So, one of the items on my bucket list this year is to join a book group...but with the amount of reading I'm required to do in school paired with schedules and other commitments, I've found the perfect alternative---an online club!
I'm very excited to start the Baking with Dorie Group---baking our way through Dorie Greenspan's "Baking: From My Home to Yours." The link to the book is here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_44?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dorie+greenspan+baking+from+my+home+to+yours&x=0&y=0&sprefix=dorie+greenspan+baking+from+my+home+to+yours
I did a little more investigating, and there are TONS of groups like this out there! This will help me expand my culinary experiments, love of photography, and meeting other foodies! Can't wait for the first challenge this coming Monday...it's a recipe that's very familiar to me---Brrrownies (they're very similar to the York Peppermint Brownies I bake every holiday season). Look for pictures to follow this weekend!
Building our family, one day at a time. An eclectic mix of posts regarding literature, food, faith, and fitness. Celebrating our adventures as a family.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Year of Yes
After re-writing my list of things I'd like to do this year, I realized that this adventure is quickly becoming like Jim Carrey's character in "The Yes Man." And for the first time in my life...I can honestly say that I'm REALLY enjoying trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone!
To date...
What's so exciting for me about this experience is sharing it with other people. William has been working on his Ducati, and one of the items on my list is going for a motorcycle ride---I'm scared of motorcycles. Others will involve projects and cooking experiments with friends or family.
My dad and I spoke early on when I was thinking about doing this, and he reminded me not to get caught up in the number, and it's safe to say that I'm having so much fun branching out that I don't think I want this to have a hard stop at January 2012.
As they say in Shawshank Redemption---"Get busy living, or get busy dying." We all have choices, and I'm choosing to get everything I can out of life these days!
To date...
- I've tried new foods---chayote, squid (no batter...just rice!), baby bok choy, leeks, AND more to come!
- Made the baby quilts---Jennifer and Courtney, with more babies on the way---which means more projects!
- Went to Build a Bear and created Herbie, the Love Bug
- Started volunteering---first event at Bee Cave, Dr. Seuss Party next weekend, volunteer orientation for reading at storytime with the Austin Public Library, and teaming up with a friend for Bake-A-Wish
- Made sushi at home---we think we have the whole zushi (sushi rice) figured out...and YES, it's crucial to the success or failure of the adventure!
- Climbed Enchanted Rock (kind of a big deal, as I'm scared of heights!)
- Took a women/handguns safety course!
- Took a Pilates Reformer class.
- Went to JuicyTart Yogurt, a DIY yogurt shop (this is big, because I've NEVER gotten to do this DURING contest prep!)
What's so exciting for me about this experience is sharing it with other people. William has been working on his Ducati, and one of the items on my list is going for a motorcycle ride---I'm scared of motorcycles. Others will involve projects and cooking experiments with friends or family.
My dad and I spoke early on when I was thinking about doing this, and he reminded me not to get caught up in the number, and it's safe to say that I'm having so much fun branching out that I don't think I want this to have a hard stop at January 2012.
As they say in Shawshank Redemption---"Get busy living, or get busy dying." We all have choices, and I'm choosing to get everything I can out of life these days!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Over-achiever...let's go for 52!
At the suggestion of a friend, I have decided to expand my list of 30 and have decided to increase the number to 52. I'm not a mathematician, but yes...this means one a week for the entire year. Am I an over-achiever? Most certainly. Will I do more than one thing a week sometimes? Um, duh. Of course I will.
The terms and conditions of my endeavors...
1. I can't cross two things off the list at the same time.
example: Eating trailer food/Trying a new ethnic food
2. Activities should not be illegal or life-threatening.
3. I'm not trying to break the bank, so activities should also not be super-expensive.
example: Backpacking through Europe/Courtside seats at an NBA game
4. The goal of the experience is FOR the experience, and not to focus on the number.
5. Some of the activities may be things I have done in the past, but am re-visiting in order to participate with a more mature mind-set.
example: Reading three books from my Advanced Placement classes in high school/Reading the entire collection of Jane Austen
6. Become a better version of the person I am today.
An idea of a few of the things I have on the list:
The terms and conditions of my endeavors...
1. I can't cross two things off the list at the same time.
example: Eating trailer food/Trying a new ethnic food
2. Activities should not be illegal or life-threatening.
3. I'm not trying to break the bank, so activities should also not be super-expensive.
example: Backpacking through Europe/Courtside seats at an NBA game
4. The goal of the experience is FOR the experience, and not to focus on the number.
5. Some of the activities may be things I have done in the past, but am re-visiting in order to participate with a more mature mind-set.
example: Reading three books from my Advanced Placement classes in high school/Reading the entire collection of Jane Austen
6. Become a better version of the person I am today.
An idea of a few of the things I have on the list:
- Go to an NBA game
- Volunteer
- Eat at a food trailer
- Try a new ethnic food
- Re-read three books from AP English in high school
- Make homemade doughnuts
- Learn how to jar preserves
- Go to a reading at Book People
- Take a road-trip to Louisiana
- Learn how to crochet
- Teach myself how to put a zipper into an article of clothing
- Learn how to stand-up paddleboard
Thursday, December 16, 2010
30 for 30
So...I've decided for my 30th year, I need to try 30 new things. Bring on the suggestions...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
December....already?!
