Author: thesaltyexchange

Kendall’s Reflections On Losing Her Mom

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Kendall’s Reflections On Losing Her Mom

Earlier this week marked six years since my mom has passed away. She passed away from complications of the flu. It was very sudden, very confusing, and very, very sad. It all started when she needed to be hospitalized because she was having problems breathing. The medical team determined that in order to stabilize her breathing she needed to be put in a medically induced coma so that they could take over and control her breathing functions. Before they put her under, I was able to tell her that I loved her and that I would talk to her soon. Cruelly, only one of those things was true; I never got to talk to her again. 

The week that she was hospitalized was chaotic. She was up, she was down, up again, and then down. I tried to continue on as normal as possible because I knew that if I didn’t there would be problems when she woke up; she would most likely have yelled at me for being dramatic, for everyone making a fuss, etc. When the doctor told us that her kidneys were shutting down, I began to understand that this wasn’t going to get better. In addition to that, her oxygen levels had never returned to normal. She still wasn’t able to breathe on her own. There was no miracle drug to give her. There was no miracle prayer to pray. We decided to let her go. She was read her last rites and the machines were turned off. While in her coma her body was rotated (I don’t remember why but I know there was a reason for it) and when the machines were turned off the nurses turned her so that she was face up towards us. They say she was gone before they even finished turning her. That, was that- I say that with the most sad and bitter of tones.

The days following her passing were a blur of getting things done. We managed to plan her funeral for 5 days later. During this time, I held it mostly together in front of everyone. I didn’t really have time to grieve. Over the next several months I managed to grieve in my own way… which I won’t discuss here because that’s a whole other can of tomatoes. It wasn’t until I met my husband about 10 months later that I managed to emotionally stabilize. He helped me find my anchor and let go of/process a lot of the heavy emotions I was harboring. 

My mom’s death made me wake up and pay better attention to my health. As you can imagine, living in the time of a pandemic has heightened these feelings. I am a firm believer of being vaccinated, wearing a mask to protect others just as much myself, and taking precautions set in place by my state seriously. For more in depth thoughts on the Coronavirus, please refer to my Dear Karens of Covid-19 post. Anyways, because of what happened to my mom, I am super vigilant when it comes to my health, my husband’s health, and my daughter’s health. I will do whatever is necessary to protect us. I will gladly down some gross tasting immune booster stuff if it means it may help. I will wear my mask in Costco even if I start to get claustrophobic. It was a super sobering event that has carried with me and will always be with me. I think of her every day. And I really, really miss her. I wasn’t ready to lose her, but it seems the universe had some other plan that I really don’t understand or like. 

Something else I often reflect on this time of year is the idea of grief. When my mom died I learned that everyone grieves super differently- and this is ok. I may not understand someone’s process but I know it’s normal to have different feelings about death. One of the most important takeaways I have from my mom passing is the notion of taking care of myself not just physically but emotionally as well. Putting me first wasn’t something I really did before that. I put the collective of work, family, friends, etc. before myself. That change was one of the most important of my life. We only get one life- we need to take care of it. There’s always an excuse of being busy or tired that can get in the way of being happy. I see people hiding behind these things instead of taking genuine care of themselves and it’s something I 100% relate to doing. My mom was a huge believer in living life on your own terms, living with the consequences both good and bad of those terms, and not shying away from moments that may challenge your current assumptions about something. And every day, I try to do that not just for her- but for myself and my family. Stay safe out there-

Shari & Guest Blogger Kate On Snowshoeing

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Shari & Guest Blogger Kate On Snowshoeing

Typically these “outdoorsy” blog posts are prompted out of necessity. Lately, I have had several friends reach out to me to ask about snowshoeing. What to wear, where to go, where to rent or buy snowshoes… simply put, where to even start? I figured I would make it easy and put together a Q&A post all about SNOWSHOEING!

Before we “spill the tea” on the topic of snowshoeing, let me start by introducing you to Kate. Kate isn’t your average guest blogger; she is an extremely special friend of the blog. Better yet, she is one of Kendall’s best friends, godmother to Kendall’s little girl, Rosemary, and one of my (Shari’s) favorite friends to bump into in town. Kate’s quick wit, varied interests, and adventurous spirit make her one of the most magnetic individuals that you will ever meet. When I thought about writing a blog on snowshoeing, I knew I wanted Kate to weigh in on the topic. She grew up in the outdoors with a family that loves to adventure. 

*Special shout out and thank you to Kate for sharing your snowshoeing expertise!* 

Guest-blogger, Kate, in the beautiful snowy Pacific Northwest Mountains!

Without further ado, here is our Q&A:

What is so great about snowshoeing?

Shari:  One of the many ways I combat the winter blues is by getting outside and enjoying some fresh air. Especially on sunny (yet cold) days up at the nearby mountain. Unlike most people my age I am not a skier or snowboarder. I’ve tried (ok, not that hard) to ski but it is expensive and a huge time commitment so I decided to look into snowshoeing instead. I purchased my first pair of snowshoes at an REI garage sale (it was a MSR men’s pair). I had no idea what I was doing but I dressed in layers and we walked along a snowy road up near the top of the mountain. I wasn’t overly impressed with this “walk” in the snow but the more I went, the more I explored other trails, adventured through the trees, laughed when we tripped, and marveled over the winter wonderland and breathtaking views…I was forever hooked! Snowshoeing is truly amazing. 

Kate: Snow is magic- so mountains covered in snow are enchanting and awe inspiring, which is needed in these unique times and short, cold days. I wish I would have known how fun and attainable snowshoeing is. It’s hiking/walking on snow. It’s not like skiing or snowboarding. Had I known this, I would have started sooner. 

What do you wish you had known about snowshoeing before you went for the first time? 

Kate: The knowledge that I mainly lacked upon my first big snow shoe is that you are hiking… uphill… but with snowshoes on. I grew up skiing and had hiked in cold weather with the use of micro spikes but when I initially went snowshoeing it was with a large group and the terrain was fairly flat. I suppose I somehow tricked my brain into thinking that most trails would be more of a snowy walk, but I was ruefully mistaken. In saying this, treat snowshoeing like a hike, read the trail reports, check for avalanche warnings, and try to have an idea of what the weather will be like through the day. There’s a trail out there for all levels, so find a trail and get out there. 

What items do you always make sure to bring?

Kate: Layers. I always bring extra layers. I wear many layers, I carry extra layers in my knapsack, but also (pro-tip), I bring dry warm clothing and socks that I leave in the car for something to change into for the ride home. For more of what I recommend to bring see below in “what’s in my backpack.”

Shari: Trekking Poles and eye protection (sunglasses or goggles) are my most recommended gear. I always make sure to bring my Thermarest Z-pad seat and lots of snacks/food (typically – veggies, sandwich, hot soup in a hydroflask, and a spiked hot drink in a thermos). 

What advice would you give someone thinking about going for the first time?

Kate: Layer up. When it is cold outside you want to be warm, too warm. I am naturally warm, but have learned it’s better to be too warm in the cold than cold in cold. You have to consider there just might be a wind chill or that it will be snowing and snow melts on our bodies. Bring sunglasses or goggles, it can be hard to look at all the white snow, beautiful but blinding. For me waterproof shoes are a must. Whether you’re wearing snow shoes or hiking boots, be sure they are lined and waterproof.

What boots, snowshoes, or other gear do you recommend?

Boots:

Kate: I have been participating in mountain sports since early childhood and have an inherited love for Sorel boots. They are waterproof, warm, and comfortable to hike in. My feet will be steaming when I take those boots off. 

Shari: Anything waterproof and comfortable. I wear Salomon GTX, DO NOT wear rubber boots – your toes will get too cold- even with thick socks. Along with my comfortable Gor-Tex boots and I always wear Outdoor Research Gaiters (you can thank me later). Please note that I also wore my gaiters backwards the first two times I wore them, so don’t feel bad if gear is confusing sometimes- haha.

“Put your snowshoe in, put your snowshoe out, put your snowshoe in, and shake it all about…”

Snowshoes:

Shari: Honestly, if you only plan on going a few times you can find a local place to rent snowshoes (a quick google search will help you locate the closest rental place). If you want to invest in a really good pair – I recommend MSR Lightning Explore purely because I like the ratchet system with these snowshoes. I also have friends that bought less expensive snowshoes on Amazon or at Costco and they work great!

