tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29993512157403935242024-02-19T08:28:19.858-08:00GIRLS PEARLS POWDERA blog for proper mountain women.
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.comBlogger721125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-75435467264713322632019-01-15T00:08:00.000-08:002019-01-15T00:08:45.435-08:00Super Happy Fun Time CasseroleSuper Happy Fun Time Casserole - Whole 30 Approved<br />
recipe from <a href="https://www.rubitoutcatering.com/">Mike Dodge</a><br />
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<b>roast the following before hand:</b><br />
spaghetti squash<br />
broccoli<br />
1 package bacon<br />
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<b>for sauce:</b><br />
2 cans full fat coconut milk<br />
2 eggs<br />
minced garlic<br />
salt pepper<br />
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<b>for meat:</b><br />
your choice ground turkey or beef<br />
1 onion diced<br />
minced ginger<br />
minced garlic<br />
sesame oil<br />
rice wine vinegar<br />
coconut aminos<br />
salt pepper<br />
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<b>instruction:</b><br />
preheat oven 400<br />
while browning meat start the sauce, mix all sauce ingredients and cook on medium heat, frequently whisking until it thickens 8 to 10 minutes<br />
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when meat is half browned add onions, garlic, ginger, oil, vinegar, and s&p. After fully cooked, taste, adjust seasonings to taste, then add the shredded spaghetti squash, mix thoroughly. then add coconut aminos to taste.<br />
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move meat mixture to casserole dish, add broccoli evenly around top, add sauce, gently work sauce into mixture, sprinkle bacon bits over the top. bake in oven for 10 - 15 minutes. serve warm.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-57421761610535175742018-12-14T00:27:00.001-08:002018-12-14T00:27:29.335-08:00A Prayer To My Boys, Part One<i>To my boys.... I started writing this poem when I was pregnant with Davey and before I even knew if he was a boy or girl. All I had was this orange rocking chair, that my mom found for the nursery. I would sit in this orange rocker and wonder about the baby that was on the way. The title of the poem back then was "A Prayer to my Unborn Child" and I've worked on it off and on over the past two years, mostly in my head, then jotting things down when I got the chance. Today, instead of an unborn child to wonder about... I have two flesh and blood baby boys that I think and pray about. So now, I write this poem for both of them, Davey and Burl. There are a few more verses I need to figure out and work on, so consider this "A Prayer To My Boys, Part One"... and maybe in a few years I will post the rest.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT05WvtfbwqQOJ3Tp1ZVVJg4pXvgchhr4hl_F7xbzsvP2ZI-p9Y3_IJtDBZAFRwMTLOCnfdKeQ_zcEUd_xgPSSBr0dguu6p04ZdKa2UVp84PY7460SjCr7BU6XSvfiDfeGyDZ0CJVWXQts/s1600/my+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1463" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT05WvtfbwqQOJ3Tp1ZVVJg4pXvgchhr4hl_F7xbzsvP2ZI-p9Y3_IJtDBZAFRwMTLOCnfdKeQ_zcEUd_xgPSSBr0dguu6p04ZdKa2UVp84PY7460SjCr7BU6XSvfiDfeGyDZ0CJVWXQts/s400/my+boys.jpg" width="365" /></a></div>
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Dear little baby growing inside me,<br />
I wonder what kind of person you are going to be.<br />
Right now I don't even know if you are boy or girl,<br />
Will your hair be blond and fair, or have your mama's curl?<br />
I dream of our nights together, rocking you in the nursery,<br />
In an orange retro rocker, your grammy scored for free.<br />
I cannot wait to hold you, and hear your baby sighs,<br />
Whisper that I love you, and look into your eyes.<br />
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My dear baby, this ole' world is a waiting<br />
and there are some things I want to say<br />
To prep you for your future life,<br />
and for you to read one day.<br />
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I pray you explore this world, take a car, a boat, or plane,<br />
Find your new favorite place, and then make plans to visit again.<br />
Go to Wales, Peru, and Paris! Explore all of Southern Utah’s Country!<br />
Visit the Arabia Steamboat at least once, and the South Pacific plenty!<br />
Try all the different foods, and walk where the locals walk,<br />
Enjoy days filled with lots to do, and days where you just watch.<br />
See as much as you can and enjoy whatever you encounter,<br />
Just promise you'll find a church on Sunday, and stay for all 3 hours.<br />
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May you fall in love with music, and have many a favorite song,<br />
Buy a record player with some vinyls, dance and sing along!<br />
Take long solo drives to unwind and jam out your favorite track!<br />
Get to know Neil Young, Brandon Flowers, & Fleetwood Mac,<br />
May I recommend The Cars, Arcade Fire, and Dolly Parton,<br />
The Judds, Black Keys, Mika!, and the glorious Paul Simon!<br />
John Denver, Postal Service, Elton John, and Chris Ledoux!<br />
All of this, I pray, and our beloved church hymns too!<br />
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Please! May you have a love of books, and find time to read each day!<br />
Begin with Calvin & Hobbes and Shel Silverstein, if I should have a say!<br />
C.S. Lewis, R.L. Stine, J.K. Rowlings, are some fine authors you should know,<br />
The Borrowers, Indian in the Cupboard, Charlotte's Web are a definite go<br />
Other required reading: Trumpet of the Swans and Summer of the Monkeys<br />
The Book Thief, James and the Giant Peach, and The Book of Three<br />
You will love Name of the Wind, The Hobbit, and My Side of the Mountain,<br />
But I pray you love the scriptures most, especially the Book of Mormon.<br />
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TO BE CONTINUED.....Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-89660486535532686162018-12-13T11:29:00.000-08:002018-12-13T11:29:04.824-08:00Utah Snowboard Map - Scratch Off!<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJuE0LzF_8IkzHYuPDAUkqqqcqIcd6Fy42ytWX_Nwozi1IOe5wjvjDjotvqkI9Bgl_4H4WlBQ_KoZrIRRAVNqa6eeIgzGWHA8MgL4W3CXieCnDddseBrpQv1dO4qi2LU2Xbcj4H1Rgw__/s1600/IMG_7432.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJuE0LzF_8IkzHYuPDAUkqqqcqIcd6Fy42ytWX_Nwozi1IOe5wjvjDjotvqkI9Bgl_4H4WlBQ_KoZrIRRAVNqa6eeIgzGWHA8MgL4W3CXieCnDddseBrpQv1dO4qi2LU2Xbcj4H1Rgw__/s640/IMG_7432.HEIC" width="508" /></a></div>
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Utah, snowboarding, and maps. Three things I love so much combined together to make this. I am thrilled how it turned out. </div>
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There are 11 resorts in Utah that you can snowboard at, wouldn't it be so rad to say you have been to them all? Use this beautiful map to document your adventure in visiting them all.</div>
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HOW IT WORKS: Each resort is represented by black scratch off paint, once you have visited a resort, scratch off the paint to reveal a surprise watercolor pattern underneath. Each resort has a different unique pattern.<br />
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Buy one for yourself and snowboarding friends <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/576492303/utah-snowboard-scratch-off-map?ref=shop_home_feat_3&frs=1">HERE</a>.</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-34094041805217188832018-10-20T23:13:00.000-07:002018-10-20T23:13:18.773-07:00Introducing Burl Dodge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZqq8v5DydDCsHhrlxBuP2ZdIAl-2TMF7NU2keu9LG7sih8AKApenTUMbbZmwlDgU79VcZ6N5HCt19oY-1z72I2mEAWiYj_GZGvVpLSNHiMc40EbjwpYWbBhuYoEnx_ScLnUEv5x0REmT/s1600/Burl+2+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZqq8v5DydDCsHhrlxBuP2ZdIAl-2TMF7NU2keu9LG7sih8AKApenTUMbbZmwlDgU79VcZ6N5HCt19oY-1z72I2mEAWiYj_GZGvVpLSNHiMc40EbjwpYWbBhuYoEnx_ScLnUEv5x0REmT/s400/Burl+2+months.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Burl Matthew Dodge</div>
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born July 27th, 2018 at 7:53 am<br />
he weighted 7 lb 8 oz in the first picture<br />
he weighs a lot more in that second one</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-320820719107362752018-04-13T13:18:00.001-07:002018-10-16T17:08:37.098-07:00home-making and social media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDS3gqq5HsuI4XDmUlb3VxeeowbotHTKZpBRwQe1VeQMsqHE59njWvLEettZu2K-OmWna2kI0LZUk6X9QqOc-2UtjDQU6IzKUQa6UiCNQv4I61Vi3_Ed2dMNIM6KoLN9Y3e7A2jQZa76T/s1600/IMG_1673.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDS3gqq5HsuI4XDmUlb3VxeeowbotHTKZpBRwQe1VeQMsqHE59njWvLEettZu2K-OmWna2kI0LZUk6X9QqOc-2UtjDQU6IzKUQa6UiCNQv4I61Vi3_Ed2dMNIM6KoLN9Y3e7A2jQZa76T/s400/IMG_1673.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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For the past couple years I have tried to take the back seat in the blogging world. I felt in my soul that I needed to take a break, and really soak up home life around me. I'm so glad that I listened to my gut, because soon after I made the decision to take a break, <a href="https://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2016/06/happy-season-of-yard-work.html">write a post about it</a>, and free myself from thinking about it, we found out we were pregnant! So I've just settled myself into this social media hiatus and worked on relishing this season of life I'm in. It is one of the best decisions I've ever made.</div>
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I love being Davey's mom, it is awesome to me. He is almost 14 months old now, and he is the happiest sweetest boy in the whole wide world. I can't get enough of him. Every day I get to love him and care for him, and watch him, it's a magical job and it has added so much sweetness to my soul, and want to know something else magical? As I type this post I can feel the kicks and punches of baby #2 who will be joining our family this summer! To me, it's a wonderful and miraculous time in my life. </div>
