tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715610668585652792024-02-20T03:39:13.926-08:00Peanut's PageStill dedicated to our Little Peanut, but about something new, and very, very different... because the future isn't what it used to be.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.comBlogger511125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-47819778178899308112011-11-17T11:31:00.000-08:002011-11-17T11:31:56.307-08:00Pssst!!<div style="text-align: center;">It was time for a fresh start. Something new.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've moved! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Will you come and visit me?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://www.dandelionsonthewall.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Look for tons of gluten, dairy, and soy-free recipes, craft projects, and... life!</div>Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-5435159546977877802011-02-22T14:10:00.001-08:002011-02-22T15:13:55.364-08:00So... what DO you eat?Do you remember that I've gone through some pretty major diet changes lately? I think I first talked about it <a href="http://theweedons.blogspot.com/2010/10/veg-what.html">in October</a>.<br /><br />I cannot believe what a difference these changes have made to my overall health. What I also cannot believe is how often I am asked about going free. Free of... anything! Dairy, gluten... maybe two or three things. Seems there are SO many people out there battling food issues, and figuring out where to begin can be a very daunting task.<br /><br />While I LOVE to have one-on-one conversations with everyone who asks, I also think a 'starting point' might be helpful. So my plan is to create a short series of posts filled with useful, but easily understood, information.<br /><br />To start? The most common topic... <em>what I eat</em>.<br /><br />These things are all free of gluten, dairy and soy. Many of them are also vegan.<br /><br />Most important? <strong>Fruit! Veggies!!</strong> It hasn't been easy, because I've got a terrible sweet tooth, but I try to always reach for some sort of fruit or a vegetable when I'm looking for a snack. Do I even need to explain why??<br /><br />I also eat a ton of <strong>rice</strong>, and we go through <strong>potatoes</strong> like crazy. I realize it may not be *the* healthiest thing out there, but almost every morning I make home-cooked breakfast potatoes and scrambled eggs. They're filling, yummy, and they make the little guy happier than his favorite cartoon on repeat play.<br /><br />Easy-to-find stuff... <strong>Rice Chex</strong>, <strong>tortilla chips</strong> (check the label! vegetable oil is made from soy!) with salsa, pico de gallo or hummus (check the label if not homemade!), <strong>air-pop popcorn</strong>.<br /><br />More specific items...<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Breads, pastas, etc:</span></em><br /><br /><a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/products">Udi's Brand </a> sandwich read, bagels, pizza crusts, muffins and granola. I LOVE all of these products, and you don't have to look far to find them in our kitchen. Their granola is more like 'regular' granola than any other I've found.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.quinoa.net/145/index.html">Ancient Harvest Quinoa</a> pastas. Their polenta is great too, though I've found that I prefer to make homemade polenta these days.<br /><br /><a href="http://enjoylifefoods.com/our_foods/">Enjoy Life</a> cookies, snack bars (love these! I have them stashed in my purse, car, etc.. My favorite is the sunbutter crunch variety.) and chocolate chips. Their chocolate bars are a yummy treat too!<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Milk, 'cheese,' and other 'dairy' items:</span></em><br /><br /><a href="http://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/product.php?p=so_delicious_yogurt_cm_vanilla">So Delicious!</a> coconut milk yogurt. This is a great snack... I like to mix in Udi's granola. (Side note, not all So Delicious! products are soy free, so it's important to read their labels...)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.daiyafoods.com/">Daiya Cheddar and Mozzerella Style Shreds</a>. The first time I tried this product, I had been 'dairy free' for all of 48 hours. I was horrified at the taste. I tried them again recently, and hey! my tastes have changed! (Side note about this... at the bottom of my post.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.almondbreeze.com/?navid=329&pid=330">Almond Breeze</a> milk. Original is my favorite, but Vanilla is also a yummy treat.<br /><br /><a href="http://coconutbliss.com/">Coconut Bliss</a> 'ice cream.' Yum, yum, yummmm! My favorite is Cappucino. (Side note here, the package recommends letting your ice cream sit out for about ten minutes before digging in. Do it. It changes the flavor somehow, and makes it that much tastier.)<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Sauces, baking items, etc.