Clothing:

Kate: I have also had a recent love affair with various base layers. There are varieties of weights (mid weight, light, etc.) and they are wonderful. I have worn my Smartwool midweight long sleeve top more than any other outdoor item I own. I don’t usually wear snow pants or waterproof pants when I snowshoe, I wear base layers under leggings and I stay warm. Socks are also so important, wool socks\ski socks are life giving for keeping your feet warm. I have a Bearz outdoor waterproof picnic blanket, it’s pocket size and works well thrown down on the snow so I can sit and rest while I snack and not get wet, therefore remaining warmer.

Shari: I, like Kate, don’t typically wear waterproof pants unless it is snowing out. Yoga pants and gaiters over warm wool socks and my boots keep my legs and feet warm. Optional, wear a puffy down skirt to keep your butt warm, my friend Kristina wrote an awesome blog about down skirts here. I typically wear a long sleeve base layer (Lululemon Long-sleeve), a mid layer zip up (Arc’teryx Atom LT), and a shell (Arc’teryx Shell). My top layer, the shell, comes off pretty quickly after I get going and my core temp heats up. I always wear gloves that are waterproof and warm and wear a hat or earmuffs to keep my head and ears warm. It is better to bring more than you need. 

What’s in my backpack:

Kate: I have an affinity for preparedness, therefore I always have water, snacks, a first aid kit, and sunglasses or goggles. I definitely bring sunscreen because getting burned in winter somehow hurts even more than in summer. The sun reflects off all the beautiful white snow and onto our very un-sunkissed faces. On longer hikes I might bring a pocket stove to heat up some apple cider with bourbon (or anything warm) or bring it in a thermos. I also like to have hand warmers in my knapsack in case my hands or feet get really cold. I also bring my camera because I love to take pictures of the beautiful views.

Shari: I always have a hydration pack, that is if it’s not too cold or the straw can freeze on you – in that case I just bring a bottle of water. Like I said above, I love to bring snacks, food, and a thermos with something warm and delicious. Definitely the 10 Essentials which includes Sunscreen, chapstick, and sunglasses because the snow is bright and reflective on a blue-bird winter day. Sometimes I will bring a few extra layers to be safe and toilet paper & a plastic bag in case you need to go potty during your walk/hike in the snow. Lastly I always bring an extra pair of socks, hat/beanie, hand warmers, and for good measure…candy.

This photo was taken on a SheJumps Snowshoeing Event that Shari lead in February 2018


*This post is not affiliated with any of the above brands or companies. We purely recommend the items that we have personally field tested. Shari is an Ambassador for SheJumps, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering  women and girls to get outdoors.

Kendall’s Essential Gift Tips and Ideas For The Holiday Season

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Kendall’s Essential Gift Tips and Ideas For The Holiday Season

I have never had the knack that many do for gift giving. I work really hard to pick gifts and I am rarely confident in giving them. Is it too commercial? Hippie? Young? Old? Irrelevant? The list goes on. We are a family on a budget and I am fairly strict about sticking to it… I definitely could be stricter but that’s a whole other can of worms. Anyways, as a family on a budget, that means we need to be thoughtful about who we are gifting to and what we are gifting. Issy and I both have fairly large families and tons of friends and that can often come with budgeting problems when holiday shopping. So, here are some of my guidelines for gift giving and a look at what could possibly be in my family’s stockings this year. 

The past two years have been very expensive ones for us and so we try to be thoughtful about all gift buying. A lot of our friends and families don’t need gifts for the sake of getting gifts and we don’t like to give people things just for the sake of checking off a list. That’s not what the season is about and honestly, wasting money just to say you bought someone something is not what we are about… ever. Because of this, I am probably seen as a very inconsistent gifter. Some years, I see something and am moved to purchase it for someone… and then that person or family might not get something from us for another couple of years… and to me, that’s ok. At some point, you have to be realistic about gifts and getting gifts. I don’t want to receive something if it’s not truly from the heart… you can begin to tell when you are just a name to be checked off a list. So… 

Guidelines:

  1. Keep it real. Meaning- be realistic. Set your budget. Write down everyone you would want to give a gift to and then write out your ideas. Do some research. Price it out. Then, decide what’s realistic and reevaluate. Do this until you feel good about that list. If you don’t feel good about it in terms of authenticity, price, etc., then just don’t. Figure out something else. 
  2. If you are trying to buy gifts for a family, maybe try looking at gifts for the whole family to enjoy. OR look for a gift that the adults can share and then a gift for any potential kiddos to enjoy together. This can help keep your budget on track and keep the stress levels down of buying for too many people. I love consolidating gifts this way. 
  3. Know your audience. For example, we don’t like a ton of stuff. And the stuff we do like, we are very picky about. So buying housewares and clothing is always risky for us. But wine? Heck, yeah. We will gladly take a bottle of wine. Dish towels? YES, PLEASE. My dad loves cool art things, so I am always trying to pick something he can hang up on his wall or utilize in his home office. My husband is someone who buys what he wants for himself as he sees it. Waiting for Christmas just isn’t his thing, so as a result, I don’t get him big Christmas gifts but I do fill up on stocking stuffers for him- gum, candy, shaving things, etc. That’s joyful for him to open. 
  4. Simplicity is key. We don’t want to buy everyone multiple things… my mom is probably rolling over in her grave right now! She loved to give people a few things to open. She loved that… she loved picking gifts for people. Sorry mama, but I don’t. I like to focus on one thing (maybe two). This can be per person or per family depending on the list. It’s a bit harder when you aren’t doing smaller things but that’s also the intentionality behind the way we gift- simplicity. 

And look, trying to buy for everyone can get exhausting. This is where the art of the holiday card comes in. I love cards; all cards! Photo or regular ole’ cards- I love receiving them. In recent years, sending out holiday cards has become the main way that we manage to stay in touch with our friends and family all over the world. Early last week I sent our holiday cards off to Spain. They arrived today- well at least one family got theirs already. Sometimes something in the mail and a quick update be it letter, a short scribble, or a photo is enough. 

Gift Essentials/Ideas: 

“Essentials” differ from person to person. So the following is relevant to the people in my life. 

As I stated above, stocking stuffers are most important to my husband. This year, his stocking will have some grooming items and snacks for work- even though he is WFH, he still needs his own snacks because I don’t like him taking mine! 

Extended family members will be getting either gift cards, local gift baskets from Vermont companies (gotta support the local businesses), or a 2 or 3 month subscription box off of Cratejoy.com. Cratejoy is amazing. They have everything from tea subscription boxes to book boxes to food boxes… the list goes on… like really, they have date nights in a box, CBD boxes, and boxes of items for the bedroom (cough cough you know what I mean cough cough). My favorite thing about Cratejoy is that they also have boxes to fit most any budget.
** I am not paid to say any of that- I just really like them! 

In the past, I have done handmade gifts for friends and neighbors. This year, it just seemed too difficult (thanks, Covid-19) to make that happen while trying to keep people as safe as possible. So, that’s where a bottle of something at someone’s doorstep or simply just scheduling a Zoom call for cocktails, coffee, or tea is going to come in to play. One of my favorite parts of the holiday are the holiday parties! And since that’s out of the question, what I really want is just a moment to connect with the people I care about. 2020 has been… a trip… or should I say lack of a trip? It’s been different. It’s been stressful. Let’s make sure that we try and connect in a safe manner with the people we love. The gifts are just stuff. Stuff that we don’t need to beat ourselves up about. But taking the time to say “Hey” or “I love you?” That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Shari’s Stocking Stuffer Guide

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Shari’s Stocking Stuffer Guide

As a child my favorite thing to do was to dig into my stocking first thing on Christmas morning! The joy that came from that overflowing stocking was almost to par with whatever large gift I got that year. As an adult I realize that the stocking is almost always an afterthought and most people don’t tell you what they want in their stocking, let alone what they even want for Christmas. Let’s bring some joy back to the stocking gifts and the magic of packing little items in a cute sock! 

Below is a quick list of some of my go-to items when shopping for stocking stuffers. Start by listing out the names of the people you need to purchase stocking stuffers for. Are there any small items that you know they will like? For example, my dad collects pins from trips and unique places. I always try to save a pin ahead of time to put in his stocking or order a clever one off of etsy. Another example is my husband; we always have to buy him travel size items before we go on vacation, so a stocking stuffer idea for him is travel sized items he’d actually use on a trip.

Also the predictable items like candy, gift cards, and mini toys are always a good idea. But I love it when people think outside of the box and add in something unexpected yet useful like battery operated twinkle lights, small framed photos, a meaningful ornament, or a useful tool. The goal is to put items in the stocking that people will actually use and enjoy but that aren’t super expensive. Without further ado, here are my recommendations from predictable to meaningful items – I hope you find it helpful!