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I spend a lot of time thinking about being a good mom, and about being a good home-maker. I want to be the best. I want this house to be comfortable and relaxing, filled with things that lift our moods and have meaning to our little Dodge family. I aspire to be a good cook, have a clean kitchen, create family traditions, be an amazing record keeper, scrapbooker, budgeter, maybe home school teacher, AND be a good dog mom! For a while I thought that to be those things I needed to give up social media all together, noting that some of the moms I admire most don't even have an instagram handle! But then, after a few weeks of ranting that I was completely done with all of social media and how horrible it was, I realized that for me, I actually get a lot of inspiration and creative motivation from interesting women I follow. And it's a good thing. I love getting book recommendations, fashion inspiration, beauty tips, recipes, and home decor ideas that are from women and companies who intrigue and fascinate me. </div>
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Sure, there are a lot of horrible people on Instagram that make me want to pound my head into a wall with how hard they are trying, or with how self obsessed they are... I've learned to ignore them. I try not to click over to them. If I spend time focusing and scrolling through some of these feeds that I think are total train wrecks with recycled cliche empty captions, I am put in a bad mood. And bad moods are a waste of precious time.</div>
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I will always love blogging. I wish everybody I knew had one. I have been blogging since the dawn of the Internet, and sometimes it seems my brain is conditioned to want to be always posting. I think this is how it is for most people, it's just become part of our lives. I guess what I am saying is that I can't give it up, blogging about my pursuit of being a proper mountain woman brings me joy, so I will be sharing that part of myself again... and right now the chapter I'm on in this pursuit is all about house-making and motherhood (proper mountain woman style), with a soon-to-be-walking toddler, and another baby on the way, there is much to learn and discover!</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-35421242381166157212018-01-09T22:49:00.001-08:002018-01-09T22:49:11.054-08:00No-Alarm Mexican Salsa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyA_sK1K1Y4LFVqAQL6gcC2gMuJdRCupL1Vmf2Y6f7E8j3J2CRKKXUCz7ynEJIEE4MFz10HUDXO51jSk-KS6S-sgGI7VRFxc2bfES92_tO6S3Tr6sEzxjAszH8rU7FtAO4zEO-4VmEbzu/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyA_sK1K1Y4LFVqAQL6gcC2gMuJdRCupL1Vmf2Y6f7E8j3J2CRKKXUCz7ynEJIEE4MFz10HUDXO51jSk-KS6S-sgGI7VRFxc2bfES92_tO6S3Tr6sEzxjAszH8rU7FtAO4zEO-4VmEbzu/s400/IMG_0484.JPG" width="317" /></a></div>
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In trying to find healthy non-acidic recipes to snack on (my husband suffers from silent reflux), we came upon this recipe that is so unique and so delicious that I thought it would be worth sharing here. A proper mountain woman loves a different and fresh new recipe to delight her family and friends!<br />
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<b>No-Alarm Mexican Salsa</b><br />
from the cookbook <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dropping-Acid-Reflux-Diet-Cookbook/dp/0982708319/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510901132&sr=8-1&keywords=dropping+acid+the+reflux+diet+cookbook+%26+cure">Dropping Acid</a><br />
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<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)<br />
1/2 cup cucumber (washed, cut in half, seeds removed, and diced into 1/4-inch cubes)<br />
1/2 cup banana (peeled and diced into 1/4-inch cubes)<br />
1/2 cup pineapple (fresh, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, then in quarters, core removed, and diced into 1/4-inch cubes)<br />
1/2 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)<br />
1 avocado, sliced and diced<br />
Optional: 1/2 cup honeydew (skin and seeds removed, then diced into 1/4-inch cubes)<br />
1/4 tsp fresh ginger, grated<br />
1/2 tsp ground cumin (best if whole cumin is roasted in a pan and ground when needed)<br />
3 Tbsp fresh parsley (washed, stems removed, dried, and chopped fine)<br />
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro (washed, stems removed, dried, and copped coarse)<br />
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil<br />
1/4 cup pineapple juice<br />
1 tsp salt, or more to taste<br />
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<u>Directions:</u><br />
1. Place corn, cucumber, banana, pineapple, black beans, honeydew, ginger, cumin, parsley, cilantro, olive oil, and pineapple juice in a bowl.<br />
2. Mix thoroughly and season with salt.<br />
3. Add the avocado last as it can easily become mashed.<br />
4. Serve immediately before the bright green color of the herbs fades.<br />
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In our house we devour it with salty corn/tortilla chips, and it goes fast!<br />
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Peace and pine trees,<br />
Whitney Joy<br />
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Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-13867921147827632432017-11-20T11:13:00.004-08:002018-01-08T23:47:18.044-08:007. She Has Pretty Penmanship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8as_UB5X0Y_9Y3aCKLVPwaPr7dcwqvAmlxCIElY-YwJ3eu0SAZ_xswTiCFrU97eR6SL63UHGLFM0FVDAtkrX-no4jKK9SLaFHi9wPbrvsY1z82FoFgU4tAcHM-oRC-9lhsFwAHbC4eKq/s1600/penmanship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8as_UB5X0Y_9Y3aCKLVPwaPr7dcwqvAmlxCIElY-YwJ3eu0SAZ_xswTiCFrU97eR6SL63UHGLFM0FVDAtkrX-no4jKK9SLaFHi9wPbrvsY1z82FoFgU4tAcHM-oRC-9lhsFwAHbC4eKq/s320/penmanship.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In a digital age where everything is backed up, bookmarked, and stored on phones, tablets and computers, a proper mountain woman yearns for any occasion to put pen to paper. She hoards pretty notebooks, paper of the right weight and texture, and writing utensils with the perfect grip and balance. And to sit down and work on her penmanship these days is a small thrill!</div>
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Good penmanship is a result of hours and hours of practice and a sign of great refinement and stature. Beautiful handwriting can change opinions. A seemingly shy, simple, or back-woods individual writes something down in confident, legible cursive and suddenly they become more dimensional. Any person with pretty penmanship appears intelligent, confident, and attractive.</div>
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Your handwriting says so much about you, ask a graphologist! Each flourish, curve, jot, and scribble tells a story, and a proper mountain woman takes great care in the story she tells.</div>
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A proper mountain woman keeps her handwriting in three important places (for posterity): her recipe book, her address book, and her journal.</div>
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SHE HAS PRETTY PENMANSHIP is part of an ongoing series of <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/p/what-is-proper-mountain-woman.html">defining a proper mountain woman</a>.</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-27551524641626779902017-09-21T23:56:00.002-07:002017-09-22T00:11:05.194-07:00Introducing Davey Dodge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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David Walter Dodge</div>
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born February 20th, 2017 at 1:36 pm</div>
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he weighed 6 lbs 8 oz in the first picture</div>
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he weighs a lot more in that second one</div>
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<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-30708415010647269622016-12-20T11:22:00.000-08:002016-12-20T11:22:41.410-08:006. She Hikes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxdlknrdY-4s97Z4L29dddNb24tt9tz3pZfIQL2Q2GqqHeTllYCuueTr8DEprtxhNBOyRCqRkC_IMLuuvjTQvg2-Ijn8mlPHId1BeJRlpoPWUYLLPOKOT0Bgif_GSZXfnGTeAGmZuPgzg/s1600/she+hikes+no+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxdlknrdY-4s97Z4L29dddNb24tt9tz3pZfIQL2Q2GqqHeTllYCuueTr8DEprtxhNBOyRCqRkC_IMLuuvjTQvg2-Ijn8mlPHId1BeJRlpoPWUYLLPOKOT0Bgif_GSZXfnGTeAGmZuPgzg/s320/she+hikes+no+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hiking is a physical activity that is enjoyed by most proper mountain women, it is also symbolic for one of the most important things a proper mountain woman does in her life, she progresses. Progression is moving forward and upward, and that moving forward and upward in life (and up a mountain) takes work. And work is a very beautiful thing to a proper mountain woman... it is what our blessings, benefits, and happiness are fueled by.<br />
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I recall big hikes I went on years and years ago, when I was 12 to 16 years old, and can still vividly and easily remember how difficult they were for me... I remember the struggle to breath, the frequent stops to rest my legs, the hot sun making me sweat, my backpack chaffing my underarms, the other girls passing me and leaving me in the dust, and the trail going on and on, forever and ever! It was brutal. So brutal. Nothing else in my blessed and sheltered youth comes close to the torture, pain, and fatigue I experienced on my annual hike each summer during girls camp. <br />
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Now, as a grown woman, making adult decisions and mistakes, un-shielded to life's realities and pain... when I struggle with new goals or progression, it makes sense for my brain to remember back to that raw pain I experienced while hiking in my youth, and see the parallels. To me it is a beautiful analogy.<br />
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Even though hiking was brutal as a kid, I did feel an immense amount of joy when I reached the end of the hike. The mountain views at the end of a hike are worth every step (most of the time), and the satisfaction of pushing your body and mind to the end makes you feel so proud and happy with yourself, it is one of the best feelings in the entire world.<br />
