Week 50
September 11th
This week I started Whole 30. Its 30 days without sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, or dairy. Its 30 days to reset your cravings and allow you to heal your body from inflammatory causing foods. Within three days I was already craving a PSL and a doughnut. I'm excited for the cleanse in spite of the cravings because its reminding me that sugar must have a tighter hold on me than I thought! I'm going to give myself grace if I mess up but I am going to try to stay completely on it for the entire 30 days. I'm also learning that this is going to be a huge lesson in discipline due to all the planning ahead for meals/snacks I have to do!
Week 49
September 6th
This week was full. Full of people I appreciate and full of spaces I love. I was able to have a dinner out with my Grandmother, went out for drinks with old friends, got amazing street tacos with my roommate, breakfast at another friend's house, breakfasts in, and an often favorite of coffee and doughnut at Quills. This week was good.
Week 48
Aug 30th
So, starting off, last week I was focused on my first week back to school. Let me tell you, last semester of nursing school is a complete dream. Everything is coming together and we have an entire class devoted to preparing us for the NCLEX! Week 47 was filled with clinical orientation, sitting through long classes telling us "you made it! Now, we're going to do everything we can to kick you out as prepared as possible!" and I loved it.
August 30th is my 23rd birthday. As I reflect over the last year and the last 23 years (what I remember at least) I am so thankful for the places I've gone, the lessons I've learned, the experiences I've had and the knowledge that all of it has been watched over by my faithful Father. I am often blown away at the things He has provided for me and the way everything works out for the best. I often forget these things too but when he whispers "hey, remember how you wanted that, well here it is, but better" I step back in awe of how great this life is.
So, this is what I did with my birthday!
As i'm entering this next year of my life I feel very much like a quote by Sylvia Plath in her book "The Bell Jar" :
“I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked. One fig was a husband and a happy home and children, and another fig was a famous poet and another fig was a brilliant professor, and another fig was Ee Gee, the amazing editor, and another fig was Europe and Africa and South America, and another fig was Constantin and Socrates and Attila and a pack of other lovers with queer names and offbeat professions, and another fig was an Olympic lady crew champion, and beyond and above these figs were many more figs I couldn't quite make out. I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.”
I have never read this book but when I saw this quote I completely resonated to it. As i'm ending my college days and entering my first nursing position weighing the pros and cons of different positions and hospitals is constantly on my mind. We are taught in school to follow a plan "med surg unit, then ICU, then you can do whatever you want, then go back to school, and go back and teach at IUSON or do research or practice in an office." But i'm learning that if I don't follow that path ITS OKAY! So, I'm excited to see how this next year unfolds and all the experiences I've got to look forward to!
This week the Wallace crew took a trip to the Northern Peninsula of Michigan for a few days trip away from our norm to hike and spend time together. We hiked roughly 12 miles between the two full days we were there. We hiked in Hiawatha National Forest and through parts of the Painted Rocks National Lakeshore. It was a long drive but worth the views!
Week 45
August 6th
Lesson learned: to love is to be vulnerable
Throughout this season of life I have learned some valuable lessons (yes, lots of them). And by learned I mean I am learning and continue to learn and fail and try harder and on and on and on.
Right now I feel like I'm learning a lot about love. What it means to truly love someone individually or people in general in the purest sense of the word. To care for them, hold their needs highly, allow them into the parts of your life that you guard to the public, support and allow them to support you. When we have this kind of love and let it guide our actions and relationships it will cause us to do amazing things and say yes to things we previously avoided due to fear.
I was looking for an audio book to listen to while cleaning today and thought C.S. Lewis might be a good author to listen to. As fate would have it, The Four Loves was the only one not on a wait list through the library. So I listened to it. All of it. I really believe it was divine intervention that that was the book I listened to because honestly if there were any other books available I probably wouldn't have picked that one. How much I needed that book. When Lewis talks about love, he doesn't highlight the meaning that is most common in our society today: romantic. He highlights that there are four types of love: acquaintance, friendship, romantic, and agape or the religious based love in how God loves us and how he calls us to love each other.
Another book I have been reading lately is Love Does by Bob Goff. This book is arranged in stories either about Bob or about people he has come in contact with and the amazing things they have done fueled by the fulfilling love they have through God and how that prompts them to love others and do stuff.
