Internet. I hate to love it.

I got a bad bug on my computer and was without internet for almost a month. The internet is really basically a huge time suck for me so on one hand, it was nice being without but on the other, I missed blogging and researching all my crunchy interests. I'm by no means a computer genius (I'm actually a dummy when it comes to it) but I was able to figure out how to restore my computer to an earlier state and got rid of the bug, I think. A lot of the freezing and spam is no longer bombarding my computer so I think that's a good sign. Just curious, what anti-virus program do you guys use?

I look forward to catching up on everyone's blog. I also have some catching up on my own blog posts as well. We've been up to all sorts of fun stuff like pushing wheel barrows around everywhere and blowing on dandelions and spreading more weeds.

Farm Tour at Inspiration Plantation

Last Saturday, Everett and I, along with some friends from church, visited Inspiration Plantation for their monthly farm tour. I was in search of a local farm with sustainable and ethical farming practices whom I could purchase eggs, grass-fed meats, and produce from and my good 'ol friend Google brought me to Inspiration Plantation. I wanted to visit them to learn further about their philosophies and the layout of their farm and meet their animals. I thought it'd also be fun for Everett to check out the animals.

The tour consisted of walking through their 20+ acre field while the farmers, Jenn and Matt, gave a little info on the animals and their farming practices for them.

Everett and I held up the end of the group tour as he had trouble walking through the mud and dirt with his one-size-too-big boots so I missed a bit of the information that they had to share but we both fully enjoyed seeing the animals.

{You can see a few goats there in the middle of the photo.}

Everett LOVED the chickens and wanted to get all up in the coop but there was a lot (A LOT) of poop inside and we didn't have an extra pair of clothing.

A dozen organic eggs in the grocery store can cost you about $5 but Inspiration Plantation sells a dozen of their smaller sized eggs for only $3. They're not that much smaller than the regular sized eggs so that's what we've been purchasing. Also, if you volunteer to help clean their eggs, you get a dozen free for cleaning a certain amount, which we've signed up to do.

My husband missed this farm tour but I'm looking forward to having him come with us on the next one and I'm hoping to be able to snatch a little bit more info during the tour.

Roasted Kale Chips

I've been hearing about kale chips lately. Til recently, prior to when I made some kale soup a few months ago, I had no clue what it was. Kale is a green, leafy vegetable and is apart of the cabbage family. I've been hearing how delicious these chips are and have seen a few recipes on pinterest so I finally decided to make some. I purchased one bunch of organic kale for $3.49. For that price, I was able to make 2 large batches.

I began by washing each leaf separately and then peeled the leaves off the middle stem. Make sure to dry the leaves. I used a towel but a salad spinner works just as well. I then threw the leaves in a large bowl and drizzled some extra virgin olive oil with a few pinches of sea salt. I then placed some parchment paper onto a baking sheet and evenly laid out the kale.

Bake at 350 until the edges are browned but not burnt (about 20 minutes). Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. They are oh-so delicious! They are lightly crisp, salty, and satiates any craving for a greasy potato chip. And the best part: they are full of protein and healthy for you! My husband, who doesn't like his vegetables, loved them. Enjoy!

Crunchy Tip #4 (Headaches)

Headaches are one of those nuisances that can throw you a curve ball and have you feeling off kilter during the day. At least for me, I wouldn't necessarily say they are painful but rather annoying and a bit disruptive. I typically don't take any ibuprofen to cure it and the first thing I always do when I get one is to drink a big glass of water. It is common for a headache to be a result of dehydration. Sometimes, water doesn't do the trick. In these instances, if you'd like a crunchy resolution, try ingesting some cayenne pepper. I'm not talking a spoonful but sprinkling some onto some food. If you're tough and wouldn't mind getting some hair on your chest, be my guest and take that spoonful.

Suggested foods include hummus, cottage cheese, or steamed broccoli or cauliflower. Really, it accompanies any (non-sweet) main dish and will add a little zing.


Another natural remedy is peppermint essential oil. Dab a bit onto your temples, close your eyes, and give it about 15 minutes. If you're looking for a place to purchase essential oils, I'd highly suggest getting them from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Try these remedies the next time you get bothered by a headache. Both are less expensive remedies to pain relievers you get at the drugstore and better for your body.

Homemade Granola Bars

I absolutely love granola. Anything with granola, I'm down. I received a scrumptious homemade granola cereal recipe from my mom that I'm anxious to try. I tried some of hers a few weeks ago and I thought it was some high-priced, fancy granola she bought at some expensive organic store but to my surprise, it was homemade. The best I've ever had.

I recently had an itch to make something with old fashioned oats in it and instead of the granola cereal, I decided to make some granola bars; something that Everett could enjoy as well.

What I like about granola bars is that you can make any variety and add in any of your favorite dried fruits or nuts. This time around, I made them with chocolate chips.


I used the recipe from weelicious.com and modified it a bit. The cooking time was too long though because mine came out way over done. They were delicious but on the hard, crunchy side. I was looking for something a bit more soft and chewy.

I had to throw some of it out because it was burnt and impossible to eat but it still made a decent amount.


There's so many granola bar recipes out there and I'm looking forward to trying out another one.

Crunchy Tip #3 (Food Storage)

Ever since I learned about the BPA in all plastics, I've been gradually replacing my kitchen plastics with glass. You will see many advertised plastics with "No BPA" labels but be informed that they still all have some traces of it. Also, manufacturers are not required to label BPA so we have no way of knowing if it's present in the plastics.

