sweet nectar

im back. with blueberries and more inspiration

2011-07-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

I'm back. I've had a few people asking where my blogging went. After a 6 month or so sabatical / uninspired to blog..or even cook, I am back.

I have been working at a local bakery around here, and when I get home from work, the last thing I want to do is bake more. This meaning, I'd put the almonds, and the kitchen aid to sleep, but as of this week I am back with so much creativity flowing I can hardly keep up.

Last week I made the most luscious Blueberry Crisp.

Perfectly "buttery" (or lack of butter) crust, amazingly juicy blueberries and just the right amount of cream.

I love this recipe because it is a great American inspired dessert that is easily made gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free, and the best part, it taste amazing!

Blueberry Crisp:

Crust:

2 cups of almond flour or ground almonds

1/2 cup of melted coconut oil

1-2 tbl. of raw agave (depending how sweet you like it)

1/2 tsp. of sea salt

mix all of the ingredients in a mixer until it turns into a dough, depending how coarse your almond flour is, you may need a little bit more of the coconut oil to make it come together well.

Press the dough into a pie pan, just as you would any pastry dough.

Cook in a pie pan for 15 minutes at 350.

Cashew "Cream:"

1 1/2 cups of unsalted, raw cashews (soaked in water for a few hours is best)

1/4-1/2 cup of warm water

1 tbl. of raw agave

1/4 tsp. of sea salt

take the cashews and strain, then put in any heavy duty blender, or food processor and blend with 1/4 c. of the warm water, add more as needed until the cashews are smooth (make take up to 5 minutes) then add the agave and salt until you like the taste of it.

Once the crust is baked, spread the cashew cream on the crust, I like a really thick layer because it's so yummy, but you may want to save some to put on top when the crisp is done.

(If you aren't dairy free, you could easily just use whip cream instead of the cashew cream and not bake it!)

Blueberries:

2 cups of blueberries

1/4 c. of lemon juice

1 tbl. of raw agave or stevia

1 cup of water

I take 2 cups of blueberries and cook them on the stovetop with the water, lemon juice and agave on LOW until the blueberries get soft. Then I strain the blueberries and put on top of the Cashew Cream.

Cook at 350 for another 15 minutes or until the crust begins to brown and the blueberries are really tender.

This dessert goes great with some vanilla coconut ice cream!

Enjoy!

sweets and such

2011-02-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

since being back from my ventures out west i've been so inspired. in the kitchen, in my craft room and even in my dress closet. I've been scheming up new ideas for cute little frocks and crushing almonds into flour to make macaroons. I've been inspired by the ever lusting powers of parisian macaroons! Friend and owner of the Almond Tree has turned me on to these beauties!

While in San Francisco I visited a well known macaroon place, Paulette!

amazing little macaroons from Paulette, San Francisco.

my, not so pretty macaroons.

turned out alright, they tasted so great!

cute little frock for Marmalade designs.

also, i made this little bohemian vegan chocolate cake. with vegan coffee buttercream :)

that's it for today, more bites tomorrow.

i'm getting some oral surgery this week, ill be posting some more while im bed ridden for days.

last hoorah in San Francisco.

2011-02-18T06:20:00.000-08:00

the last few days in California were breathtaking. the weather was perfect. I am sitting sipping my cappuccino, wishing I was there right now, although the weather here in Nashville is absolutely gorgeous.

1. adorable little french bakery in Santa Cruz

2. amazing cappuccino's too

3. our old RV that broke down in Santa Cruz, we left it for a lady when she gave us a newer one to use. We went and visited her, so sweet :)

4. great little Cafe with the most superb brunch ever!

5. Jesse at Cafe Brasil

6. Brunch at Cafe Brasil

7. Jesse and I on the beach (before a short hike)

8. Little place next door to where we stayed in San Francisco, called Sugar Cafe

9. We were surprised by how inexpensive it was for being in Union Square, but so good. $3 gin+tonics!

Oh this trip was the best. My mom and I are perfect for trips, we eat and drink the same, and pretty much shop the same. We love sharing a bed and watching the food network in hotels and talking about food. We are perfect for each other :)

vacation: Santa Cruz

2011-02-18T06:06:00.000-08:00

while in California, my mom and I got to visit with my 1 cousin, Jesse and his wife Margot. They live up in the mountains along side the beach outside Santa Cruz. Their little cabin in the woods is amazing, and they also have a wonderful little yurt.

1. long afternoons at wonderful little bookstores (that serve you local wines)

2. Capitola (beach town by Santa Cruz, cousin went to surf there...too cold)

3. Mom and Jesse in Capitola

4. eating at Jesse's cabin (about all we did :)

5. Sweet little cabin in the woods

6. cooking in the cabin

7. found a wonderful vegan indian place in santa cruz :)

trying to round up the last of my photos to move on my from my trip....

san francisco: pt. 2

2011-01-28T12:46:00.001-08:00

i love all of the little nooks of san francisco.

coffee shops, bakeries, patisaries, clubs, bars, theaters...so glorious.

[adorable little condiment bar at a french bakery]

[sign for the condiments]

on our first day we also walked to

Fisherman's Wharf.

we indulged in some freshly baked sourdough bread, and yummy soup.

this was a wonderful reminder of my time here a few years ago with my whole family.

oh goodness.

[sourdough bread animals]

[baking sourdough bread at the Boudin bakery at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco]

[sourdough bread on the wharf]

[dinner one: Kuleto's]

[ricotta stuffed eggplant]

[mom and I indulging in some fine italian and wine]

one of my favorite things to do in this vast city is shop.

this is a view from sacks 5th, onto the off-set ice skating rink, in the middle of union square.

one of my favorite things to do in this vast city is shop.

[macaroon sighting number one]

vacation pt 3:san francisco part 1.

2011-01-27T18:47:00.001-08:00

after being in the freezing cold states of colorado and kansas, I was happy to be flying to San Francisco: warm, sunny, and full of delicious food.

I hit almost every pastry shop, bakery and macaroon niche.

We ate endless meals while in San Francisco. We realized, 1/2 way through the trip that we hadn't actually eaten a whole meal at one location.

A glass of wine here, a bruschetta there, a salad here, and a desert plate there. It was so wonderful!

first stop after getting of the bart in sunny California: our "not-in-the-city" french boutique hotel.

This place felt like it should have been in the countryside of france, but alas, it was right in union square, San Francisco.

Petit Auberge

[amazing little nooks in the room]

[sweet fireplace in the room]

[breakfast nooks as well as the wine&cheese reception place]

[breakfast: sun-dried tomato quiche, oatmeal, apple crisp, good local coffee!]

