tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43658163076163745302024-03-12T16:04:23.768-07:00MaeLiveFreeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-59593781109585863982014-12-22T12:22:00.000-08:002014-12-22T12:22:24.112-08:00Another Culminating Year: 2014 Summarized<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With winds of change blowing through my whole life and being, keeping track, and writing it all down has been on my mind fairly often. I've had thoughts of creating a new space for this, and I still can't say I've decided on or against it. For whatever reason, I'm not ready to let the dream I had for this space fall to the wayside because my essence has changed. Maybe this space will be reinvented, or maybe I'll bid adieu and let you know where to find me instead. I do feel, however, that MaeLiveFree is as good a place as any to summarize 2014 for those who have may be wondering what's been happening in my life.<br />
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As I mentioned the last time I checked in here, a year ago, we bought a house. A lot of stress has surrounded the commitment and the move. When we realized we were locked into a dwelling that couldn't bring us the comfort we'd hoped for, things just spiraled downwards. The first issue with the house was a plumbing nightmare. Within days of moving in there was sewage backed up into our bath tub and we were unable to run much of any water. It was the main line. A full days work for David, his wonderfully helpful supervisor from work, who is also an amazing human and great friend, and another co-worker/friend, and they managed to shop-vac out the clog, only to find issue with the connections of the plumbing, which was brand new but terribly assembled. They say to be prepared for this sort of thing when you buy a house, that everyone has a hard first year, but we were in completely over our heads.<br />
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Then there was the cost of heating the place which has been a joke up until a month ago. The house has a brand new electric central heating unit, but it isn't connected to half of the house, and it costs several dollars a day to run. The shock of our first utility bill here has still not worn off. We bought a used pellet stove to try to remedy our heating cost situation, but after a month of running it and having issues with it and still being cold, we opened it up to do a major cleaning and found much to my horror, that a good yearly cleaning had most likely never been done. Especially disgusting and frustrating considering that the stove was at least fifteen years old. So we sold that, and have been running zonal ceramic infrared heaters and keeping cozy for a cost that's still more than we're comfortable with, but better than the alternative.<br />
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Maybe out of frustration with the house, that needs a hundred fixes still, we decided that starting our roasting business would be a good investment. What better time than now, right? Wrong. I think we were desperate for some happiness, but this hasn't worked out as merrily as we fantasized either. We started after the deadline for farmer's markets, so we lost out on an entire season of where our best revenue would come from. We also sorely underestimated how hard it would be to obtain all the legal permits and such for a roasting operation. In some states the Cottage Food Act permits home roasted coffee as long as you sell under a certain volume, but Washington doesn't. That left us to obtain a straight up food processors permit, but there are so many hoops for that we would have to roast at someone else's facilities. Without the demand for our product being enough to justify a higher volume roaster and costs that would rob us of any profit, that was also out the window. So the business is stuck in some strange limbo right now. The good news is that we've learned a lot, and David is developing pretty solid roasting skills. Plus the experience really helped me get a good coffee job.<br />
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In September-ish, we decided that getting David a motorcycle so that I could have the car, mostly for business purposes, was a good idea. He bought a bike while taking his motorcycle endorsement course, before he knew if he could ride it, and it turned out that the bike he chose was too large of a beast for him. Instead of practicing reason, we decided to go ahead and get one that he could ride before selling the first. As we deserved for being so rash, both bikes stopped running. So we currently have two useless motorcycle's sitting in our garage sucking away precious monetary resources and not being sellable. As if that weren't enough of a strain on our finances, things got worse when David totalled our Focus, with no collision insurance. So, we ended up forking out for another vehicle.<br />
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This year we've been chasing down our dreams hard but it's been more of a nightmare than a dream in most regards. The good news is I think it has helped us re-evaluate our life, dreams, and goals in a more realistic light.<br />
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With all of the debt accrued we started thinking that maybe it was time for me to get back to work. This of course sparked discussion about what we're doing as far as Lorelei's care and education. We intended to homeschool her, and were pretty resistant to give up that dream. Especially since we are not keen on conventional schooling and the whole "teach to the test" public school mentality. Luckily I stumbled across Waldorf education, and I'm smitten with the ideals of whole child education they foster. It's exactly what I wanted to give her myself, only better because she'll be part of a community of other children, so I am very comforted in the fact that we can send her to one. As far as her care when I'm working and she's not at school, that has worked out well. My father is moving in with us to be her Nanny Papa. This should be an amazing opportunity for our whole family, as he starts the transition for my mother and youngest sister to move from Idaho to Washington too, and makes up for time lost since we moved away when she was just one.<br />
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All of the let downs aside, 2014 has been one of those years for growth. You can't do it without the pains right? There are some things that have gone right that should breath happiness and goodness into 2015.<br />
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Here are some of the little things that have kept 2014 from being totally glum.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Making friends and trying to carve out a little place for ourselves in our community.</li>
<li>Being forced to upgrade to a vehicle that we really love.</li>
<li>Seeing Ben Gibbard perform live (having an actual date)!</li>
<li>Getting my middle sister and her hubby to move from Cali to here.</li>
<li>Bringing Edie home!</li>
<li>Landing a fantastic job to start the new year with.</li>
<li>Making it through with everyone in one piece.</li>
<li>Learning some decent latte art skills.</li>
<li>New perspective and goals.</li>
<li>Delicious coffee always at our disposal.</li>
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With all of the excess and expenses we've taken a good hard look at what "things" in our life our necessary. We've been purging our belongings and old ideas that no longer fit. We're making more space for what matters, time spent with people we love, doing things that bring us health and vitality, forging new dreams that won't wreck us. Seeking out some zen. I can't say I will miss this year, but nonetheless I am grateful. Bring it on 2015.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-54324374579972972332013-12-31T14:15:00.003-08:002013-12-31T14:16:58.368-08:002013 In Passing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I would say forgive me for my absense, but I'm not exactly apologizing. Since the last time I shared anything here life got intense! I fully meant to elaborate on what really brought about the change in my frequency here, when it became obvious but I was so wrapped up in it that I never did. You'll understand after I sum up the many ups and not so many downs of this year.<br />
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I suppose we'll start with the downs. At least what I can remember, which is not very much.<br />
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1. After too many complaints from neighbors of the noise coming from our apartment during our Thursday night grocery trips, we were forced to find a new home for our Miniature Schnauzer Edith, who was our first baby together. **This has an upside that will present later, in the goods part.**<br />
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2. At the very beginning of the year David's mom suffered major injuries from falling on ice at work and is STILL having surgeries to recover. **There is an upside to this too. Balance**<br />
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3. David's family's dog Obi went out to the backyard, fell asleep, and never woke up.<br />
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4. Someone who was very dear to our family and my grandmother in particular was taken from this earth.<br />
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Then there were all of these amazingly good things!<br />
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1. David's mama was able to quit smoking because of her stay in the hospital. She had been smoking for over thirty years, as I recall. She has also done a lot to get healthy, including eating mostly plant based food.<br />
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2.We went to Portland for our third anniversary, an epic first date without our child who was then just over two. This is when I weaned her as well.<br />
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3. David received a promotion at work which has made life a bit more comfortable (ie. not living paycheck to paycheck, being able to splurge on hobby stuff, the ability to throw out old holey sheets, etc.)<br />
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4. My dad started working a stable job with growth opportunities for Jackson's convenience stores. He's completed manager training and hopes to get a transfer and management position here in Washington sometime in 2014.<br />
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5. My sisters and I all got to see each other for Kitty's 20th birthday, in Idaho.<br />
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6. Lorelei became more or less potty trained. Accidents still happen every so often in the form of minor leaks and during the night, but she is a little rockstar!<br />
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7. My aunt and uncle opened a small family run business in Nampa, Idaho. This is something a lot of my dad's family always dreamed about.<br />
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8. We purchased an espresso machine and started our coffee business on the blogging/education/review side of the coffee industry. Our website <a href="http://puristacoffeeco.com/" target="_blank">Purista Coffee Co</a> has been a really rewarding and fun project for us to do together. We've met the most exceptional people through it and feel great about it's future. In 2014 we plan to start selling our home roasted coffee!<br />