Where has the time gone?! Tomorrow is the first of December already, and it seems like it was just August and I was starting school! Finals next week, and then a very looooong winter break---although without snow, it doesn't seem very wintry. Considering we had to turn on the air conditioner yesterday (it was over 80) and then today it was a brisk 47 degrees when I got to school...the heat got turned on. I feel like a total weenie, especially because Spokane now has almost two feet of snow. How quickly I have adapted to the warmer climate of the south...
Which brings me to the holiday season. Unfortunately, I'm not feeling very Christmas-y for several reasons. First...there's no snow here. I can't believe I miss snow. Let me clarify. I miss the IDEA of snow, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...maybe New Year's, too. But...there's something so refreshing about a blanket of snow, a fire in the fireplace, hot coffee, warm pajamas and blankets, and a good book or movie marathon that makes December so much more bearable! Second...for the first time in a few years, I won't be in Spokane for the cookie decorating. Yes, I realize I can and will have my own day here in Austin, but it's simply not the same. Have I griped about it in the past? Of course, especially when my days off were few and far between. I'm sure I'll speak with everyone, but it's definitely not going to be the same. Finally, this is the first holiday I will ever have spent away from my family. Over the past few years, yes, not everyone has been together, but this is the very first holiday that I won't have celebrated with my parents. And that makes me sad. I know I'll get to see them later in January, but looking at the pictures from last Christmas makes me wish I could be at my house on Willowell, cooking in my little kitchen, fire in the fireplace, and celebrating with my mom and dad.
Enough moping around. I need to think positively because I'm heading BACK to the podiatrist to see if I'm officially released to start running again. PLEASE.
Which brings me to the holiday season. Unfortunately, I'm not feeling very Christmas-y for several reasons. First...there's no snow here. I can't believe I miss snow. Let me clarify. I miss the IDEA of snow, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...maybe New Year's, too. But...there's something so refreshing about a blanket of snow, a fire in the fireplace, hot coffee, warm pajamas and blankets, and a good book or movie marathon that makes December so much more bearable! Second...for the first time in a few years, I won't be in Spokane for the cookie decorating. Yes, I realize I can and will have my own day here in Austin, but it's simply not the same. Have I griped about it in the past? Of course, especially when my days off were few and far between. I'm sure I'll speak with everyone, but it's definitely not going to be the same. Finally, this is the first holiday I will ever have spent away from my family. Over the past few years, yes, not everyone has been together, but this is the very first holiday that I won't have celebrated with my parents. And that makes me sad. I know I'll get to see them later in January, but looking at the pictures from last Christmas makes me wish I could be at my house on Willowell, cooking in my little kitchen, fire in the fireplace, and celebrating with my mom and dad.
Enough moping around. I need to think positively because I'm heading BACK to the podiatrist to see if I'm officially released to start running again. PLEASE.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Not gonna lie....
I love the fall. And I miss a few things about the Inland Northwest this time of year. I know, I make it sound like I've been away forever, when it's really only been about five and a half months...but still, there are a few things I miss. In no particular order, here they are:
-Greenbluff: The pumpkin patches and apple orchards, the smells of kettle corn and yes, even hot dogs on the grill...
-Leaves changing color: Nothing is better than a cold, dry fall morning with crunchy, multi-colored leaves under foot. Sigh.
-Cold mornings, with warm afternoons: So I complained about it when I lived there, but I do miss having a cold, sunny morning only to have it warm up in the afternoon.
September and October were always my favorite part of the year in Spokane, because there truly are four seasons. Plus, my dad's birthday was Monday and we weren't around to celebrate. Last year, I was home over that weekend and had the opportunity to cook his birthday dinner for him! This year, a Skype appointment had to suffice. But...we're fortunate to be able to host Thanksgiving this year for my parents and brother/sister in law. Not only that, but my dad will be a pro at baking pies after his birthday gift---a cookbook, pastry mat, rolling pin, and pie plate---so we can bake simultaneously and share the experience (or at least I hope!).
Things that are awesome:
-William lined the fence so Felix and Oscar can't run through and out to the sidewalk!
-Our intermediate training class for the boys is going well, and we can definitely tell a difference.
-Cheese is a great motivator to "control yourself" for the boys. :)
-Pretty much all Scandinavian thrillers.
-Pastry Queen cookbooks...that I've checked out, oh, about 15 times since we've moved here!
-The new kitchen sink faucet William installed last weekend.
-Pumpkin carving this weekend! Pictures to follow...
And a few pictures...
Finished product---Splenda Apple-Pear-Cherry Pie, made with no sugar and suitable for people with diabetes...or anyone watching sugar intake. Baked with Granny Smith apples, and Bosc pears (probably would use D'Anjou next time, as Bosc are better for eating---very juicy, don't stay as firm when cooked).
Pre-baking...
What's up?
Later, friends and family!
-Greenbluff: The pumpkin patches and apple orchards, the smells of kettle corn and yes, even hot dogs on the grill...
