happy valentines day

"I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon." ~Author Unknown

* * * * *

{photo credit here}

Hope your day was happy and full of love. I have been loving some different random things lately and I thought I might share them with you!

• I have been totally loving using my Nikon D80 digital camera lately: bought this when we went to the Czech Republic and I recently got it out again and started shooting pictures more often. I took the advise of a friend and leave my camera out on the table keeping it accessible for whenever a moment strikes me. Also I have been taking it out with me when I go about the town- ready to snap a pictures when I see something inspiring or interesting in shape or color.
• Dandelion Organic: I know that I have talked about them before but it really is wonderful having organic fresh fruits and vegetables delivered to your door. It is kind of like a neat surprise. I love getting gifts and especially love fun mail: this is both- waiting on my doorstep is a bin full of yummy new things to try or classic standards that can be used at any meal. So affordable too: only $26 for the personal bin every other week! Can't beat that.
• Fred Meyer honey flavored Greek Style yogurt- 14 grams of protein and no fat- a little sweet but mostly tangy and so healthy! I probably eat one every day.
• Making my own baby food. Maybe I am just a nerd but it is pretty easy and I love knowing exactly what goes into the food I feed my baby. My favorite purees were: pear & squash; beet & pear; oatmeal with peach & banana; chicken with sweet potato, onion and apple; pumpkin; pear & apple with cinnamon and broccoli. Bought myself a $7 book from Amazon and checked out a few more from the library and also bought "Fresh Baby" ice cube trays with lids for freezing cubes (portion size) of food after pureeing.
• My child finally being able to feed herself! Well at least some things....she can eat Cheerios, cooked chicken, cooked broccoli, peas, string cheese, bananas and she has tried various bites of other small foods. It will be awesome when she can do it all herself! The child loves dairy though: yogurt and string cheese are some of her favorite.
• DeVotchka (the band)- very fun eclectic music with symphonic sounds and a haunting voice.
• My Patagonia R4 Jacket- I am not one to spend a lot of money on clothes especially not a fleece jacket but this jacket is totally worth it (especially when you get it on sale). I have two now. The first one got a bit um, stretched out, when I was pregnant since I wore it through almost my whole pregnancy on hikes with the doggies. I have a new one now in "bitter chocolate" and it fits me so well. It is surprisingly warm for a thin fleece and I think it is pretty fashionable. I love Patagonia's corporate responsibility as well- they recycle tons of stuff and use recycled plastic to make fleece and they are very environmentally conscious (although their clothes if not on sale cost a ton!).

* * * * *

"Who, being loved, is poor?" ~Oscar Wilde

Anniversary #11

Yesterday was our 11th anniversary and we had a wonderful day. It started out by sleeping in and letting the sun wake us up next to our beautiful baby girl snuggled in between us in bed. We packed up the car with baby gear, doggies and the two of us and headed to a Bellingham staple, the Bagelry for breakfast. After getting my favorite cream cheese (dill/feta) and a cup of coffee, we headed out for a drive. We took the scenic route of Chuckanut drive down through Edison and onto La Conner where we browsed the antique and artsy shops while enjoying the wonderful sunny weather. The temperature was perfect with a light breeze and Aven was in rare form, completely silent while lulled by the gentle bouncing of the stroller. The dogs enjoyed a lot of attention from passers by and waited patiently while we browsed through the stores. After a few hours of wandering around, we headed to La Conner Brewing company and sat in their outdoor seating area. The whole family was seated, including the doggies, and we enjoyed a few pints of refreshing IPA (great for a summer afternoon), a large Caesar salad and a delicious pizza. It was a wonderful lunch and refreshing after our hard days work of browsing.

Next we jumped back on the scenic route and headed north. The sweeping farmlands stretched out before us and barns of all character and care were dotting the drive. We landed in Edison for a quick afternoon treat before heading home. We stopped at Tweets espresso and bakery which blew our socks off! We each had Americanos, decently priced and fit to put hair on your chest. Then I had the most delightful piece of dessert I have had in a long time: a pear and lemon tart with mascarpone cheese with zested orange rind. This was sublime and at only $5 leaves no excuse not to try it! Abe enjoyed a slice of their homemade peach and rhubarb pie but kept insisting on eating mine too. We browsed through the Lucky Dumpster and found Abe a new vintage fan for $10 and then made our way slowly home along Chuckanut Drive. After taking care of the baby (outfit change and meal), we finally decided on dinner.

Around 9 pm we packed up the stroller and walked to Rudy's Pizzeria in downtown Bellingham. I like Rudy's because they have whole wheat crusts (my favorite). We split a pitcher of Blue Moon beer (again a refreshing and fruity summer beer) and played cribbage while eating a delicious pizza: my half was a while pizza with feta, basil, anise and some delicious herbs & spices. We came home around 11 and after dealing with another screaming session from the baby, rested after a long day. We had some great talks on the drive, enjoyed all of the views of the bay and thoroughly enjoyed our day of delicious food with no guilt later. Abe gave me a sweet card and I apologized for not writing in mine yet. Such are anniversaries when you get to a certain point. Bottom line, it was wonderful family day and I was so thankful for my husband and my life and I reflected on how lucky I am to live where I do.

Happy 11 years honey.