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9. Edith was taken in by David's dad who has always loved her and is a lonely long-haul truck driver. They are the best companions for each other we could have hoped for and they take such good care of each other as well. In fact, Edie saved his life one night while CO2 leaked into the cabin of his truck and he slept. The girl usually sleeps quietly through the night, but woke him urgently so that he could get them both out. He said when he woke up he had a horrible headache and felt the worst he ever had. We're so happy that she was there for him.<br />
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10. We started home roasting coffee, see #7. ;)<br />
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11. David's best friend moved into our apartment building (from Idaho) and started working with David as well.<br />
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12. My mom started working her dream job as a labor and delivery nurse at the hospital she works at. Next step midwifery, I hope.<br />
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13. David and Lorelei got to see the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker for the first time. It was MAGICAL!<br />
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14. We got health insurance!!!!!!!! To each their own opinion about the Affordable Care Act, but we couldn't be more happy. No more worries about whether or not we're falling apart. We'll be choosing a naturopath as our primary care provider and are thrilled about our wellness checks. Weird?<br />
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15. We found a house! Closing should be any day now and I can't wait to share our homeownership adventures here.<br />
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16. Last night we adopted a four month old Ausky (Australian Shephard/Husky mix) as an early birthday and housewarming present. She's a <strike>little</strike> not so little dream come true. We're looking forward to playing in our yard, hiking, swimming, and doing all kinds of active stuff with her. Her name is Gesha (pronounced like Geisha, but it's a rare and delightful coffee varietal, not a courtesan).<br />
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17. I'm still growing my hair and bangs out, and no-pooing. I'm shocked, really.<br />
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18. We have made some great plans and goals for 2014. I'll be back soon to share those.<br />
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I hope that you all have a great time saying goodbye to 2013 and ringing in 2014. <i>For Auld Lang Syne...</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-61917415445593778312013-07-16T22:03:00.002-07:002013-07-16T22:04:12.289-07:00Thin Crust Cashew "Cheese" Vegan Pizza Mouthgasm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I promised all of my Facebook friends that I would post this recipe today. So whether they want to use it or not, I figured I could use some practice in following through.<br />
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I'm a little off the grid right now (or a lot) because I'm working on something pretty big and exciting. As I work on that, I'm trying to sort out some balance for when I don't need to put all of my time into it. I'm pretty excited about the whole thing, and some of you might be too. Hopefully I find some time for a real update before too long. I've got a queue of recipes to share, we went camping (okay we tried), and I want to talk about some other changes. Eventually....now I just need to get this recipe out there.<br />
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Last night I wanted to make a pizza. I've made quite a few homemade pizzas, some before we were vegan, lots of different dough and crust experiments, so I felt daring and confident enough to fly by the seat of my pants. Zero recipes, zero Pinterest reference pictures, just my surprisingly intuitive rationing skills. I was expecting it to be just good, but it turned out to be the best pizza I've made yet. High five! I use only whole wheat flour, so if you want to use white/all purpose you will need more. I've struggled with perfect thin wheat crust as long as I've been making pizza. Nailed it this time.<br />
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Starting at the beginning, with the sauce:<br />
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3 medium vine tomatoes<br />
7 cloves garlic<br />
2-3 tbsp EVOO<br />
Sprinkle of sea salt and pepper.<br />
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Roast in a 450 degree oven for about 35 minutes, stirring once in the middle.<br />
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While that's roasting away start your dough:<br />
1 cup warm water<br />
1 1/2 tsp instant dry yeast<br />
1 tbsp sugar<br />
1 tbsp EVOO<br />
1 tsp sea salt (fine)<br />
2 cups whole wheat flour.<br />
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Place the water in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with yeast and sugar, and whisk it together then let it activate for 5-10 minutes. Before you move on you should have a nice dense foam on top. While that activates prep/slice your preferred toppings. Don't go too heavy on them or you'll have a soggy pizza and your palate will be overloaded.<br />
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This is also when you can start quick soaking some cashews in hot water for the "cheese", in a bowl or something (not the blender because you'll need it for the sauce first).<br />
1 cup hot water<br />
1 1/2 cup raw cashews<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
Other seasonings ( I used 2 tbsp nooch and a few dry basil leaves)<br />
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Cover it and set aside.<br />
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Back to the dough...
Add in the oil and salt and mix. Dump in your flour and go to town mixing until you have a completely combined, non sticking ball. Cover the bowl and let it rest about 10 minutes. After that you should mix a little more and then knead it with a bread hook attachment on a mixer or with your hands until the ball becomes smooth and elastic. Flatten the ball between your hands and stretch from the center, evenly in all directions until it's about 6-8 inches in diameter, then set it on a lightly oiled pizza stone or pan and roll out thin to the edges.<br />
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Pull the roasting stuff out and scoop it into your blender or food processor.<br />
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Turn up the oven to 500 degrees.<br />
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Hydrate the tomatoes and add:<br />
1/4 cup water<br />
1 tsp sugar<br />
Pinch sea salt<br />
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Blend just slightly so it's equally smooth and chunky. Pour it on to the crust and smooth out evenly. Rinse your blender/processor and add soaking cashews with water to it. Blend until very smooth, and distribute like the sauce, with a light hand or it will be a orange mess.<br />
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Add your remaining toppings and bake for 9-14 minutes depending on how crisp you like your crust.<br />
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Purr a little, ooh and ah, and send me your thanks! Haha. Hope you try it sometime at least.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-4197916802196335112013-06-18T09:58:00.001-07:002013-06-18T09:59:02.776-07:00Prancersize and John MayerI'm sure you have already seen or at least heard about Prancersize by now, and whether you think it's hilarious or horrifying, it's like a car wreck, you can not look away! Today John Mayer uploaded a video for his song "Paper Doll", and it's pretty Prancetastic! Here you go. ;P<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-72170332740642541462013-06-17T13:56:00.001-07:002013-06-17T14:02:56.540-07:00Idaho Visit and Photo Overload<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The 6th through the 10th we were in Southwestern Idaho to see family. It was the first time seeing my middle sister since we moved to Washington in February of 2012. Since then she got married and moved to California, so my immediate family now spans 3 states. I can't imagine how that feels for my parents, who only have one kid left at home. In some ways being with both of my sisters at my parent's house felt just like home, but the dynamics have changed. We get along now, we love each other more, we don't have things to fight about, we've added brothers to the mix. Side note: I really like my new brother (who can dish out smack and tease with the best of them) and he makes my sister happy, which makes me happy. I miss the heck out of them! When I look at my youngest sister who is going to be a senior this year I still see her as being Lorelei's age, then being 5-10 and a complete pain in my rear, on purpose. I see my middle sister finding her own identity and ideals, and gaining a sense of independence, and I'm surprised and proud that she's managing (she's the one I thought might live at home much longer *chuckles*). </div>
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She just turned 20 a couple days before our visit so the day we went to Boise to treat ourselves we took her with and spoiled her too. We binged on shaved ice and chatted up the owner/operator about the business and costs, he was really cool and answered all of our questions. After that we hung out at David's mom's house for a while and decided we were all tired and needed coffee (the night before we had driven over and then stayed up until 4 am for a total of 23 hours awake and then got up after sleeping 6 hours). We headed to our usual Boise coffee spot <a href="http://www.flyingmcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Flying M Coffeehouse</a>, but were sidetracked by <a href="http://www.guidosdowntown.com/" target="_blank">Guido's Pizzeria</a> that is in the same building. We finally made it to the coffee shop with slices of thin, delicious basil pizza in hand. Guido's is the second best pizza we've eaten, after Ken's in PDX. Somehow, we hadn't finished our food adventures and ended up at <a href="http://www.janjou.com/" target="_blank">Janjou Patisserie</a> where we ate perfect French macaroons, a delightful little plum tart, and ran into one of David's school friends who was the barista there. Our last stop in Boise was Whole Foods, which wasn't there when we moved away so we had to check it out, and buy vegan burgers and cheese for a big barbecue we were having on Sunday. A lot has changed in Boise since we moved away, we miss it a little, aside from the dry heat and lack of foliage and employment.</div>
