771_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my first year at the retreat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each year it has been quite a bit of work in the weeks leading up to the retreat- I not only have to design a five day menu, I need to make sure there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free options at each meal, test all the recipes I haven't made before, convert every recipe to fit the number of campers expected at the retreat (usually between 25-35), buy all the groceries... and then drive the two days up to camp where I usually work from about 6:30am-11pm in the kitchen with only a few hours here and there for meals, errands, and relaxing. It is intense, to say the least. I love doing it though, and I have no hesitation in saying I'll happily do it again next year. <br />
<br />
This being my third year, things really seemed to click and I felt like I had a pretty good handle on everything I was trying to do. Nothing came out inedible (I'd say most things came out pretty good!) and meals were never more then 5 minutes off schedule. I'm going to say that is at least in part due to the multitude of timed cooking competitions I watch... somehow I've internalized Gordon Ramsey shouting "two minutes out on risotto!" and it has made me a more punctual cook.<br />
<br />
I never remember or have the time/energy to take pictures of the food I make or the things that go on in the kitchen, but luckily some people do! Here's a few:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc60zjPe6s-AsZIU3b3KVxajbwyjfD4ps0SHtQFGqx2kaJ4FfuGOY3zgJJralbbsyP9tiWYcrHGQyI53oUst9_jFteXgXBFuwiBNg1oh9EvtKW4pXJDdpOzxNEZZlvYt1Rgu3RoQF5yPs/s1600/132923_10200857465713140_1846528179_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc60zjPe6s-AsZIU3b3KVxajbwyjfD4ps0SHtQFGqx2kaJ4FfuGOY3zgJJralbbsyP9tiWYcrHGQyI53oUst9_jFteXgXBFuwiBNg1oh9EvtKW4pXJDdpOzxNEZZlvYt1Rgu3RoQF5yPs/s400/132923_10200857465713140_1846528179_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon baked with lemon, butter, and dill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVvDBIgJ2FwA8Jo-WefGWcpo994Hq2WYh2Rt0jPauiJezc3CpiFvCEj1h2vll-DFe5JyjPOObkZXb6MYaq7EfgljKHtCn965ek1PttpeQblLwMzokDt21zpTjABcONjSHPusJ5BXm_Fg/s1600/412747_10200857465953146_1735608645_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVvDBIgJ2FwA8Jo-WefGWcpo994Hq2WYh2Rt0jPauiJezc3CpiFvCEj1h2vll-DFe5JyjPOObkZXb6MYaq7EfgljKHtCn965ek1PttpeQblLwMzokDt21zpTjABcONjSHPusJ5BXm_Fg/s400/412747_10200857465953146_1735608645_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple risotto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFBizpcKVTAMTINdObwoOEKBTNgaJlDLFO3YtVn-dlLJx6n_Fr2Gf-zpBV0TFSA21j_3_rW20EkfGxjGn7ELrYn-6alWU4U1eBVqyCuEmdI2Hasj5GaNfv2BAFd9ooXtV_b6bJU8hg-c/s1600/1026093_10200857465393132_1836387593_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFBizpcKVTAMTINdObwoOEKBTNgaJlDLFO3YtVn-dlLJx6n_Fr2Gf-zpBV0TFSA21j_3_rW20EkfGxjGn7ELrYn-6alWU4U1eBVqyCuEmdI2Hasj5GaNfv2BAFd9ooXtV_b6bJU8hg-c/s400/1026093_10200857465393132_1836387593_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ratatouille- one of my favorite simple summertime vegan meals- the hardest part is making the spiral!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtgG5T1bezHVTBdRCsYc82lNddQita2l7MpNhCkPIJfRnJYQlBTYgD-MC2o_GTafmlDghInWQkVpW8CpiFv_-InQnNEfwPQ6ICnimdFxfGHdUA6gtrZUQyJCr6ThIHzl9faqMLnMJeVo/s1600/1073934_10200857436672414_1992523909_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtgG5T1bezHVTBdRCsYc82lNddQita2l7MpNhCkPIJfRnJYQlBTYgD-MC2o_GTafmlDghInWQkVpW8CpiFv_-InQnNEfwPQ6ICnimdFxfGHdUA6gtrZUQyJCr6ThIHzl9faqMLnMJeVo/s400/1073934_10200857436672414_1992523909_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjB7mGcakrmW34rWLeav5vD1QwLjbyHOpOs683wfIBQYlhk_QdyI1ZB3YEVuWXkfJkZJ1h9DxESRMFF9pvfokyalF-kMcEpMYcBERu-vXUEnki175_qboPRWA0jqjCdFiEjdnkFfSPeE/s1600/1077476_10200857436992422_1930143617_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjB7mGcakrmW34rWLeav5vD1QwLjbyHOpOs683wfIBQYlhk_QdyI1ZB3YEVuWXkfJkZJ1h9DxESRMFF9pvfokyalF-kMcEpMYcBERu-vXUEnki175_qboPRWA0jqjCdFiEjdnkFfSPeE/s400/1077476_10200857436992422_1930143617_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeaivZ6IlHJuvRZHZdCryCSZUMjIwRdW4lY0yWoOsSpYHs25Y55mJto_SiCjHleG_emfkI0yA4Xa4zCzkhWKZGfowijR874s5A8Tvyb5PJiXpl6IMJBOhaMCjvOvN9TLjK6XEhDiwlG4/s1600/1077258_10200857472633313_1627239827_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeaivZ6IlHJuvRZHZdCryCSZUMjIwRdW4lY0yWoOsSpYHs25Y55mJto_SiCjHleG_emfkI0yA4Xa4zCzkhWKZGfowijR874s5A8Tvyb5PJiXpl6IMJBOhaMCjvOvN9TLjK6XEhDiwlG4/s400/1077258_10200857472633313_1627239827_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone did a fantastic job helping out and it was a really fun, delicious year. That said, once everything was said and done and the kitchen had been scrubbed clean, Colton and I were greatly looking forward to embarking on the second half of our trip- the <i>vacation</i> half!<br />
<br />
We were planning on spending the night in Fort Bragg (a coastal town about 30 minutes away from the camp) with my parents and then leaving the next day for San Francisco, where we would spend two nights with a couple friends. From there we would enjoy a leisurely road-trip back to Prescott over the course of two days, where we would pick up Clementine and then head back to Tucson with a day to spare before having to go back to work.<br />
<br />
As you may have been able to glean from the title, we did not get very far into these plans.<br />
<br />
We were able to enjoy our time in Mendocino and Fort Bragg, and joined the rest of the retreat-goers for the traditional drink at the only bar in the tiny little town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_prZ2xNQHbxL66hiFAvCvx_tAf9YdvuTeIoOR3_PDcx-N462ATTjciKV3FuPm2keG1U5h_FZ5S7c_6JnOEeK-zNpezWT6PvNt-O-UUMWeyu-yTD5U1bzngd5o1cy7yhiqVAu1tS3mco/s1600/IMG950330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_prZ2xNQHbxL66hiFAvCvx_tAf9YdvuTeIoOR3_PDcx-N462ATTjciKV3FuPm2keG1U5h_FZ5S7c_6JnOEeK-zNpezWT6PvNt-O-UUMWeyu-yTD5U1bzngd5o1cy7yhiqVAu1tS3mco/s400/IMG950330.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Afterwards, we met up with my parents (along with my sister) had a nice Thai dinner which I greatly appreciated not having to cook, and went to bed early in order to be up bright and early to begin the next leg of our trip. When we awoke we had breakfast, took a short walk around town, did some laundry and some last minute shopping and then we headed off to the bay area.<br />
<br />
We made it about an hour to a town called Cloverfield. Just a few miles past, my engine began making a loud knocking noise and I realized I needed to get off the highway immediately. Although my Dad had changed the oil before we had left for California, we soon found that I was completely out of oil and the lack of it had likely caused some engine damage. With the help of a slightly senile albeit very helpful passerby and AAA, we were able to get the car towed back to Cloverfield and put enough oil in it so that we would be able to drive to the town's mechanic the next day (it was about 7pm by the time we got back into town). We stayed at an overpriced Super 8, ordered takeout, and went to bed hoping to get the problem resolved early enough to get to stick mostly to our original plan, minus a day.<br />
<br />
We took the car to the mechanic the next morning and went across the street to have brunch and pass the time. Eventually they called to inform us that the oil was not leaking from the oil pan but from some other part of the engine (how this occurred I have no idea) and that unfortunately the damage was bad enough that the car would need a whole new engine. After a lot of stressful phone calls, tears, and discussion, we decided to pay to have the leak fixed and attempt to drive the car home with the damaged engine, knowing that it could possibly seize up but hoping it would at least make it on a slow trip back to Arizona. We wound up spending another night in Cloverdale, this time deciding to scrap all plans of our vacation and just head straight back to Prescott.<br />
<br />
We got the partially fixed car around noon the next day after shelling out about 400 dollars. Tentatively, we headed out on the road. Things seemed to be going well for the first 30 minutes, but just as we were entering Santa Rosa, the engine seized up and we wound up having to coast into the nearest exit via the shoulder and into a gas station. From there it was pretty clear we would not be leaving California with this car.<br />
<br />
Luckily, my Dad was in the area so he was able to come pick us up, help us call a towing company to take the car to a junkyard, set us up in a hotel, and arrange an alternate route home. After discussing a couple different options, we finally decided to ride a combination of amtrak buses and trains over the next 24 hours which would eventually land us in Maricopa, a town close enough to Colton's parents for them to come pick us up and take us to Prescott, where we would pick up Clem and one of my parents' other cars and drive all the way back down to Tucson. Our relaxing post-work vacation had now become a stressful 3 day ordeal which left me with a drained bank account, no car, and a long ride home on public transportation.<br />
<br />
We left Santa Rosa on a bus at 8:30 the next morning, transferred onto a train a couple hours later in Martinez, arrived in Bakersfield 6 hours later where we got on another bus, arrived in LA where we had a 3 hour layover, and then finally boarded a train at 10 pm which we rode until 5:30 the next morning, finally debarking in a state of grogginess and exhaustion.<br />
<br />
We did try to have a bit of fun throughout all this, since we weren't going to be getting the vacation we hoped for. We played a lot of cards, watched movies on my laptop, listened to audiobooks, took silly selfies on the bus, and sampled the amtrak's outrageously expensive selection of food and drink.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxyUZEdnT4VX04vPUNEJMV9OQh3cRXThHyTimOmZtdj4pKSC0SmnbaKNNfT8l7ODaiJG0TqKk9ZTzRGRjJaoxSfbMVyHG4iLm6Vt6ZfIt87SVm8D2nUvCgNG8VnAQTVYCu25oNmsN2Ko/s1600/IMG950347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxyUZEdnT4VX04vPUNEJMV9OQh3cRXThHyTimOmZtdj4pKSC0SmnbaKNNfT8l7ODaiJG0TqKk9ZTzRGRjJaoxSfbMVyHG4iLm6Vt6ZfIt87SVm8D2nUvCgNG8VnAQTVYCu25oNmsN2Ko/s400/IMG950347.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7aQ7fZZCTzoG8gTUT3zoFpx5Xq4leIahTOIiGoJawZiXBWOaUojpfVGA7WHZ6PaFMgC6XGUfa5qZuRWZ6ER2rRPw3QWqHhqChPXVvIur9KKX11JYSAgaWu42kbLkF0mbdi-EgvLf2Lo/s1600/IMAG0547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7aQ7fZZCTzoG8gTUT3zoFpx5Xq4leIahTOIiGoJawZiXBWOaUojpfVGA7WHZ6PaFMgC6XGUfa5qZuRWZ6ER2rRPw3QWqHhqChPXVvIur9KKX11JYSAgaWu42kbLkF0mbdi-EgvLf2Lo/s640/IMAG0547.jpg" width="379" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkfvIcGd8wEAYe_EEOP7GGWm8CKUrTOWFgC-UORnryAZAK7NoP7iQW6hON9zyJ3d4pHWehcDHXopolg3Q0gNCwDpIscEvrUIB78jDRwaYkFr1rIDdKNmNT8-QHCkUJ2BdcQ9G0jpngrM/s1600/IMG950362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkfvIcGd8wEAYe_EEOP7GGWm8CKUrTOWFgC-UORnryAZAK7NoP7iQW6hON9zyJ3d4pHWehcDHXopolg3Q0gNCwDpIscEvrUIB78jDRwaYkFr1rIDdKNmNT8-QHCkUJ2BdcQ9G0jpngrM/s400/IMG950362.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
By the time all of this was over with and we were in Prescott with little Clementine, we pretty much only had enough time to go to sleep, get up the next morning, head to Tucson, and immediately clock in at work. Hence the Vacation that Never Was.<br />
<br />
The good news is that we are now settled back in Tucson, my summer classes are over, youth retreat is over, and I now have about a month before starting my last semester of college during which I can finally relax for a little bit and look for a new car. It was a rough trip to say the least, but I've never been more happy to be home!<br />
<br />
<3 Em<!--3--></3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-59285409737978789322013-06-02T15:26:00.002-07:002013-06-02T15:31:53.750-07:00I think I love running now...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://data.whicdn.com/images/63325645/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/63325645/large.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
As you know, I've been on a major health/fitness/weight loss kick since January of this year. My workout routine has had a lot of variation over the months to accommodate my hectic school and work schedule as well as my abilities, but I've basically been trying to work out for 30 mins to an hour a day, 3-5 days a week. My strength training routine hasn't changed much in 2 years, but I've been experimenting with different forms of cardio to keep things interesting and figure out what I like. I started off with some amateur hip hop workout videos on youtube, moved on to more intense aerobics/dance videos, got really excited about everything Deanne Berry did for a while, and now I'm on to running with the very popular Couch to 5k program- and through some miracle, running has become my favorite.<br />
<br />
I have never, EVER been a runner. In middle school and high school I absolutely dreaded the days that we had to run the mile and would always "run the straights, walk the curves" because i knew there was no way I'd get through it otherwise. I would see the cross country team running after school and question why on earth anyone would put themselves through that willingly while secretly marveling at their ability to run for more than a few minutes. I did begin going to the gym in high school/throughout college and could run fairly successfully on the treadmill, but I openly detested running outside. It was so much harder than running in an air-conditioned gym with your own little tv screen, and you couldn't just step off and quit whenever you wanted- you'd have to walk back to where you started. <br />
<br />
There was always a part of me, though, that wished I could be a real runner- one of those people that is not only able to run outside for long periods of time but actually <i>enjoys </i>it. I decided to try couch to 5k simply because a bunch of people I follow on tumblr were talking about it, and I think it was one of the best fitness-related decisions I ever made. I'm not all the way there yet, but I'm actually on my way to <i>becoming a real runner</i>! I look forward to every workout, my endurance and stamina has increased exponentially in just the 5 weeks I've been with the program, and I think/talk about running and how much I like it pretty much all the time.<br />
<br />
If any small part of you has any desire whatsoever to get into running, I seriously cannot recommend this program (and the smart phone app which is incredibly useful and only a couple bucks) enough. At the risk of sounding like every single other person who used this program and wrote or talked about it online: if I could do it and end up LOVING running, anyone can have the same results. <br />
<br />
I'm halfway through the 9 week program right now, so I still have a few more weeks left but here is what I can tell you about the program and the first few weeks:<br />
<br />
From what I can gather, the program is divided into three 3-week segments. The first 3 weeks are designed to basically just get your body used to the act of running without concentrating very much on endurance. The running segments are very short, but if (like me) you aren't used to running at all, they are still difficult. Not difficult enough to be overwhelming, but definitely enough to feel like a valid and challenging workout. The second 3-week segment is designed to transition you from running short periods to being able to run for longer periods. While the first three weeks were focused on getting your body into running-mode, I feel like the second three weeks are much more focused on getting your mind into running mode. By week 4, you are already capable of running but it may still feel difficult and mentally exhausting to push yourself to keep going. I definitely had to spend entire jogging segments during the fourth week convincing myself that I could do it and that I shouldn't quit. Right now I am on the fifth week, which has also been called the hump week or the "oh shit" week. My next run will be a full 20 minute jog that for the first time will not be broken up with walking segments- many people have felt that this week/jog is the big mental challenge of the program and once you are able to complete it the final weeks will feel relatively easy. The final three weeks are designed to simply extend the amount of time you are running (without any walking) until you reach 30 minutes and ideally 3.1 miles.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to lie, I did not love running right from the first workout. I enjoyed completing the workouts because I felt like I was making progress and got a huge boost of endorphins each time, but the running itself felt like hell for the first few weeks. To make it easier, I would try to mentally trick myself by thinking over and over, "I love this! This feels soo great, I'm so glad I'm doing this!" while feeling like I was going to throw up and die. Around the beginning of the fourth week, though, something shifted and I no longer felt exhausted a minute or two into each run. I started feeling as though I could keep going at the end of each section and was able to get into a 'zone' where I didn't even think about the fact that I was running, I just ran and let my mind wander. And that's when the real excitement set in- I was running, I wasn't hating it, and I was actually kind of good at it! SO- that is all to say: if you try this program and have trouble pushing through each workout in the beginning like I did, just keep pushing and trying your best and eventually you will experience the same mental switch and begin to feel exhilarated instead of exhausted!<br />
