lessons learned

One week into my 20 day yoga challenge and so far, I've made it to the studio 4 times. Which means I've got 24 days left to make it to another 16 classes. Oh jeez, the pressure! But I've learned a few things about myself in the past week...

1. 106 degrees with humidity is hot. REAL hot. Hotter than any room should ever be.
2. Making it to the studio is the hardest part.
3. Doing hot yoga all the time means I'm actually doing laundry all the time. It might be time to invest in some new clothes.
4. I'm not very good at meditation (I made this list in my head while laying on my mat before class yesterday...oops)
5. The first rush of cool air into the studio after class is one of the most refreshing and uplifting feelings there is.

Between lots of yoga and all sorts of spring produce for dinners, I'm feeling pretty wonderful. I've been cooking out of the Kitchen Garden Cookbook lately and it's made me excited for dinner every night...keep an eye out in the next couple days for my new favorite meal based on one of the recipes from the book. Maybe this will be enough to finally keep me going this time!

I'm one of those people who starts things. A lot of things. Projects, hobbies, interests...I currently have a half-knit sock started, the beginnings of a quilt, and all the ingredients for a pretty impressive meal that may or may not get cooked.

But then I get excited about something else and loose focus for a little while.

I've been doing yoga on and off for years...since the beginning of my dancing days way back when. I love the way yoga makes me feel after a class-so pure and clean and ready for anything. And yet, it always seems to be such a struggle to get myself to the studio (isn't that always the way it is with working out?!).

This month is all about new beginnings and fresh starts. With that comes a new level of commitment to the things I love, including yoga. So here we are...the beginning of May. This month will be all about my sun salutations, savasana's, and a whole lot of sweating. As nice as it'd be go every day, I just don't thing that's realistic. Who doesn't want to set themselves up for success from the very beginning?

And so begins 20 days of yoga. They say it only takes 17 days to make a habit, right? Well let's see where this month gets me.

what a month

Holy cow. I can't believe I've already been in Seattle for a month...it's flown by so much faster than I thought it would! It's odd, even though I feel as though I've barely been here, I've already got my favorite grocery store, a regular coffee shop, and a daily route to work. In some ways, I feel like I've been here forever.

It's a strange thing...moving to a city where you don't know anyone. I was prepared for it to upset me more than it has. I was all ready for lonely nights and homesick days. But in all honesty, it really hasn't bothered me. It's actually quite lovely-being on my own schedule, not having to work around anyone else. If I want to go for an adventure and explore the city, that's up to me. If I want to stay in my pj's all day, that's okay too. Eventually, I'll meet some people and start having a social life again. Until then, I'm pretty happy in my little corner of the city.

small spaces inspiration

Did I mention that my new apartment is itty bitty? I'm about to lose somewhere around 200 sq. feet from where I live now...where are my shoes going to go?! Which means I've been scouring Pinterest and Ikea for ideas about how to organize my life a little more. Re-decorating: my favorite part of moving.

1.  The Cottage Market

2.  Apartment Therapy

3.  Flex Inredning

4.  Faksimile

5.  Automatism

giving up sunshine for rainboots

It's official. In two weeks, I'll be giving up the Rocky Mountains, snow days, excessive amounts of pine trees, zero humidity, 300 days of sunshine each year, and my home for the past 22 years.

Instead, I'll get Puget Sound, lots of green, excessive amounts of caffeine, more than 300 days of rain and clouds each year, and a new and exciting adventure.

I can't wait.

I'll be trading in my cozy apartment for an even cozier one (read: small. really small). I'll be starting work at a new store with new people and a new job. I'll get to find new coffee shops and restaurants and yoga studios.

And it's all only two weeks away! Which means it's time to start packing. Sadly, "craft things" get packed first, followed shortly by "kitchen things". What in the world am I going to do with myself in my spare time without those two?! Pack "bathroom things" I guess...I'll try to stay as creative as possible, but that get's harder and harder to do when you're surrounded by boxes and packaging tape.

This also means it's time for some small space inspiration. And a trip to Ikea! I can't wait for the unpacking part...it's my favorite part of moving!

Anyone have any suggestions for things to do, places to go, and things to see in Seattle? Send them my way! I'll need as much advice as I can get.

chunky corn chowder

Holy blizzard! Definitely didn't see that one coming this weekend. I opened my curtains on Sunday morning to a white and frozen world.

Snow days always make me want one thing...soup. And ice cream. But then again, most days make me want ice cream. This is a great soup for a cold day. It's chock full of veggies, comes together quickly, and has a little bit of spice for a kick.

This recipe made 4 meal-sized servings of soup. It would probably serve 5-6 if it's served as a side dish instead.

Chunky Corn Chowder
adapted from Weight Watchers

2 yukon gold potatoes
1 clove garlic
1/2 yellow onion
2 cups or 4 ears of corn (fresh or frozen both work great)
1 red pepper
6 oz. Canadian bacon
2 cups milk
1-2 tbsp cooking oil
Salt and pepper
Hot sauce or sriracha
Sour cream and cheddar cheese (optional)

Rinse and dry your two potatoes. Pierce them with a fork a few times. Microwave on high until they're tender, about 8 minutes, flipping over halfway through. Once they're done, let them cool, then peel and mash them with a fork. It's ok for them to be chunky!

While the potatoes cook, chop your vegetables and heat some oil in a large saucepan on medium-high heat. When the oil's hot, saute the onions and garlic until the onions are just becoming soft, about 2 minutes.

Add in the celery, corn, and red pepper. Saute for another 5 minutes or so.

Stir in the Canadian bacon, milk, and potatoes. Mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and the hot sauce of your choice. Mine was decently spicy and I probably used about a teaspoon of sriracha.

Cover your pot and let the soup simmer about 10 minutes. Stir it every so often-you don't want it to boil. Serve and top it off with a spoonful of sour cream and a bit of chedder cheese and you've got yourself a hot meal for a cold night!