So, I am learning to love, or trying to learn to love. I am learning that to love is to be vulnerable. To allow others to care for you when you are sick, or sad, or none of the above. I'm learning that to love others is to speak truth to them, regardless of how hard. I am learning that saying yes to things and not avoiding them due to fear and praying that God will let you know if you're doing something wrong is a great way to jump out of your comfort zone. I'm learning that loving is hard, in so many ways. But i'm trying my best and all I can do is to ask for grace in my shortcomings, because I have a lot of them.
Above is a quote I really loved from The Four Loves: "To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
We will do amazing things when we let love lead us. But if we are truly vulnerable, we will get hurt too. How beautiful is the hurt of love compared to a heart that is unbroken but knows not of what it could have felt.
Week 44
July 30th
This week Liz and I made Lemon Curd and I made an amazing salad later in the week!
Recipe for Lemon Curd was based on Martha Stewart's 1995 best lemon curd recipe.
The salad I made was completely based on whatever was in the fridge which ends up being my favorite salads. Roasted chickpeas, olives, roasted garlic, goat cheese, bacon, salt, and a champagne pear dressing.
Week 43
Week of July 24th
This week I was sick. I also finished up the last shifts of my VALOR internship with the MICU at the VA Medical Center. I learned so much through this internship and feel so much more prepared to enter my last semester of nursing school. Here are a few things I learned about*/skills I was able to do.
- NG tube placement
- Intra-Abdominal pressure monitoring
- Assist with a central line placement (by this I mean I just passed things to the Doctor preforming the procedure)
- Assist with intubation (^ same)
- Place a TON of IVs
- Learned how to do ABGs
- Administering Blood
- Titrating pressors
- Rota-prone beds in ARDS patients
- Lots of catheters
- Wound care on wounds of various shapes, sizes, and placements.
- Juggling 3 step down patients
- Managing one CVVH patient
- Talking to various Doctors and teams regarding the safety and health of my patients
- Talking down confused combative patients
- Etc.
I wouldn't trade this summer's experience for anything. It was hard but I was pushed and learned so so much more because of it!
* note skills list includes ones I only observed and did not physically complete due to only licensed RNs are legally allowed to do so. In addition, all skills I did physically preform were completed under the observation of my preceptor.
Week 42
July 15
I moved into a house
One lesson I have learned is that moving is only as easy as you pack. I did NOT pack very well or very efficiently. This made it 10x harder to unpack and get organized once moved in. And by that I mean i've been here 5 days and my room is still a mess.
In spite of my poor packing skills, this house is a dream. My roommates are amazing, we are within walking distance of a Dairy Queen, Nicey Treat, Wildwood Market and all the Fountain Square goodies and the whole house is coming together perfectly. I'm excited to be able to host friends and have dinner parties to share this great space!
Week 38, 39, 40, & 41
Jun 19th-ish - Jul 14th-ish
The last month has been a prime example of how fast life will run if we are not intentional with our time. Seasons change and some are more demanding than others. In the past month I have learned so much through the program in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. It has been a trying experience with a lot of stress, a lot of growing, and a lot of thinking "why in the world did I want to be a nurse". However looking back over the last month I am so thankful I have pushed through and I could never imagine I would know the things I know now and would laugh (or cry) if someone told me I would be doing the things I have been doing.
Over the course of the last month I have been so so thankful for my friends. I seriously could not have survived without the people around me. From dinners to "hey you're amazing" texts and pre work, extra shots coffee. You cannot do life alone, friends. The people you surround yourself with are who keep you sane, keep you moving forward, keep you on track, and give you a safe space to vent. So, moving forward, give yourself grace, remind yourself hard times like these are only temporary, and find rest when you can. At least thats what i'm trying to do.
Week 37
6.14.17
This week I had a completely garden fueled lunch. Fresh lettuce, mustard greens, kale, radishes, onions, basil, and french green beans.
Topped with a lemon mustard dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, Grey Poupon mustard, salt and pepper.
I also noticed that I have quite the collection of oils and thought I would highlight my current favorite.
Currently my favorite is Grapefruit oil. Here are some great benefits!
- Metabolism booster
- Energizer/De-stresser/Uplifter
- Aids with digestion and circulation
- Can be used on your face to help with scars and keep skin clear
- Kicks sugar cravings!
- GREAT flavor to add to water!
Ways you can use Grapefruit oil:
- IF PURE you can add it to water or a drink and consume it (be careful to do your own research on the purity of oils! I trust young living and doterra)
- Add it to coconut oil or another carrier oil and add to your skincare routine!