Stocking Stuffer ideas:

+ Gum (the kids love Big League Chew)

+ Gift cards (Coffee cards are a huge hit for adults)

+ Hair stuff (I’m currently a fan of these scalp massagers)

+ Bath bombs/Soap

+ Chapstick

+ Candy (almost everyone in our family has a favorite) 

+ Flashlight

+ Pocket knife

+ Candles

+ Twinkle lights 

+ Poo-pourri (they have small to-go versions now too)

+ Small framed photo

+ Mini toiletries or travel items

+ Stickers

+ Ornament

+ Hand Sanitizer (ahem, hello 2020)

+ Small toy or stuffed animal (I got my niece a mini unicorn one year and that was a huge hit!)

+ Tea/Cocoa packets (Or for the adults mini bottles of alcohol)

+ Reusable straws

+ Card games or mini travel games 

+ A small and real Orange (which is a family tradition) 

The list could go on and on but those are a few ideas to get you started! Get creative & enjoy!!

Kendall On Gratitude

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Kendall On Gratitude

I think it is safe to say that at the beginning of 2020 we all had very different expectations, hopes, dreams, and ideas about what the year would hold for us. And then it was all shot to sh^*. Suddenly life became about simply staying alive, having toilet paper, and enjoying life to the fullest with very little movement… literally. In the midst of this chaos, I woke up in the wee hours of the morning a few months back. I rarely have nightmares but this particular early morning had dealt me a doozy of a dream. I woke up and cried. I cried for all of our worries, our family, our safety, our sanity, and for a general feeling of despair. My husband held me and did his best to soothe me. And, he did. He has this magnificent way of calming me; of steadying me. My husband always tends to say what people need to hear. After my cry, I still felt overwhelmingly worried about our current state of affairs BUT, I also felt something new. I felt thankful. 

In that moment I felt thankful for the little bit I do have in my life. This is the year that I actually began to like myself again; to have confidence again. I have the love of a wonderful man, the sweetest daughter, and a devoted dog. Everything I truly need can fit on our bed. This year has made me thankful for the life that we lead in all of the small ways. Our lives and our family are FAR from perfect. We have struggles, we have worries, and we have fears. The past two years have really tested us as a family. And yet, here I am- thankful for it all. 

2020 was the year of empathy for me. So much has happened… We here at The Salty Exchange believe in equality. Our hearts literally broke as we continued to see Black life after Black life taken by those who are supposed to protect us. Shari and I felt a deep sense of hopelessness and have tried to figure out what we could possibly do to help make sure the police forces of our country make good and necessary changes to do their jobs better (I personally think it comes down to leadership) and what we could possibly do to help our brothers and sisters in humanity. We still don’t know what the answer is. But what Shari and I did decide to do is to get educated. We have educated ourselves through reading, listening, and asking questions when we have them. We discuss our questions, the issues, and our ideas weekly. For this, I am thankful. I have become less of a passive citizen. I am still figuring it all out and hope to only get better at being an ally to all of those who feel unseen, unimportant, and discriminated against. I am thankful that I can still learn. 

This was also the year of really stepping up to support small business. Vermont rallied during this pandemic. Local businesses were, of course, affected. Our community tried its best to shop local, eat local, donate to the food bank, shelter our most vulnerable populations, and follow the guidelines set in motion by our state leadership. Overall, we did a decent job. We want to protect ourselves, our friends, and yes, our economy. Sometimes that doesn’t just mean shopping locally or donating locally but it means getting informed about the different industries and their struggles. It was eye opening. It was eye opening to see people of all different backgrounds- rich or poor, average, working, unemployed, etc. try to help make a difference wherever they could. I am thankful for that. I am thankful to have experienced that.  I am proud to call Vermont “home” now. 

And finally, I am thankful for technology. FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. I have some great memories of using these platforms to communicate with friends and family. Before my dad came out to Vermont in September (don’t worry, we all quarantined and got tested before mingling), we would FaceTime him EVERY day at 8 am PST. I am so grateful he is here until after the holidays. Rosemary is getting so much grampy time and he isn’t alone anymore. He has a pod with his daughters. I am thankful my sister lives .2 miles away and that I had her close during all of this madness. Even though she lives close, we still video chat multiple times a week. I am thankful that WhatsApp has allowed me to have wine nights with my girlfriend, Paulina, who lives in Spain. It’s been a sanity saving grace. Creating The Salty Exchange with Shari has been one of the funnest parts of this year for me. I am thankful for Shari. Shari is the kind of friend you can talk to about anything and because of FaceTime, I have been privileged enough to do just that with her. 

Wherever you find yourself this Thanksgiving, please stay safe. Follow the damn rules. If we don’t protect ourselves responsibly, some of this 2020 madness will never end. So- suck it up. Find what you are thankful for in the smallest of places because when everything else is stripped away- that’s what matters. That’s what Thursday should be about. 

Shari On Gratitude

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Shari On Gratitude

In honor of Thanksgiving this week, Kendall and I decided that we would each write a post on gratitude. What are we thankful for in this season? We ask this while fully understanding that 2020 has been an abnormally hard year for many.

“It’s impossible to feel sad or have any negative feeling when you’re grateful. If you’re in the midst of a difficult situation, look for something to be grateful for.” – Rhonda Byrne

I am naturally an optimistic and happy person. But I’d be lying if I told you that I haven’t had a lot of tough moments and seasons throughout my life. Reminding myself what I am thankful for has been something I have done for years and at the beginning of quarantine back in March 2020 I wrote a list of what I was grateful for. Here is a small sampling of that list:

–          Facetime dates with friends

–          The (short) morning commute from my bedroom to the office

–          Bike rides through an empty campground

–          Card games outside with neighbors

–          Experimenting with vegan recipes

–          Produce box deliveries on Wednesdays

–          Finding out how it feels to cancel all my plans and feel surprisingly content with that

Looking back at that list, I can’t help but smile because during that time it was hard to find the good on a daily basis. I am proud of myself for making this list and slowing down long enough to be grateful for these things while also re-planning our wedding, learning how to work from home, and struggling with all of the changes. Summer then brought a loosening of restrictions and more outdoor activities which relieved some stress. But now, here in Washington state, we are in quarantine 2.0 and it feels like a really good time to write out another gratitude list. Here is what I am currently grateful for:

–          Connecting with friends on Marco Polo (app)

–          Almost fully healed sprained ankle

–          New office space in the dining room (I love it actually)

–          Borrowing the neighbor dog and taking her for a walk

–          Decorating for the holidays

–          The smell of slow cooker meals, homemade bread, and seasonal treats

–          Family Board games

–          My job and thoughtful coworkers

–          Our family’s health (I am so grateful we are all healthy)

–          The Salty Exchange, a creative outlet with a fantastic friend

Those are just a few of the MANY things I am grateful for. I often just sit at my desk daydreaming and feeling grateful for specific people like my husband, my stepchildren, my parents, my brothers’ families, and my friends. If there is ever a time to stop and reflect on what you are thankful for, it is now. Happy Thanksgiving, no matter how different the holidays look this year… I guarantee we all have things to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving Edition: Kendall’s Homemade Mashed Potatoes

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Thanksgiving Edition: Kendall’s Homemade Mashed Potatoes

It blows my mind when my family tells me that as a small kiddo (we are talking the ages of maybe 2-3) I didn’t like mashed potatoes. Like, seriously… WHAT was wrong with me. I never turn my nose up at a starch or carb. Evidence of which is on my hips.

Anyways, my mom made the BEST mashed potatoes. When she died, I vowed to figure out how she did it and replicate it. Some days, I get it just right while others, I am left wondering what I did differently. Cooking is sort of magical and even if you have a recipe, you are using your imagination to add a little more salt there or an herb as a garnish over here. It’s… fun! Thanksgiving cooking… it scares me. I am so afraid of disappointing people so I stick to my lane and I am always responsible for mashed potatoes.

Everyone has their own recipe for mashers. And in all honesty, all of them are really good. Some people add a hint of lemon or garlic while others keep the skins on or use a medley of different potatoes. Without further ado, here are my tips and tricks and recipe for mashed potatoes!

Things To Consider:
Mix it up! A lot of people I know are married to the idea that you can only use one kind of potato for mashed potatoes. My friends, this is simply not true! I love to use a medley of red, gold, AND russet.

Watch the water! One of the biggest mashed potatoes fails happens because the potatoes boil too long. Stand at attention and check your potatoes every few minutes once they’ve started really boiling. Set a timer on that smart phone if you need to… just don’t get lost and start thumbing through Facebook or Instagram because then you will really forget to check on the coveted Thanksgiving side dish.

