Good news, if you read my post last week about my desperate attempt to find some enjoyment in cooking...I can see a few flickers! There are SPARKS!
I haven't acted on them yet, but it's my turn to make dinner tonight, so we will see how it goes.
Meanwhile, the sparks came because this morning I was reading a cookbook I was reviewing, A Kitchen in France: A Year of Cooking in my Farmhouse by Mimi Thorisson and something in how she described food, the dinner hour, family, and how they are all part of having a meal together (and cooing it) made me interested.
I found myself wishing I had a little free time so I could go try the recipe for Madeline's. Of course I didn't have the opportunity this morning and besides, I need a Madeline pan or whatever those are called.
But I wanted to make them.
This is great progress.
I think the most fabulous thing about this cookbook, besides the fact that the recipes sound delicious, is that it is simple but beautiful in its elegant simplicity, much as I imagine the French countryside itself to be. I felt as if I understood what it was like to be there in her kitchen, and I want being in mine to feel that way too. I felt my shoulders relax, the tension leave as I "watched" her life through the pictures that are included. Food. Family. Together. This is life. More than that, this is living.
It's odd to feel any sort of kinship with someone you've never met--who lives across a continent and an ocean--but I do feel as though we are connected--not just to each other because of our similar roles in life, but to the other women from the past through now who cook food for those they love. Those women, Mimi included, have it mastered better than I do for sure. But seeing how she loves it, how her family benefits, makes me eager to try the seasonal recipes, to shop locally and more organically, and to enjoy not just the eating experience surrounded by my family, but the cooking as well.
It seems there is hope for me after all.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
About That Cooking Thing...
Okay, I'm not giving up yet, but I'm seriously stumped.
How do you foodies do it??? How do you actually LIKE something like cooking?
Eating, yes, it's fabulous.
Knowing that my family has had a delicious meal that provided what they needed nutrition-wise too? I love it.
Cooking???
....
So I'm googling ideas to try to figure out if there's a way to fix this deficiency I apparently have. I want to love cooking. I do.
I'm just working on figuring out how...
I'm going to dive back into a cookbook I have a copy of that I'm supposed to be reviewing (It's actually very inspiring---maybe reading it more will help me??) and let y'all know how that is soon, and then maybe keep you posted on my cooking journey (or, you know SAGA. Whichever.).
How do you foodies do it??? How do you actually LIKE something like cooking?
Eating, yes, it's fabulous.
Knowing that my family has had a delicious meal that provided what they needed nutrition-wise too? I love it.
Cooking???
....
So I'm googling ideas to try to figure out if there's a way to fix this deficiency I apparently have. I want to love cooking. I do.
I'm just working on figuring out how...
I'm going to dive back into a cookbook I have a copy of that I'm supposed to be reviewing (It's actually very inspiring---maybe reading it more will help me??) and let y'all know how that is soon, and then maybe keep you posted on my cooking journey (or, you know SAGA. Whichever.).
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Ahh! Y'all, Coolest Concept Ever...
This. This book.
I can't even. Can you read the subtitle there? Novel Interiors...Living in Enchanted Rooms Inspired by Literature.
This is not your typical decorating idea book. It's also not your typical fun-literature-quotes book. But it's both and more and it's just the thing for propping up on your knees and reading on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The concept is that the books we love (especially classics) have such an inhabitable story world, and the decorating styles of the houses in these novels is very specific. I hadn't thought about that, so at the beginning I was curious about how much there would be to use as inspiration here, but authors talk so much more about decor and furniture than I realized!
The author divided the book into sections--the cozy house, the glamourous house, things like that, but with cuter names and with literary groupings. For example, F. Scott Fitzgerald falls in the glamourous category, so quotes from his books are alongside gorgeous pictures of modern interiors and sleek counters, etc. Jane Austen's books are in the cozy category and quotes from her books are there next to kitchens that are decorated with love and little bits of decorative clutter, and there are more than just these two categories. I found myself loving design ideas (and book quotes!) from almost all of them, but the styles are so varied it's safe to say if you like design or books, there's something here you will absolutely love.
I think I found my new favorite hardback coffee-table-style book...
I can't even. Can you read the subtitle there? Novel Interiors...Living in Enchanted Rooms Inspired by Literature.
This is not your typical decorating idea book. It's also not your typical fun-literature-quotes book. But it's both and more and it's just the thing for propping up on your knees and reading on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The concept is that the books we love (especially classics) have such an inhabitable story world, and the decorating styles of the houses in these novels is very specific. I hadn't thought about that, so at the beginning I was curious about how much there would be to use as inspiration here, but authors talk so much more about decor and furniture than I realized!
