Best Summer Salad

Salads make me happy. All that freshness! Yum. 

This is  one of my recent favorites. The dressing recipe is from my friend (and my doula!), Melissa Chappell, Raw Melissa. Her cookbook, Faves: Fruits and Veggies, Nature's Energy's Secret is my favorite recipe book. I have made nearly every recipe in it and they are all exceptional — and simple! That girl and her book changed my life. No joke.

Here's my latest fave, inspired from her book. Try it! I can bet you'll have a smile on your face when you're done devouring it (and licking the bowl when you're finished).

Salad:
red leaf lettuce
romaine
red bell pepper
zucchini (or English cucumber)
mango
walnuts 

Dressing:
1 lemon
olive oil
agave

Capturing Childhood

What mother doesn't love her own children's faces? We're drawn to them from the moment they come into the world. I've been drawing my children for 16 years. You'd think I'd be an expert by now, but I still have so much to learn. Capturing expression is an illusive feat.

This year I've been drawing nearly everyday. I think I've made more progress drawing faces this year than I have in the last 16. Here are a few recent sketches...

Here's Jane on a turtle sculpture at the park. 

This is from a photo of me looking at Lucy for the first time.

Jane

How do you capture your kid's childhood? Photos? Memorabilia? Video?

How to Kick Adrenal Fatigue to the Curb

I don't get stressed on family vacations anymore!

It's been nearly a year since my diagnosis of adrenal fatigue. I blogged about it here and have been plugging along through the last ten months trying to get over it.

If you get dizzy when you finish a workout, or when you stand up. If you're tired all the time. If you get really cranky in the evenings. If you can't get up in the morning after eight hours of sleep. If you feel like you're going to have a melt down if one more person asks you for something ("Mom! I neeeed...") If you have no motivation to do anything. If you feel old and beat up. Well, sweetheart, you might have adrenal fatigue. My doctor calls it "Mom Syndrome." Hmm...I wonder why?

Here's what worked for me:

• Patience, and lots of it. Exercising patience with my body and the healing process were difficult when the months dragged on and I could see myself getting more and more out of physical shape... That was hard. I knew, though, that if I pushed myself hard again, I'd relapse and take even longer to get well again.
• High-quality vitamins. The kinds I took were: pharmaceutical grade fish oil, with a balance of EPA and DHA that is 2-to-1; food-based multivitamin; 1000mg of vitamin C; and an adrenal support supplement. These are all available at your local health/natural food store. I buy mine at Whole Foods on Tuesdays for the 10% off. 
• Alternating adrenal support vitamins: The adrenal support supplements I found best were Holy Basil and Licorice Root. My doctor originally recommended Ashwaghanda, but I didn't notice a significant improvement until I started taking the Holy Basil. He also told me that these supplements are adaptogens, which means your body gets used to them and they aren't as effective if you don't alternate. What I did was take Holy Basil for 35 days and Licorice Root for five days. That was what worked the best. I also took PharmaGABA, a natural supplement that produce alpha brain waves (the same ones your brain produces when it's relaxes, yet alert). The PharmaGABA was something I'd take when I knew I was going to be under stress, or when I was starting to feel stressed.
• Rest. Getting to bed as early as possible and sleeping in as late as possible was, and still is, my quest. That has been really difficult, since I live with four lively girls (two of which are teenagers and don't really honor the whole "bedtime" rule very often).
• Meditation and prayer. This helped me stay calm and patient, but most of all it helped me stay the course. I'm always happier when I talk to God and clear my head on a regular basis.
• Extra help. Asking people to help out a bit more was also tough, but it took the stress off. That's what I needed — less stress.
• Saying "no" more. When there are activities, parties, meet-ups, conferences and all sorts of volunteer opportunities, I was always the first to say I'd participate. That had to end. It felt like I was missing out at first, but I soon realized my life was a lot more manageable and simple when I eliminated all the extras. I have been able to focus more on my family, too. 

I can finally say that I've kicked adrenal fatigue and I'm feeling better than ever. I'm even signed up to do a short women's triathlon next month. Getting back in the game is making me crazy excited. This time, I'm listening to my body, though. I'll be focusing more eating right, sleeping more and enjoying my good health. 

