Sprout Girl

a few moments of 2011

2012-01-02T23:15:00.009-05:00

snow storms that force everyone to stay in the house, making pancakes by candle light, a big house with many friends, finding the kid asleep while sledding, piecing together my first quilt, morning sickness and more morning sickness, seeing old friends at new beginnings, the smell of spring, flying off to Greece with the husband, watching the sunset over Santorini, watching the sun rise again the next morning, feeling the first kicks of a growing babe, watching father and son swim on a hot day, letting the toddler slurp down half a chocolate shake without breathing, taking a morning walk through the monuments in DC, hearing the kid babble in Chinese, my growing belly, a morning spent at Wingaersheek beach, a nice steak dinner on our anniversary, the feel of a newborn on my chest, the love of a brother's kisses, popping popcorn just for fun, lunching with my mom all around Boston, knitting hats for the four of us, Christmas concert with the whole family, watching my child paint, the smell of a nursing infant, a big family reunion in Michigan, homemade dumplings and noodles and more, a hot cup of coffee with the husband on a cold morning, the pure joy of a twirling toddler, the wonderful peace of a sleeping babe, a blessed 2011.

christmas-time around here

2011-12-22T08:11:00.011-05:00

This Christmas season, around here, we have been...

Decorating our mini-tree (without ornaments that little boys can take and throw)...

Making cards for teachers, uncles, cousins and more...

Baking, just a little bit...

Chocolate-barking...

And a whole lot of jingle-bells singing and ringing...

With our Advent Wall now complete, I do believe we are ready for Christmas!

temporary foodie adventures

2011-12-19T10:15:00.009-05:00

The more I've learned to cook and bake over the years, the more I've come to appreciate food - how it's prepared, made, and presented. Although I don't necessarily like going to fancy restaurants just for the sake of going - I do like sitting down and eat a meal that is well thought-out, well-prepared, well-presented, creative. It inspires new ideas for me too! But, nowadays, with two kids in the mix, my chances at fine dining are almost non-existent...well, almost...

These past three months, while I've been on maternity leave, while my mom has been here helping me, and while the older little guy has been at daycare three days a week, my mom and I have taken the opportunity to eat out at some nicer restaurants in the Boston area...as a treat and break for ourselves from the constant cleaning, cooking and child-caring. We take the baby with us, and he has very nicely slept through every single one of our lunches!

And so, more as a log for myself than anything else, here are the places we've enjoyed over the last few months:

EVOO (roast lamb leg and red kuri squash)

B&G Oysters (citrus salad and fried oysters)

Sportello (rabbit and veal tongue pastas - takeout)

Harvest (seafood ceviche)

Blue Ginger (ming tsai's signature butterfish and indonesian-szechuan noodles)

Abe & Louie's (filet mignon and ahi tuna burger)

And with that, I will probably kiss fine-dining good-bye for awhile!

love

2011-12-09T08:26:00.004-05:00

love watching him create. :)

my little elves

2011-12-07T11:35:00.009-05:00

One of the more fun projects this holiday season has been making pointy elf hats - lots of pointy elf hats! I had made these for the whole family for a photo shoot we took early in November. Who knew it would be so much work to get all four of us in these hats at the same time! We did manage to swipe one picture of all of us in hats (of course, to have all of us also smiling or looking at the camera was too much to ask!). None the less, these hats were fun to make and wear - they are made with 100% peruvian wool, which means they are extra warm and will hopefully serve as good winter hats, at least for the kiddies.

The pattern can be found in More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. My little elves are, of course, really the "anti" elves - instead of helping me get work done, they create lots and lots of extra work for me to do! But they are short and small, so I guess that's close enough. And of course, what fun would elfy hats be without having (girl) friends to wear them with?
:) Happy holiday knitting!

advent begins

2011-12-01T15:23:00.006-05:00

At the heals of Thanksgiving weekend this year was the first Sunday of Advent. And so, the Thanksgiving tree came down and up went our Advent page. This year, we are putting up one simple Bible verse for each week of Advent. The hope is that all in the family (except for the baby) will commit a verse a week to memory.

For this first week of Advent, we are focusing on this:
I must say, I am quite proud of Collin for memorizing his first little piece of Scripture. I know, he does not know what it means...but I hope that as we start introducing Scripture to him, some of it will be stored within himself and one day, should he need to bank on the Word, it might just come in handy for him.

But aside from what Collin understand and retains, having a visual reminder of Advent in the dining room is helpful for even the adults in the family to remember the weeks of Advent, and to be more intentional in anticipating Christmas this year.

this thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:12:00.009-05:00

This Thanksgiving is the first one where Collin is somewhat (and only somewhat) cognizant of the seasons and holidays. And so to prep him (and the adults really) for the meaning behind Thanksgiving, we started a "Thanksgiving Tree" a couple weeks ago - thanks to the awesome idea of a friend from Facebook.

At first, I thought he had no idea what was going on. I told him to tell me what he likes or what he can thank God for. But he didn't seem to require much prompting - he soon started listing out the names of everyone in our family. From mommy and daddy to grandma, harabojie and Uncle Jack. :) It was a wonderful reminder to me of how easily kids are prone to be thankful and give praise (and for the right and important things too). It's like they were wired in their beings to do just that.

Today, I am thankful for a God to whom all praise is due. Happy Thanksgiving!

another beginning

2011-11-15T15:41:00.007-05:00

Getting back into the swing of things after a year-long hiatus and am hoping to start this blog back up again. Pregnancy and the demands of a new little person has kept me quite busy for the last 10-ish months. But it's good to be back in time for the holidays, and all the wonderful things this season brings.

But first - a little about my last few months. At the end of September, we welcomed a little Owen into the world. He's been a blast to have around - and has given me plenty of craft ideas and very little energy to actually do them. Taking care of a newborn has felt easier this second time round - perhaps we are less stressed as parents, perhaps he has been an easier baby. Either way, it gave me a chance to engage in a few Chinese traditions that I didn't get to do with the first child...

Got a chance to make Chinese "jiu niang" - an alcoholic rice drink that is sweet and yummy. Drinking it hot warms up the whole body! Chinese tradition believes drinking this helps post-partum moms with increase circulation (and milk production). I like it because it tastes so good! I, more or less, followed this fermentation recipe, and it seems to have worked.

Another Chinese tradition is giving out red eggs to celebrate a baby turning one month. The egg symbolizes fertility and the red color signals happiness. I'm not exactly sure what prompted me to make these red eggs (did not do it with the first one)...maybe to introduce the tradition somewhat to Collin and as a celebration for this gift of new life.

We are feeling quite grateful for the blessing of family this season. Looking forward to being back on this blog!

these wintry days

2011-02-04T21:22:00.008-05:00

I have been...
Sewing. (Oh yes, and lots of pinning!)

Baking. (For those lazy snowed-in days when afternoon tea is in order!).

Knitting. (This ruffled one is a gift for a friend).

And a whole lot of museum-hopping, book reading, and snuggling by the fire with the little one. What a crazy winter it has been so far!

snow day knitting

2011-01-19T13:13:00.005-05:00

Finally got around to knitting something for myself. A simple "big lace" scarf, from Anna Williams' More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. Quick, easy, fun - I would totally knit it again, though if I did, I may try to shorten the width and make the one hank of yarn last a bit longer. The yarn is Cascade Magnum - very big, soft, wooly and warm. :) One of the simple pleasures for these cold wintry days.

wrapping up 2010

2011-01-10T14:22:00.013-05:00

Hello blog, it's been awhile. December was a busy month - what with celebrating Advent, holiday parties, crafting, baking, travel and colds/flu for the whole family - didn't get a chance to update as much as I would have liked. I'll go ahead and save the personal reflections for another time, but here's a quick wrap up of 2010 on the domestic/crafting front:

- My first garden. Killed a few herbs, but grew some beautiful bell peppers and lots of lettuce (and rosemary)!

