Operation Co-operation

I have really wanted to buy more local and organic produce, especially after reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver a while back. My usual grocery store of choice is Central Market because they have such an assortment of fruits and vegetables - not to mention other tempting goodies. But once I started looking at where this beautiful produce was coming from, places like Colombia and New Zealand, I realized it was travelling much further than I thought!

Without going into all the whos and whats of food mileage and sustainable agriculture, let's just say that I was looking for another option. So when a friend of mine told me about the Health Source Organic Co-op, I got really excited! She and a friend were picking up at a location in Saginaw, but after looking on the website I saw there were many other locations - some even right down the street from my workplace!

I knew that my husband and I would not be able to finish off 15 - 30 pounds of local organic fruits and veggies every two weeks, so I asked my sister-in-law if she and her husband would be interested in going in with us. Fast-forward a few weeks to today, our very first pick-up! Here is the stash I came home with (to be divided between our two families, of course)...

What a rainbow of yumminess! I can definitely say Operation: Co-operation is a huge success. ;D

Weekly Wows!

This week workers started in on our detached garage! We have discovered that there are many quirks living in an older home, one of which is that part of our wooden garage was just built right into the dirt. Over time the wood has deteriorated and the structure has sunk into the ground, so it's looking, well, not so stable. (I am always worried I'll come out to my car in the morning to find it buried beneath a pile of garage parts!) It is quite ambitious to fix this problem - epecially without tearing everything down and starting over - which involves digging trenches, cutting the roof, using scaffolding to lift up the existing front half of the garage while a slab is poured and then new studs and siding are put in. There are just piles of wood and cinder blocks outside our garage right now, so there's nothing exciting to show. I'll post pics when they start "raising the roof" though - that should be interesting!

Friday night after Clay got home from a week in Madison, Wisconsin, we went to see the Sound of Music at Casa Manana.

This is one of my absolute favorite movies, so I was pretty sure I would love the musical - and I did! Little Gretel was heartwarming - especially her constant yawns (With a start time of 8:00, I have a feeling it was past her bedtime.)! Unfortunately, it was not a sing along production (that show is tonight), but I may or may not have sung along anyway! ;D

I had to work a volunteer training all day Saturday, so my dear, sweet Clay took it upon himself to tidy up the house while I was gone! It was so nice to come home after a long day to a clean house. I am such a lucky gal. :D

We got to have dinner with our good friends, the Allens, on Saturday night. After a scrumptious dinner at Charleston's, we came back to our house for dessert and a slideshow of our trip. (Clay and I can't resist a captive audience!) I tried out a new dessert called Crack Pie...

...and it was super-yum! You can find the recipe here. Sweet friends + sweet treats = a perfect evening.

This week marks the first day of fall, which is my very favorite season! I love the cooler weather, colorful pumpkins, cozy sweaters, and beautiful foliage. Apparently the weather in Texas has not quite gotten the memo that it's supposed to be cooler now, but that definitely won't stop me from pulling out the fall decorations. :D

What's wow-ing you this week?

Always. Sometimes. Never.

I ALWAYS...
plan out menus for the week before grocery shopping.
sing along with the radio (if I know the song).
send thank you notes - and postcards when I go on trips!
kiss my hubs goodnight.
enjoy reading and sharing good books.

I SOMETIMES...
floss before bed (trying to get better!).
bite my nails when I'm nervous (also trying to get better).
drink coffee in the morning.
let dirty dishes pile up in the sink. And maybe on the counter, too. :}
buy flowers for myself.

I NEVER...
watch scary movies (there's enough violence and gore in the world already, people!).
carry cash - so let all your mugger friends out there know!
can resist anything covered in sprinkles.
wear high heels. Ick.
can remember anything useful from college Spanish.

