Secret Ambitions

I have a secret ambition to become a florist. I attempted to make that ambition a reality for a while, and now it is barely hanging on by a thread but that is a story for another day. Anyway my dear friend Laura is being wed this summer and has asked me to be her florist. Here are some of the pics of her bouquet I made this last saturday for her bridals.

 

Some of my other projects.

 

 

I know I am not a professional by any sense of the word but it is a nice hobby to toy around with. Perhaps someday I will fulfill my dreams of opening a flower shop, who knows.



Chia Power

No, this post is not about these guys (as much as I love the furry little fellas)

But rather, about these guys:

 

 

CHIA SEEDS

 





What I formerly believed to be a 'weird hippie food' type of thing, has turned into one of my favorite ingredients! Since I have been taking this online nutrition class I have started on a bit of a health kick. Notice I said 'a bit' I haven't given up my Diet Dr. Pepper or french fries or anything! Don't panic. But I have become rather interested in developing a healthier eating pattern.

Also you should know I work as a therapy aid at a rehab and nursing facility and so I see the repercussions of bad health habits in our patients every single day.

So between the class and my job I have realized I need to start being better.

Enough side tracking though, back to the chia seeds. Apparently they are considered one of those 'super foods'. Like kale, for instance. One tablespoon of these little puppies equals 20% of your daily fiber. So for people like me, who find themselves constipated all the time because they never eat enough fiber, this is like the holy grail of all foods. Another cool thing about them is that the longer they sit in liquid the squishier and bigger they get! They are incredibly absorbant and so they make great puddings and work well in smoothies and oatmeals. They are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy metabolism.

Here is a link to my current favorite recipe that includes chia seeds:

http://www.theyummylife.com/Refrigerator_Oatmeal

This overnight refrigerator oatmeal is delicious, delicious, delicious and the website includes all sorts of different flavors for it! My favorites have been the peach melba and the chocolate banana!

The only downside to chia is that like most health foods, they are expensive. I bought a little bag for like 12 bucks at Good Earth, but really even a 12 oz bag is gonna last you a long time because you aren't supposed to use cups and cups of it. You just throw on a teaspoon here and there to all your favorite recipes, and that is really all you need to enjoy the benefits of it.

Next I want to try quinoa! Has anyone had any success with cooking with this ingredient? Let me know your experiences.

Whoever is interested in starting healthier eating habits and really just a healthier lifestyle I recommend the blog - Undressed Skeleton. I came across it on pinterest one day and it is absolutely amazing. It is written by a girl who struggled with being overweight her whole teenage life and was made fun of horribly for it. Her blog is about her road to weight loss and good health and how she maintains it! Her story is truly amazing. Go check it out!

http://undressedskeleton.tumblr.com/mystory

Parties and Such

 

 

Yesterday was my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. So we threw a party for them. Conveniently it was close enough to the fourth of july that we were able to celebrate with fireworks. Can I get a hoo-ray?

 

Some of my fondest memories are those of my family get-togethers. The Abbott side is incredibly loud and opinionated and so gatherings with them always proves to be rather interesting.

 

My poor husband isn't used to so much ruckus though, hopefully he doesn't disown me.

 

Also today I tackled not one, but two pinterest recipes! Please hold the applause.

 

First off - fried zucchini...

 

 

Battered and deep fried in Crisco! Seems a little counter productive to my health goal of avoiding fried foods, but whatever. They tasted muy delicioso.

 

And secondly, these super good, quick and easy garlic knots:

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/198369558558435935/

Cooking has proved to be a challenge for me, among other things since I have been going to school and working full time, but I do really enjoy the days that I can actually prepare scrumptious dishes. We have been eating a lot of frozen stuff and fast food lately... so don't feel too bad if you don't ever get the chance to cook either!



Happy Independence Day

 

I am proud to be an American.

 

After all what would the world be like without hamburgers, cowboys and amber waves of grain?

 

Here's to all the many wonderful freedoms we enjoy because of those that have fought and sacrificed for it!

 

Summertime Blues

At one time I was motivated to do my homework. I would spend hours a night getting things done before hand. Now, that has all changed. I have skipped out on doing homework on monday nights for the past three weeks, I've refused to do certain assignments altogether and missed various online meetings. Intentionally.

This is kind of a pattern that has occured every semester since I have started college though, so I am not in the least bit surprised by my behavior.

I am awesome like that. I am also only three weeks away from getting my associates degree!! You can do it, Hannah. Hold out just a little bit longer.

Please enjoy this highly attractive picture of me refusing to do my homework. YouCam always accentuates my good looks, I think.

Thank you and goodnight.

Just Fishin'

 

 



I bought Nathan two brand spankin' new Cabela's campchairs for our (six month!) anniversary, so we decided to put them to good use and go fishing up at Tibble Fork Reservoir. For those of you familiar with Tibble, you will understand that it is usually crowded and the fishing is absolutely terrible. If you do catch something it is a small fry. People fish the crap out of this place and so the fish that are in there have attained some smarts and avoid your hooks and bait at all cost. Leaving you fruitless.

But we went up there. We weren't in it for the fish anyway, I'd like to think. We were just there to relax, and what a successful night of relaxation it was. No fish, but lots of good times.

Do any of you remember the game Roller Coaster Tycoon? I have recently had an itch to play it. I think I will go purchase myself a copy.

6 Months

Well we have officially hit the six month mark of our marriage! Not very long in the grand scheme of things but we try to find any reason we can to celebrate so I will consider this a major milestone.

I feel as though the older I get the faster the time flies. I hope it doesn't go too fast. I want to enjoy life each second it gives me, especially with that sweet husband of mine.

Being married is awesome. They say that the first year is the hardest, and I suppose that is true in some aspects. Learning to share everything about yourself and your life with another is not always these easiest thing, but I have found marriage to be more rewarding and satisfying than any other experience I have known. Marriage puts you through the ringer sometimes, but that is a good thing because you come out more refined. I have to admit that some of my weaknesses have been magnified lately, but it has helped me to realize what I need to do to change and so I feel as though slowly I am becoming a better person through my marriage. Also the fact that I am on birth control makes my emotions go crazy and I feel as though I have become a slightly more aggressive person as a result, but we're working on it, haha.

I would definitely recommend marriage to anyone, but a word of caution, it is hard work, it is not easy, it is emotionally, physically and spiritually trying at times, however if you are willing to put in the effort you will find that the results are magnificient.

I love my husband, I love being married. It is truly the best.

Love you sweet pea.