I love when a new recipe from a magazine, cookbook, or somewhere online actually turns out to not only be good--but to be a keeper to include in my recipe collection for years to come. (We've tried a few in the last few months that don't even come close to being keepers...how did they make it in the cookbook to begin with?!)
I made a keeper just yesterday. I've been into varieties of stir-fry lately, and one day want to check out a book from the library that will teach me about what to do with all those fun oils and vinegars (like sesame and peanut oils, rice vinegar, etc.). Eventually, I hope to be able to make all sorts of varieties without referring to a recipe.
A couple of months ago we finally picked up one of those $5 woks from IKEA. Best five bucks we ever spent. A wok really makes a difference on the texture of the veggies in the stir-fry. If you like stir-fry and don't own a wok, you should. IKEA, baby. $5.
So, the recipe I made is called Sweet & Nutty Stir-Fry from the American Heart Association (there's a photo on that link). It's sweet at first bite, but then the tangy spicy-ness quickly comes and it is yummy!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Month of Love: I Heart My Job
Repeat after me: "I love my job."
I love my job. I love my job. I love my job.
That's what I have to keep telling myself lately. There's a lot on my plate at work right now, and I can't seem to whittle it down. I don't realize it's stressful until I find myself tossing and turning at night and having dreams about missing appointments, like my interview on the radio, or getting in front of a group of people with nothing--no thoughts, no notes, nothing--prepared. Just dreams, just dreams. {Breathe in....breathe out. Inhale....exhale...}
But really, I do love my job. It's flexible. It makes me think. It pushes my comfort zone at times. It gives me multiple chances to do what I have a passion for (on many levels). I love it.
And I can't wait for this crazy month at work to be over. IlovemyjobIlovemyjobIlovemyjob...
I love my job. I love my job. I love my job.
That's what I have to keep telling myself lately. There's a lot on my plate at work right now, and I can't seem to whittle it down. I don't realize it's stressful until I find myself tossing and turning at night and having dreams about missing appointments, like my interview on the radio, or getting in front of a group of people with nothing--no thoughts, no notes, nothing--prepared. Just dreams, just dreams. {Breathe in....breathe out. Inhale....exhale...}
But really, I do love my job. It's flexible. It makes me think. It pushes my comfort zone at times. It gives me multiple chances to do what I have a passion for (on many levels). I love it.
And I can't wait for this crazy month at work to be over. IlovemyjobIlovemyjobIlovemyjob...
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Month of Love: Solo Quiet Time
I went straight from living with my parents to college with roommates to being married. The first time I ever lived in my own place with no other resident was on our little three-semester excursion apart from each other as we both worked on our master's degrees and as I started my first "real" job.
Of course I missed Sam. But I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed living on my own. The apartment was almost always clean, and if it wasn't--it was my own fault. I could make and eat whatever I wanted, when I wanted. I could come and go as I pleased. It was nice!
One of my favorite parts was the time after work and dinner before bed. I'd curl up on the couch with a book (which, for the first time in many semesters, was not a textbook) and read and read.
Now, I only rarely get that lovely alone time with the couch and a good book. Usually it's after Winston's gone to sleep for the evening and Sam is camping or fishing. Since it is so sparse, it is even more treasured.
Of course I missed Sam. But I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed living on my own. The apartment was almost always clean, and if it wasn't--it was my own fault. I could make and eat whatever I wanted, when I wanted. I could come and go as I pleased. It was nice!
One of my favorite parts was the time after work and dinner before bed. I'd curl up on the couch with a book (which, for the first time in many semesters, was not a textbook) and read and read.Now, I only rarely get that lovely alone time with the couch and a good book. Usually it's after Winston's gone to sleep for the evening and Sam is camping or fishing. Since it is so sparse, it is even more treasured.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Month of Love: A Clean House Loves Me
I love having a clean house. And since it happens more frequently when the stress level is low in my life, I think the house likes me, too, when it's clean.
I'm always looking for ways to reduce the presence or look of clutter. After boxing away the Christmas tree and decor, I moved our living room furniture around a few times trying to find a better way to make it look more open, more balanced, and less clutter-full.
The solution was the empty bookshelf that was hanging out in the spare room downstairs. I brought it up and re-sorted some of the baskets from Winston's changing table and viola! I had a place to put the clutter that usually just planted itself on the kitchen table. Things like the iPod cords, laptop charger cords, books we're currently reading, and other odds and ends.
I also love a clean (meaning empty) kitchen sink. After almost 6 years of marriage, Sam has gotten used to my complaining about dirty dishes filled with water sitting in the sink. Rinse, scrub, and place in dishwasher (or on counter if dishwasher is full or clean).