Once they are perfectly boiled and you are mixing them together, do me a favor. DO NOT OVER MIX. That’s when the texture gets all goopy instead of whipped.

Ingredients:
4 Medium Russet (or baking) potatoes
3 Medium Yukon Gold potatoes
3 Medium red potatoes
*Mix up the medley however you want, just know you want around 5 pounds of potatoes total
8 Tablespoons of butter
1 cup of milk
Salt (I use Johnny’s Seasoning Salt because my mom did but you can also use something like Lawry’s or plain ole’ regular salt)
Pepper
Electric mixer of your choosing

Instructions:
Peel and cut the potatoes up into even sized pieces. Mine are usually about an inch thick.
Put the potatoes into your pot that you will be using for boiling.
Fill the pot with cold water until the water sits about an inch or so above the potatoes.
Throw some salt in your pot- about a tablespoon or a tablespoon and a half.
Turn the heat on high and start boiling.
Once you get a good rolling boil going turn the heat down just a smidge to keep the boil consistent.
Here is where it gets tricky, but you HAVE to watch your potatoes. In theory, your mashed potatoes should be done in about 12-15 minutes. But they might be done as soon as 10 minutes or take longer than 15 minutes. Every stove top is a little different… so watch them. The test for me is being able to take my wooden spatula and cut a potato piece in half… that shows they are soft enough.
Once your potatoes are soft enough, drain the water. Transfer your potatoes to whatever bowl you will be using for mixing.
Drop your butter in and let it melt within the hot potatoes. Also, at this stage, season with salt and pepper.
Start mixing! Once they are almost to your desired fluffy goodness point, slowly add the milk (you may not use all of it) and finish mixing.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste!

Then eat and eat and eat and don’t let anybody make you feel bad about it.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Thanksgiving Edition: Shari’s Green Bean Casserole

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Thanksgiving Edition: Shari’s Green Bean Casserole

When Kendall and I decided to share a pre-Thanksgiving recipe, I thought it would be super easy to choose my favorite to share with you. I was mistaken. There are too many dishes that I love and must have at the dinner table including (but definitely not limited to) stuffing, sunshine jello, salad, dinner rolls, and our family pickles- check out Shari’s family recipe here! The reason I ended up choosing the Green Bean Casserole is because it makes me think of Thanksgiving and we (my husband and I) have been asked to make it the past several years.

The beauty of the Green Bean Casserole is that you can buy all the ingredients from the store and throw it together super quickly OR you can make it from scratch. This year I told my husband that I wanted to make the cream of mushroom from scratch and he said, “Well, we don’t use cream of mushroom soup”… WHAT?! It’s true!! I just forgot. Below is the recipe we have been using the past few years and everyone raves about it! Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Ingredients:
3-4 cans cooked & cut green beans –  Green Beans (our family cans our own green beans so I will be using two jars of those)
1 small Onion
3 tbsp Butter 
1 tbsp Flour 
4-6 oz Sour Cream 
1 dash of black pepper & salt  

Topping:
1 container – Fried Onion Pieces (Trader Joe’s 8 oz can)
1 small package of Cheddar Cheese 

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 375 degrees F.
Saute (finely chopped) onions in butter until they are translucent.
Add in flour, stir. 
In a large mixing bowl stir together green beans, onion mixture, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly.
Pour mixture into the casserole dish and add toppings (optional) fried onions and/or cheese on the top.
Bake for 15 -20 minutes.

Serve immediately!

Kendall On Parenting: The Struggle Is Real

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Kendall On Parenting: The Struggle Is Real

Today’s post is short and sweet.

Ok everyone- parenting is a freaking trip. As the mom of a 2 year old, life is always exciting. They are learning so many fun things. They are also learning how to throw tantrums. Today, Rosemary threw a total hissy fit during lunch and, to this moment, I am not entirely sure what was wrong. She was so upset that she took her pasta sauce and smeared it all over her face. She then proceeded to take her fork and hit her table, herself, and me with it. I was trying to grab said fork away from her and was using my best and most firm voice that usually makes others straighten up and listen but this little girl could have cared less. Throughout all of this, she was screaming and crying. This isn’t abnormal for her or for the age. Some days, she just needs to tantrum. That’s fine. Usually I can cope with it and redirect. But sometimes, I really just want to scream and hide somewhere watching Netflix, eating chips, and drinking wine. Classy- I know. 

Homer gets me.

Despite these trying moments, I am fiercely protective of my kid. We had an amazing 18 months of mutual devotion. For her first 13 months, I was her food source. Then I was her snuggle buddy and protector. Now I am pretty sure she hates me. She would rather play and walk with everyone else. I kind of hate that. By “kind of” I mean greatly. I greatly hate that she doesn’t really ever seem to want me anymore. She is independent and off to the races. And truthfully, that is so lovely. I couldn’t be prouder of her independence, her curiosity, and her smarts. I am just jealous that sometimes she wants others more than me. I grew her, birthed her, and fed her; I want to be important to her for a bit longer before I am cast to the side.

Alright, my dramatics aside: she loves me. I know this. I know that she is going to leave home and be her own woman. That is GOOD. That is how it is supposed to be. I want her to have everything she sets her mind to (I know, I know- not possible but I still wish it). More than anything, as her mom, I just want to be able to keep up; no shrinking away from the tantrums, no jealousy over who she prefers over me in the moment. I am always looking for ways to keep it “fresh.” By that I mean that I am always looking for ways to teach R new things. Thankfully, there are so many resources these days to choose from that showcase the different styles of play and learning… but the downside is that there are a lot of resources these days to chose from that showcase the different styles of play and learning. It can be a bit over saturating and make me feel more pressured to pick the “right” approach. After all, none of the different methods are going to make her better than any other kid- it really just comes down to me picking the right activities for us and what I can realistically help create with and for her. The journey to trying to be a good mom is a daily one that I take. Staying home with Rosemary is one of the hardest and most privileged things I have ever done. I never had the desire to be a stay-at-home-mom. Like, ever. It’s just something that has happened through a series of life things. I struggle with it- see my previous post on the decision to stay home. I am not an Instagram worthy mom. I sort of just go with the flow and let Rosemary lead me and from there, I make plans and buy books/toys accordingly. And still, I always feel like I am not doing enough as her mom. For that matter, I always wonder if I am being enough. I know I could be more patient, more creative, and more spontaneous. We are working on it or should I say, I am always working on it. 

As I am writing this, I just heard Rosemary say, “I want mommy. Where’s mama?” I AM MELTING. MELTING. It’s not often she asks for me but that could be because I am always around. Rosemary is my heart wrapped up in flesh and bone. She is what makes me want to not just be a better mom, but a better human. With that said, if she could ease up on her tantrums, I would not object. 

Shari On Simplifying Her Home And Food

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Shari On Simplifying Her Home And Food

Lately I have wanted life to slow down a bit. But wait! COVID happened… hasn’t my life already slowed down? Yes, it’s definitely true that my life is much “slower” than it was this time last year. I am thoroughly enjoying less on my to-do list but what I mean by “slow down” is to actually simplify; “live off the land” type of simplify. I have been craving the hygge I referred to in my previous post. There is something soothing about this fall to winter seasonal transition; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holidays, gratitude, family, friends, warm home cooked meals, dark nights inviting candles to be lit and fireplaces to roar. Yes, I am craving simplicity.

My favorite Instagram accounts to follow lately are farming (Ballerina Farm) or food (The Food Nanny) accounts. I look forward to their daily Instagram stories and seeing what they are making from their own home grown resources. Recently, in an Instagram story by The Ballerina Farms, the farmer, Hannah, laughed because she realized she hasn’t been to the grocery store in nearly 10 weeks… 10 WEEKS, Y’ALL! She then followed it up with a picture of her dinner plate with rice, fresh mozzarella, fresh bread, and a vegetable medley – it looked delicious. Instantly I was inspired to think of what I could make in my own farm to table way.

Before you try and give me a wake up call, I am three steps ahead of you. I am not looking to start a farm, even though I LOVE animals and grew up in the country… it’s not my desire to take care of animals all day, it is literally a full-time job. Maybe someday I can talk my husband into getting some chickens and a dog but we’d have to have a decent amount of land for those dreams to become a reality. Trust me, I am a realist.

So how can we get the farm fresh, simple, warm and cozy feel in our own lives? That is what I have been asking myself a lot lately. With holidays coming up, warm meals on repeat, and outside getting colder and darker daily… What can I do to bring warmth and resourcefulness to my family and little home?