- Add in a little epsom salt and add it to a bath
- Diffuse to increase mood and motivation and purify the air (and it just smells amazing!)
Disclaimer: I do not sell through either of these companies and I am not endorsed by either companies. I am purely a consumer sharing my thoughts!
Week 36
6.7.17
Take a break, go out with friends, have fun, listen to good music by an artist who is clearly passionate about his work and his music. So I did.
Take a listen to James Vincent McMarrow's new album!
He played the entire album cover to cover for his first set. I've never been at a show where someone has taken the first set of his shows to promote his new album to people who obviously already like him rather than to use some marketing outlet.
JVM, you are a true artist.
May Playlist
These are eight songs I have found myself listening to a lot through the month of May. Almost none of these songs really go together but they reflect my feelings and moods through this month so in a way they do.
- Let The Rain Come Down - Brent Cobb
- Heart Attack - Wild Rivers
- David Livingstone - Jon Bryant
- Shine On Rainy Day - Brent Cobb
- In The Ground - Ivan & Alyosha
- Annabelle - Gillian Welsh
- I Can't Help Myself - Tow'rs
- Beggar in the Morning - The Barr Brothers
Link to the Spotify playlist:
Week 35
5.29.17
When Wednesday Is Your Saturday
This past weekend was my first weekend of the night shift life. I didn't love it (mostly because the only time prior I have stayed up all night was at a middle school lock in) but I also didn't completely hate it. I have learned so much even in just a few days on the unit and I can't wait to learn and develop my nursing skill-set as the summer goes on. Also, blessings on blessings I have Wallace genes that allows me to sleep anytime and anywhere, making sleeping during the day just a tad easier. In light of that, today has felt like my Saturday. So, here is what I did with my weekend of a Wednesday!
The day started with morning gardening in my Grandmother's garden. She is on the a tour with the Indiana Hosta Society National Convention because of her beautiful garden so I am playing my part in pulling little sprouts and trimming the sage bush. Nothing to be impressed with but I was reminded again how much I love working outside and with nature. This is the one thing I don't get enough of living in the urban setting!
The next thing Elizabeth and I did was doughnuts at GADCO which is an Indy weekend must!
The next thing I did: I bough a fig tree.
This has been something I have wanted to do since last summer. My grandma has a fig tree in her garden which peaked my interest in the fig tree in general. I absolutely love the aesthetic of the tree and the look of the large leaves lifting their hands to the sky. I also started reading the places where fig trees are mentioned in the Bible. For some reason it really stood out to me that the fig tree was the first explicitly mentioned type of tree in the Bible (after the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil). Its leaves were used to cover Adam and Eve's nakedness, its used in the description of the promise land to the Israelites, its mentioned in reference to prosperity and God's favor or regarding neglect and the passing of God's favor. It's also used as a mirror of the Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit being like that of a well tended fig tree. So, in light of that my interest in figs continues to grow and I can now nurture my own fig tree!
Also, fresh figs are the best and if you've never had one talk to me later this summer!
The day ended with an outdoor dinner with Grand Marilyn and Bob. We had Pasta c'anciova (an italian style pasta with anchovies, garlic and bread crumbs) with a fresh salad including items from the garden and a delicious Primitivo Di Manduria, which they brought back from visiting Manduria, Italy this past winter. It was delicious but not half as good as the conversations surrounding it.
The days go fast, I so love when I remember to slow down and appreciate them.
Week 34
5.21.17
Here are some things I love about this girl:
Contagious joy - It may be in her name but it is truly in her spirit to be joyful. She has had some tough times and has had trials that would make anyone become frustrated and bitter, but she continues to be a source of joy and encouragement to others regardless. She loves writing encouraging notes, giving small gifts, or taking time to sit down with someone and listen.
Her laugh - maybe its because we're sisters but no one makes me laugh and matches me in multiple types of laughs for hours on hours. Yes, people sometimes stare but we have the best fun together.
Her wisdom - She may be my younger sister but in so many ways she is a mentor to me. Her wisdom and drive to know Christ and make Him known. When she tells me stories about friends, mission trips, or things Christ is doing in her life it truly encourages me in so many ways.
Here's to you, little sister. May God continue to work in your life and may you always keep your joy, forever laugh, and continue to grow in wisdom. It was fun taking these photos with you and celebrating your graduation this week!
Week 33
5.16.16
This week was my first week of work for this summer and it's been completely amazing. Today my grandma and I made this fabulous dinner in celebration and ate outside due to the beautiful weather we've been having lately! So, we roasted some chicken, made a garden-made salad, and risotto, and talked about life for hours. Its evenings like these that make me truly thankful for life right now.
