tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25617793428131270582024-03-05T15:09:50.499-08:00The Frugal EcologistA scientist in her 30s chronicles her adventures in cooking, homemaking, and motherhood while staying green and making it all work.the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-59364453336543829672015-01-07T09:17:00.001-08:002015-01-07T09:44:05.040-08:002014 highlights<br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2Hi5Vxhts9Q/VK1rkLp4fII/AAAAAAAAB-4/3B8_71i_HRc/s640/blogger-image-589371920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2Hi5Vxhts9Q/VK1rkLp4fII/AAAAAAAAB-4/3B8_71i_HRc/s640/blogger-image-589371920.jpg"></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Single best thing: baby H!</span></div><br></div><div>Best personal decision: quitting my TT job</div><div><br></div><div>Best professional accomplishment: affiliation (senior research fellow) & hired to teach at local university</div><div><br></div><div>Best professional decision: turning down a sales/marketing job at an educational software company</div><div><br></div><div>Best trip: seattle & Olympic peninsula with the whole family</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D488xixFRcw/VK1rcjTdvYI/AAAAAAAAB-o/ll1k5xhcZb8/s640/blogger-image-1621693229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D488xixFRcw/VK1rcjTdvYI/AAAAAAAAB-o/ll1k5xhcZb8/s640/blogger-image-1621693229.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XN_acQNQEPU/VK1rnqEw-PI/AAAAAAAAB_A/nOlwiNaV9Ww/s640/blogger-image-474766473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XN_acQNQEPU/VK1rnqEw-PI/AAAAAAAAB_A/nOlwiNaV9Ww/s640/blogger-image-474766473.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Best meal (restaurant): Parkside for brother's rehearsal dinner</div><div><br></div><div>Best meal (home cooked): Wild pork carnitas</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A9-6TfEUcXM/VK1rglcIUmI/AAAAAAAAB-w/oHO6NMxJCEo/s640/blogger-image--351001449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A9-6TfEUcXM/VK1rglcIUmI/AAAAAAAAB-w/oHO6NMxJCEo/s640/blogger-image--351001449.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BKWyK1s2hpI/VK1rr_-LDfI/AAAAAAAAB_I/t2E_wwe4o44/s640/blogger-image-1606435998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BKWyK1s2hpI/VK1rr_-LDfI/AAAAAAAAB_I/t2E_wwe4o44/s640/blogger-image-1606435998.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Best dessert (restaurant): Nutella pot de creme at foreign & domestic</div><div><br></div><div>Best dessert (home cooked): LTC's "failed" chocolate cake with chocolate ganache</div><div><br></div><div>Best party: brother's wedding!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9-UUA9EsoOk/VK1wUzr-DZI/AAAAAAAAB_g/uzIZjiJBEtE/s640/blogger-image--1988762078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9-UUA9EsoOk/VK1wUzr-DZI/AAAAAAAAB_g/uzIZjiJBEtE/s640/blogger-image--1988762078.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Tastiest breakfast experience: fancy kolache pop-up shop at foreign & domestic </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vTWIo2N0MVU/VK1wY5gFJ1I/AAAAAAAAB_o/rhIjNvzy1sc/s640/blogger-image--865214375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vTWIo2N0MVU/VK1wY5gFJ1I/AAAAAAAAB_o/rhIjNvzy1sc/s640/blogger-image--865214375.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Best coffee: TFB latte with tweed coffee</div><div><br></div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-51677624332226946182015-01-04T09:42:00.001-08:002015-01-04T16:55:14.660-08:00Weekend highlightsBeautiful, beautiful weather here on Saturday - one day of sunshine and warmth between cold & rainy and bitterly cold. We headed to the local elementary school to play ball with the dog, let the baby crawl around and watch other kiddos and soak up the sunshine. After that we headed to a natural baby store for wool diaper covers (we need a new nighttime diaper routine) and to try out baby carriers. We had great customer service, got to try several things out and got to buy local. (I almost always succumb to the convenience of Amazon). We ended up with a great carrier and lovely, soft wool pants. <div><br></div><div>We were supposed to head out of town this weekend to the ranch, but ended up changing plans. After the busyness of the holidays it was really nice to rest up at home. My parents generously offered to watch H on Saturday night at their house so we could go out. So thankful for family that lives just a few blocks away! We saw an excellent movie – the immitation game – at a fun place that serves dinner during your movie. Bottomless popcorn, two great beers (Green flash hophead Red for me), a blue cheese burger, Caesar salad, and a boozy milkshake! Indulgent, but not too indulgent!</div><div><br></div><div>Sunday morning had us all up bright and early, but we made the best of it by taking a family field trip to the grocery store. We have a lovely local market with an attached café. I often go on weekend mornings alone and see lots of parents (particularly dads) with kiddos. We had a lovely breakfast with pastries and coffee and then did our weekly shop. We got to exchange glances with other parents who had likely been up for hours too. I even got complimented on my boots by another mom and we saw one of my sister's friends in the checkout line.<br><div><br></div><div>Not sure what it says about me that both of our weekend highlights involved shopping. I think the lesson is that during this time of life, we might as well make our errands a fun thing. Since there's not a lot of time for anything else at this stage, might as well make the routine things fun. I hope we can make that morning grocery trip a regular gig, at least on the weekends we are in town.</div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wFYFwZfsbzg/VKl7aCgWLjI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/GeXmWyhtjXE/s640/blogger-image--1420183273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wFYFwZfsbzg/VKl7aCgWLjI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/GeXmWyhtjXE/s640/blogger-image--1420183273.jpg"></a></div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-66318666524617474722014-12-31T17:28:00.000-08:002014-12-31T17:28:24.948-08:002014 By the Books<br />