</span></em><br /><em></em><br />Worth noting... I make my own spaghetti sauce and sloppy joe 'sauce,' because the jarred and canned varieties typically contain soy as a stabilizer. The book, "<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Isaiah-Gluten-Free-Dairy-Free-Delicious/dp/1606521659/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298415659&sr=8-1">Cooking for Isaiah</a></em>" features a great, simple sloppy joe recipe as well as a TON of other yummy stuff.<br /><br />Also worth noting... worcestershire sauce is a great thing to have on hand, but read the label first. Many varieties contain soy. Lea & Perrins does no.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.coconutsecret.com/aminos2.html">Coconut Aminos</a>, made by Coconut Secret. This is my 'soy' sauce. It tastes different... almost a combination between soy and teriyaki sauce. But it's great in stiry-fry, and I love it on a bowl of rice.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.spectrumorganics.com/?id=87">Spectrum Organic Shortening</a> is helpful to have on hand for baking.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jif.com/Products/Details?categoryId=339&gclid=CJn9u8jwnKcCFRBNgwod0xG-bQ">Natural Jif Peanut Butter</a> is safe, but I've also had fun trying things like <a href="http://www.sunbutter.com/">Sunbutter</a> and almond butter.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/">Earth Balance</a> spread. Love, love, love this stuff! It's similar in taste to margarine which was a bit of a change for me. I was a BUTTER girl. But I'm happy to have this product available to me. Look for the red soy-free carton if need be!<br /><br /><em>Now... that side-note I mentioned. When I started on this adventure, my main goal after feeling better was to find an exact replacement for each food I felt I was 'giving up.' I now know that not only is that not possible, it's not practical either. In order to be happy and content with what is out there, I've found that it is best not to seek a replacement. Instead, try to keep an open mind... just like you would if you were trying a new cut of meat, or a new flavor of ice-cream. I don't expect my package of Daiya Cheddar Shreds to taste like freshly grated Tillamook. But they do make a yummy toasted sandwich! </em><br /><br />Whew! Are you tired of reading yet? Because I feel a bit overwhelmed and these are things I routinely shop for. I've undoubtedly left items out, so if you're looking for something specific or have any questions please leave a comment and ask me. Or--do you have a product you want to suggest? I'd love to hear your ideas :)Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-62455110414348238542011-01-20T11:01:00.000-08:002011-01-20T11:03:56.554-08:0030 ThingsThis is a copy/paste from my personal Facebook page, and so some of you have probably already seen it. Maybe I'm the only one, but I absolutely love to read about other people... and so I thought maybe you'd like to learn a little bit about me as well. So often my posts are about Camden, I thought it might be fun to change it up a bit!<br /><br /><em>1. I've lost count of how many times I have navigated away from this tab. Each time I start to type, I erase my thought. Nothing I have to say feels anywhere near interesting enough for a list.<br />2. I often talk to myself. Probably too often, in fact.<br />3.The 'p' word that refers to women's underwear? I refuse to say (or type!) it. It grosses me out. Big time.<br />4. I have an insane fear of throwing up and being sick in general. Camden catching a bug or hearing that a friend is sick sends me into panic mode for days on end.<br />5. I sanitize my hands frequently. Camden's too.<br />6. This shouldn't come as any surprise, but I love photography. When I look at every day objects, I often picture what they might look like in a photo rather than what they look like just sitting in front of me. Same thing goes for people.<br />7. I dream in black and white. No color. Ever.<br />8. Everyone told me I'd forget pregnancy, labor and delivery as soon as my little boy was in my arms. He's creeping up on two and a half, and I still remember every last detail. This does NOTHING for my desire to have another child.<br />9. I love old stuff. Probably more than is healthy.<br />10. Eating in a restaurant terrifies me. Partially because of the throwing up thing, partially because of the weird stuff I can no longer eat.<br />11. I clean when I'm angry.<br />12. Spokane gives me the creeps. I lock my doors when I'm in the car, and I look over my shoulder often. I don't know if I'll ever feel "at home" here.<br />13. I eat chocolate every day.<br />14. I get horribly car sick unless I'm behind the wheel, but Ryan almost always drives when we go somewhere together.<br />15. At one point, I was wearing 12? 13? different piercings, the first two of which were put in my ears when I was four. The only thing you'll see now is a tiny little ring in an uncommon spot on my ear.<br />16. I own more than 20 pair of jeans. One pair fits, and the rest are too big.<br />17. I'm a homebody. It isn't uncommon to hear that I've gone all week without leaving our apartment complex.<br />18. I find it nearly impossible to leave Target without having made some sort of impulse purchase.