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I believe everything good in life comes from this forward and upward movement. We need work, goal setting, and progression. We need it! If a proper mountain woman's body, mind, and soul isn't "hiking" and in forward momentum she becomes unhappy, insecure, and boring.<br />
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Hiking in life means moving, exploring, progressing, serving, creating, making, and doing.<br />
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Sometimes we have a clear goal we want to accomplish and we work to summit that specific peak. Some hikes are rough and steep, some are friendly and enjoyable. Sometimes you see a friend reach the top of the same peak you are on without much of a struggle, while you must sweat, work, and take the long way.<br />
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Sometimes we don't know what peak to summit next, so we search for inspiration as we walk slowly and rejoice in the beauties that surround us.<br />
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Sometimes we have to take a detour in our life and work to get back to the trail we would rather be on. It's okay to be on that detour, that is what makes life so interesting. A proper mountain woman is an interesting person, and you don't become that way by taking the easy way or always knowing what you are going to do in life. So take comfort in the knowledge that experiences, whether they be good, bad, or frustrating make you a better person. You hike through them, and move on.<br />
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Can you imagine if your life went as perfectly as you imagined when you were younger? You would never become dynamic, interesting, and strong. Be grateful for all the different hiking trails you come across. Move constantly forward and work. When you find yourself in a trench and have lost the trail you were on, look around, maybe you can see the peak you were trying to reach from a different point of view. Maybe a trail you never realized existed leads you out... and it's more gorgeous than any other trail you could imagine on your own!<br />
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I become passionate about this subject when someone is unhappy with their life and waiting for something or someone to happen to them. That is not forward motion, and it makes the and person depressed, insecure, and boring to talk to. If something in life isn't going the way you envisioned... pick something, anything, even though it doesn't seem perfect at first and do it. The forward momentum, this little hike you go on will inspire you!<br />
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<strong>And to end this post, here are some of my favorite quotes about actual hiking and spending time in the mountains, enjoy!</strong><br />
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"Great things are done when men and mountains meet; This is not done by jostling in the street." - William Blake<br />
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"Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." - Gary Snyder<br />
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“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” - <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2014/04/mountain-man-john-muir.html">John Muir</a><br />
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“Feeling LOW? <br />
Go on mountains.” - Prajakta Mhadnak<br />
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“On a hike, you're less a job title and more a human being....A periodic hike not only stretches the limbs but also reminds us: Wow, there's a big old world out there.” - Ken Ilgunas<br />
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“Nature is one of the most underutilized treasures in life. It has the power to unburden hearts and reconnect to that inner place of peace.” - Janice Anderson<br />
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“Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you’re no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn’t just a means to an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rock looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here’s where things grow.<br />
But of course, without the top you can’t have any sides. It’s the top that defines the sides. So on we go—we have a long way—no hurry—just one step after the next—with a little Chautauqua for entertainment -- .Mental reflection is so much more interesting than TV it’s a shame more people don’t switch over to it. They probably think what they hear is unimportant but it never is.” - Robert M. Pirsig<br />
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“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. … There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” - Rachel Carson<br />
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"Adopt the pace of Nature. Her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
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“But especially he loved to run in the dim twilight of the summer midnights, listening to the subdued and sleepy murmurs of the forest, reading signs and sounds as a man may read a book, and seeking for the mysterious something that called—called, waking or sleeping, at all times, for him to come.” - Jack London<br />
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“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” - John Muir<br />
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SHE HIKES is a follow up post to <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2014/09/2-she-loves-mountains.html">She Loves the Mountains</a>, and part of an ongoing series of <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/p/what-is-proper-mountain-woman.html">defining a proper mountain woman</a>.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-32857973068619123852016-11-04T08:26:00.000-07:002016-11-04T09:52:45.615-07:00Proper Pins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC9_t7Xg7PvqiDrU_RI2jP0rgZAhffB3l5PqX4L4OPRPeHRio0zP_1oRqIJZgyOVIm-yCK0GzVo2Uo4aPeMEcQSnO6YBOW66fFyJDv0TnGwaUmdlBQHoKoQzc_buiuZvysdQPinn37B0P/s1600/proper+pins2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC9_t7Xg7PvqiDrU_RI2jP0rgZAhffB3l5PqX4L4OPRPeHRio0zP_1oRqIJZgyOVIm-yCK0GzVo2Uo4aPeMEcQSnO6YBOW66fFyJDv0TnGwaUmdlBQHoKoQzc_buiuZvysdQPinn37B0P/s640/proper+pins2.png" title="Proper Pins | Girls Pearls & Powder" width="442" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/466843084/67-trees-enamel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel%20pins&ref=sr_gallery_21">1</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/473853757/sweater-weather-forever-enamel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel%20pins&ref=sr_gallery_1">2</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GirlsPearlsPowder?ref=l2-shopheader-name">3</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/461240520/happy-camper-lapel-pin-camper-van-badge?ga_search_query=happy+camper&ref=shop_items_search_1">4</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/465426107/look-good-enamel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=looking good pin&ref=sc_gallery_1&plkey=b7d9adc1600176c0272ace5761c380e76752167f:465426107">5</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/471803198/nice-pin-instand-photo-enamel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel%20pins&ref=sr_gallery_46">6</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/271969184/gun-pin-lapel-pin-gun-enamel-pin-enamel?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gun pin&ref=sr_gallery_5">7</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/449406100/tough-heart-enamel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel%20pins&ref=sr_gallery_44">8</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/279698546/be-brave-enamel-pin-badge?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel%20pins&ref=sr_gallery_21">9</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/387151344/awesome-mix-vol-1-soft-enamel-lapel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel%20pins&ref=sc_gallery_2&plkey=87c3300b93f94e5b855b30b5dab574443af97bd4:387151344">10</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/470576359/tiny-tent-enamel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel%20pins&ref=sr_gallery_5">11</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/456081304/car-freshener-pine-enamel-pin-lapel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel pin pine tree&ref=sr_gallery_2">12</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/475557698/badges-cowboy-boot-country-pins-vintage?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=cowboy boots pin&ref=sc_gallery_7&plkey=a6b6edb46e78743176d3ac7af41b9e745a3de48a:475557698">13</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/268661666/adventure-pennant-enamel-pin-lapel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel%20pins&ref=sr_gallery_47">14</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/474714839/lawn-chair-pin-lapel-pin-badge?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=lawn chair pin&ref=sr_gallery_1">15</a> / <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/471693084/bison-enamel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=enamel pin buffalo&ref=sr_gallery_10">16</a></div>
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Looking for some new flare? I love the enamel pin trend these days... and since blazers, layered button downs with sweaters, and saddle bags are still in this season, adding a pin is the perfect pop of personality.<br />