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Thanks to GoodReads here are the books I read this year. Almost all of them were checked out from my local public library - either on ebook or audiobook.I feel like there are some that aren't on the list but I can't remember...I wish Overdrive (much preferred to kindle for the iPad) or the library kept track of the books you have checked out. There were 22 in total - much less than 2013's 67 - but I guess not too shabby considering I had an infant for 11 months out of the year.<br />
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My favorite fiction book was Elizabeth Gilbert's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Signature-All-Things-Novel/dp/0143125842" target="_blank">The Signature of All Things</a>. I don't remember loving it as I was reading it, but it was full of surprises, and elements of the story really stuck with me.<br />
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My top five non fiction books:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Joy-No-Fun-Parenthood/dp/0062072226" target="_blank">All Joy and No Fun</a> By Jennifer Senior - very thoughtful and unexpected book, well researched and not the typical overworked-mom-trying-to-do-it-all narrative<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697" target="_blank">The Whole Brain Child</a> by Daniel Siegel - lots of interesting stuff here, a good blend of neuroscience, psychology and<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Path-Industry-Managers-Academics/dp/0990744523" target="_blank">Navigating the Path to Industry</a> by M.R. Nelson - a short ebook by a <a href="http://www.wandering-scientist.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a> I really like, an excellent guide for a job search<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Made-Simple-Natural-Nursing/dp/1572248610" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Made Simple</a> by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett - with a subtitle of Seven natural laws for nursing mothers, this was not a book I expected to like, but this is excellent, science-based, not preachy or biased. or maybe its just biased in the right way, but I will recommend this & only this to friends.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Gene-Extraordinary-Athletic-Performance/dp/161723012X" target="_blank">The Sports Gene</a> by David Epstein - Its amazing what the human body can do. This book hit my popular science trifecta - fascinating subject, solidly researched, and excellent writing. This was great and I don't even like sports.<br />
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I've set a goal of 52 books again for 2015 - you can follow along with my progress at <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/16084003-cameronse" target="_blank">GoodReads</a>.the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-65649966049616165562014-12-05T03:30:00.000-08:002014-12-05T03:30:00.120-08:00Fall color<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Amazing for this part of the world, we actually have lots of fall color this year. Not sure what the cause is - maybe the hard freeze we had a few weeks ago? Driving around, the hills are red, orange and yellow interspersed with dark green junipers. Lovely. Even the crepe myrtles are an intense red and orange.</span></div>
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the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-38316363839004797752014-12-04T04:30:00.000-08:002014-12-04T04:30:00.711-08:00Baby daysI love how milestones (age and sequence) seem to be so reflective of a baby's personality. H is very verbal and totally into her fine motor skills.<br />
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She sat unassisted at 5 months, and did some backwards army crawl at 7 months but was pretty uninterested in trying anything else. She'd sit happily for long periods (45 min!) and play with whatever was in reach. & even though she had been able to roll for months, she was happy to stay where you left her. </div>
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However, last Friday (at 9.75 months) she finally put it all together and did her first all 4s crawling, went from sit to crawl and back to sit, bear crawled and pulled up. She did it all in sequence as if she had been practicing for weeks. </div>
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So interesting to see her mellow, cautious, observant personality come through! According to my baby book, at this age I had been crawling for 4 months and had been walking for a month. </div>
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H very deliberately crawls over to the books and pulls specific ones out to read - always the board books - Pat the bunny, Goodnight Moon and this touch and feel book are the ones she chooses the most. So cool!</div>
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the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-50514819460645560872014-12-03T10:42:00.001-08:002014-12-03T10:42:54.573-08:00Tasty bran muffins<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This recipe is a bit of an invention/adaptation. Here it is so I don't forget. I typically store 1/2 the batch in the fridge & the rest in the freezer. Microwave a couple for 20 seconds for an easy breakfast. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oqh1n7tHkBY/VH9Zn7RcT9I/AAAAAAAAB0U/aAuZqHXZeHE/s640/blogger-image--1084151060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oqh1n7tHkBY/VH9Zn7RcT9I/AAAAAAAAB0U/aAuZqHXZeHE/s640/blogger-image--1084151060.jpg"></a></div><br><div>Preheat oven to 400 and line muffin tins. Makes 24 muffins. </div><div><br></div><div>5 c all bran cereal</div><div>2.5 c milk or buttermilk</div><div><br></div><div>Combine and let sit while measuring out the rest of your ingredients. </div><div>1/2 stick butter melted (4 T)</div><div>2 ripe bananas mashed </div><div>2 eggs beaten</div><div>1 T vanilla</div><div><br></div><div>1/2 c sugar</div><div>2 T baking powder</div><div>1 t salt</div><div>1 T cinnamon</div><div><br></div><div>1 to 2 c chopped fruit or nuts </div><div><br></div><div>Thoroughly mix all ingredients and spoon into muffin tins. Bake 20 minutes. </div><div><br></div><div>For fruit or nuts I like blueberries (fresh or frozen), chopped apple, dried cranberries or apricots, pecans. I made this batch with a bag of fresh cranberries which were excellent. You can also substitute canned pumpkin for the mashed banana. Yum. </div></div><div><br></div><div>Here's the nutrition info for the recipe made with 2 c fruit added. