Meal Planning

In order to save money, focus on eating more nutritious foods, and bring our diet closer to being gluten free, E and I have decided we really must start meal planning.

We eat a plant-based diet, but are moving toward being primarily gluten free as well, to see if it will help with E's health issues. I'll enjoy seeing what it does for me and also enjoy the fact that I won't rely on breads and packaged goods so much. I love the idea of us focusing on cooking from scratch more. I feel the less processed our food is before entering our bodies, the better, so this brings us closer to those goals.

To make our planning easier we've started using pepperplate.com. You can easily add any recipes to your own database and also add these recipes to your menu and auto-add the ingredients needed to your shopping list. And if you wish this can then all be accessed on your mobile devices as well. I printed the paper because I prefer that method, but the compatibility is nice. Oh, and it's free of course.

Last night we had these guys:

Sweet Potato Wedges with Cider Reduction 

Gluten Free Chickpea Cutlets

We also heated up some kernels of corn and a light vegetable gravy for the cutlets. Eric loves gravy for his cutlets, so I always whip up a batch, I just have to use gluten free flour for the roux now. Easy peasy.

It was all so good and has me excited for all the recipes coming up this week.

With my 100 Truths all wrapped up, I hope to share some of our favorite meals from the week.

Look forward to sorta crapy photos until Spring time when the Sun starts shining later.

And please let us know if you have any wonderful gluten free vegan recipes for us to try.

Roxy likes trying new foods too.

Love and Noms,

Sara

Super Self Love

Do you believe in the power of positive thinking?

When I'm feeling all Negative Nancy I don't. On those days I scoff at the idea of changing my day by changing my mood. I resist feeling good and stay nestled into my gloom, and while we all need a day like that now and then, more than one or two in a row and they begin to take their toll.

There are other days when I choose to channel what E and I call my Positive Patty

(and he's Positive Paul if you were wondering).

Yesterday was a Positive Patty kind of day.

Wednesday was terrible. There were so many tears, so much hopelessness, and a general feeling that everything was wrong and my life was falling apart all around me. Certainly those things weren't true, but emotions can be pretty persuasive and influential to the brain, clouding any semblance of reality.

Thursday I decided I needed to put in a call to Positive Patty, so I did. Negative Nancy was fairly reluctant to step aside, but Positive Patty is a pretty determined bugger and quickly took her place.

You see, some days we just have to decide to make it a good one. On those days we have to decide not to let our emotions, fear, or uncertainty run the show and simply show up, looking for the positive where we can find it and challenging ourselves to make our day better than the last.

This process is not always easy, it can actually take quite a bit of effort, but every bit of the effort is worth it when the day ends without tears.

So Thursday I woke up and chose to be positive. Each time frustration or negative thinking tried sneaking in I would redirect my thoughts and focus on something positive, be it a goal, the beauty of nature, or something I had to look forward to.

I would remind myself of my blessings, of which I have many, and keep letting Patty lead the way.

As I said, this process was not easy, but was the challenge worth it?

Yes, yes, a million times yes.

The two days were like polar opposites, and while there are other factors in play (I'm looking at you hormone issues) I didn't let them control me.

And with one day under my belt I move on to the next, and as each one passes it does become easier and begins to feel less like work, and more just like a way of being.

Do you have experiences with positive thinking?

Any tips or tricks on channeling your own version of Positive Patty?

Let me know in the comments.

Super Self Love,

Sara

Grief and What I'm Doing About It

"And I felt like my heart had been so thoroughly and irreparably broken that there could be no real joy again, that at best there might eventually be a little contentment. Everyone wanted me to get help and rejoin life, pick up the pieces and move on, and I tried to, I wanted to, but I just had to lie in the mud with my arms wrapped around myself, eyes closed, grieving, until I didn't have to anymore.

-Anne Lamott

Sunday was my little Leroy's birthday, but it also marked two years since my Dad's death.

The grief didn't set in on Sunday, it started coming on as the leaves began changing. I began to feel it in my bones with each whip of cool wind across my cheeks, and no matter how hard I bundle up against it I've found it's here to stay. While this time of year is my favorite, it now brings Grief along with each visit, leaving me a bit apprehensive about the entire season. Grief is a hard one to have by for tea. He likes to bring out all of the thoughts you've been pushing back and lay them right out on the table, just beside the scones, making them nearly impossible to ignore.