Here’s what I have come up with so far:

Farm fresh eggs: Source eggs from someone local. I have a friend that I am going to pay for her farm fresh eggs as much as possible. Her chickens are currently laying more eggs than her and her husband can eat so my money will help pay for some of her chicken feed. Win/win!

Dutch Oven: Cast iron meals, umm yes please…I have been loving the Amazon Basics Dutch Oven – one pot can heat up amazing homemade meals. Soups, stews, pretty much anything you can think of! I will be saving for a Le Creuset at some point though.

Kamut Flour & Fresh Bread: Yes, bread made from scratch…this one is a new adventure for me, I am planning on making homemade sourdough and I am nervous and excited. I have an amazing cookbook and Instagram account I follow and every day I feel a little more ready to make the plunge. My food scale comes tomorrow and I am anxiously waiting to get started.

Dandelion Organic: Local vegetable delivery. I have been getting vegetables delivered to me for nearly two and a half years now. I skip weeks based on meal planning but I love getting fresh produce. I substitute out whatever I need and love adding in local seasonal veggies to my weekly meals.

Unscented Candles: That is right, I said unscented candles purely for the flicker and the glow. There is something that warms me up from the inside out when I burn real candles. I love the glow, the wax, the fire, the ambiance…it’s a mood… a mood I love.

Those are just a few ideas I have come up with to help myself keep it simple and find the farm fresh resources around me. I am curious if any of you out there have any other tips and tricks to enhance and embrace the basics for your life?

Kendall’s Spaghetti

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Kendall’s Spaghetti

Growing up, spaghetti was a big deal in my house. My mom made delicious spaghetti. Like, really good. I mean, I liked it, but my dad? He LOVED it. After my mom passed away, my dad, sister, and I were sitting in the funeral home waiting on our coordinator and my dad started crying. Seeing him cry, I asked, “Dad, do you need a minute?” His response? “I just realized I will never get to eat your mom’s spaghetti again.” As you can imagine, the days after my mom’s sudden death were really emotional. But this moment made me laugh- hard. It made me start thinking about all of my mom’s signature dishes that I wouldn’t ever get to devour again. It was emotional. Food brings us together. It’s an essential part of living our lives and it can be super connective. 

As hard as I try, my spaghetti will never be my mom’s. And this is ok. I still make good spaghetti. My husband also has an obsessional connection to my spaghetti; so in a way, I feel close to my mom when I am making it. I am not making it because I want it, I am making it because I want my family’s tummies to be satisfied. It comes from a place of love… which Italians will tell you is the best way to prepare food. 

Kendall’s Spaghetti:

Ok, I am terrible with measurements because it changes depending on how many people I am cooking for- so adjust as you see fit. ALSO, I can make homemade spaghetti but usually I don’t budget enough time, so the below is the easier way- with canned sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste!

The below recipe will comfortably serve 2-4 people depending on how hungry you are.

Ingredients: 

  • 1.5 pounds of ground beef
  • 16 oz of spaghetti pasta (a whole box- yep, just do it)- if your local grocer is out because people have stocked up on their COVID supplies, linguini will do too.
  • 8 oz. of sliced white mushrooms
  • 1 yellow onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup of dry red wine
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Dried basil
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Garlic powder OR real garlic (about 2 cloves minced)- you can pick or use both
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Parmesan
  • 2.5 oz. to 3 oz of canned tomato paste
  • 20 oz of canned tomato sauce
  • 15 oz of canned diced tomatoes

Process:

I like the meat in my sauce to have really good flavor, so I always toss it into the skillet first on medium heat and liberally season with salt, pepper, and ALL OF the seasonings mentioned above (EXCEPT red pepper flakes- unless you want to, of course). Season to your tastes. As it cooks, keep stirring it up and adjusting the flavor as you like. When the beef is about 5 minutes from being done, toss in your onion and minced garlic (if using). Let it all cook together for about another 5 minutes on medium heat. 

At this point, start heating up your heavily salted water for pasta (should taste like salt water). 

Right as that is all finishing, toss in your wine and let it stew for a few minutes before adding in your canned tomato goods. I like a really thick sauce which is why I use so many variations of tomato! Once all of your tomato is in the pan with the meat, season again with the above seasonings-  use what you want and how much you want… taste it as you go. Then, once it’s all assembled, let it simmer for 30 minutes. 

Once your pot of water is boiling, get your pasta in there and cook until it is your desired texture. I prefer a firmer noodle but my 2 year old likes it a bit on the soggier side. 

Once everything is done, mix it all together in a big bowl with some parmesan. Dinner is served! 

THIS IS NOT A FANCY RECIPE. This is a really simple recipe that is meant to get dinner on the table quickly. For a truly homemade from scratch spaghetti recipe, tune in next month. I only make it once a year! 

Enjoy!

SHARI ON BEING SCANDINAVIAN & EMBRACING HYGGE

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SHARI ON BEING SCANDINAVIAN & EMBRACING HYGGE

At work I am on the Wellness Committee and someone suggested we do our next “corporate challenge” on the Danish concept of Hygge. This is a concept I am very aware of with my Scandinavian ancestry and involvement with a local Scandianvian group here in WA. If you follow @thesaltyexchange on instagram you might remember that when I took over the stories on Monday, November 2nd I took a picture of my Zoom board meeting with the Daughters of Norway. I got involved with the Daughters of Norway back in 2012 after helping with their annual Scandinavian Fair. I worked as the event coordinator for the venue where they hosted their annual event (since November 2010). Over the years, I got to know the ladies (who I lovingly referred to as my “Nanas of Norway”) and every year they would invite me to attend their monthly meetings. Finally I did and I have been a faithful attendee ever since. They have become friends and family that I never knew I needed and have taught me about Scandinavian traditions not just from Norway but from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. 

Regardless of how excluding the name of the organization can sound, it is extremely inclusive. Even if you aren’t Scandianvian but are married or related to someone with Scandinavian descent, you can join! Their purpose is to celebrate the traditions, customs, and stories from their homeland. As a natural leader, I was asked to be on the board relatively quickly. I think they liked the idea of getting some of the younger generation involved. So now 7+ years later, I have served on the local lodge (Nellie Gerdrum #41) board since 2013 in various positions (Trustee, Vice President, President, and currently as Judge). I, along with the current President, am hosting a virtual Scandinavian Fair this year due to COVID cancelling the 21st annual in-person event and already our little local lodge has reached over 200,000 people from all over the world with our Virtual Scandianvian Fair facebook event (event link will have archived videos and content after November 7th, 2020).  

My top takeaway from being a member of this amazing group is the passion that comes from learning your heritage and taking part in celebrating it. A concept I heard years ago was the Danish word Hygge. I loved that it incorporated so many of my favorite parts of being Scandinavian and most of all that it isn’t really so much of a word but more of a feeling. See a rough translation below:

[hu-guh] noun

A calm, comfortable time with people you love, a complete absence of frustrations or anything emotionally overwhelming. A quality of coziness that comes from doing simple things. Often enjoyed with good food and drinks, warm blankets and candlelight.

Also known as the Art of Happiness. 

Happiness… who doesn’t want more of that in their life, amiright?! There are a lot of ways you can incorporate hygge into your environment, especially during the winter months…from décor (add candles), crafts (make a wreath), cooking (see Glogg recipe below), reading (set aside time to relax), etc. The list of things that are considered ways to bring you joy and happiness is extensive. Some of my favorites are lighting a candle (no scent, purely for the flickering lovely light), making a home cooked meal (I prefer easy and in the crockpot), reading a good book while curled up in a cozy blanket, or even turning on my “fireplace” (a heater that looks like a fireplace) and wearing my fuzzy socks are all ways in which I find my hygge in the midst of the colder seasons. Year round I enjoy hygge in playing outside, painting, gardening, crafting and doing this…co-blogging for The Salty Exchange by sharing what I love. 

Here are some of my favorite resources to learn more about Hygge:

Beginners information on hygge:

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-year-of-hygge-the-danish-obsession-with-getting-cozy

How Hygge Can Help You Be Happier

Ideas for hygge at home:

10 Ways to Hygge Your Home

Shari’s favorite books on hygge:

Scandinavian Gatherings by Melissa Bahen

The Little book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Making Winter by Emma Mitchell

The perfect season to make a pot of gløgg (a spiced drink that Scandinavians associate with hygge and also Shari’s favorite part of German traditions too):

Package up some DIY holiday hygge

Happy Hygge to all, and to all a good Fall & Winter!

