It has been raining all weekend. Not just little Seattle sprinkles but full on downpour--our yard is flooded, the dogs don't want to go outside, and neither do I. I just want to sit inside and eat toast---specifically toast smeared with herbed goat cheese and topped with fresh tomatoes. I was actually really sad because after making these for lunch, we all headed to the beach so that Aaron and Sawyer could surf some of the hurricane swell. Nova and I needed a break from ...
Recipes
Hummus Bagel Sandwich
When I was about 16, I started hanging in the punk and indie music scene in Olympia, Washington. If you didn't know, the Olympia punk scene in the 1990's was really exciting and a very special time. There were amazing bands coming out of our little town, music festivals and touring bands passing through all the time. As a wide-eyed high school girl, I had no idea that our town had so much to offer and once I found out about it quickly started spending all of my time downtown with my friend ...
Hawaiian Butter Mochi
Every morning in Hawaii, Auntie Cathy left a pan of butter mochi out on the counter for us to enjoy. Some days, it was cocoa mochi, some days it was blueberry mochi but my favorite was the regular butter mochi. If you haven't tried butter mochi, you are missing out. Traditional mochi is a Japanese treat that is made from pounded rice. It is soft and chewy and usually served stuffed with sweet beans (it is actually really good!), ice cream, and topped with flavors such as sesame. ...
Gratitude
rain amazing thunder and lightening storm that went on for hours last night and being cozy at home for it new shoes surf for Sawyer and Aaron a two day work week before a mini-vacation granola with yogurt, honey, and blueberries a week at an interesting conference in Tampa with work friends new lens for camera a clean house with sleeping dogs and children rain ...
Fishing in Alaska: Part 1
****Since I have this space available, I am going to be posting some sporadic writings about random things that happen to be what I feel like writing about. Feel free to read them or not. Just like my gratitude journal, this is really a place for me to just store memories and thoughts.****** When I was in college, I decided I wanted to be a cocktail waitress at one of the local bars. I lied on my application, stating that I had plenty of experience as a waitress, and even ...
Nut Butter Banana Muffins: No Added Sugar
This recipe for nut butter banana muffins makes me think of fall. Thanks to modern shipping we have bananas in our kitchen year-round, but it isn't until the fall that I start thinking of making muffins. I think it has something to do with school starting and wanting to have quick and easy to grab snacks for everyone. And, once school starts, it means that the weather is going to start changing and pretty soon I can be bundling up with a cup of coffee and a muffin. That is my happy place. ...
Honey Almond and Cheese Sandwiches
I am not sure where the inspiration for these honey, almond and cheese sandwiches came from. It may have been a recipe I saw years ago and filed away to the back of my mind or it may have been a pure creative genius. Not sure. But, for some reason I decided that I needed to melt some cheese on bread, top it with almonds and rosemary and then douse the whole thing in honey. I am so glad I did. This sandwich is unique and totally incredible. Bread and cheese has always been my weakness but ...
Lettuce and Avocado Sandwich: A Love Story
My boyfriend in college introduced me to these lettuce and avocado sandwiches. And, though they might not sound like much, believe me, they are the best. Or maybe, I just love them because of the nostalgia behind them. Not sure. I went to college in Bellingham, Washington and after studying would meet up with my boyfriend for really long night time walks, usually to the train tracks in Fairhaven. I have a slight obsession with trains. One particular night, we had some ...
Back to School Routine
Everything changes this year with Sawyer starting high school. There are no longer any buses that will pick him up for the early morning start time of 7:21 am. His school is at least half an hour away which means getting up at 5:30 am and out the door by 6:30 am. Nova, on the other hand, can ride the bus in the morning so she gets an additional hour of sleep. I have been wanting to be a morning person for a long time so I am really trying to embrace this 5:30 am start time. ...
Update
Since my last post about consistency, I haven't written a thing. I feel that I may be rebelling against myself in some way. I'm not sure what is up. I had so much to write about in the last few weeks and some of that will be popping up in regular posts on this site. Like our trip to Hawaii, San Diego and Los Angeles. Our fun summer and all of the surf Sawyer has been doing. We just got back last Tuesday and I have been going through our photos and trying to remember ...