<br />
<br />
The most amazing thing about the program is the way it is designed really, really works. Many weeks I was so doubtful looking ahead to the next workouts, unsure I would be able to complete them. The first two weeks only have you running 60-90 seconds which sounds like nothing but actually feel exhausting in the beginning! I was terrified of week three, when I would be running 3 minute segments, and even more terrified for week 4 when I would be running 5 minutes at a time. Miraculously, though, the program really does prepare you in advance for each level of difficulty and yesterday I ran two 8 minute segments and barely felt winded! That's a far cry from week three, when I had to seriously struggle to get past the two minute mark.<br />
<br />
SO now that I've rambled on for several hundred words about this amazing program, I want to finish by saying that out of all the benefits that running offers- weight loss, muscle tone, stamina, energy, a healthy heart and lungs- the most valuable thing I have received through running and in particular couch to 5k is an amazing amount of confidence. I never thought I would be able to run for 3 minutes at a time without stopping, let alone 20-30 minutes and yet this program helped me prove to myself that I can <i>and that it will be fun, too</i>. It has made me feel physically energized and toned and mentally motivated and strong-willed. If you don't want to run for the physical benefits, the mental benefits are more than enough reason to get started!<br />
<br />
Ok, so there's my massive endorsement of the couch to 5k program. If you are at all intrigued by the idea of running, you should absolutely start out with this! Maybe in the next couple weeks I'll do a post about my favorite running/fitness clothes/gear which have made running that much more comfortable and fun :)<br />
<br />
<3 Em<!--3--></3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-53862983441399217762013-05-24T10:00:00.000-07:002013-05-24T10:26:57.486-07:00Homemade Summer: Vanilla Bean Marshmallows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNZW0z9DCiS2ek8l22gtYMLSDl_TphE54R2pkUmF2nSqk4plL6AaaW06vocl-wBkTuhJvqlPtk2lbJSdcFRi2kGa8b2VZXmrgCRgqZkmzGNTgaHrs4a1Q-7ZOm_qqpNS8ti5kqHbtF_M/s1600/homemade+summer+marshmallows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNZW0z9DCiS2ek8l22gtYMLSDl_TphE54R2pkUmF2nSqk4plL6AaaW06vocl-wBkTuhJvqlPtk2lbJSdcFRi2kGa8b2VZXmrgCRgqZkmzGNTgaHrs4a1Q-7ZOm_qqpNS8ti5kqHbtF_M/s400/homemade+summer+marshmallows.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A few weeks ago in a post I mentioned that I wanted to do something I dubbed "homemade summer", where every week or two I would make, photograph, and write about something that is typically bought pre-made but is possible to make in a home kitchen. In our world of prepackaged and processed foods, many people don't even realize it's possible- let alone fairly easy- to make things like marshmallows, condiments, yogurt, etc at home. But it <i>is </i>possible, and the results are often so, sooo much better than what you would get at the store.<br />
<br />
I thought marshmallows would be a fun way to kick off this project since they are pretty simple, delicious, and arguably the most important part of the quintessential summer treat- the s'more. I made a pretty big batch and gave some to my dad for his birthday. This recipe is really easy (I whipped it together in about an hour before I went to work on my birthday) and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. The result is a soft, spongy, marshmallow that acts just the way a marshmallow should: it roasts over a fire, melts in hot cocoa, and squishes nicely between a couple graham crackers. It also tastes just like a store bought marshmallow, only better! The vanilla flavor is more present and it tastes sugary and fresh instead of processed. If you're so inclined, I'd definitely recommend whipping up a bag of these to take on your next camping trip instead of opting for the store-bought stuff!<br />
<br />
I used <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2009/06/springy-fluffy-marshmallows/">Smitten Kitchen's recipe for marshmallows</a>, only I decreased the gelatin slightly as I only had 3 envelopes on hand.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
Confectioners sugar for dusting/tossing marshmallows<br />
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin<br />
1 cup cold water, divided<br />
2 cups cane sugar<br />
1/2 cup light corn syrup<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
2 large egg whites<br />
1 scraped vanilla bean (I also added about 1/4 tsp vanilla to up the vanilla flavor, as my vanilla bean was a bit old and dried out)<br />
<br />
Oil the sides and bottom of a 9 by 13 square baking dish. I own only one ceramic rectangular casserole dish which I have used for just about every recipe that requires a casserole dish on this website... so I made do with that. Something with sharp edges, like a sheet cake pan, would be much better though.<br />
<b></b><br />
Dust the dish with powdered sugar<br />
<br />
Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they just form stiff peaks. Reserve in a separate bowl for later.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vfCwIRlnab7U_tKa0sqHhfRyQ-FyVhjwO0coHwngXAeI-dODMrim68I66wU_H5z91EGpbG9cm1iCmbsKCOeRcNV-HYWdSythi6jADSpJ-jXtqpZ5YrbASL-BV4tgX5zTCNeTi1gQ0Ec/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vfCwIRlnab7U_tKa0sqHhfRyQ-FyVhjwO0coHwngXAeI-dODMrim68I66wU_H5z91EGpbG9cm1iCmbsKCOeRcNV-HYWdSythi6jADSpJ-jXtqpZ5YrbASL-BV4tgX5zTCNeTi1gQ0Ec/s400/060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Place the gelatin in the (cleaned) bowl of the mixer. Pour half a cup of the cold water over the gelatin to allow it to set. <br />
<br />
In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt and the remaining 1/2 cup water over low heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. When the mixture has become clear, raise the temperature to medium and allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it has reached a temperature of 240 degrees F. I do not own a candy thermometer, but Deb says this will take about 12 minutes so I set my timer to that and it seemed to be the right amount of time :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL037JUZ7hqhu_QQirah3lvJecUCv0C5Tj2gGbZR86XHdG8VgQNLV2RpFNimsCxJLqp3vY_bRzAUF5EeN_DlmhmJZ_itqITr1x1EZ6ZzUiZToduValiPU7cJCG1Wlj5fTEggAb0KnDdsY/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL037JUZ7hqhu_QQirah3lvJecUCv0C5Tj2gGbZR86XHdG8VgQNLV2RpFNimsCxJLqp3vY_bRzAUF5EeN_DlmhmJZ_itqITr1x1EZ6ZzUiZToduValiPU7cJCG1Wlj5fTEggAb0KnDdsY/s400/077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Remove pan from heat and pour directly over gelatin in the mixer bowl, stirring until gelatin is dissolved. With the whisk attachment, beat the gelatin/sugar mixture until it is thick, white, and tripled in volume (about 6-10 mins). It will look a lot like marshmallow fluff, and it's just as gooey and delicious!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU5htNRLGufRKgm3ZDUXSufK27AqcaQEQBFrKSgzyZfLEI-3EhjyjZ0DpqdrxSoqPsCJEbMDQl2e9o9HaozR-gXhDI6_D9gWu7ZmJdMxjOhHOU0HpL8S_WzQqbsVawKltlAXsPs6c0UY/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU5htNRLGufRKgm3ZDUXSufK27AqcaQEQBFrKSgzyZfLEI-3EhjyjZ0DpqdrxSoqPsCJEbMDQl2e9o9HaozR-gXhDI6_D9gWu7ZmJdMxjOhHOU0HpL8S_WzQqbsVawKltlAXsPs6c0UY/s400/086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4TV-eI_musiQqsvfH6AY9PGvDJKeVPQVRLJAUk7SrBDJPQ8h_D5LD7elpZhkVjK8OcUyJWqaDOubzMEqVHXk1M3cYry2-3Ff7Gf3fvoY_hse7FA7jHB581_LcqhMP5kqsHfwGnYrBF8/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4TV-eI_musiQqsvfH6AY9PGvDJKeVPQVRLJAUk7SrBDJPQ8h_D5LD7elpZhkVjK8OcUyJWqaDOubzMEqVHXk1M3cYry2-3Ff7Gf3fvoY_hse7FA7jHB581_LcqhMP5kqsHfwGnYrBF8/s400/087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Add the whipped egg whites back into the mixer bowl along with the vanilla bean scrapings and/or any other flavorings you'd like to use.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil423PaxHmDj9iAoo5IOSUSsRoyDuzFSxS21D_puuM70aacj5M0jTDJ_a5Ri4fUbopZ_U3aEFD4Hxhw48-ic-6o-dNlDG9nCbO23YydH61W-NkvoHM8iIjqBfkX_FRpS_FMXI7zwunYoI/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil423PaxHmDj9iAoo5IOSUSsRoyDuzFSxS21D_puuM70aacj5M0jTDJ_a5Ri4fUbopZ_U3aEFD4Hxhw48-ic-6o-dNlDG9nCbO23YydH61W-NkvoHM8iIjqBfkX_FRpS_FMXI7zwunYoI/s400/090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Whip until combined, and then dump the whole mixture into the oiled, dusted baking dish. Don't worry too much about getting every last bit in there, as this stuff is really sticky and gooey and hard to work with without making a mess! Dust the top with a generous amount of powdered sugar.<br />
<br />
Let the marshmallows set, uncovered in the fridge for several hours or overnight.<br />
<br />
Once the marsh have set, run a thin knife along the edges of the dish and then use your fingers to slowly pry the giant marshmallow from the dish. Working on a counter dusted with plenty of powdered sugar, cut the marshmallow mat into strips and then 1 inch squares<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu81cCJoSAzTy7IQctUCbfP-uZOr561frkY9RUWUY87iM5G0GmZZnnCVJJx6igI6_fH5VysEfPFD5_Ai7ER9cKwkj6vBgzvjByhyphenhyphenFVc4orNkuhvJbvPcgK8cUVp2_STCkwI3vrrOfhmY/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu81cCJoSAzTy7IQctUCbfP-uZOr561frkY9RUWUY87iM5G0GmZZnnCVJJx6igI6_fH5VysEfPFD5_Ai7ER9cKwkj6vBgzvjByhyphenhyphenFVc4orNkuhvJbvPcgK8cUVp2_STCkwI3vrrOfhmY/s400/100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Toss the marshmallows with even more powdered sugar to keep the sticky cut sides from holding them together. And that's all there is to it! Fresh, homemade marshmallows perfect for your next camping trip or hot cocoa mug (or even a cup of coffee in the morning!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjnj5zGip0ACEH5vKstTaouq0btSoRwOl2niZ83wdHVfcmKvG1-4llh5wA1QFuzKY_K3neWg6hUmpFDPVWN0wfczb-p_VGLarlN30QvEc2vVRmJE6_1Ji2Y_mnvhyphenhyphenIV9mE5lFsb3lJT4/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjnj5zGip0ACEH5vKstTaouq0btSoRwOl2niZ83wdHVfcmKvG1-4llh5wA1QFuzKY_K3neWg6hUmpFDPVWN0wfczb-p_VGLarlN30QvEc2vVRmJE6_1Ji2Y_mnvhyphenhyphenIV9mE5lFsb3lJT4/s400/105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<3 Em<!--3--></3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-17643776593149432582013-05-23T17:36:00.001-07:002013-05-23T17:36:20.083-07:00I'm Feelin' Twenty-TwoAs much as I find myself wanting to resist liking Taylor Swift or any of her impossibly catchy songs, I can't help but secretly sing along to every one that comes on the radio while I'm alone in my car. Girl just tells it like it is, you know? Anyways they've been playing '22' on the station I listen to non-stop these days, and it's been constantly stuck in my head. This is partially due to the fact that I myself have just turned 22, and I get a small amount of glee every time I can accurately shout, "I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' twenty-two!" at the chorus. It's the little things.<br />
<br />
My birthday was just two days after the last day of my spring semester, so everything happened in a blur of activity and excitement. I had to work on my actual birthday, but the next day Colton and I left for Prescott to spend time with my parents for my dad's birthday and Mother's day. After that, we took off on a week long trip to California which was awesome! We went to Disneyland/California Adventure and then spent several days in San Diego hanging out on the beach and eating lots and lots of food. The trip was part of Colton's birthday gift to me as well as my own gift to myself and the chance to take a week off work, spend a day at the Disney parks, and just relax and do whatever was sooooo nice. <br />
<br />
Hopefully now that we are back I can get back into the swing of blogging fairly regularly. I am enrolled in a couple online summer classes this semester which have already proven themselves to be very intense! Last night I stayed up till 4 am working on my midterm and was able to turn it in with less than a minute (of the three hour time limit) to spare. It's a lot of work! But it will be worth it to have an easier course load this fall. That will be taking up some of my time though, and on top of that I am once again cooking for the Mendocino Sufi Youth Retreat in July. That means another week of meals to design and test followed by a lot of grocery shopping and finally 5 days of intense work from pretty much 6am to midnight. It's takes a LOT of planning and work but I really enjoy doing it :)<br />
<br />
Other than that, I'm hoping to spend this summer continuing my regimen of healthy eating and fitness (I am 5 weeks into the couch to 5k plan right now. Have you heard of it? I think I'll do another post on just that later!) while also squeezing in time for the activities I really enjoy, like cooking and crafting. It would be ideal if I had enough extra time to really invest in my Etsy shop this summer and get it off the ground, but with so much else on my plate that might have to take the back burner. We'll see! Regardless, it's looking to be a fun and exciting last summer in college!<br />
<br />
SO, that's what's been going on in my world the past few weeks and what's on the horizon. Before I go, here are a few pics from my birthday/vacation:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN0L57Gfc4QNtV02ipII6YPw-uHI8iau_4Q5nEgsEBPEHMlMQ5RLLNqM0J5eOAwdIxGRj0XAxk3aQHjCB4jYRceZOYWOvCHlTI-L8X2YBbQoYY5j1whKlsKjbLeKIR2_HD9udIPnVlrI/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN0L57Gfc4QNtV02ipII6YPw-uHI8iau_4Q5nEgsEBPEHMlMQ5RLLNqM0J5eOAwdIxGRj0XAxk3aQHjCB4jYRceZOYWOvCHlTI-L8X2YBbQoYY5j1whKlsKjbLeKIR2_HD9udIPnVlrI/s400/048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Colton made breakfast for us both in the morning, which we ate outside in our little yard next to the cactus garden. Delicious blueberries and strawberries wrapped in crepes and topped with whipped cream with a side of center cut bacon- which is only 25 calories a slice! My kind of bacon. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyYsiqQJkTOoO2LxliLh2sTXCvhoqmj-rFu0FQqezoBJPIdgoi1HIeng58vsY8htUMiCjLvle9R4WnUAg4D6tOGK19Zc4ZWmdnOWV5MgKlk08E8I44yVv7LqMGdrp33odDsgGJ9DgV0U/s1600/IMG_20130510_142135" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyYsiqQJkTOoO2LxliLh2sTXCvhoqmj-rFu0FQqezoBJPIdgoi1HIeng58vsY8htUMiCjLvle9R4WnUAg4D6tOGK19Zc4ZWmdnOWV5MgKlk08E8I44yVv7LqMGdrp33odDsgGJ9DgV0U/s400/IMG_20130510_142135" width="400" /></a></div>
I took my birthday as an opportunity to update my measurements since I hadn't done so since the 20 lb loss mark. I posted this picture on instagram with the caption that (as of my bday) I had lost 35.6 pounds and a total of 36.5 inches, which is the length I'm showing with the tape measure. I'm so proud of what I've accomplished by returning to a healthy lifestyle this year! I am now at about about a 38 lb overall loss and looking forward to hitting the 40 lb mark!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLilJM8O-Hhf5NMpgmJTLdJ1wgTOI2m4BaHeQFS-9YH7wm7kjsxxNfzuGEtAnDdO2-tlTtU3ZO717xAeZronr1S0dtC69kyhum7UoGEhaHgfgRll_qfjJvkHRL73n90Dqs6mNrhqvGdo/s1600/IMG_20130518_175135" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLilJM8O-Hhf5NMpgmJTLdJ1wgTOI2m4BaHeQFS-9YH7wm7kjsxxNfzuGEtAnDdO2-tlTtU3ZO717xAeZronr1S0dtC69kyhum7UoGEhaHgfgRll_qfjJvkHRL73n90Dqs6mNrhqvGdo/s400/IMG_20130518_175135" width="400" /></a></div>
Colton had me pick out a necklace that I wanted on Etsy for my birthday and this is the one I chose- it is a Doctor Who reference which appeals to my nerdy side and love for that show, but it's also really beautiful and pairs well with my style.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9TjzUDkmzzn-C_SRiu7QpqNiQ3AjM3EvhPqxeWs2nK3FzMd19dPBU9Gl_NZl1VHRArE-Q0w8m_BWmbLJVaC1oTpaAEXAsmxrDdU25qA_9A2JlMPQ87v5P8IK5ZB4b0zTQR7CsTeF9GM/s1600/IMG956839" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9TjzUDkmzzn-C_SRiu7QpqNiQ3AjM3EvhPqxeWs2nK3FzMd19dPBU9Gl_NZl1VHRArE-Q0w8m_BWmbLJVaC1oTpaAEXAsmxrDdU25qA_9A2JlMPQ87v5P8IK5ZB4b0zTQR7CsTeF9GM/s1600/IMG956839" /></a></div>