<br />19. I could do this SAHM/wife/homemaker thing for a lot of years to come. A 9-5 job scares me to death, actually.<br />20. I love to organize and clean, but I'm hopelessly messy. Especially when it comes to my car.<br />21. My mind never stops wandering. I sometimes lay in bed at night for hours imaging how I might overhaul a room in our house, what I might do differently as I 'start over' with photography here in Spokane, or what our back yard would look like... if we had one.<br />22. I can be a bit obsessive with the wandering mind thing. Give me an idea, and I'll run with it for DAYS.<br />23. I can't really swim. And I detest putting my face under water.<br />24. My least favorite chore is putting away clean laundry. Sometimes it sits on the couch for a week until Ryan finally bails me out and puts it away.<br />25. We eat a home-cooked breakfast every morning. More often than not, 'fried' potatoes and scrambled eggs. <br />26. Fear of failing often keeps me from trying new things.<br />27. I can almost always find something to be nervous or worried about. Not my favorite character trait.<br />28. I want to learn to knit and crochet.<br />29. I find cooked broccoli to be incredibly disgusting.<br />30. This was hard to do! Coming up with 30 things (ok, 29 because this one doesn't count) pertaining to ME more than Camden or Ryan? Not so easy...</em><br /><em></em><br />If you'd like to list your own 30 Things, please do! Leave a comment and include a link to your post so I can come and read about YOU, too.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-67623531018356503252011-01-14T13:16:00.000-08:002011-01-14T13:18:11.629-08:00{this moment}<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5355554576/" title="Snack Time by christinaweedon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5355554576_6008ae2eec.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Snack Time" /></a></div><br /><em>Inspired, as always, by </em><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/"><em>Amanda</em></a><em>. I'd love to see your special moment too. Leave a link so that I can visit!</em>Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-74762932962207453002011-01-12T13:50:00.000-08:002011-01-12T14:00:03.801-08:00This is a big one!Oh, hello!<br /><br />Were you looking for me?<br /><br />Somewhere between Christmas, the beginning of a new year, trying to find--and purchase--a home, and occupying a busy toddler, I've been a bit distant.<br /><br />Wait--<span style="font-size:130%;">WHAT?</span><br /><br /><em>Buying a home?</em><br /><br />Yup.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">*gulp*</span><br /><br />We're on the hunt for a house. OUR house. Where we'll be able to paint! and have a garden! and gut the kitchen for a new one if we want to! and pay a MORTGAGE!<br /><br />Oh.<br /><br />That last one isn't so exciting, is it??<br /><br />But it <em>is</em> exciting. A mortgage payment, for me, will feel far more rewarding than a monthly rent payment. There is no return when you're paying rent. There IS a return when you buy at the bottom of the market, make timely payments, improve your home while you're there... and then one day sell in favor of something different, or a move, or... whatever.<br /><br />This is a new process for us, but we're finding our way. And I cannot wait for the end--where we'll sign (and sign... and sign...) all those papers and then receive the keys to OUR home.<br /><br />Are you looking forward to anything <span style="font-size:130%;">BIG</span> in the new year??Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-60947296593418773712010-12-23T10:37:00.000-08:002010-12-23T10:41:08.962-08:00We wish you a...<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5285622757/" title="Merry Christmas! by christinaweedon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5285622757_759eb3c8a4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Merry Christmas!" /></a></div><br />...and a Happy New Year!<br /><br />The next few days will be busy and filled with adventure for our family. Where are your plans taking you? How will you celebrate?<br /><br />I can't wait to come back here post-Christmas to share what I've been up to.<br /><br /><br />...and if you're here visiting from <a href="http://rhythmofthehomeblog.com/">Rhythm of the Home</a>, welcome! I hope you'll make yourself comfortable and stay a while. I'd sure love it if you did.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-74032963198335941822010-12-17T09:21:00.000-08:002010-12-17T09:23:54.590-08:00{this moment}<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5268606885/" title="{this moment} by christinaweedon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5268606885_77bca828ed.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="{this moment}" /></a></div><br /><em>A </em><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/"><em>SouleMama</em></a><em> inspired Friday ritual. Feel free to leave your link in the comments section so that I can come and take a peek!