[french boutique bathroom]

[fireplace]

[walked and walked and walked... through chinatown]

[little italy]

over all the 1/3 of the trip was amazing.

can't wait to post the rest of the pictures!

Vacation: part 2. c.: Last days of Denver.

2011-01-24T07:50:00.000-08:00

Robert's aunt and uncle took me out to lunch the day after Robert left to head back to Nashville.

They took me to this amazing little cafe/bar and the food was absolutely fabulous!

I ordered a veggie pizza that had onion rings on it, the Urban Cowgirl. We also go a salad with chikpeas and spicy chips on it, jalepeno lime dressing.

City, O' City is so delicious, I would say it's a must while in Denver.

We also took a trip to the anti- Terrorist Museum in Denver, this was amazing, yet a little heavy-hearted. It was a good experience.

vacation: pt. 2. b.: Denver Mountain Photo shoot.

2011-01-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

While in denver, we went up to the mountains, and had a little photo shoot with Mary Nell'snew fancy camera. the pictures are pretty much speak for themselves.

3 1/2 week vacation: pt. 2

2011-01-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

so now I am back from my long vacation and I can finally write about all my wonderful adventures.

week 2 (or day 10) of vacation: Denver, CO.

Robert's aunt and uncle, Laura and Addisu and their daughter Addie live in Denver, they have an adorable house, it was such a retreat for us. Cuddled up by a fire, drinking wine, watching american pickers or talking about Ethiopia.

We also attended a moped rally, for blackblack in Denver, and went to an Andrew W.K. show...that was a bust.

eating Ethiopian and drinking some whiskey. This night is started snowing!

Laura's adorable kitchen.

Adam Mercado came to Denver with us.

A walk in the snow to the local Italian grocery: Spinelli's and the bookstore.

front yard snow: Denver.

Ethiopian goodness.

happy hour: Denver.

Robert's uncle, Addisu is from Ethiopia and he cooks us dinner whenever we come. Oh, it's so delicious! Ingera, and lentils and even Ethiopian music!

Robert and his aunt Laura.

Cooking, of course.

Our trip was amazing, we went up into the mountains as well, I'll be sure to post those next. Then on to San Francisco!

3 1/2 week vacation: part 1

2011-01-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

Robert and I have been fortunate enough to take a 3 week long christmas vacation.
Well he only gets 2 weeks, but I get an extra week!
Our first stop: Kansas!

this is Robert's Aunt Pat's Christmas tree. We visited her a few times on our visit.
Unfortunately, while we were in Kansas, on Christmas eve, Robert's great uncle Fritz died. I am sad, although I am grateful that I got to know him, and Robert and I made an effort to see Fritz a few times, every visit. We we fortunate to be in town for the funeral, as Robert felt very close to Fritz.

[Aunt Pat and Fritz with their dog Molly at the nursing home- taken from Pat]

Christmas eve was started with a candlelit service and followed by a great meal prepared by my mother-in-law.

christmas day we played Domino's, my first time ever! I've never known how to play! Please that my hubby taught me, not please that he never let me win.

Christmas goodies: I got a wonderful wool jacket, and Robert got new boots, pants and a holiday sweater (Lacoste, from me:)

lots of baking!

Our next stop: Denver, CO!

carah+cake

2010-12-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

last week I had the incredible honor of making my sister and her new hubby's wedding cake!

I secretly wanted to make this cake for them for months, but seeing as he is from England, I wasn't sure how their reception was going to go.

First, let me tell you a little bit about this couple.

Carah: a creative, beautiful, ambitious girl who likes to be sneaky.

James: a charming, loving, and gentle guy with perfect british accent.

How they met: James was here last summer and working at a neighborhood pool as a lifeguard. (which happened to be my sister-in-laws family pool). Carah, not having a pool, decided to sneak into this pool (thus, the sneaky part!) and she started "getting to know" the lifeguard.

Then he had to go back to England, this created a blissful "Skype" relationship between the two lovelies. A couple of short trips to each other later and he was finally here by the next summer!

James decided to pop that favorable question in July, while Robert and I were out traveling. We got the infamous "skype" call and we were elated! Especially when we heard we were all going to Cancun, Mexico for the wedding in October!

They ended up doing a legal ceremony at the courthouse and then we all galavanted off to Mexico for a week in an all inclusive resort! It was so fabulous!

so after we talked about the cake, I made a little "cake tasting" cake. It was adorable!

making the cake!

still working on it!

finally finished!

finally fall.

2010-12-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

nashville took way to long to get cold this fall. I love the fall, it's when I am most creative and my soul is flourishing with new ideas! I am most at ease when I can barely come out of my craft room due to too much inspiration!

recently my passion: baby cakes! and soup!

and baby owl ornaments (made from felt)

love my sweet friend linsey! We were on the new's, they were covering a darling tea room located in Germantown, Savannah Tea Room.

german friends in nashville.

being a bridesmaid in a wedding.

ketchup of october and november.

2010-12-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

so a couple of things that happened in the past few months....(playing catch up!)

Robert and I got tickets to go our first predators game! It was so fun!

our dog wizard got hit by a car in Franklin and he had a slow, but successful recovery.

Robert and I got to attend a fabulous wedding at the Governor's Club in Brentwood.

Celebrating Lauren and Collin Heston.

my sister was married at the Williamson county clerk's office! (celebration to follow in mexico!)

I got 1 of a few flowers that will be here tattooed for my birthday!

(done by my sweet friend Tiffany!)

I made beer cheese chives scones for Oktober fest.

we started making pies!

and gluten free french toast!

more pies!

and my mom and I went and saw Bob Dylan in nashville, front row! amazing!

peachy long time

2010-08-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Oh gosh it's been so long since I last blogged. But I am back. I have neglected this poor old thing. So I will now be catching up to the last couple of months.

The beginning of September, one of my favorite things was making jam with my momma. We went to the market, bought peaches and canned them! She did most of the work, but I thoroughly enjoyed helping!

this strand of hearts I made was for my sister who was getting married in 50 something days, this was something that I did when I was getting married. You pull off a heart every day until the wedding!

brunch date at our house with some favorites!

the detox.

2010-08-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

so the past 10-12 days I have been on a detox. This detox is pretty intense, but at least I do eat food. It requires me to eat 2 small portions of certain fruits, specific veggies and protein a day, coffee, tea and mineral water. It's not to bad because I can use as many spices, as much lemon/lime juice and apple cidar vinegar as I like! I've had a hard time being at parties and whole foods (right? too many samples that I can't indulge in!) So, since I have been a vegetarian, it's been a bit more difficult for me, then others, as I've begin to eat fish, so my only protein, twice a day is fish! Most eat chicken or steak as well. I've had fun experimenting with this challenge! And I feel absolutely wonderful! Take a look at some wonderful things I've made!