Kendall On Halloween

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Kendall On Halloween

Halloween is a time for increased sugar intake, spooky pranks, and fun costume parties. Except, here is the thing: I dislike dressing up, I am easily scared of, pretty much, any prank AND I really don’t like candy all that much. Blasphemous, I know! I am not creative enough to ever come up with a cute costume and the days of being a sexy pirate are long gone… like, really, long gone. Scary movies are a no-go in this family; the scariest my husband and I will go is watching “Silence of the Lambs.” Even then, I won’t sleep well. And truthfully, candy hurts my tummy.

I am always looking for fun ways to celebrate this time of the year and, for me, that is watching some light-hearted witch movies, baking pumpkin bread, and dressing my daughter up in cute things. Last year, she was RBG. This year, she is going to be Mary Poppins a la Jolly Holiday/Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Her outfit is ON POINT and was made in exacting detail by my ridiculously talented mother-in-law. She even made the hat and parasol… stay tuned for outfit pictures on Saturday via TSE stories on Instagram. 

While I don’t go crazy on Halloween, I have compiled some fun ideas on how to celebrate COVID-19 style…

  1. Candy is a really controversial subject this year- do we hand out candy? Do we put bags of candy out? Is that even too risky? That’s up to all of you and your communities to decide… Our neighborhood has decided to do bags of candy and set them out on the doorsteps/tables in driveways for kids to be picked up. Most people will be monitoring the tables (with a mask and gloves) to make sure older kids don’t steal the bags because apparently that’s a thing? If that’s too risky for you- then I say buy the candy and make Halloween Candy Cookie Bars (courtesy of Tasty) for you to chow down on as you snuggle in on Saturday night. 
  2. Brew up a yummy Fall-like cocktail and zoom with your friends! Every year, Issy and I make this yummy spiked cider punch and this year is no different- Coronavirus or not! Since we won’t be sharing this with a group of people, we will be making a much smaller batch. Here is a great recipe from the Food Network called Spiked Apple Cider Cocktails. 
  3. SKIP the scary movie because 2020 has been scary enough. Watch something fun like “Hocus Pocus.” Laugh. Let’s try and laugh more. There is absolutely no need to scare yourself anymore this year. 
Hocus Pocus (1993)

4. If you are out and about, grab some marigolds and decorate your table with them. They are pretty, they are cheap, and they brighten up your home. Go crazy.
5. Want to dress up? Do it. Stay in. Run around your casa in costume. Take pics, FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp all of your friends and family. But- stay in if you can. Be smart. Don’t go to a Halloween party… why risk it? Yesterday I ran into the gas station for less than 2 minutes and realized an hour later that I didn’t put my mask on… I am shocked and mad at myself that I was THAT person. It was an honest mistake. Regardless, it was still risky… going to a party would just be intentionally reckless and putting yourself, and your fellow party goers at risk.

You can still have fun on Saturday- that fun may just look different than before and that’s ok! It’s not forever! BUT if we aren’t smart now, the return to “normal” could take even longer. 

Something I am really wanting to do next year is a Day of the Dead ofrenda. I didn’t plan well enough in advance to get everything prepared that I would need for a proper altar. And if you know me, you know I don’t want to half-a## it. I want to really do it.  I love the idea of celebrating and honoring our loved ones. I can still do Halloween on the 31st AND celebrate Day of the Dead on November 1st. If you do an altar, what are your tips? 

Happy Halloween, all! Stay safe and HAVE FUN!

“Coco” (2017)

Shari On Halloween and How To DIY A Costume

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Shari On Halloween and How To DIY A Costume

As an adult, I have grown to appreciate how important Halloween is for children. The costumes (a healthy medley of spooky monsters, princesses, and superheroes) and the candy (I mean, ALL the candy) make it such a unique and celebratory day. 

I am currently thinking back on my earliest memories of Halloween and my favorite costumes from that time. For some reason I remember painting my own face to be a scarecrow in 5th or 6th grade. The memory sticks because it was my first time really painting my face with a purpose without the help of anyone else. Surprisingly I did a decent job and I looked legit while also cute and freckled with a triangle nose and a smile that extended up near my rosy cheeks. Oh! How could I ever forget my all-time-favorite ballerina costume when I was 4 years old that doubled as an everyday dress up and dance party outfit! My parents have a ton of ballerina pictures to prove it… complete with the princess crown and boom-box too.  The ultimate adult costume was in my college days when I was a “Candy Corn Witch.” It was such a hit that it still randomly gets brought up! That same year, I definitely went all Martha Stewart and handed out decorated individual bags of candy corn to all my friends and even had more baggies of candy corn with me downtown where I proceeded to dump piles of loose candy corn into people’s hands or candy bags… I am pretty sure that would be frowned upon in this COVID era of life. 

As much as I have enjoyed my fair share of Halloween dressing up over the years, nothing fully prepared me for Halloween at the office. I currently work for a company that CELEBRATES Halloween to the extreme; every department gets decked out and there is major competition for the #1 title and bragging rights throughout the rest of the year. The office hallways get decorated, the themes discussed MONTHS in advance… I thought it was a joke when they mentioned it in my job interview. I am serious… one of my interview questions was “How do you feel about dressing up for Halloween?” Thankfully I saw my soon-to-be bosses wall of Halloween archive outfits and knew I had to say, “I feel great about it” (to be clear I wasn’t lying). Last year my department theme was “Monsters in Paradise”, our entire department was decorated with beach backdrops, flamingos, blow up pool toys, grass skirts, palm trees, and for bonus points we even had tropical food and kool-aid type drinks to stay on theme. The winner last year was the Marketing Department who created their own Netflix (I feel like it’s cheating to have access to the graphics and large printers) and had different sections as different popular shows like Stranger Things and more. 

This year, my team and I still discussed Halloween and decided to do something more fitting for the season. Stay tuned for the big reveal of my department’s virtual Halloween this year. I will share it in our Instagram stories on Saturday, October 31st. 

Technically, I have already dressed up for work this year and am still unsure what I will actually wear as a costume on Halloween but I have to say I am the most excited about my oldest stepchild’s costume. He always wants the DIY costume crafted from Value Village. I like his style and I know we don’t have many more years of creating these awesome custom outfits for him so my husband and I jumped at the opportunity to design his Captain Jack Sparrow costume from scratch. I highly recommend this to anyone who is creative enough to DIY a costume… just use your imagination. It’s the most rewarding process to see the end result actually match the picture! 

Here is how we did it:

– We found a picture we all agreed on

– Looked around the house to see if we had any items at home or if we had to order anything (like a wig)

– Decided what details mattered most and made those a priority to find at the thrift store

– At the store we picked up any and all items that looked similar to the picture 

– We gave ourselves only 30 minutes to rush around the store (Value Village) to find it all, I am telling you – you just grab and go when you have a time limit 

– At home we layered on each item, cutting the arms off a jacket to make it into a vest, tucking in oversized shirts and rolling the sleeves, strapping belts over the shoulder to match the photo, ripping up a striped scarf to tie around the waist, and for the final touches –  pirate boot gaiters! Tah-dah, we did it!!!

– We ordered a wig, a mask (Hey there- COVID Halloween), and I will do his makeup 🙂

– Enjoy a custom and probably way more cost effective and authentic costume

Captain Jack Sparrow

If you made a custom costume this year (or ever) please share below, I’d love to hear ways in which you have gotten creative!

Happy Halloween!

Kendall’s Top 5 Favorite Recipes From Tasty

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Kendall’s Top 5 Favorite Recipes From Tasty

Earlier this week a great friend of mine texted me asking for my Apple Cider Cupcake recipe. I quickly sent her the link from my handy dandy Tasty app and she replied that I should put that on my blog this week… which got me thinking… 

I can’t exactly take credit for the recipe (I wish I was that creative) but I can share with you some of my favorite recipes from Tasty that are household staples. So, without further ado, here are my top 5 favorite recipes currently on Tasty! 

** So if you aren’t on the Internets a ton, you may have not heard of a crazy little thing called “Tasty.” Tasty is a brand of the news outlet Buzzfeed and it’s sole focus is food. They have everything from kid friendly recipes, one pot meals, snacks, and full on gourmet meals. They even have an added section for this crazy time called, “Quarantine Cooking.” Their goal is to make sure YOU eat good food. You can visit their website OR download their app from your app store (hint: search for Tasty)! I also recommend following them on all of your social media channels for constant food inspiration. 

  1. Gourmet Salmon Dinner 

OMG this is a favorite of mine… it’s a wonderful meal to spoil yourself with (if you like salmon). For being “gourmet” I didn’t feel like it took an obscene amount of time. If you present the dish as they suggest, it feels even more luxurious to eat!