What about you - what do you always, sometimes, never? You should always share. ;D

Book Reports: A Gift, A Diary, and A Know-It-All

One of my very favorite things about vacation is the opportunity to read more. With two intercontinental flights and an infinite number of train rides, I knew there would be LOTS of time to read on our recent trip. I'd like to review three books - two that I read and one that Clay read (and I started). They were all very different, but enjoyable in their own way.

Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

I knew going into it that this would be a lighter, more fun read - nothing mind-bending or philosophical here. The writing style was generally good, with the exception of all the nicknames the author gave to her characters, names like "Mrs. X" and "HH." Also the nanny in the story was actually named Nanny! It took me a while to get that all straight. (Look, I was on vacation and didn't want to think so hard!)

Now I realize this book was fictional - though based on personal experiences - but there were some things the nanny had to endure that I just couldn't believe! It was especially interesting to watch a real-life family and their nanny on our flight from Madrid to Athens and wonder just how true the story was. (The kids were brats, that's for sure!)

The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok

I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I accidentally picked up the wrong book at Half Price when I was scouting for vacay reads. A friend had recommended two of Potok's books, one of which was My Name is Asher Lev...and apparently I just wasn't paying attention until I pulled it out of the suitcase and realized I had the wrong book. Not to worry! It was still a fascinating story. The writing was exquisite, describing the humdrum things of life in an incredible way. It also talks about a community of Ladover Hasidic Jews and the dynamics there. Although this particular sect is ficticious, it is based on a real-life group and so it was interesting to pick up bits and pieces about their belief system.

The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs

This book was purchased specifically for my husband's reading pleasure. The author of this book, A.J. Jacobs, decided to read through all 30-something volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica, which is something my husband would totally do. (He is, after all, a know-it-all.) It was quite funny to hear Clay laughing out loud at various entries, sometimes so much so he would have to put down the book until he could regain composure! Needless to say, Clay was quite appreciative of my book choice. :D

Next on the list: Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan. That is, unless my fine readers have something else to recommend!

Europe Trip!

So my husband and I went on a trip. We saw...

Istanbul

Mykonos

Patmos

Ephesus

Rhodes

Santorini

Corinth

Mycenae

Nafplio

Athens

Bucharest

Budapest

Bratislava

Vienna

and Prague!

(If you'd like to see more photos, you can view them here.)

We had a wonderful time seeing the sights, experiencing new cultures, and being with each other 24/7! Funny stories from our trip to come soon. Now on to our next adventure! ;D

A Brief Guide to World Domination

One of my lifelong goals has been to dominate the world. Just kidding! But seriously...

You may be wondering exactly how I chose this topic for a blog post. Perhaps I'm feeling rather confident after our recent overzealous overseas trip (try saying THAT three times fast!). Maybe the jet lag has gone to my head. Or just maybe I'm recalling the days in elementary school when I seriously planned to become first woman President of the United States. (That's pretty darn close to world domination, right?)

Or maybe I stumbled across something incredibly wonderfully non-conformist as I was catching up on my blogs. :D

This evening I found myself reading the manifesto of one Chris Guillebeau, who penned said Guide to World Domination - and I just had to share it with you! He explores on the idea that you don't have to live your life the way other people expect you to. This is a HUGE reminder for me because I am a people pleaser, big time. I mean, it makes sense when you think about it - why should you succumb to the monotony that the masses preach? He includes some pretty incredible exercises in the short "report" which help you to identify exactly how to go about living your own life which may or may not include conquering the world. And although he doesn't mention God or faith, I think it definitely plays into the fact that our Creator has made us to do great and exciting things - if we will only take the risk.

These ideas have developed into a recently-released book called The Art of Non-Conformity, which I have already added to my Amazon wishlist. (hint hint)

Interesting Side Note: Chris is attempting to travel to every country in the world (according to his list, there are 198 total) by the time he turns 35. He documents many fascinating things on his journeys, which you can read about here.