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IoIANQrA6Oo/VH9ZrOx-s5I/AAAAAAAAB0c/pFuV2Vjq19Y/s640/blogger-image-228935056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IoIANQrA6Oo/VH9ZrOx-s5I/AAAAAAAAB0c/pFuV2Vjq19Y/s640/blogger-image-228935056.jpg"></a></div><br></div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-39595092704363105532014-11-23T13:53:00.001-08:002014-11-23T13:53:43.421-08:00Lazy Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lazy weekend here. Our two plans - movie night and dinner at a friend's in the country - both got rained out. So most of our weekend revolved around exercising the dog & getting projects done around the house. We are so thankful for our city's wonderful parks. We had an excellent romp at the dog park before the rain began. On Sunday the weather was gorgeous so we had a picnic in the park. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Baby also had her first taste of milkshake - she was a fan.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n6AHR97VnGE/VHJXZc2rvHI/AAAAAAAABzs/U1SnADhAA3Y/s640/blogger-image-1888641587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n6AHR97VnGE/VHJXZc2rvHI/AAAAAAAABzs/U1SnADhAA3Y/s640/blogger-image-1888641587.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-58830330644517747282014-11-11T16:51:00.001-08:002014-11-11T16:52:29.604-08:009 months!A few days late but H has now (almost)<br> been out in the world as long as she was in my belly. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsEOwVbH-zwXGrWK7RffZuZvOSUGjawMgPRWZsG1fTS-It4YpFdv7et76Cbw0hm6TkikehyVydtDzC_jOxeeeQ2xt36mB0OCUspkMA9CP7Wv2VSY9dxSxCHVp0jpwSL0mWWFIDhuROuZR/s640/blogger-image--207719186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsEOwVbH-zwXGrWK7RffZuZvOSUGjawMgPRWZsG1fTS-It4YpFdv7et76Cbw0hm6TkikehyVydtDzC_jOxeeeQ2xt36mB0OCUspkMA9CP7Wv2VSY9dxSxCHVp0jpwSL0mWWFIDhuROuZR/s640/blogger-image--207719186.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jigaE9VciCk/VGKupOG_KyI/AAAAAAAABy0/fONa7Txvu5c/s640/blogger-image-77094947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jigaE9VciCk/VGKupOG_KyI/AAAAAAAABy0/fONa7Txvu5c/s640/blogger-image-77094947.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PwS9UH-8j3nBafh3CGWWMgRUqBqQ0JU-4yftVxg6zMhtthCpHDG2sBbUeF04vanBRcnTJ9rz3FrcS_3cF7sOEopBgHM66ppz4Z6hc_CCSI31ToV-CjQRCpd2pvyp0B81pK-5zFcHVnvl/s640/blogger-image-2009758586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PwS9UH-8j3nBafh3CGWWMgRUqBqQ0JU-4yftVxg6zMhtthCpHDG2sBbUeF04vanBRcnTJ9rz3FrcS_3cF7sOEopBgHM66ppz4Z6hc_CCSI31ToV-CjQRCpd2pvyp0B81pK-5zFcHVnvl/s640/blogger-image-2009758586.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We got to celebrate today on a rare weekday with Papa at home. </div><div><br></div><div>Los of fun stuff & also some necessities - eggs and bacon, doctors appointments for H & Prairie, errands, lattes at our favorite coffee shop, a visit to the international center to apply for H's passport, a walk and a long ball session for P. H even had a snuggle and nap with Papa in our bed. And I even get to go meet some gals tonight for dinner at a place we've been dying to go to (T is jealous). </div><div><br></div><div>Thankful for cool weather, health, and my sweet sweet family. Gotta soak these days up as my days staying at home are (hopefully) coming to an end. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DW3azO_r4Cs/VGKuh52E84I/AAAAAAAAByk/TJ4CKDdUbs0/s640/blogger-image-1961924497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DW3azO_r4Cs/VGKuh52E84I/AAAAAAAAByk/TJ4CKDdUbs0/s640/blogger-image-1961924497.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QPfkLapMve8/VGKux3clnbI/AAAAAAAABzE/We7YEbEU17o/s640/blogger-image--320483642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QPfkLapMve8/VGKux3clnbI/AAAAAAAABzE/We7YEbEU17o/s640/blogger-image--320483642.jpg"></a></div>Yes that is a guy with a cat on a leash.</div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-5870634166883731132014-11-04T15:25:00.001-08:002014-11-04T15:28:35.508-08:00Prickly pear jelly part 1I've always wanted to make jelly from the prickly pear fruits but always seem to miss picking the ripe fruit. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NEvxX4OmIFY/VFlgcOimz6I/AAAAAAAAByQ/M4rIayJ6ToM/s640/blogger-image-985758175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NEvxX4OmIFY/VFlgcOimz6I/AAAAAAAAByQ/M4rIayJ6ToM/s640/blogger-image-985758175.jpg"></a></div>But this year we headed out to the ranch and managed to catch the tail end of the season. I haven't actually made the jelly yet, but at least managed to clean and process the fruit to get the juice. </div><div><br></div><div>I scrubbed the fruit clean and cut each in half. I barely covered with water, and boiled for 30 minutes. At the end I mashed the fruit pulp with a potato masher and strained with cheesecloth.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5hO6zkqwCGs/VFlgVWdIY4I/AAAAAAAAByA/4gWrtSkDuGc/s640/blogger-image--681499599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5hO6zkqwCGs/VFlgVWdIY4I/AAAAAAAAByA/4gWrtSkDuGc/s640/blogger-image--681499599.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Hopefully this weekend I will be able to make the jelly and can it. I'm thinking plain prickly pear jelly and also hot pepper. My dad has said that he remembers it not tasting like much. At least it'll be a beautiful color.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yza20Z21UVk/VFlgR9fEPnI/AAAAAAAABx4/aeefK1bDtmo/s640/blogger-image--153265818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yza20Z21UVk/VFlgR9fEPnI/AAAAAAAABx4/aeefK1bDtmo/s640/blogger-image--153265818.