- Home-milled wheat. Began milling our own wheat flour, and have been experimenting with breads, muffins, and the like. Lots more vitamins, less gluten, and plenty of heartiness.

- Advent. This year, I wanted to be more intentional about the advent season and teaching Collin about the anticipation and meaning of Christmas (meant to blog more about this...but alas, December seemed to whiz by too quickly). He's still pretty young, but I wanted to get us in the habit of celebrating the different seasons of the year (and of life), both physical and spiritual.

- Baking. Baked goods were at an all time high in 2010. I think I was especially drawn to mini-muffins this year, since Collin seems to love them so much.

- Sewing. Started cautiously exploring the world of sewing and quilting. Got a few pillows, a curtain, and some table cloths under the belt...but am hoping to get into this more in the coming year.

And 2011? I wouldn't necessarily call these "resolutions" (sounds too formal, serious and binding), but more like some crafting ideas for the coming year:

- Quilting. This one has gotten off to a good start this week - started working on my first quilt yesterday, and am loving it!

- Composting. Would love to start a compost bin this year (finally!).

- Knitting. 2010 was a pretty slow knitting year. As you can see, the husband got a homemade (and washable!) ribbed wool scarf for Christmas. And aside from some unfinished projects still on my needles, that was about it for 2010. Sweaters, scarfs, mittens...so many patterns waiting to be tried this year! Oh yeah, and I would like to make something for myself.

- Something red. Would love to grow something red (or orange) in the garden this spring. Tomatoes are the obvious choice...but looking into other edible options. Any suggestions?

- Furniture making? This may be a stretch (but one can dream, right?). Not feeling particularly motivated by this one...but it would be nice to make some kids furniture (and much cheaper than buying it at the store!). Just gotta get over the fear of the power drill (and learn how to use it).

a little more baking

2010-12-16T20:27:00.002-05:00

Some red velvet cupcakes for my office holiday party today. Gotta love that cupcake courier!

'tis the season

2010-12-13T10:03:00.007-05:00

for gingerbread cookies!

Which means there is one very busy little eater in the house:
Warm, sweet, cozy fun. Happy (holiday) baking to you!

my first clam bake

2010-12-09T20:55:00.001-05:00

a weekend away

2010-12-08T11:30:00.009-05:00

NYC. What a crazy, lively, busy, tiring place! Jason and I got a rare chance to head down for two days without the kid. It was a lot of fun, and we got to enjoy some time eating and relaxing just the two of us. It is funny, though, the things that seem the most special to me these days: like being able to sit quietly on a 5 hour bus ride (and not worry about how to keep a kid occupied/quiet), or sleeping in in the morning, or walking through a crowded place without a stroller in hand. But of course, the food, friends, and show were all great too!

The trip also gave Jason and I a chance to start some bigger-picture conversations: things like, do we have a joint vision/mission in our marriage, what is the underlying purpose behind our daily activities, are our hearts concerned with things that are eternal, are we living out life to the full extent that God intended, are we living out our faith and values currently and in our future trajectory? We may have thought about these things as individuals, but in the context of marriage and family, it becomes a whole new beast. Obviously, these are long-term conversations without necessarily easily packaged answers (and probably constantly evolving too), but getting a start on them felt good.

It's nice to get a weekend away sometimes. :)

Home-Milling

2010-11-26T15:06:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago, we received the Nutrimill as a gift from our house guests/mates. This wonderful machine mills wheat berries into whole wheat flour, stocked with nutrients/vitamins/proteins that are lost in normal store-bought flour.

The milled wheat flour is of a slightly different texture than store-bought flour, so recipes do not always translate exactly. I've been experimenting with cookies, muffins, breads, etc. I'm please to have found a recipe that works well for bread, and am hoping we can get into a rountine of weekly (or bi-weekly) home-made bread. We'll see how it goes.

But for now, the experimenting has been super-fun. :)

On My Needles

2010-11-20T13:54:00.004-05:00

'Tis the season for knitting! And so, here are a couple things I've been working on in anticipation for Christmas this year. I have hopes of a few more, but we will see how things go...especially that orange sweater. I hope Collin can still fit into it when it's finished!

Now that it is officially chilly outside, and fall is giving way to winter, I am thoroughly enjoying this chance to knit. Last year, around this time, Collin was a newborn, and while I did my fair share of knitting for him then, it wasn't quite as relaxing and contemplative as I like. This year, with things more manageable, it's been great to have the time to knit with a cup of tea...next to the fire place (or more likely, in the car, while the little guy sleeps).

There is something calming and therapeutic about knitting...and in this season of celebration and mourning, my knitting needles have been a faithful companion. It gives me space to remember to hope, to love, and to enjoy the little moments that seem to pass so quickly.

Home

2010-11-03T12:51:00.005-04:00

Last night, we had a shooting on our quiet little street. It was a complete shock to the neighborhood. Apparently, several police officers were coming to serve an arrest warrant on a young man, and they got into a shoot-out. The young man from my street died. One police officer was severely injured.

We were in our home, with friends, preparing for dinner and chatting when all this happened. When we heard the gun shots, we had no idea what they were. As the police cars and ambulances started swarming in, we watched in shock at the bodies lying on the street (and the wailing of a mother who lost her son). The distance between inside the home and outside the home has never seemed so far or stark.

It made me grateful for our home, which felt safe and peaceful, even amongst the chaos outside. It made me grateful for friends and family, and safety and health. I was reminded of all the little (and big) things that bring joy into our lives...and hope.

As luck would have it, still reeling from the events of last night, this morning I met with a client who has been the victim of some severe domestic violence: stalking, threatening, stabbing, the whole nine yards. Messy and ugly. And so, after an intense morning session, I logged into some of my favorite mom blogs (like this one: www.soulemama.com!) and read about knitting and painting and children playing. And it was just the refreshing break that was needed. And as I went through in my mind all the projects on my list--knitting, baking, sewing--it made me happy, even though I know they are just little, frivolous things (and there are so many big things out there to care about!). But sometimes the little things can be so wonderful...and necessary.

As I think about knitting that hat, or finishing the orange sweater, or baking that loaf of bread (with home-milled wheat!), I am reminded that having a space to do these things can't be taken for granted. And I am truly thankful for the warmth and safety of home.

Supper Club

2010-10-11T19:55:00.012-04:00

On Saturday, I prepped all day for this dinner. Although I've cooked countless meals for 10, 12, 20 people...this one was different. This wasn't a single pot, simple salad kind of meal. This was one that required fore-thought, planning, preparation and a whole lot of cooking. A meal where the goal was not just to feed empty stomaches, but to (hopefully) stimulate and satisfy some taste buds too. Some courses turned out better than others, but without further a-do, this is what I did all day Saturday (all pictures compliments Phil Lau):

It was a cool experience putting a meal like this together, and definitely makes me appreciate the hard work that chefs do. As I've said before, although I wouldn't necessarily want the pressure that comes with being a chef, I do oh-so-love feeding people and creating space to enjoy a lesiurely meal.

Sewing for the Home

2010-10-06T10:43:00.003-04:00

Now that we are more or less settled into our new home, we've taken our family vacation down south (Alabama and Nashville), and we've gotten into somewhat of a routine for the fall, I've finally gotten around to thinking about some home projects that have been waiting to be done. And this weekend, I got myself to a fabric store and worked on the first of the (hopefully many) sewing projects for the home.