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Here are some proper pin finds from Etsy to brighten your day... enjoy!</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-9288100085823875372016-10-28T13:50:00.001-07:002016-11-01T12:12:57.950-07:00Goodbye October!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezQFBY35yjg4FTPKTDPgyAqHwXqB68SsJTdmiXp7dLjjhsDUUf_8ewWkQoRFOBfPCje8dFDeJFt-q32rxBFCYpFXfiuW5LbyCSMV8kY9hVGbqlGxTwSAz5brx4knbLj-4GDJ6-VkgUN2t/s1600/that+kind+of+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezQFBY35yjg4FTPKTDPgyAqHwXqB68SsJTdmiXp7dLjjhsDUUf_8ewWkQoRFOBfPCje8dFDeJFt-q32rxBFCYpFXfiuW5LbyCSMV8kY9hVGbqlGxTwSAz5brx4knbLj-4GDJ6-VkgUN2t/s640/that+kind+of+woman.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This weekend I'll be pulling up all my tomato plants and raking up leaves, I think we are also going to try and watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the original Halloween (my husband can't handle that I have never seen them). And I have plans to make a big pot of my family's favorite chili for a work chili cook-off on Monday, the trophies look amazing and I want to win! What are your weekend plans for the last of October?<br />
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Here's a list of some favorite things I've come across around the internet...<br />
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1. Wanting a good place to <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=39371208&category=A-PRINTSHOP">hang this</a> in our kitchen.<br />
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2. Day-dreaming of trip to Joshua Tree and a stay at <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7303044?wl_source=list&wl_id=10916590&role=owner">this airbnb</a>. (<u>that tub</u>!!!)<br />
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3. Really enjoyed <a href="http://www.callyourgirlfriend.com/phone-a-friend-smitten-kitchens-deb-perelman/">this podcast episode</a> about Smitten Kitchen.<br />
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4. Speaking of Smitten Kitchen, planning to <a href="https://smittenkitchen.com/2009/11/salted-brown-butter-crispy-treats/">make these</a> soon!<br />
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5. Women who <a href="https://parisiangentleman.co.uk/2016/09/03/women-who-wear-suits/">wear suits</a>.<br />
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6. My new favorite <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lookie_what_i_found/">instagram account</a>.<br />
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7. Proper mountain women would <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/functional-ways-to-decorate-with-tree-branches-this-fall-232407">decorate with tree branches</a>.<br />
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8. <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/beauty/Homemade-Pumpkin-Mask-Recipe-5452160">Pumpkin facial</a> DIY! <br />
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9. I pinned <a href="http://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/2016/10/diy-spider-web-tablecloth.html/">this tablecloth</a> to make <em>next</em> Halloween. (I love it)<br />
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10. Becoming a <a href="https://blog.madewell.com/2016/09/12/how-to-turn-yourself-into-a-morning-person-or-at-least-fake-it/">better morning person</a>. <br />
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11. A Fall 2016 <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2016/10/our-fall-2016-reading-list/">reading list</a>. (haven't read a single one of those books!)<br />
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12. Thinking about trying my hand <a href="http://www.offthegridnews.com/how-to-2/how-to-make-a-beginners-braided-rug-from-old-warn-out-fabric/">at this</a>.<br />
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13. Crushing on the color of <a href="http://www.nieniedialogues.com/2016/09/creeping-in.html">this bedroom</a>.<br />
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14. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BL_pkJmBbgX/?taken-by=momsstuffsalve">Pinon pine pitch</a>... who knew?<br />
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15. What's your <a href="http://sycamorestreetpress.com/blog/12-magazines-were-currently-reading/">favorite magazine</a> these days?<br />
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16. Curious about <a href="http://ourbestbites.com/2016/10/saras-fall-home-tour-new-app-love/">the app</a> mentioned in this post, gonna have to try it out.<br />
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17. This <a href="http://moodboardmix.tumblr.com/post/151330380416/casa-tiny-puerto-escondido-m%C3%A9xico-architectural">house</a>!<br />
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18. Coveting these <a href="http://www.hellointerwoven.com/collections/quilts-throws?page=1">pretty quilts</a>.<br />
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19. My husband's <a href="http://girlspearlsandpowd.wixsite.com/rubitoutcatering/store">new website</a>!<br />
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20. Thanksgiving table plans inspired by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BK1KRq6h9Q3/?taken-by=casadeperrin">this image</a>.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-65531343566996492032016-10-26T07:03:00.002-07:002016-10-26T10:24:54.814-07:00A Proper Mountain Woman: Riana Coombs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Better Know a Proper Mountain Woman:</strong> Riana Coombs</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm excited for a new installment in our on-going series, better know a proper mountain woman, and I'm even more excited to be featuring this amazing woman.</span> Riana is someone I have been wanting to interview for this series for a long time because she is an all-around inspiration and the perfect example of a proper mountain woman. I admire so many things about her... her work ethic, her <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2015/05/4-she-has-eclectic-hobbies.html">eclectic hobbies</a>, and her love for doing things. She's the kind of person, for example, who can beautifully do your lashes one day, then shoot the most gorgeous bridals for your upcoming wedding the next. She's an amazing cook/baker, foodie, world traveler, maker/creator, hair dresser, nurse, accordain player, snowboard/wakeboarder, and more! At one point we were in a book club, food club, and movie club together - that's when I really got to know her and I fell in love with how easy-going and down to Earth she is.</div>
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She and her husband currently reside in NYC with their dog and new baby boy (Rocco), hope you enjoy her answers!</div>
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<strong>1. Where is your favorite outdoor refuge where you live right now?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Long Island is my refuge! Ryan and I have been exploring Long Island for the past couple years and last summer we finally found our perfect spot in a town called Oyster Bay. We went sailing there this weekend and it was so beautiful. Long Island has beautiful beaches and forests and farms and vineyards - there really is a little bit of everything. The fall is magical out there, everyone drives out from the city to go pick pumpkins. We can leave Brooklyn and be at our favorite beach in 45 minutes. I never imagined that when I moved to the city.</span></span></div>
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<strong>2. What do you do to feel creative? What is your creative outlet?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am a chronic hobbyist. Sometimes I wish that I would just stick to one thing and get really good at it but I always move on to something else after a while. I've taken a lot of different classes, from knitting to bellydancing to accordion lessons. Currently I have been trying to perfect my bread making. I have been following the Tartine method and I've made some really good bread - all sourdough with slow fermentation. From start to finish it takes around 36 hours to bake 2 loaves. It's intense - so intense that usually I just go to the bakery and buy a loaf. But when I do attempt it and it turns out perfect, it is one of the most rewarding things ever. And it tastes better than anything you can buy.</span></span></div>
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<strong>3. What is your favorite mountain?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite mountain is Timpanogas. It's the most majestic mountain I have ever seen - especially the back side. I'm in love with Sundance. It's the one place I miss more than ever while living in New York.</span></span></div>
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<strong>4. What would you say is a mountain that you conquered in life?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before having Rocco I would have said getting my RN was the biggest hurdle that I had conquered. Nursing school is rough! I had no idea how hard it would be. I was really so proud of myself for finishing and becoming licensed. But now after having a baby, I would definitely say that that has made me feel like such a strong human being. It makes me feel like I can do anything.</span></span></div>
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<strong>5. Is proper etiquette important to you?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think every parent should take time to teach their kids etiquette. Because we are living in a city, I think it is even more important. We are around so many people every day. I'm so grateful that Rocco has my husband Ryan to learn from. Ryan is so chivalrous. He's the kind of guy who from the beginning, always called instead of texted. He jumps at every chance he can to carry anything for me and for anyone really. Etc. etc. Politeness is a dying virtue unfortunately but I think that parents can really change that if they spend the time teaching their kids those values. My parents were always really good at teaching us through their example. I specifically remember them emphasizing the importance of not interrupting people. I still think I do a pretty good job of that, although in New York you almost have to interrupt people to get a word in sometimes. People like to talk a lot, and mostly about themselves which I've realized is a major pet peeve of mine that I will definitely teach my kids to avoid.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div>