Yogurt Parfait in a Papaya Bowl
Hawaii is still on my mind after spending a few weeks there. I can't decide if I am ready to move back although I am definitely considering it. We had such a great time and I keep having to remind myself that it could have been because we were on vacation. I know there is something extra special about the islands and I do miss it. I am just struggling with whether or not moving back now is the right thing to do. For now though I decided that I can just bring a bit of Hawaii back to our ...
Writing Practice
Keeping up with a consistent writing practice isn't easy especially when you feel you don't have much to write about. Our everydays seem really boring and normal. Is it interesting enough to even write down? I struggle with this each time I am writing about just a regular day. Like today. I need to keep reminding myself that I am writing this all down for me. Even though I am posting to a public website, I am really writing for me (and hopefully one day, my kids ). ...
The Resistance
I am reading a book right now (The War of Art) all about The Resistance that we create for ourselves in our everyday life. The Resistance is that internal voice that tells you to stop working on your goals because you are not good enough, no one cares,you are wasting time and energy. The Resistance works against you and your goals be it artistic pursuits, entrepreneurship or even health or spiritual goals. Lately, I have been feeling pretty flat about things. ...
Celebrating International Surf Day with Family
Around noon today Sawyer mentioned it was International Surf Day and we needed to surf--NO MATTER WHAT! The conditions on the Gulf coast were non-existent and even on the east coast they didn't seem much better. But, Sawyer wanted to surf and I was happy to get out of town where laundry piles and yard work would a non-issue. After a quick phone call to Aaron and the dog sitter we were on our way. Aaron was able to pack up and leave the business to Kevin, the dog sitter was ...
Ocean Heals?
I'm home again with Nova. She has such a horrible stuffed up sound to her, a fever and just a sense of general un-wellness. She started to feel a bit better this afternoon so I packed her up to take her to the beach. Aaron was surfing and I thought it would be fun to watch him for a bit. Plus, the ocean heals, right? Her energy was high, she was wanting to walk and so we did. Aaron was surfing at a different part of the beach so we tried to watch him but ...
High Protein Super Energy Smoothie
Need an extra kick of energy? This high protein super energy smoothie is a great way to kick start your day or give you a bit of energy later in the day. Making great smoothies doesn't have to be hard. Save yourself time and money by making these high protein super energy smoothies at home. With just a few key ingredients, you can improve your health and save money with smoothies full of superfoods to provide energy, mental clarity and lots of protein. On my birthday, Sawyer ...
Lazy Day
I didn't want to get up this morning. At all. We had music practice at 9:00 and I woke up at 8:20--dragging myself across the house to get the kids up. Luckily our practice is in our backyard and the teacher is so kind that we were able to make it there on time. I can't say it was pretty though. I don't think anyone brushed their teeth before we ran out of the house. Nova played really well today for the tiny amount that she practiced. I was proud of her. I was also proud of her for ...
Bored
I had an appointment with Elaine today and she gave me lots of good things to think about. She really is pushing me to focus on MY life and not really worry much about what is going on with Tiff, Aaron or anyone else. Of course, she encourages a loving and supportive family but really wants me to get back to a place where my sense of self is stronger. I am working on it and it is always good to talk things through with her. Because of my early morning appointment, I got to the ...
Getting Stronger
I went to my office today--I had a few meetings but most of the day was just getting things checked off my list. I spent some time chatting with a work friend about a hard thing she is dealing with right now. It felt good to hear her story and give support. It made me remember to try to build relationships with the people I work with. I spend so much time at the office, I should really get to know people better. After work, I headed straight to CrossFit. Both of the ...
Big Conversations
I worked from home today and finished up about a half an hour early so I could get my hair done. My attempt to beautify myself was thwarted by traffic yesterday and was cut short today by needing to leave for my CrossFit workout. I feel good that I am willing and wanting to get that workout in. Part of it is my new apple watch, inspiring me to meet my goals each day and part of it is Sawyer. He is there waiting for me, encouraging me and it makes me want to be there, even more. It ...