  1. Creamy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish is THE way to my husband’s heart. It’s quick to prepare, filling, and comforting. If you like lemon, if you like chicken, if you like butter, and if you like pasta- search no more! And go make this right away. Hint: I double the recipe so that we always have leftovers AND add extra lemon since my husband has an obsession with all things lemon. 

  1. Apple Cider Cupcakes

Are you looking for a yummy fall treat to share with no one since you are in quarantine/social distancing? Well, here you go! This cupcake recipe came to my attention about 3 years ago and I made them while we were living in Spain (traditional apple cider like we enjoy here in the states was difficult to find but, luckily, Tasty linked the recipe to homemade apple cider within this one and all of my problems were solved). These became a favorite for my Valencian neighbors and fellow Americans alike! 

  1. Baked Avocado Tacos

So, my husband and I are always contemplating going vegetarian and we’ve even taken some steps to reduce meat from our diet. We hope to be more aggressive in the coming year- do you have any transitional tips? Anyways, these baked avocado tacos were one of the first vegetarian recipes that I made that convinced us that, just maybe, we didn’t need meat. They are FULL of flavor, quick to make, and just really freaking enjoyable. 

  1. Mixed Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

This salad combines the things I love- berries, dressing, and spinach. I randomly tried this recipe when we were going to a lunch thing a few years back and I remember being floored at how good it turned out to be. It’s a great spring and summer addition to any meal and it’s super easy to whip up! I love how fresh it tastes and how light it feels in my tummy. And the fact that I am saying this about salad should count for something. 

Anyways, those are my current top faves. Go check out Tasty and start eating. 

** And no, I am not paid by them. I am just a fan. Obvi.

Shari On Thirty-Three

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Shari On Thirty-Three

Thirty-three. I’d like to think I am like most people and that I never really get excited about my age… well maybe the age of 5 was pretty thrilling because I was able to show my “whole hand” when asked how old I was. At the age of 13, I became a teenager. The age of 18, I became an adult. The age of 21, I was able to legally drink. The age of 25, I was able to rent a car… but nothing exciting happened after that. I remember when my college girlfriends and I joked on our 22nd birthdays that we were “Over the Hill and Fabulous”. I also remember feeling practically 30 every year after the age of 25 and not really mad about it either. I had a lot of responsibilities in my late 20’s and felt personally and professionally proud of myself and my accomplishments at what was still seen as a “young age”.

Secretly, I have always been looking forward to turning 33. Why 33, you ask? Well… when I was a teenager I worked at a retail store and we decorated the back office for my manager at the time who was celebrating her 33rd birthday. I remember thinking that 33 was such a secure, cool, and exciting age and I even told her that. She laughed at me and said “why would you ever want to be 33? Enjoy being a teenager and before you know it you will miss your 20’s.” She rolled her eyes and walked away but I was serious. I have been looking forward to being 33 for quite some time. In my adolescent brain, 33 was an age of certainty. Maybe I would have life figured out by then and I knew deep down that 33 would be a special time in my life. 

Fast forward and here we are… October 19th, 2020 and it is my 33rd birthday. I can’t say I have everything figured out but hey, 33… I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT! Life is good (despite being in the midst of a pandemic)!! I am married to an amazing man, stepmom to 3 fantastic kids, and blessed with the most amazing family and friends. Gratitude is what your 30’s truly bring to your life. Sure I was grateful in my 20’s but for me, gratitude has taken on new meaning as I get older. I am grateful for my health, my excitement for life, for my friends that feel like family, family that feels like friends, the ability to climb mountains, be flexible and adapt to life’s challenges, and learn… I still have so much learning to do! Now that I am 33 I don’t think of it as a secure, cool, and exciting age… I think of being at the beginning of a new and sweet chapter of my life. I was right; this will be a special year and I have no idea what that looks like but I am ready for it. 

For my birthday I would like to say that your “prime” is your present day, there will never be another day that is as special as the one you are in right now. Embrace the season, the ups and downs, the aches and pains, the excitement and the boredom, just know that you are special, your birthday is a celebration and you are your own hype squad. Get excited about your life because this is it. 

33, 44, 55, 66… apparently I like double-number ages and that is why 33 sounded like such a great age back then. I am now pumped for birthday number 44!

Cheers to thirty-three years and a special year ahead! Let’s begin.

Kendall On Hispanic Heritage

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Kendall On Hispanic Heritage

It’s October 15th (at the time of this writing)! And that means it is the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month in the US! I am very proud to be Hispanic. I am proud of what being Hispanic means to me. As a daughter of two different backgrounds, there has always been a struggle to accept what it means to identify as “White” or “Hispanic.” Unfortunately, there are so many expectations about WHO I must be or HOW I must act to be considered either one. It’s an unfair reality to put on a person- especially when I was a young kid. 

From an early age, I always felt a little different. In first grade, my teacher asked all students up to her desk (individually) to discuss different things about our home life and our progress at school. When asked if English was the only language spoken at home, I answered no. Sure, everyone spoke English but my mom ALSO spoke Spanish. That evening my mom received a phone call asking about her Spanish speaking and if it was often, in front of the kids, if it would affect the family, and how long she had spoken it. Spanish was my mother’s primary language for a very long time. She learned English as a young kiddo and as an adult spoke with absolutely no accent when speaking English. She was, what we sexily call today, bilingual. Yup, I said it, sexily. Being able to speak two languages is super appealing to employers, colleges, friends, etc. I might also add that in my experience, it is more sexy if you are White and speak two languages. It’s a privilege whereas if you are me, it is an expectation and not something to be proud of because it is an inherent part of who I am supposed to be. Here’s the kicker- I don’t speak Spanish. Latinos everywhere are divided on if this makes me “less” of a Hispanic. Questions have risen over the years that totally shamed me and made me question my own identity. 

After that first phone call home from my first grade teacher, my mother told me to not tell anyone that she spoke Spanish. She didn’t want me to be treated differently. It wasn’t until middle school that I began taking Spanish and, by then, it was really hard. I never did particularly well in Spanish class. I had a great accent but was terrible at learning the proper grammar of Spanish. My grandparents (who are fluent Spanish speakers) would help me with my homework and I wouldn’t pass my assignments because while my Spanish was “technically” correct, it wasn’t proper. From a sociological perspective, I sort of followed the course of assimilation without trying. I am a third generation Hispanic woman and, sadly, around that time language is often lost within families. It wasn’t intentional on my part. The language was just never the most important part of being Hispanic. I learned how to make Mexican Christmas cookies from a young age and make Cascarones at Easter. I can proudly down a plate of pan dulce by myself- which I really shouldn’t brag about. I loved learning the different genres of Mexican music that my grandparents introduced me to. My husband has continued my education of music and is always introducing me to new Latino artists and sounds. Growing up, family was the most important thing and being part of the collective was paramount. Yet, I was not enough. I was different because I was proud of my family’s heritage yet I wasn’t “Hispanic enough” for others. Talk about a mind f^#k. 

When my husband and I moved to Spain in 2016, I was sort of thrust into HAVING to learn Spanish. I learned the basics and could get by! Spain Spanish is muy diferente than what I grew up with so it took some time to adjust to the beautiful accents, rhythms, and tones of my new home. I was able to shop, give directions, dine, and muddle through conversations with friends and neighbors (with loving help). Heck, I even had to go to the ER by myself when my husband (a Spanish fluent, Mexican-American, first generation, handsome devil) was on TDY (that’s military for temporary duty) in Norway. That’s when I knew I could survive by myself! But it was still hard. 

My daughter is ¾ of legitimate Hispanic beauty. We are trying our best to teach her Spanish but it is not easy. It requires a lot of consistency and repetition. I can do a little bit of that but it mostly falls on my husband to do the real work of it. My hope for her is that she embraces her ethnic identity on her terms; that she decides what it all means to her. There is no one right way to be anybody! Therefore, she has the right to define her life on her terms. All we can do is show her who we are in our identities. 

As I said at the beginning, I am proud to be Hispanic. I am proud of my own understanding of my culture and the things that matter to my Hispanic part of the family. I am sure someone might see me as “less” or “inauthentic” and that’s fine- that’s a reflection of them and how they understand they need to live their culture. I can’t shame them for not seeing life the way I do- they haven’t lived my life! I am usually pretty envious that people are better Spanish speakers than me or know these amazing things about the culture that I don’t! I wish I was better at actively living some parts of the culture that my blood belongs to. I am always looking for ways to connect with that (literal) half of myself. I am thankful to belong to two different cultures- it’s a privilege that I thank the universe for. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, all!