[strawberry/stevia popsicles!]

[dill tilapia with spiced tomatoes and sparkling water]

[cucumber "chips" and homemade tomato salsa and shrimp]

[breaded (with crumbled breadsticks) mahi-mahi and spicy panned cabbage]

[dessert! cinnamon/stevia baked apples!]

[spicy raw tomatoes and shrimp]

[homemade Strawberry vinaigrette]

[spicy mahi-mahi fish tacos]

[tilapia/tomato basil pan-stew]

[blackened flounder with 4 italian breadsticks, you get 4 a day, thats it!]

[quick "apple" pickles with shrimp and lemon]

i feel so healthy!

the littlebig midwest

2010-08-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

I did a poor job of documenting our summer travels on the bus, partly because I didn't take my camera, and partly due to laziness. What pictures I did take are here now. The last few days of our trip we stopped in Condordia, Kansas. It was so wonderful to see some of our favorite people, the Millers! We were also able to see our friend Sorrel!They have an adorable house fully stocked with world-wide goodies. Robert and I were honored to park our bus in their back yard!

Rayna, Jaydinn and I all cooked dinner together one night.

love the walls, Christie is amazing!

We are really in the Midwest. There are bulk containers of mayo, and chili beans, at a normal grocery store!

[we did not buy these items!]

we went from Concordia to Lawrence, KS. I love Lawrence, it's beautiful and quaint and cultured. It's like a small town and Santa Cruz, CA all in one. I did a good deal of shopping here, antique and thrift stores and their amazing fabric store!

[some yummy cookies I made last night]

this weekend we went to the nashville art crawl and Robert had a cougar all up in his grill. This lady wanted Robert, I let his ego puff up at little bit. I was chuckling a bit!

necessities.

2010-07-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of traveling around is finding new little hole-in-the-wall places! This shop I went to was recommended by a friend who said I would love it, and she was right!
So I couldn't even think about how claustrophobic I was because I was to excited! This cute shop, Necessities
was a gem indeed!

This shop was stacked top to bottom with amazing antiques! Jewelry, clothes, fabric, dishes, baby carriages, wedding apparel!
every corner was like a new adventure of old, amazingly preserved stuff! I was in vintage heaven!

I was very impressed with this store that I asked the owner if I could photo-stalk her shop and post a blog about it! She gladly agreed!

We also went into the sweet place called Smith's Market! Lot's of local and organic foods, as well as bulk/grab-n-go candy! it was great!

follow the yellow brick road...

2010-07-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

...to Kansas!

this past week we've been in Robert's home town, middle of Kansas! We were the talk of the town, the big kaboom. Not only have we had gobs of people stopping their big huge enviornment killing trucks by, but they've all been pulling out their snappy little camera phones to click a pic!

[similiar to this one, but this lady asked to take a picture, and interview us!]

I bought some organic cauliflower this week at the grocery store because it was actually really cheap! I thought...what could I make with this beautiful little white broccoli?! why not try to make "faux-mashed potatoes!" so I did!

[so this...]

[became these!]

[i was thrilled!!! mashed cauliflower!]

Also exciting this week, we are officially an RV! this is great news for us! Being an RV not only makes us really awesome, but we can now park more places, and our insurance is a bit cheaper then just a "bus" which helps with this massive contraption! I was thrilled to witness this robing!

in other news this week, I made some mean Black Bean Brownies! They turned out great! the first time I made them, I skipped the eggs and went straight for a few bananas, but they weren't the best, kinda "too" gooey. [if that's possible] but the second time I only used eggs, no bananas and they were fabulous! Gobbeled up at an event I went to this weekend! Also, the recipe [which only makes this size pan!]

1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
3 eggs [or 3 bananas!]
3 tbs. coconut oil
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pinch of celtic sea salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract [gluten-free, if need be!]
1/3 c. raw honey
1/2 bar of raw cocoa nibs or dark dark 75% or higher chocolate chunks [optional]

oven: 350 degrees
grease an 8x8 square baking pan

combine black beans, eggs, oil, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, and honey in a blender[or food processor if you have it!] blend until smooth; pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the mixture.
3.Bake in the preheated oven until the top is dry and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 30 minutes.

can i have s'more?

2010-07-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

this week started off right with a new engagement and a birthday! all to this one special lady!

[my new-ish sister-in-law Jessica]

as seen in this picture, she is blowing out some sweet cupcakes! this brings me to my baking adventure of this week!

Jessica mentioned this past weekend that she liked s'mores....

so what better thing then to mesh my favorite 1 handed specialty and an all-american classic treat!

so, I give you S'more cupcakes!

first I made a graham cracker crust with ground up graham crackers, melted butter and some sugar!

then I put the crust into cupcake pans and put chocolate chips over the crust to bake for a few minutes.
[not pictured, but the next layer was a Ganache!]

[then I made a chocolate cake batter and baked it, then topped it with some homemade marshmellow frosting!]

[then we torched them! to give them that fire baked taste!]

[happy birthday jessica!]

[this is the apron that Robert and I made for Jessica's birthday gift! paired with some homemade blue earrings, and she was a happy camper!]

[so was my hubby, with these decadent cupcakes!]

side project this week: painting the outside of the bus! looks great!

summer love.

2010-07-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

recently i've been experimenting with making simple dresses for myself and adding some fun accents to make them more personal. well after getting so much good feedback from other people, i've started my own little clothing line [or what i like to think :)] and i have been making some pretty little frocks out of recycled fabric. a little apprehensive, i put these little sprouts out at a festival last week and sold 1/2 of them! and i've got 4 online orders. so encouraging!

i've also been doing alot of baking, when I can!
my sweet niece Maiah turned 10 a few weeks ago and I got to prepare some food for her birthday party and make a sweet jumbo cupcake! it was a blast! I also go to dress up at the White Queen!

[mini french vanilla cupcakes with lavender icing and my famous banana bread!]

[my hubs playing main stage at a festival and below, mewithoutyou playing in nashville!]

[so now we are out on the road in the bus, driving endless miles. love this view]

bittersweet bailey

2010-06-21T07:26:00.001-07:00

this is a bittersweet post about my sweet, spicy, darling, amazing bestie bailey! I am so blessed by her relationship. Our friendship was sprouted from a tiny seed that was planted when we were 15/16. Ever since that one day when she heard me sing a Colbie Cailat's "bubbly" in Japanese, we were sworn as friends, until now, we are 21 and 22 and I am so proud of this girl!

