tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36211121386084461412024-03-13T00:10:31.065-04:00ProcraftinateFinding art in the everyday... because let's face it, I'm never going to finish that sweater.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-51303224126126478562012-01-27T16:36:00.001-05:002012-01-27T16:36:43.426-05:00a poem and pictures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LZ0ZXlP-Ons1Om0nz5tYjLg8Lf3o-CzmfxLoTVzhAz_IkPFhd6yWXeYzUSSFKw8oUout0GRAnfwH3WOrBwyFLpNseEUgRJfboUSaQQbvy6Uo2PDriJQtrwGughYY_-6K0v_vHvrZsjCP/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LZ0ZXlP-Ons1Om0nz5tYjLg8Lf3o-CzmfxLoTVzhAz_IkPFhd6yWXeYzUSSFKw8oUout0GRAnfwH3WOrBwyFLpNseEUgRJfboUSaQQbvy6Uo2PDriJQtrwGughYY_-6K0v_vHvrZsjCP/s200/photo+1.JPG" width="200" /></a>A mighty creature is the germ,<br />
Though smaller than a pachyderm,<br />
His customary dwelling place<br />
Is deep within the human race<br />
His childish pride he often pleases<br />
<br />
By giving people strage diseases.<br />
Do you, my poppet, feel infirm?<br />
You probably contain a germ.<br />
By Ogden Nash<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina4LOu9qLXjpMOqGtoYkAXWfesMNZRZsqmrPY6w-FXDZw9Hqpn9bqwKz0YpBGzHuYcxjF9xJjlosc3msDMBk5JjkvAVqZfDr81CeLwlwq_V8HTRXhNZD0YE3e-DgsEUHd6ghCosU7TQhG/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina4LOu9qLXjpMOqGtoYkAXWfesMNZRZsqmrPY6w-FXDZw9Hqpn9bqwKz0YpBGzHuYcxjF9xJjlosc3msDMBk5JjkvAVqZfDr81CeLwlwq_V8HTRXhNZD0YE3e-DgsEUHd6ghCosU7TQhG/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Poor little girls.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-83252452999616113112012-01-26T13:44:00.001-05:002012-01-26T13:44:05.636-05:00Document: menu planningMenu planning. It really works.<br />
<br />
I used to have a very flexible biweekly menu plan because I liked the freedom to try new recipes, new techniques, and fun ingredients. Cooking was my creative outlet. But as I got more sick and tired, all that flew out the window. Now, I try to make sure my artistic self can be expressed while I'm sitting or lying down (not kidding--but maybe that's another blog post).<br />
<br />
This is how I do menu planning now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4c1eI-9EySgHZhSVBZL30B51Och6voAdmqqDbfrWVc8P_PO50s2GNTIbBfX743hKXqV-zVOVSwqlqFUzdeMJSCtjkrDudOKGkS9mBJPa5IDictSOulzFpplYX-MhEuPQh82NFV2FgVwB/s1600/eat+this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4c1eI-9EySgHZhSVBZL30B51Och6voAdmqqDbfrWVc8P_PO50s2GNTIbBfX743hKXqV-zVOVSwqlqFUzdeMJSCtjkrDudOKGkS9mBJPa5IDictSOulzFpplYX-MhEuPQh82NFV2FgVwB/s320/eat+this.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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I read <a href="http://fourfoldhealing.com/2007/11/08/chronic-fatigue/" target="_blank">this article</a> by Dr. Thomas Cowan about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and suddenly everything clicked. Since reading this (and with lots of help from his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fourfold-Path-Healing-Therapeutics-Meditation/dp/0967089794?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199296793&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Fourfold Path to Healing</a>), I've been concentrating on a diet that is:<br />
<ul>
<li>easy to digest</li>
<li> has enough iron to address my anemia</li>
<li>lots of broth and leafy greens to restore bone density</li>
<li>focuses on my specific vitamin deficiencies like B-12 and zinc</li>
<li>and will hopefully increase general health for not just me, but my husband and our two little girls, too.</li>
</ul>
If you don't have an autoimmune issue like I do, it's still a very healthy way to eat, and can be easily modified to be <a href="http://gapsdiet.com/" target="_blank">GAPS</a>- or <a href="http://robbwolf.com/2011/09/29/what-is-the-paleo-diet/" target="_blank">Paleo</a>-friendly. I've been tweaking it since about September, and it's become my masterpiece. It works great... when I'm not too tired to cook, that is. (Oh Irony, you get me every time!)<br />
<br />