The picture above shows a simple curtain for our guest bedroom, which will be occupied for the next few months by some good friends starting TODAY. As you can see, the door is glass, which affords no privacy! I've had another curtain (which did not fit well at all) on it for awhile, but have been itching to make a custom one--one that fits the width and length of the glass, and one that looks, well, fun and bright! I am loving the Anthology fabric, and am quite pleased by the happy colors, the geometric shapes, and the way it livens up the room.

Several of our bedrooms let in a lot of light - which is wonderful when we're not sleeping, but really need curtains for sleepy mornings. So I've been thinking more about curtains. And table clothes. And pillows. And quilts! So many things to dream about. Nonetheless, I bought myself a pattern for a tunic shirt this weekend (yes, Amy Butler!), even though I should be sewing more curtains. Priorities, you know. We shall see what comes next out of my sewing machine.

New England Fall

2010-09-27T11:14:00.005-04:00

There is something wonderful about autumn in New England--the crisp air, the changing foliage, and the wonderful traditions that come with the season, like apple-picking and wandering pumpkin patches. Last week, Collin spent a wonderful day with his friends in Honey Pot Hill Orchards, picking and eating apples, fighting over ladders, and playing with pumpkins, tractors and scare crows. Not to mention the wonderful cider donuts and apple pies!

Sometimes--especially in the dead of winter, especially when so many of our friends are heading that way--I think that perhaps we should move to California and enjoy the wonderful weather year round. But then, I think about the seasons, the different rhythms of life and traditions that come with full-blown winter, spring, summer and fall...and I find myself quite happy in our New England home, and fully content to be enjoying the Northeast this autumn.

Getting (Re)acquainted

2010-09-17T15:49:00.006-04:00

A few weeks ago, my parents brought over my guitar, which has been sitting untouched in Michigan for the last two years. It was a happy reunion. And I'm very happy to introduce Collin to the wonderful world of musical chords...and the wonderful world of beautiful hymns! Usually, when I start playing, Collin will stop whatever he's doing and stare at the guitar...and then he will rush over and want to touch the strings and pegs and pick (and thereby stop whatever music is being made). After awhile, he'll get used to the music and start doing something else. But when it stops, he will again look up and wonder what in the world happened. It's been especially fun watching him dance to the songs. :)

I had forgotten how much I love Isaac Watts and his hymns. I don't think there has been one hymn written by him that I hasn't spoken to me in some deep way. I hope Collin will grow to love him as well.

A Pepper's Journey

2010-09-15T21:15:00.009-04:00

The bell peppers have been harvested. Since the weather was getting chilly, and we were having guests over last night, I decided it was time to use the peppers. And so they began their final journey: picked, washed, cut up, and cooked in a steamy pot of spaghetti sauce (with some home-grown basil to boot). It easily fed our party of eight, and I even got to freeze a couple containers for future meals. There are still some peppers and herbs to harvest, but all in all, a happy ending to my first gardening season!

On another note, I realized (again) last night that there is something extremely gratifying to me about feeding a group of people, and creating space for friendships and community to grow. For some reason, the combination of a hearty meal and good conversation gives me warm fuzzies every time.

This Weekend

2010-09-12T12:18:00.009-04:00

I baked.

I bought.

I made.

We celebrated.

A good few days.

Raising Multicultural Children: Traditions

2010-09-10T11:24:00.005-04:00

This past week, our family went to Toronto to celebrate Collin's birthday the traditional Korean way. The Korean celebration for the first birthday is called a "dohl," and it includes a table full of rice cakes ("duk"), a little kid dressed in the traditional Korean hanbok, and a chance for the child to pick an object that is suppose to tell what he will become in the future.

We had a great time! Each thing on the table symbolizes something specific, and it was good to learn the particular meaning behind each "duk." Collin did well in his little hanbok...and what did he pick? The rainbow colored xylophone! Apparently, we have a little musician on our hands. :)

This trip reminded me that we have to be intentional if we want to raise Collin to be aware of his multicultural background. It is true that he will mostly identify with being American, as he should. We did, after all, have the whole birthday-hat and cupcakes celebration a couple weeks ago. But I think we are also somewhat hopeful that Collin will be aware of the different cultures in the family, and to be cognizant that there are different "ways" of doing things out there in the world.

Culture aside, there is something wonderful about traditions. They create memories and give space for celebrations. They also highlight and perpetuate family and cultural life. I hope that as Collin grows, we can teach him and bring him into different traditions from our families, church community, and friends.

Lettuce Harvest

2010-09-03T06:39:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, Jason and I decided that it was time to harvest and eat the lettuce from the garden. So we got some pork slices, and made a Korean meal out of it. We were both surprised by how crispy and flavorful the lettuce was, though it was significantly thinner and more delicate than the ones we get at the grocery store. I am quite pleased that the garden produced something edible this year! (The bell peppers should be ready in a few weeks too.)

As for the rest of the meal, besides the pre-made pan-chan, all the veggies were from our CSA: miso leek soup, jalapeno peppers, stir-fried bok choy. All in all, a good meal. :)

Good Morning September!

2010-09-01T09:46:00.000-04:00

Celebrating One Year of Life

2010-08-30T09:06:00.011-04:00

Yes, the little guy is turning one! Since we will be traveling to Toronto to celebrate with the grandparents (and do the Korean dol) next week, we had a Boston birthday picnic this past weekend. The weather was perfect!

It is perhaps trite to write about all the amazing things I've learned as a parent this first year, but all of it is true, so I will write about it nonetheless.

I have never really thought about the meaning behind a birthday until the little guy came along. This year, we are celebrating the gift of life. It really can't be taken for granted, and we are thankful for each day. There is nothing like pregnancy and a newborn that highlights the fragileness and delicacy of life, and just how little control we have over it. I am thankful for this first year, and know that it is a gracious gift.

This past week, my pastor preached about how he has no idea where his love for his children comes from. I couldn't agree more. It is a love that is perhaps the most human (in all that we're intended to be) and the most divine--love purely for the sake of love; as far as I can tell, there is no selfishness in it. That to me is something amazing and quite wonderful, and reminds me that there is something real and true about love, wholeness, and beauty, although they are not always perfect or complete in this world. This same love, I also see between my husband and my child, and I would not trade watching it played out for anything in the world.

This past year has also been a lesson in partnership. I know having a partner in raising a child is a blessing, and I have tremendous respect for those who do it largely on their own. For me, this year, there was something about sharing in this love for a child that has been deeply bonding. As I watch Jason playing with Collin, teaching him, taking care of him, I found myself learning new things about my husband and who he was created to be. It's as if God gave me a window to see more directly into who Jason is, and just how much he loves me and our family.

All this to say, we had a very full year and I am grateful. Here are some pictures of Collin, enjoying the party (oblivious to all that it means to me of course): cupcakes, bubbles, football, friends...really, what more could a little guy ask for?

To-MAY-to, To-MAH-to

2010-08-26T09:36:00.008-04:00

I've been learning a lot about fruits and veggies through our CSA. Some of them are really cool; others are a little wierd; and some I just plain have no idea how to use. Today, I thought I'd post some cool discoveries in the tomato family.

Husk cherries: these are a cross between cherry tomatoes and cherries, and they taste exactly like that. It's a little shocking and disconcerting to taste. It's also cool because they come in these husks that make them look like little lanterns.