Gratitude Update: May 17, 2017
Time for a gratitude update and time to re-commit to this practice. I need to remember gratitude everyday-it makes me feel better and I really need to stay in the habit. Not to mention, it is always fun to go back and read it again. I seem to forget a lot of things, especially the small things, and it is good to have this record of these moments to go back to. We spent our past weekend on a family trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Nova had a gymnastics meet there and ...
The First Week of May
This daily blogging thing is tricky. I am trying to do so much and haven't been getting up early enough to give myself time to just write. I need to remember how good it feels and how important consistency is as a practice. I am pretty proud of my first week of May 2017. I went to CrossFit 6 times, including one double workout! In the entire month of April, I only went 10 times, so this is a big deal. It helps that both kids are CrossFitters now and if I want to spend ...
4.25.17 to 5.3.17--Celebrating my birthday week
I am a bit behind on posting as the week was a blur of fun and just general busi-ness. I'm going to have to do a quick summary post to get caught up. 4.25.17 Mary and I went on our normal Tuesday walk, only this time, she surprised me with a cool birthday present....A cup of happy! 4.26.17 Sawyer had an orthodontist appointment today and after we stopped for $11 smoothies from Crop! They were great and I am currently experimenting on re-creating the recipe. After work/school, I went to ...
A Healthy Margarita: Agave Lime Margarita
I'm not normally a margarita fan. I don't like frozen drinks, fancy glasses or sugary sweet cocktails. I also have developed a bit of strong feelings against tequila while working as a bartender and cocktail waitress for many years. I remembered delivering trays full of Cuervo shots, with lime and salt and watching in disgust as salt would be licked off of necks and limes sucked out of other peoples mouths. Just watching that scene made me very judgmental about tequila and ...
4.24.17 CrossFit Hands
Today was a quiet work from home day. I had hoped to sneak out and re-do my nails but I just didn't. I worked and I meal planned and I got ready for the week. I spent a few minutes outside with the dogs (check out https://k9answers.com/uncategorized/tips-on-training-and-how-to-strengthen-the-bond-with-your-dog/ for dog services) but didn't have time to get back to the yard to blow the leaves. It was a good day--just not a lot of time for me Sawyer and I went to CrossFit and my energy level ...
4.23.17 Sunset and Chocolate Cake
Nova's friend slept over last night and I think they must have been up late. Sawyer and I were wanting to go out to breakfast and they were just out. Sawyer got this great idea to pour water on Nova to film for his YouTube channel. I agreed to help him. Looking back, it was kind of mean but it really showed Nova's true fun-loving spirit. She didn't really even get upset--just kind of looked shocked and then tried to go back to sleep. Later, she was able to ...
4.22.17: Birthday Celebration Day 1
This morning was our regular morning of piano and guitar, gymnastics practice and cleaning the house. I chatted with my best friend Leona (who I still call my best friend, even though I haven't seen her in ten years and we don't do a very good job of keeping in touch). I am so excited for her! She is pregnant! In college, she always wanted to be a mom and I thought she was crazy. Now, as my son is headed to high school, she gets to start the amazing adventure of ...
4.21.17: Celebrating my birthday week!
So happy that it is Friday--the start of my birthday week celebration. I don't normally do much for my birthday but I decided that this year, I would celebrate....a little bit each day. It will be fun! My car started to overheat on the way home from work yesterday so this morning I stopped in for an oil change before I made my way up to St Pete. The guy talked me into changing filters and wipers, which normally I wouldn't do, but the car has been good to me and I have ...
4.20.17: Becoming a CrossFit family
I worked today. Things seem to be light at the office right now, which is great. It doesn't happen very often but when it does, I need to savor it. I had a meeting with the attorneys today in their law library. Every time I am down there, I wonder why I never went to law school. Oh yeah, we decided Aaron going to art school was a better idea. During my lunch break, I interviewed a great candidate to work summer camps. While I was chatting with ...