My mom asked me if I would blog this, and ever the obliging daughter, here it is in its entirety. If this is too weird for you, or you have different nutritional needs, I highly recommend susbscribing to KerryAnn's menu plans at <a href="http://www.cookingtf.com/" target="_blank">Cooking Traditional Foods</a>. I also like the "Everyday Gourmet" menu plan from <a href="http://www.eatfatlosefat.com/" target="_blank">Eat Fat, Lose Fat</a> (bad title, great book).<br />
<br />
Okay, so here's what our family is eating....<br />
<br />
<b>Monday</b><br />
Breakfast: Sauteed Veggies and <a href="http://kerryg.hubpages.com/hub/The-Benefits-of-Pastured-Pork" target="_blank">Pastured Pork</a> Sausage<br />
Dinner: <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/crockpot-rotisserie-style-chicken.html" target="_blank">Crockpot Chicken</a>, <a href="http://thenourishingcook.com/follow-the-whey-to-ginger-carrot-land/" target="_blank">Ginger Carrots</a>, Kale, Baked Potatoes<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbt2X9hpdu7bQD4wdQGEHyl5ZK3glesdeWl0jW6wUB9vCi3jhFgDcfdUJUvBp76X1FYIPxh4tILcWEiHfOdCB4SywpEz8xkJxD29-wX19HA789nisWuOU6iwz09ExMT-tsuMcxemL5qy1/s1600/crockpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbt2X9hpdu7bQD4wdQGEHyl5ZK3glesdeWl0jW6wUB9vCi3jhFgDcfdUJUvBp76X1FYIPxh4tILcWEiHfOdCB4SywpEz8xkJxD29-wX19HA789nisWuOU6iwz09ExMT-tsuMcxemL5qy1/s200/crockpot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (making yogurt in the crockpot)</span></i><b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Tuesday</b><br />
Breakfast: <a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/2010/03/24/egg-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Egg Muffins</a> (with leftovers from Monday's breakfast) and fruit<br />
Dinner: Chinese Chicken Salad (leftovers from Monday's dinner) over shredded Napa cabbage and <a href="http://www.mommypotamus.com/egg-drop-soup-gaps-paleo-primal/" target="_blank">Egg Drop Soup</a> (<a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/perpetual-soup-the-easiest-bone-broth-youll-make/" target="_blank">made from broth</a> from Monday)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>or </i></span>Chicken Tacos (leftovers from Monday's dinner) with <a href="http://www.nourishingdays.com/2009/07/the-benefits-of-fermented-food-lacto-fermented-vegetables/" target="_blank">Cortido </a>and Tomato Soup (<a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/perpetual-soup-the-easiest-bone-broth-youll-make/" target="_blank">made with broth</a> from Monday)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4CKUao6JBf33m2w9dWSAKt3UAH0QZIPWQ-6SwxYkECosfzcLLUh2AELSZojf-5Vg0_2F_o5RJbmKKAKQ8JMpVTFmhVI48wAgjxNI9AkOo_vb9dzVLdxJwN8-d3niWn8uNW0YBeN8xwHB/s1600/kimchi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4CKUao6JBf33m2w9dWSAKt3UAH0QZIPWQ-6SwxYkECosfzcLLUh2AELSZojf-5Vg0_2F_o5RJbmKKAKQ8JMpVTFmhVI48wAgjxNI9AkOo_vb9dzVLdxJwN8-d3niWn8uNW0YBeN8xwHB/s200/kimchi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(making kimchi)</i></span></div>
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<b>Wednesday</b><br />
Breakfast: Baked Apples and Meatballs<br />
Dinner: <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/nicoise_salad/" target="_blank">Salad Nicoise</a> (with very rare grilled tuna steaks) and Carrot Soup (<a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/perpetual-soup-the-easiest-bone-broth-youll-make/" target="_blank">made with broth</a> from Monday)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>or </i></span>Grilled Tuna Steaks (again, very rare) with Napa Cabbage Slaw and kimchi<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufmdjNiOwOYQCd0uaBGjfPL2l-tCkJZHt-MqKx33rxLVokxPdB-Stf19F4Uz-hDv8_ChYNFahhi8KIWI4ZxCz2rBZlR8roKcs01Glt-TBmW8B_aLCl39Slxv-XZIXoh5Z-LNwtLV3KCkN/s1600/kimchi+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufmdjNiOwOYQCd0uaBGjfPL2l-tCkJZHt-MqKx33rxLVokxPdB-Stf19F4Uz-hDv8_ChYNFahhi8KIWI4ZxCz2rBZlR8roKcs01Glt-TBmW8B_aLCl39Slxv-XZIXoh5Z-LNwtLV3KCkN/s200/kimchi+2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(the finished kimchi)</span></i></div>
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<b>Thursday</b><br />
Breakfast: <a href="http://www.organicthrifty.com/2009/07/09/cabbage-pork-jowl/" target="_blank">Pork Jowls and Cabbage</a>, Applesauce<br />
