Crock Pot – I wish I’d gotten one of these years before I did. You can make a huge variety of things in it beyond just soups, stews and casseroles. I’ve made sauces, appetizers, side dishes, and you can use it for hot drinks (like cider) or even desserts. Use it for [...]

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Over the last few years, social consciousness has increased about our own personal environmental impact and responsibility. This year, my husband and I decided to try to step up our awareness during the holiday season and have a “Low Carbon Footprint” Christmas. Some friends of ours are having a “No Carbon Footprint Christmas” [...]

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There are certain times of year being a vegetarian is difficult. Most of the time, I don’t think much about it. Skimming through labels at the grocery store is second nature (you’d be surprised what products contain chicken fat or stock), as is ordering my Thai food with no fish sauce and [...]

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Years ago, my husband affectionately gave me the nickname Music Snob. I don’t think I’m snobby about it necessarily, but it’s true that I’ve always been opinionated about the music I listen to. I always tried to stay on top of the new bands coming out, and usually had heard of, listened [...]

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Knit Knit Knit
Originally uploaded by le happy.When I was about 7 years old, my mom taught me how to knit, just as her mother had taught her to knit, and so on through the generations. Of course, it being the ’80s, my first project were some multicolored leg warmers. (They can’t all be winners.) After [...]

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As I embark on my second journey of infertility and try to stay optimistic, I find it a good time to reflect on what positive aspects the experience has brought to me life. So here they are, in no particular order:
10. Astounds me with the miracle and fragility of life. With so [...]

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The decision of whether of not to breastfeed my baby was an easy one for me. Not only was I looking forward to that extra special bonding, but it’s the most natural choice and it makes sense that our bodies would make the perfect food for our babies. Not to mention I knew [...]

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Admit it: part of the fun of watching Reality TV is seeing how wild or weird people act. It’s a front row seat to endless lying, manipulation, backstabbing, unbelievable selfishness, and drama. It’s your chance to press your nose against someone’s window and watch their true problems emerge through strange, paranoid, depressing, bizarre, [...]

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It’s peak cycling season. How do I know? Because the DVR is full of Tour de France coverage and because on any sunny evening or weekend my husband disappears on long bike rides. This happens every July, so it shouldn’t be a surprise. The big professional races start in mid-February with the Tour of California [...]

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