[listening to colbie cailat's "bubbly" while reading this post, makes for a more dramatic read]

[bailey and I at cabana, hillsboro village. ladies night. also, big girls night, she had just turned 21 a few weeks prior]

bailey and I used to live in the same room in a charming little house in east nashville. We shared a room! People say not to live with good friends, especially best friends, it'll ruin your relationship. Not us.

[on the porch of our old house.]

one gloriously bright weekend we spent the whole day at the pool. I never spend the whole day at the pool! Partly because of my sad sun allergy, and I hate being in full sun all day, but the drinks and the cool roof top pool, looking over all of nashville made it so worth it! and being with my Bailey!

[on this same weekend, I went home with swollen feet because we went to a swing dancing get together at Centennial park in Nashville.]

[this girl is golden]

[she stood beside me on my wedding day]

[girls date night for margarita's at Pueblo]

[late night free root beer floats at sonic one night. little did we know it was the sketchy one, and I left my house in my bathing suit.....]

[this girl is amazing. she gets me]

Bailey Todd is a once in a life time friend. You meet someone like this and you cherish her forever, she doesn't float in and out of your life like some people, she is always there. We can go months without seeing each other, but once we give that first hug when we are reunited, it's like we've been next to each other for all that time. She knows how to make you feel like you are the most important person in the world whilst talking to her. Her reasoning is sometimes weird to me, but that's another reason that I love her so dearly. Often, while in a sticky situation, I find myself saying "how would bailey deal with this?" I am so amazed at her willingness to forgive and let things go, something I think we all need a little more of in our lives.

Bailey is leaving on January 2nd from New York and flying to Botswana for 5-6 months. Like I said, this is a bittersweet post. I am thrilled, and excited for this huge, amazing opportunity for her, whilst being selfish and sad that she is going. I am worried she will never come back, but I can't say I blame her. I know she will meet amazing people and impact their lives as she has done mine, certainly. I love you bailey todd and I will never forget the wonderful woman you are, the amazing friend and the importance you have had on my life thus far. I hope you never forget that I will always be here for you, I will fly to botswana for your wedding (maybe?) and I will hold your hand when you deliver your babies, whenever those days come, I am there. I love you.

bailey will be posting from Botswana on her newly listed blog: you can take a look and read it here! enjoy!

ps holiday note:

also, a year ago today I created the most exquisite gluten/dairy and sugar free banana round bread! yeay for me!

the bus. bonnaroo. and more

2010-06-15T10:52:00.001-07:00

so this past weekend, we did our year #8 at bonnaroo. a very successful year. lots of great music, wonderful people, a smooth running bus, heat strokes, and of course lots of drugs.

2 days before bonnaroo, robert got home from work and we attempted to paint the bus, we got about 85% of it painted! pretty proud, and grateful for all the people who came and helped us out, and to the anchor for letting us use their parking lot!

before:

during/after:

[these amazing pictures were taken by Mary nell Powell!]

some bonnaroo highlights:

mumford and sons, steve martin, middle east, jay-z, stevie wonder, dr. dog, ozomalti, stephen franti, dead weather, she & him, and so many more!

and, as if we didn't go to enough shows this past week, last night robert and I went to see the Nashville symphony in the park! The theme was "space!" it was so beautiful, then today we worked in the garden :)

first habanero!

these pictures, Tina Nord took of us having fun heading to bonnaroo, and at the festival! our bus has to have the avacado green and brown added to it!

alabama. + homemade things.

2010-06-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

so the past few weeks i've been out of town, in and out, weddings, carnivals, bonnaroo etc.

been busy with the bus as well.

the wedding in alabama was gorgeous! so simple, yes so much detail included in every aspect of the wedding. this couple was adorable and I am so happy that we were part of this special day!

luckily for us, about 15 minutes before we got to the hotel we stumbled on a carnival in florence, alabama!

congratulations Ben and Audrey!

also this month, i've been crafting alot, dresses, curtains, pillows, bench covers for the bus, so many beautiful fabrics!

that's about it.

plus this sweet birds nest i found in my momma's porch plant! so gorgeous!

ill be posting more later today about the bus updates and bonnaroo!

chocolate dresses.

2010-05-22T10:26:00.001-07:00

this week i've realized how much I love being settled in one place. i've also realized that I am ready to take flight. let's move the train on. i'm ready to, as Bob dylan put it best "the answer is blowin' in the wind" it's time.

as the weather get's warmer, and my bike and tom's become my only means of transportation, i feel like never stopping.
the answer is blowing in the wind, and I am ready to find it.

just a few short weeks until we take our school bus to Bonnaroo, not sure where we are headed after that, but we will be going! we'll be going to a few festivals, pond parties, and lot's of cracker barrels i'm sure. I am just ready to go, arise and shine little light!

on another note i stayed up really late last night perfecting a flourless, sweetened with raw honey, vegan chocolate cake! i am pleased so far. i also finished a dress that i started! made from an old bed sheet! i was also pleased with it.

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anniversaries, celebrations and weddings.

2010-05-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

the past 2 weeks consisted of:
my 1 year anniversary! coordinating a wedding, pre-celebrating my Oma's 90th birthday [looks like she's in her 60's] and my sister-in-law's 34th [looks like she's 21] birthdays, cinco de mayo, and preparing for my baby brothers wedding which will take place this saturday in Nashville.

oh, and the flood.

[robert and I looking at guns. to kill the many cats who eat up our garden. maybe we are mean? not sure]

[our wedding cake! we got to eat it, frozen and all!]

[such an inspiration. my parents who have been married almost 30 years! took us out for anniversary breakfast at Marche]

[gifts!]

[I made robert Crepes on our anniversary because we had to flee the hotel due to the flood]

[opryland hotel]

[We all just found out that Shannon loves fried ice cream. we could hardly resist to get it for her, although her birthday is in 2 weeks]

[pre-celebration of my oma's 90th birthday!]

[a glimpse of Christina's wedding!]

[Cinco de Mayo]

[baked goods for the flood victims I made]

[my best friend, the night before she left for Ireland. so jealous]

this week is all about food.

2010-05-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

this week all we've done is cook and eat, and eat some more!

wednesday night Robert and I had a cook out to celebrate, 1-our new grill! and 2-our anniversary! tomorrow will be 1 year married to the sweetest man ever! the best man, mu hubby! the cook out was great! complete with pom martinis, homemade black bean burgers, and old time jams!

then on thursday night, I teamed up with a friend, Cary Stringer to provide a fabulous dinner party! salmon wrapped up with goats cheese and spinach, sweet potatoes, a strawberry spinach salad, and lots of wine!