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<strong>6. What do you do to feel motivated when you are feeling lazy, or you feel like you are in a rut?</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First thing is to take a shower! That always helps. Living in Brooklyn has been really inspiring for me. So many things get their start here from fashion and trends to food and entertainment. I feel so lucky to be able to be inspired and rejuvenated just by walking down the streets. People are really fighting to live their dreams and I feed off of that. It's caused me to do a lot of soul searching to think about what I want to do now that I am a stay at home mom. I definitely think that being a mom is a full time job and I am content with that, but I think it's still important to contribute more of myself in some way. Michael Ian Black has a podcast called How To Be Amazing and I have become really inspired listening to some of his interviews. </span></div>
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<strong>7. What daily routine do you have to help you feel more feminine or a proper lady?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I definitely feel the most confident and feminine when I am active and taking care of myself. Going to the gym every morning has really helped me feel more like a woman. It makes me feel so much stronger and more confident in myself. I also try to make cleaner meals and I feel infinitely better when I do.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div>
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<strong>8. What is your favorite fingernail polish brand and color?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love OPI and my favorite color right now would probably be To Be Continued... (yeah, that's the name). It's a pastel blue.</span></span></div>
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<strong>9. What is your favorite song that you've been listening to?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQjsAJhsSw8">Go Flex</a> by Post Malone. I don't listen to the radio so I don't know if it's overplayed and lame already but I can't enough of it. Rocco and I jam out to it at least twice a day.</span></span></div>
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<strong>10. What new hobbies or skills are you currently pursuing? Do you ever feel nervous about trying something new?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I just bought a domain and I want to start a website/blog. I don't know how much longer we will be living here and I want to document more of our life in New York. Starting a website seems easy and daunting all at the same time. I've been reading a lot of articles about it and am finally ready to start working on it. For some reason I feel nervous about it. I love trying new things but I am always nervous in the beginning. I think it's good for me.</span></span></div>
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Oh Riana! I can't wait for this future blog of yours, I know we are all in for a treat!</div>
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And everyone else, thanks for reading!</div>
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To read more interviews with proper mountain women... <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/search/label/better%20know%20a%20proper%20mountain%20woman">CLICK HERE</a>.</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-31779745315656906422016-10-25T07:54:00.000-07:002016-10-25T07:54:01.335-07:00Spooky Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been so sick of political talk and current events lately, anything about the election makes my whole stomach feel like it's in a knot. Reading about it and listening to it brings me low and I lose all inspiration and motivation. For those who know me, know that conservative talk radio is usually my jam... well, not anymore! Ironically, the one thing that has been soothing my troubled political heart, and distracting me from my political anguish the past few weeks has been true crime and serial killer stories.<br />
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It started with the podcast My Favorite Murder, a blog I follow mentioned it so I decided to give it a listen. I LOVE IT! The women who do the podcast delight me so much, even though they swear like sailors and don't do much research. I feel bad recommending this podcast because of the language, but it has made me so happy... I can't describe why, maybe this article, <a href="http://theweek.com/articles/654473/murderino">I am a murderino</a>, will explain it better.<br />
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Anyways, the show has lit my true crime loving spirit, and since it's October - I have FULLY embraced it. It's literally all I have been listening to, reading, and watching. It feels good to have such a creepy and festive distraction from everything else going on.<br />
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If you need some spooky stuff in your life this last week before Halloween, here are my current recommendations (most of which I watched or read because they were mentioned on My Favorite Murder):<br />
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<u>Podcasts</u><br />
<a href="http://www.feralaudio.com/show/my-favorite-murder/">My Favorite Murder</a><br />
<a href="http://thegenerationwhypodcast.com/">Generation Why</a> (my brother's favorite true crime podcast)<br />
<a href="http://thinkingsidewayspodcast.com/">Thinking Sideways</a> (mentioned by My Favorite Murder)<br />
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<u>Netflix / Internet TV</u><br />
the <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80081155">Amanda Knox</a> documentary<br />
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/shows/the-seventies">The Seventies - episode 4: crimes and cults</a><br />
<a href="http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/16347689/made-america-five-part-30-30-documentary-event-espn">OJ: Made in America</a><br />
<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80000770">Making of a Murderer</a> (in case you have been living under a rock the past year)<br />
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<u>Books</u><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Beside-Me-Ann-Rule/dp/1416559590/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477076082&sr=8-1&keywords=STRANGER+BESIDE+ME">The Stranger Beside Me</a> by Ann Rule - about Ted Bundy<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Blood-Truman-Capote/dp/0679745580">In Cold Blood</a> by Truman Capote - if you are into true crime, this is a classic<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Girls-Unsolved-American-Mystery/dp/0062183656">Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery</a> by Robert Kolker - about the serial killer STILL AT LARGE on Long Island<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Train-Paula-Hawkins/dp/1594634025">Girl on the Train</a> by Paula Hawkins - fiction, but a great thriller<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alone-Orphaned-Ocean-Richard-Logan/dp/0982000979/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1477406537&sr=1-1&keywords=alone+orphaned+on+the+ocean">Alone: Orphaned on the Ocean</a> - true story about an 11 year old whose family gets murdered at sea<br />
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And if you have a good true crime recommendation, please let me know!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-46844526079436759972016-10-17T17:53:00.000-07:002016-10-17T17:53:08.877-07:00Our Epic Fall Road Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I told my husband it was going to be the chillest, most laid back road trip he's ever been on. Begged him to take time off work and to forget about all our house projects for a few days. And then I planned it all. For two months I dreamed and planned, made lists, looked up points of interest, bought tons of Polaroid film, downloaded the book Gone Girl, mapped out the route, printed out the map, taped it in a notebook, and then wrote down all the directions so I wouldn't be reliant on my phone. I was actually wishing for both our phones to die along the journey and for the phone-chargers in the jeep to stop working, because I just totally needed to unplug.</div>
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<a href="https://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2016/10/our-epic-fall-road-trip.html#more">Read more »</a>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-36225758029822959552016-10-06T09:11:00.006-07:002016-10-06T09:11:55.466-07:00a-Frame Cabins To Obsess Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pictures of a-frame cabins have been my favorite thing to search on Instagram lately. They make me feel so happy. Enjoy!</div>
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1960's - Russian River - Northern California<br />
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( <a href="http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/uo_journal_how_to_build_an_a-frame_cabin?cm_re=Blog_Content-_-B11-_-uo_journal_how_to_build_an_a-frame_cabin&crlt.pid=camp.XALWmWRMnKFA">+ + + + +</a> )</div>
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Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-51056817320661813372016-10-04T07:37:00.002-07:002019-01-15T00:10:36.373-08:00Mark's Famous Bran Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had never heard of someone making a big deal about baking bran muffins before I met Mark. He would announce he was making his special muffins like he was throwing a fall party and we would all hover around his kitchen and wait for the giant muffin tins to come out of the oven. Mark was our health and fitness guru who always made cooking and eating healthy seem so easy. He said they were healthy, but we loved them because they are delicious!<br />
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Years ago he came over to our house during the Holidays and taught my mom and I how to make them... they totally remind me of fall, here's the recipe:<br />
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<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
3 cups all bran<br />
3 cups bran flakes<br />
2 1/2 cups hot water<br />
5 cups whole wheat flour<br />
5 tsp baking soda<br />
1 1/2 cups apple sauce (look for natural, Mark uses home-made)<br />
1 cup honey<br />