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n0YHHSA6M7Y/VFlgYzpsYgI/AAAAAAAAByI/TZk9bFYdop0/s640/blogger-image--401292387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n0YHHSA6M7Y/VFlgYzpsYgI/AAAAAAAAByI/TZk9bFYdop0/s640/blogger-image--401292387.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-24456388294515056112012-11-12T08:37:00.000-08:002012-11-12T08:37:00.540-08:00Dog Party!Our friends D&D - parents of Axl & Rosie the best Brittany Spaniels in the world - recently both had work trips canceled, so we were able to get together for an impromptu Tuesday night dinner party.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8166917786/" title="PA300016 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="PA300016" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/8166917786_1303da1581_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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On the menu - Steaks, salad, pumpkin soup, and <a href="http://frugalecologist.blogspot.com/2012/11/healthy-pumpkin-struesel-bread-by.html" target="_blank">pumpkin bread</a> for dessert. Easy & delicious for a chilly night.<br />
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But our real reason for getting together is so the dogs can play - these three LOVE each other and tear around the yard (and house) for hours.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8166895005/" title="PA300039 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="PA300039" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/8166895005_79de039e26_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Rosie checks out what's on the menu<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8166895457/" title="PA300036 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="PA300036" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/8166895457_9e0e51a7cf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Difficult to see but this is all three dogs wrestling on the couch. Oops.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8166888443/" title="PA300022 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="PA300022" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8166888443_3c1b0139e5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Amazed that we got them to sit still long enough for this picture!the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-12591677619589228692012-11-09T06:21:00.000-08:002012-11-09T06:21:00.103-08:00Sole-lessWe finally made it out mountain biking last Sunday. Although TD and I both bike a lot in town, we couldn't remember the last time we went mountain biking (probably 5 years?). TD used to be really into it; two big crashes have made me much more cautious but I was still looking forward to it.<br />
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One clue that its been awhile since we have been out was the state of our gear - my hydration bladder gave up the ghost while I was filling it and all of our water bottles were leaky and had been given away. But we persevered and were excited to get to the trail head when it was still cool and misty. We joked about being unprepared (no pump or patch kit) but figured our friends could help us out if we needed it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8166922496/" title="PB030047 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="PB030047" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/8166922496_005db149cf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8166922240/" title="PB030049 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="PB030049" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8166922240_05acdfd7d0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8166922060/" title="PB030050 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="PB030050" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7135/8166922060_42bab6270c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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But about a third of the way into the trail, I unclipped during a particularly tricky uphill section. Except I didn't unclip, the entire sole of my shoe peeled off, while remaining firmly clipped into the pedal. oops.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8166916786/" title="PB030051 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="PB030051" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8166916786_1df042a0af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The remaining ride was interesting to say the least, trying to balance my now sole-less shoe on the very small clipless pedal. It was my dominant foot of course which made getting started all the more interesting. Thankfully TD was beyond patient & I eventually got some of my courage back and figured out how to coordinate starting off the other foot.<br />
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The place was beautiful though, and we look forward to going back. But in the meantime, I am trolling ebay for some new cycling shoes.the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-5631988161993102962012-11-08T08:06:00.000-08:002012-11-08T08:23:54.983-08:00Rotten BeastiePrairie the dog is currently on the naughty list.<br />
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She has a hotspot between her back toes which she licks incessantly. Admittedly, we should have caught it earlier, but for the last few days we have been applying ointment & wrapping her foot to help it heal. She doesn't love it, but it has been working reasonably well.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8166919564/" title="PB070081 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="PB070081" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/8166919564_8c5ca71ac3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Cue last night - At 1 am Pdog jumped in the middle of the bed (resulting in startled yelling from me and shattering both of our sleep); I took her outside to potty and left her to sleep on the couch; barking and scratching on the couch ensued; Tom brought her back to our room where she wandered around the room for the next several hours, intermixed with obsessive licking of her (bandaged) foot; at 4 am I got up to rewrap her foot with a simple sock since the only cause I could think of for her refusing to settle was that her bandage was too tight/twisted/wet; she settled for the next couple of hours and was then whining to get up this morning bright and early as soon as the sun was up. Thankfully sweet TD took over her exercising her this morning.<br />