Dinner: <a href="http://www.organicthrifty.com/2009/07/15/real-fast-nourishing-miso-soup/" target="_blank">Miso Chicken Soup</a>, Stir Fried Veggies, Asian Steak Tartare (Recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327595822&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Nourishing Traditions</a>, see explanation <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/07/the-health-benefits-of-eating-raw-meat.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RH5jp6pIgGxPmfsowCJblCj_QnhSKskXRjUoFrm9yRjFo_nFA1VTwnj5G2XMPmnIan2eUPBr5ku7834Vand59jLvOcuF5tra6oGWopkluYWIL-4zhKliaDo3j2SgcBwvj_kFMy06UMFP/s1600/stock+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RH5jp6pIgGxPmfsowCJblCj_QnhSKskXRjUoFrm9yRjFo_nFA1VTwnj5G2XMPmnIan2eUPBr5ku7834Vand59jLvOcuF5tra6oGWopkluYWIL-4zhKliaDo3j2SgcBwvj_kFMy06UMFP/s200/stock+pot.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (a vat of chicken stock)</span></i><b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Friday</b><br />
Breakfast: <a href="http://www.realfoodfreaks.com/2011/09/18/sauteed-chicken-livers/" target="_blank">Sauteed Chicken Livers</a> and Applesauce<br />
Dinner: <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/home-cured-corned-beef/" target="_blank">Corned Beef</a> with cabbage and carrots, <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/homemade-sauerkraut/" target="_blank">Homemade Saurkraut</a><br />
<br />
<b>Saturday</b><br />
Breakfast: <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/soaked-oatmeal-recipe/" target="_blank">Soaked Oatmeal</a> or Gluten-Free Pancakes<br />
Dinner: free night<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>or </i></span><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Curried-Lentil-Soup-5344" target="_blank">Curried Lentils</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pataks-Korma-Curry-Cooking-15-Ounce/dp/B001SB6C1Q/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i" target="_blank">some sort of curry</a> with a protein and Homemade Chutney (Recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327595822&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Nourishing Traditions</a>) <br />
<br />
<b>Sunday </b>(our busiest day)<br />
Breakfast: leftovers<br />
Dinner: leftovers <br />
<br />
Our lunches are the same every day to give me a break from all that food prep. The girls get gluten-free PBJ's, fruit, and yogurt. I have a smoothie or leftovers. My hubby makes his lunches on Sunday, usually grilled chicken and something green like salad or sauteed kale. This is my master list, but it's very flexible week to week. Some days, we just have scrambled eggs and yogurt for dinner, and that's okay. But having a guideline helps me get back on track faster, keep grocery costs lower, makes shopping easier, and generally helps life go smoother--for all of us.<br />
<br />
What about you? Do you menu plan? Let me know in the comments!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-47501592777818154572012-01-25T14:10:00.000-05:002012-01-25T14:10:10.873-05:00Document: my outfits<br />
I feel like I'm just now--at age 32--finally hitting my stride. I'm recovering from a long illness and my kids are not <i>quite </i>as demanding as when they were born, and at last I have the capability to be interested in things like growing my hair out, having cute shoes, and just generally trying to avoid looking like a hot mess. <br />
<br />
It's hit or miss most days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW9YTxGRQrydXUPecbJuP9S-ZdalIViZ5MYk1fhdvdnJEFCb6hpROX4Jy-Hhzlyy2aXrMKvgHN5ZleVYhPbgPWzZ6HFiaU2QGWoUTVB4ums8cOd8buXhMzuNeMGsC7P_4hsTsgJw0WjC_/s1600/photo%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW9YTxGRQrydXUPecbJuP9S-ZdalIViZ5MYk1fhdvdnJEFCb6hpROX4Jy-Hhzlyy2aXrMKvgHN5ZleVYhPbgPWzZ6HFiaU2QGWoUTVB4ums8cOd8buXhMzuNeMGsC7P_4hsTsgJw0WjC_/s320/photo%252815%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(iPhone photo taken yesterday by my four-year-old daughter!)</i></span></div>