[sweet potatoes! with a fig vinegar and toasted macadamia nuts]

[drinks]

[salmon!]

[blackberries, macadamia nuts, and candied pecans]

[more sweet potatoes]

[wine]

[the spread]

[more of the spread]

[more salmon]

[homemade spicy tuna sushi!]

this week was great, i may have to go on another detox just to feel good again! it was all delicious and I am grateful for friends who enjoy gathering and eating, it's such a passion of mine!

today we start our celebration of our anniversary! lot's of brunches, fancy dinners and staying at fancy hotels! very excited!

busy bee.

2010-04-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

this past week 1/2 since I got home from traveling a bit have been crazy. cupcake orders, bachrelorette parties, avocado extravaganze, preparation for the farmer's market, working on the bus, writing more recipes for the book, gardening, being with my family! here are just some pictures of how fun it all is!

[red velvet with cream cheese frosting!]

[hello cupcake!]

[just a little taste]

[on a pedestal]

[love avocados!]

[some blossoming jasmine lily tea]

[I am so ready to hit the East Nashville farmer's market!]

[bus dreams]

[sweet puppy/hubby love]

[tornado picnic in the living room]

[more avocado's]

the bus + raw food

2010-04-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

we are so excited to see the bus start coming together! it's looking wonderful! we ordered a toilet and got it 2 days later, just bought some tanks today for the plumbing/water, etc. we are so excited! we even started framing the bus out this week!

we had to move the bus out into the country, but we are so thankful for our friends Jonathan and Jennifer at the Green Wagon!

also, this week we were able to get our garden completely finished. Robert finished our flat beds, we got tomatoes, peppers, jalepenos, cilantro, mint, basil, strawberries! we even fashioned some beautiful window's to make a greenhouse!

we have 1 baby strawberry!!!

also, this week i'm on a raw foods detox, so the baking has been to a minimum. except robert was craving come cake, so he decided to make a cake [WHILE I CAN'T EAT IT!] he is a great husband, i promise!

my mothers house

2010-04-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend I got to spend a morning at my mother's house in Franklin, Tn. Her house is so charming. About 100 years old, complete with an 1900's style elevator. But her garden is one thing I love most about her house. Her yard is beaming with exotic flowers, lemon's, fresh veggies, and so many herbs! I was thrilled to spend some quality time with her.

a girls weekend.

2010-04-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

I got the opportunity to "girls road trip" it to Atlanta and Chattanooga to go shopping! This lovely ritual has become annual, we love our girls getaway weekends! martinis, food that almost makes us sick it's so rich, swollen feet, hotel sheets, more drinks, wine tasting, exploring city nooks. oh what a blast!

[water fall from our hotel]

[wine tasting in the art district, bread that i should NOT eat, with an oil and cheese dipping sauce [even worse!], and lovely cakes from the Ikea food center!

[after a day of shopping]

[green life grocery in Chattanooga, similar to whole foods, lot's of yummy local foods!]

[IKEA! 5 hours LATER!]

[top deck pool and hotel view!]

[rachel roy. neiman marcus]

floating on the river.

2010-04-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

this past week we had a sweet Swedish lady around, we decided to float down the cumberland river in a beautiful canoe. this fellow bob dylan lover got to see all of downtown nashville! floating the river. oh what a wonderful day it was.

we worked up a huge appetite to make homemade pizza's!

then I tested out some fruit sweetened chocolate, oatmeal cookies. they turned out a little bit too crumbly, but nothing the peanut butter couldn't fix on my next batch.

also, here are some vegan nachos i made! turned out delicious!

update: the bus + wizard.

2010-04-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

the past few weeks the bus has changed alot! we've been very successful!
we've acquired a stove, kitchen and bathroom sink, a fridge, toilet [brand new, in the mail!], hardwood floors, insulation, and much more! we are starting to ponder up what color to paint the bus! oh the excitement makes me so happy!

every day there is new progress, it's so exciting! we are happy to show some pictures off!

[new fridge!]

[new gas stove!]

[some of these, the more awesome pictures were taken by: Mary Nell! what a great photographer!

new orleans

2010-04-13T07:48:00.001-07:00

this weekend robert and I went down to New Orleans for a mini-vaca/wedding; we enjoyed our get-away so much!

This weekend in New Orleans was the French Quarter Festival, it was so crazy down there, but so fun!

[even went to the beach for a day!]

[french quarter]

[LOVED all the houses! felt like we were in San Juan again!]

[the square]

[Cafe Du Monde]

[just a glimpse of the wedding]

[baby ruby sleeping!]

Over all this trip was great! We are headed back out this weekend to travel a bit more and we are so excited!

lemon bliss.

2010-04-06T16:45:00.001-07:00

the lemon's right now are so delicious. oozing with flavor. i'm delighted when I am able to incorporate fresh fruit in my baking.
yesterday it was a lemon cream cake and today I made vegan strawberry lemon cupcakes. topped with a lemon buttercream icing and a slice of a fresh strawberry! delectable! [i used almond milk, tapioca, and earth balance butter in place of the dairy/eggs!]

easter!

2010-04-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

so after an amazing weekend of riding mopeds and my hands covered in black grease, we had an easter celebration with my family! these pictures explain everything, from lounging outside, kickball at the park and plenty of food! we ate and drank all day long!

Enjoy and hope everyone's Easter was just as delightful!

My mother decorated the table and everything house, and she housed us all. Her house is beautiful!
My sweet sister Shannon made the scallop potatoes and she is modeling my Easter cupcakes
I made the Easter cupcakes.

all the rest of the food just showed up! haha.

dead peds, nashville tn.

2010-04-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend was EPIC. Nashville, aka Dead Peds had their first annual Moped Rally! It was amazing. Action packed with 60 mile rides out to the country, moonshine, a full throttled square dance, lot's of law's broken for sure. The weekend was overall amazing!

There was a reporter from the Tennessean there who was taking pictures of us and had interviewed a few people, so when it run's in the paper Ill be sure to take some photos!

[square dance at the Zombieshop]
[this awesome picture was taken by Mickey Bernal]

[i did not take these pictures below!]

[also, because i've neglected blogging all weekend, i will be posting another blog shortly about easter, many pictures included!]

strawberries + no bakes

2010-04-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

[strawberry cake, made yesterday! fresh strawberries, perfect for the weather here!]

this week the sun has begun to shine a constant radiance through my windows. it's only encouraged me to bake more and more.

recently i've been on a major no-bake cookie kick! the oats + chocolate + peanut butter combination hit the spot when i'm craving something sweet!