So, dear readers, what will you be dominating? Here shortly, I will be staking my claim to the bed and hopefully beat my husband to it. ;D

Home Again, Home Again - Jiggity Jig

You know, it's funny the things that you miss when you're away from home. Things like your very own pillow, the shampoo you regularly use (instead of the kind that comes in travel size), the ability to read a menu or a street sign, knowing for sure when someone is talking to you (or when they aren't), and food whose ingredients you are actually familiar with. And of course, keeping up on my blog list!

Ten countries and 17 days later, we have finally returned home from our wonderful vacation! It was quite an amazing and exhausting trip, which I hope to share with you soon. (I do have over 2000 pictures to go through, after all!) Clay and I are so fortunate to share this trip to the other side of the world, but we sure are glad to be home. :D

Rich-Craft: Tag Blankies

Last week I made a trip to the Cabbage Rose - and managed to make it out without spending a fortune on irresistibly cute fabrics! So on Saturday afternoon, I was looking at my cute purchases and feeling rather crafty... and what better to cure the craft itch than making some adorable tag blankies?! (This is yet another genius project from Lotta Jansdotter's book Simple Sewing for Baby.)

The backside of these blankies is this amazingly soft fabric called "minky" - which I wish I would make all of my clothes out of. It is SO soft!

I made three of these cute little guys all in an afternoon's time! Now to find them a happy home... ;D

Sister Date!

This afternoon Rachel and I went on a "sister date"...

lunch at McAlester's Deli

pedicures

and catching the new movie Eat Pray Love.

We had such a good time chatting, admiring our pretty toes,
and wishing we were in Bali like Liz!

Thanks, Rach, for a fun time this afternoon. :D

I Dare You

In my search for the perfect read for our upcoming trip (so many choices!), one link led to another and I ended up on YouTube watching this video essay by author Kelly Corrigan.

[Watch it. Now.]

The truth of her words struck me between the eyeballs: How many times do I undermine my own talents and abilities because I am overly self-conscious? What would I be able to do if I threw caution to the wind, if I took my dreams seriously, if I wore leg warmers whenever I felt like it? I mean, really - who cares what other people think?

Take hold of your dreams today, bright readers! I dare you. :D

Weekly Wows!

It has been so stinkin’ hot the past few days. When Clay and I got into his car after yoga on Monday night at 9:00pm, the thermometer read 112 degrees! Let me just say I am not a fan of this heat wave.

Every Tuesday I go to lunch with some of my coworkers, and yesterday we went to Ellerbe Fine Foods. (We usually try to pick a place off the beaten path, but this week we decided to go to the other extreme. :D) I’ve been dying to try it ever since it opened last fall. Let me tell you, IT WAS AMAZING! I had the BBT sandwich from their lunch menu - crispy bacon between two juicy slices of fresh tomato with a creamy-yet-peppery dressing and basil leaves on thick hunks of brioche with a side of arugula. I seriously thought I had died and gone to heaven!

Then we had my very favorite salad for dinner last night: strawberry spinach salad with chicken.  Clay even got excited about it! I mean, how can you NOT love a big 'ole bowl of this?

It is super-simple, and you can find the recipe here. :D

Today I stopped at Target on my way home from work and overheard a little girl throwing the world's BIGGEST temper tantrum. She was screaming to get out of the shopping cart, trying to reason with her mother that somehow it was hurting her not to be running around the store knocking over displays. I could even hear her two sections over! Let's just say that cured any baby fever I may or may not have been having.

I can’t believe that exactly two weeks from today we will be on a plane to Greece! We have been planning this trip since January, and I am so ready for it to be here. (I even have a countdown on my desk at work. :D) Because our trip is getting so close, I am already beginning to pack (yes, I’m one of those). My goal is for us to get everything we’ll need for two and a half weeks into these:

A little ambitious, I know. But if Rick Steve’s can do it, so can we!

Hope you’ve had a wow-ser of a Wednesday! :D

Another Giveaway!