</em>Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-92043928855035158992010-12-13T14:27:00.000-08:002010-12-13T14:38:07.122-08:00Gnomes<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5258585953/" title="The Gnomes by christinaweedon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5258585953_fdf374f0a7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="The Gnomes" /></a></div><br />I'm quite certain that my current favorite to-do list project is gnome-making.<br /><br />On a whim, and with inspiration from <a href="http://saltandchocolate.blogspot.com/2010/12/studio-morning.html">Salt & Chocolate</a>, I started making these little cuties the other day. Camden loves them, and lights up with each new friend he receives.<br /><br />The tiny family of three is growing, so I'm sure you'll see them again soon.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-73839911170707557082010-12-10T07:49:00.000-08:002010-12-10T07:55:01.644-08:00{this moment}<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5249323848/" title="Mama's Little Helper by christinaweedon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5249323848_c304aeb685.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Mama's Little Helper" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Inspired by </em><a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/"><em>Soule Mama's </em></a><em>Friday ritual :)</em></div>Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-4079218382097806072010-12-04T15:20:00.000-08:002010-12-04T15:30:10.950-08:00Slowly...<div align="center"><a title="From the Hall by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5232283717/"><img height="500" alt="From the Hall" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5232283717_887e08c776.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />We're making progress. Bits and pieces of our new life are coming together one at a time. This morning, our bedroom finally felt... real. I walked in simply to put something away, but had to stop instead to take a couple of pictures.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Sleep by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5232876868/"><img height="333" alt="Sleep" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5232876868_ed1f43f3fc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p align="left"><br />It's a space we all share. Camden spends some nights in his bed, tucked in along side our own... and some nights--like last--nestled in between his mama and daddy. We wouldn't have it any other way. </p><p align="left">The evidence of a shared bed was there this morning... his little friend, Parker, and his blankie having been left behind.<br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Our Room by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5232876528/"><img height="500" alt="Our Room" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5232876528_84b9be74a4.jpg" width="333" /></a></p><p align="left"><br /><br />Best of all, though, if you're a toddler seeking entertainment or a moment alone are those books! Oh--the books. When the house is too quiet, I almost always know where to find my little guy.<br /></p>Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-88482374907958303972010-11-19T15:04:00.000-08:002010-11-19T15:05:47.511-08:00{this moment}<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5190245875/" title="A Work in Progress by christinaweedon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5190245875_380093c323.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="A Work in Progress" /></a></div><br /><em>Inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2010/11/this-moment-2.html#tp">SouleMama</a>.</em>Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-57481799504511138362010-11-18T08:09:00.000-08:002010-11-18T08:31:25.800-08:00Sweet Slumber<div align="center"><a title="Untitled by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5187545380/"><img height="500" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5187545380_cd66bee3e2.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />I started this post earlier this morning. I wrote, thoughtfully, about Camden and the fact that he's been co-sleeping for nearly two years now. Two years--where has the time gone??<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Untitled by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5187545140/"><img height="500" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1013/5187545140_25404cdd6f.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />But I deleted what I had written. Because really? I felt as though my words were turning out to sound more like an argument for co-sleeping. And that wasn't the plan.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Untitled by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5186945593/"><img height="500" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/5186945593_092dc72305.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />No--the plan was to share these phots from the other day. I took them with the intention of having several of them printed onto canvas. They'll hang above our bed when they arrive.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Untitled by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5186946331/"><img height="500" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1026/5186946331_593e9265eb.