I've been replacing my original recipe with gluten free oats rather then regular ones, and honey rather then sugar.
I also replaced the peanut butter with almond butter, and I'm making sure i'm using 73% or higher chocolate for a dairy free treat, and almond milk to give it an extra nutty taste.

[no bake dough]

[no bake's stirring]

[using 73% dark cocoa, dairy free!]

on another note, i absolutely love these people! they were a vital part of me becoming a woman. this wonderful woman Christie and her husband Stephen sang at our wedding and they have been such a blessing to know. These three munchkins Jaydinn, Rayna and Finn, make Robert and I actually want to have kids. I love these people and every time Robert and I go to Kansas we make sure to spend a good chunk of time with them. I cannot wait to see them again soon!

on another side note, Robert and I have been making these fun recycled wood words. He's been cutting them out and I've been either staining or painting them. We've been using them as baby shower/wedding gifts. really fun and 100% recycled. Really fun. ok wait, the paint isn't, so 90% recycled!

That's all, more bites later! I have chocolate oatmeal ball's in the oven right now!

blueberries.

2010-03-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

yesterday I attempted to make my first ever "Blueberry Crisp!" It turned out great!
I experimented it on a group of people who I know pretty well and they all gave me the thumbs up!
The host of the dinner we presented the dessert at even homemade maple vanilla whipped cream! What a treat!

[people obviously loved it if there is non left right?]

This recipe had no refined sugar, no gluten and no dairy! my mouth and stomach were happy!
It's not fully perfected, but I'll share with you what I created!

filling:
3 pints of fresh, rinsed blueberries
2-3 tbl. of agave
juice from 1 lemon [optional]
3 tbl. of almond meal
4 tbl. unsweetened applesauce

the crisp:
3/4 c. of almond meal
1 c. unsweetened applesauce
1 c. of gluten free rolled oats
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
8 tbl. earth balance butter [or regular butter if you like!] cut into small pieces

oven: 400
grease a 9 X 13 baking pan.
combine all the filling ingredients and stir well.
in a mixer add the "crisp" ingredients and mix on low for about 30 seconds or until the butter is broken up.
mix until the crisp becomes crumbly. with some chuncks!
pour the filling into the pan and make sure it's even, then crumble the crisp on top

bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until done [it will be gooey and runny]
let cool. enjoy with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

On another note, this weekend is the Dead Ped's Moped Rally in Nashville. Robert and I are so excited! 3 full days of riding our sweet little mopeds all over Nashville with some amazing people!

[robert and I riding in Denver!]

[robert trying to comfort a sweet crying baby. love this picture!]

showers + louisville, ky.

2010-03-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I woke up and Robert helped me make some sweet little shortbreads for my lovely friend Christina's Bridal Shower. She is getting married in less then 2 months! It is so crazy! We are so happy for Christina and Byron!

Robert was so helpful with the cookies!

[all of Christina's Loot!]

[2 of the bridesmaids....]

[the beautiful bride and a maid of hers]

All of this happened yesterday, along with Robert's brilliant idea to spontaneously drive to Louisville, KY to buy a vintage brown propane stove for our bus! It's so petit and cute! It's a nice sunburst brown on the outside with a vintage blue inside. 3 burners, that's all i need on the bus! we made a fun trip out of it, and got to see good friends, and spend a lot of time in this amazing hotel! There was a art museum in it! what!?

21C

[an interesting take on politics displayed through a crazy video]

[eyes in the bathroom!]

[loved this Dylan picture]

all of the art was amazing. i loved these people captured.

[robert really enjoying the art, ha!]

[out door art]

[tiny people! all made of electronic insides!]

[21c has their own pomegranate limo! what?]

All together this was a fabulous weekend! Now to prepare for easter!

a weekend too busy to blog.

2010-03-29T19:18:00.001-07:00

oh my this past week[end] was so action-packed.
the warm weather is settling in and my summer-skin is starting to breathe! I am thrilled beyond belief!
Thursday my sweet niece Maiah came over to my house for dog walks, baking 101, exploring my favorite bakery and enjoying being family!

[Maiah and her blue cake!]

[Maiah's wonderful decorating skills! she is a natural]

[she even got to meet my sweet little friend, Gabe at whole foods!]

Then on Friday I through a huge birthday party for my wonderful husband, Robert who is now a mere 23 years old!
this year being his first birthday spent with me [last year he was out of town] I wanted to make it really special, so we had a Fiesta Potluck in our backyard. Oh it was so fun!

[wizard helped get the party together]

[margarita glasses, thanks to my sister Shannon]

[Ellis tradition decorations!]

The day before I gave robert a few of his birthday gifts [one being a flip video camera, so i'll be sure to post video's sometime!] and I also had to prepare margarita's to freeze over night and yummy enchiladas!

On Saturday we went to my parent's house for a fabulous meal and family birthday party! Robert got ton's of great gifts and he is so grateful to have a wonderful weekend, all about him! Thank you to both of our families!

bananas + babies + birthdays

2010-03-21T15:42:00.001-07:00

here are some pictures [some taken by my sister] from my mothers birthday!

[a lovely french style patio lunch]

[gifts and Ellis family decorations!]

Wild Ginger!

Friday my sister and I went shopping and got to enjoy the wonderful weather in Thomas' jeep with the top off!

Also, I am pleased to introduce one of my favorite babies ever:

Ellymae Wild Roberts!

Last week I bought a bunch of bananas, solely for them to brown and go bad so I could make my favorite banana bread!
Robert and I made this recipe up a while ago and it rarely makes it through one day without being completely eaten!
Gluten free, refined sugar free and dairy free Banana bread! It's still hot, yumm

a wonderful woman + dave bazan

2010-03-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my mother!
She is such a beautiful person.
Yesterday we celebrated her 59th birthday!
She doesn't look a year over 40 right?
She has aged wonderfully! I hope I have those genes.

In honor of my mother, I made a [what turned out to be] fabulous Flourless Chocolate cake. With 73% dark chocolate [meaning dairy free] and sweetened with just a few tablespoons of agave [making it refined sugar free!]

The birthday celebration was just great! The whole family together, a light afternoon brunch and dinner to follow at a fun asian place, Wild Ginger!

[my new polka dot dress even made an appearance!]

On wednesday night Robert and I got superb, on the stage seating at the Dave Bazan Show in Nashville!
A few good pictures from the dark venue.

[went to show with some sweet friends, Julia and Jesse Kevon!]

[the Headlights opened for him]

[my sweet niece Maiah on a cannon in down town Franklin!]