Tomatillos: hello salsa! Bigger than a cherry tomato, smaller than a regular tomato, and with a big husk like the above (but doesn't go all the way around). Green and purple in color. Very interesting.

Heirloom tomatoes: yum!

It's cool how all of these are kinda similar and kinda different. Gives me all sorts of ideas for the garden--so many possibilities!

Acadia National Park

2010-08-25T11:29:00.008-04:00

Wow has it already been over a week since I last posted? Well, we had a good time in Maine--lots of nature, family time, and driving! Acadia was beautiful.

It struck me that Maine is really very me. If there were a state made for me to live in, it just might be Maine. At least in the summertime. :) There is a small-town, home-grown feel to it that I love. Shops often look like homes, very cozy and unpretentious. I like that. And so much local, organic produce! Of course, I would probably miss the city and I'm not sure if my career in immigration law would tank (actually, I'm pretty sure it would); there is not much in terms of international flavor or culture; and I would probably miss the diversity and vibrancy of a bigger city. But oh the sewing/knitting/baking/craft shops! Who knows, maybe there's no place that fits perfectly with all the different parts of life...or maybe I just haven't found it yet.

Speaking of cute shops, this little wood shop was my favorite in Bar Harbor. Local wood, all made in the shop (yeah, Collin got a couple new toys!):

Oh and I would be remiss to not mention that the amazing did in fact happen! I came home from Maine to some baby bell peppers, and they are growing quite nicely now, even in the rain.

The state of things

2010-08-14T17:10:00.007-04:00

This is the state of my garden these days. The basil is flourishing, the small peppers are coming out colorfully, the bell peppers are flowering but alas still no fruit (!), and the lettuce is growing quite nicely, if I do say so myself.

Of course, it is now, when things are going somewhat well in the garden, that we are leaving on vacation for a few days. We're taking my family up to Acadia in Maine, and I'm looking forward to spending time with my family. But who knows what my garden will look like when I get back! I'm hoping that if I drench the plants before I leave, they will last the three days, and be somewhat alive (at least revivable) when I return. In any case, I thought I'd take some pictures today to document the fact that my garden was, at some point, actually green and alive.

Now what would be really amazing is if I came back to some actual bell peppers. :)

CSA Inspirations

2010-08-04T19:59:00.009-04:00

Farm fresh food meets our kitchen.

Beet and arugula sandwich with homemade hummus:

Basil, eggplant and chives with grass fed beef:

Plain sweet yellow and green bean stir fry:

Just a little selection of our CSA inspired cookin'. Thankful for summer's gifts of fresh, wholesome goodness.

Waiting for my red peppers...

2010-07-30T18:25:00.007-04:00

These are my red pepper plants. They are my most successful gardening endeavor so far this summer (the second batch of lettuce is looking promising too, but the garlic got totally burnt by the sun...as did my arugula, mint and thyme; sigh). If all goes well, there will be bright red bell peppers growing along these greens soon. But oh, it has been taking so long! Every morning (and afternoon) this week, I've been checking to see if there are any signs of the actual vegetable. I think they are coming along...slowly, small-y. But mostly slowly! Who knew growing bell peppers would be such a test of patience.

Summer Knitting

2010-07-26T19:45:00.002-04:00

I'm knitting the little guy a sweater...as you can see, I've got the trunk down and am somewhat stalling on the sleeves. Usually, I don't touch my knitting needles between May and September. It's just too hot and humid...and I'd rather spend our time at the beach or at the park. But for some reason, a few weeks ago, I got this unexplicable urge to knit. It was just after we moved, and everything was a mess, but I dug through the boxes until I found some needles and yarn. And so began my summer knitting endeavor.

I must say it feels just a tad different knitting in the summer than in the fall or winter. I usually knit in the company of a hot cup of tea or cocoa--and I associate knitting with warmth and comfort. But these days, the knitting is done with an iced drink, under the ceiling fan. There is something equally relaxing and rythmic about it, but it just doesn't have quite to same cozy feel.

With any luck, I'll get this "practice" sweater done soon, and start on some other ones, so by fall, Collin will have a selection of home-made goods to keep him warm. :)

Gardening at Work

2010-07-23T09:03:00.004-04:00

One of the best things I did this summer was to join the "Flower Pot Committee" at work; a fancy name for a few of us who are doing some planting and growing around the building. It's a wonderful feeling to step outside of my (windowless) office on a hot day and spend some time watering flowers and soaking in the sun. It slows my day down, and reminds me of the world outside of refugee troubles and endless immigration papers. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and the people I work with...but adding a little sunshine and color to it during the day only makes it better.

A very hot weekend

2010-07-19T11:04:00.011-04:00

This weekend was very hot, humid and sunny. It was also Revere Beach's Sand Sculpting Festival. A good combination, especially since the water was still pretty darn cold!

So on Saturday, we headed out to see some big sand sculptures.
And enjoy the beach. And introduce Collin to the ocean, which scared him quite a bit.
It was a nice little outing for us, especially since Collin has been a big grump all weekend. We think it may be because he's teething. But oh wow, did he wear his parents out! Lots of screaming, crying, and fussing this weekend. While I could go on about how trying and tiring this weekend was for us, it struck me that when I sit down to blog, I tend towards documenting the things that bring me joy throughout the days and weeks. It's not that I am oblivious to the frustrations or intentionally ignore the things that are difficult (I have shared with quite a few friends about our weekend trials!), but I like that this blog gives me space to think about the positives. It reminds me to notice the little blessings in life, the things that make me smile, and the gifts that I am truly thankful for.

In fact, the last few months have been a difficult season--although we are not going through tragedy personally, several of our close friends are going through very difficult situations. And as I look back on this blog, I realize that I've used this space to document the small joys around me, even amidst all of the curve balls that life throws out. So, here's to the taste of homemade jam, the smell of fresh baked bread, the fun of making kids art, and the joy of watching children explore the world. Life's simple gifts of goodness.

House Warming

2010-07-08T20:16:00.004-04:00

Today, in the hot and humid weather, I decided to break in our new home with some freshly baked bread. A friend came over, and we spent three hours kneading, waiting, baking, and chatting...and then, we (and our lucky husbands!) happily enjoyed the smell and taste of freshly baked whole-wheat bread with a bowl of split pea soup. It was a wonderful way of warming up our home.

We moved to Somerville last week, and so far I've been enjoying the new home and neighborhood. Apparently, there are 10 little boys on our block (and no girls!). It's been fun slowly getting to know the neighbors and exploring the new area. I'm looking forward to venturing out on morning runs and afternoon walks this summer.

Backpacks for Refugee Children

2010-06-25T11:24:00.007-04:00

Working at an organization that helps with refugee resettlement, I see first-hand how bewildering it is to build a new life in the US as a refugee. For example, how do you take the bus (especially if you can't read the road signs)? How do you go grocery shopping? How in the world do you make money if you can't speak English? And how do you learn English, and learn it fast (to make money, so that you can take the bus to go grocery shopping to feed your family)? It's completely overwhelming, even without the traumatic events that led the refugees to be resettled in the first place.

As a refugee child, these challenges are compounded by learning to navigate the public school system, in addition to trying to make friends and "fit-in". With parents who do not understand the system, the children often show up to school without a base-line understanding of how classes work, what is expected of them, and what supplies they need to function.

This is why I am such a big fan of World Relief's Back-2-School Program. They are asking for people to donate backpacks with some essential school supplies (see "What do I pack?" section of the website), which will be given to refugee students. These students can then at least show up to school with the basics, and will hopefully help ease their transition socially and academically.