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />Inspired by another photographer, I set this 'scene' in our bedroom before putting Camden to sleep at nap time the other day. I love the simple white and cream combination, and I love that I was able to capture such a busy, active little boy in his most peaceful state.<br /><br />I'll save the co-sleeping arguments for another day, and just cherish the little boy I wake up smiling at every morning.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-43604422561360949762010-11-11T11:21:00.000-08:002010-11-11T11:34:48.380-08:00Play!I've got a little play corner set up for Camden in the living room. It has been rearranged a couple of times as I watch how he uses the space... and I think we've settled on our final arrangement. That means it was safe to hang something on the wall!<br /><br />Nothing in my stash seemed right for the spot above his table, so I decided I'd let <em>him</em> do the decorating. I think the photos say it all, so take a look:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Prep Work :) by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5166962775/"><img height="333" alt="Prep Work :)" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1239/5166962775_bd538506cd.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div align="center"><img height="333" alt="Getting Ready..." src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/5167564118_34a4f82bfc.jpg" width="500" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a title="This is fun! by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5166963157/"><img height="333" alt="This is fun!" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1378/5166963157_0f25eed071.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a title="He's Done! by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5167564606/"><img height="333" alt="He's Done!" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1316/5167564606_a69a2742eb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a title="Final Product! by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5166962287/"><img height="333" alt="Final Product!" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/5166962287_e1e561f430.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br /><br />He's pretty darned proud of himself for this one. I put it on the wall after he went to bed last night, and he was sure to point it out to me this morning.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-39263222829830396342010-11-09T09:42:00.001-08:002010-11-09T09:53:47.792-08:00ProgressAs long as we've been together, Ryan and I have moved from one spot to another... an apartment, duplex... a year in a house... and I always wind up with spaces that are never quite finished. Maybe that's because we move so often, but I also blame a lack of funds, and heck--a busy, baby-raising life!<br /><br />I'm really feeling motivated this time, for whatever reason, and I'm trying to make the most of that motivation. My goal is to have our entire apartment photo-ready before Christmas. It's coming along, our little space, and I'm so excited with the results.<br /><br />Crafting and decorating on a budget are important to me, because I know I'm capable and it seems silly to spend so much when I can do it myself. And who am I kidding? It's also important because we're ON A BUDGET! (Who isn't??)<br /><br />Anyway, my focus right now is on the common area that includes our dining room, living room and kitchen.<br /><br />...have you wondered why I'm telling you all of this? Are you scrolling to the bottom of the post yet, hoping I'll just.spit.it.OUT! already!?<br /><br />Here it is:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Progress by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5161354639/"><img height="333" alt="Progress" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1310/5161354639_9b064c6796.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />A peek at my current favorite DIY! I'm really happy with the results, but the project isn't finished yet either. More soon!Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-18920756797724502632010-11-08T09:18:00.000-08:002010-11-08T09:35:54.396-08:00Finding new uses......for old things! Maybe that sounds cliche by now, but that's ok. Because really, that's exactly what I did when this idea came to mind.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Coloring by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5158790562/"><img height="333" alt="Coloring" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1182/5158790562_9c329ca66c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Camden really loves to color. He won't let me *call* it coloring anymore, because he's apparently too <span style="font-size:180%;">big</span> to color. Nope--this little guy <em>draws</em>. But whatever.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Coloring 3 by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5158179951/"><img height="333" alt="Coloring 3" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/5158179951_02e7934eb1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Enter the big, left-over package of wrapping paper from our move. I bought a second box of paper when the first one had been used up, but didn't wind up using the entire second box.