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I really enjoy fashion bloggers like <a href="http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Jessica </a>and <a href="http://www.onepearlbutton.com/search/label/fashion" target="_blank">Ali </a>and <a href="http://www.cardiganempire.com/" target="_blank">Reachel</a>, but I would never flatter myself enough to think that I have any stylish insight to offer the blogosphere. Instead, I'm using my New Year's resolution of "document" to record my own outfits that I like, or feel happy wearing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulD5pRy6d985-pam1JVEB3G4pyQSjRtc4GFWnJw1wsqsectukkOoG_gdcJokhHaa2wF-WmvvcCSkGx9dEW53FXv_s7WuhfDxntsO2Pq6uIc2v8WYoygP119-QxeE9MzbJu9yJ5KV4MY8c/s1600/photo%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulD5pRy6d985-pam1JVEB3G4pyQSjRtc4GFWnJw1wsqsectukkOoG_gdcJokhHaa2wF-WmvvcCSkGx9dEW53FXv_s7WuhfDxntsO2Pq6uIc2v8WYoygP119-QxeE9MzbJu9yJ5KV4MY8c/s320/photo%252814%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(iPhone photo taken yesterday by my four-year-old daughter!)</i></span></div>
<br />
Yesterday, I tried to dress appropriately for my day but spent the whole time feeling like I was only vaguely resembling myself. I came home, changed a few things, and felt like I was finally <i>me </i>again. Super-stylish? No. Groundbreaking? No. Did I feel better? Yes! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn2J7YS2Ce3volLZjcPkkOX9ps4GbpD8uRR9HhfTpv2B88w6U94F0FsJ393QAT2yfkIPVntl4Ag5eaYmYpSTfA8-LS4iCfeMBODNECnaz5FsaOiSJ1V_UnP5uOqk6cUCXmnGqBsJIpmK7/s1600/photo%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn2J7YS2Ce3volLZjcPkkOX9ps4GbpD8uRR9HhfTpv2B88w6U94F0FsJ393QAT2yfkIPVntl4Ag5eaYmYpSTfA8-LS4iCfeMBODNECnaz5FsaOiSJ1V_UnP5uOqk6cUCXmnGqBsJIpmK7/s320/photo%252813%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (iPhone photo taken today by my two-year-old daughter!)</span></i></div>
<br />
I just downloaded an iPhone app called <a href="http://mashable.com/2011/12/16/cloth-iphone-app/" target="_blank">Cloth </a>to help my record my sartorial highs and lows. I'll let you know how I like it, but until then, here are a few more inspiring bloggers who I really enjoy. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/elsies-closet-daily-outfit-catalog.html" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess</a><br />
<a href="http://www.brooklynblonde.com/" target="_blank">Brooklyn Blonde</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lazy-saturdays.com/" target="_blank">Lazy Saturdays</a><br />
<a href="http://fashion.melissaesplin.com/" target="_blank">I Still Love Fashion</a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (iphone photo taken by my two-year-old daughter!)</span></i></div>
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Here's to hoping 2012 sees all of us becoming better versions of ourselves, outfits and all!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-77683496829322826062012-01-23T14:25:00.000-05:002012-01-23T14:25:14.879-05:00Monday, MondayHoo boy.<br />
<br />
This is going to be a busy week, and I'm trying to shake the feeling of inevitable doom.<br />
<br />
I have a sick kid, an almost-sinus infection, no car this week, a gimpy stroller, a cold and wet weather forecast, a broken oven, and I already ate all of this week's chocolate rations. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLEYbpjXo4jYCX1Hbcs7IdDgAQGTUEtmQAvHmlnpEHrqkggUNY6MlqzszGnWIa9trlTRXv1AuAKs9kM8iPjcVaQDzXdq0ozSJuNQVlOnOBifnsy8adlcIuX8fqvi9UVIOdXTe-cb8ZDO2/s1600/photo%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLEYbpjXo4jYCX1Hbcs7IdDgAQGTUEtmQAvHmlnpEHrqkggUNY6MlqzszGnWIa9trlTRXv1AuAKs9kM8iPjcVaQDzXdq0ozSJuNQVlOnOBifnsy8adlcIuX8fqvi9UVIOdXTe-cb8ZDO2/s320/photo%252811%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
But on the bright side: my order from <a href="http://www.galison.com/GALISON-C34.aspx" target="_blank">Galison </a>arrived! I can finally resume functional to-do lists. I've spent the last three weeks writing on my hand, the calendar, old envelopes, and just trying<i> really hard</i> to remember stuff. I don't know why, but their <a href="http://www.galison.com/Lucie-Summers-Writers-Notepad-P2763C0.aspx" target="_blank">writers' notepads</a> are the only way I can approximate moderate productivity. My week is starting to look up.<br />
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I've been making lists as I hum this song. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h81Ojd3d2rY" width="420"></iframe><br />