On the bottom of (most) anything plastic, you will see a number. There are varying degrees of plastic and it is best to know which ones are the least harmful. Shoot for plastics numbered 1,2,4, and 5. Anything else I would advise staying away from. Most importantly, never heat food in plastic or put heated food into a plastic container. If plastic is all you have, wait until the food is cooled. Heating plastic can transfer harmful compounds and the BPA can leach right into the food and drink.

Since I no longer purchase food in cans, I purchase them in glass. Instead of going out and buying new glass food storage containers, I save my glass containers and reuse them to store various foods in. Two birds with one stone- I avoid using plastic and I save money.

Making Faces at Bathtime

Everett went through this odd phase that I like to call "terror of the drain." He was absolutely terrified of the bathtub drain. He refused to get in and when we would set him in the tub, he screamed and climbed out in lightning speed. For a few months, either my husband or I would have to bathe with him and even then, he was scared and we would have to talk him through it. He would only sit on my lap and refused to sit my himself. How I knew that it was the drain that terrified him was just by saying the word. After lifting the drain to let the water out, I have always said, "say bye bye to the water going down the drain!" Even after he was out of the tub, I would just say "drain" and he would yell 'no' and shake his head and start crying. Perhaps he had a bad dream about going down the drain or something?

The last few bath times, he has willingly sat my himself (with me still in the tub though) and the other evening, he bathed by himself but that lasted only 2 minutes before he jumped out. Surely not long enough for me to really get him clean.

It's silly these phases that they go through. I got some cute photos of him making faces during one of his baths last week. I especially love his "stink face."

Shamrock Run 2012

I ran my first official race yesterday! I ran the 5K Shamrock Run on the Downtown Portland Waterfront with two of my girlfriends. This year's event reached it's record high of 32,500 participants. Wow. Let me just say, there were A LOT of people there.



And it was very cold. My fingers were icicles and my toes froze. We did the best we could to stay warm.


We ran most of it but it jammed up near the finish line and we had to walk to it. I definitely wasn't focused on my PR with this race. Nonetheless, it was fun and I loved the atmosphere. Many people have told me that races are addicting. For some reason, they are! I'm doing my first half marathon (Vancouver USA Marathon) on June 17th with my best friend from high school, Michelle (see photo of us below!) and Foot Traffic Flat half marathon on the 4th of July with another friend, Ivy. I have yet to run close to 13 miles and can't quite fathom that right now but I start my Hal Higdon's Novice 2 training program tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to both of these races!

Distraction by Kitchen Utensils

I found a way to distract my son for a few minutes so I can get a bit done in the kitchen from time to time. It usually only lasts a few minutes but if I'm lucky, he'll give me about 10 minutes. I use this tool of distraction so I can get his meals prepared, even though I've mastered the art of making his breakfast, lunch, and dinners with him on my hip, one handed.


He's tall enough so he can stand on his tippy toes and reach the kitchen utensils in the drawer. I'll ask him to line them up for me and to show me when he's all done. He seems quite pleased with himself while doing it as if it's a very important task I've given him.

I need to maybe buy 20-30 more utensils. Maybe that'll give me at least 30 full minutes.

Is it Summer yet?

Why do I love the Pacific Northwest? I'll tell you it's not because of the rain but I don't mind it really and am one of the few who choose to live here and don't complain about the massive amounts of it we have. I love the greenery and the many beautiful places to visit and that we have 4 seasons, Fall being my favorite by the way. My only complaint is that it has always seemed that the Winter season is so drawn out. It seems so much longer than the others. I wouldn't be complaining usually but I am this year because we've had a rough time with the cold and flu this time around. Everett has been sick more in the past month than he has the entire 27 months of his little life. Sadly to say, he came down with the flu the other night. The poor kids already had a cold consisting of a rough cough, a sinus infection, and now the flu...all in a month's time.

His temperature shot up over 102 the other night. Because this has been the highest temp he's ever had, I admit I freaked a little and stayed up all night worrying. I even shed some tears. Is it just me or does your heart ache so badly when your child is sick and you know they feel miserable? That night, I checked on him hourly and finally didn't get into bed to sleep until about 4am. I spent hours debating on taking him to the emergency. I even texted one of my well-seasoned mom friends, Tiffany, at 2am to get some encouraging advice. I know, over-reactive first time mom here. Hello.

He's been so quiet and hasn't wanted to do much other than resting on the couch or in my arms.


I wanted to rule out ear infection so my husband and I took him into his pediatrician yesterday. No ear infection. By the way, he got a weight check and he's 25 lbs. He has gained some great weight since his 2nd birthday. He has a petite frame and looks smaller than 25 lbs. He's got great muscle mass.


On the way home, he was so out of it. His eyes were droopy and he just looked plain sad to me. He spotted a picture that he colored at church in the seat pocket and it brought a little smile to his face. He held it tightly the whole drive home.


As I have mentioned in previous posts, Everett doesn't nap much since we stopped cold turkey rocking him to sleep back in December. He still spends 2 hours in his crib everyday regardless. Today, he napped 2 hours after he woke up and later asked to be put into his crib in which he napped again. I know for sure that my little guy is not feeling well for him to do that. Tonight, he brought his night time diaper and pajamas to me, which he never does, and quickly fell asleep after we said our prayers.

Is it Summer yet? I'm quite ready for some warmer weather and for all of us to be well and healthy.