I don't think of myself as a big resolution person but I do always have a few goals floating around in my head - especially this time of year. One thing that I'd like to improve on is getting a little more organized on the cooking front. I just ordered this book. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying these videos while I wait for my book to arrive.
Hello! We are in California, getting settled into our new home. We'll see how the blogging goes. Hopefully I'll be back in action here soon.
Have you heard of wilder quarterly? I went ahead and ordered the first issue today after reading about it here.
how cute is this webisode from LA in bloom?
I loved this photo from the current issue of whole living magazine. I spent a good chunk of time oogling the details (which you probably can't see in this poor quality scan). I guess I'm the type of person that gets excited about rustic table settings.
This week at the farmers market I bought eggs from a different vendor than my usual egg seller. When I got home and opened my carton I found a trading card featuring one of the farm's layers. I totally loved it. Honestly, I'll probably keep buying from them so that I can meet more of the flock!
Here is the write up on Blanche:
Blanche is living the good life on the farm. Along with her sister, she was rescued from an unhappy situation, but is now a happy chicken. She is a bit skittish, but she is a loyal chicken friend.
I'm not exactly a superstar in the kitchen so I'm not one to share a lot of recipes. I do, however, feel like these are completely worth mentioning. I introduce you to the perfect fall lunch...
spicy squash salad with lentils and goat cheese (add the toasted squash seeds - so tasty)
We've been easing the little one into the world of solid foods. Bananas last week (top photo) and avocados this week (bottom photo). So far it's been just a few bites at a time and avocado seems to be the favorite. Next week we'll try sweet potatoes.
It's a lovely sunny day in ashland and I'm trying not to be too antsy about when the baby will arrive. So today I've been thinking about the things that are making me happy right now.
+ things that smell good
I don't remember ever caring so much about scents until now. Rose geranium has become my official scent of pregnancy. I have a small plant right next to my bed. Lilacs and Mrs. Meyers cleaning products aren't too bad either.
+ feeding the birds
We've been getting a ton of colorful birds at our feeder recently. Lots of gold finches, house finches, stellar jays, black-headed grosbeaks, warblers - plus the chickadees and juncos that we see year round.
+ gardening
It's still a little early to stick some of the tender veggie starts in the ground but I've planted most of the fruits and vegetables in our garden bed. I always hope none of my neighbors can see my attempts at bending and kneeling but I've been enjoying my time in the garden anyway.
+ walking, swimming and yoga
Much to my surprise, moving my body still feels good.
+ small bits of prettiness
Flowers from the farmers market, a newly thrifted bed spread - I love to rest my eyes on little upgrades like these.
+ mangoes
My favorite snack right now. I've taken martha's advice and sprinkle a bit of ceyenne pepper and a squeeze of lime on them. Also delicious added to oatmeal for breakfast (without the ceyenne pepper and lime!).
+ sparkling water
We got a water carbonator a while ago and I use it daily.
+ this big belly
As excited as I am for the baby to arrive there are things that I'll miss about being pregnant.
The farmers market started up again today (hooray!). Once I got home and unpacked my goods I realized that I had a small purple theme going on.
I know the closing of gourmet is old news to most of you by now. I've come across a number of good farewells in blogland and didn't think I'd post about it because I don't have much to add, aside from some bitter feelings.
But today while I was working in the studio I started thinking about an article from gourmet that really stuck with me. I checked the archives and found the piece that I was looking for about colony collapse disorder here. There is a lot that I liked about the magazine but I think I'll just share the link with you and spare you the rest. If you're interested take a look soon - the website might not be up for too much longer.
p.s. I remember reading this article on an airplane and thinking that my fellow passengers must think that I am nuts for getting teary-eyed from reading a cooking magazine.