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Fingers crossed that last night was an aberration and her foot heals soon. I don't know how we will ever be able to survive a tiny human one day - I hear they have even less regard for their parents sleep than a 3 year old GSP.the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-28232489201069684112012-11-07T08:50:00.001-08:002012-11-07T08:50:47.931-08:00The morning afterSo happy and proud of my president and my country.<br />
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Relieved that Florida didn't create chaos.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8164304781/" title="Greenshot_2012-11-07_11-32-25 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="Greenshot_2012-11-07_11-32-25" height="401" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8164304781_ec6b6effb4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Sick that <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2012/11/05/news/economy/campaign-finance/index.html" target="_blank">the total amount that was spent on campaigns</a> was almost equal to the <a href="http://www.nsf.gov/about/congress/112/highlights/cu11_1118.jsp" target="_blank">entire annual budget of the National Science Foundation</a>. A whole lot of research could have been done that would have really benefited a lot of folks.<br />
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Ready for a lot of hard work and excited about four more years!<br />
<br />the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-5614725637869075712012-11-05T05:33:00.000-08:002012-11-05T05:33:00.411-08:00A perfect NorCal DayAfter living in northern California for five years, I haven't been back since I left, except for a short weekend trip when TD graduated. I have such wonderful memories of that time and place, so during our trip to the Bay area and <a href="http://frugalecologist.blogspot.com/2012/09/sea-ranch-and-mendonoma-coast.html">Sea Ranch</a> I was looking for a quintessential Northern California experience on Sunday, our last travel day. I really wanted to pack in all of that Bay Area - Sonoma - Mendocino goodness into our very short trip.<br />
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But what would the quintessential Northern California experience be? <a href="http://hogislandoysters.com/">Hog Island Oysters</a> at Bodega Bay? <a href="http://cheeseboardcollective.coop/pizza">Cheeseboard Pizza</a> or Chez Panisse Cafe in Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto? Eating pastries from <a href="http://www.tartinebakery.com/">Tartine</a> while hanging out in Dolores Park? Wandering Golden Gate Park and visiting the <a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org/">de Young Museum</a>?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/8047540973/" title="P9230176 by SECameron, on Flickr"><img alt="P9230176" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8047540973_5885c5e384.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />
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I wasn't sure, and spent the weekend asking friends what they thought we should do. However, I should have known that the perfect Northern California experience sometimes finds you - sometimes when you are driving down Highway 1 and everyone is feeling either famished or terribly car sick, you might stop at the first sign of civilization and it just might happen to be next to a <a href="http://www.cafeaquatica.com/">delightful coffee shop</a>, that just happens to serve chowder and breakfast all day, and it just might be next to the water, and there might be an awesome <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MadroneBrothers">bluegrass band</a> playing while the fog rolls in. And that, my friends is the quintessential NorCal experience (at least for me).<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-66630072959689226662012-11-02T05:27:00.001-07:002012-11-02T05:30:47.350-07:00Gualala Arts Center Reception<div style="margin: 0; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; width: 500px;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/susancameron/sets/72157631676232252/">Gualala Wedding Reception</a>, a set on Flickr.</div>
After the lovely ceremony, T & M had a magical reception at the <a href="http://www.gualalaarts.org/">Gualala Arts Center</a>, complete with heartfelt toasts, delicious food & wine, and lots and lots of dancing. <br /><br />The party even continued into the wee hours of the morning but thankfully no pictures were taken at that point.the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-26277710000146988132012-11-02T05:11:00.002-07:002012-11-02T05:20:15.765-07:00Healthy Pumpkin Struesel Bread - by popular demand!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made this delicious pumpkin bread this week during a cold snap. Sadly it was so good, it didn't last more than 24 hours in our house. But, its not too naughty for you given the whole wheat flour and lower sugar.<br />
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<u>Healthy Pumpkin Struesel Bread</u><br />
Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9 in loaf pan.<br />
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1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour<br />
1/2 t salt<br />
1 t baking soda<br />
1/2 t baking powder<br />
1 t cinnamon<br />
1/2 t nutmeg<br />
1/4 t cloves<br />
1/4 t allspice<br />
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1 stick butter melted<br />
3/4 c sugar<br />
1 c pumpkin puree<br />
1 T vanilla extract<br />
2 eggs<br />