The author divided the book into sections--the cozy house, the glamourous house, things like that, but with cuter names and with literary groupings. For example, F. Scott Fitzgerald falls in the glamourous category, so quotes from his books are alongside gorgeous pictures of modern interiors and sleek counters, etc. Jane Austen's books are in the cozy category and quotes from her books are there next to kitchens that are decorated with love and little bits of decorative clutter, and there are more than just these two categories. I found myself loving design ideas (and book quotes!) from almost all of them, but the styles are so varied it's safe to say if you like design or books, there's something here you will absolutely love.
I think I found my new favorite hardback coffee-table-style book...
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Read with a Cup of Coffee! Fun book of the day...
This is a book you'll be happy you bought.
I requested a copy of A Beautiful Mess: Happy Handmade Home to review and watched eagerly for it in the mail, partially because I was excited to read it, and partially because I was curious--with the ease of accessing design blogs, not to mention Pinterest, I wondered about whether or not a book about decorating, especially handmade decorating, would be something that would seem just as valuable as it would have fifteen years ago, before the world was so tech savvy.
Honestly? This book is still totally relevant. I loved holding it in my hands, flipping through it and reading the author's notes on how they believe you should decorate. Some of the layout--white pages with square pictures--definitely brings up thoughts of Pinterest, but it was a good thing actually. I love Pinterest as much as the next girl, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much more relaxing it was to hold this book and flip through it that it was to spend time dreaming about decorating and learning about it online.
Maybe it's because it's easier to sip coffee and read this book. Maybe it's because there's something nostalgic about the weight of a book in your hands that makes creative juices flow more easily. It could have been the author's unique suggestions (like forget decorating rules and do what you love!), but this book was a completely enjoyable, relaxing experience. It's one I plan to hang on to for inspiration, and one I'm very much glad I sat down to read.
I requested a copy of A Beautiful Mess: Happy Handmade Home to review and watched eagerly for it in the mail, partially because I was excited to read it, and partially because I was curious--with the ease of accessing design blogs, not to mention Pinterest, I wondered about whether or not a book about decorating, especially handmade decorating, would be something that would seem just as valuable as it would have fifteen years ago, before the world was so tech savvy.
Honestly? This book is still totally relevant. I loved holding it in my hands, flipping through it and reading the author's notes on how they believe you should decorate. Some of the layout--white pages with square pictures--definitely brings up thoughts of Pinterest, but it was a good thing actually. I love Pinterest as much as the next girl, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much more relaxing it was to hold this book and flip through it that it was to spend time dreaming about decorating and learning about it online.
Maybe it's because it's easier to sip coffee and read this book. Maybe it's because there's something nostalgic about the weight of a book in your hands that makes creative juices flow more easily. It could have been the author's unique suggestions (like forget decorating rules and do what you love!), but this book was a completely enjoyable, relaxing experience. It's one I plan to hang on to for inspiration, and one I'm very much glad I sat down to read.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Random Ideas
I need to get back to blogging. But honestly? Some days I have more to say than others. Some days the things I have to say aren't ready to be said...you know? When it isn't the right time?
And sometimes...I don't know.
Here's what I do know. I miss blogging. I want to:
1. Share with you about my Alaska trip.
2. Be a better contributor on the group blogs I'm part of (watch for link-ups to those!)
3. Give my random thoughts (rants?) about life a place to be heard.
4. Share with you my new goals and how I'm doing with these. One of them? Learning to LOVE to cook. Here's the thing, y'all...You have to eat. So you might as well eat yummy food and unless you're rich enough to go out every night (in which case just don't talk to me, okay?), you have to learn to cook. And not just cook, but love cooking. I'm decent at it right now, I suppose. But I want four o'clock to roll around and make me excited about cooking.
Is such a thing even possible? I guess I have foodie friends who would say it is. But what about for a non-foodie who is trying to become a practical foodie (more Ree Drummond/The Pioneer Woman than some fancy kind)? Especially one who's trying to cook...90% or so dairy and nut free?
I don't even know.
But I'm planning to find out. And I'm hoping it's possible.
Stay tuned. =)
And sometimes...I don't know.
Here's what I do know. I miss blogging. I want to:
1. Share with you about my Alaska trip.
2. Be a better contributor on the group blogs I'm part of (watch for link-ups to those!)
3. Give my random thoughts (rants?) about life a place to be heard.
4. Share with you my new goals and how I'm doing with these. One of them? Learning to LOVE to cook. Here's the thing, y'all...You have to eat. So you might as well eat yummy food and unless you're rich enough to go out every night (in which case just don't talk to me, okay?), you have to learn to cook. And not just cook, but love cooking. I'm decent at it right now, I suppose. But I want four o'clock to roll around and make me excited about cooking.
Is such a thing even possible? I guess I have foodie friends who would say it is. But what about for a non-foodie who is trying to become a practical foodie (more Ree Drummond/The Pioneer Woman than some fancy kind)? Especially one who's trying to cook...90% or so dairy and nut free?