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The next day we lingered around my parent's house and Lorelei played in the yard and sprinkler until we decided to go see my grandma and grandpa. We stayed there pretty late, after having coffee, cheesecake, and pizza and just talking away. My grandma is always so genuinely interested in what we're up to and what our current interests are, so there's lots to talk about. We told her all about our future business plans, which she was tickled with. She told us about her plans to run away with my grandpa to the Oregon coast, which I wholeheartedly hope she does, and soon! Also, Lorelei got to see my grandma's horse Paco for the first time and pet him, I think she was in awe. My grandma sent us off with a stick horse that little miss promptly figured out how to "ride" all on her own. </div>
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Sunday we went to breakfast to catch up with David's best friend. It was nice seeing him in such a good place, and so adult. I'm only bummed that we didn't get to meet his girlfriend who I think I would love. David misses him. I think we both miss our best friends because we haven't made any in Washington, they're kind of hard to make because people are disappointing and people have expectations. After we got back we barbecued and had <strike>lots </strike> <b><i>LOTS</i></b> of company and lots of pool time (for Lorelei at least, this mama doesn't put on bathing suits, or shorts for that matter). All of my dad's family came, which included my grandparents, 4 aunts, 1 uncle, and 12 cousins, who are all growing/shrinking/changing like crazy. Abby's boyfriend was also there and I think 3 of Kitty and her Mr's friends. Also, 5 Schnauzers, and a guest appearance by a hilarious Chihuahua. Then to my surprise and delight my best friend and her two littles (who I expected) and also her parents and younger brother. When we were in high school her family was like my second family and I love them so I was so happy to see all of them! We had fun reminiscing about our shenanigans (we were um, weird, and we thought hilarious). David may have messed with Cera's dad about how because we were vegan we were part of some weird cult/religion. It was priceless. I'm so glad that even if we live 600 miles away we can still make new memories as adult friends with our own children. </div>
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Below are a lot of the photos that David took. These are just of a few scenes from the trip, as there was so much going on that we wanted to enjoy rather than be behind a camera all the time. Fortunately these photos serve as a reminder of the other things that went on and weren't captured. It was the best kind of trip, much more pleasant than our last one to Idaho! </div>
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All photos courtesy of <i><a href="http://photographybydlc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Photography by David L. Clark</a></i>.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-86258873972920975892013-06-16T14:01:00.000-07:002013-06-16T14:07:05.186-07:00Father's Daying<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/AVvXsEgeUwZ_vvvbC536kblhZYlIChxF8MxAAZFo7usv5vGVrPsyp6h-yW_6Uc6JuEgDtBanDNWf9O2f2VhxGXe4DKzIr_c6T0PQVIpb7QQDcu2lLB9tkjEdGyKZZC7rkF-dPN3AxwHzoDkWoJg/s1600/Power.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUwZ_vvvbC536kblhZYlIChxF8MxAAZFo7usv5vGVrPsyp6h-yW_6Uc6JuEgDtBanDNWf9O2f2VhxGXe4DKzIr_c6T0PQVIpb7QQDcu2lLB9tkjEdGyKZZC7rkF-dPN3AxwHzoDkWoJg/s1600/Power.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos courtesy of<a href="http://photographybydlc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <i>Photography by David L. Clark</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So, not that I haven't been doing lifey stuff a lot lately, but yesterday we celebrated Father's Day and it was kind of perfect so...<br />
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1. <b>Breakfasting</b>: For breakfast I made vegan whole wheat and oatmeal belgian waffles and topped them with local raspberries that I pureed with some agave. Pretty, delicious, filling. Oh, and you know, chemex coffee.<br />
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2.<b> Housekeeping</b>: It always feels nice to do a little cleaning and care on a day when you know you get to do fun things as well. I did laundry, David tidied and vacuumed, and I cleaned the kitchen.<br />
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3. <b>Treat Making</b>: After some cleanup I made <a href="http://www.thisrawsomeveganlife.com/2013/04/lemon-bars-with-coconut.html#.UZlJqiuY7fY" target="_blank">these raw lemon bars</a>. They were really quick and simple to make, plus I managed to clean as I went so I had no mess afterwards (that's a huge deal, I make the worst kitchen messes).<br />
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4. <b>Lunching</b>: Friday night we were in Tacoma and ended up hanging out at my uncle's house pretty late, so we grabbed some vegetarian pad thai and sweet and sour tofu and veggies. It was a ton of food so we had leftovers for lunch.<br />
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5. <b>Hiking</b>: We headed out around 1 o'clock to the <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twin-falls-state-park" target="_blank">Twin Falls trail</a> in North Bend. I did the trail when I was a kid and loved it so I thought it would be a fun, easy, spontaneous hike. Apparently every one else thought so to, it was really crowded but we really enjoyed ourselves anyways. Lorelei is a little pro! We brought our carrier backpack thinking she'd love it as much as last year, but girl's got too much energy and independence going for her, and a HUGE sense of adventure. We hiked about 1.8 miles with her hoofing more than half of it. She took lots of spills, saw a gardener snake, chased a much older ginger boy, tried to befriend a chipmunk, got blisters on her heels, peed on a rock, and made me a nervous wreck. I think she's pretty much the coolest child I could be lucky enough to know, let alone gestate myself and spend every day with ( I love her, my little "very best friend").<br />
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6.<b> Coffee Drinking</b>: After our hike I mentioned that we still needed to get <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/huxdotter-specialty-coffee-north-bend" target="_blank">Huxdotter coffee</a> sometime, because it was the first coffee stand I ever went to, as a small child, and they have lots of milk choices. So we found ourselves there. David and I opted for iced lattes with hemp milk, him a double shot, me a single, and Lorelei a cake batter frappe. It only cost us $9.00 and it was pretty darn good, so that was worth the detour.<br />
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7. <b>Dinner and Movie Watching</b>: For dinner I did what I usually do and pulled some ideas out of my head into a perfectly executed, new favorite dish. It was a cashew cream and rainbow chard lasagna. David said it was restaurant quality and possibly his favorite dish I've ever made. It really was delicious, and EASY and I only dirtied 5 dishes making it! We watched The Company You Keep with Shia Lebeouf (good, good movie) while we ate.<br />
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8. <b>Coffee and Desserting</b>: So this is where we eat dessert, with more coffee (this time iced aeropress with coconut milk). The lemon bars were ambrosia! I'm convinced that I would be completely okay with eating all raw. I can't even begin to describe how delicious they were, just, if you like coconut and lemon, you would LOVE them.<br />
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So that was our Father's Day. It was just what we needed and we all went to bed pretty contentedly. I hope you're all having a lovely day celebrating the dads in your life, those guys are pretty darn important!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-8872402741609698842013-06-02T16:38:00.000-07:002013-06-02T16:38:23.710-07:00Hello!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Between that little angel face not taking naps, me trying to be more engaged in real life, and a lack of anything substantial to write about I've been pretty absent around here. I can't promise that this is going to change, but I will hopefully at least find time to share snippets and say hi. I miss this place!<br />
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Lately we've been drinking iced coffee a lot, though it's not hot here yet. We plan on making an iced chemex brew guide video soon, and perhaps a cold brew video as well. That will be a few weeks down the road though because...<br />
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We're driving to Idaho on Thursday and will be there until Monday morning. My middle sis and her hubby are over there visiting from San Bernadino right now for her 20th birthday and we haven't seen her since Lorelei's first birthday. We're really excited about it, minus the hot, hot heat they're sure to be having. We also get to see my best friend, whose second baby I haven't ever met, so our littles will get to play together for the first time ever! Oh, and also, snow cones...because in Seattle there are no shaved ice stands. What?!?!?!<br />
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So aside from not napping Lorelei is now memorizing lines from movies (yeah that says a lot about how awful I am for letting her "watchy" too much, but seriously I would accomplish nothing otherwise). Her favorite is "Eating green is a special treat." From Bambi. So...my favorite Disney movie, and the most vegan baby line I ever did hear. I die. Also, see that fake toothy "for the camera" smile up there? Those kill me too. I love that silly little bug. :)<br />
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How are my lovely readers doing?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-17382987506850047762013-05-21T15:39:00.000-07:002013-05-21T15:56:35.742-07:00Portland Reminiscing: The Stay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We only spent one night in PDX, and we're so glad that we chose the <a href="http://www.acehotel.com/portland" target="_blank">ACE Hotel</a>! Aside from being totally hip and fresh, having a fabulous bar and restaurant and Stumptown cafe attached, a photo booth, super cool art in all the rooms, claw foot tubs, comfortable bed (minus the down pillows if you're David) and a ten dollar breakfast that is worth it just for the croissants, they upgraded our room when they found out it was our anniversary. Pretty sweet I think. We would definitely stay again, and again, and again. </div>
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It was a perfect setting for some ridiculous posed photos taken to a soundtrack of The Dutchess & The Duke played on the in room record player. </div>
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It was also a good setting for a nerdy aeropress video. </div>
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<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/66374905?color=a8a8a8" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/66374905">
<br />An AeroPress Brew Guide</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/photographybydlc">Photography by David L Clark</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-46924334423041730872013-05-18T16:28:00.000-07:002013-05-18T16:28:38.329-07:00Portland Reminiscing: Coffee & Donuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm having a rough day so I was reviewing Portland pictures for a good dose of happy. I edited my first batch while I was at it, so I figured I would send some of my happy out to you along with recommendations if you find yourself in PDX.