Shari’s At-Home Gel Manicure

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Shari’s At-Home Gel Manicure

One thing I missed when quarantine started was my monthly trips to the nail salon. I got desperate right before my wedding to get my nails done and luckily I had a friend that owned a UV light and a few gel polish colors. A light pink was perfect for my COVID wedding manicure and I loved it so much that I decided to buy my own UV light and starter gel polish kit. Best. Decision. Ever. The set up paid for itself after using it twice! In truth, it costs at least $30 per trip to the nail salon for a gel manicure. For my home kit, I paid $60 and got the UV light AND an assortment of gel polish colors. This was indeed an investment that, for me, was worth it!
**Side note: I am the type of person who likes doing my nails. I know that this topic will not apply to everyone (Kendall HATES doing her own nails) but if you enjoy doing your nails and your kid’s nails then this post is for you.

My Gel Manicure Items:

UV Light
Beetle Gel Polish Set
Nail Care Kit
Buffer

Prep your nails (clip, file, shape, trim cuticles, lightly buff nail beds, wash hands with water only)

Get gel set ready (Foundation Gel, Color Gel, and Top Coat Gel)

Cure between each coat of polish with UV Light 

*My tips include: pushing back your cuticles or cleaning them up ahead of time, rough up your nail beds by using a fine grain nail file (or buffer) and then clean off the dust with just water and a towel before you do your first foundation coat. This helps the polish attach to your nail better and will reduce the risk of the gel lifting away from the nail too soon.

**Bonus, especially for kids, there is no extra dry time. 60 seconds under the light and your nails are dry!

Viola! Enjoy your cute new nails. I highly recommend watching some youtube tutorials or researching some best practices.

Kendall On Food… The Other “F” Word

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Kendall On Food… The Other “F” Word

I. Love. Food. Like, alot. I like health food, I like comfort food, I like exotic food, I like food. I am that person that doesn’t think food photos on social media are stupid… I am very interested in what you are eating because I might want to eat it too! With that said, I am always trying to figure out a balance with my cooking. I love trying out new recipes and experimenting with new ingredients. In a way cooking soothes me.

Food is a touchy subject in my household. My husband and I are always trying to eat “right.” For him the food we eat deeply affects how he feels both physically and mentally. For me the balance is difficult when I feel like we have been doing too much of one thing… I am a girl who likes to mix my food up. It is with this in mind that I strive to blend health and comfort in positive ways. This tends to be harder as we enter into the colder months… I want warm food… yet I don’t want heavy food. Warm and heavy sort of go hand in hand in a beautiful, delicious, winter coat kind of way. I try to make really fresh and seasonal salads but let’s get real… I want a warm casserole with lots of cheese on a 36 degree day… or steaming hot bowl of my homemade beef stew. I don’t want a cranberry and orange salad with champagne vinaigrette (which is a great accompaniment to your winter meals). So, as my family and I head into this cold and beautiful season, my mind is racing with food ideas and questions.

I already know that I need to get some fun winter food prep ideas. Thank goodness for Lisa at Downshiftology. She has compiled seasonal food prep lists (fall foods in link) that are a game changer for me. Not only do I get to keep food exciting, but I am learning how to cook with different ingredients. AND I am keeping it clean and healthy for my partner. This is a win/win! My husband has a healthy appetite… he also works out every single day doing incredibly intense weight lifting and cardio… yet people always comment on what he eats like it’s a display at the carnival. It’s annoying and a little insulting to me after a while. Issy is driven by the food he eats. It works for him. If I were to look at the food the way he does, it would not be good for me, personally. If he were to look at food the way I do, it would discourage him. Thus, balance is key in our household. That and leniency. We love to cheat! And we love to push ourselves with our fasting. This dynamic works for us. One of my closest girlfriends thrives on counting calories… she is a super healthy person and enjoys food… is she wrong to count? Nah. It works for her! Is it wrong that Issy and I fast? Definitely not! It works for us. 

I am a firm believer in balance. Food is something that makes me happy and, as such, I always want to have fun with it. I have seen a lot of people go through really unhealthy relationships with food… these experiences range from friends having eating disorders to other people straight up hating food. Our culture makes it really easy for us to hate ourselves because of what we put in our mouth… and that’s just a load of crap. Food is also something that we end up judging each other by. “So and so ate 3 plates of dinner!” Or, “He Who Must Not Be Named didn’t touch anything on his plate.” Food has become the OTHER “F” word; a forbidden, dirty, and gluttonous thing that we should avoid at all costs. It has the ability to ruin people’s days and create resentment in one’s soul.

Food has been on my mind a lot lately. I want warm and yummy foods on cold evenings. But I know I need to be responsible not only for my husband and I but for Rosemary! I want her to enjoy autumn vegetable dishes AND that hearty bowl of homemade mac and cheese. But inside my heart, I am constantly eating hot pasta, pumpkin bread, and hearty stews… just so you know- that’s the desire of my food heart. But instead, I am making a delicious taco salad tonight that is guaranteed to help me with my energy tomorrow AND ensure a good night sleep tonight. I refuse to look at food as forbidden fruit. I am going to be eating it for the rest of my life- so it’s best to just accept and respect not only how it tastes but what food can do for my body in a positive way. What is your favorite dish these days? How do you feel about food?

Shari’s Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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Shari’s Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

A favorite in our household is this classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (with a few small changes based on how we like to cook). We love it so much we could eat it year-round but since it’s getting cold outside… it’s definitely time for warm meals! We hope you enjoy this!

Ingredients:

  • Meat & Vegetable mixture
    • 2lbs of ground meat, turkey or beef
    • 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
    • 3 Tbsp. Flour (also additional corn starch)
    • ½ Large onion (Chopped)
    • 1 ½ Tbsp. minced garlic
    • 2 Tbsp. Butter
    • 1 Tbsp. BBQ sauce (optional)
    • One bag – mixed vegetables of peas, carrots, corn (we like Trader Joe’s Vegetable Melange)
    • Salt and pepper
  • Mashed Potatoes
    • 4 to 5 Large russet potatoes (peeled, chopped, and boiled)
    • 1 stick of butter (room temperature-ish)
    • 1/3 cup of milk (depends on your preferred thickness of mashed potatoes)
    • 8 ounces of Sour Cream (Optional)
    • Heaping spoon of Minced Garlic or 1 Tbsp. powdered garlic – your choice
    • Salt and pepper

Items needed:

  • Large Skillet (Meat & Veggies Mixture)
  • Medium to Large Cook Pot (Mashed Potatoes)
  • Potato Masher
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Cups/Measuring Spoons
  • 9” x 13” Baking Pan
  • Oven preheated to 400 degrees (if cooking immediately after combining)

Directions:

Mashed Potatoes

  • Peel and cut potatoes into chunks (chunks let them cook more quickly, smaller chucks goes faster)
  • Place them in a large pot of boiling water (optional* if you want to use minced garlic, let the minced garlic boil with the potatoes)
  • Boil until a fork can pass through the potatoes easily. (Approx. 15 to 25 minutes)

Meat and Vegetable mixture

  • In a large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp. of butter on medium-high with 1 ½ Tbsp. of minced garlic, let flavors blend.
  • Add Chopped Onion and let cook ¾ of the way
  • Add 2 lbs. of ground meat and brown on medium-high, add salt and pepper for flavor
  • Add 3 Tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce, (optional add 1 Tbsp. of BBQ sauce as well)
  • Add 3 Tbsp. of flour to thicken (if you prefer thicker add additional corn starch)
  • Add your preferred Vegetable Medley, cook all together until hot

Mashed Potatoes

  • Once potatoes are tender, turn off burner and drain as much water as possible
  • Give all the potatoes an initial mashing
  • Add 1 stick of butter (room temperature-ish)
  • Add 1/3 cup milk (start with, add more if it is too thick)
  • (optional) add ¼ or ⅓ cup sour cream
  • Mash up again
  • Add salt, pepper and garlic powder (or additional minced garlic)
  • Mash up thoroughly and taste, add additional salt, pepper, garlic or butter if needed.

Combining Mixture and Potatoes

  • In a 9” x 13” baking pan spread flat the meat and vegetable mixture in the bottom of the pan
  • Then spread evenly the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat and vegetable mixture
  • If you are saving for later, cover and place in the fridge.
  • If you want to eat now, place in an oven preheated to 400 degrees.
    • Bake until the potatoes are a light golden brown or the mixture is bubbling.
    • This could take between 15 to 30 minutes depending on your oven or if you refrigerated and waited for later.
  • Enjoy!