Week 32
5.6.17
Liz is the coolest and today we built an urban garden. Plants fix everything.
Week 31
Week of 5.1.17
And this week concludes the semester! So excited to finish out strong and become one more step closer to graduating! I can't explain how amazing my nursing school friends are and how I couldn't have gotten through school without them! Who else are you going to talk about c.diff with over lunch or go to kilroys after our last finals regardless of the time of day?! Heres to finishing another semester!
Week 30
Week of 4.24.17
For a while now I've been wanting to get more into running. I've realized that I hate running in a gym and typically lack the motivation if I'm planning on running around my neighborhood. So, what I decided is that I am going to start going to the park to run. It forces me to be fully committed due to the time invested by driving there and it's also forced me to run further since most of the trails are longer than a loop around the neighborhood.
This week was actually my second week of running consistently (three days a week) and it's been amazing. The first week was pretty tough since it's been a good minute since I have consistently run. My first run I wasn't able to run much more than a mile without walking. However, today I ran 2.8 miles in 25 minutes then walked another half mile for a cool down. It doesn't seem like much to avid runners I'm sure, but for me its an accomplishment. I look forward to continuing to run longer/faster with my goal being 5 miles under an hour.
It's also been a great practice of being quiet and aware. I often don't have time or don't make time to truly quiet myself and pray for a good length of time. Its been really nice to run and pray about literally whatever enters my mind.
Week 29
6.16.17
Easter Weekend
I want to start off this week with a highlight of my new favorite "its finally warmish enough to sit outside" drink: Grapefruit Sour. This is my new go too drink to have while sitting in the garden or on the porch with friends in the evening.
Now, for Easter Sunday! Easter Sunday at Redeemer is one of my favorite Sundays to attend. I love how well we are able to truly celebrate our true Redeemer through song and children dancing. I also love the beautiful flowers and art installations surrounding the congregation as we sing and worship!
My second favorite about Easter Sunday is the food, duh.
Today my car is on the fritz. Thankfully I drove home to see my family this past weekend when it really stopped working so we were able to get it into this guy we know who works on Volkswagens. So, that means I get my entire day somewhat trapped in my parent's house. So, what do I do? make puff pastry pop tarts and watch This is Us.
Since I am stuck in the house without a way to grab any extra ingredients I based what I was going to attempt to make today on whatever they had in their freezer. Thankfully there was one sheet of puff pastry, and a bag of frozen berries which was really all I needed. I cooked down the berries into a compost and thickened them up with a little corn starch and added a dash of vanilla. I rolled the puff pastry out after it had thawed and cut it into six squares.
I then put the compost on the bottom squares, cut slices in the top pieces, and placed them on top. I used a fork to seal the sides and used an egg wash to cover. I found some rock sugar, broke it into smaller pieces, and sprinkled on top. Then, I put them in the oven at 400 degrees for 20ish minutes and LOVED how they turned out!
So here's to making the best of being stuck at home all day!
Week 27 and 1/2
Something new i've been wanting to do is learn to play the guitar. My dad had an old guitar in his closet, so a few weeks ago I pulled it out and started looking up easy chords and easy songs I could attempt at learning. Then, Elizabeth pulled out her ukulele and we started learning a few songs together. I'm still pretty bad but when we can get a string of 4 or 5 lines together we sound pretty damn good. Plus, the weather has practically been asking us to sing and play outside! The best part was flowers blowing in the wind and getting trapped in my hair. Lets all just become flower children and sing outside all day.
Week 27
4.8.17
Liz is 100% my foodie inspiration. I'm fully convinced she could make anything, even without a recipe. This Saturday we (mostly her while I played with calvin) made a dutch baby pancake with peach topping and fresh cara cara orange juice. For some reason I have been afraid of using cast iron skillets mostly based in my ignorance regarding them. So, I was super excited to be able to make such an easy breakfast and play around with the cast iron skillet!
I'm so so thankful to be surrounded by so many people who inspire me to be the best version of myself while teaching me new things.
Week 26
3.28.17 - 4.1.17
This week ended up being about enjoying my now. I love the wisdom and experiences that those older of me have to offer but I often forget that those lessons learned happened when they were my age. So, I'm enjoying my youth. I'm eating oreos with my coffee, making mac and cheese (hopefully i'll never grow out of that), and taking my bike around the neighborhood to clinical. So heres to attempting to enjoy my youth!