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The first thing we did after rolling in to the City of Roses was to grab donuts, except that we weren't satisfied with doing de rigueur and hitting up Voodoo. Our research led us to the conclusion that <a href="http://www.bluestardonuts.com/" target="_blank">Blue Star</a> would be our happy place and by golly was it! The flavor combos made it impossible to choose just one each, so we loaded up a box with a passion fruit and cocoa, coconut coffee cheesecake, blueberry bourbon basil, salted caramel, hazelnut dulce de leche, and a hard apple cider fritter. As if those don't sound like heaven on their own, these are not your typical donuts. The dough is a buttery soft, melt in your mouth, angel kiss brioche. The flavors are explosive and potent, but somehow still seductively subtle and very well paired. I die. My only regret was that we didn't try them all! Also, though we didn't get coffee there, they get bonus points for the beautiful La Marzocco. P.S. There bathroom was very clean and warm and smelled like donuts (you know how public bathrooms can be cold and weird, just me? Maybe I'm weird?).</div>
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We took a walk with our donuts over to Coffeehouse Northwest, where we fell in love with their mochas on our first Portland visit. We aren't even mocha people anymore and we thoroughly enjoyed them. Plus the barista was adorable, friendly, and knowledgable. She even directed us towards some good shops and roasters we hadn't tried back home in Seattle. </div>
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So these are the captures from our first morning. I'll have more coming with pictures from activities like visiting Pittock Mansion, Multnomah Falls, our hotel, and our other food adventures and pitfalls, plus a bonus! Keep your eyes open. o.o</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-2603482591769738532013-05-14T16:01:00.000-07:002013-05-14T16:09:00.267-07:0010 Things: Coffee Edition<b>Day 14</b>: <i>10 things that make you really happy.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-MSel2IstG3xrQ4BsLHoVz4G1AkUvgP74Me-aTNjvN4u4liYpCvSE2BDPYxZ8NEoNzYiUZltMETg_ExkrhdDq2S7SsdSdIljpqK5-PYiTqSTcl0Afdjd6KmFfxIYeYC2FGQLGpBQa_4/s1600/Day+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-MSel2IstG3xrQ4BsLHoVz4G1AkUvgP74Me-aTNjvN4u4liYpCvSE2BDPYxZ8NEoNzYiUZltMETg_ExkrhdDq2S7SsdSdIljpqK5-PYiTqSTcl0Afdjd6KmFfxIYeYC2FGQLGpBQa_4/s1600/Day+14.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since coffee is one of my greatest loves, I thought I would theme this little list accordingly.<br />
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<i>1. Pretty mugs.</i><br />
<i>2. Chemex</i><br />
<i>3. Americanos</i><br />
<i>4. La Marzoccos</i><br />
<i>5. Beautifully designed cafes.</i><br />
<i>6. Aeropress</i><br />
<i>7. Lavender lattes.</i><br />
<i>8. Stumptown</i><br />
<i>9. Pairings (shortbread, donuts, pellegrino, croissants, etc.)</i><br />
<i>10. Coffee nerds.</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-13040724808186816002013-05-13T17:04:00.001-07:002013-05-13T17:07:38.029-07:00It's Too Late To 'Pologize...But...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-1vvb5vGO89TKzK-9yknsMbk9Tt0k_rEv4JItZnQqPTsRnSz0rdhghZVDwWiZvzGC0EE3X7SiTLu7RXWZSciH4VLt44h99Pch2f5eRktvQ0MIqcqx88lecanS9NjuN7iVv1txPsN2YY/s1600/Day+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-1vvb5vGO89TKzK-9yknsMbk9Tt0k_rEv4JItZnQqPTsRnSz0rdhghZVDwWiZvzGC0EE3X7SiTLu7RXWZSciH4VLt44h99Pch2f5eRktvQ0MIqcqx88lecanS9NjuN7iVv1txPsN2YY/s1600/Day+13.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Day 13</b>:<i> Issue a public apology. This can be as funny, serious, or creative as you want.</i><br />
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Before I make some sort of apology I have to make some confessions. You see, I'm one of those "bad vegans" or "forgetful vegans," the ones that real vegans think are a joke and say have no right to call themselves vegans. They are right to feel that way! I may need to re-watch Earthlings every week to keep myself in line because my love of food, and my ability to eat without thought and consideration is a bit out of hand...<br />
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We decided to become vegan in September of last year, after 6 months of being vegetarian. We were vegetarian for economic purposes, and because I'm not particularly fond of meat anyways. I had entertained the thought of going vegan around the time we went vegetarian, but at that time David was resistant. When it actually came up again that maybe we should try it out it was his idea, and I was hesitant (things like butter, and cheese, and eggs in baked goods seemed like necessities in my head). Then we watched Earthlings and boom! I was horrified, David was horrified, and we didn't want to contribute to the violence, mistreatment, and superiority humans were inflicting on animals that are raised and slaughtered to feed our gluttonous race. As we delved into information about where to find key nutrients we would have a harder time getting, and finding recipes and substitutes for yummy stuff we loved that was non-vegan, I found that an all plant based diet would prevent combat the diabetes that I'm genetically predisposed to. That was a huge selling point for me in going vegan.<br />
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Now we're going to fast-forward through several glitches and cheesy pizza runs to last week when we went to Portland. While we very well could have been completely satisfied with one of the best vegan food scenes in the country we decided that vegetarian would be "good enough." So we ate basically whatever we fancied while we were there (minus meat). The only vegan things consumed were coffee and Red Bull. And then, in the Alberta neighborhood we sashayed past a japanese bistro, you know, sushi. Sushi was hands down always our favorite non-vegan food, also our first date, first dating anniversary date, first marriage anniversary date. Most of our dates ever actually. So it was sentimental, and the prices were insane(ly good), and we ate it. We ate the fish. While we were eating our way through Portland I never really felt guilty or unhealthy. The worst part of it all is that now I want to just eat whatever I feel like, like ice cream...because <a href="http://saltandstraw.com/" target="_blank">Salt & Straw</a>.<br />
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I'm apologizing now to the real vegans who are strong and passionate. And to the animals who had to suffer in order for me to be a crappy human. I also apologize to my readers for being led to think that I had some awesome self control and that I don't miss sushi and cheese, and for the amount of pictures of non-vegan food you will see in the next few days of my posting from our naughty foodcation. Oh, and I apologize to my body for putting 5 pounds back on it in my discrepancies. I feel like I need to apologize and hold myself accountable so that I can get back on track. Dun dun duh...<br />
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Anybody else have any food problems? Apologies?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-48031189172179485342013-05-13T11:09:00.001-07:002013-05-13T11:10:06.692-07:00Long Story Short<b>Day 12</b>: <i>What do you miss (a person, a thing, a place, a time in your life)?</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5zYjwTbj-LOPP2MytXloUdvi7qVNg1Fn_w_5Oa3mgkTRmB4gJ_HZgqP-e7RlwlJ5oWj2vjj1p9AsW2domblUJ8PLuhFloHMICRCbl35Sv7YWQcog_1RJiCJL5hoB_ouTjJjxzmZzkMA/s1600/Day+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5zYjwTbj-LOPP2MytXloUdvi7qVNg1Fn_w_5Oa3mgkTRmB4gJ_HZgqP-e7RlwlJ5oWj2vjj1p9AsW2domblUJ8PLuhFloHMICRCbl35Sv7YWQcog_1RJiCJL5hoB_ouTjJjxzmZzkMA/s1600/Day+12.jpg" /></a></div>
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To keep this short and sweet (hmm, ironic), I miss having short hair! I've been growing it out for over three and a half years now with only one or two trims in that time and it's so <strike>hard </strike> impossible for me to love my long hair. I love it on other people, but on me I feel it makes my face look huge and I don't have much patience for it. By midday it's worked itself into borderline dreadlocks. Then there's my inability to do anything with it, or my lack of desire to.<br />
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I've been a bob girl off and on my whole life and every time my thick, heavy hair gets to about the length it is now I want to chop it off again. This time I'm growing it out for my hubby, but then at times he'll comment on how cute my short hair was when we got married...He slays me. Maybe we just both miss the cute, skinny, carefree, girl version of me.<br />
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Here are some short do's on Pinterest that have me swooning and sighing.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-8109906430655714622013-05-11T11:01:00.000-07:002013-05-11T11:02:35.858-07:00I No Longer Work In Sales, But...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOzxYcyF1ug_htSMWMjeJ_FRZZd5CAcvjDkU3mDo70ZX7G-v3WHq8FX-Ubiuq2WlKOSj8A46b_kDggJuusJxS09az8UJDxzSN5YPS2nzaCbrMqffo8hhMWQ-4aVU1RXaxpoImZkutgE4/s1600/Water+Nymph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOzxYcyF1ug_htSMWMjeJ_FRZZd5CAcvjDkU3mDo70ZX7G-v3WHq8FX-Ubiuq2WlKOSj8A46b_kDggJuusJxS09az8UJDxzSN5YPS2nzaCbrMqffo8hhMWQ-4aVU1RXaxpoImZkutgE4/s1600/Water+Nymph.jpg" /></a></div>
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Instead of haranguing myself, or spending a lot of time sitting at the computer picking my brain and trying to muster the motivation to catch up on 6 (it's been that many *gasp*) BEDM posts, I'm going to let it go. I'll keep up now, but this past week it's been pretty difficult as far as finding time for blogging. My parents drove from Boise last Saturday in order to watch our kidlet while we skipped on over to Portland for our third anniversary. We didn't leave until Monday so we were kept busy spending time with them until then. Then we were in PDX for two days. My parents left Wednesday morning and since then I haven't felt the desire to spend as much time at the computer. Also, Lorelei and I quit nursing, cold turkey, while I was gone, so she's been extra needy the past six days (read: every time I sit down at the computer, or anywhere she wants to snuggle, which I love) so I haven't had much time for writing either. On those lines, aside from being super sore and full of milk, we're handling it VERY well. Lorelei has only asked one or two times, and other than that she's just reiterated what I told her before I left for Portland, "Boodies are broken, all gone." Once she is set on something it's crazy how well she takes to it, like potty training. The girl is going to be a pretty successful in life methinks. :)<br />
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Anyways, here's <b>Day 11</b>: <i>Sell yourself in 10 words or less.</i><br />
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<ol>
<li><i>Passionate</i></li>
<li><i>Objective</i></li>
<li><i>Sympathetic</i></li>
<li><i>Optimistic</i></li>
<li><i>Determined</i></li>
<li><i>Abstract</i></li>
<li><i>Progressive</i></li>
<li><i>Humane</i></li>
<li><i>Vivacious</i></li>
<li><i>Prudent</i></li>
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Looking at those now it would appear that I'm very future-centric, which I find slightly strange seeing as how I feel very present. Maybe I can be both?!</div>