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Coloring 2 by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5158789968/"><img height="333" alt="Coloring 2" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1249/5158789968_9426676a1b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />When I happened upon Camden's crayons the other day, but wasn't able to find his drawing pad, I remembed the box of wrapping paper I'd stashed into the U-Haul <em>just in case</em>.<br /><br />Whaddya know?! It's perfect for coloring! I mean... drawing.<br /><br />I taped the edges to the table because it's a bit on the thin side and I knew he'd wind up frustrated if it were to move around too much. He loved it! When dinner time rolled around, and the paper was still on the table, I served his meal right on top. AND! I was pretty darned proud of myself when I rounded the corner after dinner and spotted Ryan folding the paper--and the dinner mess--into a little bundle to toss into the trash.<br /><br />Even if you were to stop by your local U-Haul spot just for a big package of paper, at $10 for 140 BIG sheets, you can't go wrong.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-17355729971200087342010-11-05T08:06:00.000-07:002010-11-05T08:09:57.177-07:00{this moment}<em>Inspired by </em><a href="http://soulemama.typepad.com/"><em>Soule Mama</em></a><em>, a single photo, capturing a moment from our week. Hop over to her site to participate!</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5148234971/" title="Chocolate theif :) by christinaweedon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/5148234971_8058a2bbe2.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Chocolate theif :)" /></a></div>Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-58070620516988192952010-11-04T08:38:00.000-07:002010-11-04T08:56:05.815-07:00Rice... for breakfast?Certainly! A girl has to get creative, y'know!<br /><br />So this morning, I pulled the leftover dinner rice from the fridge and put this together:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Breakfast Rice by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5146220366/"><img height="333" alt="Breakfast Rice" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5146220366_6d78fde50f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I warmed a couple of cups of (brown, pre-cooked) rice on the stove in some almond milk.<br /><br />Next, I mixed in nearly a whole diced apple, a few good shakes of cinnamon (I love cinnamon! use a lighter hand if you don't love it as much as me.), a sprinkle of salt, and some agave nectar to taste.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Breafast Rice by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5146220672/"><img height="333" alt="Breafast Rice" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1118/5146220672_c196d51b60.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />I love hot breakfast cereals, but most of them aren't something I'm able to eat any longer. Yes, there are gluten-free oats available, but I haven't gotten brave enough to try them yet. I understand there are some people who still cannot tolerate them. All this to say, I'm glad I gave my idea a try! It was warm and filling, and I loved the texture. Yum!Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-81139937941469595682010-11-02T18:55:00.000-07:002010-11-02T19:00:01.650-07:00Mama's Little Bumble Bee<div align="center"><a title="With Mama by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5141111467/"><img height="500" alt="With Mama" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5141111467_b449c37610.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><p><br />I love this photo. It's rare that I am spotted in a photo, and they often don't happen unless I shove my camera into Ryan's (capable) hands and say, "here! take a picture!"<br /><br />He probably does an internal eye roll every time, but that doesn't stop me. </p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5141715302/" title="Buzz! by christinaweedon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1374/5141715302_3442c7c863.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Buzz!" /></a></p><p>This one was taken by yours truly. Lurking around, trying to catch my little bumble bee in action. Such a perfect costume for a little boy who never, <em>ever</em> sits still.</p><p>I sure do love him, busy (buzzy?! yes--pun intended) boy that he is!</p>Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-2866561227608266622010-11-01T13:49:00.000-07:002010-11-01T14:09:29.201-07:00GF/DF Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Apple CompoteAlright then--if nobody wants to choose a recipe (ehem! is this thing on??), I'll choose. And I choose Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with yummy Apple Compote, because they were fabulous. And I'm still thinking about them.