Though it's probably not very safe, when Clementine rides in the car she doesn't want to sit <i>anywhere </i>but on my lap. She prefers to put her head right in the crook of my elbow while I drive as well, even if that means she has to sit up to do so. She's a super weirdo. Luckily she's small and light enough that it barely makes a difference while I drive. Colton took this picture on our way from Tucson to Prescott the day after my birthday and Clem just looks so very pleased with the world. She should have her own talk show with that smile.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mnnshTWRW-NWwQ0ecEAPKu_tDxzihFdN6xTXFsxzuc7Vfk_MeqOcbzUWJgWab7okMkOmz-oLUkT81OFjg_ggibcXs2iJimn_DlOnUYcjsazn3zLo9HovMYl5capuUJiMHpMuDw3xP6M/s1600/IMAG0500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mnnshTWRW-NWwQ0ecEAPKu_tDxzihFdN6xTXFsxzuc7Vfk_MeqOcbzUWJgWab7okMkOmz-oLUkT81OFjg_ggibcXs2iJimn_DlOnUYcjsazn3zLo9HovMYl5capuUJiMHpMuDw3xP6M/s400/IMAG0500" width="400" /></a></div>
Walking from our hotel to the parks on the morning of our Disney day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDWMGpFagZNKeZCbGjEg3e76LKWdKLie_3oJyr-JXoY2h6rjUkzMGZRaqzlkzEKbAyByWWvR9CfpS1uz2QfAxW3hfQk2FxHEQio074S1tzUE-E-vCEy5i3i8G8iLn83tQ4-bg1ykQhUk/s1600/IMAG0501" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDWMGpFagZNKeZCbGjEg3e76LKWdKLie_3oJyr-JXoY2h6rjUkzMGZRaqzlkzEKbAyByWWvR9CfpS1uz2QfAxW3hfQk2FxHEQio074S1tzUE-E-vCEy5i3i8G8iLn83tQ4-bg1ykQhUk/s400/IMAG0501" width="238" /></a></div>
Nearing the castle! Gosh, is there anything more fun than disneyland? We had the best time. It was hot (over 100), but the lines weren't too long anywhere and we zipped back and forth between the two parks half a dozen times, experiencing everything. We rode space mountain 3 times (it was the first and last ride we did as well) and California Screamin' twice, and those were definitely our favorites. Through some miracle neither of us got too cranky, hungry, hot, or tired and we just had a blast from open to close!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kH3A6bLHSiJ2ZMj_ccEL2p64ma5lg-CzUxEYBI8-_KmDK1oMZZ2jdI1e92P6_W7QynRMIBVLeWYHQWLGF7JUFPAdC4pQqXGHLbG8qgMKUYiTN3PQJmNFOzY6XpYdG2SrpyLbhuazFjE/s1600/IMAG0503" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kH3A6bLHSiJ2ZMj_ccEL2p64ma5lg-CzUxEYBI8-_KmDK1oMZZ2jdI1e92P6_W7QynRMIBVLeWYHQWLGF7JUFPAdC4pQqXGHLbG8qgMKUYiTN3PQJmNFOzY6XpYdG2SrpyLbhuazFjE/s400/IMAG0503" width="400" /></a></div>
Indiana Jones line selfie...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JvfmnHMDswLUTtFQmr-03UuK9IT0DcSI61z96WJE09LTveRDPQ7gRj7rBp9uGo7Yvrwl79PJ2BhOZwi4ve3EZFxLr01P7e_dznoSX89QnFhA18gTOkrSpw2WK2f_b-Ec4aVhLOXHuqc/s1600/IMAG0506" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JvfmnHMDswLUTtFQmr-03UuK9IT0DcSI61z96WJE09LTveRDPQ7gRj7rBp9uGo7Yvrwl79PJ2BhOZwi4ve3EZFxLr01P7e_dznoSX89QnFhA18gTOkrSpw2WK2f_b-Ec4aVhLOXHuqc/s1600/IMAG0506" /></a></div>
Instead of spending lots of money on food inside the parks, we brought our lunch in and stored it in the lockers inside Disneyland. Bagel sandwiches, sliced veggies, trail mix, and chips... without waiting in long lines or forking over tons of cash. Definitely recommended! Although, we did split a sundae from the ice cream parlor later that afternoon :)<br />
<br />
I wish I had taken more pictures but as usual I got caught up in actually having the experiences and didn't stop to photograph them! Colton has more pictures on his phone of our ride pictures, san diego, etc which I will put in a later post. Hope your week is coming to a nice close!<br />
<br />
<3 Em<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-7707673102835995522013-04-26T11:24:00.001-07:002013-04-26T11:24:59.886-07:00What's been happening and what's coming up next:It's that time of the semester! Final papers/projects/tests that were so safely in the distant future for the first few months of the year suddenly have very real, very quickly approaching due dates. It always seems to happen so suddenly. It's a whirlwind of work and stress and freaking out feeling like I'll never get it all done and then, abruptly, it's all over and I have the whole summer ahead of me. I'm not <i>quite </i>at that part yet but I am very close.<br />
<br />
So yeah, my presence here on this blog has been limited because of that and probably will continue to be for at least the next week as I finish things up. I had a 5 page paper due this past Monday, another one yesterday, an assignment due this evening, and a couple little short papers to do this weekend... then a quick presentation next wednesday, and then 2 finals and one more 5 page paper between May 6th-8th. Shouldn't be too horrible, but enough keep me busy and remind me that it's not summer, not yet.<br />
<br />
There's a lot to look forward to when the semester finally is over, though! My 22nd birthday is on May 10th, and although I'll actually be working and doing pretty much nothing interesting on that day, Colton and I are going to leave the next day for a vacation in honor of my birthday. There's nothing in particular that I really want, so a trip instead of presents is my kind of birthday celebration. We'll be spending some time in Prescott for Mother's Day and my dad's birthday, which is the day after mine, and then heading to LA to go to Disneyland and California Adventure! After that we are spending a couple days in San Diego where we'll hit up the beach, maybe go to a baseball game, and just relax. Should be a lot of fun :) It will be the best way to end the school year and kick off the summer!<br />
<br />
Speaking of summer, I'm planning on doing a little weekly feature here on my blog for about 15 weeks through my summer vacation. It's going to be called "homemade summer"- every week I'm going to try to cook and blog about something that one would typically just buy already made at the store. <a href="http://www.macheesmo.com/?s=homemade+trials&x=0&y=0">A blog I read called Macheesmo does something like this that he calls the homemade trials</a>, where he tries to deduce whether it's better to buy something premade versus making it yourself at home based on cost, time, taste, and nutrition. I'm not going to be trying to figure out if/convince you that making something at home is better, I'm just going to be doing it to a. see if I can, b. have fun, and c. appreciate the differences!<br />
<br />
Here are a few things I'm thinking of trying to make: Ricotta, mozzarella, marshmallows, pickles, corned beef, butter, bagels, yogurt, chocolate, nutella, mustard, and many other things. If you have any ideas for things that are possible to make at home but that most people just buy at the store, let me know!<br />
<br />
Alright, I'm off to work on a couple assignments before I go to work tonight. Have a nice weekend!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-45703952055069607072013-04-19T11:29:00.000-07:002013-04-19T11:30:35.422-07:0020 in my 20th: Make and record music with the people I love. 20. Make and record music with the people I love.<br />
<br />
Some of my favorite memories of 2011 are of sitting in the "band room" or later, Kris' room at the house on Rosser where all my friends lived playing music together. A lot of the time it was less "playing music" and more everyone simultaneously singing/messing around on different instruments making up obscure harmonies while Linn made up hilarious lyrics. Sometimes there was a whole bunch of us, sometimes just a couple. Often we had had a bit to drink before hand which made it all the more ridiculous. Wonderwall was definitely played about 5 million times. There's video evidence of all of this on facebook and watching it again while writing this post made my heart feel like it was going to burst.<br />
<br />
After Linn died there was less music, as he seemed to be the center around which the rest of us formed our parts. One day though, my best friend Kris and I decided to try singing some songs together while he played guitar. That turned into us attempting to record one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite movies ("got my list" from <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2010/11/movie-mondays-dakota-skye.html">Dakota Skye</a>) pretty much every night for quite a while until we finally managed to get through a recording without messing up, forgetting lyrics, laughing, getting distracted... yeah we sang that song a LOT. I think it was a way for both of us to express ourselves creatively in a time that we were both feeling pretty numb and uninspired, and I really cherish those hours (and hours and hours) spent singing and laughing in the middle of the night, probably annoying the hell out of our other roommates.<br />
<br />
Here's what we ended up with:<br />
<br />
<div class="widget_iframe" style="border: 0; display: inline-block; height: 104px; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 380px;">
<iframe class="widget_iframe" frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widget_code/html_widget/artist_437186?widget_id=50&pwc[design]=default&pwc[background_color]=%23333333&pwc[included_songs]=0&pwc[song_ids]=11446208&pwc[photo]=0%2C1&pwc[size]=undefined" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<div class="footer_branding" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -5px;">
<center>
<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/band-promotion/epk-electronic-press-kits?utm_campaign=a_features_rpk&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=HTML5_Player&utm_content=widgetfooter_Free%20Electronic%20Press%20Kits%20from%20ReverbNation.com" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Free Electronic Press Kits from ReverbNation.com</a></center>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
My favorite part is probably at the end where we finish the song, there's a few seconds of silence, and then Kris strums the guitar and I say "ahhh we did it!" and Kris says "We kinda sorta did it." It seriously took us forever to get through a recording.<br />
<br />
I'm so happy for the videos on facebook of Linn singing nonsense into a fake microphone or making up rhythms on the drums while Kris plays the keyboard and the rest of us attempt harmonies or pick up other instruments.His essence is so incredibly alive and present in those videos, I can feel it when I watch them and it makes me want to cry and laugh and shout.<br />
<br />
And I'm so, so, so happy for the time that Kris and I spent attempting and occasionally succeeding to make music together. It's like a wonderful, shiny happy memory that floats above an otherwise wholly dark and bleak time in my life and I am so unbelievably thankful for that. Love you Kris, thanks for letting me post this on here ;)<br />
<br />
<3<!--3--></3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-10647729986615726032013-04-17T13:30:00.001-07:002013-04-17T13:36:09.363-07:00Spring in the Desert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZHkO_W1zFkjBjiYX1eQPASBzCysgUJyLvvfy5zfT4Nsp_ZmE_mk0zrfhQtvy6DyHn_kX4cPrLXkiFbxA0CgtSJf82ZRlBt-2KL8rlHC9NxksBHO5EXDlz8J_RjR8zwhH4mJszwtJijQ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZHkO_W1zFkjBjiYX1eQPASBzCysgUJyLvvfy5zfT4Nsp_ZmE_mk0zrfhQtvy6DyHn_kX4cPrLXkiFbxA0CgtSJf82ZRlBt-2KL8rlHC9NxksBHO5EXDlz8J_RjR8zwhH4mJszwtJijQ/s640/015.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
Arizona has a reputation for being a hot and dusty desert state full of tanned people exclaiming "it's a dry heat!" while they eat Mexican food and pass outrageously bigoted laws. But that is simply not the case. Arizona has a variety of terrain and climates, from the sweltering desert floor to chilly snow-covered mountains and pine forests. Also a lot of people in Arizona are very liberal minded and shake their heads in confusion and awe with the rest of the country at the few right winged extremists bringing the state into the headlines. We do have/eat a lot of really good Mexican food though.<br />
<br />
Where I grew up, in Prescott, spring is very much like spring most places: budding leaves and flowers, fickle weather that can go from lovely to snowy in a matter of hours, and a slow, gentle and steady transition from the frigid winter to the glorious days of summer. I never really was much of a fan of spring, aside from my birthday occurring during it- the flowers and slightly warmer temperatures were nice but for the most part the weather was way too windy and unpredictable, the first half still felt wholly like winter, and the second half coincided with the stress and pressure of the final weeks of school. <br />
<br />
Down here in Tucson though, spring is a bit different- with temps that hang around the 70s and 80s and sometimes peak in the 90s it feels more like summer starts in February. It's constantly the perfect temperature out with the occasional light breeze, only slightly chilly nights, and the scent of blooming flowers in the air all the time. By the middle of may and certainly by june it will be too hot to sleep with more than a sheet or walk more than 20 feet to your car, but the blissful months of february, march, and april are probably Tucson at its best.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs01BlY_cvOxLGm4JiioS4KwkUw9WeVprV_Z8x-mtHICBlG027sgliz5AdfUuZrF3Tv2lC45aoxEnQZt15EREZKNbI7U7EliPSnOyTWd6QZaP1wDwzQrg3uHy4oKv6VFtMk0RqC5vAlc/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs01BlY_cvOxLGm4JiioS4KwkUw9WeVprV_Z8x-mtHICBlG027sgliz5AdfUuZrF3Tv2lC45aoxEnQZt15EREZKNbI7U7EliPSnOyTWd6QZaP1wDwzQrg3uHy4oKv6VFtMk0RqC5vAlc/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6QubgkDc3V_UT_DPmimVFa1Autekfm7wRkGj_sL-yt2t7WipXrHq8kIq-dhSNeHJjcVdfBQ4DZ_duaMtLRCb0mGRhFl4dLf_xNCueljYi5dS01_qX3d7ftLPszBjgBiJ0qVW-jFRJnM/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6QubgkDc3V_UT_DPmimVFa1Autekfm7wRkGj_sL-yt2t7WipXrHq8kIq-dhSNeHJjcVdfBQ4DZ_duaMtLRCb0mGRhFl4dLf_xNCueljYi5dS01_qX3d7ftLPszBjgBiJ0qVW-jFRJnM/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr9hl0aXvuPmS6GqbfYoPR2O8kSSx94oRD-UcpCqbrdDiwxCdShpE8hL1JgG8CyjN91DbYjCW1zWP66X1RBymOeribsc8AzvtHQOuRujFdywTCWwedpF8DLI_kTIbT1dNQasZJDMFkA8/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr9hl0aXvuPmS6GqbfYoPR2O8kSSx94oRD-UcpCqbrdDiwxCdShpE8hL1JgG8CyjN91DbYjCW1zWP66X1RBymOeribsc8AzvtHQOuRujFdywTCWwedpF8DLI_kTIbT1dNQasZJDMFkA8/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We have a very small cactus garden in our very small yard, which I really really like. We moved in last August, so we didn't get a chance to see it bloom for spring. This year I'm loving seeing the changes every few weeks as new flowers show up, cactus fruits start to get plump, and things that were dried and wilted by the time we got here last year shoot up fresh and new. In the desert, just like everywhere else, spring is full of new life and plenty of colorful, fragrant blossoms :)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVFqN9hvRhJaE8BkMQu3hgLKb7bzt7UC06Ffi74mnOhdNH4qXQAA4j-zDVr-4Kbj38OjbfhIHVkFXoDRiFFAHz-rzLjS-jfmCCn1-WJlRATHFq__BAyemD5i4mhtZI9AC2cVFOHOGWM4/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVFqN9hvRhJaE8BkMQu3hgLKb7bzt7UC06Ffi74mnOhdNH4qXQAA4j-zDVr-4Kbj38OjbfhIHVkFXoDRiFFAHz-rzLjS-jfmCCn1-WJlRATHFq__BAyemD5i4mhtZI9AC2cVFOHOGWM4/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By summer, the old dead flowers will have fallen off the tops and the fruit will turn into gorgeous, wax-like pink and yellow flowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj801X4B837gaRdDvMAaJrbLOhwAKQ4LHgVbfzBmwE6T-4JydOxr2YeBWWr2HOvPR4Pi-LWJcV8VZM8d_LVXjt5_D2M6jPFxuYxyQGsCOufIM7w4vLDFOgMbGSjzpZ_CWZlHkpjJRS_ipY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj801X4B837gaRdDvMAaJrbLOhwAKQ4LHgVbfzBmwE6T-4JydOxr2YeBWWr2HOvPR4Pi-LWJcV8VZM8d_LVXjt5_D2M6jPFxuYxyQGsCOufIM7w4vLDFOgMbGSjzpZ_CWZlHkpjJRS_ipY/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's s<i>till </i>the last few weeks of school, but the wonderful weather lessens the pain a little bit. When I first moved to Tucson, I was quick to complain about the heat and the grime- but over the almost 3 years that I've lived here, I've really come to appreciate so much about this cultured little city. It is really so beautiful and full of natural life and history! Plus, I love how you're never more than a short drive away from hiking trails, campsites, swimming holes, even skiing! As anxious as I am to graduate and continue on to some place new for the next chapter in my life, I'm going to miss Tucson... and I'll definitely miss the perfect Tucson Springtime!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQycixCGH_BzCDDiNrYCj-m9NOEnw56UjFCvhtnbH5pZGtjdIlvkWVBSdCk4b25XRgj6gQ9Um453ybNU3F8dZtKo6tRYkW7r10XyuVYgwqhvpk8C6p60iB3rMvdzff2EnRMQFnMlJiMAA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQycixCGH_BzCDDiNrYCj-m9NOEnw56UjFCvhtnbH5pZGtjdIlvkWVBSdCk4b25XRgj6gQ9Um453ybNU3F8dZtKo6tRYkW7r10XyuVYgwqhvpk8C6p60iB3rMvdzff2EnRMQFnMlJiMAA/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-50708529453167551732013-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:002013-04-12T12:04:21.850-07:00Slowcooker Chicken Tikka Masala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5y5iSnLOL2_W0dPZfN7J00DR9HDWyr88Bkj4vmCykmkxVT6lJOSWdIcdA5LwtUiYIC09CFiomevdU7SO92hfhr7QX8bQfDfVDRI18eLhuixWJcFdtIqC0cQHlcIehlU5FjUl6QXElOo/s1600/ctk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5y5iSnLOL2_W0dPZfN7J00DR9HDWyr88Bkj4vmCykmkxVT6lJOSWdIcdA5LwtUiYIC09CFiomevdU7SO92hfhr7QX8bQfDfVDRI18eLhuixWJcFdtIqC0cQHlcIehlU5FjUl6QXElOo/s400/ctk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Food and cooking are pretty high on my list of priorities. It's really important to me to be aware of what I'm eating and to do my best to make sure that I make it myself from wholesome, healthy ingredients. Sometimes I'm a little TOO obsessive actually- I have a tiny panic attack whenever Colton wants to go out for lunch or I'm attending an event where I'm not in control of (and thus don't know the calories/ingredients of) the food. Still working on loosening up with that, but it's really just because I care very much about what fuels my body!<br />