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I hope your week is off to a good start!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-56632531081553836392012-01-16T17:01:00.000-05:002012-01-16T19:02:37.431-05:002012 resolutions: one wordMaybe you've heard of the <a href="http://oneword365.com/" target="_blank">one word resolutions</a>?<br />
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In a nutshell, instead of trying to achieve lots of goals to change who we are, the intent of the one word resolution is not to do, but to be.<br />
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My one word this year?<br />
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Document.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIhw2Xu9DY2Bkn-HF6pIbmQ0SgPBdC-VeRVVc4RY14CcBmQU7duAOSrnfSopDL7eiqSB3_g-SUEfwyO0e7tgM4stnHioXh-uOY3Fa_EChjjB_7kSCBavIrjlzHgfJvCNGsNWvyJ66bUo9/s1600/photo%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIhw2Xu9DY2Bkn-HF6pIbmQ0SgPBdC-VeRVVc4RY14CcBmQU7duAOSrnfSopDL7eiqSB3_g-SUEfwyO0e7tgM4stnHioXh-uOY3Fa_EChjjB_7kSCBavIrjlzHgfJvCNGsNWvyJ66bUo9/s320/photo%252810%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I carry too much in my head and heart, and it's a burden I don't need. This year, I want to record all those adorable things my kids say, know exactly where I'm spending money, keep my to-do lists in better places, save all those pretty wine labels, keep correspondence from sweet friends, know how much protein I'm eating daily, and so on.<br />
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Document.<br />
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What's your resolution this year?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-69822255183964174962012-01-12T14:57:00.000-05:002012-01-12T14:57:40.647-05:00Yup... still Christmas!I wonder why I keep thinking about <a href="http://procraftinate.blogspot.com/2012/01/merry-christmas-to-me-15-days-later.html" target="_blank">Christmas stockings</a>?<br />
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And <a href="http://whatrachelsreading.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-roundup-childrens-books.html" target="_blank">Christmas </a><a href="http://whatrachelsreading.blogspot.com/2012/01/one-more.html" target="_blank">books</a>?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimerG-YazC_oxC0zVGYkhSUS9bt8H6CyCqaz7XhU94G9tgPPMpO7A9xz5GllV4B3xAg0bANj1aBgWeAPhX59oZHLhrGnGORsLW9edvqi0t6ianqWnS9VdGUbzOVS033oF4kj4F17RefMmz/s1600/photo%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimerG-YazC_oxC0zVGYkhSUS9bt8H6CyCqaz7XhU94G9tgPPMpO7A9xz5GllV4B3xAg0bANj1aBgWeAPhX59oZHLhrGnGORsLW9edvqi0t6ianqWnS9VdGUbzOVS033oF4kj4F17RefMmz/s320/photo%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFNT-H5345qMOsT-JwWgJNL64g9_V9WoRJUBcykvHtC-Ple1OYqkooi-Cv0i1mhx7_v-KsaXPVdy0xn2jp24ygY7ri17TI2vrFnJfIG7exfYb8mNUdySaBRlWKKpm_qwskSkx0u-jlo8N/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div> St. Nicholas Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and even Epiphany have all passed.<br />
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I guess I just have Christmas on the brain... and the mantel.<br />
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I haven't scheduled myself to do a deep clean of living room for at least another 2 weeks, so it will be perpetually Christmas in hearts--not to mention, Christmas in our house--for quite a while. I'm okay with that.<br />
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Ask me again in February, though.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-44830031161969460652012-01-09T22:18:00.001-05:002012-01-09T22:21:25.943-05:00Merry Christmas to me, 15 days laterSome parts of being a grown-up are great. Red wine! A bank account! Driving! You can sneak into the kitchen after dinner and eat ice cream <i>and nobody will stop you!</i> Hey, you can even have ice cream for breakfast if you want! (And let me tell you, if I didn't have kids watching me all day long, my entire grocery list would be nothing but ice cream. And red wine.)<br />