Again, not by me but by the brains behind Fabulous K Creative! She is giving away a $50 credit for some oh-so-fabulous Stella & Dot jewelry. Just peruse their site here and you'll see what I mean. :D

You have until Friday to get in on the action - so head on over and get yourself entered! And while you're there, you can check out the newly re-launched Fabulous K site. FABULOUS!

I Scream For Ice Cream

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? Not that you need another excuse to eat ice cream...or do you?! :D

In honor of this momentous occasion (enjoying a big bowl of the creamy stuff is an occasion in and of itself), I have decided to share with you my very favorite recipe for the simplest, easiest, tastiest Oreo ice cream. My husband Clay wholeheartedly agrees. After all, he and the ice cream maker are like this:

Oreo Ice Cream

2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy cream (I die)
1 cup milk
1/2 package Oreo cookies, crumbled

After eating a few pieces, stick crumbled Oreos in the fridge. :D Meanwhile, whisk eggs together in a mixing bowl for about a minute until light and fluffy. Add the sugar a little at a time until dissolved, then continue whisking another minute. (Talk about an arm workout!) Pour in cream and milk, again whisking to blend. Pour into prepared ice cream maker and follow manufacturer's instructions. During the last two minutes of the cycle, add half to 3/4 of the crumbled Oreos. After transferring to a storage container (not that it will be there very long!), sprinkle remaining Oreos over the top. Yum.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Do you prefer homemade or store-bought? Please share the scoop on what you're scooping. :D

It's a Giveaway!

Not by me, but by the talented Ashley at Snowbird Design! (She did some amazingly cute invitations for Erin’s baby shower, which you can see here.)

She’s giving away a free print-yourself design, which you could use for snazzy shower invites, baby announcements, or maybe just a postcard to your friends to remind them how cool you are. :D

So head on over to Snowbird and get yourself entered!

How to Glue Things to Other Things

Have you ever wanted to glue two things together but just couldn't decide what type of adhesive to use? Well, my friends - fret no more! This to That is a site that allows you to search based on the materials you're using and gives you the perfect glue for the job. Brilliant!

Because people (like me!) have a need to glue things to other things. :D

Baby Shower

Yesterday some friends and I hosted a baby shower for my friend Erin and her baby girl due at the end of August. Here are a few snapshots of the fun... :D

Pretty friends. :D

Yummy petit fours from McKinley's Bakery!

Adorable sock bouquet - by Stephanie, of course!

Jared and Erin opening gifts...

...and more gifts!

Beautiful personalized board, hand-painted by my cousin-in-law Laura.

The baby's name spelled out in cute block letters by Stephanie and Lindsay.

A blessing jar to hold wishes from each person who attended the shower. What a great idea!

The lovely hostesses - and their little helper. :D

What fun to help the Halls welcome their new little one!

Oregon Trail

This past weekend I was able to go to my friend Jaci’s wedding in rural Oregon. I had never been to Oregon before – and it was beautiful! As our little puddle-jumper of a plane flew into the Medford Airport, I thought to myself, “Why in the world did Jaci ever come to Texas?!” (No offense, Texas. You are a pretty state in your own way.) And not only was the landscape beautiful, but the weather was too! I think the high on Sunday was 82 – with a low in the 50s. :D

Jaci got married at a quaint little lodge in Applegate, an area surrounded by lush hillsides and welcoming vineyards punctuated by glassy rivers and streams. We had a little time to squeeze in a wine tasting before putting up decorations…

If you’re ever in the Applegate area, the Longsword Vineyard offers a lovely complimentary tasting. (The sparkling Chardonnay is best.) The patio is adjacent to a landing zone, so we got to watch several paragliders launch from the mountains in the distance and eventually float their way to the field in front of us. So cool!

There was just enough time to hang the pom poms and lanterns (which have now been in three of the roommate’s weddings!) and set the rest of the décor before getting ready. And Erin of EE Photography was there to capture each exquisite detail! We even had some fun writing their names in sparklers after the send-off. :D I can’t wait to see how the pictures turn out.

