January Gone

Wow, next week is the end of January (and Justin Timberlake's birthday in case you write that on your calendar). I gotta say, January 2012 has been a pretty interesting year beginning.

I am now the chair of the local Public Market (not sure how I feel about that still).
We had over a foot of snow for almost a week (which I totally loved but thought the schools should have been in session).
We went to visit Sissy and Lil' Bear is California (had a great time even though it rained...at least it wasn't snow).
I discovered Pinterest (what I do instead of updating this here blog, whoopsie daisy).
I haven't worked a full 5 day week for probably a month because of holidays and vacations (but I still didn't find time to get all my other "to-dos" done).

But alas, next week I will be working a full 5 days but then....it's my birthday and I am taking a day off (or two). I think Washington should put a 4 day work week on the ballot soon.

My first pinterest DIY project "snow sticks"

Bright New Day

Sometimes I wake up (when I am not cozy under the covers and talking myself out of waking up) and I look outside and the sky is beautiful. Our front windows have a great view of the islands and sky. The clear sky and pink shadowy clouds are amazing. This morning I decided to take Buk for a walk (because I didn't want to run). When I walk just a quarter of a mile up the road, Mt Baker is fully visible. This just makes me smile every single time. If I walk even further, about half a mile, I can see the Canadian mountain range and that too is spectacular.

I get such joy seeing nature in all its splendor. Every time I see the mountain or the green San Juans, it makes me remember why I love my home. You know, sometimes I wished I lived in Hawaii because it too is so perfect but on mornings like this, I am reminded why I love Washington.

I know, this is total hippy bullshit but lordy, my day is a little brighter now because of the chilly, beautiful morning walk!

Garlic Carrots (Raw)

I love garlic. If you don't like garlic then you probably won't like this recipe. Which means you probably are a vampire. Just sayin'.

But, if you do in fact like garlic and you also happen to like carrots, then you should make this. It is super easy to make and it is a healthy snack. I make this when I find myself wanting a snack and about to open some chips. For me, this recipe replaces those easy to eat snacks that I really shouldn't eat all the live long day.

INGREDIENTS
6 larger-sized carrots
3 cloves of garlic
1T Mirin (an asian sweet rice vinegar) or regular rice vinegar
2t agave (or 2t simple sugar)
1/2t (or to taste) salt

METHOD
1. Grate carrots and put into a medium sized bowl.

2. Mince the garlic and put in same bowl.

3. Pour Mirin, agave, and salt into bowl.
4. Mix together.

5. You could eat it now or stick it in a jar and put in the fridge to let the flavors mix together a bit more and enjoy some later.

I am going to go eat some of mine right now!

Twenty Hundred And Twelve

Happy 2012 everybody! I have spent the last few days doing nothing! Great way to start a year, if I do say so myself! However, I have to go to work tomorrow and that isn't so happy. I mean I like work and all but I like eating food, taking naps, looking at pinterest, and doing what I want a lot more. I even did some DIY projects: homemade kahlua and some sticks in jars with salt snow decorations. Sissy was in town too; therefore, I got my fashion and decorating senses kicked into high gear. Thank god, I need that from time to time. Those sweat pants were really starting to stink.

All in all, I really enjoyed my family time (immediate, inlaws, and extended). Although, we were supposed to go x-country skiing with Ma and Pah and that didn't happen due to 20mph winds, we still had a great time entertaining each other.

Cousins

Now, for 2012, I need to do some working out. I know that is what everyone says and that is why the gym is going to be like the Walmart parking lot (which I have never actually been to, just heard about) but this inner tube I am beginning to get isn't really going to help me in any winter floods. Time to strap up my Nike's and get serious. Who's with me?! No one? Shit, this is going to make getting out of my cozy bed pretty difficult.

Buky's Xmas Hat