I don't even know.
But I'm planning to find out. And I'm hoping it's possible.
Stay tuned. =)
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Pre Conference Mixer!!
I'm taking an even longer pause (haha, sorry y'all!) in finishing my Alaska trip posts to participate in this fun mixer hosted by my friend Laurie! Can't wait to see old friends and meet new ones at this year's ACFW conference!
Name: Sarah Varland
Location: Macon, GA
What you write/tagline/trademark: Romantic Suspense
Place in the book world: I got my first contract almost two years ago! That book,Treasure Point Secrets, came out in May. My next book comes out in October.
On a scale of hugger to 10-foot-pole, please rate your personal space: I'm definitely in favor of hugs. Especially if someone else initiates it and I don't have to stand there trying to decide if I should hug them or not. =)
The unique talking point that will get you going for hours: Books, Alaska, Kids, Football, and...pretty much anything. I like talking. I'm a weird introvert that way.
Loved ones at home you’ll be missing: My husband. My two adorable boys are supposed to come with me and hang out with my mom and mil in the hotel room and some fun kid friendly places around the city.
Conference goals we can pray for? That I'll finish my full length romantic suspense before then! And then that I will pitch it well.
Anything we can celebrate with you? Hopefully the completion of my latest manuscript. Haha, soon. ;)
One or two ways we can help you build your platform? Funny thing? To me the thing that encourages me the most platform-wise is when people comment on my blog. So doing that would be awesome! I post more when people comment. I'm so attention-needy like that.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Days 16-18
On Day 16 we decided to head into downtown Anchorage and do some touristy-gift-shop-shopping. It's funny because I don't really feel like a tourist, although technically I am, but I know I'm not a local here. I'm not from here in a lived-there-all-my-life sense, but I did live here for nine years so I think that even when I come back to visit that qualifies me for my own special status somewhere in between the two.
But I can still do some souvenir shopping with the best of them. Haha.
John and I didn't buy too much, we just got a couple of small things for the boys and then took notes of things we might want. It was a little early in the trip to commit to spending much money when we had so many other places to go and things to see. I think we'll probably head back downtown sometime before we leave.
We did have coffee at Kobuk Coffee, where Alison got mugs for us from last time she was up here alone. It was delicious!
Day 17 we went to the Anchorage Market. It was fun--there were a lot of handmade things there--but we just didn't find as much as last time. I was most bummed about not finding the handmade dog ropes/leashes that we didn't get last time and then regretted. I think I'm going to have to google and see if the person who made them sells them up here anywhere...The boys had been angelic shopping the day before, so I should have known better than to take them on this day. That's all we will say about that. Haha.
Lunch on day 17 was a reindeer sausage dog. Mmmmmmmm. So was lunch on Day 16. They sell them from a hotdog cart, topped with onions cooked in coke and they are delicious.
On the afternoon of Day 17 I went to the ten year reunion of the class I was part of my sophomore year. While I didn't graduate from Heritage Christian, I really enjoyed my time there and the people, so I was super excited to be included in the reunion. It was fun to catch up with people, hear about their lives, and just fun listening to everyone too.
On Day 18 John, the boys and I went to church at an Alliance church here in Anchorage. It was amazing to sit together and learn from the same sermon. I don't remember the last time we went to church together...Nope, I just paused to think about it and still don't remember. John is definitely called into ministry as a pastor, and I know that, but it was really neat to get to be encouraged spiritually together this morning. The sermon was about faith, and leaning into faith (we liked that phrase he used) instead of your doubt, like the father of the demon possessed boy in Mark who said told Jesus that he believed and asked Him to help his unbelief.
Such a good reminder.
After church John and I got coffee at Kaladi Brothers, a local place. It was possibly the best mocha I've ever had--it's tied with a little place on the Kenai peninsula that I plan to visit tomorrow. I told John I don't want to spend all our money on silly things like snacks (you know, like chips and silly snacks like that we can get at home), but spending it on coffee is different. That's an experience.
When we got back to the Krafts' house we ate a quick lunch and then headed out to the Glen Alps trailhead, which is where you hike Flat Top Mountain too, and hiked around the powerline trail there.
The powerline trail is one of my favorites (am I saying that about everything yet?) because there are a decent number of people hiking and biking on it (so less bear worry), but it's the wilderness, just ten minutes from town. I love that about Anchorage. You can drive twenty minutes and see the best production of The Nutcracker ever and be all cultured, or you can drive twenty minutes and be lost forever and possibly eaten by bears. Okay, ignore the bear part. But it's the best of both worlds. I finally figured out I'm not really a country girl or a city girl. I'm an Anchorage girl.