So that's where I've been and that's where I am.
Each day I spend my spare moments scratching down memories into my legal pad, using writing to search for closure and to provide relief for my overburdened mind.
I believe that my writing will help me find the way.


At the same I've found myself restless and frustrated, which combine to conjure up anger.
For this I'll be adding in workouts for decompressions sake.
I signed up at a nearby fitness club today and will spend time there taking as many spin classes as my legs can handle and finding stress relief in a sweaty brow.


The only other tool I have is time and there's no rushing that.


Love and Moving Forward,
Sara

Wedding Wednesday - Dresses: Take 1

My mom's been harassing me about going dress shopping.

Well, not exactly, but she has been mentioning it quite often.

The reality is that I'm waiting until next year, but I guess I should start gathering ideas and seeing what's out there.

Ideally my dress will be knee length with a vintage feel to it.

I'd go straight-up vintage, but am not so sure I'd be able to find something I love that's also in the right size. Lots of tiny vintage out there folks!

Here are some dresses I've been admiring:

1 - Source

 2 - Source

3 - Source

4 - Source

5 - Source

6 - Source

7 - Source

8 - Source

9 - Source

I'm not totally in love with any of them, but do have some favorites, so at least this got me started.

I'm not totally against the idea of a long dress, but really doubt I'll go that route. I always feel strange in them.

I also realize a fall wedding could be chilly, but just imagine any of those paired with colorful tights and a hand-knit shawl if needed. 

Do you have any favorite sites for wedding dresses?

"Vintage" or "Earthy" looks especially welcome!

Love and Weddings,

Sara

P.S. I won't be sharing the final dress until after the wedding, but will let you know when I have it secured, until then I am more than happy to hear your advice and ideas.

Go Be It - Music and Project

Just wanted to swing by and share one of my favorite Avett Brothers songs...maybe my favorite of all.

This song always inspires me no matter what mood I'm in and is definitely standing strong on my most played list.

So I went ahead and made a little text art to hang in my studio as a daily reminder:

What's your go-to song?

Love and Music,

Sara

p.s. If you want an 5x7 of this print let me know. They don't have white borders (this one's on a matte), but I have a few extra lying around that I'd love to share. Comment or email me and I'll let you know if I have any left. Don't be shy!

Mason Jar D.I.Y. at Shannon Bear

Hey there friends.

Today, along with my truths, I have a Mason Jar D.I.Y. over at Shannon Bear.

You've probably seen my drink jar in a photo or two before, but now I've broken it down to show you how it was made.

Be sure to hop on over and check it out, or just to visit Shannon. She's a wonderful blogging buddy, photographer, and mama to an adorable pooch named Daisy.

Love and Mason Jars,

Sara

100 Truths of Sara: Take 10

100 Truths of Sara

91. We celebrate critter birthdays around these parts, and always will. Roxanne has her come-home date celebrated since we don't know her birthday.

92. I've always had a desire to be a firefighter or EMT, but it's mostly about being able to help people and have the rush and the physical demands all mixed together.

93. I'm afraid I'll one day have cancer, but I'm afraid of being afraid, so try not to think about it, as if I can cause it to happen.

94. If I lived near the ocean I would go there all the time to write and read and rebalance. Nothing sets things straight with my soul quite like natural moving bodies of water.

95. I still miss having daily interaction with farm animals and am anxious to have those daily moments again sometime in my future.

96. I prefer bike rides, hikes, spin classes, kickboxing, etc. that present a challenge for my body and really wear me out. I love that feeling of total and complete exhaustion. It gives my mind a break in some way that it needs and gives me a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

97. I think leggings and tunics or dresses are the best combination ever. They are right up there with corduroy.

98. It makes me happy during a weekend of camping when my body is able to get in tune with the sun and more of a natural rhythm.

99. Medium format photography is my favorite. Love my little square negatives.

100. I'll never give up on myself, ever.

This is the last week for my 100 Truths, but the lovely Deanna of Delirious Rhapsody started doing her own take a couple weeks ago and will be having link ups over at her blog on Sundays, so be sure to check that out.

I had so much fun with this feature and taking the time to think of little things that make up the person I am.

Let me know if you do something like this of your own.

Love and Lists,

Sara

Previous Installments:

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

Take 4

Take 5

Take 6

Take 7

Take 8

Take 9

Our Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

I have been more stressed this week than any other so far this year, but I'm not getting into that right this minute.