<br />
A lot of times though, spending 30 mins- an hour cooking, as much as I LOVE it, is not what I want to do or have time for in between working and going to school. I only end up cooking 4 dinners a week (the nights I don't work) and try to use up the leftovers for the other 3 nights and lunches throughout the week. Usually at least 1 and often 2 of the days that I cook, I use my crockpot to cut down even more on prep time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqWb84VRvcAQjYZn-V9tgvNZazqAoJVe5Cut9kReN0bIeJbFzWzAJRTSmqffWuAe7PPMAWCt7cwstLtqRqnujK6JRkTViX1q9SUNpSwbiLzScZsyVhfnrsBBFL5sM1JVUNKKxM_m6Khw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqWb84VRvcAQjYZn-V9tgvNZazqAoJVe5Cut9kReN0bIeJbFzWzAJRTSmqffWuAe7PPMAWCt7cwstLtqRqnujK6JRkTViX1q9SUNpSwbiLzScZsyVhfnrsBBFL5sM1JVUNKKxM_m6Khw/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I loooove my crockpot. Colton bought it for me this last Christmas and it has gotten a <i>ton </i>of use since then. There is so much you can use it for! My favorite thing to make in it is some variation of shredded chicken and sauce. We've done buffalo chicken sandwiches, bbq chicken sandwiches, asian glazed chicken, salsa chicken, and this really yummy chicken tikka masala, among other things.<br />
<br />
One thing I DON'T like about crockpot recipes is that often they are paired with other "shortcuts" that totally ruin the nutritional value of the food and thus the point of cooking at home! I hate and NEVER use crockpot recipes that tell you to use cream-of-anything soup (full of fat and sodium), seasoning packets (like ranch, italian dressing, gravy, etc- they are all full of chemicals and sodium and are an expensive and unhealthy stand in for real, better tasting spices), or whole bottles of preservative-laden chemically sauces when it's easy to just make your own. In my crockpot recipes, I try to break the bond between 'easy' and 'unhealthy/processed/as-few-ingredients-as-possible'. This meal is tossed into the crockpot in 10 minutes using all natural ingredients and is super delicious!<br />
<br />
Chicken tikka masala is everybody's favorite Indian dish that isn't really an Indian dish ;) creamy, tangy, spicy, and over a scoop of rice it's a delicious and filling meal! It tastes decadent but this recipe, which uses fat free greek yogurt and just a smidge of half and half is only <b>181 calories</b> per serving of chicken. With rice and parsley or green onions on top, the total is only <b>353 calories</b> per serving. This is based off of 3/4 cup of chicken with sauce and 1/4 cup DRY rice which is usually between 1/2-1 cup cooked rice.<br />
<br />
For my personal favorite Indian dish that happens to be a vegetarian version of this recipe, check out my recipe for <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2010/09/paneer-masala.html">Paneer Masala</a>! It's a bit more complicated and probably a bit more heavy on the calories but it's just as delicious!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chicken Tikka Masala</b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Serv<span style="font-size: small;">es 4</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 chicken breast (raw=31 cals/oz<span style="font-size: small;">- this recipe based on a 13 o<span style="font-size: small;">z raw breast)</span></span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">¼ yellow onion </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 cloves garlic </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">½ tbsp. fresh ginger </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup tomato puree </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
½ cup greek yogurt </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
½ tbsp. garam masala </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
1 tsp cumin </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
½ tsp paprika </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
½ tsp salt </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
¼ tsp cinnamon </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
¼ tsp cracked black pepper </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
½ tsp cayenne </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
1 bay leaf </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
¼ cup half and half </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
1 tsp cornstarch </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
2 tbsp parsley<span style="font-size: small;"> or green onions</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
1 cup dry brown rice </div>
</span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSxJIC3NF9xfXetvbsLWiDYOMyXSbayQuYAcJ7Z10KAiEC8ZjJcOvqTmprfidahlyro1_SkZ8IOdEf7zOqVFJB0T8sZ8jH05Y8mpE2ngDDIBK9TwegC5CKhFU0VeqA_wXqWukZ97C4wg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSxJIC3NF9xfXetvbsLWiDYOMyXSbayQuYAcJ7Z10KAiEC8ZjJcOvqTmprfidahlyro1_SkZ8IOdEf7zOqVFJB0T8sZ8jH05Y8mpE2ngDDIBK9TwegC5CKhFU0VeqA_wXqWukZ97C4wg/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finely dice 1/4 of a yellow onion and toss in<span style="font-size: small;">to <span style="font-size: small;">your crockpot.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9QPC2wF0IBGgeo139OGHj1AE3w3c9hRqN2NwFng-lfieRFgpHeUAw0pIdnqyYprsfj7N54wKIggHzprbM-ecxVHIPThskHTmCOxvmhvIH3285Gz69CQJHOw3VPXJmb-QpY1P-4DR03Y/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9QPC2wF0IBGgeo139OGHj1AE3w3c9hRqN2NwFng-lfieRFgpHeUAw0pIdnqyYprsfj7N54wKIggHzprbM-ecxVHIPThskHTmCOxvmhvIH3285Gz69CQJHOw3VPXJmb-QpY1P-4DR03Y/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Peel the ginger and garlic<span style="font-size: small;">, mince them up, and throw them in<span style="font-size: small;"> with the onions.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYCFW5N98-KplP9qwfF5HE7AoBQqURwEmXQhVb-28XvQf6MBlJBz4byQEQUrktD0191-CBvGurnypPVKZbpQUF9pIyPPLr791fnyVD7SKo4ews8IpCamwtw8Gwcj6osQ0zXxCmwToi0Q/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYCFW5N98-KplP9qwfF5HE7AoBQqURwEmXQhVb-28XvQf6MBlJBz4byQEQUrktD0191-CBvGurnypPVKZbpQUF9pIyPPLr791fnyVD7SKo4ews8IpCamwtw8Gwcj6osQ0zXxCmwToi0Q/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Get together all your sp<span style="font-size: small;">ices. You can just measure them right into th<span style="font-size: small;">e crockpot or make a spice mi<span style="font-size: small;">x separately and add it in a bit <span style="font-size: small;">at a time to taste. <span style="font-size: small;">I used all the spices called for, I just wanted to take a picture of them <span style="font-size: small;">:)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOXYoN96vTZeQwUGcgK4A7Q3-Rc-n5HA5vZaeTyNj6J-TfAmx-H_eZz2q2PSb8lbCPD4ZvrqpHGaiWq0xPiNup14sm3WacZeDCg8ZaNMkXY38uTibFnpyUEnNKmQ4Aq-k6480H4Bz7HY/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOXYoN96vTZeQwUGcgK4A7Q3-Rc-n5HA5vZaeTyNj6J-TfAmx-H_eZz2q2PSb8lbCPD4ZvrqpHGaiWq0xPiNup14sm3WacZeDCg8ZaNMkXY38uTibFnpyUEnNKmQ4Aq-k6480H4Bz7HY/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Add the tomato puree, greek yogurt, and spices to the crockpot<span style="font-size: small;"> and stir to combine. This is when you could adjust the spices to your preferences if you'd like. <span style="font-size: small;">Toss in the bay leaf once everything is all <span style="font-size: small;">mixed up.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIId92NYIF8oH4cVrNSgimOhTRDQENPWQmn7wULwhlK3VVy8oDnQ3CPgOKjMYZ8aB1n7JWNzbcI4OeEh_hLaiW75_D-tkp1KvUmYtjN4Rv48S_qxitzhG2FV-8R8oPTJsweJ4fUnYe0g/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIId92NYIF8oH4cVrNSgimOhTRDQENPWQmn7wULwhlK3VVy8oDnQ3CPgOKjMYZ8aB1n7JWNzbcI4OeEh_hLaiW75_D-tkp1KvUmYtjN4Rv48S_qxitzhG2FV-8R8oPTJsweJ4fUnYe0g/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Grab a chicken breast- frozen, thawed, whatever- and add it to the pot. Spoon some sauce over the top to coat it. When I buy chicken brea<span style="font-size: small;">st (usually in packs of 5) I put them all in individual zip<span style="font-size: small;">lock bags and free<span style="font-size: small;">ze<span style="font-size: small;"> them so th<span style="font-size: small;">at I can j<span style="font-size: small;">ust grab one when<span style="font-size: small;">ever I need <span style="font-size: small;">without having to defrost the whole bunch.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-m295GOAjRcJ5LjcZu-BxjY7hW5yxjhIn1w_um37_sX7eJm0xKWQ0dgq4spmstTLGsHuK8L-9KAFuwqDrWH9oIhCRyoCysetiLWvOebhA8XBIfrJ6HVTzcUgrkHahLo1AbgxtMF7WL0/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-m295GOAjRcJ5LjcZu-BxjY7hW5yxjhIn1w_um37_sX7eJm0xKWQ0dgq4spmstTLGsHuK8L-9KAFuwqDrWH9oIhCRyoCysetiLWvOebhA8XBIfrJ6HVTzcUgrkHahLo1AbgxtMF7WL0/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Put the lid on the crockpot, turn it to <span style="font-size: small;">'low<span style="font-size: small;">' and let cook 4-6 hours. Since there is only one chicken breast, it doesn't take too long (I don't know why crockpot rec<span style="font-size: small;">ipes are always designed to serve 5 million people)<span style="font-size: small;">. Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it right in the sauce. You also have the option of using a thawed chicken breast initially and cutting it in<span style="font-size: small;">to bite sized p<span style="font-size: small;">ieces before you cook it. I never remember to thaw chicken over n<span style="font-size: small;">ight and I don't like defrosting in the microwave<span style="font-size: small;">... and I prefer the texture of shredded chicken so I <span style="font-size: small;">usu<span style="font-size: small;">ally j<span style="font-size: small;">ust go with that :)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsglpZWSwSzxiZOYXkSvNfdMdybH-3fpV39SIey5qN9un4IoXPLg9-1DHeAi9ST9wnopxeJ-oO_030UkQhyphenhyphenu4zTo3Oga9p7w57EJ_UA76vMbai46j-amgOe2wuLc7Y5sAcN1bpG9ee7E/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsglpZWSwSzxiZOYXkSvNfdMdybH-3fpV39SIey5qN9un4IoXPLg9-1DHeAi9ST9wnopxeJ-oO_030UkQhyphenhyphenu4zTo3Oga9p7w57EJ_UA76vMbai46j-amgOe2wuLc7Y5sAcN1bpG9ee7E/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Combine the half and hal<span style="font-size: small;">f and corn starch <span style="font-size: small;">and then add to the crock pot and stir to combine. Let cook for about 30 more minutes with the lid off t<span style="font-size: small;">o thicken slightly. During this time you can cook <span style="font-size: small;">the rice and chop up <span style="font-size: small;">your desired garnish.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kbzOd3-bwZtNU7o5BMCg3nWQETwJzmSnpUjLhbnVTJ-eCDaV5yAlI1jK2EqTtrXRHOJ_wjftsPZ-oZCqOubHFsmvaym3OoLLW1zCFgGxhsF4tV_67cJ2ShOfE2ZDQGtx2K9v_afmgiU/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kbzOd3-bwZtNU7o5BMCg3nWQETwJzmSnpUjLhbnVTJ-eCDaV5yAlI1jK2EqTtrXRHOJ_wjftsPZ-oZCqOubHFsmvaym3OoLLW1zCFgGxhsF4tV_67cJ2ShOfE2ZDQGtx2K9v_afmgiU/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span>Serve a heaping 3/4 cup of chicken over 1/4 of the coo<span style="font-size: small;">ked (<span style="font-size: small;">1 cup dry) rice <span style="font-size: small;">and garnish with parsley or green onions. Yum!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Calor<span style="font-size: small;">ies:</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Total recipe (chicken):725.5</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup dry <span style="font-size: small;">br<span style="font-size: small;">own rice: 680</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 serving chicken (about <span style="font-size: small;">3/4 cup): 181</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 serving total (chicken, rice, and <span style="font-size: small;">garni<span style="font-size: small;">sh): 353</span></span> </span> </span></span> </span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><!--3--></span></span><br /></span></span></span></span>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-14192224052666213502013-04-11T23:37:00.000-07:002013-04-11T23:45:00.886-07:00Good things are happening!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq44sR0t4jVBFcD8d4pJ-VlxhBqmnKU-1iEqkj7wTLuByoTH9oSkx5lIEBqNOtPA2U-np1UcsO2IxuySIPvufzWaLJAH0tpBRIJAFDSEqtfXhdzY992J0wQi1kUbKeqm0YpIieDbvueRQ/s1600/IMG_20130407_124223." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq44sR0t4jVBFcD8d4pJ-VlxhBqmnKU-1iEqkj7wTLuByoTH9oSkx5lIEBqNOtPA2U-np1UcsO2IxuySIPvufzWaLJAH0tpBRIJAFDSEqtfXhdzY992J0wQi1kUbKeqm0YpIieDbvueRQ/s400/IMG_20130407_124223." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clemenoodles cuddles ALWAYS boost my mood!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a week or two of feeling pretty exhausted, stressed, unmotivated, and generally 'meh', some really great stuff happened these past few days which has really boosted my mood.<br />
<br />
First, this:<br />
<br />
"<i>Thank you for submitting your petition to the General Petitions
Committee. Your petition has been read by the doctor at Campus Health
who has seen all of the materials, has carefully weighed your specific
circumstances, and has voted
on your petition.</i><br />
<i>
</i>
<i>
We are happy to inform you that your petition, requesting a complete
retroactive withdrawal from Spring semester, 2012, has been approved</i>."<br />
<br />
Then I got a 98 % on a Roman literature test I was about 99% sure I got a C or B- on. Don't know how I pulled that one off but I'll take it.<br />
<br />
Then I stopped by the fine arts graduation services offices and got my degree check to GRADUATE IN DECEMBER! Still a couple things I have to do for that but no problems popped up with the initial check so I should be good to go. Something felt <i>so freaking satisfying</i> about filling out a form with all my degree information and letting them know how to spell my full name to go on my diploma. gahh :)<br />
<br />
And finally, I've lost 30 lbs in exactly 12 weeks and I'm feeling great about it! 10 more will put me about at what I was in high school, but I didn't really work out in high school so hopefully I will be much more toned at that weight now.<br />
<br />
This quote has always seemed kind of dumb to me since everyone loses weight at different paces and there's no way of knowing what effect a certain amount of time and effort will have on your body...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieezB58gF3WGvC2pYwhmuV6J-0I9eMaNutsMvieDi_i4jynrdeAkYmq7MKF75jSFATjq6kR0fIpnp6HX3B8wGX5453mSiFoHF9LqrINSNcZKW9lLDSemWfN0aeixk1Iu9Rhz_wQgUbAU/s1600/12+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieezB58gF3WGvC2pYwhmuV6J-0I9eMaNutsMvieDi_i4jynrdeAkYmq7MKF75jSFATjq6kR0fIpnp6HX3B8wGX5453mSiFoHF9LqrINSNcZKW9lLDSemWfN0aeixk1Iu9Rhz_wQgUbAU/s400/12+weeks.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
...BUT, in the past week a couple people have asked me if I've lost weight or told me I look skinny which is really awesome to hear. I think anyone who has tried to lose weight knows how meaningful it is to have the hard work manifest itself on your body and to have other people take notice. Very rewarding.<br />
<br />
So things are going really well right now, which is great because I was feeling really overworked and a bit down over the past couple weeks. I'm still a bit exhausted and stressed from work and school but knowing summer is just around the corner is a bit of a relief- and knowing that by the end of 2013 I'll have a degree and an even stronger, healthier body is enough to motivate me through the rest of the year!<br />
<br />
Sorry for this rather braggy-bordering-on-gloaty blog post. I know sometimes it's looked down upon (especially in the land of the internet) to get really excited about yourself. But oh well, blogging and social media is narcissistic by nature :) and (because apparently I'm really feeling the inspirational quotes plastered all over the internet today):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk3Fii0sgthCQk0MUgoGuo67FTYqOH90IZG25g5xaZU09-Uk7xoRFLFKxeSBC2tj7svWokBr8ZaGANFocOQDkt09rwzumu8uJ9J8pjiUyGYnTF4d3-nAZM-PsJE4NukLmo0K4FsJp300/s1600/talk+about+joys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk3Fii0sgthCQk0MUgoGuo67FTYqOH90IZG25g5xaZU09-Uk7xoRFLFKxeSBC2tj7svWokBr8ZaGANFocOQDkt09rwzumu8uJ9J8pjiUyGYnTF4d3-nAZM-PsJE4NukLmo0K4FsJp300/s400/talk+about+joys.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<3