It's really easy to put together a backpack, especially with the list of supplies provided on the website (just pick an age group--elementary, middle school, or high school and get the appropriate supplies). It makes a world of difference for the refugee child receiving it! If you are in the Boston area, and are interested, drop me a line--I'd be happy to collect and mail them out together.

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T14:12:00.004-04:00

I love the way he loves him, teaches him, plays with him.

Strawberry Picking, Strawberry Jamming

2010-06-18T11:46:00.011-04:00

Strawberry season is upon us! Yesterday, I went to Amesbury with a friend to pick some strawberries. I wasn't sure how it was going to work with Collin, but I figured I'd just hold him and he could watch me pick. Didn't really work--he got quite upset that there were lots of ripe, sweet strawberries in front of him but he couldn't eat any. He wasn't happy. So, my friend and I ended up taking turns picking--she held Collin while I picked my strawberries, and he watched from some distance (far enough away not to think the strawberries were going to go straight into his mouth). The good thing is his stroller served as a pretty good cargo cart.

So I came home with three pints of strawberries, on top of the one we got from our CSA. We probably could have eaten all of them in a few days, but canning seemed more adventurous. So, I made strawberry jam for the first time:

The husband tried it out this morning, and seemed pretty impressed. Though he did make some comment about how we're living like Little House on the Prairie...which I'm taking as a compliment. Thanks.

Garlic Scape Pesto

2010-06-16T20:16:00.011-04:00

Today, Collin and I picked up our first CSA box of the season on my way home from work. As you can see, lots of greens: mustard greens, collard greens, lettuce, pea tendrils (also known as "dau miu" in Chinese), turnips, strawberries, and garlic scape. Yes, garlic scape! Never heard of it? Neither have I. It's the twisty green thing in the front of the box.

After Collin took his turn nawing on the garlic scape, I made pesto with it. We had some gnocchi left over from yesterday, which was perfect for the garlic scape pesto. Put it all on a bed of mustard greens...and here was our dinner for tonight:

The greens are so fresh, crispy and flavorful (picked this morning!). Last year, we used Boston Organics, but this year, I wanted to go with a more traditional CSA. I decided to try out the World PEAS Cooperative, which supports immigrant and refugee farmers in sustainable farming practices. So far, very pleased with our first box!

Happy 1st Birthday Kimmy!

2010-06-12T20:50:00.003-04:00

And the trio is complete!

Farewell to Cambridge: Harvard Book Store

2010-06-11T11:56:00.007-04:00

My favorite book store. Locally-owned, wonderful picks, wide selection, and a GREAT remainders/used books section. What more could you really ask for in a book store? I've been visiting this shop since freshmen year of college, but probably made the most purchases during law school. Those $5-6 remainder books are so hard to resist! But more than buying books, I love browsing books. I love seeing a title or cover that inspires an idea, or reminds me of something I had forgotten about, or gives me fuel to day dream. Don't laugh, but I even made our wedding photographer take a picture of me and Jason (all dressed up!) in front of this book store. What can I say, there's history here.

Better World Books Dot Com

2010-06-07T20:18:00.005-04:00

I found a rival to amazon! A few weeks ago, there was a sale, and I got these used kiddie books for $2 each on www.betterworldbooks.com. They are in great condition, and Collin has been having a ton of fun throwing them around. I have been trying to get him to recognize Clifford the Big Red Dog...but he still seems pretty oblivious. It's been fun though, and I'm glad there's another reliable site for good (used and new) books!

Thursday Trip to Maine

2010-06-04T12:58:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, Jason took the day off, and we took a day-trip to Maine with a couple friends. Partly because these friends are leaving Boston soon and we've been talking about this trip for awhile...and partly because it's (just about) summer time, and you can do things like this in the summer. Right?

We learned that lobsters are the biggest right about now in Maine...and although they are slightly cheaper later in the summer, they are not as meaty. And so we feasted.

In Ogunquit, there is a paved coastal walk called Marginal Way. It is great for families with strollers. And such a beautiful stretch of beach and cliffs. There's something about the ocean that makes horizons expand. Dreams just seem a little more possible when I'm looking out over the ocean. And the nice thing about trips with friends is that it's a lot easier to get family shots...

All in all, a very good Thursday.

What a Weekend

2010-06-02T15:38:00.008-04:00

Memorial Day weekend was certainly eventful this year. It started off with a BBQ and small reunion for a friend who was visiting. It was nice to see old faces together again...the same, yet different, now ten years later. Oh and the grilled steaks. WOW.

The next morning, we had a baby shower for a dear college friend. It was so nice to hang out and catch up with old friends. And to celebrate new life!

Saturday afternoon, went to an Intervarsity alumni reunion. Intervarsity is where I first experienced the joy of living out my faith and doing ministry with others. There's something nice about going back to these "roots"...like hitting a soft spot.

Sunday, took a day-trip to NYC. Tracey had her 30th birthday bash in Central Park...a wonderful picnic in beautiful weather. Here are the cupcakes I contributed. I tried to do a no-frost top with a jab of raspberry jam; the problem was that the jam wouldn't stay in the center. Oh well, it's the thought that counts right? :)

Finally, on Memorial Day, Jason and I took Collin to Plymouth, MA. Introduced him to some U.S. history on a day that memorializes those that served this country. We visited the oldest working mill in the U.S., and learned about how dangerous milling corn can be, and how the mill owner was often the richest man in town.

Then, had a quiet family picnic...just us and the ducks. A nice, relaxing ending to a jam-packed weekend.

Graduation Celebrations

2010-05-28T22:24:00.007-04:00

'Tis the season to celebrate! Yesterday, Collin and I walked across the river, into a tent, and feasted on a cupcake tower twice my size and an assortment of other desserts and appetizers. Thanks HBS!

On top of graduations, engagements have been happening left and right. Not to mention baby showers and milestone birthdays (more to come on these)! One thing I've been having a lot of fun with is making simple single-sided "cards." I have a lot of Paper Source stock cards left over from my wedding, and they are the perfect size for a card. Add a few decorative stickers, and it's easy to create homemade, personal, custom-tailored cards. :) And, who knew, they are good for hanging (homemade) earrings on as well!

Congrats to all my lovely graduated friends!

Vignettes from the Week

2010-05-26T11:34:00.009-04:00

Has it been a week already since I last posted? That flew by. I've noticed with the warmer weather, time seems to be passing faster. Or perhaps we are just having more fun! Some highlights from last week...

Collin played in sand for the first time. With the nicer weather, we have been taking walks almost daily, and often end up in parks and playgrounds. Here he is on a play-date at the park in Harvard Square. Who knew it was so elaborate in there!

Jason and I are steadily working through my brunch list. We are halfway there! On Sunday, we went to Vee Vee in Jamaica Plains. It is now the top contender for my favorite brunch place this year. I loved the relaxed atmosphere, and the home-grown restaurant feel. And how the owner would chat it up with the customers. Not to mention the orange walls. Oh yes, I loved the orange walls! The best part was the small crowd that gathered outside the restaurant about 10 minutes before it opened. Then, right at 10:30am, the owner came out, clapped his hands together, said "let's do this!", and invited the chattering crowd in. What a wonderful way to start a brunch!

We introduced Collin to the ducks in Jamaica Pond. Living in the city, Jason and I try to take regular day-trips out to nature reserves, farms, hiking trails, and the beach...just so we (and Collin) can remember what the natural world feels like. But sometimes, especially now with a baby, we can't quite make it out to Maine or New Hampshire or the Cape...and it is nice to have a selection of little "nature spots" (or perhaps "spotlets" is a better word) right here in the city, especially on a beautiful day.

