high five for friday!

Happy Friday! Is it Thanksgiving yet? These past two months have been SO busy! Lucky for us it’s Friday, it’s the weekend and despite that it’s currently snowing it’s going to be 60 and sunny tomorrow! Linking up again today. Have a great weekend!

1. This made me laugh so hard. When I was driving home from work I asked Siri if the Sox won game 3. She responded quite accurately. They did in fact narrowly defeat the Tigers. Kind of like last night too…

2. First October snow this year! Well, not really, I was traveling for the last one so this is the first snow I’ve seen. It’s so pretty when the leaves are colored and they’re dusted with snow.

3. We checked out the casinos for the first time here in CO. We had a blast and came home in the black!

4. My company hosted their first ever Volunteer Day. I spent nearly 8 hours (was supposed to leave after 4 but I love volunteering!) at the local Ronald McDonald House. We cleaned and organized the entire house, top to bottom. We cooked lunch and dinner for all the residents and then we got to sit down and chat with them too. This was one of the chili’s we  made – the veggie one. It was a huge hit on a cool October night. It’s amazing how you really don’t know what goes on behind the scenes in people’s lives.

I never really knew the mission of the Ronald McDonald Houses until volunteering there last year. People of all financial statuses and situations stay there. The one thing I always think about was an interaction I had with a woman who I met last year. She was visibly not struggling financially, and she was transparent about that. So I asked her what it is that brings her back here every time her daughter is hospitalized and she said the sense of community; the people like us that interact with them; the fact that they never have to think about their next meal or a place to stay. That they can focus 100% of their energy on their daughter, who needs it most. I love that the Houses are open to everyone, whether you have the money to stay elsewhere or not. That one woman I spoke with for so long did share with me that she and her husband donate regularly to the house because of all they’ve done for her family. It’s just really great. I love it there and since it’s only 5 blocks from our house I’m hoping to make it a regular activity of volunteering our time there. That was a very long blurb about vegetarian chili.

5. This was our ride back from the casino earlier this week. Sometimes I feel like I’m on a roller coaster when we’re coming down the mountains. Other times I feel like I’m going to vomit. So, I guess that’s still similar to the roller coaster. Anyway, there’s always the greatest views and I feel like every time we see something different. This time we saw a few deer just grazing on the side of the road!

Have a GREAT weekend guys!

giving new life to clothing with dye!

I’ve shared my dyed jeans before (which I still get SO many compliments on) and I’m still loving the idea of dyeing clothes. Especially if it gives new life to items. My mom gave me this Land’s End jacket in the spring. I really love it and it’s been a great light jacket for Colorado. However, it was white and I took it backpacking this summer. It poured, I threw it in the truck and muddy dogs and gear were all over it. I just figured it would come clean and it didn’t.

I washed it, stain treated it, oxy cleaned it and nothing would take out the stains. But it was still a perfectly fine jacket except for the stains. Not wanting to toss it I decided to try dyeing it. The worst that could happen was that it didn’t work and I had to toss it anyway.

I grabbed a box of black Rit Dye for two bucks or so. Following the instructions on the package I dyed my jacket. Some fabrics don’t hold the dye as well and this was one of those fabrics, so it turned out light grey. However, it stilled covered all the mud stains and looks like a perfectly fine jacket. You can’t even tell the stains were there. I’m just psyched to still be able to wear the jacket. I might try dyeing it again to see if I can get it a bit darker, but for now it’s fine. Enter awkward, touristy photo.

I have another great dye project up my sleeve that I can’t wait to try. Will share afterwards!

almond pulp dessert bars

As I mentioned in my post about almond milk, I just couldn’t stand to waste the almond pulp that was left over after making the milk. I did some research on different recipes (and an awesome reader shared a recipe for crackers that I’m definitely trying next!) and finally decided on one.

I was totally skeptical. We both were, since they looked like mushy mushed up mush when I was making them. Turns out they’re amazing. Like, tastes like dessert but is super healthy and amazing. I found the recipe here. They were so easy to make and I plan to make them often. We keep ours frozen because, as stated above, they are very mushy if not. And they taste more like dessert when frozen.

Ingredients

• Leftover pulp from almond milk
• ½ cup shredded coconut (I used unsweetened)
• ½ cup nut butter (I used peanut butter)
• ¼ cup sweetener (I used {real} maple syrup. You can also use honey or agave)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate)

Method

Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Grease a casserole dish (I didn’t and really wished I did!) and pour the mixture into it. Place in the freezer until firm.