<!--3--><!--3--></3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-68222672094809983012013-04-08T15:37:00.001-07:002013-04-09T02:03:22.192-07:00Work makes me too tired to blog :(So here are some pictures of my dog. Sorry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUk2uAwveuxuwzcP59TcdCnd857yXZlM3jGFgPGj0aBUFC67Xc8o3hilUa7KdSic-9OBSBLdipXC4qIKOx8l2EpKFU2wFKA_yxdQojJT8kL7iImIQ7kFVQJAxErT0ZOto8qDOA2BwTseI/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUk2uAwveuxuwzcP59TcdCnd857yXZlM3jGFgPGj0aBUFC67Xc8o3hilUa7KdSic-9OBSBLdipXC4qIKOx8l2EpKFU2wFKA_yxdQojJT8kL7iImIQ7kFVQJAxErT0ZOto8qDOA2BwTseI/s400/017.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI3l3yf3dj4xsPSLn6V8Efff3W-QxdUimgLrpXc8i8k55EzalhZ4mJDLuDhc0p9nqnrEIeGfu72mkUoLxUufXPeI5_4fb2DQQv_0jhw-qB4UFUkgAUsWN2XdwUVw3krJCCPTKZwISeIc/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI3l3yf3dj4xsPSLn6V8Efff3W-QxdUimgLrpXc8i8k55EzalhZ4mJDLuDhc0p9nqnrEIeGfu72mkUoLxUufXPeI5_4fb2DQQv_0jhw-qB4UFUkgAUsWN2XdwUVw3krJCCPTKZwISeIc/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Today is my last day of work, though it's also my first day of school. School doesn't wear down my everything quite as much as work though, so I'll be able to get a few blogs up in the next few days before it starts all over again on Friday. <br />
<br />
<3</3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-57808871807325552782013-04-05T11:09:00.002-07:002013-04-05T11:11:22.250-07:00This week, on the Internet...<br />
Here's just a few things I've been finding and loving online lately:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtOfAdamJuresko?ref=seller_info">This Etsy Shop</a>, which is full of the most awesome movie posters. They're a mix of original art, images from the film, and awesome collages/juxtaposition/editing. I want the Harold and Maude one, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Breathless... to name a few.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://img2.etsystatic.com/016/0/5870127/il_570xN.442162382_pwbt.jpg" width="260" /></div>
This 2013 Academy Award nominated video, which is the shortest film ever to be nominated for an Oscar. I don't know why it fascinates me so much but it does!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="210" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dNJdJIwCF_Y?list=PLE30DFC5B7FA8E6E2" width="374"></iframe><br />
<br />
Anything and Everything Doctor Who. I'm not sure when my feelings for Doctor Who went from casual viewer to obsessed fangirl because I mostly just had it on while I worked out or cooked or did other things, but I watched like 10 hours of it in the past 2 days, pretty much just glued to the screen. Good stuff. And then I realized David Tennant also played Barty Crouch Jr in HP4 and was like ZOMG nerdgasm. I already blogged this on my tumblr but I think it's just a hoot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyykofDdaN1qew6kmo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyykofDdaN1qew6kmo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This dog comic, which describes clem pretty well since she must <i>constantly be cuddling</i>. She always fits herself into little spaces where she can get the most cuddle coverage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/8a/7a/1f/8a7a1fd6322db3d5a07d7692d0403b80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/8a/7a/1f/8a7a1fd6322db3d5a07d7692d0403b80.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Deanne Berry's Clubland workout videos which combine toning, aerobics, dance, and combat. Kind of silly but really fun haha. Available on amazon.co.uk or in sections on youtube</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thehut.pantherssl.com/productimg/0/300/300/67/10417867-1301409212-457000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thehut.pantherssl.com/productimg/0/300/300/67/10417867-1301409212-457000.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-85409949586618399452013-04-03T13:41:00.001-07:002013-04-03T13:52:40.219-07:00Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWX35Zlfrd8sEM5th1gTJVuW4J2cbW40vq0k1hdUd0p285M5_zoeCA8OKghF6XRPf_smgIjQe864rWVESmRCF7-NjjO4CI00m81WEfvd-iBLeyriS5O7A9Sho8Vu9InWnv5gaiXyFfIE/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWX35Zlfrd8sEM5th1gTJVuW4J2cbW40vq0k1hdUd0p285M5_zoeCA8OKghF6XRPf_smgIjQe864rWVESmRCF7-NjjO4CI00m81WEfvd-iBLeyriS5O7A9Sho8Vu9InWnv5gaiXyFfIE/s400/079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The picture might not look like much but this is one of my FAVORITE healthy meals to make! I've made it twice in the past week, if that gives you an idea. Onion, spinach, and mushrooms are sauteed with just a smidge of butter, some garlic, and some spices, rolled into corn tortillas, smothered in a smooth, tangy, roasted poblano pepper cream sauce, topped with montery jack cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. The end result is a very un-photogenic heaping pile of deliciousness on your plate that tastes like the zillion calorie restaurant version but is actually only 764 calories for <i>the whole recipe</i>, which can be two or three servings depending on how hungry you are.<br />
<br />
I really enjoy cooking at home and finding ways of reducing the calories in my favorite meals. I order spinach enchiladas (which are usually doused in a sour cream/cheese white sauce) almost every time I go to a Mexican restaurant. The spinach makes me feel like I'm being healthy but the sauce reminds me that I most certainly am not! This super easy homemade version tastes the same but cuts out all the unnecessary calories that restaurant meals like to tack on.<br />
<br />
|<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A word about the photos for this recipe- this was the first time I attempted to photograph/blog about a recipe in the house I'm currently living in. It was night (since I was making dinner), but the lighting in my house is rather dark and mediocre in general. And my walls are yellow so that makes everything else photograph a bit yellow. To counteract this I grabbed my clamp-on work light which lights my <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2013/02/making-your-own-light-tent-for-under-25.html">light tent</a> and tried to use it as a lighting source. It kind of worked... and kind of not. </span></i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-oxJzG_xTNo6K_QvEJGyIEH5uPaspsoHrBjWC_Aisx9-OzvSARBrnaAFRAEFgweuOvfm5EveuiHmpcEB34cBPRo_LR26uCX52xwbezBL33HZ5v2KwuXTGCz5A2NqethTetAFcYS2hJg/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-oxJzG_xTNo6K_QvEJGyIEH5uPaspsoHrBjWC_Aisx9-OzvSARBrnaAFRAEFgweuOvfm5EveuiHmpcEB34cBPRo_LR26uCX52xwbezBL33HZ5v2KwuXTGCz5A2NqethTetAFcYS2hJg/s200/070.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDGZNVyoTAPGYgL1FJteS2GbkZRyCWqQguxrueJ9fpfuszCbYi8MWuZ8qpPKBBvCZ4CLpwAL3LFw4mGtShfibC6PG3GcphbkWR0CKUo8j-csb-TINNxE-AooZEZIkbAQiG-M6n1Hmi6U/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDGZNVyoTAPGYgL1FJteS2GbkZRyCWqQguxrueJ9fpfuszCbYi8MWuZ8qpPKBBvCZ4CLpwAL3LFw4mGtShfibC6PG3GcphbkWR0CKUo8j-csb-TINNxE-AooZEZIkbAQiG-M6n1Hmi6U/s200/071.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..and Exhibit B</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">For one thing I had to keep moving it between different outlets as I moved from cutting board to stove and back. There was no good spot to clamp the light in either location so I had to hold it in my left hand while photographing with my right. It was pretty amusing, you should have seen it. A lot of the pictures still look like something with a very bright light being focused on it in an otherwise very dark room, but it was ok for a first attempt! I'm going to work on setting up a more consistent lighting arrangement for future posts</span></i>.</span>|<br />
<br />
Note: The calorie counts in my recipes are deduced from the information on thecaloriecounter.com as well as certain brands of products (as products vary), which I will try to specify. Substitutions and variations may work but are not recommended for those watching their calories as they will alter the calorie total of the recipe. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spinach and Mushroom Enchilad<span style="font-size: large;">as</span></b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">S</span>erves 2-3</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 clove garlic<br />
1/4 yellow onion<br />
10 mushrooms (about 2/3 small box of mushrooms)<br />
6 cups (1 large bag) spinach<br />
1 tbsp butter, divided<br />
1/2 tsp paprika<br />
1/4 tsp cayenne <b>(omit or reduce if you do not like spicy food)</b> <br />
1/2 tsp black pepper<br />
1/2 tsp oregano<br />
1/2-1 tsp salt (or to taste)<br />
1 tbsp flour<br />
2/3 cup vegetable broth (I use Safeway O organics brand)<br />
1/2 cup 1% milk<br />
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (I prefer Fage)<br />
1 oz monterey jack cheese<br />
1/2 roasted pasilla (poblano) pepper (instructions below)<br />
6 white corn tortillas (Mission brand)<br />
<br />
To roast a pepper:<br />
Preheat oven to 450. Rinse pepper well and dry. Place on center rack (no need to use cookie sheet, right on the rack is fine) and bake for about 5 minutes. Check for charring and blistering on the skin of the pepper and rotate to ensure even cooking. Cook for a few more minutes. When pepper is about 70% charred/blistered, remove from oven and place in a plastic bag. This will kind of steam the pepper as it cools and make it easier to remove the skin. When cool enough to handle, slice open pepper, remove seeds, and peel off outer skin, rinsing if necessary. Tada, roasted poblano pepper!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWvdFpGhZDmhRr1B2gKWCl9P1qY5QPw6PyFPJhV00Ithsg_UKyN87cnZ-7PincV4VfYmN9ShYFqPHoino5Zec1mm3xAHhMpQ2ZXRK9enAfhvyJ0V2JwywBnYmFHpogeC2hhe-28du0ro/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWvdFpGhZDmhRr1B2gKWCl9P1qY5QPw6PyFPJhV00Ithsg_UKyN87cnZ-7PincV4VfYmN9ShYFqPHoino5Zec1mm3xAHhMpQ2ZXRK9enAfhvyJ0V2JwywBnYmFHpogeC2hhe-28du0ro/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Preheat oven to 400. In a skillet, melt 1/2 tbsp butter. Roughly dice up the (1/4) onion and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLCQRhjS088b5CztRKCiarScy_IMcf6Kpbz8BLhqXqxC6x0hLtTC6D5LrlFnAmFQyniHFDja2LlZyAz4SiEWiwt6BmKWDvEzlhAo_MxMoKqgU8pBvmXYvNgfGJgqRlJaxz37Twd2lrr8/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLCQRhjS088b5CztRKCiarScy_IMcf6Kpbz8BLhqXqxC6x0hLtTC6D5LrlFnAmFQyniHFDja2LlZyAz4SiEWiwt6BmKWDvEzlhAo_MxMoKqgU8pBvmXYvNgfGJgqRlJaxz37Twd2lrr8/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet. Cook the onion and garlic for 3-5 minutes, until slightly browned and translucent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUy_a9j6TXoJw8Yv-o9hcF9wrwAkyznTAz6kMFtX9nwXMMHQwtDae9djo6uP4Ums5168HfNUJI5fnF-YNhZlnE6n6in0i_5DxMmESLofNWh-TjJtvJrb_jcZX7ngLx7kx4BTGesCsiHY/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUy_a9j6TXoJw8Yv-o9hcF9wrwAkyznTAz6kMFtX9nwXMMHQwtDae9djo6uP4Ums5168HfNUJI5fnF-YNhZlnE6n6in0i_5DxMmESLofNWh-TjJtvJrb_jcZX7ngLx7kx4BTGesCsiHY/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, wash and dry your mushrooms. Yes, I wash my mushrooms. With water. If you don't want to you don't have to but I'm going to, cool?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmn67NoIknCeXdj7xcdpOyQJ5Xwnz20lZLXGHoBfsPk5o05mj2aLXgfkp04RtN6anGgszdDj6BXhE1zrLybPP_jpgtUo2Q11zBP1qEfNB-rEPrYzGEnLZ8Sq_X-AAVmUG9NK-FvYVVBgE/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmn67NoIknCeXdj7xcdpOyQJ5Xwnz20lZLXGHoBfsPk5o05mj2aLXgfkp04RtN6anGgszdDj6BXhE1zrLybPP_jpgtUo2Q11zBP1qEfNB-rEPrYzGEnLZ8Sq_X-AAVmUG9NK-FvYVVBgE/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Slice them up (about 1/4 inch per slice)...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAM1ZBqqKFcVnsiHmQXgvdUScqP4dqGRWBKp04WHyYljGNi2b1HgxCFTS-lDoykgaaH_5jDnxS5XmUbOxBiQ788e6R-Ka2WbuGao3n_PsbfEVnlT8sCSNqNO7RtrfuGi6_yTzLuDh1JU/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAM1ZBqqKFcVnsiHmQXgvdUScqP4dqGRWBKp04WHyYljGNi2b1HgxCFTS-lDoykgaaH_5jDnxS5XmUbOxBiQ788e6R-Ka2WbuGao3n_PsbfEVnlT8sCSNqNO7RtrfuGi6_yTzLuDh1JU/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
...and add them to the pan. Stir them around to mix with the onions and coat with butter. The pan will probably seem a bit dry but don't add any more butter or liquid! Soon the mushrooms will relinquish all their moisture and everything will be just fine ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08N9gnOr0CK5NDej1J1HPN4gXAm2pjnCtD-vcqQNp_QjTSzfvLK9gfZpOiNTWll0GcZCjEo7Vnws5B6gqmqCcHs0mPQHCMsu0LtMvbryZEh4JC4asu_0jouDcaY4g3GypBYIGGKHzvuU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08N9gnOr0CK5NDej1J1HPN4gXAm2pjnCtD-vcqQNp_QjTSzfvLK9gfZpOiNTWll0GcZCjEo7Vnws5B6gqmqCcHs0mPQHCMsu0LtMvbryZEh4JC4asu_0jouDcaY4g3GypBYIGGKHzvuU/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
See? Let them cook until browned and tender.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhFeHW0UqsHo01TJOt0EFeO0MhViD4fr30mdvm4diQTWaFZbWs3pG6hp-mr4Gam40N6PL5IOa6GnkCFminTthpD9dJKgBJ5DAyQwTYQCqs-gTW7XTivg5Uj3wBv9PlIubmFq9-FXuit0/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhFeHW0UqsHo01TJOt0EFeO0MhViD4fr30mdvm4diQTWaFZbWs3pG6hp-mr4Gam40N6PL5IOa6GnkCFminTthpD9dJKgBJ5DAyQwTYQCqs-gTW7XTivg5Uj3wBv9PlIubmFq9-FXuit0/s400/027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
When most of the liquid has evaporated, add in allll the spinach. It will be a lot in the pan (especially my tiny pan) but the steam from the mushrooms should rise up and help it wilt fairly evenly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFft4pbIZmWYk52livWJiCJMIoa0FozeShMoWe-Vl9hAekQPyvTFuFTFNNHIiX6Y4lehg_lDp2ARytRIAODHcwa472cojMnm9urhxdT6YoxhUkvYhg_pUzO79qvr9fLte77GCxRNBevvc/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFft4pbIZmWYk52livWJiCJMIoa0FozeShMoWe-Vl9hAekQPyvTFuFTFNNHIiX6Y4lehg_lDp2ARytRIAODHcwa472cojMnm9urhxdT6YoxhUkvYhg_pUzO79qvr9fLte77GCxRNBevvc/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
While the spinach is heating, get your spices together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cqMRetMPfiZ1yIXY6Co2YAn_-3be6sIbVyv29F79Fa1J78f-H3EXvGHIuf6SWUlR6vBnXKNEsZ4m4rI15QlhjlCZFHtRlc6oMCIh4QskxyCT1K4UdnPJ_KiZiyMYSYuUQFrCE4i-ikQ/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cqMRetMPfiZ1yIXY6Co2YAn_-3be6sIbVyv29F79Fa1J78f-H3EXvGHIuf6SWUlR6vBnXKNEsZ4m4rI15QlhjlCZFHtRlc6oMCIh4QskxyCT1K4UdnPJ_KiZiyMYSYuUQFrCE4i-ikQ/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And once it's almost completely wilted add them to the pan. Stir it around, let it cook a bit more to git rid of excess moisture, taste and adjust seasonings, and the filling is done!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoLIoKFfr9LTfhB9M9mUBK-ZmlsRW5eoe_2a44EErX2g6aVrXb_bkQxZZTzb33wi0QNOnKRVxUBiTEJrakiIoaZrYfNd6iFUjoqsQjmyMvMKEIzhWzwcqBqkaDLI8t6owTP4BRVCLOZM/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoLIoKFfr9LTfhB9M9mUBK-ZmlsRW5eoe_2a44EErX2g6aVrXb_bkQxZZTzb33wi0QNOnKRVxUBiTEJrakiIoaZrYfNd6iFUjoqsQjmyMvMKEIzhWzwcqBqkaDLI8t6owTP4BRVCLOZM/s400/032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
If you want, you can measure this and divide it into 6 equal portions. I just move it around the pan with my spoon into 6 kind of equal piles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVjwLsMfFW5tRUQJ-AoRJFVddoLOblCQzH93ejvBDkr27eY5nkBq1_qWNXpbIdvWbEGdYi39oHUkYl9pB-89qD6bshY_Uf-EeoqC-YXS89Qj2TqewRRZiHoh_-rRB7ezAkjkf3v52C3Q/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVjwLsMfFW5tRUQJ-AoRJFVddoLOblCQzH93ejvBDkr27eY5nkBq1_qWNXpbIdvWbEGdYi39oHUkYl9pB-89qD6bshY_Uf-EeoqC-YXS89Qj2TqewRRZiHoh_-rRB7ezAkjkf3v52C3Q/s400/039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Now for the sauce. Grab a small (not teflon, not scratched up and horrible looking) sauce pan and throw in 1 tbsp flour and the remaining 1/2 tbsp butter. Heat over low heat to form a roux, whisking constantly. This will be a very dry rue, since there is twice as much flour as there is butter. This makes it twice as easy to accidentally make butter-flour dumplings and have to start over! The key is to keep the heat low, add liquid verrrry slowly, and whisk super well while you add the liquid in to break up clumps. Don't worry about getting a very dark roux, just cook the flour and butter until combined and a light golden color.<br />
<br />