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Pumpkin Pancakes by christinaweedon, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5133160384/"><img height="333" alt="Pumpkin Pancakes" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5133160384_4755c4c5be.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />Here they are, the little beauties!<br /><br />I've got to be honest and tell you that this was a make-it-up-as-you-go sort of experiment, and no, I didn't precisely measure much of anything. But really, do pancakes require perfect measurement? Not in my kitchen! Feel free to wing it on the compote too!<br /><br />Pancake Ingredients:<br /><br />1.5 cups Bob's Red Mill GF Pancake Mix<br />1 egg<br />3/4 <em>(plus)</em> cup milk (I used soy, almond would be great too)<br />1 Tbsp. oil<br /><em>2 Tbsp. brown sugar</em><br /><em>A healthy sprinkle each of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg</em><br /><em>1 cup canned pumpkin (plain--not pie filling)</em><br /><em>1 Tbsp. (maybe more?) vanilla</em><br /><em></em><br />Pancake Directions:<br /><br />The non-italicized ingredients are taken straight from the BRM Mix package. The other stuff? That was a combination of what I had on-hand, and what I knew, from poking around online, would create a pumpkin-y, fall-ish stack of pancakes. Just like any other pancake recipe, you'll want to combine the dry ingredients, combine the wet ingredients, then blend them together. I have a <em>(plus)</em> after the 3/4 cup milk because I found the consistency to be a bit too thick once I stirred in the pumpkin, so I improvised by adding a bit more soy milk.<br /><br />Apple Compote Ingredients:<br /><br />2 apples, peeled and diced<br />1/4 cup sugar<br />A healthy sprinkle of cinnamon<br />1 Tbsp. cornstarch<br />1 cup water<br /><br />Apple Compote Directions:<br /><br />Place the diced apples in a small sauce pan, and add the sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir over medium as the apples begin to soften. You'll notice a thick, glaze-like coating forming on the sides of the pan and the apples. When the apples are cooked through (doesn't take long!), slowly add the water a few Tbsp. at a time, allowing the sauce to thicken before adding more water. The final consistency is up to you, but you'll want to be able to pour it over the top of your pancakes. I left my sauce to simmer, lightly, on the stove while the pancakes cooked.<br /><br />These were a hit all around, and I was pretty disappointed when, later in the day, Ryan beat me to the one leftover pancake and small cup of leftover compote. Even Camden gobbled up almost an entire pancake, 'bopples' and all.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-35701390423648569682010-10-31T13:04:00.000-07:002010-10-31T13:25:37.014-07:00Veg-a-WHAT?!For quite some time now, I've been battling food issues. I knew things were making me sick, and I've fallen prey to the you-probably-just-have-IBS routine far more times than I care to count. Tests have been run, and trials made... but they all came back free of any big issues. So, over and over, I've been told that I "probably just have IBS."<br /><br />That's not a very settling answer when you've reached the point that your symptoms leave you feeling scared of food and what it might do to your body. So I recently made the decision to take matters into my own hands. I've completely overhauled my diet, and I'm going on four weeks gluten and dairy free.<br /><br />Let me tell ya, eliminating gluten and dairy is *not* for the faint of heart. It's been a challenge, and tears have been shed over the whole debacle. More than once. Heck--more than twice! But I'm succeeding, and I feel so much better than I have in ages! Yaheee!!<br /><br />Ryan panicked a bit when I started tossing around words like soy, xanthum, and--gasp!--VEGAN. But he's had fun trying new recipes with me, and we're discovering how much we both love incoporating more and more veggies into our diets. And let me be clear--I am NOT going vegan, but it is a simple term I can use to help identify things that are safe to eat.<br /><br />Anyway, my point for sharing this? I guess it somewhat serves as an introduction. I'm excited about this new way of life, and I'm having a great time expirimenting in the (new! and pretty!) kitchen. I've got a few recipes--and photos--that I'd love to share.<br /><br />What would you like to see first? A dessert, yummy weekend breakfast, or dinner??Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-24394226487944828612010-10-29T08:35:00.000-07:002010-10-29T08:38:02.798-07:00The little things...<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26147828@N05/5126277794/" title="First Spokane Sunset by christinaweedon, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1153/5126277794_564a5b5cae.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="First Spokane Sunset" /></a></div><br />While I was cooking dinner the other day, I looked up and realized our entire living room was glowing red. Why? This pretty sunset! I had forgotten how much prettier the sunsets are over here... I see more photos like this one in my future!Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-83400201419226102692010-10-27T18:01:00.000-07:002010-10-27T18:08:48.992-07:00First ImpressionsSo, we're here. As of last Thursday, Spokane is our new home.