Remove and let thaw enough to cut. Once cut wrap individually in wax paper and place back in freezer. Don’t break a tooth when attempting to bite one. Let it thaw for a minute, but not too long or you’ll have the mush problem. Enjoy! They’re so delicious!

homemade almond milk

I really just stumbled upon my adventures in almond milk making. It was not planned. I had a recipe for granola bars that I was making for Al and I needed almond milk. I didn’t have it on hand, but I had almonds. So I made my own. Anything to avoid the grocery store. Almond milk is also really good for me with my stomach issues. Can be more easily tolerated than cows milk, so I figured it was a win-win.

Anyway, it’s so easy to make and when made at home doesn’t have any additives and has a whole lot less sugar in it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almonds
• water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• maple syrup

Method

Add almonds to a quart sized mason jar or large bowl. Fill the jar to the top with water, or add 3-4 cups of water to the bowl. Cover and let soak overnight, 8-12 hours.

This softens the almonds to make them easier to blend.

Drain and rinse almonds and add to a blender. Add two cups of water and blend until smooth.

Add an additional 2-4 cups of water — I added about three because my blender couldn’t hold anymore! Add in vanilla and however much maple syrup you want. I added about a half tablespoon. Blend again for a minute or so, until all is mixed well.

Your patience comes in here. To strain the pulp out you can either use a sieve, cheesecloth or coffee filters. I only had coffee filters so I used those.

Though, I’ll be investing in a sieve. I secured the coffee filter to a mason jar with a rubber band. I would pour a little of the almond milk in and wait. A long while, for it to strain. After about 3-4 times I would have to scoop the pulp out of the filter. I only had one filter break, so not bad. And when I say patience, I mean hours of patience. Which is why I’ll be buying a sieve!

Once completely strained, cover and label with the date. The almond milk will last for about 4-5 days in the fridge.

But, you know me, and it doesn’t end there. I couldn’t stand to waste all the almond pulp, after all, it was just ground up almonds. So stay tuned for how I used that!

high five for friday!

Hey guys – what’s new and good? I can honestly say that this weekend is going to be full of sleep, exercise, sleep, projects, sleep and relaxation. I’m looking forward to a weekend home and doing some things I’ve been putting off. It’s been a wild four weeks of nearly 80 hour work weeks for me, loads of travel and not a whole lot of sleep. I hit the road again next week and as psyched as I am to be back in Boston for a second time, I’m totally pooped!

What are your weekend plans? Travel? Fun? Apple picking?! Linking up again today. Enjoy!

1. Ya know, in case you haven’t already seen the two blog posts, four Instagram photos, FB updates, etc. this guy had a big birthday this week! We celebrated with a delicious dinner downtown. And of all the posts of this photo not one person mentioned the THREE glasses of wine in front of me. It was the sampler, but they just gave me three, nearly full, glasses. They won my business, I’ll be back there.

2. Early morning flight out of Boston. We had the greatest time. I can’t wait to go back next weekend when there will be less chaos and more time for me to spend with the fam.

3. Normal, right? We don’t have Trader Joe’s here in CO so naturally I went and bought nearly 10 pounds of assorted nuts and snacks and then brought them back with me. They’re all for Al since I can’t eat them, but man was  I stocked when I got through security and they didn’t question my need for 10 pounds of nuts.

4. We just made it to 2013! We got cable last night. And in true, I’m excited to have more than three channels fashion, with a mouth stuffed with brown rice pasta last night I attempted to say “we’re about to have HGTV.” Only it sounds like a drunk mumble. I think Al still knew what I said. #hgtvforlife.

5. Back at it. Went for an early morning run this morning. It felt so good, so therapeutic. It was cloudy and grey and misty and it felt so perfect. I’m trying hard to find make the time for more running. Although, #4 above likely won’t help my case…

Have a GREAT weekend guys!

mustache themed 30th birthday party

As I mentioned on Monday we had a great mustache themed party for Al’s 30^th over the weekend. We kept it simple, didn’t want to overdo it and wanted to keep things budget friendly – as in not spending a fortune on decor.

Much of what we used I made and a few other things were ordered. The color scheme was a deep red, black and light gray.  Below are a few tutorials of what I made. All can be customized based on whatever the theme of the party is. I spent around $15 for all the items listed below. Not bad!