You can combine the veg broth and milk before adding to the roux or do the veg broth first. At first just drizzle in a tbsp or so at a time, whisking to combine, and then add larger portions (like 1/4 cup). Once all liquid has been added, let cook a couple minutes to thicken up slightly. It will still be pretty thin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmtn8LKcotLRZLaFHEudonYyCEH9_RMsruJBkVt0BgIDIdDtBAwZZExVPdqWihLGtzKZqIveoKXZBBgW1xIJS4UUuRROaj-PidYuMtyCbu1GGLXSid-sO9olH3v8In3VLTIY4GyQ8ejM/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmtn8LKcotLRZLaFHEudonYyCEH9_RMsruJBkVt0BgIDIdDtBAwZZExVPdqWihLGtzKZqIveoKXZBBgW1xIJS4UUuRROaj-PidYuMtyCbu1GGLXSid-sO9olH3v8In3VLTIY4GyQ8ejM/s400/043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Dice up your poblano pepper and add it to the sauce. Remove the sauce from the heat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzRlqqwzmj6Iex4T7o0p8ZuogpQaB3G6nSC45HWLRwqCOMMG5xwBJ50OwdQjiz3FFwEsLDBiH2vG2Kx8nm7FqjwhJ9sFBHr5Tr_FNVFdDNMIYSP7fMSey6mIL96ven5Zc2MEN5yGkFlQ/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzRlqqwzmj6Iex4T7o0p8ZuogpQaB3G6nSC45HWLRwqCOMMG5xwBJ50OwdQjiz3FFwEsLDBiH2vG2Kx8nm7FqjwhJ9sFBHr5Tr_FNVFdDNMIYSP7fMSey6mIL96ven5Zc2MEN5yGkFlQ/s400/050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Measure 1/2 cup of cool, creamy, greek yogurt. Let the sauce sit and cool for a minute or two- this is very important whenever you make a dairy based sauce, like for mac and cheese! If you add your dairy product (like the cheese in mac and cheese or the yogurt here) when the bechamel is boiling, the product is likely to break down, curdle, and get grainy. blegh. <i>Especially</i> if it's low fat. So make sure your sauce isn't too hot!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFksxpF6cT9NI1bvbtaMqkZ7N4noy9NLGpfGs__UwkjxoM53T_0WlEBP4JT83FhLoFTgc-Cd3iNlYLsDj66g9Pvy5Dw9CibGfnNr0nes5B1oOxOxwEy75klSVonlZfBDs5xtv5QEa4rWU/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFksxpF6cT9NI1bvbtaMqkZ7N4noy9NLGpfGs__UwkjxoM53T_0WlEBP4JT83FhLoFTgc-Cd3iNlYLsDj66g9Pvy5Dw9CibGfnNr0nes5B1oOxOxwEy75klSVonlZfBDs5xtv5QEa4rWU/s400/052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Urgh. Looks disgusting in this picture but is delicious, I promise! Add the greek yogurt and stir well to combine. The sauce will become much thicker and creamier.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRL5dBTtQoF23SAe8oZg1MyAnxYPJDJWpt2uV7XPyGuUAhzgSERpbH9dYVD-qqImpOBfqh5C-k2m3MIE5AHgmVaXTEwS47V8kXLtoruwPDAphC47giC0YyjWL4o0GpUPIhWU7E9W8kiY/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRL5dBTtQoF23SAe8oZg1MyAnxYPJDJWpt2uV7XPyGuUAhzgSERpbH9dYVD-qqImpOBfqh5C-k2m3MIE5AHgmVaXTEwS47V8kXLtoruwPDAphC47giC0YyjWL4o0GpUPIhWU7E9W8kiY/s400/054.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not the best angle for my hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now for putting the enchiladas together. Pour about 1/4 cup of sauce in the bottom of a small rectangular glass pan (like a loaf pan) and spread it around. Wrap 6 tortillas in a couple layers of paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds. Take a hot tortilla, fill it with 1/6 of the filling, and roll it up tight. Place in the pan, seam side down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg2ierWjg3tMo1-nfdtJWupnUQ8lmGEyYY5pRiS34rvul3mBsAMZsdHPa76PA5A2ZQGt2lOGid1MUQMbOjsCnU-IRN0dYGaD6LBWRych_-gbXjto5bIqNk8d2mbJ5JG3vNf5B8-S5Uw8/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg2ierWjg3tMo1-nfdtJWupnUQ8lmGEyYY5pRiS34rvul3mBsAMZsdHPa76PA5A2ZQGt2lOGid1MUQMbOjsCnU-IRN0dYGaD6LBWRych_-gbXjto5bIqNk8d2mbJ5JG3vNf5B8-S5Uw8/s400/062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
continue with all six tortillas<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoOtZV4yJ8EJOzYcv3PA3ZXERTj_dYDwfGmArFwbxOVEWduPMluU-PBoY6eiO5sBZv-QQnA84RzIzLf_L9gU8t4KWX3S9LpB8x_WAyOmDywe1_JLcCBty-nArAco1k8l-iPTiooEhvnI/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoOtZV4yJ8EJOzYcv3PA3ZXERTj_dYDwfGmArFwbxOVEWduPMluU-PBoY6eiO5sBZv-QQnA84RzIzLf_L9gU8t4KWX3S9LpB8x_WAyOmDywe1_JLcCBty-nArAco1k8l-iPTiooEhvnI/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Grate up 1 oz of cheese (I cut my cheese into even 1 oz cubes when I buy it so I always know how much I'm actually grating/eating. It helps!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l8FIv0f89thJWm_okoWRqO9uOkqe27MRcO6-aLiMiLLGI31U8kKN_EyPqFgrhQban-ObBJuz_8ZVuoYcNwZBAFs5RS68mAuD1KIYicbvFRNaH2120lWS-kvXsKfyXn3nt2oLTwt_vnQ/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l8FIv0f89thJWm_okoWRqO9uOkqe27MRcO6-aLiMiLLGI31U8kKN_EyPqFgrhQban-ObBJuz_8ZVuoYcNwZBAFs5RS68mAuD1KIYicbvFRNaH2120lWS-kvXsKfyXn3nt2oLTwt_vnQ/s400/066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Then drizzle the rest of the sauce all over the enchiladas. Top with the grated cheese. You should have a LOT of sauce so it should fill all the nooks and crannys of the enchiladas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih57XZjJ64mg0ltXnEr_xKExrlGih_eIz_N0pGGkvJ5e9kS82mRq4Qqf3WpSsKOmoM6HK4Ed27u97MuD1WhRrnfbmp7ncAjcsKxgSqBRBD1xVwe6dZDa1coYL6IuFPLCgLxLNBiIwun80/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih57XZjJ64mg0ltXnEr_xKExrlGih_eIz_N0pGGkvJ5e9kS82mRq4Qqf3WpSsKOmoM6HK4Ed27u97MuD1WhRrnfbmp7ncAjcsKxgSqBRBD1xVwe6dZDa1coYL6IuFPLCgLxLNBiIwun80/s400/073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Bake for about 5 minutes to heat through, then crank up the broiler and cook for a few minutes to brown the top and crisp up the cheese. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nfOprPzj_1G3sicyrcYjluRm4QGgOQLSfgBE9zGXe-W6PTh2EUmyjDjJsl6pWJ0ympyCSjoNaxRfy-gpZdl1bHqK_bHTz8Bygi29_Rix0U9aJGMeuX2dIZoE_lwOcg0gITdDzkXKg_Q/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nfOprPzj_1G3sicyrcYjluRm4QGgOQLSfgBE9zGXe-W6PTh2EUmyjDjJsl6pWJ0ympyCSjoNaxRfy-gpZdl1bHqK_bHTz8Bygi29_Rix0U9aJGMeuX2dIZoE_lwOcg0gITdDzkXKg_Q/s400/078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Serve with hot sauce (I like Sriracha. I know it's weird to put sriracha on mexican food but it's delicious. meh.) and beans and rice if you please. I usually just eat 3 enchiladas with no sides and it's a TON of food- and a very filling and satisfying dinner!<br />
<br />
I imagine you could freeze this after you put it all together and pull it out for an easy weeknight dinner down the road as well :)<br />
<br />
<b>Calories</b><br />
total: 764<br />
serving (half recipe/3 enchiladas): 382<br />
per enchilada: 127<br />
<br />
<3Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-8332403825145193142013-04-02T10:51:00.001-07:002013-04-02T10:57:40.746-07:0020 in my 20th: #12 Summerhaven!<a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2011/05/20-things-to-do-in-my-20th-year.html">12. Go to Summerhaven at the top of Mt. Lemon, ride the ski-lift.</a><br />
<br />
I did this just over a year ago! Spring is in full swing in Tucson around this time of year and it's wonderful. Down here on the desert floor its warm and breezy during the day (usually anywhere from 70-90 degrees) and slightly cool and mild at night, just enough for you to want a light cardigan. It also smells like honeysuckle all the time which is wonderful. That's going to go away soon I'm sure so I'm loving it while it lasts! <br />
<br />
Tuscon is surrounded by big beautiful mountains, many of which are full of hiking trails, swimming holes, and campsites. Mt. Lemmon is the most popular mountain as it's the tallest point in the Santa Catalina mountains and has a tiny little town (Summerhaven) and the Mount Lemmon Ski Valley at the top. It happens to be the southernmost ski location in all of the continental United States, so that's pretty cool.Way up at the top of Mt Lemmon it's still pretty brisk and chilly, and there's even still snow on the ground. It warms up during summer but remains pretty mild- a stark contrast from the sweltering dessert heat. Hence the name 'Summerhaven'. <br />
<br />
I have nice memories of visiting the Snow Bowl in Flagstaff with my Dad (where he and I went skiing last month) during fall and riding the ski lift. There was no snow at that time, but it was fun just to be up in the air and look at all the colorful changing leaves. Afterwards we got cups of gumbo soup in the ski restaurant. This memory, along with my curiosity and desire to get a mini vacation from the warm weather inspired me to visit Summerhaven and ride the ski lift up there. It's a decent drive up the mountain (about 45 mins-hr) so Colton and I made a day trip out of it last spring.<br />
<br />
It was really fun! Except that between the time that I was 9 or 10, riding the ski lift, and when I was 20 life things happened and apparently I developed a fear of heights. That I didn't really realize I had until I was up in the air. So that was fun. I tried to distract myself by taking photos and trying not to imagine crashing to the frozen-solid snow and rocks 30 feet below me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-gF18Cgm__HtlvQ-rhXIvwcjyHzISo_cHXOUh0hhjwzmGfDNTCCGpcsuyg9j7bczMEkNqLUG030roOb_NoeL3n2OzN1etFd06lD9ymZcMGJ1-iE_h_VChrJ8BcgA19xAlaVvfdROsxs/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-gF18Cgm__HtlvQ-rhXIvwcjyHzISo_cHXOUh0hhjwzmGfDNTCCGpcsuyg9j7bczMEkNqLUG030roOb_NoeL3n2OzN1etFd06lD9ymZcMGJ1-iE_h_VChrJ8BcgA19xAlaVvfdROsxs/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All these little shops (aside from the informational one where you buy lift tickets) were closed when we went. I bet in winter when there's lots of fresh snow they're really fun to check out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUQIPKBNA_dsXPLieB3ub21mRM4B_1Pj6jZBbyHBhPkFdPLxpvjek3COGOQc_sSRmmy-gAeN3aA9rJPN1zJ4tm3U4hYzc9zklsTgWLL7rO-_R6SZ9zt991gKiGfUfq76KT5tcSjPfD_E/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUQIPKBNA_dsXPLieB3ub21mRM4B_1Pj6jZBbyHBhPkFdPLxpvjek3COGOQc_sSRmmy-gAeN3aA9rJPN1zJ4tm3U4hYzc9zklsTgWLL7rO-_R6SZ9zt991gKiGfUfq76KT5tcSjPfD_E/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw9WbvICkvhFd4cKntW-fCZKiCa0zJF5TfpvzvWPiBdr95XevdZgam-hhP-Pl5FnUlBa7BALflJQK98q92Du1geBlQKodikNrMdDtWODNdWg5BFV1xtIDjz6Vva37p8DBDWryHiXGoic/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw9WbvICkvhFd4cKntW-fCZKiCa0zJF5TfpvzvWPiBdr95XevdZgam-hhP-Pl5FnUlBa7BALflJQK98q92Du1geBlQKodikNrMdDtWODNdWg5BFV1xtIDjz6Vva37p8DBDWryHiXGoic/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OJGSyCTgG0W0f7D598013hetdprnxX5t_ADd9OYS5MxkOtEx4WWH6I6-YemodWrcJbFsyXOlT21Gkk7HrooqNwXL1F-Birf4mTX3ewJAFX-RuWQ_JpXfEcxQt0O0fsXAUv0ka-qwwkc/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OJGSyCTgG0W0f7D598013hetdprnxX5t_ADd9OYS5MxkOtEx4WWH6I6-YemodWrcJbFsyXOlT21Gkk7HrooqNwXL1F-Birf4mTX3ewJAFX-RuWQ_JpXfEcxQt0O0fsXAUv0ka-qwwkc/s400/015.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xPn1QdFj_AwA77QtJ_VSOKAsG3FLzA_5Tg7oHVEEr4_BkQqV9EdqqSB9kLnQk_ikC0173yglpwBKN23247IJz-b7As8zTpcjoFK7ALJEoFON7lSqk0eteOsFepAN9oBtFzungb-DAZ4/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xPn1QdFj_AwA77QtJ_VSOKAsG3FLzA_5Tg7oHVEEr4_BkQqV9EdqqSB9kLnQk_ikC0173yglpwBKN23247IJz-b7As8zTpcjoFK7ALJEoFON7lSqk0eteOsFepAN9oBtFzungb-DAZ4/s400/016.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv32iuE32jETe6tjHhwBTr729u5ADdvCnxtR4Iqi8AkT-QQd0QHWc6C2iFrGO91W6xU1WQ-ZNuxHv_beAEEk-zwv6p0i4tgtWuPGS10jg5cwnmOj8RAlGBAOXx0z7aBryBKVTWPUS1Ik/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv32iuE32jETe6tjHhwBTr729u5ADdvCnxtR4Iqi8AkT-QQd0QHWc6C2iFrGO91W6xU1WQ-ZNuxHv_beAEEk-zwv6p0i4tgtWuPGS10jg5cwnmOj8RAlGBAOXx0z7aBryBKVTWPUS1Ik/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty view from the top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M6sNBbTEnXNwKABlvj9565uiOPfEod6sWs9AlFgvjDy4O2MH8LFjqRzTfdvREGlxF4e6S7SuWnGdSRbqotg2jwB1dO8vqUwyv_OwMYzW3lpQ1QNxytWko2koZMQDUY2gAo5qMwqevYM/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M6sNBbTEnXNwKABlvj9565uiOPfEod6sWs9AlFgvjDy4O2MH8LFjqRzTfdvREGlxF4e6S7SuWnGdSRbqotg2jwB1dO8vqUwyv_OwMYzW3lpQ1QNxytWko2koZMQDUY2gAo5qMwqevYM/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW4sXh7pz9J0UnTjF479E1TId0-eXRjEnnutEtAAPETFMoUulpmknKpKzXNNU47nwlk-d4-Iupi0pzBKsPCyxGGgzBGZTmafVAKW6SgOjMSjdckGOd95ajh-JNHyZ1ByLwH6X20JPMXU/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW4sXh7pz9J0UnTjF479E1TId0-eXRjEnnutEtAAPETFMoUulpmknKpKzXNNU47nwlk-d4-Iupi0pzBKsPCyxGGgzBGZTmafVAKW6SgOjMSjdckGOd95ajh-JNHyZ1ByLwH6X20JPMXU/s400/021.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is windy point, a lookout spot about half way up the mountain that people like to check out and climb around. Great views of the desert below from here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3WYrZmxJFVmRWHJrBsp6oxgLh1VRftqhx9NlLY-YiOniHRLYfExMBjXZm4W9KC32AINIGbdRXTKR7_0Vdyec0YROVJFWoID5F3zTuqVj1WeZOhh5mqiQDhG8xtufuusa-Mn0R7TC06Q/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3WYrZmxJFVmRWHJrBsp6oxgLh1VRftqhx9NlLY-YiOniHRLYfExMBjXZm4W9KC32AINIGbdRXTKR7_0Vdyec0YROVJFWoID5F3zTuqVj1WeZOhh5mqiQDhG8xtufuusa-Mn0R7TC06Q/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMM3Q5YPV78BaedmsoyYh-odTLPlBoRo_cqCinca3FXI1Ep6MCv9yjNo-2H50YwftTWlklg8riw_6VjxVJ0gdZpaGMNzd6k3-u3GfvBllquLKMzablw886_NKbBNPIws-ikJ4WS0CrYg/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMM3Q5YPV78BaedmsoyYh-odTLPlBoRo_cqCinca3FXI1Ep6MCv9yjNo-2H50YwftTWlklg8riw_6VjxVJ0gdZpaGMNzd6k3-u3GfvBllquLKMzablw886_NKbBNPIws-ikJ4WS0CrYg/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't take any pics of Summerhaven sadly, but there wasn't much to it aside from some reaaaally nice cabins and a general store. Pretty cute though! Looked a lot like the neighborhood you drive through right before you get to Frog Falls, Prescott people. <br />
<br />
Even though the ski lift ride induced more anxiety than I was expecting, it was a fun day trip and a nice chance to get out of the desert for a bit. Maybe next winter I'll try out some actual skiing, now that I kind of know how (22 in 22? maybe!)<br />
<br />
<3</3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-32024437041450610222013-03-31T13:47:00.004-07:002013-04-02T10:58:46.299-07:00The Week in Photos/InstagramI wish I was better at using Instagram. I've had it for a year and I've only posted 30 photos. I have hundreds of pictures on my camera, I just very rarely deem them worthy of the minute it takes to apply a filter, upload them, and share them with the world. I'm trying hard not to be one of those people whose Instagram is 90% pictures of their pet so there's that too. Maybe doing posts like this will help me get better at using it because it looks kind of silly to have normal camera photos next to instagram stylized photos.. or maybe I should just start carrying around my DSLR with me everywhere again :)<br />
<br />
I'm also temporarily without Adobe Photoshop which I use to edit my photos so crappy camera pic quality in all its glory it is. Sorry! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo7RrRONbx82wx8qVZQ-K8wYcLMVL7_r3kE3Y9H9soYaTR612EzrZ2OpyMi9wwbSWRmunosxLjG3diu7XAT6YtJXNIfiGK0qWwntcXhHqsorhhrbKPd4-fnjsxQWIyey5NGw9gXmwEng/s1600/IMAG0413" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo7RrRONbx82wx8qVZQ-K8wYcLMVL7_r3kE3Y9H9soYaTR612EzrZ2OpyMi9wwbSWRmunosxLjG3diu7XAT6YtJXNIfiGK0qWwntcXhHqsorhhrbKPd4-fnjsxQWIyey5NGw9gXmwEng/s400/IMAG0413" width="238" /></a></div>
I'm sure many of you have seen this on pinterest- lemon slices, salmon, butter, salt, pepper, wrapped in foil and baked. We had this for dinner last week and I added some fresh dill which made it even more amazing! Great simple meal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsSOoQEwRGGrdcBCSpQyhavHE_GXju1IYZG6kinG3aZlpfZpZX7JQeRL4V8dx1I5i29zjUywKMNV1WGriJkiTkLSJmNmTdgKVEVm-60EcdLKnIvVjuhRwHh-wzz-_VV-5QVUwEzW9wA4/s1600/IMAG0414" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsSOoQEwRGGrdcBCSpQyhavHE_GXju1IYZG6kinG3aZlpfZpZX7JQeRL4V8dx1I5i29zjUywKMNV1WGriJkiTkLSJmNmTdgKVEVm-60EcdLKnIvVjuhRwHh-wzz-_VV-5QVUwEzW9wA4/s400/IMAG0414" width="238" /></a></div>
I served the salmon with roasted asparagus and smashed rosemary red potatoes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_1HPaViOWHz5aPz7je9eXC0El0KO7yL8DY-AfDUlgB_7AgVrrEs-v1qlMm_CbACEmVFBaN_Q36iGUqpSWWmcAS7aMpuznUSjltI-j8QU8L8ruX17LcK86jMrmkWEa-h72jXeT4O8naQ/s1600/IMAG0417" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_1HPaViOWHz5aPz7je9eXC0El0KO7yL8DY-AfDUlgB_7AgVrrEs-v1qlMm_CbACEmVFBaN_Q36iGUqpSWWmcAS7aMpuznUSjltI-j8QU8L8ruX17LcK86jMrmkWEa-h72jXeT4O8naQ/s400/IMAG0417" width="238" /></a></div>