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2 T brown sugar<br />
1/2 t cinnamon<br />
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Mix together dry ingredients (flour to allspice) in a medium bowl and set aside. In a large bowl thoroughly combine wet ingredients until smooth (butter to eggs). Fold in and gently mix dry ingredients. Pour into prepared pan (batter will be stiff). Mix together brown sugar and remaining cinnamon and sprinkle on top.<br />
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Bake for 50-70 minutes - check for doneness with a cake tester. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes and then remove from pan.the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-37341107615308593672012-09-26T07:15:00.000-07:002012-09-26T07:15:00.061-07:00Sea Ranch WeddingOur friends had a beautiful (did I mention NO FOG!) afternoon wedding on the bluff below the <a href="http://searanchlodge.com/" target="_blank">Sea Ranch Lodge</a>. They had a beautiful ceremony with two dear friends officiating, and a another friend singing. Lovely and a perfect expression of the two of them.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-80642823708721557142012-09-25T19:03:00.002-07:002012-11-02T05:21:17.481-07:00Sea Ranch and the Mendonoma CoastWe had an awesome weekend trip for our dear friends' wedding at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Ranch,_California" target="_blank">Sea Ranch</a> on the Mendocino-Sonoma Coast. We weren't sure what to expect of this planned vacation community about 3 hours north of San Francisco - but it was gorgeous and we had a blast!<br />
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We had a long day of plane - train - car travel on Friday which culminated with us hurriedly changing into our rehearsal dinner garb in the parking lot since we were already half an hour late. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of our delicious dinner since we left the camera in the car, but I did have a life changing avocado brulee - avocado with caramelized sugar on top - wow! We also got to chat with lots of grad school friends that we (or at least I) hadn't seen since our wedding, so it was a great reunion. And we even made it to the house that we had rented with our friends J & K, without directions or an address, in time to sit in the hot tub.<br />
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On Saturday we were up early to enjoy the beautiful weather (NO FOG!!) with a hike at the regional park. The park is located on the Gualala River, so we got great views of the ocean as well as the river.<br />
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<br />the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-80056790187471017802012-09-04T08:48:00.003-07:002012-11-02T05:20:29.844-07:00NYC!I had a great time visiting my friend A two weekends ago in New York. She is the consummate hostess with the mostess and despite being six months pregnant & her husband getting hit by a car (!!!) the day I arrived (he got checked out in the ER but was ok), she was a lovely tour guide per usual. I was only in town for 48 hours, but we packed it in!<br />
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The view from her apt - Queensboro Bridge & Roosevelt Island</div>
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Taking the ferry to Brooklyn - A beautiful way to travel</div>
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<a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/smorgasburg/" target="_blank">Smorgasburg</a> - a food fair in Williamsburg. We enjoyed truffle lumpia (Philippine eggs rolls), Saltenas (bolivian empanada with chicken, hardboiled egg and raisins), People's Pops (plum spearmint popsicle), and iced Blue Bottle Coffee. yum!</div>
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We wandered over to the <a href="http://dekalbmarket.com/" target="_blank">deKalb market</a> and checked out lots of jewelry, crafts and clothes (may have gotten a few birthday gifts here). The market is made entirely of stacked shipping containers - very cool.</div>
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After DeKalb we wandered to Flatbush where we stopped at several stores along the way to <a href="http://www.frannysbrooklyn.com/" target="_blank">Franny's pizza</a>. We got there fashionably early and got to sit at the bar. The food was excellent - eggplant agrodolce and squid to start and we split the meatball, buffalo mozzarella pizza - thin chewy, crispy crust, tart sauce, salty cheese. yum!<br />
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Gorgeous day on Sunday</div>
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Sunday morning French Toast Orgy inspired by <a href="http://www.kates-kitchensf.com/menu.html" target="_blank">Kate's Kitchen</a> in SF - Challah French toast topped with bananas, blueberries, black berries, homemade yogurt and granola</div>
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We walked to the oh so cool rooftop installation at <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/" target="_blank">the Met</a> - Tomas Saraceno's <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2012/tomas-saraceno" target="_blank">Cloud City</a>. It reminded me of a spaceship, honey comb, bubbles. You could even climb inside and walk around.</div>
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Sadly, the only picture I got of the two of us. </div>
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We also checked out the excellent Modern art collection - Specifically the collections of the New York School (deKooning, Noguchi, Calder, Warhol, Jasper Johns, Pollock). I love how all of these greats are together - less overwhelming than the MoMA.</div>
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We weren't really hungry yet, but I had specifically requested Ramen, so we headed to <a href="http://www.ippudony.com/" target="_blank">Ippudo</a>. (Our first choice Totto Ramen didn't open til 4 pm)</div>
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I got the delicious Tori Ramen (chicken broth) with slices of Pork Loin. </div>