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On another note, Happy Mother's Day weekend to those of you who are mama's and to your own mama's if you aren't one yet! I've had good coffee, a nice breakfast, good sleep, and now I get a tiny bit of me time to pop in here while I wait for David and Lorelei to get back so we can take a hike. :)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Better late than never right?! I am finally ready to get back on the internets after my super relaxing, fun vacation with my hubby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Reading</b>: Blogs. When I came back from Portland I had over 100 unread posts in my Bloglovin feed. Maybe I need to do some feed cleaning?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b>Writing</b>: I have 5 posts for <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/blog-every-day-in-may-challenge.html" target="_blank">BEDM</a> to catch up on. And my daughter no longer naps, so it may take a couple days! Bear with me!<br />
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<b>Listening</b>: Oddly, to Smashing Pumpkins. What can I say I miss my dad, and it's of his musical influence.<br />
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<b>Watching</b>: We just finished season 2 of Downton, and now I think we'll slow down on watching much of anything. The weather is beautiful here in Seattle lately so I'm thinking lots of spontaneous park trips and bike rides.<br />
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<b>Thinking</b>: About Portland. We had such a good time while we were there and we miss it immensely. I'll be doing a post or two about our activities in the coming week. Also, I can't believe David and I have been married for three years. I don't know how that happened! It feels like just yesterday that we said our vows. Having a kid is like a slingshot through time.<br />
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<b>Smelling</b>: The <a href="http://buy.stumptowncoffee.com/kenya-gaturiri-1.html" target="_blank">Stumptown Kenya Gaturiri</a> beans we picked up from the Annex in PDX. It's really lovely. Also, it smells super flowery here everywhere. Lily of the Valley, honeysuckle, and I couldn't tell you what else. Is good!<br />
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<b>Wishing</b>: That the pain in my chest from cold turkey weaning will go away soon! Maybe that's TMI, but any breastfeeding mom should know that whatever pain or trouble you may have experienced in the beginning probably doesn't compare to this. I didn't realize my supply was still so good until I hadn't nursed in 12 hours, now at more than 48. I might be dying!<br />
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<b>Hoping</b>: That Lorelei continues to be okay with the weaning thing, and that her new sleep schedule sticks. She's currently going to bed at about 9:30pm and waking at 9:30am. 12 hours of sleep seems to serve her well, and while she isn't napping anymore, I'm getting that extra hour or two in the morning of me time.<br />
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<b>Loving</b>: The weather, duh! Seattle had the highest recorded temp in the nation on Monday, followed by New Mexico, respectively 86ยบ and 85ยบ. Though, when it gets any warmer I might complain...<br />
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<b>Wanting</b>: To grill. All. The. Time. We've grilled marinated tofu, zucchini artichokes, squash, tofu dogs, and sandwiches so far and I think we'd all be happy to eat grilled food every day.<br />
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<b>Needing</b>: Maybe a little motivation, a little more words, and a little more time before Lorelei wakes up.<br />
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<b>Feeling</b>: Content.<br />
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<b>Clicking</b>: Just blogs so far. I've been away from social media since last Sunday!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-34507865888210172222013-05-04T22:32:00.000-07:002013-05-04T22:33:49.521-07:00Well And Cheaply<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwW8vpVo348L4RchcptzL3w9RvdZoktb77IddhrXCXl_cyvzRfS3a7wZPtPX1hTxKzgrNSwIvlCX3cF1HxTVhL0Vg1pXZ0koCmv45cl1fBhovFdFEEpwOS_P7yYhI5F64AA0gCgTuFf4/s1600/Day+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwW8vpVo348L4RchcptzL3w9RvdZoktb77IddhrXCXl_cyvzRfS3a7wZPtPX1hTxKzgrNSwIvlCX3cF1HxTVhL0Vg1pXZ0koCmv45cl1fBhovFdFEEpwOS_P7yYhI5F64AA0gCgTuFf4/s1600/Day+4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Spending time with family today, living this quote. Hope you're all having a lovely weekend! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-68261129459747796642013-05-03T10:12:00.000-07:002013-05-03T10:12:30.122-07:00It's Getting Hot In Here, So Take Off All Your Clothes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not really... but let's talk about awkward, uncomfortable stuff.<br />
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<b>Day 3</b>: <i>Things that make you uncomfortable.</i><br />
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Honestly, it's rare that I think about what makes me uncomfortable because I don't feel like there's a lot. It's in my nature (and my upbringing, my dad is a goon and my mom is just crazy *also I love you guys*) to not get embarrassed too easily, and I've been known to do ridiculous things for the sake of entertainment. I'm also an open book. I don't shy away from many topics of discussion. I will tell you just about anything you want to know about me because I like to share my life and experience for the sake of human connection and relatability. So I've been really picking my brain trying to think of instances where I felt uncomfortable. It seems that most of my discomfort in life comes from my own feelings and brain waves.<br />
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<ul>
<li>I feel uncomfortable when I think like someone is hinting at something without coming straight out with it. I feel this a lot, like if my husband says something like, "These dishes are clogging the sink," instead of taking it as a statement I think he's implying that I need to do something about it, stat. </li>
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<li>It makes me squirm when I'm out and about by myself. I feel like everyone is looking at me and judging me. This is obviously in my head, because I know that people are way less concerned about what I look like or what I'm doing than they are with whatever they are doing (or at least they should be). I guess I'm uncomfortable in my own skin.</li>
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<li>On the same lines as above, I get a little antsy when I can't read what someone is thinking. Especially in social situations. I'm in constant fear that maybe I'm imposing, maybe people aren't interested in what I have to say, maybe I'm making them uncomfortable, maybe I'm taking up too much of their time, maybe I'm just being weird and awkward ( I am weird and awkward, but if you are too then you wouldn't notice). </li>
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<li>Okay, so I'm just uncomfortable with most social situations. Introvert much?</li>
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What makes you uncomfortable?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-61285149689140029272013-05-02T17:04:00.002-07:002013-05-03T09:22:28.855-07:00What I Can Teach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomiBomlQN40a6VdazVY0Ez-ENdHOq0m2Jtu4Bd4m59g1eIUGE5lKEMFgCTmf_3mxbHPTwqhBanX1AHLGz2ElkM7IarrNv2Ilz2NBWD3rF05DcQINo1OfIW3UcfbW_XyTf9V4g3ZUwya4/s1600/Day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomiBomlQN40a6VdazVY0Ez-ENdHOq0m2Jtu4Bd4m59g1eIUGE5lKEMFgCTmf_3mxbHPTwqhBanX1AHLGz2ElkM7IarrNv2Ilz2NBWD3rF05DcQINo1OfIW3UcfbW_XyTf9V4g3ZUwya4/s1600/Day+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Blog Every Day In May - Day 2</b>: <span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><i>Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic).</i></span><br />
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As someone who is constantly finding new interests and changing I've dabbled in lots of different things, but never felt particularly skilled at or committed to many of them. I tend to gather more theoretical knowledge of how to do something than tangible practice.<br />
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As a child I dance ballet for 7 years, but now I'm clumsy and can hardly remember the five positions. I also rode a unicycle for a school team, where we performed choreographed routines with somewhere around 50 unicyclists, but that doesn't mean I can do it now. Cheerleading was my life for 5 years, and I can still remember choreography and yell like no one's business but I don't have the personality for that now. I played electric bass in band for 2 years (odd instrument for a school band, I know...) and was getting pretty good. I taught myself to play before I ever even touched the instrument by making double sided flash cards with the notation on one side and the fingering on the other. I memorized the sheet music so I could play with my heart without using my eyes. Now, I can't play a lick. I've sung in choirs, competed at solo festivals, did harmonies on a worship team, auditioned for American Idol (now that's a short and ridiculous story), recorded a duet with my uncle, and sang karaoke in my parents local bar since I was 14 (another story, small town y'all). Singing is something I'm not theoretically practiced at. I can hardly sight read and I've had no real training. I have a knack for creating recipes entirely out of my head and executing them fairly well, but ask me if I remember how I made something and most of the time the answer is no.<br />
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What I'm trying to convey is that I don't feel like I have any wealth of talent or knowledge to educate anyone with. But... I have some coffee knowledge for beginner brewers who want to get more serious, who want to soak up more.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Coffee beans peak freshness is from 1-14 days after they were roasted. If you have only ever bought beans from Starbucks or the grocery store you are most definitely missing out. Find a shop or roaster near you that sells their own roast with the roast date clearly marked on the bag. Also, only buy as much coffee as you are going to consume in this period of time.</li>
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<ul>