<br /><br />I'm not feeling overly poetic today (and if you're wondering why I chose today to come back here, it's because today is the day we finally had our internet service connected), so all I've got for you is a list. Of first impressions.<br /><br />1. Spokane is cold. Really, really cold.<br />2. Drivers here are frightening.<br />3. Don't get me started on parking.<br />4. Stores are strangely small and not very busy. It's odd.<br />5. There are *far* too many road-side signs, billboards, etc.<br /><br />...and because those are all negative, how about some positives?<br /><br />6. Ryan seems incredibly happy in his new job.<br />7. Our apartment ROCKS.<br />8. The sunsets are fantastic!<br /><br />So there you go. Spokane at a glance.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-44484962769098410232010-10-18T07:59:00.001-07:002010-10-18T08:06:14.528-07:00It's been a while...Wow--it really has been a while, hasn't it??<br /><br />But here's the thing. I finally feel as though I've got something to talk about again.<br /><br />For example, I'm experimenting with a gluten-free, dairy-free diet. I'm pretty sure I'm intolerant of both, and quite honestly, I'm tired of feeling sick all the time! I've been at it for nine days now... and it has been, well? intimidating.<br /><br />...there's also the fact that, in less than a week, we'll be loading up the U-Haul and moving six hours away from 'home.' If that doesn't give me something worth writing about, nothing will!<br /><br />So if you'll have me, I think I'd like to try my hand at being back in this space again.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-83620615564822533372010-06-15T15:17:00.000-07:002010-06-15T15:59:39.344-07:00Growing......by leaps and bounds.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/27y03s4.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" /></a><br /></div><br />Yup--my little guy. He's growing again.<br /><br />I can't believe he's already 18 months old. Can you? Where does the time go?<br /><br />Physically, he is:<br /><br />34 inches, and 26 pounds.<br />A walking, running, jumping, dancing machine.<br />Fair-skinned, with the most beautiful, sparkling blue eyes.<br />A good eater.<br /><br />Intellectually, he is:<br /><br />Capable of identifying a whole herd of animals, colors, objects, and a few letters.<br />Learning new words and signs every day.<br />Learning to be polite by saying please and thank you.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...and he's <span style="font-style: italic;">obsessed</span> with Wi-Wo's.<br /><br />Also known as, <span style="font-size:130%;">The Wiggles</span>.Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-571561066858565279.post-47333150824176989532010-06-09T13:19:00.000-07:002010-06-09T13:30:15.777-07:00One of these days......I hope to be back in this space, writing and sharing. Because I like it here. I really, really do. Right now, there are some things holding me back. What, exactly, is not important enough to warrant mention right now. But I hope you'll all be here when I return.<br /><br />In the mean-time (that's one of those phrases that looks funny written down, isn't it?), can I ask for your help?<br /><br />We're cloth diapering full-time these days, and the budget for our diaper stash is pretty limited. As a result, I'm washing every day and trying to get by with what we have. I'm also trying some other methods to fill our need. My most recent attempt? A photo contest!<br /><br />One of our favorite brands, FuzziBunz, is hosting a Facebook photo contest. The winner will bring home TWELVE (wow!) new, one-size diapers. I cannot imagine adding <span style="font-style: italic;">twelve new diapers</span> to our little stash. Imaging the possibilities! No more daily laundry! I could go two whole days, maybe three!<br /><br />Anyway. <span style="font-size:130%;">I'm asking for your help</span>. Camden's photo made it into the top ten. Those photos are currently posted on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#%21/pages/FuzziBunz-Cloth-Diapers/113757034234">FuzziBunz Facebook Page</a>, where fans are voting for their favorite by clicking 'like' on the photo they most adore.<br /><br />Voting is as simple as:<br /><br />Logging into Facebook.<br />Visiting the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#%21/pages/FuzziBunz-Cloth-Diapers/113757034234">FuzziBunz Fan Page</a> and becoming a fan.<br />Visiting the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#%21/photo.php?pid=3968898&id=113757034234">photo of Camden</a> and clicking 'like' under his photo.<br /><br />Yes--you must be a fan of FuzziBunz in order to vote. Not a cloth diaper fan? That's ok! Just un-like the fan page when the contest is done.<br /><br />We're currently in third place, and to be honest, I'm starting to wonder if we'll ever pull ahead of those other two photos. But a mama can try, right??<br /><br />So go on--vote! Please?? :) ...and thank you!Christina Weedonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837135884247456861noreply@blogger.com0