4 cups milks (mark uses soy)<br />
6 egg whites<br />
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<u>Directions:</u><br />
Pour hot water over all bran and bran flakes - <u>set aside</u><br />
Mix whole wheat flour and baking soda and make a well in the middle. Add apple sauce, honey, milk, and egg whites. Stir all together.<br />
Fold in bran mixture.<br />
Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-6-Cup-Jumbo-Muffin-Pan/dp/B000NBSI32?th=1">large muffin tins</a>.<br />
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*Mark suggest cutting the recipe in half for a normal but still big batch, but he likes making the entire recipe and then refrigerates the batter he doesn't use right away for up to three weeks - for a convenient cozy breakfast!<br />
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If you liked this post, here are some other fall bread recipes to try:<br />
<a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2015/09/hello-september-chocolate-chip-pumpkin.html">amanda jane's chocolate chip pumpkin bread</a><br />
<a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2015/09/hello-september-poppy-seed-bread-w.html">emily earl's poppy seed bread w/ orange glaze</a><br />
<a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2015/09/hello-september-busy-day-banana-bread.html">my mom's busy day banana bread</a><br />
<a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2015/09/hello-september-pumpkin-honey-beer-bread.html">southern living's pumpkin-honey beer bread</a><br />
<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-53698130349865429362016-09-30T17:43:00.003-07:002016-10-12T08:28:09.478-07:00To-Do List For This Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After work yesterday I walked to Trader Joe's to see and delight in all the pumpkin products and buy myself some Pumpkin Body Butter. Mike then picked me up and had a surprise for me, a box of Godiva chocolates! All fall/pumpkin flavors, along with a giant bag of plums from a coworker! When we got home I set my bounty down on the table and noticed the Pumpkin Pecan Waffle candle and had to snap the picture you see above. That's a lot of fall goodness right there!</div>
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Tonight <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/p/contributor-andie-k.html">Andie</a> is sleeping over and spending Saturday with me (the first day of OCTOBER!!!!)... I've got a huge to-do list for us to work on while she's here. The weatherman says that today is the last hot day of the year.. tomorrow it cools off and stays cool, excellent.</div>
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<b>Saturday to-do list:</b></div>
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listen to general conference</div>
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make/bottle plum-lavender jam preserves</div>
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clean the basement and put the tv room back together (everything is covered in sawdust down there)</div>
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assemble/hang a print (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKkX8_RhHbD/?taken-by=sycamore_co">from this series</a>) in my cool new second-hand wood frame</div>
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organzie/change-up dining area where new table is and said print will hang</div>
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open the windows and let the fall air in everywhere</div>
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pull out the Halloween decorations</div>
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clean and organize under the stairs</div>
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find my giant muffin tins and bake some <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2016/10/marks-famous-bran-muffins.html">bran muffins</a></div>
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mow the lawn</div>
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gather supplies and start building a small chicken coop (my boss is giving me four hens)</div>
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It's a lot to do, but Andie's here now... she brought her working clothes, we will get started on some of this tonight... after we finish our evening tea.</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-22908779553460672892016-09-26T15:10:00.001-07:002016-10-19T11:03:37.884-07:00Acorns <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Acorns started dropping over a month ago which immediately got the pumpkin spice in my blood churning- with every acorn drop, fall was on its' way!<br />
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Over Labor Day weekend we set up a bright cheery red hammock at the back part of our yard in the scrub oak, to welcome in the cooler fall weather air and romantic gold-filled evenings. Laying in the hammock I am far away from everything it seems, just staring up into the scrub oak... listening to the squirrels and birds, acorns randomly letting go and plummeting down to the ground. Every time it gave me a thrill... I don't remember so many acorns last summer, or the summer before. </div>
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Pretty soon our backyard was BLANKETED in acorns. I had been collecting good ones in a jar on our back porch (good ones = still have their hats on), but after a while I realized just how crazy the acorns were getting. The lawn was completely covered, I felt I needed to rake them up before I could mow... and in another area of the yard where I have been landscaping, I had raked them up and bagged TWO giant bags worth. Still the acorns are dropping! On the side of our house there is a little hill that became tricky to navigate because all the acorns under foot were like little rollers sending you down the slope!</div>
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My neighbor to the north exclaimed to me as I passed her house, out walking Dozer, "Have you noticed how crazy the acorns are this year?" (she has lived here forever, so she would be the person to know if this was a true acorn phenomenon), "I've heard it means that we have a heavy winter coming!" Really? Could that be so?</div>
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I came home and clicked over to the Farmer's Almanac and confirmed that buckets of acorns is <a href="http://farmersalmanac.com/blog/2008/08/26/20-signs-of-a-hard-winter/">one of the signs</a> we have a heavy and hard winter ahead of us! I hope it's true... our mountains have been needing a good snow fall here in Utah... and my baby boy is due in February! I can't think of anything better than hibernating all winter with a newborn, watching the snow fall.</div>
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So now when acorns drop, or I crunch my way through them in the backyard, they make me smile even more, my harbingers of fall are now my talismans of winter!</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-49289101305542223462016-09-12T15:16:00.001-07:002016-09-12T15:16:39.572-07:00Welcome September!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the arrival of the fall weather, my energy has returned! I feel so happy, excited, adventurous, full of wonder, and full of hope. I am so grateful for this big ole' beautiful world, and for cycles, seasons, renewal, and change.</div>
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I still love this <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2014/09/sharing-time-pt-4.html">Autumn print</a></div>
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.....and this <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2014/10/sharing-time-pt-6.html">Autumn print</a></div>
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I'm excited for Trader Joe's pumpkin insanity! And for <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2015/10/trader-joes-pumpkin-os-treats.html">this recipe</a> again</div>
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Time to for baking <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/search/label/fall%20bread">lovely fall breads</a></div>
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+ + + <a href="https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/">Fall foliage map for 2016!</a> + + +</div>
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<a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2013/09/blue-september-sapphires.html">September mountain jewelry</a>.</div>
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And if you need a reason to throw a Fall Party this month, here are some good days to celebrate:</div>
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Fall Equinox - First Day of Autumn - Sept 22nd</div>
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Native American Day - Sept 23rd (held the 4th Friday of September)</div>
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image via <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/witjoy/s-e-a-s-o-n-a-u-t-u-m-n/">pinterest</a></div>
<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-17323221650097132852016-08-17T17:00:00.000-07:002016-08-17T17:00:09.758-07:00My 3 Favorite Salads To GoThis summer has been a killer for me, the heat has been sapping my strength since the end of June! For a while there I didn't know why I was soooo lazy and didn't want to do anything... was it really just the heat? are all summers like this? oh my gosh, is global warming real?!? Then, at a trip to the doctors to do some blood work I found out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJJ5KmFgwxN/?taken-by=girlspearlspowder">I'm having a baby</a>!!! So, while it still feels like this has been the hottest summer of my life... I feel way better about being so exhuasted, and so lazy, and coming home from work to watch tv (the olympics, bachelorette/bachelor in paradise, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Things_(TV_series)">stranger things</a>) in our air-conditioned basement.<br />
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Anyways, all I have been wanting to consume are cold slushy drinks and maybe a big delicious salad to eat at home. My problem is that I can't ever seem to make my own salad that I enjoy as much as the salads I can get out... perhaps one day, when the sun and pregnancy aren't making me so lazy, I'll master the art of salad making in my own kitchen, but until then... <br />