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But other parts of being a grown-up are not so fun. Taxes. Bank accounts. Nihilism. And Christmas is a very different experience.<br />
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It's an absolute joy to experience the wonder and celebration of Christ's birth through the eyes of small children. However, now I have to plan and shop for my own stocking, which isn't as magical as it was when I was little.<br />
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But let me tell you, when the mail came today, it was like opening a overflowing girly stocking on Christmas morning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW1nxV7EI7XeDoSDjldRDKPqFfhsdPHfLWJ7JlSzLUtx2JEVSDG7YH4Em9EDb3MxD9pHT6La6YmH883D2QzQ96-ftXACCl6A7Yu12HbXZRTQmtJ9MuTYVdxOtfsxpmrZt85z38TwP3LM_/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW1nxV7EI7XeDoSDjldRDKPqFfhsdPHfLWJ7JlSzLUtx2JEVSDG7YH4Em9EDb3MxD9pHT6La6YmH883D2QzQ96-ftXACCl6A7Yu12HbXZRTQmtJ9MuTYVdxOtfsxpmrZt85z38TwP3LM_/s320/photo%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This BeautyBox by <a href="http://www.beachmint.com/" target="_blank">BeachMint</a> is essentially a grab-bag of twelve items for $30, which I think is a fair price (you can purchase it <a href="http://box.beautymint.com/" target="_blank">here</a>). Some products are by established brands and some are newbies, but I plan on trying them all. I'm especially looking forward to using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weleda-Wild-Moisture-Cream-Ounce/dp/B000ORSUYM" target="_blank">Weleda Wild Rose moisture cream</a> and <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/go-smile-on-the-go-teeth-whitening-pen/3130440" target="_blank">GoSmile teeth whitening pen</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9m5gDtP9UTjyGSMik3mdlaVHYqfSXt73EdI7D11X-Ix9BFAv-GYPdkkmxY5XznjnBf7z8TP-6M2mrzQlDIw7e5rTc4zlOAXAkQ-kViK6U24rTUxwC7PNFWOc7L9JGO0CRgNxvv2dohwu/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9m5gDtP9UTjyGSMik3mdlaVHYqfSXt73EdI7D11X-Ix9BFAv-GYPdkkmxY5XznjnBf7z8TP-6M2mrzQlDIw7e5rTc4zlOAXAkQ-kViK6U24rTUxwC7PNFWOc7L9JGO0CRgNxvv2dohwu/s320/photo%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Don't we all, as modern women, work really hard? And wouldn't we all like to have something surprising and girly delivered right to our front door? I think so. Do I think you need to treat <i>yourself</i>, Gentle Reader? Why, yes I do!<br />
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If this one isn't your thing, the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204903804577082914235284758.html" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> reviewed four different companies and their offerings. If I were to do this again, I'd probably try <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/" target="_blank">BirchBox</a> next. But for now, I'm going to see how many products I can use in one evening and then get some beauty sleep.<br />
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Good night!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-63491215784622539642012-01-07T15:23:00.000-05:002012-01-07T15:23:56.883-05:00Weekend linksToday has been full of Godly sorrows, heavenly joys, undeserved blessings, inevitable disappointments, long wistful stares into the distance, and it's not even three o'clock yet. Hopefully your weekend is more even-keeled than mine is so far, and if it is, you might enjoy a few of these links.<br />
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I <i>loved </i>this: "<a href="http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/04/2011-lesson-2-dont-carpe-diem/" target="_blank">2011 Lesson 2: Don't Carpe Diem</a>", posted to facebook by a childhood <a href="http://rosannelortz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">friend </a>who is now a published author! Any mom who has felt guilt over not relishing the insanity of the toddler years will really appreciate this article.<br />
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I ordered <a href="http://www.knockknock.biz/catalog/categories/pads/kk-pads/what-to-eat-pad/" target="_blank">these notepads</a> and cannot wait for them to arrive! I know this will make my 2012 weekly menu planning easier and, most important, cuter. <br />