Week 25
3.25.17
I always love when a new book completely hits me where I need it. I spent some downtime reading through C.S. Lewis' "The Weight of Glory" and its been so encouraging and wrecking at the same time! One of my favorite portions include:
"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendor. this does not mean we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the marriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously - no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption. And our charity must be a real and costly love."
Lewis, C.S. The Weight of Glory. Harper one, 1980. p. 46
This hit me. It really reiterated why I am in nursing school. I had my first clinical at the student outreach clinic this week and I couldn't have loved a clinical more. I love working with individuals who live on a street I drive down on a weekly basis. I love being able to help them get the medications they need and teach about their resources. It has been a complete fulfillment of what I want to do with my life. Viewing them with the mentality that they are eternal, they are eternal beings with such worth I can't imagine. They deserve respect and excellent care.
Week 24
3.10.17-3.13.17
This weekend could not have been more refreshing. Kimberly is my soul sister, the Christina to my Meredith, and the Serena van der Woodsen to my Blair Waldorf. Every time we get together I always wonder if we have changed or drifted but each time I'm reminded that we only grow together and never apart. We explored Orlando and ate until we couldn't eat anymore. If you have even just a few days in Orlando I would HIGHLY suggest checking some of these places out! I also getting a cousin like mine to explore it with you.
Places to go in Orlando (or more the places we went and really loved) :
- Foxtail Coffee
- Buttermilk Bakery
- East End Market (Lineage coffee roasters, Florida & Co.)
- Dog parks
- Winter Park farmers market (Randy from Prairie Farm Organics is the best!)
- Rifle Paper Co
- Lazy Moon pizza
- Donut King
- Crabby Bills in Saint Cloud if you're into live music on the marina
- Canvas in Nona Lake
Week 23
2.27.17
This week I felt rebellious so I put on a fake tattoo and put in my nose cuff. I don't know what that really means other than I'm ready for spring break and I'm tired of writing papers after I get home from clinical but if this is what it takes to get me to where I want to go I'll keep buying fake tattoos to make myself feel better.
Week 22
2.20.17
This week I played around with different camera settings but also took a closer look into the little details of my Grandma's house. I've been so blessed to be able to live here for the better part of two years and in so many ways I look up to her. These little items tell parts of her story. Items she has picked up from travels, photos and snapshots of memories, and so many books (in multiple languages, I must add) showing her interest in history and language. Looking at these items and the way they uniquely add to her story encourages me as I am looking at developing my own style and look at things I will be able to use with my own house and remind me its ok to be picky. Quality over quantity.
Week 21
2.14.17
Today is valentines day and last night my dad surprised me, took me out for Yats and gave me a box full of chocolates from Best Chocolates in Town. He has given each of us something for valentines day because he always wanted us to know that we were loved and that love goes deeper than gestures of chocolates and cards and flowers but everyone feels good after getting one or all three of those things so he got them for us. Thinking about all that he does for me and how he has inspired me I thought I might add a small section of points I appreciate and admire about him.
Things I Appreciate About My Dad
- His Patience - He will wait in the car or at a restaurant as long as it takes just so he'll be there ready to meet you or pick you up when you're ready.
- His Leadership - He leads with so much value of those he is leading. He makes everyone feel included and part of the process while also taking on his own heavy workload. He will stop whatever he is doing to talk to someone in his office as if that is the most important conversation he will have all day.
- His Thoughtfulness - He has always been so thoughtful. He makes us feel special by little gifts, good-will trips, breakfasts at Bob Evans on our birthdays, or running to wal-mart with me when they have a sale on plants.
- His Wisdom - There is no one I know who is wiser than my dad. For one he thinks so deeply about things and always takes ideas and discusses where they are based: in a belief about ourselves, or in a belief about the world, or in a belief about God. We have had so many long conversations about dilemmas in the world or even in my life and he always brings them down to such wise truths. He also is a fantastic judge of character. Every friend I have brought home to meet him he can pull out truths about them instantly. Whether its their depth and honesty or they're superficial and flighty, he sees it on the first interaction (which is great and typically frustrating)
- His Creativity - He has always been part of my inspiration and support for fostering creativity. My parents gave me my first camera when I was 9, another year when my dad found an old Polaroid and some old film cameras at goodwill he wrapped them up and gave them to me for Christmas. He was part of almost all of my photo projects when I took a photography class at Herron School of Art and Design and he still loves looking at my new projects. He talks with me about the composition and different things we can do with photos to bring new perspectives to them. The film camera I currently use is his from when he was in high school. The pictures he took in high school and college used to hang in my bedroom on my wall to inspire me to travel and take pictures all along the way. His creativity has always inspired mine.