This week has mostly been taken up by preparations for the weekend, including: hosting a baby shower, baking and transporting 50 cupcakes to New York City on a day-trip, and hopefully spending a relaxing Memorial Day with the family.

Farewell to Cambridge: 1369

2010-05-18T20:07:00.009-04:00

This is my favorite local coffeeshop in Cambridge. I first wandered into this cafe in college, when Central Square seemed like another world away. But I was attracted to it's cute little lamps, and began frequenting it more often in the years to come. When I lived at Banks and Trowbridge, I would sometimes meander over, to study or journal or chat with a friend.

Then, when Jason and I moved to Central Square, this became my go-to coffeeshop. It has great lattes (depending on who makes it, you sometimes get the nice little creme on top), wonderful freshly-bake scones, and a homey local feel. I love walking in on a rainy day, and seeing all the little lamps a-glow. When I was pregnant, I visited this cafe almost everyday for a decaf iced latte--one of the little treats I indulged in when I felt like a big marshmellow.

Most recently, several times a week, Collin and I would walk Jason to the bus stop in the mornings, and then stop by 1369 for a hot cup of coffee or an iced latte. Sometimes, we would go back home after a quick stop in; othertimes, we would continue to walk, sometimes for hours...just me, my baby, and a good cup of coffee. Good times.

(Check this out for supporting local businesses: The 350 Project).

Work in Progress

2010-05-16T21:29:00.005-04:00

Tonight, I finally took out the fabric and started the quilt I've been talking about for months. I was pretty tired out from the weekend (of eating and playing...I know, poor me), so I only got to cut a few squares. But still, it's a start. I can't wait for the different pieces to come together, and to see how the fabrics and squares play off of each other. It'll be so fun! Of course that is still very far away...so, for now, here's to a first step in the right direction.

Summer Dreamin'

2010-05-13T17:47:00.006-04:00

Maybe it was the sunshine. Or the warmer weather. Or the hand-me-down beach hat Collin got from a friend. But today, I had an itch to put these sandals on and head to the beach. To lounge around, read a book, pack a picnic with fresh squeezed lemonade (of course, Collin would be well-behaved and play on his blanket quietly while I lounged around enjoying my book). Alas, the sun is already setting and it's getting chilly. But one can dream...

Humble Beginnings

2010-05-10T20:42:00.010-04:00

Here is our first little garden, stocked with rosemary, thyme, arugula, garlic, basil, red peppers, mint and some sunflowers. I am hoping that Collin will be able to watch these plants grow in the coming months, and that we'd enjoy a small harvest at the end of the summer (maybe we'll have a home-grown pesto and mojito party!). I'm especially curious about how the red peppers and garlic will turn out...and whether the arugula will survive the somewhat unpredictable New England temperatures.

We had fun planting the seeds and seedlings. There's something very theraputic about working with dirt. I even got Jason to try his thumb out...here he is, gardening at dusk:

And so begins our humble little balcony garden. I will say, it is so tempting at the gardening shop to want to buy different seeds and grow a large variety of vegetables. But for now, we start small...and see where this takes us.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T07:39:00.005-04:00

Sun flower seedlings. Morning snuggles. Brunch with friends. A call to mom and mom-in-law. Happy Mother's Day!

Weekend Brunching

2010-05-07T15:57:00.005-04:00

Originally, this blog was only going to be about crafts...but I think it is slowly turning into a blog about daily life, motherhood, the things I enjoy, and the things that inspire me. So, naturally, the art of brunching must make a debut! Brunch is my favorite meal. It is just so...happy. I can think of few things more pleasant than sitting down to a good, hearty brunch on a sunny, weekend morning. (Guess what we're doing for Mother's Day?)

Where as real foodies look for restaurants to go to for dinner, I gravitate towards brunch. It's not even really about the food (though good food is nice); but just the pleasure of sitting down to eat during the day-time and not being in any particular rush about it. I have been giving Jason lists of places that I would like to try.

Here is my 2010 Brunch List (in no particular order):

Masa (South End)
Ole (Inman Square)
Friendly Toast (Kendall Square)
East Coast Grill (Inman Square)
Vee Vee (Jamaica Plains)
Ginger Park (South End)
Stella (South End)
The Blue Room (Kendall Square)
Teranga (South End, lunch)
The Beehive (South End)

We've hit 3 of the 10 so far. We'll see if we can make it through the list this summer. Perhaps I'll pick a favorite. My favorite brunch place of 2009 was Tremont 647--the pancakes were the best I'd ever had...and I've had my share of pancakes. Happy brunching!

Farewell to Cambridge: Harvard Yard

2010-05-04T10:20:00.011-04:00

Earlier this week, on our morning walk, Collin and I wandered into Harvard Yard. Collin's first visit to my Alma Mater. It struck me, perhaps for the first time, that this is a part of my life that Collin will never really know about--a distant past for him, irrelevant and most likely uninteresting. He may never know (or care) that I first sat here in 1998, a starry eyed freshman, waiting eagerly to hear Nelson Mandela speak. Or the numerous times I've walked through this yard late at night, after "studying" at Lamont Library. Or that Jason and I spent the morning of our wedding here, taking photos when no one else was around, savoring a few quiet moments for ourselves. Not that I hold Harvard and its culture of drivenness in particularly high esteem (I would be happy if Collin could grow up without the pressure to acheive, the fear of failure, the trap of measuring himself against others). But this physical space, whatever it may mean to others or symbolize to the world, holds many memories for me and a history twelve years in the making. Walking Collin through the Yard today made me realize just how long ago college was for me, and how much a new life can put space between the present and the past.

The feel of the Yard is different to me now, though traces of the past still linger. Ten years ago, walking through this very same place, I was enthralled by the potential opportunities life presented (they seemed endless!), and anxious for what the future would hold; excited about dreaming big dreams, and insecure about whether I'd ever find the right path; loving the freedom and independence of being on my own, and wondering if I would ever find someone to share a life with. Today, life feels a bit more settled, the potential opportunities do not feel so endless, but neither am I as anxious about the future. I think I still have many of the same dreams, but they have deepened and become more tempered. I no longer need to accomplish all of them right now. Some dreams may remain just that--dreams, and that is okay with me. There is a quiet joy that seems to be growing with the years, and I find myself looking back on my time in Cambridge with fond contentment.

We are moving from Cambridge to Somerville in a couple months. As I pass by all my favorite spots in Cambridge these days, I feel compelled to record them, savoring the last moments of living in this town. So here is the first of what hopefully will be a "Farewell to Cambridge" series. Sure, Somerville is only a short drive (or walk) away, but there is something particularly special about Cambridge. It is where I first tasted the independence of living on my own, the pleasure of loving God, the blessing of living in community, the excitement of falling in love, and the joy of starting a family.

It's been a good 12 years.

Ad Hoc Dinner

2010-04-30T14:15:00.007-04:00

Sometimes, the unplanned dinners are the best (or at least healthiest). Nothing like throwing together a salad (with homemade dressing of course!) and some hummus veggies when there's nothing else in the fridge to make. It is unfortunate that, after a meal like this, Jason will get hungry in a couple hours and want to eat all sorts of unhealthy snacks at night. C'est la vie.

On the other hand, the little guy seems pretty satisfied with his equally-vegetarian meal:Pureed peas and brocolli, pureed cauliflower, and mixed-grain cereal. Yum.

This post is probably of no interest to anyone except for me--just wanted a record for myself of a regular dinner at home. Happy Friday!