-Leaves changing color: Nothing is better than a cold, dry fall morning with crunchy, multi-colored leaves under foot. Sigh.
-Cold mornings, with warm afternoons: So I complained about it when I lived there, but I do miss having a cold, sunny morning only to have it warm up in the afternoon.
September and October were always my favorite part of the year in Spokane, because there truly are four seasons. Plus, my dad's birthday was Monday and we weren't around to celebrate. Last year, I was home over that weekend and had the opportunity to cook his birthday dinner for him! This year, a Skype appointment had to suffice. But...we're fortunate to be able to host Thanksgiving this year for my parents and brother/sister in law. Not only that, but my dad will be a pro at baking pies after his birthday gift---a cookbook, pastry mat, rolling pin, and pie plate---so we can bake simultaneously and share the experience (or at least I hope!).
Things that are awesome:
-William lined the fence so Felix and Oscar can't run through and out to the sidewalk!
-Our intermediate training class for the boys is going well, and we can definitely tell a difference.
-Cheese is a great motivator to "control yourself" for the boys. :)
-Pretty much all Scandinavian thrillers.
-Pastry Queen cookbooks...that I've checked out, oh, about 15 times since we've moved here!
-The new kitchen sink faucet William installed last weekend.
-Pumpkin carving this weekend! Pictures to follow...
And a few pictures...
Later, friends and family!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Midterms! School! PIE!
It's official....I'm halfway through my first semester in culinary school. Surprisingly, this is way tougher than I thought it would be. In fact, my sanitation and safety class is MUCH more difficult than I thought it would be for a two credit course. The instructor is the head of the culinary program, and I find myself working a lot harder in this class (especially on the assignments) to prove myself. Is this surprising to any of y'all? I didn't think so. :)
I was thinking to myself the other day, on my way to class, "How could I EVER have thought that being a full-time student wasn't the right path?!" Rather than beat myself up about it, I'm going to fully embrace this opportunity and let myself enjoy (and dread) the process.
Next semester, here are a few of the courses I'm hoping to take (Chef Hay opened spots for me, which is how you have to register in the CULA program)---
-Fundamentals of Baking (YESSSSSSS!)
-Basic Food Preparation
-Meat Identifying and Processing (where I will be CARVING MEAT!!!!)
-Dining Room Service
-Nutrition for the Food Service Professional
So clearly you can understand why I'm so excited?! Once we get through the prerequisites, we get to take the fun classes with labs.
Tomorrow, William's sister and niece are coming over and I'm going to bake some cinnamon rolls for Marie's little boy's flag football game Saturday. I'm also going to bake a pie for the group for tomorrow night, and some friends of ours, Kent and Sabrina, are also owed a pie for Sunday. :)
One of the things I'm so excited I have the time to do now is READ! I just started Corduroy Mansions by Alexander McCall Smith. If you're interested, here's a link to Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Corduroy-Mansions-Alexander-Mccall-Smith/dp/0307379086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287068955&sr=8-1
Aaaaaannnnnddd, one more cookbook I am currently coveting:
http://www.amazon.com/Flour-Spectacular-Recipes-Bostons-Bakery/dp/081186944X/ref=pd_sim_b_4
Obviously, I've loved baking since I was younger, but the movie Stranger Than Fiction, with Will Ferrell and Maggie Gyllenhaal, where she owns the bakery? That was when I realized, "I want to do that."
Awesome ways to wake up---with your 18 lb dog curled up behind your knees. :)
I was thinking to myself the other day, on my way to class, "How could I EVER have thought that being a full-time student wasn't the right path?!" Rather than beat myself up about it, I'm going to fully embrace this opportunity and let myself enjoy (and dread) the process.
Next semester, here are a few of the courses I'm hoping to take (Chef Hay opened spots for me, which is how you have to register in the CULA program)---
-Fundamentals of Baking (YESSSSSSS!)
-Basic Food Preparation
-Meat Identifying and Processing (where I will be CARVING MEAT!!!!)
-Dining Room Service
-Nutrition for the Food Service Professional
So clearly you can understand why I'm so excited?! Once we get through the prerequisites, we get to take the fun classes with labs.
Tomorrow, William's sister and niece are coming over and I'm going to bake some cinnamon rolls for Marie's little boy's flag football game Saturday. I'm also going to bake a pie for the group for tomorrow night, and some friends of ours, Kent and Sabrina, are also owed a pie for Sunday. :)
One of the things I'm so excited I have the time to do now is READ! I just started Corduroy Mansions by Alexander McCall Smith. If you're interested, here's a link to Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Corduroy-Mansions-Alexander-Mccall-Smith/dp/0307379086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287068955&sr=8-1
Aaaaaannnnnddd, one more cookbook I am currently coveting:
http://www.amazon.com/Flour-Spectacular-Recipes-Bostons-Bakery/dp/081186944X/ref=pd_sim_b_4
Obviously, I've loved baking since I was younger, but the movie Stranger Than Fiction, with Will Ferrell and Maggie Gyllenhaal, where she owns the bakery? That was when I realized, "I want to do that."
Awesome ways to wake up---with your 18 lb dog curled up behind your knees. :)
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