Jaci’s wedding was absolutely wonderful. She was a beautiful bride and I’m glad I got to share in her special day! Many wishes for a happy honeymoon and a joyous life together.

Why I Don't Appreciate Membership Appreciation Day

When I came to work out yesterday, I was unpleasantly surprised by the swarm of people at the check-in desk. Yesterday, it turns out, was Member Appreciation Day - AND they advertised a free workout (which would probably explain why there was a gentleman in kickboxing class wearing jeans and Birkenstocks. I’m still amazed his shoes didn’t fly off during each set of roundhouse kicks.)

The gym I go to hosts such an Appreciation Day once a month. As of yet, I have not been able to figure out which day so as to avoid the gym at all costs. You see, Member Appreciation Day should be a good thing. But it’s not.

On Appreciation Day, the gym is always packed with vendors – local salons or banks, dentists or chiropractors, salesmen peddling those protein shakes and power bars, area businesses trying to drum up more traffic. The gym is laid out such that there is barely enough room for two people to pass in front of the cycling machines. So what happens when you add an 8-foot table and pushy salespeople? A traffic jam. Yuck.

On Appreciation Day, it seems as though everyone who hasn’t been using their membership decides to come back and workout – at the same time. This means the classes are more crowded, the machines are mostly full, and there’s a waiting line for the ellipticals! It’s not that I don’t like people, I promise. It’s just that when you’re all sweaty (and probably smelly) and everyone else is too, the last thing you want to be is up close and personal with anyone around you. Besides, I like myself some generous personal space.

The bottom line is that I don’t feel appreciated on Member Appreciation Day. Give me a free bottle of water. Start offering towel service. Continue to keep the gym clean and well-maintained. Hire instructors that actually show up on time for class. Offer me a free month of membership. These are the types of things that will keep me coming back. Pack the gym with pushy salespeople and newbies who hog the machines? You might as well push me out the door.

The Missing Piece

Don't you just hate it when your [insert critical mechanism] of your [insert favorite kitchen appliance] breaks?! I know I do.

It wasn't until recently that I needed to purchase 1.) a replacement lid for our Cuisinart SmartStick Blender (apparently you can't fit 2 cups of frozen fruit inside and hope the blade will turn), and 2.) a replacement cup for our KitchenAid Mini Pulse Grinder (too many batches of Oreo balls, I guess!). I moped around the house for a while, fondly remembering the good 'ole days and dreading the smoothie- and Oreo ball-less months that stretched out ahead. Blech.

But then I remembered the existence of a website called CulinaryParts.com! (This is probably the most important thing I learned while working at Williams-Sonoma.) They sell replacement parts for dozens of kitchen appliances - which meant that my dejected little appliances had a second chance!

The site is super-easy to navigate. Once you click on the "Parts & Accessories" link at the top of the page, you'll see a list of all the brands they carry - KitchenAid, Breville, Krups, and the like. You simply click on the manufacturer name, then by the type of appliance, and finally by the item number (most of the time this is written somewhere on the actual machine). A little less than a week later, my SmartStick Blender and Pulse Grinder are back in business!

With shipping and everything, it was about $30 for my two parts. My husband pointed out that I could have purchased an entire new Pulse Grinder for this price, and I won't disagree that it was a little more than I wanted to spend. I just feel wierd about throwing out an appliance that is 95% functional, especially when it can be fixed, okay? Besides, I think for more expensive appliances, like food processors or bread makers or espresso machines (none of which I own), the cost of a replacement part is probably justified.

Now if only they could create a website to buy replacements for those pesky missing puzzle pieces...

You'll Never Guess...

...what Clay went out and bought last Saturday!

Here's a hint:

This little red Honda scooter is all ours! We even got matching white helmets. :D

Clay was so excited to drive it home (and I was so terrified) and even more excited to show it off to his family and friends. Needless to say, we will be getting LOTS of practice on this thing before our trip!