The Longest Run Ever

I went for a trail run the other day. Lately I've only run two miles around my neighborhood, but I decided to kick it up a notch and run along the trail and road at City Creek for three miles. I was feeling pretty good about myself doing the first part of the loop on the trail and the second part on the road. Trotting along next to the sound of rushing water, chirping birds and the quiet of the mountains is better than any iTunes playlist. Plus, it's very peaceful in the morning. I was so relaxed, I even paused to take a photo of these lovely flowers.

About 100 yards from my car, I reached down and realized my key wasn't in my pocket!

All sorts of things ran through my head. Why didn't I hear it if it fell out? Did the ten almonds I had in my pocket cause the key to slip out? Could it have fallen out while I took the picture? Was I so oblivious I didn't notice that large key thing no longer attached to my hip? I called Carl. He told me to look by the car. I did. It wasn't there. I started to panic a little. I felt the sinking feeling of being stranded.

Reluctantly, I called the dealership. To replace the specialized Audi key I would need to pay $200. What?! 

I spent the next three hours going back over my path, talking to people, praying like crazy, crying a bit, feeling sorry for myself, texting Carl to get all the girls to pray and searching desperately for my key. I ran and walked that three mile route two more times (9 miles!). I talked to one of the guys who works in the canyon and water shed area, gave him my phone number and told him about the $200 charge he'd save me if he and his guys found the key.

I was feeling floppy and despondent about two miles into my third journey around that loop. My phone only had 10% battery power left. Thirsty, hungry and filled with shame for losing the pricey key, I started to cry.

Then, my phone rang.

The cheery lady on the line was from the water shed. They found my key! Actually, a trail runner found it about a foot off the path and turned it into one of the workers. I nearly sprinted that last mile to get to the gate at the bottom of the canyon where the guy I originally talked to had my key. When I saw him, I practically threw myself at his feet and kissed them. I didn't though. I said a prayer of thanks and took this picture.

Whether you believe in prayer or not, I know that answers come. Maybe not as quickly as we'd like, but they do come. God understands where we are and what we need. I needed to find that key. He helped me; I know He did. He also helped me run and not be weary and walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Everyday Artist

Last year on my birthday, I made a goal to draw every day. It's been nearly a year and I have four notebooks full of drawings, and a few watercolor sketches. Sometimes I left the drawing to the last minute when I was so tired I could only put a few scratches on the page.

Leaving a task you care about to the very last minute doesn't work—you never do a very good job with it nor give it your full attention. Hurried work made me feel disappointed and dissatisfied. I started to just skip the drawing if I didn't get it in before I was dragging myself to bed. I also learned that it's more important to do the work rather than do amazing work. The act of doing was the journey and the practice that has helped me improve.

Quick watercolor sketch at Liberty Park

After nearly ten months of drawing I feel more confident about my skills as an artist. I even added artist to my description of myself in the "About Me" section on this blog. I have taken assorted classes in drawing, watercolor, 3D, sculpture and design...but I always felt less than because I lacked formal training.

Now, I know that the formal training is just that: formal. I prefer to be informal about nearly everything, so that kind of learning suits me just fine. I'm okay with not being perfect at this and I'm open to learning from people like Kathy Ross, a self-taught 3D artist who sells her sculptures for a living. I met Kathy last year at the Utah Arts Festival. I asked her if she'd mentor me and teach me a little of how she does what she does. She agreed to and we've been in communication off and on ever since.

I'll would love some feedback, thoughts, and suggestions on my art. 

How to Make a Roman Shade

Want to make a curtain that looks professional? Try making your own Roman shade. Making curtains is simple and quick...this takes a bit more time, but you'll love the results.

This was my first attempt. I looked everywhere for an easy tutorial, but couldn't find one. My older sister sent me instructions from a book, but I modified them somewhat to my own taste and needs (read: laziness).