Hanging Banner:

I made a simple banner using scrapbook paper, which I got on sale, 6 sheets/$1. I bought 12 sheets – six red and six of the black and white patterned.  I cut the red sheets of paper to 8.5×11” to fit in my printer. I then printed the letters on it and simply cut them out.

I cut all the triangles out of the patterned paper and hot glued the letters on them. Using PicMonkey (my favorite online photo editor) I doctored up a photo of Al by adding a mustache to his face! Finally, to hang I used plain white gift-wrap ribbon. Taped the ribbon to the backs of each triangle, hung and curled the excess ribbon on each end.

Mustache Cutouts – appetizer toothpicks and photo props

I ordered a pack of mustache cutouts on Etsy for $5, plus shipping. The seller sent a few free mini mustaches as well. I glued the mini ones to toothpicks to use for appetizers and I glued the large ones to sticks (found in the backing area of Michael’s) to use as a photo prop.

Customized PicMonkey Display

We displayed the photo prop mustaches in a glass vase with a sign that I also made in PicMonkey that read “grab a stache and join the bash!”  To make a customized sign in PicMonkey you first create a collage. Add no photos, save to your desktop. It’ll be a blank white image. Then you upload the white image in the photo editor within PicMonkey.

Using the Textures function of PicMonkey, under the Paint section I found the red background. I used all different texts for the lettering and finally used one of the facial hair overlays to create the sign. You can alter the colors, sizes, etc. I printed on my computer printer, purchased a $1 frame and displayed.

Mini Cake Banner

I purchased some grey paper straws (with a coupon so only paid $3.50 for them at Michael’s) that we set out with the delicious peach punch that my sister made.

A great friend made the delicious cake and using two paper straws and leftover paper from the banner I made a mini banner for the cake. I free cut mini triangles and taped sewing thread to the back. I simply tied the string around each straw and stuck it in the cake. Our friend Cate even made mustache cookies that she stuck on the cake!

 My mom and sister also found a site that sold mustache plates and napkins that happened to be black and red. They bought those as well as a mustache banner that we hung on the food table.

The menu was delicious and included: pulled pork, shredded buffalo chicken, shredded beef and onions, potato, pasta and green salads, baked beans, antipasto, homemade mac and cheese, stuffed jalapeño peppers and more.

For dessert we had the delicious cake, chocolate covered strawberries and cocoa covered almonds. We had plenty to drink, lots of laughs, lawn games and an overall great time!

the BIG 3-0!

Today marks Al’s big 3-0! We celebrated in Boston this weekend with a mustache themed surprise party and he sure was shocked!

A few weeks ago when we confirmed that we’d be heading to Boston this weekend (I was in town for work, Al tagged along) I worked quickly to organize, invite and make this happen.

With the huge help of my sister, brother-in-law and parents we were able to make this happen. We had a blast, Al had NO clue (I guess we’re all good liars!) and his brothers even flew in for it from Wisconsin and Nashville.

It was so fun to have all of our family and friends together to celebrate this fella and the turn of a decade for him.

Alton – cheers to 30! I love you to the moon and back and can’t wait to see what your thirties have in store for you. You are my most favorite person in the world and I hope your 30^th was all you hoped for and more! xxoo

This week I’ll share details on the mustache themed party and the few fun things I made for it!

high five for friday!

These past few weeks have been crazy for me. I’m smack in the middle of my busiest time at work, traveling, long hours and just tired. All that aside I’m psyched to be back east this weekend. A work trip with fun added in. What’s good for your weekend? Happy Friday!

1. Can’t believe it was 5 years ago today that this stud proposed to me. There we are, young, fresh-faced and no dark under eye circles ;). We hiked to the top of a mountain and then he popped the questions. Love that fella.

2. I know I post it all the time but every day I am enamored by the beauty of Colorado. Looks like a watercolor painting… don’t be fooled, t’s just an iPhone photo. But man, is it gorgeous. So peaceful.

3. My first ever Brichbox arrived and I think I’m obsessed.

4. I don’t miss that Beantown rush hour traffic at all.

5. I do miss this gorgeous skyline and Charles River with early morning rowers.

Have a great weekend folks!

simple strawberry freezer jam

Organic strawberries were on super sale at Wholefoods about two months ago. so I stocked up and bought four pounds. Washed, diced and froze them for smoothies. But over the weekend we were out of jam and the cost of good quality jam is outrageous. So I decided to whip some up and I’m so pleased with the outcome. This was the easiest jam I’ve ever made and it made so much! I only used two pounds of strawberry for the first batch and I pureed it so I could eat it as well. If there are berry chunks it usually doesn’t sit well in my gut. It’s also pectin free. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups of strawberries (equivalent to about two pounds)
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2.5 tbsp of fresh lemon juice (you could probably also used jar lemon juice)

Add the strawberries, sugar and honey to a blender and puree. Pour int a saucepan and mix in lemon juice. Cook on medium-high until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Lower the heat and continue to cook, stirring often.