<li>The greatest tool for making really good coffee, as opposed to decent coffee, at home is the grinder. *<i>I'm also implying here that you should buy whole bean coffee, not packaged grounds.</i>* <strike>Most </strike>a lot of households who grind their own beans use a standard blade grinder. The problem with blade grinders is that they do not grind all of the coffee uniformly (this prevents an even brew which will give you inconsistencies like sourness and bitterness from over or under extraction), and also they heat up a bit while grinding which compromises the careful roasting that went into providing you with quality beans. So, coffee professionals and enthusiasts recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=burr%20grinder&sprefix=burr+%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aburr%20grinder" target="_blank">burr grinders</a>. There is a pretty good selection of grinders with a wide range of prices. While even a Mr. Coffee burr grinder will give you better results than a blade grinder, I suggest investing as much as you can comfortably on this tool. This may sound elitist, but you get what you pay for. We used credit card rewards to get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Bistro-Electric-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B0043095WW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1367594793&sr=8-4&keywords=burr+grinder" target="_blank">this one</a>, and it was a huge step up for us, but even it has drawbacks. For instance, it doesn't produce a true espresso fine grind, and the coarsest setting isn't as coarse as we'd like for french press. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Branch out from your electric countertop maker! I can't properly convey how eye opening and exciting it is to try new methods of brewing coffee. I will say that if you utilize an auto/timer feature on your maker because you don't have any time to fuss over your coffee, that's fine (at least your getting your coffee), but the experience of being more actively involved in making your morning (or afternoon, or evening, heck late night even!) joe is almost as gratifying as the higher quality result. If you are interested in branching out I would say that a french press is the second at home coffee experience you should have. When we replaced our 4 cup Mr. Coffee maker with a press we lit up, and that's when we really took an interest in the art of coffee.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Do it right! With all of the resources we have on the internet these days you can find any information you could possibly want at your fingertips, so use your resources! To name a few: <a href="http://brewmethod.com/">brewmethod.com</a>, <a href="http://coffeeforums.com/">coffeeforums.com</a>, and the <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/Coffee/" target="_blank">coffee subreddit</a>. Coffee is more sensitive than people think. Precise measurements, temperatures, and methods go into getting the best cup possible. Coffee is an art and a science.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Fun fact: slurping your coffee actually lets you taste all those lovely notes and flavors that the packages describe. Give that a try!</li>
</ul>
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I'd love to answer any burning coffee questions you have. The community and connection making qualities of the magic beans are what excite me the most about it. My husband and I have major passion for coffee culture, so we're always growing our collection of paraphernalia, and filling our minds with new information. We plan on sharing more brew methods pretty soon, hope you're up for it!<br />
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P.S. If you've been coming here a while you've already seen this (my apologies for the repeat), but if not I hope you enjoy it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/60983859?color=aecab9" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="720"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/60983859"><br />A Chemex Brew Guide</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6878678">Photography by David L Clark</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</center>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-57580509819383624092013-05-01T17:37:00.001-07:002013-05-01T17:50:57.143-07:00Waterfall Veins and Silo Stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeehJ4h7ogF6yrL0hXBSudjatL_leZStjIsdb0n8oyWd0zF-9fguxbpnsAQO83JVncrtqygXLCfMI_LHSam1DuUVdT_gNvgIXujySHjx4mWd04pcxC3PZQNXdC6b7KmotFUD-MzUq4qM/s1600/Waver+BEDIM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeehJ4h7ogF6yrL0hXBSudjatL_leZStjIsdb0n8oyWd0zF-9fguxbpnsAQO83JVncrtqygXLCfMI_LHSam1DuUVdT_gNvgIXujySHjx4mWd04pcxC3PZQNXdC6b7KmotFUD-MzUq4qM/s1600/Waver+BEDIM.jpg" /></a></div>
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Day 1: Write the story of my life in 250 words or less. </div>
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I was born in a waterfall town, an aquarius, to a couple of young dreamers. He was a libra musician, she a scorpio caretaker. An excitable gemini and a pisces intuitae followed. We climbed trees, swam in the river, picked blackberries, got muddy, fought and loved fiercely. Dangerous pasts and heartache drove us to the country, 500 miles removed, nigh over 500 neighbors all of which you knew. The country was in the desert, dry, stifling, suppressing. But it was predestined. Imagination and hope quenched thirsts. The waterfall flowed in my veins, pulsing in my heart, calling me. I locked my hopes up in silos to keep them safe, to make them last. Adolescence caused heartache, life learned fast. I saw my future, and a future saw me. A figure took up residence in my heart, and we molded each other separately, together. He delivered me from the desert. It was a shotgun, shoe-in marriage. We created something beautiful, wondrous, magnetic, draining. We named her the siren. The waterfall flows in her veins. We are the water bearers. Intellectual, unpredictable, determined, modern, curious, spiritual eccentric, prudent. We borrow sustenance from the soils of the earth and feel the vastness of the universe in our hands. I no longer keep my hopes in silos, I live.<br />
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This month I'm doing something different, for me, and link up with other bloggers to *gasp* blog EVERY DAY in May. You can <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/blog-every-day-in-may-challenge.html" target="_blank">read more about it, and see the prompts here.</a> I figured that since I am doing my first sponsorship this month, and hopefully gaining some new readers, it would be a good way to maintain momentum. Plus I love a challenge! And it will be a challenge because at least two of the days I will be off the internets, away from my computer. I will be enjoying PDX eats with my man for our 3 year anniversary. So, I just wanted to give you a heads up! Expect the first post soon. Maybe you'll try it too?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-72245198858101252352013-04-30T18:10:00.000-07:002013-05-09T08:59:12.069-07:00Presently 2.0<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/AVvXsEiQphLSLXa3fHXE56T9R-ISe4f8G9cJ7JqSFnDOwCVFmRjbcmo8-IBL410k79FpsWmtUVRfW0gE6SZFbEgWgZ_r_ppqUBaI75SNrdcXO6DSEOEaespEO6EFFQ550Y_N5mQKpQwXJV3_PdQ/s1600/Falls+Polaroid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQphLSLXa3fHXE56T9R-ISe4f8G9cJ7JqSFnDOwCVFmRjbcmo8-IBL410k79FpsWmtUVRfW0gE6SZFbEgWgZ_r_ppqUBaI75SNrdcXO6DSEOEaespEO6EFFQ550Y_N5mQKpQwXJV3_PdQ/s1600/Falls+Polaroid.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another snap from our visit to my hometown last Friday.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Reading</b>: <i>Yoga:Your Home Practice Companion. </i>I think I've finally got a proper sun salutation down, with the proper breathing, without looking at the book! Big accomplishment, since I get to do yoga about once a week and I've never set foot in an actual class. I also have an unopened issue of Seattle Met that I'd love to read. Soon, soon...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b>Writing</b>: Drafts for the Blog Everyday in May link up I'm going to try, this post, and brainstorming ideas for a special post.<br />
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<b>Listening</b>: Oddly, to Smashing Pumpkins. What can I say I miss my dad, and it's of his musical influence.<br />
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<b>Watching</b>: We haven't watched anything in over a week, unless you count random Vimeo and YouTube videos that David clicks over to from reddit.<br />
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<b>Thinking</b>: About a creative endeavor that I'm going to start researching and possibly experimenting with. It may or may not be related to my love of marriage between natural/green practices and beauty products. ;) Also thinking about how I use too many commas and parenthesis. I blog a little bit more like I talk than how I write in the non-blog world, so lots of run on sentences and too many details. Whoops!<br />
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<b>Smelling</b>: My <a href="http://herbalphilosophy.com/store#!/~/product/category=316067&id=947902" target="_blank">Herbal Philosophy Feel Beautiful tea</a>. If you don't follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/maelivefree" target="_blank">IG</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/MaeLiveFree" target="_blank">Twitter</a> you may not have seen the <a href="http://instagram.com/p/YrGfaYDZ0l/" target="_blank">goodie basket</a> I won at the PNW Blogger meetup this past weekend. I met <a href="http://www.lucilleinthesky.com/" target="_blank">Lucy</a>, who makes the tea, there and she was awesome! I also got to chat with <a href="http://www.moorea-seal.com/" target="_blank">Moorea Seal</a>, whose blog I'm advertising on the next two months.<br />
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<b>Wishing</b>: That Lorelei would take a nap! That's my one wish today because I'd really like to take a shower. She might be growing out of naps now...<br />
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<b>Hoping</b>: I'm hoping that the gorgeous springy weather is here to stay now. Luckily for me it will be a couple months before it gets hot enough to bug me, and the gray and rain don't bother me either, but I sure do love the sunshine!<br />
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<b>Loving</b>: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66182897/tiny-box-earrings?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">These little earrings</a> that I got in my swag bag at the meetup. They look super classy with pretty much everything, are not heavy, and the metal doesn't irritate my skin. Winning!<br />
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<b>Wanting</b>: To go on a picnic. I've never actually had a picnic, and it sounds lovely and romantic.<br />
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<b>Needing</b>: Eye drops! I've spent a lot of time on the computer the past few days and my eyes are driving me bonkers (being dry, and no I don't wear contacts). Maybe I should be wearing my glasses? There's a thought!<br />
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<b>Feeling</b>: Inspired. :)<br />
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<b>Clicking</b>: Some blogs of ladies that were also at the meetup:<a href="http://rougeandwhimsy.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">Rouge & Whimsy</a>, <a href="http://thedemuremuse.com/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">The Demure Muse</a>, <a href="http://www.lifebylindsay.com/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">Life By Lindsay</a>, <a href="http://www.kaytivstheworld.com/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">Kayti Vs. The World</a>, <a href="http://www.discoverystreet.net/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">Discovery Street</a>, <a href="http://www.delightfully-tacky.com/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">Delightfully Tacky</a>, <a href="http://thepapermama.com/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">The Paper Mama</a>, and <a href="http://www.harpershappenings.com/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">Harpers Happening</a>, to name a few.<br />