[wonderful bus progress]

thats all for now!

home sweet home.

2010-03-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

welcome to my home.
this post is devoted to my sweet little home in the historical district of East Nashville.

[new couch purchased this week: World Market]
[lovely trunk which doubles as a coffee table/ottoman]

[my reading nook- complete with a wonderful table/book holder that my sweet husband made out of an old window pane]

[Robert made me this adorable shelf last night for my fine China! I absolutely love it! We still need to stain it, but I could hardly wait to put it up!]

The following are some of my favorite Kitchen Decor:

[favorite kitchen item: Red Kitchen Aid Mixer! and some cookbooks- along with my own cookbook!]

[some wonderful wall decor]

[collection of old milk and soda bottles]

[Pritchard Wall of Polaroid Fame!]

[huge soy pomegranate candle in a wooden box, and some tea like candle holders I made]

[cute little kichen nook- i like collecting old chocolate tins as well!]

[mini bar]

[collection of old crystal decanters]

[sneak peak at our bed spread]

i love being home.
i love my home.

a bridal shower.

2010-03-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

yesterday my 2 sisters and I threw a beautiful shower for our future sister-in-law.
may 15th, my baby brother who is only 19 is getting married!

[josh with our momma]

the shower was great. fully stocked with fresh hydrangeas, pink tissue "flower balls", incredible food made by everyone, great music, fabulous spring shower apparel, and lot's of tears [mainly from me...?]

my sweet Oma [grandmother] here with the Bride-to-be! Isn't she GLOWING?

the food was fabulous!!!

and the table was just beautiful [mainly because of my very creative sister, Carah]

and this is just a sweet picture i took of our dog wizard today. so adorable.

thats all for now. more bites later!

weekend wolf down

2010-03-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

my weekend has once again been full of food. these pictures explain it all:

[took another stab at my gluten, refined sugar, and dairy free brownies. they didn't turn out as great as I would have liked but it's a process]

~

cupcakes

[these turned out just marveous! bridal shower cupcakes!]

~

robert and I made gluten free pizza last night. his: pesto/tomato/goats cheese/chicken. and mine: goats cheese/pinapple

then on another note: a few additions that we got this weekend:

[bunk beds in the "spare" room for bands/guest]

[matching Clarks!]

[we also bought a new couch and so we are selling this beautiful vintage couch!]

i think that's it for this beautiful morning. it's a bit chilly here today, perfect for a spring bridal shower [kinda?] fruit tea, spring cupcakes, chocolate dipped strawberries, the works! I am happy.

dinner parties.

2010-03-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

i think i will just gush about all the fabulous dinner parties i've been a part of this week.
on tuesday we invited 4 people over to indulge in some fish tacos, little did we know that word would get to 3 times that many people. somehow over the span for 5 hours I was able to feed 17 or 18, or i lost count how many people, with enough food for 6. ha. so wonderful! spicy fish and homemade salsa, avacados, corn tortillas hot off the press! it was fabulous!

so last night my friend Matthew King invited me and some people over to cook us up a fabulous meal! It was so great! complete with wine, beer, salad, hummus, fresh veggies, a what looked like a fabulous bacon/potato dish, some mushroom/bruschetta! It was great! [check out his great "Eat Me Nashville" website by clicking on his name!]

this week has been full of great food, and even greater friends! and tonight, to a fondue birthday party!

take it easy.

2010-03-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

what a relaxing weekend!
my weekend was filled with 3 lovely ladies, coffee, a beautiful farm, peaceful sleeps, alpacas, loving mommas, and pure joy!
my sweet friend Julia Kevon had a brilliant idea this past weekend! She invited me, along with 2 other women out to her families farm about an hour and 1/2 away just to relax, get out of the city, craft and eat! It was so needed for all of us!

Friday my morning started off right! Coffee and making chocolate ice cream sandwiches!

Then on Saturday around 5pm we all loaded up in the car and drove out to the farm in Bethpage, TN. It was so great!
I didn't take as many picture's as I would have liked, especially of the alpacas, but I did take a few! Julia's parents have the most adorable little pugs: Wendy and Wally!

[sarah + I really loved these little doggy's!] and we missed our dogs.

[the Miller's lovely house]

[Julia's Grandaddy is a painter, and an incredible one that. I especially liked his version of Japanese Art, truly magnificent!]

[Julia being so sweet]

[awesome coffee station Mrs. Miller has! it's legit]

all together a fabulous weekend. thanks ladies for making me feel loved.

alice in wonderland.

2010-03-10T07:44:00.001-08:00

I got the great privilege of going to a "before-showing" of Alice in Wonderland in 3D! It was so fabulous! Mrs. Rhodes took this picture of us 4.

Then this past weekend, when the movie came out Savannah Tea Room, where I often go to cook or just drink tea with some of my favorite ladies, they dressed up and there were colorful treats!

[lots of food! little fondant "Eat Me" raspberry cakes, chocolate dipped strawberries, chicken salad in tomatoes, oh the list goes on!]

[mad hatter, the white witch, the queen of hearts and alice!] great costumes eh?!

[in true character]

[the queen of hearts]

[sister's united]

[crazy mad hatter!]

[the peaceful white witch!]

it was a blast ladies! I enjoyed getting to take some fun pictures and munch on some magical treats!

more pears + french toast.

2010-03-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

pears: i love them. especially right now, they are just too perfect.

[some yummy organic pears]

[round 2 of the pear tart!]

this morning we had our dear friends Sarah + Josh Rhodes over and my sweet husband made French Toast!
Gluten, refined sugar, and dairy free! Was so delicious!

[adorable little vintage milk pourer i just got! love it!]

pritchards gluten, dairy and refined sugar free french toast!

6-8 pieces of Ezekiel bread
6 large organic, free range eggs
1/2 cup of almond milk
2 tsp. gluten-free vanilla
4-5 shakes of cinnamon [shakkke more if you like!]

mix eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamin in a shallow, wide dish or pan.
dip both sides of the bread into the egg mixture.
get a frying pan nice and hot and cook the toast on both sides until the egg is cooked completely.

enjoy with some Organic Agave!

lovely pears and bears.

2010-03-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

this weekend has been superb!
friday I received this adorable invitation to some of our dear friends Tim + Christens wedding in May, and I love the bears. these little hand made goodies are just too cute.

speaking of bears, this adorable man Bert is just huge and wonderful. he and wizard could be so in love..if they weren't both boy dogs...

friday I spent my day making this lovliest of lovelies "Pear Tart" it turned out so great!
no gluten, no refined sugar [only alternative, natural, un-refined!] no dairy and no eggs! and full of protein and pears!