Cooking times will vary greatly. After 15 minutes if mixture seems to thicken, take a small spoonful of it and place in the refrigerator. If it turns to jam consistency turn off heat. If it doesn’t, continue cooking and checking using this method. Mine took about 18 minutes to complete.

Once you’ve reached the consistency you want spoon the mixture into your clean, sterilized jars leaving 1″ head space. Wipe any that may have spilled on the edge of the jars.

Leave jars uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Add lids, label and date each jar. Add to refrigerator for about and hour before freezing. Jam will last about 6 months frozen.

I spread it on my toast this morning and it was so delicious. I love homemade jam because you can actually taste the fruit, not just all the sugar that conventional jams have in them!

five years later…

It’s hard to comprehend what this day marks. Something so hard to grasp, so hard to believe. It still amazes me that time has gone on the way that it has. That life continued. That we continued to grow and thrive and build lives for ourselves. We took risks, created memories, found adventure. We stuck together, we leaned on each other and we accepted that we needed each other at a time when we felt so lost; but not alone.

Five years ago today my mother in law lost her battle. Her short, fifteen week, memorial day to labor day, grueling battle with cancer. Fifteen weeks that changed my life.

In those weeks I learned so much about her, myself, my soon to be husband, about his entire family. I learned how to be strong when the pain inside hurt so bad. So, so bad. It’s so easy for that pain to come back in an instant, still to this day.

I learned who my true friends were. The one who drove me home that day she was diagnosed. And stayed with me until I was able to make the hour-long drive to meet Al and his family at the hospital. The ones who made food and checked in and all the ones who supported my first ever half marathon run, which was supposed to be in honor of her… but instead was in memory of her.

I learned in those fifteen weeks, as a young 22-year-old professional that there is nothing, no job, no work, nothing, more important than time with loved ones. I used to leave work in the middle of the day to drive for 40 minutes, 20 there and back just to see her for 20 minutes at the hospital. I recall one time I only got maybe five minutes to see her because the traffic was so bad. But I didn’t care. Five minutes was more than zero.

I loved connecting with her. I hated the circumstances. I was a part of her family for nearly ten years but this time we had together was so different now than any other. I cried constantly for fifteen weeks. I cried in the car, at work, at home, in public, to sleep. All the time.

The toughest memory, but one I’m most grateful for during that time, was on my birthday. I had taken the day from work and her and I were planning to go see the movie Mama Mia. As I was gearing up to leave the city and meet her at the house I got a call from Al’s dad. He was too far from home due to work and she needed to get to a hospital now, due to complications.

We spent the next nearly seven hours between doctors offices and the cancer center for tests and blood work. But I was content because we spent all the time together. Talking, laughing when we could, and engaging. If we had seen the movie it wouldn’t have been the same.  As I was leaving I got in my car and just sat there. Hysterical; can’t catch your breath, sobbing. In that moment everything all of a sudden felt so real and I remember thinking I have to be strong for Al. I have to be strong, I have to find my strength, I have to do this for Al. Like the saying goes, “you never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have.”

To this day when I think of that summer I think of that day. Every year on my birthday I think of that day. When I think of her I think of that day. That last day we had together, just her and I.

I can instantly recall her voice. Something reminds me of her every single day. I can remember the way she answered the phone. I remember her laugh. I remember the taste of her meals. I remember the little things in life that made her happy.

It’s hard to realize that it’s been five years. And it’s amazing to think of all the life events that have happened in those years amongst Al, his dad and siblings: two marriages, one engagement, a move to Wisconsin, a move to Nashville, a move to Colorado. A grand baby that was in preschool and is now in third grade. Job changes, holidays, vacations.

We’ve leaned on each other. Our family has grown, we’ve helped each other. We’ve made new traditions, not forgetting the old. We talk about her, laugh at the memories. We still ask why, and likely always will. Life has a funny way of testing your limits and your strengths, that’s for sure.

Her memory lives on though, and that’s one constant that will never change. We miss her everyday, but we live our lives to make her proud.