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<strong>Shout-out to my three favorite salads to-go that don't ever fail me! </strong><br />
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#1 - Chick Fil-A's Cob Salad with Avocoda Lime Ranch Dressing<br />
What I love about this salad is the bite-sized romaine and baby greens - they are the perfect size for your fork and mouth. And I love the delicoius fried chicken with the crispy fried red bell peppers, grilled sweet corn, cheese, bacon bits, diced eggs, little grape tomatos, shredded red cabbage and carrots, and that avocado lime ranch dressing. I learned from my sister to add the dressing and crispy peppers, put the top back on and shake it, everything mixes and tastes fantastic together. <br />
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#2 - Pizzeria Limone's Italiana Salad <br />
Hearty, nutty, and fresh! It's got fresh greens, aged mozzarella, hot fennel sausage (crumbled), pickled beets, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, and fresno peppers... served with yummy blue cheese vinaigerette and a healthy side of Crosta (their bread). I can't get enough of this salad, I wish I had invented it... because it has a lot of my favorite flavors in it, I just never thought to combine them! If you love deep, hearty, full flavors... you will totally dig this.<br />
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#3 - Red Rock's Warm Shrimp Salad<br />
Oh my gosh, this is hands down my most favorite salad I've ever gotten at a restaurant! Red Rock is already our trusty go to restaurant when eating out, everything on their menu is delicious, but after our visit when I ordered the warm shrimp salad, I haven't ever ordered anything different. My husband will sometimes, if I'm lucky, stop for take out and get me one... I love eating it at home because I can pick up the container and lick it clean without anyone judging. It's got sauteed shrimp, watercress, plenty of spinach, diced and roasted sweet potatoes, sliced up gratefruit, toasted pistachios, gorgonzola cheese, and creamy lemon pepper dressing! You guys, it's amazing!<br />
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Can you tell I'm pregnant? This is the strangest post ever. But, maybe the summer heat has made you as lazy as me. If so, go buy yourself a salad and chill out in an air-conditioned kitchen... fall is coming, and it's all I can think about!<br />
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Peace, pine trees, and prayers for rain,<br />
Joy<br />
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PS. Here's <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/witjoy/s-a-l-a-t-a/">all the salads I have pinned</a> for inspiration... one day I'll be a proper woman who makes them.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-44839086586681174192016-07-05T16:11:00.000-07:002016-07-05T16:11:11.423-07:00Summer Tidbits<div style="text-align: center;">
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We started off our summer with a weekend trip to Portland, OR... and it was absolutely magical! With left Dozer with a dog sitter we found on <a href="https://dogvacay.com/?sid=001&cid=372&mktid=0135399&aid=001&gclid=Cj0KEQjwte27BRCM6vjIidHvnKQBEiQAC4MzrRtB6XOJeqrtG8qB2yD5j_58ycQpJwW6zG2qIhWJffkaAplm8P8HAQ">Dog Vacay</a> (it's like Airbnb, but for dogs) and flew out to spend the weekend with <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/2014/09/pnw-week-lily-vons-guide-to-portland.html">Lily</a> and Tom. We stopped and smelt the roses at the Rose Garden, rode the aerial tram, ate at Pok Pok, ate at Salt & Straw, wandered through the best farmers market, visited some alpacas, and had a really great and chill Memorial Day BBQ... with really great food and good company. And can you believe this breakfast (pictured above)!? Lily bought me freshly picked asparagus (I'm trying to grow my own right now, that won't be able to harvest for two years) at the farmers market to eat for breakfast, and her table setting was so beautiful and picturesque - it cheers my soul every time I look at it!</div>
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Back at home I've made my 99 days of summer list, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGe55nHETi4/?taken-by=girlspearlspowder">I posted it on IG</a> - but want to type it up here too:</div>
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-read the constitution</div>
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-find the perfect backyard hammock</div>
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-swim @ crestwood park</div>
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-make some good popsicles</div>
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-organize family bowling night</div>
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-read/listen to all the Flavia de Luce mysteries (I love this girl so much, soooo delightful!)</div>
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-write Dolly Parton a letter (she's coming to Utah this summer!)</div>
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-explore Ferguson Canyon w/ Dozer</div>
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-plant some flowers in the median of the fort union business park and 7200 south</div>
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-go skinny dipping</div>
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-cozy up the camping trailer</div>
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-make a chalk drawing for Buttlervile Days (over Pioneer Weekend)</div>
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-throw casual potluck in backyard (sans cell phones)</div>
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I haven't done any of this list yet... but there's still time.</div>
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<u>Other 2016 Summer Tidbits:</u></div>
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Watching the show <a href="http://www.history.com/shows/alone/articles/full-gear-list-and-prohibited-items">Alone on the History channel</a>... I'm so impressed by the girl who is finding all the medicinal herbs and green things to eat! I want to know what she knows about survival and Mother Eath. (best show on tv)</div>
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We found out that dragonflies are attracted to magpie blood. </div>
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Watching the family of baby quail that show up in our backyard a couple times a day, I love them... it makes me sad seeing them grow out of their cottonball stage!</div>
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Absolutely loving on summer rainy days, I don't think you can fully enjoy summer without the rainy days too... plus I love taking a break from watering everything in the evenings.</div>
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Dozer is completely terrified of fireworks, but did so good sitting outside with us on the 4th of July - our neighborhood was a warzone!</div>
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We drove out to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/7le6xqsUQj/?taken-by=dewey_drone">Little Grand Canyon</a>, down in Emery County over the weekend, and it blew me away!</div>
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Dining up Millcreek Canyon at Log Haven for our anniversary, out on their deck.</div>
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Dining with my family up Provo Canyon at the Sundance Owl Bar, out on their deck.</div>
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Our Saturday out shooting with the family, up Spanish Fork Canyon, truly was an extravaganza this year! My mom even enjoyed shooting!</div>
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Hanging out at the Strawberry Days Rodeo with family and friends.</div>
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And! I've already had three snow cones!</div>
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LOVE YOU, SUMMER!</div>
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Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-85929409870924680812016-06-13T19:44:00.000-07:002016-06-13T19:44:09.679-07:00Community Garden at Work!In the early morning my dreams are so wild and crazy, and it makes getting up out of bed so difficult because all I want to do is keep dreaming. As a want-to-be proper mountain woman, being a morning person is the thing I struggle with the most. I wake up to my alarm going off, and immediately hit snooze to roll over, and hopefully doze back into the fantastic dream I was just having. And when the snooze alarm goes off, I'm waking up from another detailed dream that's blowing my mind! If I am lucky, I can have up to three crazy dreams in one morning.<br />
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The other day I had a dream that I was excited to go to work to check on my garden, because in my dream, everyone at work had their own garden plot on the roof of our office building! It was one of the perks this "dream" company offered its' employees. We all had a good sized raised bed assigned to us, and we could do whatever we wanted to it.<br />
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During the work day, employees would go up to the roof on small breaks to check on their gardens. On lunch breaks everyone would be up there, exchanging gardening tips and tricks, pulling weeds, admiring other gardens, socializing... or just hanging out under a umbrella, reading a book next to their own plot. If a storm decided to roll through in the afternoon, everyone would rush up and check on their tomatoes.<br />
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In my dream, one of my coworkers had chosen not to grow a vegetable garden like most people, and instead chose to cultivate a fairy garden village. It looked like a mini-shire! With small bonsai trees and shrubs, and little dirt paths that connected all the hobbit homes. It was very zen.<br />