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A chose the special with Squid Ink noodles in spicy broth. </div>
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We had to stop at <a href="http://ww.laboratoriodelgelato.com/" target="_blank">il labrotorio del gelato</a> - an amazing place that really does look like a laboratory. They have incredible flavors like tomato, olive oil, black pepper, lemon rosemary, etc. I had a scoop of Grapefruit Campari sorbet and a scoop of Red Grape sorbet. The concentration of flavor in both were incredible. They are obviously working some magic back in the lab!</div>
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We then wandered over to china town so that I could buy 100 handmade dumplings to bring back home. This time I got pork and chive as well as vegetarian stuffed with bok choy. </div>
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A also did her grocery shopping for the week - very fun to visit some of the huge meat markets and listen to her ask for things in Cantonese.</div>
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Too soon it was time to head back to the airport where this awaited me - c'mon JFK can't you get it together? </div>
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These are tarps with garden hoses to drain the water from the gaping holes in the ceiling. Not pictured is the mass of humanity in the Delta terminal resulting from 3 canceled flights and 5 flights leaving from the same gate in the span of an hour. Needless to say, I was just thankful that my flight was not canceled, that I got on the correct plane and that I brought yummy snacks. </div>
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Such a fun weekend & I can't wait to return next year to meet the Bebe!</div>
<br />the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-89806426086797115312012-08-15T10:57:00.000-07:002012-08-15T10:57:25.054-07:00Oh I wish I was in AustinWe had a great time in Colorado - photos coming soon - as well as a wonderful break in Austin. I got to hang out with Pdog, my parents and brother, while TD risked life and limb doing fieldwork in Oaxaca.<br />
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Here are a few snippets of my time in Austin.<br />
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Pdog was barely tolerated by Polly the cat</div>
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just another Wednesday night supper with my parents - Steelhead Roe and Truffled Mousse on toasts - best enjoyed on the couch watching MI5</div>
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Favorite summer breakfast - Almond milk, strawberries, protein powder</div>
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Lots of cleaning & organizing - now my childhood bedroom looks like it did when it was my childhood bedroom (after being a study/music room/staging area/wedding storage for the last 10 years)</div>
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Pdog got injured AGAIN! Stitches between her toes after cutting her webbing on a piece of glass :(</div>
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Olympics!! We got into the full spirit for the opening ceremony including Eton Mess for dessert</div>
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And of course Pimm's Cups!</div>
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Hearty Texas Breakfast - pork tenderloin, eggs, tomato, guacamole & a Texas Hill Country peach</div>
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And lots of driving - I swear our house gets further from Texas each time. At least for this ride, Pdog got upgraded to first class AKA she got to ride in the second seat and enjoy the AC</div>
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<br />the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-2166222283583223092012-07-12T04:00:00.000-07:002012-07-12T04:00:01.326-07:00Happy Birthday to my sweet Mema!Today is my Mema's birthday - she is the epitome of style and class (she was a model in New York City in the 1940s) - and I think get my love of cooking and baking from her (passed down via my Mama of course).<br />
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Plus, we are birthday buddies!<br />
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Happy Birthday Mema! I love you!the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-32538150056093329742012-07-08T07:00:00.000-07:002012-07-08T07:00:04.102-07:0030!As a kid, having a birthday in the middle of the summer, near a holiday meant that most of my friends would not be in town for my birthday party.<br />
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As I got a little older and started traveling - <i>I </i>was usually not in town for my birthday. The first birthday I spent away from home was when I was 13 - I got to spend it in Denmark traveling with my Grandparents to visit my Aunt, Uncle & Cousins who were living there.</div>
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At Tivoli Gardens in 1995</div>
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In Australia in 2005 (with beautiful flowers send from my parents)</div>
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Fast forward - I've spent many, many birthdays away from family and friends - summer camp, Costa Rica, Australia (at least twice) - so I am pretty stoked to ring in my thirties with TD and my family. </div>
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Since I get to be with my favorite people (and Prairie!) - there's nothing on my wishlist this year - other than Booze & Cake (pretty sure those are guaranteed with this crowd!)</div>
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Source: <a href="http://hauteindoorcouture.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-08-31T08:59:00-04:00&max-results=6" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">hauteindoorcouture.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/secameron/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Secameron</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">eddieross.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/secameron/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Secameron</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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So Happy Happy to me!</div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-88808854426931710362012-07-06T08:48:00.000-07:002012-07-06T08:48:00.192-07:00Two things I am loving right now...<h3>