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My husband read me <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203471004577140900388728374.html" target="_blank">this article</a> from the Wall Street Journal about gym memberships and exercising. I'm still chuckling about the "Wilco step class."<br />
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And if the gym isn't your thing, <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/the-thread/fake-it-til-you-make-it--5-easy--slimming-wardrobe-pieces-to-wear-now.html;_ylt=Aj0Df76w402HEujJngYqJ8Rse6U5;_ylu=X3oDMTFsNXNlNGNiBG1pdANDeFMgVGhlVGhyZWFkIEJsb2dJbmRleARwb3MDMTMEc2VjA01lZGlhQmxvZ0luZGV4;_ylg=X3oDMTFvcGs0cnBnBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANibG9nBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3" target="_blank">here are some clothes to wear</a> to hide the winter pudginess and just make it <i>look </i>like you're working out. Guess which approach I'll be taking?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-6225756530393704772012-01-06T15:49:00.000-05:002012-01-06T15:49:06.589-05:002012 resolutions: morning worshipWell, as you now know I'm being quite ambitious with my personal 2012 resolutions this year... time to move on to making resolutions for my kids!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoN7FuUk6cpAPF_p5s6bXsTzGU2Bk-MQbxnIHQr8M-_M_UtviVvAehpAUjUm-T5z3yVPaepct4pnY_qmdqb4lxYHTlrwd5Fp-reUUVPqyDgXQ0jFW8bo7TcsIjFswwZRyu4KLDUh5QxajF/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoN7FuUk6cpAPF_p5s6bXsTzGU2Bk-MQbxnIHQr8M-_M_UtviVvAehpAUjUm-T5z3yVPaepct4pnY_qmdqb4lxYHTlrwd5Fp-reUUVPqyDgXQ0jFW8bo7TcsIjFswwZRyu4KLDUh5QxajF/s320/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Joking aside, I think this will be quite reasonable. During December, all three of us enjoyed doing our Advent devotions at breakfast each morning. I decided to carry on using this devotional, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Divine-Hours-Prayers-Autumn-Wintertime/dp/038550540X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325882701&sr=8-1-fkmr0" target="_blank">The Divine Hours</a> by Phyllis Tickle. You can read daily samples <a href="http://annarborvineyard.org/tdh/tdh.cfm" target="_blank">here</a>. It's actually quite perfect for kids--we read some verses, repeat some aloud together, sing, and say a few quick prayers. My two year old gets restless, but she gets restless during Sesame Street, so there's not much I can do there. My four-year-old says almost daily, "Wow, Mommy, that's beautiful!" after reading the Psalms together. And she's right. It's a good way to start the day.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-91321445726754569252012-01-05T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-05T08:00:04.252-05:002012 resolutions: read the Bible in a yearOkay, this is my resolution every year. Well, almost. I got so fed up with never finishing it, last year I didn't even try. And we all know how well last year turned out for me. This year I'm starting again, and I'm having the <a href="http://www.crossway.org/blog/2009/01/esv-reading-plans/" target="_blank">ESV chronological plan</a> sent right to my email. I think the English Standard Version is a beautiful translation, and I like having events placed in context chronologically. Those wacky minor prophets throw me for a loop.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxrcp86lOLg/TwUVLbpoX8I/AAAAAAAAChc/EaH8_3kBpiI/s1600/IMG_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxrcp86lOLg/TwUVLbpoX8I/AAAAAAAAChc/EaH8_3kBpiI/s320/IMG_0173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.ligonier.org/blog/bible-reading-plans-2012/" target="_blank">This blog</a> has a great list of different reading plans worth trying. It's not too late to just pick up and start one, if you haven't already. And if things stall in my own personal reading, which they inevitably will, I just might switch to this one: a <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/files/2010/12/TGC-Two-Year-Bible-Reading-Plan1.pdf" target="_blank">Two-Year Bible Reading Plan</a>, by Stephen Witmer.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-61013147813631088602012-01-04T21:57:00.001-05:002012-01-04T21:58:51.012-05:002012 resolutions: One Bite at a Time-52 Projects for Making Life SimplerSomething that will hopefully make my 2012 better than 2011:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWIDNoP2vPU/TwUQ4sE5VMI/AAAAAAAAChQ/h8GE-9exbKg/s1600/cover01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWIDNoP2vPU/TwUQ4sE5VMI/AAAAAAAAChQ/h8GE-9exbKg/s320/cover01.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://52bites.com/" target="_blank">52 Bites</a> by Tsh Oxenreider of <a href="http://simplemom.net/">SimpleMom.net</a><br />