I love my (usually, though not ALWAYS, of course) clean house.
I'm always looking for ways to reduce the presence or look of clutter. After boxing away the Christmas tree and decor, I moved our living room furniture around a few times trying to find a better way to make it look more open, more balanced, and less clutter-full.
The solution was the empty bookshelf that was hanging out in the spare room downstairs. I brought it up and re-sorted some of the baskets from Winston's changing table and viola! I had a place to put the clutter that usually just planted itself on the kitchen table. Things like the iPod cords, laptop charger cords, books we're currently reading, and other odds and ends.
I also love a clean (meaning empty) kitchen sink. After almost 6 years of marriage, Sam has gotten used to my complaining about dirty dishes filled with water sitting in the sink. Rinse, scrub, and place in dishwasher (or on counter if dishwasher is full or clean).
I love my (usually, though not ALWAYS, of course) clean house.
Poor Little One: The Case of the Burned Paw
Poor little Winston reached up and touched the stove after I had popped some stove-top popcorn.
After playing in a sink full of cold, cold water with toys, he ate popcorn and watched some movies of him and his cousins for a little while. Then he started screaming and touching his little hand.
I looked more closely at it, then consulted my trusty Baby 411 book about what else I could do to ease the burn pain. It said to take him to the doctor if it looked like it did. I called my mom, who is also a nurse, to see if I really needed to take him in--I didn't want to overreact. She said I should.
Now, he's lathered in cream and bandaged like a little mitten. With 1st and 2nd degree burns, and without his Papa (he was camping last night), Winston's been a good sport.
What gets me the most, is that a few minutes before he did it, I was thinking about the time my little niece reached up and grabbed the curling iron. I was wondering when/if Winston would ever do something like that. I'm always so careful to push the curling iron away, or make sure he is away from hot things. But, he's getting taller, and more and more curious...
After playing in a sink full of cold, cold water with toys, he ate popcorn and watched some movies of him and his cousins for a little while. Then he started screaming and touching his little hand.
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| He only looks mad because he wants the camera...his hand hasn't bothered him at all today. |
I looked more closely at it, then consulted my trusty Baby 411 book about what else I could do to ease the burn pain. It said to take him to the doctor if it looked like it did. I called my mom, who is also a nurse, to see if I really needed to take him in--I didn't want to overreact. She said I should.
 |
| He just pointed to this photo on the blog and said, "ow-ee. Oww-ee. Oww-ee." |
Now, he's lathered in cream and bandaged like a little mitten. With 1st and 2nd degree burns, and without his Papa (he was camping last night), Winston's been a good sport.
What gets me the most, is that a few minutes before he did it, I was thinking about the time my little niece reached up and grabbed the curling iron. I was wondering when/if Winston would ever do something like that. I'm always so careful to push the curling iron away, or make sure he is away from hot things. But, he's getting taller, and more and more curious...
Friday, February 4, 2011
Month of Love: I Love This Song
The video isn't really super awesome, but I do love the song.
It makes me want to sing at the top of my lungs, right along with her. And I usually do.
I love the emotion in her voice (she shows it well in the video, too), and the way the song builds. And I like that it's not the typical song you hear on the radio.
It makes me want to sing at the top of my lungs, right along with her. And I usually do.
I love the emotion in her voice (she shows it well in the video, too), and the way the song builds. And I like that it's not the typical song you hear on the radio.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Month of Love: I Love Yoga
There are a few things I look forward to every morning: 1) getting back in bed in roughly 15-16 hours, 2) eating breakfast, and 3) practicing yoga.
I love how long and lean I feel after a good few minutes of yoga. I reach and stretch so much I really think I'm taller. And thinner. And that feels great. And then I find myself out of breath from the movements. And the next day I'm sore from working and building muscles. I love those feelings. And I get them every time I do yoga.
I think Winston must like it, too. He always giggles when he sees me do it. And then he tackles me, or shoves his face right up against mine when I get into downward dog. It's hilarious, and I can never seem to firmly tell him to leave me alone so I can finish; it's just too cute! We just wrestle and laugh.
He's picked up on some yoga, too.
I love how long and lean I feel after a good few minutes of yoga. I reach and stretch so much I really think I'm taller. And thinner. And that feels great. And then I find myself out of breath from the movements. And the next day I'm sore from working and building muscles. I love those feelings. And I get them every time I do yoga.
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| I know it looks like me (haha!), but really it's just an image I googled. :) |
I think Winston must like it, too. He always giggles when he sees me do it. And then he tackles me, or shoves his face right up against mine when I get into downward dog. It's hilarious, and I can never seem to firmly tell him to leave me alone so I can finish; it's just too cute! We just wrestle and laugh.
He's picked up on some yoga, too.
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