"People grow where they are loved" - Bob Goff
And I am so glad I have been able to grow in such a loving and supportive environment!
2.11.17
Morning with friends, doughnuts, coffee, and plants. IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER?! I forget how much I need sunlight and green around me to boost my attitude and refocus my mind to be positive. It was a great recharge.
Week 20
2.6.17
Creative with studying, creative with making it through the week, creative with my packed lunches without going grocery shopping.
Plus, I didn't see Liz.
Week 19
1.28.17
This week was about being present with people around me. Because my school load has recently been lighter with most of my time spend in clinical rotations I was able to say "yes" so many more to outings and meeting up with people. Its so easy for me as an introvert to stay in and say 'no' to things because I don't feel like I'll know enough people or I hear about events second hand so I feel more pity invited rather than wanted. However, its kinda funny because the more you say 'yes' the more you feel apart!
I've also realized that when you choose people to surround you who are supportive and understanding of where you are in life and open up the venerableness of yourself that space that results is so beautiful. Three ladies who I have recently become close with have been so refreshing to me in my current season of life.
My 'Do' this week was relational based. I had brunch with friends, I embroidered at the bar of Quills with another close soul, I went on a road trip for dog medication and walked around Nashville, IN, and spent time with my sister at a new spot to catch up between studying.
Week 18
1.22.17
Yesterday I finished my peony and today I made a sandwhich with sweet potato, caramelized onions, spinach, and goat cheese. John Mayer also has four new songs out so i've been listening to those non stop, duh.
This week I'm also so encouraged by people around me. From friends pouring into me and being able to be a listening ear to others, its been an enlightening weekend for sure. Becoming more outward focused and creating a lifestyle that embraces others and invites them in is what I want to be more about. Practicing authentic love in the truest form.
Week 17
1.16.17
This week's "make/do" was a honey whisky marmalade. Liz and I looked at a few different recipes and landed on the basic version consisting of just honey, whisky, and oranges. The fun started last week when Liz introduced me to the Weck jars at Crate and Barrel. They were so cute and screaming for something yummy to be put inside them! With the citrus fruit in full season marmalade sounded like the best contender.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 quart Honey
- 10 Naval Oranges
- 1/2 cup Irish Whisky
Boil the oranges in a heavy pot for approximately 2 hours or until oranges are tender. Then drain and let oranges cool until you are easily able to handle. Cut the oranges in half and scoop out the pulp into a food processor or blender. Pulsate the food processor until smooth and at consistency with smooth pulp with no large chunks. (I eyeballed until it looked like it would spread easily once set) Then pour the pulp back into the pot with the honey and allow to boil on medium heat with consistent stirring for about 30ish minutes until its set. (we tested it by taking a small spoonful and place on a plate to cool for a few minutes and looking at how it sets) Once set mix in the whisky and pour into jars to cool and enjoy!
Since we had to wait 2 hours for the oranges to boil we were able to start on some nice embroidery projects so I suggest finding something around to do during the waiting periods!
Week 16
week of 1.9.16
This week was a slow week. School is starting (which is great actually), January is setting in, its cold and rainy, and everyone is getting in that funk that we get in when we live in Indiana during this time of year. So what was this week about? Gratitude. Practicing gratitude and looking for the things I'm thankful for around me. The ability to live in this beautiful house, eating left overs that reminds me of friends and game nights, taking a break from studies to listen to music and embroider and appreciate the neighbor who picks up the sticks on my sidewalk. Life is good. Grow where you're planted. Let friends pour into you. Pour into others. Appreciate.
Week 15
This week I added two entries! Christmas break is great, guys!
1.2.17
This cold weather has me all about soups lately. I stumbled across a recipe online from "pinch of yum" and set out to Kroger and Saraga international grocery store to find the ingredients. Saraga was an event all in itself! I've never been in a more diverse area in Indianapolis. I walked around for about 45 minutes trying to find 4 ingredients and I'm pretty sure I didn't even get the right ones. Regardless, the ramen turned out great! I forgot to get the white miso paste which would have helped with the spiciness level; It was perfect for me but I know that when I make it for friends I'll need something to tone it down. Another struggle was making the tofu. I had never made it before so I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for as far as "done-ness". Definitely something I'll be trying again and working on!