4.19.17: Burpees
Today was a grumpy, bummed out kind of day. I'm upset that my sister refuses to talk to me. I have no idea why. I'm upset that Aaron and I can't get along. Our business and our kids need us to get along. I'm kicking myself for not moving to NYC when I was 24 and living like Lena and friends in Girls. Am I going to be too old to live there in ten years? And, I'm bummed that I have to re-start the Whole 30. Stupid bean and cheese burritos. In general, it was just a bummed out kind of day. ...
4.18.17: Planning, planning, planning.
I tried so hard to not have a grumpy Tuesday morning but it just didn't happen. The whole process of getting the kids up, lunches made, breakfasts made, dressed, showered and packed up for school and work--in less than an hour, is very stressful to me. Add to the mix Aaron doing his own thing and Nova still finishing up homework just leads to bad mornings. Lots of arguing and stress. I need to get this under control. As soon as I got to work, I was starved and really ...
4.17.17: Monday
I didn't write this on Monday night and I am having a hard time remembering what went on two days ago. I know I worked from home and I know I went to CrossFit. I walked in the morning with Sarah and it is always nice to catch up with her. I took Flower with us but she is so out of shape that she couldn't make it around the block one time. I need to spend more time with the dogs and taking them out for walks will probably be better for me and them. Aaron took Nova to her ...
4.16.17 Easter Sunday
I made cinnamon muffins for breakfast while the kids slept. When they finally woke up, we started the morning with an egg hunt that the kids reluctantly participated in. They were excited to get their Easter baskets and happy to eat chocolate but getting them to hunt for eggs was a chore. I told them that one egg had $50 in it and then they really started to get into it. After our egg hunt, we walked/skateboarded to the church next door to watch the helicopter egg drop. We ...
4.15.17: Saturday Routine
7:00 am I really am not liking these early Saturday morning piano and guitar lessons. I have to get up extra early if I want anytime to just sit and drink coffee and write, and plan. The kids are extra hard to wake up too because their little bodies are just begging to sleep in. At least for one day. Aaron left early this morning, I guess. He didn't talk to me last night and wasn't here when I woke up around 6:45 am. I guess he needs his time. 9:17 am We ...
4.14.17: Trying to Find Balance
This morning was not one for balance. I was grumpy, the kids were grumpy, and Aaron was grumpy. It was just an early morning, after a sort of late night and they wanted to sleep in and I wished so badly they could. Instead, on their day off from school, they had to go to work with Aaron. I went to my office. On my way to the office, I stopped at Starbucks and ordered more than I normally do. When I got to the window, the barista let me know that the person in ...
Week of April 10, 2017: Not a lot of writing
I guess this week hasn’t been the best for writing. Or taking photos. I am going to just compile this whole week into a few bullet points of good so that I can remember and take time to be grateful for those moments. Monday: I had an uneventful doctors appointment and went to CrossFit with Sawyer. CrossFit was hard but I was proud of myself. I can’t remember the WOD but I do remember that I was one of the first ones done. Granted, my weight is lighter than ...
4.9.17--Myakka River State Park with Cousins
This morning was spent working on SNAK (our family VLOG), working on The Surfers Kitchen, and trying to get stuff done for our actual, money making business. I love our business but I really love working on the creative stuff too and wish I had more time to do that. Around noon, the kids and I started to get antsy and ready to leave the house. We decided to go pick up Marlin and Luna and head to Myakka State Park with one dog (Sushi!) and a camera. We didn't have time for much ...
SNAK Episode 3: Indoor Skydiving at iFLY
Check out our adventures at iFLY Tampa-indoor skydiving! ...
SNAK Episode 4: State Gymnastics Meet
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Paleo Carrot Cake Recipe
Paleo Carrot Cake Recipe to Celebrate Easter and Spring Easter is kind of a weird holiday for me because I don't really remember Easter holiday traditions growing up. I remember hiding eggs, destroying hard-boiled eggs by throwing them at trees, and hanging out at a park along the river in Centralia, Washington. I don't remember if this is something we did every Easter or just one particularly memorable one. As Easter creeps up, I usually call my mom for Easter advice. ...