Instead I want to show you what my fella did to cheer me up,

a trip to the pumpkin patch:

It was just what I needed. Petting and feeding furry ones, picking our own jumbo pumpkins, tractor rides, and bringing home tiny pumpkins and gourds for our critters and local apple cider for our tummies.

Just what I needed to de-stress and to forget about responsibilities for an hour or two.

Next step: decorating our finds.

I'll be sure to share our creations.

Have you been to the patch this year?

Do you prefer carving, painting, or some other way of decorating your pumpkins?

Love and Fall Traditions,

Sara

Super Self Love

Do you have confidence?
Do you walk into a situation, not worry about the outcome, and just give it your all?


If so that is awesome and I truly mean it, but for some of us confidence is hard to come by.


If you're like me you may have days where you feel like you can do anything, but they may be few and far between.
That feeling of being awesome is too often rapidly replaced with feelings of inadequacy or fear.


I know those feelings all too well.
Those feelings make me sick to my stomach and leave me  wanting to bunker up in my home, tears in my eyes, and not knowing how to take the next step.


Those feelings happen when I'm overwhelmed by not feeling
...smart enough.
...capable enough.
...strong enough.
...outgoing enough.
...independent enough.


...and the list goes on.


So many enoughs holding me back and keeping me from working toward my full potential.
Will I ever reach that full potential, I don't know, maybe none of us ever do, but I at least want to try.


I don't want to keep cutting myself short or pushing down my dreams and desires out of fear.
I want to be able to walk into a situation, even if fear rides along in my tummy, and give it my all.
I want to not judge myself for something I said or did which made me feel weird or awkward, but rather, just move on from the feeling and not waste my energy on rethinking the situation and possible outcomes over and over and over again. We all know what's done is done and we're better off just moving forward, but why is it so hard to do?


Last week we talked about not beating ourselves up for the same thing over and over again, and as you can see, I can still use some work in that department, but my new goal?


Be Awesome


Will I make mistakes? Yes.
Will I always feel great about myself? No.
Will I continue to try regardless? Of course.


I will truly attempt to love myself fully regardless of any faults I could point out. I will learn to love myself just as I am and to present that person to others without worry of judgement or criticism, for we are all truly unique individuals and that really is a beautiful thing.


Chances are we may have done something we thought was awkward or strange and are beating ourselves up about it, but while we're busy doing that, the other parties involved are moving on and living their own lives without a second thought.


So let's face the world just as we are and build our lives into what we know they can be.
It's okay to be afraid, but for me it's not okay to stop trying.


Are you with me?


Super Self Love,
Sara

Fun With Film

I'm adding yet another regular feature here at Sarbear's Journey.

This feature, called Fun with Film, won't be on any particular day, but just anytime I have negatives, slides, or instax photos to share.

Yesterday I received my Instax Wide through the good ol' postal service and started snapping right away.

I grew up fooling around with my Mama's polaroid and am so happy to have accessible instant film again.

These are some shots from around the house on Wednesday October 19, 2011:

Caught Roxanne and Leroy cuddling...and Jasper's tail tip.

Jasperillo Armadillo always peering into my art space.

Portion of my desk. Five of the seven are Anne Lamott. I can't help myself.

Another desk chunk. I'm writing about that blue bowl of pistachios, so it stays in here with my brushes and papers.

Wonderful postcard of Harvey Milk, from an equally wonderful friend. Along with operationbeautiful.com post-it I found at school.

Reads: "One day reality will be better than my dreams."

Jasperillo being Jasperillo.

And May May being May May. She hates cameras.

Me being Me.

And Little Bit being Little Bit.

I hope to have time to scan some of my 120 film negatives soon and will be sure to share.

Do you enjoy shooting film or do you like to stick to digital?

Love and Film,

Sara

Wedding Wednesday

Wedding Wednesday is here again!

This week I want to talk about table arrangements/centerpieces.

If you take a look at my header you can get an idea of what I'm going for, sort of.

My reception site comes with 25 foot round tables which each seat 8 folks and some other long rectangular tables for food and such, or whatever we want to do with them.

Here are some components I want to work into the table arrangements:

(Source)

(Source)

(Source)

 (Source)

(Source)

I know it looks like a jumble, but stick with me.

I've been collecting vintage sheets, and will continue, to use/alter for table clothes.

The sheet will be the main piece with a solid color edging and a solid color fabric to go beneath the centerpieces to bring it all together.

The centerpieces will be based around 1/2 gallon size mason jars filled with river rocks and with branches/twigs sticking out of them, but not painted yellow, or any other color most likely.