Check out the recipe I based mine off!
12.31.16
#notmyhouse
Low key wanting to make this hashtag a thing. This week I'm house sitting + pretending to have a dog and its pretty great. Liz is the best and not only made me a welcome packet but she left chocolates next to my bed! Um, never moving out? maybe...
Anyway, there is a lot of reflection happening with the new year and trying to figure out all the things I want to prioritize this next year. I love lists and goals and breaking all of them so I'm feeling pretty great about tomorrow. One thing that I am prioritizing is no sugar for the month of January. I know my body needs a break because these holidays were way too good. Another priority is inviting people over or inviting people to join in things I typically do alone. I'm an introvert but almost to a fault. Capitalizing on a trip to Meijer and inviting someone along or making dinner (regardless of how great/fancy) and playing board games with people will really lighten and break my loner tendencies. So, heres to 2017!
Week 14
12.25.16
Christmas!
Gifts are 100% my favorite and my love language so Christmas is my favorite. Even though I was busier leading up to this Christmas I think I felt more joy and excitement for this year. This year I was able to spend Christmas eve with some of the best people and back at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, which is as close to going back to my "growing up" church as I can get now.
This is actually a project that I started almost a month ago but this week I finally finished it! I found a similar picture online and thought I would try my hand at embroidery with these simple little plants. It was nice to be able to destress with this project after a week full of tests and two finals next week!
I used a cotton fabric pulled around a 9'' hoop and used floss for the embroidery. I would say it took me about three hours total to make. I would love to do other small projects like this in the future!
Week 11
12.6.16
Christmas Decorations + Hors d'oeuvre platter
This week we decorated our house with little greeneries that are making my parent's house smell amazing! The best part is most of it came from their backyard. Its surprising what a little spruce can do to make the entire house feel wintery and ready for Christmas.
For my Dad's birthday we presented him with a pasta dinner that started with a beautiful hors d'oeuvre platter. If I could live off hors d'oeuvres I think I would! The presentation is beautiful and the ability to mix flavors together from the fruits, crackers, cheeses, and whatever else you choose to include is so fun!
Here are a few snaps from the platter I put together.
11.30.16
- What Would I Do Without You - Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
- Oh My Captain - Rayland Baxter
- Trouble - Rayland Baxter
- Open Road - Roo Panes
- Arizona - Frances Cone
- The Original - Roo Panes
- Georgia - Vance Joy
- Barcelona - George Ezra
- Old Pine - Ben Howard
- Stay Alive - Jose Gonzalez
- Lake Michigan - Rogue Wave
Today was filled with so much food. Thanksgiving is high on my favorite holiday list partly because there is no other day (other than the following days) that I get to eat my grandma's stuffing and homemade pumpkin pie! After we were done stuffing ourselves we went out to walk everything off and took a few pictures of Elizabeth to add to her senior picture collection. Perks of being the sister of someone continuously figuring out her camera I guess.
Week 9
11.23.16
This week was thanksgiving prep! I had a slow morning of coffee and journaling which was the perfect start to the rest of the day. We made pies, ate a great lunch, took a walk, drank some wine and prepped for our thanksgiving tomorrow. I can't express how much I appreciate being able to cook along side my grandmother and learn from all her experience and tricks.
Week 8
11.15.16
Last week was included in the hardest weeks of the semester. Actually from November 1st until the the 14th it was really really hard. During that time I attended an AA meeting encouraged by my clinical instructor for our hours. Going into the meeting I expected there to be maybe 10 people but when I walked into the room the basement was filled with between 80-100 people from mid 20s to 60s. They were encouraging, welcoming, accepting, and authentic. Not authentic in the way that they try to be authentic but still come off fake but in the way they were real with their experiences and left behind faking it and putting on a face pretending they are always fine. One idea that was discussed that really struck me was that even if you mess up, you can keep moving forward. One slip up isn't great, but it doesn't mess up the rest of your life. Going 90 days sober and relapsing doesn't discount those 90 days that were hard work, harder than anything I've ever had to go through. But after that relapse, you get up, forgive yourself, go to meeting, and move on towards sobriety again. I didn't do anything creative, or social, or really anything for week 8. But that's okay. I learned things. I had conversations with people I envy not for their pain but for their resilience. For their acceptance. For their authenticity. So drink good coffee, forgive yourself, invite people to sit with you and smile more.