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On another note, I've started swapping ads through <a href="https://app.passionfruitads.com/" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">Passionfruit</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> (which I highly </span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;">recommend</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">), so if that sparks your interest visit my <a href="http://maelivefree.blogspot.com/p/sponsor.html" target="_blank">Sponsor page</a>. :)</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-42336081789909408782013-04-29T11:35:00.002-07:002013-04-29T11:36:24.867-07:00Hairapy: Turban Braided Crown Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dW-lHNsRGs_uNg_0o5LxrK9iHZ3jMthIRhznlcnWezcOqev6OgjSnCqPF6VSvW305zPzniFBR6N8Md2RnWa3ra8AhvKqcqP1wVBmlYuIv3z7AfRr8-o2bPk-WS9FUN_DtWlXDTJ814s/s1600/Turban+Braided+Crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="3614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dW-lHNsRGs_uNg_0o5LxrK9iHZ3jMthIRhznlcnWezcOqev6OgjSnCqPF6VSvW305zPzniFBR6N8Md2RnWa3ra8AhvKqcqP1wVBmlYuIv3z7AfRr8-o2bPk-WS9FUN_DtWlXDTJ814s/s3614/Turban+Braided+Crown.jpg" width="670" /></a></div>
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I feel like I should start this by saying that I don't do anything with my hair, not even ponytails, most of the time. This is partially because I'm usually okay with it hanging around all boring and doing it's own thing, and partially because I'm no good at doing hair. Well, it's kind of one of my goals this year to learn how to do some cute things with my hair. I recently saw an <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/new-braid-styles/slideshow#slide-1" target="_blank">article on Refinery 29 with four really amazing braided hairstyles</a>, which were way beyond my skill level, that inspired me. I've mentioned here already that I'm growing my bangs out and it's a royal, ugly pain. So this style was inspired by a turbanesque 'do, and out of necessity to get the bangs out of my face.</div>
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A Disclaimer: This is a rough tutorial, and *obviously* not very well thought out because who else in their right mind takes pictures for a hair tutorial with no makeup on, in their husband's shirt? Amiright?</div>
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<b>So for this 'do you will need</b>: A brush, two small hair elastics, two elastics or clips to pin back extra hair, two to four bobby pins, probably some gel or hairspray, and a rat tail comb combs in very handy.</div>
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<u><b>Step One</b></u>: Start at the front and center of your hairline, measure back about 2-3 inches, and draw a part/line from the center of your head to right behind your right ear. Tie/pin back the rest of the hair to keep it out of the way. Repeat on the left side.</div>
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<u><b>Step Two</b></u>: Take the left out hair from the right side and comb/brush it forward and diagonally across your face. </div>
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<b><u>Step Three</u></b>: <a href="http://youtu.be/ZyZkowmdZv8" target="_blank">Braid it in a fishtail braid</a> (skip the initial ponytail part), about 3/4 of the way down. You want to leave some hair at the bottom unbraided so that it blends easily into the rest of your hair when your done, and fasten with a small elastic. Repeat step two and three with the hair from the left side as well.</div>
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<b><u>Step Four</u></b>: Gather both braids and tie together at the center of your head (like when you start to tie your shoes). You'll want to manipulate the way the braids face a little so that the more attractive parts of the braids show. This is where you'll want to maybe use some product for rogue hairs. If your hair is all one length and you don't see any poky hairs sticking out you could loosen the braids for a fuller look too.</div>
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<b><u>Step Five</u></b>: Pin the braids near/behind your ears.</div>
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<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Step Six</b>: Let down the hair you tied back earlier and style it how you like. </div>
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Pretty easy really. If I can do it, so can you!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-46181437504549467122013-04-27T12:45:00.000-07:002013-04-27T12:45:50.149-07:00Place To Be<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/AVvXsEgMX_AHEIpKQA_lhquyF-E-G6mZbRIt20blSFTdizvyNX2TEFn4iBL7GZNqJRpofKdB2VlyswGVOmyv4w9-w3VWNb4rZqQp_x9ntbx-yvTzxU6fyKDx1CHoY2lLffY_dhhXirJ77tyZOaQ/s1600/IMG_4713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX_AHEIpKQA_lhquyF-E-G6mZbRIt20blSFTdizvyNX2TEFn4iBL7GZNqJRpofKdB2VlyswGVOmyv4w9-w3VWNb4rZqQp_x9ntbx-yvTzxU6fyKDx1CHoY2lLffY_dhhXirJ77tyZOaQ/s1600/IMG_4713.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Now I'm weaker, than the palest blue. Oh so weak in this need for you." - Place To Be, Nick Drake<br />Photo courtesy of <a href="http://photographybydlc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Photography by David L. Clark</a></td></tr>
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There is something about places, the significance, the nostalgia, the memories, the beauty, that elicit so much emotion in the human spirit. Maybe a place holds significant because it feels like home, maybe you fell in love there, maybe you found out something about yourself there, or perhaps it just stirs something up that you can't explain. This waterfall is one of those places for me. I was born and lived almost half of my life in Snoqualmie, Washington the place that this beauty falls from. A lot of my fondest memories of my life come from this place, along with a romanticized notion about my father's young life, and my grandfather's. My family lived in "The Valley" forever. </div>
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Yesterday David and I took Lorelei there to just jaunt around a little bit. I was struck by this oily, woody smell in the air the other day while I took my dog outside that reminded me of the train depot I used to visit regularly with my grandmother and aunts, and I felt like I just needed to go home. Sometimes it's so gratifying to go back to where your life started. </div>
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So many memories, buried deep, sprang forth while we walked the streets. Memories of picking up fallen apples to take a bite, as we walked past my great, great grandparent's old home that once had an apple tree in the front yard. A home that also housed a very tiny me and my young parents for a while. Where I could remember the smell of the garage. A place where my aunt later lived and fed me Cookie Crisp for breakfast, baked lemon cakes, and let me try to jump on her water bed. I smiled at the Railroad Museum at the memory of the feeling of the brick walkway under my own stroller wheels when I was Lorelei's age, a sensation I didn't even know I remembered until I was there. Seeing flashes in my head of the sights on the train ride from Snoqualmie to North Bend. Remembering the festivals and parades that I attended on those streets. Hearing the music played by 90's folk and grunge musicians, including my dad's various music projects. Smelling the river. Pointing out houses I loved as a kid, and noticing charming ones I never took notice of before. I had this overwhelming sense of familiarity, security, and of being rooted there. Seeing, hearing, and feeling the spray off the waterfall made my heart flutter. It's like this every time I go back. I feel like I'm home, but it also feels like magic.</div>
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Sometimes I catch myself dreaming of raising my own daughter there. It still feels so wholesome and welcoming to me. I would have been incredibly happy to grow up my whole life there. Even as a child I imagined myself going to middle school and high school where my parents did. Maybe it feels so happy to me because I was still young and oblivious to the crap that happened there and threatened to tear my family apart, but I can't help but think maybe those things could have been worked out without leaving. I will never know, and that chapter is behind me, but I can't help but wonder...Maybe there are more chapters for me to make there...</div>
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What places have special significance to you?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-56689800426168514172013-04-24T06:30:00.000-07:002013-04-24T06:30:00.037-07:00Midweek Music P.16: Eisley "Currents"<div style="text-align: center;">
Yep, Eisley again! I can't help it. This is serious ear candy and the anticipation of the album release on May 28th is killer. Funny story, last night I had a dream that I was hanging out with Stacy King and her daughter (with husband, Mutemath drummer Darren King) Scarlett. Stacy was running around trying to get chores and little tasks done and I was playing with Scarlett who was a little bit distressed. I finally got her to smile and she was cutting six teeth. I'm weird, I have weird dreams. I attribute this one to seeing them on Instagram all the time, and to the fact that my wisdom teeth coming in have been bugging me just a leetle bit. Anyways, there's your trivia for today. </div>
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<center><iframe width="670" height="377" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tvtLwkG7Ozo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-66078421451063577622013-04-23T09:53:00.001-07:002013-04-23T09:53:55.440-07:00Presently 1.0: A Tuesday Sort of Feature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Technically this isn't my first Presently post, but it's going to be a regular Tuesday fixture around here now. I'm excited! Sometimes it's nice to just jot down what's going on in your life right now, mundane or not, to look back at it later, and that's why I'v decided to do it. Other bloggers do "currently" posts on set days or in link ups, but I chose Tuesday because it's the middle of my week and the best representation of what's going on in said week. Also, it's "presently" for me because currently is one of those words that looks weird to me written out. Do you have any words that screw with your eyes? Anyways, here we go.</div>
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<b>Reading</b>: <i>Mindfulness in Plain English,</i> a book on meditation, though I'm not getting in as much reading time as I would like. Lorelei has been making me read <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Notable-Childrens-Books-Younger-Readers/dp/0763655996/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366733608&sr=1-1&keywords=jon+klassen" target="_blank">This is Not My Hat</a></i> and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Want-My-Hat-Back/dp/0763655988/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366733608&sr=1-2&keywords=jon+klassen" target="_blank">I Want My Hat Back</a></i> by Jon Klassen on repeat lately as well (he's my favorite children's book illustrator, Lorelei really prefers Oliver Jeffers).<br />