Most of the items you'll need are available at your local fabric store. (I go to JoAnn fabrics for all my sewing/decor/craft supplies.) Here's what you'll need to make your own inside-mount Roman shade:

• fabric for interior of shade, cut to one inch wider and 7 inches longer than the measurements of the inside from of your window. Remember: measure twice, cut once.
• lining fabric for shade, cut to measurements of your window
• sewing machine
• thread that matches your fabric 
• scissors
• sewing needle
• staple gun
• drill (and if you're not familiar with using one, you'll also need a husband/boyfriend/neighbor to operate it)
• marking pen/pencil
• ruler and/or t-square
• drapery rings
• drapery Velcro
• drapery cording, pull cord, and attachable tie
• wood, cut to fit your window (length depends on whether you mount it on the outside or inside of the window frame)
• 3-4 long screws and washers to go through the fabric-covered wood into the top of the window frame 
• Stitch Witchery (or some other tape-like fabric adhesive) 
• 4-5 screw eyes (these are screws with a ring on the end)

1. Measure the window. I measured the inside of the frame for an inside mount. If you do an outside mount shade, you'll need to determine where you want the shade to sit in relation to the length and width of your window frame.
2. Cut the fabric one inch wider and 7 inches longer than your window measurement. This will give you a 1/2 inch of seam allowance on both sides and nice finished fold at the bottom. You will be wrapping the fabric around the lining and attaching the sides with Stitch Witchery.
3. Cut the lining to exactly the width and 1 inch longer than the window.
4. Cut fabric to wrap around you piece of wood. Wrap the fabric around the wood as though you're wrapping a present. Then, use your staple gun to staple the fabric in place. 
5. Place the fabric-covered board inside the top of the window frame. While you or a friend holds it in place, drill holes the same length and slightly narrower than the long screws. Secure the long screws with washers into the board and window frame using the drill or screwdriver. (see photo #2 below)
6. With right sides together and about a 1/2" overlap of the main fabric (the fabric you want facing the room when you hang your blind) on both sides, sew the top of the fabric panels together with a 1/2" seam allowance.  Reverse and press seam flat.
7. Make sure there is an overlap of the main fabric on the sides (about 1/2 inch on each side). The fabric will be 7 inches longer than the lining. Fold up the bottom of fabric 4 inches and press the back part of the fabric under 1/2 to 1 inch. Then, sew through panel and lining fabric close to the fold you just pressed.
8. For a seamless look, place the Stitch Witchery adhesive tape along the sides of the lining fabric. Fold over the main fabric and press, following the directions on the Stitch Witchery package to adhere the two fabrics. Repeat on both sides of the blind. Note: You can also sew this, but there will be a clear seam on your blind when it's not open. You can also use Fray Check here, but I didn't. Again, no one will see it. (see photo #1 below)
9. Attach the Drapery Velcro to the board and your Roman shade. I put the hook side on the board and used the staple gun to secure it. Then, I stitched the loop side to the shade. (see photo #2 below)
10. You're nearly done! Decide how far apart you want your guide loops to go. I put too many, I think. My window was only 30" wide and I did five guide loops. Use a t-square or other long ruler to mark where the loops will go.
11. Hand stitch each loop in place. Make sure your thread matches your main fabric, so it will be as inconspicuous as possible. I placed the bottom loops up above the hem and moved up from there. This may take some time to figure out. Don't rush. Make sure you have it right before you start to sew. (see photo #1 below)
12. Mark the location of screw eyes on the board mounted inside the window sill. Match up the measurements with the guide loops you just sewed on. Don't worry, though, if it's off because it really doesn't matter. No one will see and deduct points if they are not in alignment with the guide loops. Use a drill with a bit slightly smaller than the size of the screw eyes and drill the guide holes. 
13. Once holes are drilled, secure the screw eyes. (see photo #2 below)
14. Tie the drapery cording to the bottom guide loop and put it through each guide loop above it until you get to the top. 
15. Once you have all the drapery cord woven through each guide loop, decide which side you want to pull from and thread the cord through the screw eyes on the board to that side. Attach the Velcro's and thread the drapery cord through. You will need a helper to hold up the shade while you do this. (see photo #2 below)
16. Take all ends of the cord and put it through a drapery pull. Knot the ends securely and trim.
17. Secure the tie for the cord inside the window sill with the provided screws. (see photo #3 below)
18. Pull up your shade carefully, creasing it as you go with your hands. 
19. Keep the shade up for a few days to let the creases set.
20. Enjoy!

Photo #1 Illustrating steps 8 and 11

Photo #2 Illustrating steps 5, 9, 13, and 15

Photo #3 Illustrating steps 16 and 17

If you have any questions, please ask. 

 

Missing Daddy

The best conversations with my toddler happen while she's, um...on the potty. Here's what she told me the day her daddy left for a trip.