Bored working the street fair... I tried to get a pic of all the closed up booths and empty street but it was too dark. Just the pizza heat lamps to light up the night!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVYXQYcpkmd2KslzPV6IARG4bQt1l8l6jorzx6Q4Qq4qqOJ2VQdQWbnwSaIctcrP0dhJRjtz5vIj3k2FA7RLgGkr2w80cYdyDhRxaYT2CeomNS2faAdtg70U-yfEELGHAtmow-8y1WP4/s1600/IMG_20130322_215222" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVYXQYcpkmd2KslzPV6IARG4bQt1l8l6jorzx6Q4Qq4qqOJ2VQdQWbnwSaIctcrP0dhJRjtz5vIj3k2FA7RLgGkr2w80cYdyDhRxaYT2CeomNS2faAdtg70U-yfEELGHAtmow-8y1WP4/s320/IMG_20130322_215222" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZ9IBwbOJpoVbFOMDiEQiGW_REAbJ5fCh_yR6NLrpR5HvOT3ZCRdZymOhGDYPsQ_ULsm9OiPrMI9HceD96nyzcafWmx-dUpQV7znHw9A_1b8VyP7_kAIjjes2Gj5sZmhtjV4kkL0GGz8/s1600/IMAG0423" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZ9IBwbOJpoVbFOMDiEQiGW_REAbJ5fCh_yR6NLrpR5HvOT3ZCRdZymOhGDYPsQ_ULsm9OiPrMI9HceD96nyzcafWmx-dUpQV7znHw9A_1b8VyP7_kAIjjes2Gj5sZmhtjV4kkL0GGz8/s400/IMAG0423" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really wish I'd brought my DSLR to Roland and Annalise's wedding. There were so many gorgeous details! Burlap favor bags, the fantastic dinner, flowers everywhere, the gardens at sunset... and of course all the fun happening everywhere. This an a blurry, dark photo of the half empty dance floor are the only pictures I took the whole night. Oh well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRucOLwKr89Leg7DmtB_Vf0D8f4-1YU53-sgGkRsqFMLDA6xKcrUCusdIf9dNva9JggP-RJ3tJZkXeGT7ZJ7Ybr-xOLmi1CRSYsdSZT4BKShxiwCfWlVA9OoltmgsMOZABFPJEi35C_Q/s1600/IMG_20130328_215721" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRucOLwKr89Leg7DmtB_Vf0D8f4-1YU53-sgGkRsqFMLDA6xKcrUCusdIf9dNva9JggP-RJ3tJZkXeGT7ZJ7Ybr-xOLmi1CRSYsdSZT4BKShxiwCfWlVA9OoltmgsMOZABFPJEi35C_Q/s320/IMG_20130328_215721" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me and Clemenoodles hanging out on thursday night watching Doctor Who. Such a great show! And I love how Clem cuddles up to me constantly. Such a mama's girl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaGFAg996F7wDZ6MHP69X2y3Rah_AhLfM7hVm4fxx1B921M6dqU2sDbGfsztslnS4Q8IqtUiavCYVeUMf6nj8bfcnjoy2wYNO7rivGG2dZ7_a-eC5x0ZodDKXGm_CA_baPScQgUFlb04/s1600/IMAG0435" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaGFAg996F7wDZ6MHP69X2y3Rah_AhLfM7hVm4fxx1B921M6dqU2sDbGfsztslnS4Q8IqtUiavCYVeUMf6nj8bfcnjoy2wYNO7rivGG2dZ7_a-eC5x0ZodDKXGm_CA_baPScQgUFlb04/s400/IMAG0435" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Except when she's in one of her crazy playful moods. Sometimes when she gets out of control I pick her up and put her on her back in my lap and tickle her belly. That's her favorite!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMFg6bB-LIh06bvLxG0T-hGnl0zh5kcXViSQ6KtgY9pRYKIL0EOSDriv7xIuBZQVd2-vIkxqaymJneodCWYvXqHO0dpE2jonTmozZQr6TPR51S7ATqmTJpq3mstPqAmQvz6I3PkP2ccY/s1600/IMG_20130331_125448." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMFg6bB-LIh06bvLxG0T-hGnl0zh5kcXViSQ6KtgY9pRYKIL0EOSDriv7xIuBZQVd2-vIkxqaymJneodCWYvXqHO0dpE2jonTmozZQr6TPR51S7ATqmTJpq3mstPqAmQvz6I3PkP2ccY/s320/IMG_20130331_125448." width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was snapping the picture below and took one of me and Colton first. We went to Mother Hubbards for breakfast this morning and we work this afternoon at 4- Same old Sunday routine!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULHpLZt6Zr7C55Mw6w7ak9hs-uDVOCUEn90SkAbuHHEttvgSbo_PkYhgzZYghRk2-Un2p8TW2aRvlk-WxE6Z5LLsi-mM7iGKWa-Y6umLNw3HCVzSctq1osdSXlDqiWRKgO5ZlPCNaLWE/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULHpLZt6Zr7C55Mw6w7ak9hs-uDVOCUEn90SkAbuHHEttvgSbo_PkYhgzZYghRk2-Un2p8TW2aRvlk-WxE6Z5LLsi-mM7iGKWa-Y6umLNw3HCVzSctq1osdSXlDqiWRKgO5ZlPCNaLWE/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's the deal with this dress. I bought it at Goodwill about a year ago, even though it's a Small and I knew at the time it wouldn't fit me. I didn't even try it on. It was cute and 10 dollars and I was confident that eventually I would be able to wear it. Instead of hanging it up in my closet I hung it on the wall in my bedroom, as a bit of inspiration. A goal I was working towards. I didn't start really trying to lose weight until this past January, but I'm so proud with the progress I've made in the last 10 weeks! I decided to try this dress on last weekend for the wedding and it fit!! I put it on again today and it actually is a little loose around the waist. I'm so happy to be able to have this cute little number off the wall and finally into my clothing rotation!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope you are having a nice holiday weekend! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<3<!--3--></3></div>
<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-34846563582623029152013-03-27T14:05:00.003-07:002013-04-02T10:58:19.112-07:00Registered.It's been a fairly busy week!<br />
<br />
The retroactive medical withdrawal that I mentioned I had to work on in my hair mask post has finally been completed. It involved me working for five hours on Friday typing a statement, emailing professors and campus health, and filling out paperwork.. and then spending the last three mornings visiting each professors office, going to the health center, filling out MORE paperwork, and putting together a big 'ol stack of stuff... which I turned in to administration this morning. WOO! It's something that has been stressing me out and sitting at the back of my mind for a year and it feels good to have it totally DONE. <br />
<br />
On top of that, the spring 4th ave street fair was this past weekend. Street fair is kinda fun because we close the inside of the restaurant off to customers and just serve slices in the front. I work counter so I get to be the one manning the register, serving customers, and dealing with lots and lots of hungry people. It's nice to hang out outside for a whole spring evening, and my work is sufficiently reduced since I don't have to deal with pickups or keeping the dining room clean... but it can get pretty crazy with all those sweaty tourists demanding pizza.<br />
<br />
So that was Friday night and Sunday night. Sunday we closed around 7 for our biannual Brooklyn party that happens every street fair. Brooklyn parties are effing insane. I've gone and had fun in the past but I had no desire to drink my face off and watch my coworkers get crazy sloppy this year so I went home after I was done closing and ate dinner and watched battlestar galactica instead. <br />
<br />
On Saturday, our friends Roland and Annalise got married at the lovely Tucson Botanical Gardens. I know Annalise from Mama Eddas (She worked there after I had left but I saw her all the time since I was always in there with Linn, Kris, and Nick) and Roland has been one of Colton's friends since high school. It was soooo gorgeous at the garden at dusk and their ceremony was simple, short, and sweet. The reception was immediately after and it was nice because you could explore the gardens while waiting for everything to be set up for dinner. It was a very, very fun night and I am very happy they invited me :)<br />
<br />
MOST exciting thing that happened this week though, is that I got totally registered for my LAST classes as an undergraduate EVER.<br />
<br />
The way the registration process works, it takes 2-3 weeks to register for each upcoming semester. Once the class catalog is online, you have to plan your schedule. Then you have to fill out a form (at least for my department) with the classes in your major and that has to be turned in by a certain date depending on your standing. Then about a week later you have your "enrollment appointment" when you can register for any other classes that don't require department consent. Hopefully by that point you know whether or not your department was able to register you for the classes you wanted and you can submit new forms if necessary.<br />
<br />
This semester, everything went off without a hitch! It was the first time I haven't neglected filling out my form until too late (which results in having to turn it in with students of lower class standing/being lower on the registration totem pole) so that might be why. My classes next semester sound REALLY awesome too.<br />
<br />
They are:<br />
<br />
An upper division classics class on Greek and Roman influences on 1930s art<br />
Film Styles and Genres, a 400 level film and television class which changes emphasis each semester. Last fall I took it when it was Westerns, next fall it is Crime Drama. <br />
Screen Artists, another 400 level FTV course with rotating emphasis. This spring I'm taking it on Stars of History and Today, next fall it will be on the Coen Brothers. Goodie!<br />
My FTV Senior Seminar, which will be on Cult Cinema.<br />
<br />
I've already had all the professors teaching these courses and they're all awesome so I'm excited.<br />
<br />
I'm even more excited for the end of December this year, when I will be walking across the stage in a cap and gown and receiving a diploma! Finishing college. What an accomplishment that will be. I imagine it will feel something like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/pEKK2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i.imgur.com/pEKK2.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
Aaah. That will be nice.<br />
<br />
For now though, it's 5 1/2 more weeks of this semester, a crazybusy summer, and then one more round of syllabi, essays, and school-centric life. At least the end is in sight!<br />
<br />
<3</3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-52332170118682459732013-03-22T11:14:00.000-07:002013-03-22T11:15:57.593-07:00DIY Nourishing Hair Mask<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ3lcW_b_VNPx0PoLVjf1Hv77yUyFmUFVK_x8ONZp6yxHsxq5rXHf28ekGb9FRDz1i2s34114byrwA5evc0tWqBS50wLdTHiP4WE35p6MM2Pr0Z-Eg4u5HrMHNpYYd41GZBOd6-6MuZg/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ3lcW_b_VNPx0PoLVjf1Hv77yUyFmUFVK_x8ONZp6yxHsxq5rXHf28ekGb9FRDz1i2s34114byrwA5evc0tWqBS50wLdTHiP4WE35p6MM2Pr0Z-Eg4u5HrMHNpYYd41GZBOd6-6MuZg/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
No Thursday update this week because I pretty much told you all the highlights of my week as they happened... 'they' being St Paddy's day and working my face off, both at Brooklyn and at school. I had big stuff every day of school this week! a five page paper here, a final paper proposal there, and a big fat midterm to finish it off yesterday. It was overwhelming to have all that facing me immediately after spring break, but now the next few weeks of school should be relatively calm and even-paced.<br />
<br />
Today I am working on something that I literally have been avoiding and procrastinating for just about a year- my retroactive medical withdrawal from the spring 2012 semester. Big fat stressed-out sigh. I stopped attending school when it all became "too much", realizing that despite my efforts I had tried to resume my normal life too soon. Due to the conditions of my withdrawal I can blame it on medical reasons but I have to write a whole statement explaining my situation, as well as go around to the 4 professors whose classes I stopped attending and ask them to fill out a form supporting my withdrawal. Like I mentioned in <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-birthday-linn.html">yesterday's post</a>, it is very difficult for me to take my thoughts back to those troubling times, let alone write at length about them and present them to other people to be judged for their worthiness or whatever. Blah. So I didn't do it for months and months. But I only have until the end of this semester so today I'm just going to do it. <br />
<br />
On top of that, I'm going in to work today at 4 and it's the spring 4th ave street fair this weekend... which means lots of hungry people that have been walking around in the sun all day demanding slices. I like working the counter but street fair is always pretty high intensity.. so we'll see how that goes.<br />
<br />
To take the edge off a bit on my busy and stressful day, I'm going to do at least one of my <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-dailyweekly-beauty-regimen.html">weekly beauty categories</a>... probably face today. A nice steam and facial should ease the tension, I hope. Yesterday I did my hair and I whipped up this simple little hair mask that I wanted to share with you guys! It's full of protein in the form of Greek yogurt and egg yolk so it is very nourishing and strengthening for your locks. The olive oil is moisturizing, softening, and adds to shine, while the honey is conditioning and also contributes shine and luster to dry, limp hair. <br />
<br />
Greek yogurt and honey is one of the most delicious things ever and making and using this mask reminded me of drizzling gobs of golden honey onto cold, super-thick, creamy bowls of yogurt in Greece a couple summers ago. It certainly smelled the same! The honey and yogurt I had wasn't as nice as that stuff but it still made my hair look and feel great and was a nice mid-week boost.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFJPYxRlmYRwNLQJJ7PqwdbgBUuC5xv7yCdw53LivmY3XtjArzTgkezdMud2Pre1XLxFjIm4qMGau42bd-Pa9pffr0Cbu9qWylRdKTV2DLx_2T8v5USn72R5hmKHmFIgeOsLwQ6cYRCE/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFJPYxRlmYRwNLQJJ7PqwdbgBUuC5xv7yCdw53LivmY3XtjArzTgkezdMud2Pre1XLxFjIm4qMGau42bd-Pa9pffr0Cbu9qWylRdKTV2DLx_2T8v5USn72R5hmKHmFIgeOsLwQ6cYRCE/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
You will need:<br />
Olive oil<br />
Yogurt<br />
Honey<br />
1 egg<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpdSenbR2i6TK1geI8AE0Yq64vgbJhQ3rn0GriKadL0obp03q3M9tv5E-sGuyXT5RyeUbcvllivmzj6x5KNMw_X9hQUEhw0bZF7hfpRGYWotj7faAD2bad7C7t6RAcZbunMFPU1SFJGk/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpdSenbR2i6TK1geI8AE0Yq64vgbJhQ3rn0GriKadL0obp03q3M9tv5E-sGuyXT5RyeUbcvllivmzj6x5KNMw_X9hQUEhw0bZF7hfpRGYWotj7faAD2bad7C7t6RAcZbunMFPU1SFJGk/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Start by separating the egg yolk from the white. The yolk is high in fat and protein which makes it great for your hair while the egg white is super low in calories and great for your waist ;) You can discard the white or use it to make a healthy omelet, meringues, or a number of other yummy goodies.<br />
<br />
Put the yolk in a small bowl and use a fork to break the membrane and mix it up real quick. Did you know an egg yolk is one cell? I learned that in like 7th grade science and found it fascinating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSomAAI792jpoIU1OpqiFzPI-wwz8IOD8M_ae0K26tb2trpZFCgGGFoAOzxc6ZkoLYJhH0FS2wu_oh8cVXrlNTsPS7c_7gt5eolIF-u-bGYYchyphenhyphenlqoOfOgx53WvqgPe9xn1OKagJAVMhI/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSomAAI792jpoIU1OpqiFzPI-wwz8IOD8M_ae0K26tb2trpZFCgGGFoAOzxc6ZkoLYJhH0FS2wu_oh8cVXrlNTsPS7c_7gt5eolIF-u-bGYYchyphenhyphenlqoOfOgx53WvqgPe9xn1OKagJAVMhI/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Drizzle in about 1 tbsp olive oil. Since I was doing my full hair treatment yesterday, I had some leftover olive oil from my hot oil scalp rub so I just used that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuHt4FUsj-AOPUGbulHwh2vMvJ_Flgl_LdCar1XlBwhFw-DEEgaz6WjUITRnCnk9Dzrw8d6WfMFDuwPEewZ4COO2YOgFjXtaTTF24cjGjIKS2i30h9qHBQ7Uo5QrVBeZAFmIGtDgWH5E/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuHt4FUsj-AOPUGbulHwh2vMvJ_Flgl_LdCar1XlBwhFw-DEEgaz6WjUITRnCnk9Dzrw8d6WfMFDuwPEewZ4COO2YOgFjXtaTTF24cjGjIKS2i30h9qHBQ7Uo5QrVBeZAFmIGtDgWH5E/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Squeeze in some honey next, about 2 tbsp. If you have raw honey, use that! I just had this Kroger stuff on hand. Whisk the oil and honey thoroughly into the egg yolk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSofH8m_RZdMb2vqarathfV6l6g5_hBYGbe0AoXQPmCrqxspNW8y8VvYjOqjkBSYhiXvAXZIeJZ2n5ww8gQ_9IZ_9eym_xruOTdGBo2UoMvwWv518KnKM6psOoZbLGKM7Is-dOW2MwWA/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSofH8m_RZdMb2vqarathfV6l6g5_hBYGbe0AoXQPmCrqxspNW8y8VvYjOqjkBSYhiXvAXZIeJZ2n5ww8gQ_9IZ_9eym_xruOTdGBo2UoMvwWv518KnKM6psOoZbLGKM7Is-dOW2MwWA/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Finally, a healthy dollop of Greek yogurt, about 1/4-1/2 cup. Mix it up real good and you have your mask!<br />
<br />
To use, moisten hair with a spray bottle full of HOT water. use your hands, a comb, or a combination of the two to apply the mask to all of your hair but particularly to the length and ends. I like to get mask all over my hands and rub/rake it through my hair, then use a wide tooth comb to distribute it evenly. Twist your hair into a bun on the top of your head, wrap your whole scalp/hair in plastic wrap (you aren't going anywhere, right?) and then wrap it all up in a hot towel. leave on for 10-30 minutes, whatever you have time for, and then rinse it out well and wash normally in the shower. Tada! Revitalized, nourished, shiny hair :)<br />
<br />
It's the weekend! YAY!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-13639111213776434042013-03-21T15:46:00.002-07:002013-03-23T23:32:43.039-07:00Happy Birthday, Linn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Uw4vbDHfXe10H08ELa24PbbuaM6_vwBi0-AEBGh2ZG8hyphenhyphenbIY12U0c3EkVFCWLuEZx_A0nJxHCUBTPdQkz6N0I5r_kNYugfTdk3TbkALmVxR7dhyQSc0FEXeM5SBklYzHV88rsdTKOQM/s1600/lin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Uw4vbDHfXe10H08ELa24PbbuaM6_vwBi0-AEBGh2ZG8hyphenhyphenbIY12U0c3EkVFCWLuEZx_A0nJxHCUBTPdQkz6N0I5r_kNYugfTdk3TbkALmVxR7dhyQSc0FEXeM5SBklYzHV88rsdTKOQM/s640/lin.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
Today would have been Linn's 27th birthday. I have avoided talking very much about Linn's death or my long period of grief and depression that followed on this blog because a. it's very personal and need not be broadcast to the world wide web, b. it is difficult for me even now- after almost a year and a half of time and a year of therapy later- to return my thoughts to that troubling place, and c. this blog has always been what I would like to think of as an expression of the most positive and beneficial aspects of myself; the things I am proud of, want to share, and that make me feel happy and fulfilled. <br />