Playing Hookie

2010-04-26T19:46:00.016-04:00

Today, I left work at noon, left the baby in daycare, and spent the afternoon with a friend I only get to see once or twice a year. It was great. We chatted over tapas and a mid-day cocktail. We talked about life, and relationships, and changes, and our 20-something years. It made me feel like I was 20 again...or maybe more like 25.

Five years ago, at 25, I was completely unattached, finishing up my second year of law school, returning from a month of field research in Cambodia, and looking forward to a summer in San Francisco. Now, I work part-time with refugees, am a full-time mom, and spend my time cooking, baking, cleaning, crafting, and enjoying my family. Such different seasons, each special in its own way.

There's nothing like spending an afternoon with an old friend to remind me that I am grateful for friendships and the different seasons of life.

Happy Birthday Sandy!

2010-04-24T23:41:00.009-04:00

For a good friend's birthday, I found this neat little jewelry rack at The Shoppe at Laboure, a little boutique shop at my work where all proceeds go to Catholic Charities. I thought the rack was super cute, and (hopefully) useful too.

To add a personal touch, I made her these earrings:
Now that I have less time to spend browsing through bead shops and looking for those special few that inspire an idea, it's been nice to have some materials stored up from before and ready to use. I bought these glass beads in 2007 from a store in Taiwan. Hope she likes them!

A Pleasant Discovery

2010-04-23T13:54:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I took Collin to this wonderful little shop in North Cambridge: The Cambridge Quilt Shop. I had found it on-line, and wasn't sure what it would be like. It turned out to be a really great find--the staff were friendly and helpful, they have a wide array of fabrics (some cut into 1/4 yd squares to better serve quilting needs), and there were multiple works-in-progress during my short Thursday afternoon visit. As an added bonus, there's a little knitting shop right next door!

Now, if I can only find the time to start on the quilting project I've had on hold for the last year...

Happy 1st Birthday Aidan!!

2010-04-19T03:19:00.007-04:00

I love Sennelier pastels! They go on so smooth and easy.

The main difference between these two pieces is that I primed Collin's piece with a blue base, and added the colored squares on top of that. Aidan's was done purely on the white paper, without a base color. While, in some ways, the color tones on Collin's are a little more cohesive, the base coloring does dull the colors a bit. Overall, I think I prefer the brightness of working directly on the white paper.

These are so fun to make!

Homemade Salad Dressing

2010-04-16T14:02:00.007-04:00

It's hard to go back to store-bought salad dressing after making your own. The flavors are so much richer when the ingredients are fresh. Here are two that I've really liked: miso-ginger dressing and good ol' balsamic vinaigrette.

I found that the miso-ginger recipe was a little too thick--it was more like a dip than a dressing. I would cut down on one carrot and maybe half the amount of miso and ginger as well (or alternatively, increase the amount of oil). Haven't tried this tweak, so not sure how it would taste.

There are a lot of recipe variations on the balsamic vinaigrette. This is the one I use, because it's just so easy (and tastes so good!):

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic minced
pinch of fresh ground pepper

Next on my list: Lemon-shallot vinaigrette.

Hello Spring

2010-04-14T11:24:00.011-04:00

Somehow, it's been five months since I "revived" this blog. The little guy is over seven months old now, and the smell and feel of spring is in the air. There's something wonderful about the seasons, marking the different stages and rhythms of life. It got me thinking that I really should be more routine about blogging, if nothing more than to keep a record for myself of the small and simple things that I enjoy.

There's no way to catch up on the last five months in one blog...but here are some snap shots of my favorite little projects:

Hats, hats, hats for the holidays!

Amy Butler fabrics to brighten up the wintry months...

Oil pastels for some kiddie wall art...

And a little prelude to my summer gardening ambitions...

Happy Spring!

Revived

2009-11-26T09:46:00.007-05:00

It's been almost a year since I last posted. Time to revive this blog! Well, there have been some recent additions to our home...

His name is Collin. And the past year, he's been pretty good at distracting me from blogging and crafting. But now that he's almost 3 months old, hopefully I can get back into the swing of things.

So, here's to new life...for this blog and for our family. Happy Thanksgiving!

Six Years Later

2009-01-25T11:01:00.004-05:00

Six years ago, I made my first (and only) attempt at baking a cheesecake, and it was an utter disaster. The middle cracked, and then sunk in, and then the whole thing caved on itself. After that miserable experience, I had decided never to make cheesecake ever again...until now. Six years later, I finally decided to try making a cheesecake again, for a friend's birthday this week. I braced myself for the worst...but it turned out surprisingly well. No sinking or cracking or caving. It set just right, and had a rich, creamy texture. Good thing there are birthdays to redeem old disasters.

That is one thing I want to be intentional about this year--to celebrate the little (and big) things that come my way (like friends' birthdays, holidays, weddings, etc.). There's plenty of work and responsibilities and deadlines to go around day-to-day; might as well cease all the opportunities to celebrate that come up!

New Beginnings...

2009-01-23T08:28:00.003-05:00

It's an exciting time. A new year, a new president, a new attempt to nurture a winter plant! After I killed off my cyclamen plant in two months, I thought I'd wait until spring to try my hand at growing anything at all...but then I saw this hyacinth bulb and couldn't resist trying again. They are so beautiful when they bloom! So we shall see. But for now, the potential is there. And that is one thing I love about the morning--such hope in a new day ahead, new opportunities, new trials, new mercies.

One Down, One To Go...

2009-01-21T22:13:00.004-05:00

Just finished one sock. I'm calling them my "Winter Solstice" socks--some warm, happy socks for the cold, chilly winter. But now that I have one down, I suddenly feel a lack of motivation to knit the second one! It's like finishing a project, and then having to do the exact same thing all over again. How do people do it--motivate themselves to knit the second sock?

Kimchi in the Making

2009-01-19T14:15:00.003-05:00

It takes a lot of prep work, and the smell can definitely overwhelm a small apartment (complex), but making kimchi is a rather meditative process. I actually made two batches this weekend. On Saturday, I made the first batch with some friends. It was definitely a very social activity...we were all cutting and chopping and crushing and mixing and stuffing and laughing and smelling a whole lot together. But the next day, I made the second batch by myself. It was quiet in the house. And I cut and chopped and crushed and mixed and stuffed by myself. Surprisingly, the spicy red peppers sauce actually had a rather calming and theraputic affect, a little like baking banana bread on a cold night. Perhaps it's because it was so formulaic; measuring and chopping very specific amounts according to the recipe. Or because I knew that women have been making kimchi for generations in Korea, and there is something very wonderful about stepping into such a culturally distinct art. Or perhaps it was simply the pleasure of seeing something transformed right before my eyes...from a nice, wholesome batch of napa cabbage to a fiery, red, hot, flaming side dish with a kick.

It'll take a few days for the kimchi to ferment...so I'll have to wait and see how it actually tastes.

Domesticity

2009-01-16T10:26:00.005-05:00

This book was the intial inspiration for this blog. I've always been interested in artsy-crafty stuff growing up, but never had time to really explore it. During college and law school, my schedule was too crammed with lectures, papers, conferences, clinics and exams to have any time left over to sit back, relax and knit a nice pair of socks, sew an apron or bake something hot and sweet.

And then I moved to Chicago, where life was relatively calm, slow and quiet. There weren't social events every-other-night, and work was manageable within a 9-6 time frame. And with that, odd things began to happen. I started knitting scarves and hats and blankets. I learned to make earrings and necklaces and bracelets. I started cooking and baking and stitching and painting. And before I knew it, I had collected all these little "hobbies" that seemed kinda random and didn't really fit together...