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<b>Writing</b>: Lists! I've been following the <a href="http://www.moorea-seal.com/p/52-lists.html" target="_blank">52 Lists</a> project over on <a href="http://www.moorea-seal.com/" target="_blank">Moorea Seal's blog</a> and really loving having a way to tap into "me" and being forced to practice my penmanship. I've also been blogging a lot more lately (weird!). Oh, and all of those children's books I've been reading have me thinking, "I could totally write children's books." So maybe I'll be writing little's literature if I get some time and inspiration.<br />
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<b>Listening</b>: Right this minute I'm listening to the Decembrists, but lately we've been listening to a lot of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d8CryFZbRE" target="_blank">Youth Lagoon</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rENnKECnfs" target="_blank">Hammock</a> (for yoga), and on the weekends I can't help but play <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtuybFrq7Rw" target="_blank">The Beatles</a>.<br />
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<b>Watching</b>: Downton Abbey. David and I are hooked! We're in the middle of Season 2 right now and the tension between Matthew and Mary is killing us. We watch an episode almost every night while we drink tea. Haha. Nerds...<br />
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<b>Thinking</b>: I can't get our anniversary trip to Portland off my mind! We leave in thirteen days that are going to fly by. We have been planning our activities and food adventures for four months and now I feel like we're not prepared enough. So far we have plans to stop at no less than four coffee shops (all with their own roasts), eat some donuts, visit <a href="http://pittockmansion.org/" target="_blank">Pittock Mansion</a> (where I will nerd out and pretend I'm in The Impassible Wilderness, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildwood-The-Chronicles-Book/dp/006202468X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_blank">Wildwood</a> reference...), and we'll be staying at the <a href="http://www.acehotel.com/portland" target="_blank">ACE Hotel</a>. Pretty exciting stuffs!<br />
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<b>Smelling</b>: <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Sultana-of-Soap/00609,en_US,pd.html?start=4&cgid=soap" target="_blank">LUSH's Sultana of Soap</a>. Their scents really permeate! The smell lingers on the skin forever and just having the bar in the bathroom acts like air freshener. The scent is intoxicating. I like to think of it as smelling like ambrosia...<br />
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<b>Wishing</b>: That I had more me time. Yesterday my anxiety was through the roof because Lorelei wouldn't give me space to do anything. We ended up going to Target because getting out of the apartment usually helps, but she ended up really cranky after a while and I lost my new cardigan. Imagine a crying mom frantically pushing a stroller harnessing a wailing toddler all over the store thinking that her life is over because she lost a sweater... The good news is that I found my sweater and she crashed out when we got home. If I could have like an hour of uninterrupted time to do yoga and/or paint my nails everyday I would be so much calmer and happy to cater to her every whim. Sometimes being a stay at home mom is really trying.<br />
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<b>Hoping</b>: That I can get my kitchen clean and vacuum today. I have the hardest time doing simple, necessary cleaning tasks and my apartment is a cluttered mess all the time.<br />
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<b>Loving</b>: My husband. I don't say it enough, but that guy...he's wonderful. He just is. :)<br />
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<b>Wanting</b>: To be on a schedule! I have this overwhelming desire to be more structured lately. I think I'm in a good place to initiate more routine right now. I have some good ideas about how to structure our day so that we are more productive and do more things that we enjoy at the same time. I keep eyeballing calendars and planners when I go to Target. Mostly I want to schedule workouts so that I actually do it more than once or twice a week. Also, I need to do more meal planning so that everything else in the day flows easier as well.<br />
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<b>Needing</b>: Nothing that I can think of.<br />
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<b>Feeling</b>: A little grubby. Today is the first day of this week that I haven't been dressed and made up before doing anything else.<br />
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<b>Clicking</b>: Um, the regular social networking stuff...Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin...nothing too interesting. Well, I've spent way too much time on <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/" target="_blank">LUSH's</a> site since we visited the store, but I wasn't going to admit that...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365816307616374530.post-75531047425934946162013-04-22T17:07:00.001-07:002013-04-22T17:07:26.423-07:00Vegan Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls - A Delicious Time Suck<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/AVvXsEgJ0A5eNzQkjIUVboydqK0M4dG1DbpqD4auHMyo45ObHRIeJzpnj0GGVktffRF4pZQ-GHtoZ1hQVpnkZPCm6XCVl0c2MWlrqaIOt0bwGpDpFMs27WRRs6kwYmKkzpDJEigAycD-K38q1rc/s1600/IMG_4578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0A5eNzQkjIUVboydqK0M4dG1DbpqD4auHMyo45ObHRIeJzpnj0GGVktffRF4pZQ-GHtoZ1hQVpnkZPCm6XCVl0c2MWlrqaIOt0bwGpDpFMs27WRRs6kwYmKkzpDJEigAycD-K38q1rc/s1600/IMG_4578.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrwKZean0Kguj_4ezGihPI3ufLmuRDA7hLJjSU5ykmJ8Vlpx3G0DeBRBBNnM-ALoiUvNNjyKUgqaUsCPf2at2p4mGUY-irDh-g6iK4VvhsCag6lpfAC74c1obq8vRqvhGWF08gzg-lz0/s1600/IMG_4595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrwKZean0Kguj_4ezGihPI3ufLmuRDA7hLJjSU5ykmJ8Vlpx3G0DeBRBBNnM-ALoiUvNNjyKUgqaUsCPf2at2p4mGUY-irDh-g6iK4VvhsCag6lpfAC74c1obq8vRqvhGWF08gzg-lz0/s1600/IMG_4595.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgesUbHplpnE2S7m8rT5_lDpZPBhUr3KbJ81uhoLSAzzyRBbKQ1XnOvUmJw6Z1psTZhPCiLfND4CF6Uvr80qeOCAOKDMxZFV8Rs5WFTn4BQE1hxwyKpkXtA6BEXxHlPBK8gi_ATmqWpQ/s1600/IMG_4582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgesUbHplpnE2S7m8rT5_lDpZPBhUr3KbJ81uhoLSAzzyRBbKQ1XnOvUmJw6Z1psTZhPCiLfND4CF6Uvr80qeOCAOKDMxZFV8Rs5WFTn4BQE1hxwyKpkXtA6BEXxHlPBK8gi_ATmqWpQ/s1600/IMG_4582.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Pictures courtesy of <i><a href="http://photographybydlc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Photography by David L. Clark</a></i></td></tr>
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On Saturday, by some miracle, I was up before 9 o'clock. I woke up craving cinnamon rolls, so I thought, "Hey, I'll just make some for breakfast!" Problematic, because homemade cinnamon rolls require A LOT of rising time and waiting. If I had read the recipe through before making them, I might have decided against it, so I'm kind of glad I didn't. Even if we didn't eat anything until around 1 o'clock... It's okay really, they WERE good enough to make up for the growling, angry tummies the wait evoked. I advise making them after eating some sort of breakfast, or doing everything up until the second rise the night before. Also, I found this recipe at <a href="http://veganbaking.net/">VeganBaking.net</a>, substituted whole wheat pastry flour, and ditched the nuts and raisins.</div>
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Yields 12 Rolls</div>
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Dough:<br />
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<li>1 tablespoon golden flax meal</li>
<li>3 tablespoons warm water</li>
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<li>1 1/4 cup warm water</li>
<li>2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast</li>
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<li>4 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour</li>
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<li>1/2 cup sugar</li>
<li>1/3 cup Earth Balance</li>
<li>1 teaspoon salt</li>
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1. In a small bowl whisk together flax meal and water, and set it aside.</div>
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2. In another small, non-metallic bowl, sprinkle the yeast on top of the water and combine well, and allow to set and get foamy for about 10 minutes.</div>
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3. Measure the flour into a large mixing bowl.</div>
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4. Beat together the Earth Balance, sugar, and salt in another bowl.</div>
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5. Combine all of the wet ingredients in one bowl, and then mix into the flour either by hand or in a stand mixer, until you get a sticky dough ball.</div>
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6. Continue to knead in the mixer if you have a dough hook on low for about 4-5 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth.</div>
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7. Place the dough back into the bowl and allow to rise for at least one hour, in a warm spot.</div>
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Meanwhile...make the...</div>
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Filling:</div>
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<li>1 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>1/3 cup Earth Balance</li>
<li>2 tablespoons maple syrup</li>
<li>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
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8. Whisk this all together, nothing fancy.</div>
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Back to the dough...</div>
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9. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape. I'm not much of a measurer, but the original recipe says 16x20 inches.</div>
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10. Spread the filling evenly on the top of the dough.</div>
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11. Roll the dough length wise, and the carefully cut into 1 1/2 inch thick disks.</div>
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12. Plop them into a greased 9"x13" baking dish, cover, and let rise for another hour (or if you're prepping night before put them into the fridge now). </div>
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13. Preheat the oven to 400ยบ F.</div>
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14. Bake for 15 minutes, turning the pan around once during.</div>
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Don't forget the icing!</div>
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<li>2 cups powdered sugar</li>
<li>3-4 tablespoons non-dairy milk</li>
<li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li>
<li>pinch of salt</li>
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15. Whisk together until smooth.</div>
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16. Pull the rolls out and let them cool 5-10 minutes before drizzling on the icing and serving warm. </div>
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So delicious, and not too guilt laden. Perfect treat!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08458953342961267196noreply@blogger.com2