Paperback Swap</h3>
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I don't know why I waited so long to sign up for <a href="http://www.paperbackswap.com/" target="_blank">Paperback Swap</a> - it is amazing. I was a voracious reader as a kid, all the way through college, but my pleasure reading took a serious back seat during grad school & postdoc years. Seriously, I probably read 10 books during those 7 years - keeping up with my weekly New Yorker was all I could handle.</div>
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Now, in an attempt to rejoin the literate public, I've made it a goal to turn off the internet at 9 pm and read before bed. Paperback Swap keeps me stocked with interesting reads and lets me pass along books that I don't want to keep. A win win.</div>
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Nike+ Running App</h3>
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Somehow I went from someone who rarely (or reluctantly) works out to someone who actually enjoys and, dare I say, <i>looks forward</i> to it. Not entirely sure how that transformation happened - but two big contributors are having a workout buddy (TD) and DATA.</div>
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I am a scientist. I love data. So the ability to track my workouts quantitatively totally appeals to me - in fact I want to workout harder/longer just so I have more miles/minutes/calories. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_zeP6zP6Xs/T-u2yY9JsaI/AAAAAAAABXQ/SfRTcm0P3f4/s1600/12+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_zeP6zP6Xs/T-u2yY9JsaI/AAAAAAAABXQ/SfRTcm0P3f4/s400/12+-+1" width="266" /></a></div>
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The Nike+ Running App is amazing - you carry or wear your iPhone during an outdoor or treadmill run and it keeps track of your route, pace, distance and time. And gives you helpful comments on your pace, how far you've gone and how much time is left. And its free. Amazing!</div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-64217938905527931112012-07-03T07:21:00.000-07:002012-07-03T07:21:00.162-07:00Minimalist packing - hair and beautyThese are my toiletries for 30 days...<br />
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<u>Top Row</u> - toothbrush, deodorant (not antiperspirant), bright lipstick, contact solution, earplugs, <a href="http://www.dermatone.com/" target="_blank">Dermatone</a> (has SPF and can be used on lips, hands or face - very moisturizing), small container of baking soda</div>
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<u>Middle Row</u> - Dark Grey eye crayon and comb</div>
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<u>Bottow row</u> - Vitamin E cream (for eyes and face), Obagi C SPF 30sunscreen (in Clinique container - this is what I use on my face everyday), Contact lens case, comb, toothpaste</div>
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<u>Very Bottom Row</u> - Vitamins (multivitamin and fish oil)</div>
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In the last few years, I have gotten my beauty routine down to the bare minimum - this saves time, money and is much friendlier to my body as well as the planet. And it makes packing a cinch.<br />
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<ul>
<li>I don't ever use soap on my face - No facial cleansers</li>
<li>I stopped using shampoo - just baking soda twice a week or so</li>
<li>My basic makeup routine is something on the eyes (mascara or eyeliner) and something on the lips (loving bright pink or red lipstick lately)</li>
<li>I stopped using body lotion - just a salt scrub in the shower </li>
</ul>
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I swear, my hair and skin have never been happier. And I promise my hair doesn't smell (TD is ever vigilant about this). I'll have full posts soon on exactly what I have been doing & why - but what you see above is everything I packed for a month of travel (I do use soap on my body but everywhere I will be going will at least have bar soap).</div>
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So what do you think...Am I nuts or gross?</div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561779342813127058.post-35879341863835447262012-06-30T19:18:00.000-07:002012-06-30T19:18:00.283-07:00Colorado Bound!We leave today for a big family getaway to Colorado with my parents, Sister, Brother & their significant others plus Pdog & cousin Bexar (Sister & M's new lab pup). <span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I am so very excited to spend 10 days with my favorite people in the world - Hooray!</span><span style="background-color: white;">We'll celebrate 4th of July and my 30th B-day and generally being together. Much fly fishing & hiking is planned.</span><br />
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We have 4 nights of back country camping in the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5286479.pdf" target="_blank">Uncompahgre Wilderness</a> in the beautiful San Juans plus 4 nights in a cabin (actually 2 cabins). We have been looking forward to this for so long - I can't wait! (fingers crossed that Pdog sleeps in a tent better than she did on the Sewanee...)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MDgWWX3WO8/T-uxSZroh0I/AAAAAAAABWg/evYtKNZSo1w/s1600/Tuesday+trip+to+Moscow+ME+July+2007+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MDgWWX3WO8/T-uxSZroh0I/AAAAAAAABWg/evYtKNZSo1w/s640/Tuesday+trip+to+Moscow+ME+July+2007+027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here we are in Maine in 2007 on our last big adventure - its been too long!</div>the Frugal Ecologisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007753245445039830noreply@blogger.com0