Until I saw this book in the bookstore. It combines all the things I've been exploring the last couple years into one, cohesive category: domesticity. Here's a clip from the book: "There is a world of difference between domesticity and domestication. This book is about domesticity and the pleasures and joys of the gentle domestic arts of knitting, crochet, baking, stitching, quilting, gardening and homemaking. It is emphatically not about the repetitive, endless rounds of cleaning, washing, ironing, shopping and house maintenance that come with domestication. Domesticity...focuses instead on creativity within the domestic space."

I was happy to see that all my random projects may actually be part of one, creative process (and I am not completely ADD!). So I started this blog to record all the little domestic things I enjoy doing, and to remind myself to give space for creativity now that I'm back to a faster-paced life in Boston.

Granola Granola

2009-01-14T09:59:00.012-05:00

Once you've tried this homemade stuff, there's no going back to the store-bought kind. It's just fresher, more flavorful and healthier. Though I can't claim credit for the recipe. My friend from Chicago, Ramona, first introduced this to me...and I've pretty much been making it like a madwoman ever since.

Ramona's Granola Recipe

Ingredients:
6 cups of oatmeal
3 cups coconut (unsweetened) (I like the big flakes, but shredded is okay too)
1 cup raw sunflower seeds (unsalted)

1 cup wheat germ

1 cup slivered almonds

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup oil

1 cup water

1 cup raisins (or dried cranberries or dried fruit of your choice)

1/2 cup flaxseed

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Mix the dry ingredients: oatmeal, coconut, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, slivered almonds and cinnamon in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together wet ingredients: honey, oil, water. Then mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Spread evenly into two 9x13 baking pans. Bake at 250 degrees for approximately 2 hours, until oats are golden brown and dry. Stir occassionally. Once done, let cool off. Then mix in raisins and flaxseed.

And that's it. It's great as a snack on its own, or with vanilla yogurt, or with some milk for breakfast. Enjoy!

Color

2009-01-12T09:58:00.008-05:00

I don't know what happened to me in the last year or so, but my preferences for color have totally changed. I was always a cool, calm light-blue kind of gal. All my life I have gravitated towards pale and pastel shades of blue (as reflected in my wardrobe and household items prior to last year). And then something happened in 2008. I all of a sudden started liking bold, deep warm colors--like a rich dark red or a loud bright orange. I think it had been building up over the years, but it came out fully (and to my own surprise) when I was choosing colors for my wedding...all of a sudden, I wanted rich, full, bright colors (and yes, my bridesmaids graciously indulged my obsession with orange!).

Don't get me wrong, I still like the cool shades of blues and greens...but I tend to gravitate towards the reds and oranges these days. And even in the blue-green range, I like them dark and bright, more than light and pastel. A rich, dark violet is also emerging as a color preference for me. I wonder if it's normal to have color preferences change so drastically. And I wonder if I'll stay in this phase, or revert back, or completely change again...

Friday Night Sewing Party

2009-01-10T09:31:00.008-05:00

Last night, a friend of mine hosted a "sewing party." A group of 6-8 ladies got together, had dinner, chatted over some tea, and then started our sewing projects (or in some cases, just kept chatting!). We had three sewing machines set up, a more experienced sewer to lead us, and the projects began!

The above reversible chef's apron was my project for the night. It's a beginner's project, and took about 2 hours to make. I got to explore my sewing machine with some guided help, and discovered the lovely stitch featured in the middle photo above. It was also great, because the materials for the whole apron costs under $8. But the best part was sewing it with a group of women around for technical and moral support, and everyone was learning together! Such a wonderful way to start the weekend!

A Little Treat To Myself...

2009-01-08T18:21:00.006-05:00

I just finished a three-day immigration law training, and I am maxed out by all the legal rules, regulations, exemptions, and many odd scenarios. So, after the last session today, I decided to stop by the bead shop to see if I could find some materials to make a pair of earrings for under $10. I was partially inspired by the earrings one of the presenters was wearing earlier this week. Big and wide, but still somewhat classic looking. I also wanted a touch of warm tone...after hearing about detention hearings, deportation proceedings, and VAWA petitions all week, I was ready for some warm fuzzies.

It didn't take long to find the pieces I wanted at the bead shop..and even faster to put them together. So, the result above is my spontaneous treat to myself today!

Too pretty to keep in a box...

2009-01-06T17:16:00.003-05:00

By the end of last August, we'd collected upwards of 75-100 wedding cards, and some of them were gorgeous. Really, they were art works in and of themselves. It felt like such a waste to just store them in a box, never to be looked at again. Plus, we had plenty of wall space in our then-new apartment to decorate. Hence, the wedding cards collage. It's a nice way to warm up the room with something personal, practical and pretty!

Morning Glory Muffins

2009-01-05T11:16:00.013-05:00

This is by far the healthiest muffin recipe I've yet to try. It doesn't even use butter! (The apple butter is made purely from apples, though there is a small dose to vegetable oil involved). Wheat germ, carrots, apples and wheat flour give these muffins a nice healthy kick. And the great thing is that they taste fabulous. I would go easy on the sugar (1/2 cup is sufficient for my tastes), as the raisins and apple butter add sweetness on their own. Recipe here.

I made these muffins with Tracey (together with a spread of other things). There are few things more fun than cooking with a good friend.

The Red Scarf Project

2009-01-04T18:32:00.004-05:00

I usually like having a "low-key" knitting project going, something I can mindlessly do without having to concentrate fully on the pattern. It's perfect for lazy evenings, watching a movie or chatting on the phone with a friend. Usually, this means a scarf. The current one I'm working on uses a Layette Ringlet pattern. I am trying to use up some left-over red yarn that's been laying in my basket for more than a year now. So, it was wonderful when I recently learned about the Red Scarf Project, sponsored by the Orphan Foundation of America. They collect hand-knitted red scarves, and give them to orphaned youth for Valentines Day. They have a pretty early deadline though (in December, so I already missed it this year). Hopefully my Layette Ringlet scarf will be part of the Valentines 2010 collection.

Cooking in the Family

2009-01-02T10:56:00.033-05:00

One thing I like about food is how it brings people together; gives people space to connect over culture and time. This Christmas, my dad taught Jason to make Chinese scallion pancakes, a tradition that has run in my family for generations (but only for the males, for some reason). There's nothing like a toasty hot, cripsy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside slice of this tasty bread. And with something as simple as that, my husband enters our family tradition in a little less than an hour.

Kou Family Scallion Pancake Recipe

Ingredients:
3 cups water

5 cups flour

Scallions (1 Bunch), chopped

Sesame Oil

Salt

Mix water and flour. Kneed and split dough into roughly fist-size pieces. Roll out each piece of dough until flat and about 1/4 inches thick. Sprinkle with salt and sesame oil; spread around until evenly covers dough. Sprinkle on chopped scallions. Roll up dough into a long cylinder, and then coil the cylinder around into a round ball shape (see pics above). Then, roll out until 1/4 inches thick and fry in pan. Flip once when bottom side is golden brown. Both sides should be golden brown when ready. Cut into pieces and serve hot.

A Creative Space

2008-12-28T07:13:00.000-05:00

Now that 2009 is approaching, I'm inspired to finally start a blog that records some projects I do "on the side", be it cooking, baking, knitting, sewing, drawing, painting, jewelry-making, or (perhaps one day) gardening. On other blogs, I've written about work and faith and family and friends, but here, I'd like to give space to the creative and to those who create.