Life is short, be nice.
Week 7
11.5.16
This week was a small project but non the less refreshing. Transfered some small propagating succulents into the anchovy can I kept from a couple weeks ago. With one paper due, two tests, two days of clinical, a care plan, online modules, one presentation to give, and another to prepare for next week I didn't have quite as much time to do......anything. I'm celebrating in the rest I get from even small moments and remembering that this two will pass.
Week 6
11.2.16
Bosc Pear Tart with Goat Cheese and Honey
October Playlist
These are 10 songs I found myself listening to throughout this month. I've been excited about listening to new artists and appreciating older ones.
- My Love Is For - Jill Andrews
- These White Walls - Swear And Shake
- Valjean - Penny and Sparrow
- Brothers - Penny and Sparrow
- Moving Forward - Colony House
- Johnnie - Swear And Shake
- Waiting for My Time to Come - Colony House
- Keep On Keeping On - Colony House
- City of Angels - The Head and the Heart
- In Your Name - Tyson Motsenbocker
Week 5
10.27.16
For some reason I've been watching competition shows lately. Skin Wars, Cupcake wars, and Chopped. Somehow its just entertaining enough to keep my interest but also not entertaining enough for me to be able to actually work on my care plan while its playing. All of that to say I challenged myself this week to try to make something with an ingredient I had never tried before: Anchovies. Surprisingly, it turned out really well! This open face sandwhich had just about everything thrown on it from my fridge; it had mustard, artichoke hearts, smokes sausage, red pepper, and some cheddar cheese on top of a gluten free sandwhich bread. I broiled it until it was starting to brown around the edges then ate it right out of the toaster oven. It was GREAT if I do say so myself. I will no longer write off anchovies!
Week 4
10.17.16
Today was a sister trip adventure to Madison, Indiana and Clifty Falls State Park. Elizabeth and I recently starting becoming more intentional about traveling around to cities near us that we can get there and back within a day. Day trips are absolutely under appreciated. Being able to drive somewhere and run around the sites or eat all the best food with only one day to experience it is the best! There is a now or never attitude behind it that you sometimes miss when you spend more than one or a few days somewhere. Either way, today was a needed refreshment and reminder that I have such a great sister and friend.
Week 3
10.12.16
This week's adventure was a sister's trip to Tuttles orchard. We picked apples (from what was left even this early in the season) and ate almost one of every snack they have to offer. It was a sweet tasteful reminder that we are indeed in my favorite season and a realization that I really do love apples. It made it even better that Elizabeth and I could get out of the house and away from the impending homework pile that we are both trying to climb this week. Heres to all the sister adventures!
Week 2
10.4.16
Today's craft was an apple tart with a ginger whisky ice cream to accompany it. I have been gawking over the recipe since yesterday in the middle of my Research in Nursing class (productive, right?). I found it on "From The Kitchen" blog attached on the button at the bottom of the day's page. I don't even know the name of the author but she is absolutely brilliant. I've really loved beginning to play around with different flavors and experiencing all the combinations others, more experienced, have already thrown together! Well, either way, this was amazing and turned out perfectly.
I also made my first attempt at polenta today! My grandma regularly makes fabulous Italian and French dishes so when I went out to search for my own take on a few recipes I had come across. The polenta didn't turn out exactly like I had hoped but the vegetable sauce I made to pour over it worked perfectly! Definitely something I will try again!
I sautéed garlic in some oil then added baby bella and shiitake mushrooms and spinach and slowly let it cook down. I also roasted some small heirloom tomatoes in olive oil and salt until they were soft and starting to brown. Once the tomatoes were done I added them to the mushrooms and spinach and then added thyme, red wine, and a little cream and let it simmer for a few minutes while I finished up the polenta.
Word for next time -- don't accidentally buy cornbread mix instead of cornmeal. It wasn't terrible but It was more like a soft grits than polenta.
Week 1
9.28.16
First things first, I think its amazing that Adobe Spark allows me to create such a beautiful spread so effortlessly which allows me to spend more time figuring out what I will do from week to week and less on how I will upload it! Second, there is something about having such an amazing day that you completely forget about photographing any of it! I'm not sure what it says about me but I get so excited about slow rainy days. Not the rain that pours down so that you can't do anything but feel terrible about life but the rain where the sun still shines through and reflects off the drops coming down off the tree leaves. I drank coffee, got some work done, and made a good meal with friends. I've found that productive relaxation brings me the most regeneration. Heres to more days like these!