[pre-bake]

[turned out better then I thought it would!]

then late Friday night my lovely husband came home! at 1am, within 9 hours he was up making me and my lady friends sugar free pancakes with sauted pears and espresso! oh what a charmer I have! making all the women jealous!

scones i made, they didnt turn out quite right, but I will have to perfect them eventually.

and this was my day today: writing a paper that is worth 25% of my final grade about optimum health, in food, organics, vitamins, nutrients, activity..all things for optimum health! good thing some Espresso was here to help :)

fully loaded.

2010-02-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

this week has been completely packed with commotion and mouth watering amusement!
I have had to make up for my husband being gone for weeks.
I had a major craving this week for cookies, just traditional chocolate chip cookies, but I thrive on eating what my body craves and needs to survive correctly, so I set myself up for a mission! gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and egg free chocolate chip cookies. I used 73% cocoa dark chocolate and after 3 expensive batches of dough, they finally turned out just fabulous!
another recipe for the cook book!

on tuesday night's we've got sort of a baby tradition going, dinner and Lost at mrs. Julia Kevon's abode. This week she was making burgers so I decided to once again, delve through my fridge and find what my tummy was craving! Curry it was!
I purchased an amazing white pineapple and I cut it up and juiced some of it, poured it into my Wok with some light coconut milk, and tons of curry and aromatic spices! Then I heated it up and let the flavors just amalgamate! the end production was just fabulous!

this week some friends from Italy ventured to Nashville! They are so sweet and they opened their cute little cottage in Florence for me! And they took care of me when I got and Italian virus...in august? He is a small Italian man with a big heart, Guido, and she is a full blooded american [which is very relevant when they are together!] I just absolutely loved being with them and I hope to see them again very soon.

they also brought heaps of really fabulous Italian chocolate! One of them being some "Pocket Coffee!" the energy of the chocolate + combined with the caffeine of the espresso = a really good afternoon lull snack! [for your pocket]

while on the subject of chocolate- this week I mastered some Vegan, Raw, Refined sugar, dairy and everything else free Chocolate Truffles! OH MY GOSH!

some very simple ingredients make for a really healthy snack!

some organic extra virgin coconut oil, and some raw cocoa nibs [both expensive ingredients but well worth it!]

grind up the cocoa nibs until they are really fine and then add some coconut oil and some organic raw agave! oh my gosh! I just added a teaspoon of agave for 8 truffles! Then scoop out balls and roll in dairy free raw cocoa powder, and place in the freezer for about 20 minutes! and wallllah!

This weekend I had the honor of spending it with my sister, Carah once again! We indulged in our weekly trip to whole foods and anthropologie [becoming more then weekly for me...yikes!] and thrift stores, new goodwill openings. [found this SWEET old couch!]

and of course food and drinks flooded our dreams! Saturday night we went down to the pub thats about 3-4 blocks from her house, McCreary's pub, live music on Saturday nights! So wonderful!

[lovely live Irish music at the pub]

[my beautiful sister Carah and favorite friend, Bailey Todd. love them]

This band, The Last Hope is still here and I am happy to have been able to feed and help them this weekend. I love these boys!

Just a lovely: Pear, Goats cheese, almond, lemon pepper dressing salad i made for lunch this week: I AM HOOKED ON PEARS right now!

this week i've been stuck inside my house with the crafty blues. I've been creating these little felt flowers for aprons, wall hangings, hair clips, old lady sweater pins, or anything really. All made from recycled ingredients! [minus the actual safety pins/clips...those are hard to find!]

food brigade.

2010-02-17T10:33:00.001-08:00

[healthy dinner with mrs. rhodes this week]

~

so here i am again.
eating more.
this week has been very full.
this week my Oma found an old published song book that was my uncle's, Jim/James Hendricks. He was married to my aunt and they were divorced before my aunt passed away but I am in awe of the beautiful songs he has written.

I am in so inspired!
He was one of the forerunners for the Legendary band, Mama's and the Papa's!

[the front of the song book]

[some pictures in the middle of the book- again, an old book]

Yesterday I came home to a package on my doorstep from my in-law's!

[i love packages!!!]

[some new baking stuff! I am so excited!]

on another note, some dear friends are in town today from Pittsburgh! I am pumped, i love these guys!

check out their music!

The Last Hope

lovelovelove

2010-02-15T06:33:00.000-08:00

this week has been crazy. Robert left town on thursday and although the extreme weather conditions he was able to set flight to north carolina. I am so proud of him. Although I was sad to see him slowly disappear after having to remove most of his clothing to pass through security, I am happy he is off on the road. We are getting so excited about this next season in our life. Almost 1 year married, no major things have come up, and we are more in love then ever.

We thought about Valentines this past week we decided to wait and have a date when he returns in a few weeks. So I drove to my families house and spent the lovey dovey holiday with my sister [whose manfriend lives in England and was unable to fly over for the un-celebrated in English holiday].

We did everything that most couples would do on valentines. Dinner and a movie, red wine, hot tub, hotel breakfast. Oh it was so romantic and I wouldn't have chosen any one else to spend it with but her. I am so happy I was her valentines. [she even got me flowers!]

[I woke up to flowers from my Dad :) ]

[beautiful flowers that I went and got for my sister Carah to wake up to- from her love James]

[we got these flowers for my sister in law Shannon from her husband Josh]

[day before valentines desserts at Whole Foods!]

[Chocolate fondue on Valentines day. Thank you Shannon]

[Every year my sister in law throws a Valentines Day party! We all drive out to their house and eat alot of food, play valentines pictionary and exchange gifts! it's a blast and a great way to spend valentines. in the presence of 10 people who love me the most :)]

[leaving robert at the airport]

[the day before robert left he made some fabulous almond meal gluten-free. sweetened with bananas and agave pancakes!]

[the night Robert left we made chicken sausage/shrimp [vegan sausage for me] spicy jambalaya, gluten free cornbread and edemame]

this is a small excerpt of a letter I received from my husband on valentines day. although he will hate me for sharing this, I just couldn't bear to hold in how sweet and charming he is. I love him.

"I am sorry I can not be with you today, but I hope that you can realize that, for me, every day is valentines day, when I'm with you.
I don't need a cheesy man made holiday in order to fall more in love with my wife.
Being away really does make me grow fonder to the one I love, the one who completes me, my better half ;)

We will have to do a date night once I return.
Picnics on our bed, those are the times that I remember most.
Bike rides with no cares."

[finally, when I stay at my parents house, this is my sweet chamber of sleep. I love it, so cozy]