<br />
<br />
So I skipped over the whole thing, pretty much, and when I returned to blogging (briefly and prematurely) I tried to just force myself into the mindset and voice I had before Linn's death. My life was basically still in shambles at that point so that didn't work, and when I finally returned to this blog in a healthy state last month I only wanted to move forward, not look back on the trauma of the past year and a half.<br />
<br />
Linn was and is, however, a permanent and extremely important influence on my life. The time that I knew him changed me. The time that we dated changed me. His death obviously changed me, and the grief, destruction, and ultimate healing that followed has changed me. There is rarely if ever a single day that I do not think of him. I am often reminded by the world around me of him, our conversations, our memories, our love story, and I wonder and reflect upon what could have been- especially on days like today. At 27, who would Linn have been? Would we still be together? Would he be in San Diego by now, running a pizza shop with Clint like he had planned and was so excited about? Would I be finishing school this spring instead of next December with plans of joining him after graduation? The questions that can never be answered have not disappeared from my mind, but they no longer agonize and torment me. Now they are a source of simple wonderment, cherished quiet moments of reflection, and reassuring reminders of Linn's presence in my heart.<br />
<br />
I have written at length about Linn in my personal journals- everything from when I first met him as he swept the dining room of Mama Eddas where I was filling out an application to years later, after his death, when I wrote him countless letters and stream of consciousness ramblings that I could only hope would somehow be received. Just yesterday I stumbled upon a forgotten journal entry that I wrote after we had been dating for several months and the love-struck, giddy way in which I gushed about him filled my heart with joy and nostalgia. Here's a passage:<br />
<br />
"<i>I just got back from my weekend of hometown friends and Linn. It was
so wonderful and amazing, I had such a great time and it was so, so good
to be with my boy for a while. Every time i think about him or
look at him i smile, it makes me giddy. I can't believe how much I've
fallen for him. I love him so much. leaving today was heartbreaking,
even though I know I'll see him again soon... I wish there was an easy
way for us to just be together but there just isn't right now. Someday, I
hope. So much. He is the sweetest, kindest, most gentlemanly guy I have
ever dated and he's also incredibly attractive and funny. I want to
be his.</i>"<br />
<br />
It makes me happy to remember how wonderful and full of love and happiness he made my life when we were together. There have been many times when Linn's real presence in my life- the years of friendship, the secret crush, the brief romance- have been clouded over by the weight of the despair and tragedy that followed. It is unfair to Linn's memory and to myself to allow it to be that way and I am overjoyed to have the words that I wrote in times of blissful adoration to pull me back to the real memories, the memories that matter.<br />
<br />
Today, like every day, I will think about Linn, smile at the thought of his face and his laugh, and ponder what we might have done if he'd been here. I feel blessed to even have these thoughts, and I know that I have had and will have a better of life because he was and is a part of it.<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday, Linn. The amount of compassion in your heart and the immense amount of love, kindness, and sincerity you showed is obvious through the number of people that to this day express their gratitude to have known you. Someday we will all see your smile again <3 br="">
<br />
And finally, this is the poem I wrote a few days after Linn's death which I read at his funeral.<br />
<br />
When I remember you,<br />
I'd like it to feel<br />
The way it did that night-<br />
Shy eyes glinting starlight,<br />
A shiver that has nothing to do<br />
With the cool summer night.<br />
When I remember you,<br />
I'd like to go back to those days-<br />
The long lazy sunlit haze,<br />
Hours and hours of nothing to do<br />
And everything to say<br />
And nothing but happiness<br />
In your sweet face.<br />
When I remember you,<br />
I'd like to think of the words-<br />
Often said, always heard,<br />
A promise not broken,<br />
but simply deferred:<br />
"One day we'll be together.<br />
One day,<br />
We'll fly like the birds."<br />
<br />
<3><!--3--><!--3--><!--3--><!--3--><!--3--></3></3>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-58314961932506252032013-03-20T13:01:00.000-07:002013-03-21T18:51:00.327-07:00Weight Loss Update/Progress Pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello Lovelies! I'm having a pretty relaxing day today... School, a bit of homework, a lot of internets, and later today I'll be rewatching a few 1970s films to study for my midterm tomorrow. Colton is headed off to Phoenix with a bunch of boys as soon as he gets out of work today for our friend Roland's bachelor party which means Clementine and I will be having the apartment to ourselves for the next 24 hours or so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanted to pop in and write a quick blog about my weight loss progress! It might not be very interesting to you but health, nutrition, and fitness have become such a huge part of my life and thoughts over the past few months! This may sound odd but I really LOVE being aware of my calories, working out, and observing my weight as it changes because it all comes down to science... and I love that I can use science to help myself look and feel as good as can be!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I chose today to write because I'm just beginning a new cycle in my self designed workout schedule and so I snapped a couple pictures this morning to document my progress. When losing weight I've found it's so easy to not really notice the changes that are occurring because they happen so slowly. Having pictures to compare side by side really make the differences obvious...and they are a huge motivational boost to keep going!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately I did not take any starting pictures in January when I first adjusted my diet, quit drinking, and started working out. All I have are some pictures from last September, when I briefly tried (and then forgot about) getting healthy. I'm actually 10-15 lbs lighter in the September pictures than I was in January, and only about 10 lbs lighter in the "during" pictures I took today than I was in September! So the pics don't really show my overall progress. I can still see a huge difference though, especially in the muscle tone of my belly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall I've lost about 23 pounds in 9 weeks and I'm feeling great! I honestly think I look better now than I sometimes did at lower weights when I wasn't strength training. I definitely feel more confident :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sorry about the poor quality phone/underwear pics! Usually I would NEVER post pictures of myself like this because I have always been so self-conscious about the way I look... and scantily clad fat pictures? Um, NO. But now I look at the before pictures and just see the progress I have made, not the chubby bits I wish would disappear. Besides I've worn and definitely seen swimsuits that are more revealing. Although... I still feel pretty ballsy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6vbgAH9PN6YXYWDwi5EENrtxtowWiI6SxzzuKyIwOzja5hmx0pNkaIlDc3YVvsj6oKKH5wCB6dpT96DZa3RvIk20ZBB9KATn_TngagxTu6PDF6Ut2ujwjvrYr0KX_VWxRk55McWudnQ/s1600/IMAG0410" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6vbgAH9PN6YXYWDwi5EENrtxtowWiI6SxzzuKyIwOzja5hmx0pNkaIlDc3YVvsj6oKKH5wCB6dpT96DZa3RvIk20ZBB9KATn_TngagxTu6PDF6Ut2ujwjvrYr0KX_VWxRk55McWudnQ/s320/IMAG0410" width="190" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGXm3l9GwUqz9DmvC63T2RzYXepcmt6zkAZBpFAFRYHXNgfjU-anAd9Wl0hNKzeWz-vS0JWAGzA_FSfY2iD52C9b_-QbQMS1zXdBtjHFGFWWVswzMI1_70kgPlLxqm16Nfngc2H7nO8k/s1600/IMAG0294" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGXm3l9GwUqz9DmvC63T2RzYXepcmt6zkAZBpFAFRYHXNgfjU-anAd9Wl0hNKzeWz-vS0JWAGzA_FSfY2iD52C9b_-QbQMS1zXdBtjHFGFWWVswzMI1_70kgPlLxqm16Nfngc2H7nO8k/s320/IMAG0294" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a healthy happy humpday!</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003365950184212593.post-34079197151504524502013-03-18T12:47:00.002-07:002013-03-21T18:50:16.168-07:00This post is full of IrishSt Patrick's day happens to be my FAVORITE holiday! I have the best memories of spending the whole day (which always comes around during spring break) with my friends, <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-paddys-countdown-day-3-irish.html">cooking</a> <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-paddys-countdown-day-2-irish-car.html">Irish</a> <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2011/03/st-paddys-countdown-day-2_16.html">food</a>, <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2011/03/st-paddys-countdown-day-1.html">listening to Irish music</a>, <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2011/03/st-paddys-countdown-day-2.html">watching Irish movies</a>, wearing the colors of the Irish flag, and of course <a href="http://girlof1000faces.blogspot.com/2011/03/st-paddys-countdown-day-3.html">drinking Irish drinks</a>. <br />
<br />
It was my first st. paddy's day as a 21 year old, but I'm avoiding alcohol (and all its empty calories) at the moment so I was a bit unsure of how I would celebrate this year. I was also scheduled to work from 4-CL, which was a good reason for me to not join the masses at the bar but also left me with very little time to do anything celebratory. And lord knows I can't just let a holiday (let alone my favorite holiday) go un-celebrated.<br />
<br />
SO, I did what I could with the time and restrictions that I had... I donned the attire, I ate the food, and I even bought the booze... I just mixed it up with massive quantities of sugar and fat and flour and fed it to my coworkers :) I didn't get drunk, I didn't overeat, I didn't attempt a game on the Devil's Dancefloor, and I spent an insanely long and busy 7 hours asking progressively drunker people the same questions (what can I get for you? any toppings? anything else? what's your name? for here or to go? would you like a copy of your receipt?)... but I still feel like I sufficiently celebrated and enjoyed St Patrick's Day :)<br />
<br />
In the morning, I put on my favorite new mint green lace dress. That wasn't quite Irish enough for me so I also tied green and orange ribbon around my wrist and my hair.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZncyy18CkSS0mvuznaDoGGzc7EmYFNGsWLLs2xewtfRpM8ptbEQQOmVKYvUWpVzNc0kS4HnZaRDVWt17k_GimbZbbjCtnTHEse9tHuurOr5kHPt0nekKf3Pl-ZVHcBq-p63v5hFAAUA/s1600/IMAG0402" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZncyy18CkSS0mvuznaDoGGzc7EmYFNGsWLLs2xewtfRpM8ptbEQQOmVKYvUWpVzNc0kS4HnZaRDVWt17k_GimbZbbjCtnTHEse9tHuurOr5kHPt0nekKf3Pl-ZVHcBq-p63v5hFAAUA/s400/IMAG0402" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP4-hu5odwZRqiPH4DcfzmTuxGaV0cgb67w54ypffR-3L-VKABdLAYoWieUWAPmsjqZtACqxI6RApt2DuFREXKF9ubdUOm5_iHixanEBitrXqsYZW4YZl__q_Gwu-3skOxQ3ejF19S4A/s1600/IMAG0406" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP4-hu5odwZRqiPH4DcfzmTuxGaV0cgb67w54ypffR-3L-VKABdLAYoWieUWAPmsjqZtACqxI6RApt2DuFREXKF9ubdUOm5_iHixanEBitrXqsYZW4YZl__q_Gwu-3skOxQ3ejF19S4A/s400/IMAG0406" width="238" /></a></div>
Colton and I went out to breakfast, which we do every Sunday. We went to Mother Hubbards, one of our very favorites that specializes in homemade Native American/Mexican influenced breakfast and lunch. So good. Yesterday I had to opt for the St Paddy's Special though... "Irish Rarebit". It was basically a cross between Welsh Rarebit and Eggs Benedict with a whole lot of Irish thrown in there. 4 triangles of 12 grain bread covered with dragoon stout cheddar cheese sauce, chopped corned beef, spinach, and two poached eggs. It was sooooo gooood.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuW3HciP34R83j6JQ231hVO3oVONqTlAF_s6KssFKHlsbQgS0lvy3edJK3DaZXl0aomrajPivir6NtvGdaXuIQtkIuxZ5_rHwUFus4T8Tsqeszj9jVd1kkCc5c6m2vQvVika5uQioRLw/s1600/IMAG0400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuW3HciP34R83j6JQ231hVO3oVONqTlAF_s6KssFKHlsbQgS0lvy3edJK3DaZXl0aomrajPivir6NtvGdaXuIQtkIuxZ5_rHwUFus4T8Tsqeszj9jVd1kkCc5c6m2vQvVika5uQioRLw/s400/IMAG0400" width="400" /></a></div>
I decided I wanted to do some Irish cooking of my own so we stopped at the store on the way home. I bought ingredients to make homemade Irish cream (to make it a little lighter calorie-wise, not as thick and sweet, and to avoid having multiple open bottles of liquor sitting around the house), Irish car bomb cupcakes, and Irish cream pudding shots.<br />
<br />
I used <a href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/st-patricks-day-drinks/">this recipe</a> for the Irish cream, and it turned out amazing. Tasted just like baileys!<br />
<br />
I then mixed one cup of homemade Irish cream with one small package of instant vanilla pudding and one cup 1% milk. I poured this into 10 dixie cups to make pudding shots! There's hardly any alcohol in them but they were pretty tasty. I took them to work so everyone could have one after we closed.<br />
<br />
The biggest cooking project I tackled was these <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2009/01/car-bomb-cupcakes/">Irish Car-Bomb Cupcakes</a>! I've wanted to make this recipe for years... I talked about it within the first month that I had this blog 3 years ago when I did my first St Paddy's day countdown. Even though I only had about 3 hours until I had to go to work by the time I was done with errands and at home ready to cook, I decided to attempt to whip these up. I broke out my beloved kitchenaid mixer (which works like a dream but weighs a million tons and is a bitch to store/clean in my teensy little house), used every pot and bowl in the house, and in the end produced 24 pretty little filled and frosted cupcakes. Which tasted AMAZING, by the way.<br />
<br />
I used the above linked Smitten Kitchen recipe exactly, except I used greek yogurt in place of sour cream in the batter (I never have sour cream in the house anymore and greek yogurt tastes/works the same but is way healthier) and used quite a bit more whiskey in the ganache filling and Irish cream in the buttercream. I wanted each part of the cupcake to taste distinctly like the Irish Car-Bomb role it was representing and I found that with the measly teaspoons and tablespoons Deb suggested the flavor was lost under the sugar, butter, and chocolate. I just drizzled, tasted, and repeated until I got the intensity I wanted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIfZBdAhjkBoXJqwXdPxoIlXuJmcGqvXazq5nFNMxHS1n_AlkE9RgcUnXK_LyKCjc97jG8EYtfj1vMSwWiJmwxApVY3_eNG-FQVwpWTuMjz6SslOBux7raL73Y64PPl-HQGQp87scRGg/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIfZBdAhjkBoXJqwXdPxoIlXuJmcGqvXazq5nFNMxHS1n_AlkE9RgcUnXK_LyKCjc97jG8EYtfj1vMSwWiJmwxApVY3_eNG-FQVwpWTuMjz6SslOBux7raL73Y64PPl-HQGQp87scRGg/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jAXOjymN-kghvjDAVIJeO8uvQvhQPUgh9ZbDshwrPQrUmYaJpNDmnEHoRjjjnCFU3MPIXgXL6dMFxyg5DqGqAAcMHqNHZLUbvBeladN4iFKDJw205siatWZDckMY5XObHUEAsOREFPk/s1600/IMG_20130317_154042." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jAXOjymN-kghvjDAVIJeO8uvQvhQPUgh9ZbDshwrPQrUmYaJpNDmnEHoRjjjnCFU3MPIXgXL6dMFxyg5DqGqAAcMHqNHZLUbvBeladN4iFKDJw205siatWZDckMY5XObHUEAsOREFPk/s400/IMG_20130317_154042." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Guinness cake filled with Jameson chocolate ganache and topped with Irish Cream buttercream. Dusted with green and gold sugar!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I made 24 and brought 12 to work. I broke them out after the aforementioned loooong and busy shift while everyone was closing and I think they (hopefully!) raised everyone's spirits a bit.<br />
<br />
After work I promptly went home, got into my pjs, got into bed, and fell asleep. I think the rest of the world partied hard enough without me, based on the debauchery I witnessed on fourth avenue last night.<br />
<br />
I hope you all had a nice holiday and spring break! It's back to school at 3 for me today :)<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
EmEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01201088427656524745noreply@blogger.com0