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It's an ebook for only $5 that is already making a difference in my scattered life. As the author will tell you in the forward, it's nothing that you haven't heard before. You're a smart person, you know what to do! However, life can quickly become overwhelming, so this is a simple plan to gain and keep clarity in your schedule, your house, your finances, etc.<br />
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So far, week one is going great!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621112138608446141.post-85147868347709652682012-01-03T14:14:00.000-05:002012-01-03T14:14:22.400-05:00a fresh start and a new yearWelcome to Procraftinate 2.0.<br />
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I started this blog quite a while ago as a challenge to myself: to finish a project every week and post the results online as a way to add accountability to my crafty productivity. I was a highly motivated, task-oriented, self-proclaimed "failed perfectionist" who was looking for ways to complete even more. I started this wee little blog during an exciting time in my life--the internet was just starting to explode with blogs, particularly inspirational sites by amazingly accomplished women. I had left an excellent job in a technical field to become a stay-at-home mom and was full of creative energy I needed to express, somehow. And so, I started procraftinate.blogspot.com on August 7, 2007.<br />
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The blog title was, what I hoped at the time, a funny way of asking myself why I would choose to do non-productive things instead of things I truly enjoyed, like making stuff, creating art, writing, etc. I struggled with my self-imposed weekly deadline, but I did sometimes reach it with a great sense of victory. More often than not, however, I didn't meet my goals. I dutifully recorded more and more "craft fails," several leaves of absence, and then I finally realized I was living with chronic fatigue syndrome, and I stopped posting altogether. I was reading through my old posts last week and it made me so sad. It was the diary of a girl who was trying so hard to make her body do things it couldn't do anymore. I kept on bravely persevering and being unrelentingly cheerful instead of asking myself, "why isn't this working?" <br />
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Much has changed in my life since I started this blog four years ago. I have another beautiful daughter. I lean on my church family and friends more. I know more about how to manage my illness, and I'm learning to treat myself (and especially my body) with kindness and grace. I'm learning how to consider it joy in all trials, instead of just putting on a brave face and pretending like I can do it all. I've wrestled with God's sovereignty and His goodness, and I think I might limp through this Christian walk for the rest of my earthly life.<br />
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And since my life has changed so much, this little blog will change too. I've missed it and thought about it often, but I'm removing the old content: a record of what I have or haven't done isn't useful to me or anyone else. Instead, I'll be posting about what I'm thinking about, what makes me happy, or what I find to be useful or make life easier, in hopes that it will be beneficial to you, too. <br />
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I hope you enjoy.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01218157896853199246noreply@blogger.com4