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My own garden in the dream must have been inspired by the recent trip we took to Portland, because I grew nothing but zinnias, and I had put up a sign in my zinnia patch that read "u-pick zinnias, 10 cents a flower"... and all my engineer coworkers could pick a bouquet of flowers to take home to their wives.<br />
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It was a great dream. I can't stop thinking about it.Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-32311753262464361602016-06-10T20:35:00.001-07:002016-08-29T10:21:39.213-07:00Proper Plant Profile: The Albion StrawberryLast summer I noticed the house down the hill from us had little strawberry flowers growing along the sidewalk among their perennials, and it surprised me, these can't actually be strawberries can they? And sure enough, while on a walk with Dozer a little later on, all the strawberry blossoms had turned to berries! I had never thought about adding berries to my flower gardens before, but why not!<br />
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<b>The Albion Strawberry</b></div>
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After doing some homework on strawberries, I chose an everbearing variety, which produces flowers and berries all summer long, from June to September (and sometimes October), since I am primarily growing them to be ornamental in my flower garden, that means they will continually look good throughout the summer months. And I chose Albion, simply because I read it's sugary and delicious, and does well here in Utah.<br />
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I bought mine <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IMH6NSQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">on Amazon</a>, just a bare-root bundle that sprung to life when I planted them in April. I've been pinching off the flowers so they can focus on getting established, and will let them grow into berries in August. Next year they should do really well.</div>
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Check out this site, <a href="http://albionstrawberry.com/albion-strawberry-taste">all about Albions</a>. It talks about how sweet and tasty this variety is when grown in Utah. So exciting! My proper mountain woman dream is to stroll into my front yard throughout the summer to see if there are any strawberries that are ripe... and if I find some, into my poppy-seed salad they go! Or they can top some angel food cake when company is over, or get blended up for popsicles, or added to an ice-cold lemonade. Why wouldn't you have this friendly plant growing in your garden?</div>
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(nets to protect from birds)</div>
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(<a href="https://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/Horticulture_Fruit_2008-06pr.pdf">care for strawberries in Utah</a>) | (images via <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/witjoy/">Pinterest</a>)</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-68042409183134982742016-06-09T14:56:00.001-07:002016-08-29T10:16:46.332-07:00Proper Plant Profile: The ConeflowerSince gardening and landscaping is on my mind, I've decided to share a few plant profiles I've fallen in love with recently.<br />
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<strong>The Coneflower</strong></div>
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The purple coneflower (or Echinacea) was once just a wild flower growing on the American prairie. This hardy perrenial is also a very useful herb that the Native Americans used as a medicine to boost the immune system, remove infection and fight fever.<br />
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I've read on the Internet that it can help treat the common cold, chronic tonsillitis, oral infections, vaginal discharges, urinary tract infection, gum disease, skin infection, acne, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, ADHD, rheumatism, cancer, and bronchitis. It's also an aphrodisiac!!! A very useful flower to have growing in your garden, indeed!<br />
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These tall beauties bloom in summer and last till fall. I've seen them in some of my favorite gardens around my neighborhood. <b>My ferry-morse seed package reads</b>: dramatic background plant for border, perennial, wildflower, or rock garden. long-lasting cut-flower. a favorite of butterflies and bees. drought resistant.<br />
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If you live here in Utah, you can plant these from seed any time this summer, for blooms next year.<br />
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Every proper mountain woman should have some growing in her garden to help ward off winter illnesses in her household. I am looking forward to learning how to make teas and tinctures next fall!<br />
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(<a href="http://www.almanac.com/plant/coneflowers">care for your cone flowers</a>) | (pictures via <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/witjoy/">pinterest</a>)</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999351215740393524.post-5882913429518057712016-06-08T16:43:00.003-07:002016-06-09T09:40:09.517-07:00Happy Season of Yard Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Hello finally!<br />
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Wow, posting on this blog has really gotten away from me these past few months! My husband got a new job and our schedules are almost the same now! Which is really exciting, because now we wake up at the same time and have fallen into a relaxing morning routine... we hang out in the kitchen together, drink hot tea and talk. We both love it. And I've really been enjoying our evenings together, Mike doesn't have to go to bed super early now, so he can stay up and we can work on projects together.<br />
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Mike's current house project is our master bath remodel, but he and Dozer always seem to end up outside, working in the yard with me (the weather in the evening has been so good lately!). Around 6:30, Mike will head inside to make dinner (he makes the BEST food), we then eat, I do dishes, then usually head back outside.... we'll take Dozer for a walk, or have a fire in the back of the yard... one night we got excited about garden boxes, ran to Home Depot, and then built them using our garage lights to see once the sun went down.<br />
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In early May, we went one Saturday morning to the annual plant sale at the community garden and got a ton of fun tomato plants... we got a hillbilly, a siberian, a purple tomatillo, a green zebra, an 1884, a blondkapfchen, and a chocolate stripe. We've been checking on them, and fretting over them, and walking out to just stand and look at them ever since. At night we fall asleep, listening to audiobook, Animal Vegetable Miracle (Barbara King-solver's book about living off the land and farming), and we dream of canning tomatoes, sun-drying tomatoes, fresh salsa, and speghetti sauce.<br />
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While I mulch, I dream of the end of summer and the days we are hopefully hauling in large bushels of tomatoes and all the fun summer things we might do in between (I have a pretty good list for this summer). We had our first camping trip a couple weekends ago, and came home relaxed and resolved to camp as much as possible this summer... Mike's going to get better at parking our trailer back into the garage, and I'm going to get better at packing us up and making the campsite cozier with each trip.<br />
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I just feel like I am in a golden and happy season in my life. A season that I will look back with fond memories for the rest of my life. Time spent with my new husband, planning our life together, fixing up our home side by side, and just chilling, enjoying simple life at home. We've turned into such home-bodies.<br />
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I have so many thoughts and ideas for this blog, all the time, all day long. Blogging is my favorite creative outlet. It inspires me, and gives my life an overall theme or thesis - <a href="http://girlspearlspowder.blogspot.com/p/what-is-proper-mountain-woman.html">to become a proper mountain woman</a>, I don't think my soul could rest if I didn't blog and carry out some of these ideas and projects... even if the only one person who ever reads or cares is me, I just love doing it.<br />
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A few months ago I had a crazy prompting that hit me so profoundly, that it's sort of changed my life. It was a voice telling me to take advantage of this rare and wonderful season of my life where I am setting up my first home with the man I love, and just soak in every minute... to wander and walk and be inspired by my surroundings, feel out the vibes of the neighborhood, look up at the giant mountains, and not have the internet or socail media in mind while we create our home. I want to put good, happy, deliberate vibes and energy into these foundational house decisions. Like where to plant my flowers that will come back for years to come... the flowers that Mrs Dodge planted years and years ago when she was a young newlywed shouldn't be planted with Instagram in mind, does that make sense?<br />
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There's something so refreshing about taking pictures of your life just for your memories and bookeeping - and not to post anywhere. Taking pictures to just show my husband, and our future kids, feels so magical.</div>
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But, I do hope to blog more consistently here, this break and purge has been good for me... so, between reading my garden magazines and books in the morning before work, and then rushing home to do more projects with my sweetheart, I plan to devote a healthy amount of time here. I have been looking forward to it.</div>
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XOXO,</div>
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Joy Dodge</div>
Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01026399481923889178noreply@blogger.com2