I'm thinking of a cluster of the large jar with a medium and small jar or vase for three total on each table.

In those I would place handmade fabric flowers, and possibly some acorns or pinecones as accents.

There's also a possibility of orange/brown/red large leaf punch-outs to be scattered around the jar and vase bottoms.

Really though, I plan on just going with the flow and letting things fall together as I gather them. I have a case of large mason jars and some other glassware to play around with before totally settling in on an idea.

In other news we have:

 -a photographer

-the reception site paid for...which I've actually never seen in person...oh man, type-A personalities may freak out at that

Next steps:

-Find DJ and book it

-Get officiant in place

-Actually look at the reception site and decide on the outdoor spot for the ceremony

-Ask people to be in our wedding

Lots to do, but I'm feeling good about it. It's fun to start now and slowly put things together so I don't have to stress too much. I will feel better once the dj is booked and a couple other things fall into place.

So long as the big stuff's booked, then all the details have time to develop through the year.

Plus, I get to spend the rest of my life with this guy, and that's what really counts:

Any tips on organization or time-lines?

I've kind of looked on The Knot for their guidelines, but any less fancy wedding planning breakdowns you know of?

Love and Weddings,

Sara

My Poor Little Dog

My poor little Leroy has been injured.

If you've read my critters page, my guest post, or hung around this blog long enough, you know Leroy owns a huge piece of my heart.

Yet Saturday, this happened:

I was down in the basement organizing and cleaning when E brought him down to me. Due to his fur (pre-shaving) we didn't see anything wrong and thought he had just been shaken up, but later he looked up at E and he saw the rip on his face. And off to the Emergency Vet we went.

Our Lilly May did this, over a bone.

I feel so horrible and guilty over allowing this to happen. I know it's not my fault, I know it was an accident, but I made a promise to Leroy nearly a year ago that I would protect him and he wouldn't know the kind of pain he did in his previous life.

And then this happened, and it can never ever happen again.

We're working on a plan to save for the trainer Lilly needs and that I can trust to rehabilitate her.

She's had aggression issues since she was a pup, despite the classes I took her to, and the love and care I tried to give.

It's time to bring in the pros, because this little guy does not deserve to be in pain due to her problems.

I still love my L-May, but we have a lot of hard work to do together. She's going to have a lot more discipline and structure, which is a good thing, but also something she'll protest.

And for now, Leroy is getting lots of cuddles and attention.

And plenty of snuggle time up on the couch.

He's doing well and will have his staples removed on the 24th. Please send lots of smooth healing vibes his way.

I know it might be hard to understand our situation if you've never dealt with a dog with Lilly's kind of issues, heck I wish I didn't understand, but know we are doing what's best for us and trying to help her. When I adopt an animal it's for life, for better or worse, and through thick and thin.

I'm not willing to give up on Lilly and I'm not willing to let my other animals suffer, so it's a fine balance, but one we will continue to work on establishing, whatever it takes. It's the love and work of a mother, even if the kiddos are furry and four-legged.

Any advice? Tips? Non-mean words of encouragement?

Have you ever dealt with something like this before?

Love and Leroy,

Sara

100 Truths of Sara: Take 9

100 Truths of Sara

(Clowny Me Bobbing for Apples)

81.I love Groupon. I think they have a really good thing going on and awesome customer service. Doing fun things and eating tasty foods at less than half the cost? Score! Really I love any kind of sales and bargains.

82. Honestly, not a big fan of halloween. I think the dressing up for kids and stuff is fun, but not a fan of the creepy stuff. I love other fall festival type things though!

83. Also, those pumpkin spice lattes everyone raves about? I tried one last year and was so disappointed that I spent my fiver on that. I thought it was gross and just wanted my simple latte. I do love pumpkin things, but that one can stay far far away. 

84. I like  when the wind catches my dress and makes me look pregnant for a fleeting moment. Gets me excited for the future.

85. Wheel of Fortune makes me a very happy lady.

86. My favorite alcoholic beverage is hard cider, but I don't have it all that often.

87. I first learned photography with working in a darkroom and took every class I could. The smell of photo chemistry always brings me back and makes me feel at home.

88. One of mine and E's first "dates" was to Trader Joe's grocery store.

89. Many days I talk more to animals than people and that's okay with me.

90. Organization makes me feel awesome.

Love and Lists,

Sara

Previous Installments:

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

Take 4

Take 5

Take 6

Take 7

Take 8