While we were hiking we did some geocaching, which was really fun. Mark Kraft geocaches so he was letting us search for caches with him. I think we should try to get into that when we get home--it's a fun "extra" thing to do when you're hiking.
We looked up at one point and noticed a thick white cloud hanging between two mountains. Mark decided we needed to head back, which was a good idea because the temperature dropped right about then and I really thought we were going to get soaked.
By the time we were back at the trailhead the weather was still okay so we hiked up the bottom of Flat Top a little, just to the start of the Blueberry Loop trail (which is barely not the bottom) and at that point decided we could go ahead and head back because dinner was waiting for us.
Dinner. Oh, dinner.
Tonight we had bread (like we do every night. Mmmmm.), spinach salad, broccoli, and roasted potatoes.
Sounds good already right?
AND HALIBUT AND KING CRAB.
Halibut. And King Crab. In one meal.
I love Alaska.
Dinner was delicious.
After we finished eating John put the boys to bed and I came back inside to finish up this blog and possibly have some coffee...
But I can still do some souvenir shopping with the best of them. Haha.
John and I didn't buy too much, we just got a couple of small things for the boys and then took notes of things we might want. It was a little early in the trip to commit to spending much money when we had so many other places to go and things to see. I think we'll probably head back downtown sometime before we leave.
We did have coffee at Kobuk Coffee, where Alison got mugs for us from last time she was up here alone. It was delicious!
Day 17 we went to the Anchorage Market. It was fun--there were a lot of handmade things there--but we just didn't find as much as last time. I was most bummed about not finding the handmade dog ropes/leashes that we didn't get last time and then regretted. I think I'm going to have to google and see if the person who made them sells them up here anywhere...The boys had been angelic shopping the day before, so I should have known better than to take them on this day. That's all we will say about that. Haha.
Lunch on day 17 was a reindeer sausage dog. Mmmmmmmm. So was lunch on Day 16. They sell them from a hotdog cart, topped with onions cooked in coke and they are delicious.
On the afternoon of Day 17 I went to the ten year reunion of the class I was part of my sophomore year. While I didn't graduate from Heritage Christian, I really enjoyed my time there and the people, so I was super excited to be included in the reunion. It was fun to catch up with people, hear about their lives, and just fun listening to everyone too.
On Day 18 John, the boys and I went to church at an Alliance church here in Anchorage. It was amazing to sit together and learn from the same sermon. I don't remember the last time we went to church together...Nope, I just paused to think about it and still don't remember. John is definitely called into ministry as a pastor, and I know that, but it was really neat to get to be encouraged spiritually together this morning. The sermon was about faith, and leaning into faith (we liked that phrase he used) instead of your doubt, like the father of the demon possessed boy in Mark who said told Jesus that he believed and asked Him to help his unbelief.
Such a good reminder.
After church John and I got coffee at Kaladi Brothers, a local place. It was possibly the best mocha I've ever had--it's tied with a little place on the Kenai peninsula that I plan to visit tomorrow. I told John I don't want to spend all our money on silly things like snacks (you know, like chips and silly snacks like that we can get at home), but spending it on coffee is different. That's an experience.
When we got back to the Krafts' house we ate a quick lunch and then headed out to the Glen Alps trailhead, which is where you hike Flat Top Mountain too, and hiked around the powerline trail there.
The powerline trail is one of my favorites (am I saying that about everything yet?) because there are a decent number of people hiking and biking on it (so less bear worry), but it's the wilderness, just ten minutes from town. I love that about Anchorage. You can drive twenty minutes and see the best production of The Nutcracker ever and be all cultured, or you can drive twenty minutes and be lost forever and possibly eaten by bears. Okay, ignore the bear part. But it's the best of both worlds. I finally figured out I'm not really a country girl or a city girl. I'm an Anchorage girl.
While we were hiking we did some geocaching, which was really fun. Mark Kraft geocaches so he was letting us search for caches with him. I think we should try to get into that when we get home--it's a fun "extra" thing to do when you're hiking.
We looked up at one point and noticed a thick white cloud hanging between two mountains. Mark decided we needed to head back, which was a good idea because the temperature dropped right about then and I really thought we were going to get soaked.
By the time we were back at the trailhead the weather was still okay so we hiked up the bottom of Flat Top a little, just to the start of the Blueberry Loop trail (which is barely not the bottom) and at that point decided we could go ahead and head back because dinner was waiting for us.
Dinner. Oh, dinner.
Tonight we had bread (like we do every night. Mmmmm.), spinach salad, broccoli, and roasted potatoes.
Sounds good already right?
AND HALIBUT AND KING CRAB.
Halibut. And King Crab. In one meal.
I love Alaska.
Dinner was delicious.
After we finished eating John put the boys to bed and I came back inside to finish up this blog and possibly have some coffee...
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