Do you like movies? I sure do. Movies are awesome. We presently don’t own a TV and so our computer stands as our connection to the world, via Netflix and network sitcoms. I’m going to digress a moment here and share that I LOVE not having a TV. Why you ask? Because there is very little I would watch. Please tell me I’m not running solo on this one. If I could pay for a few channels I would consider getting a TV (comedy central, food shows, HGTV, HBO, Discovery, and AMC for our unhealthy addiction to Mad Men). So after the kids are tucked away in their beds Scott and I race toward the computer (lap top) let out a collective sigh, relax in the comfort of our bed, and watch what we want. It’s perfect. We like the same sitcom comedies and so we watch those, then we move into Netflix when we run out of our catching up. When it comes to movies there is a divergence in preference. Scott likes anything. I do not. And this isn’t a gender thing. Case in point, my girlfriends run the spectrum of movie preferences. From super thriller horror blood and guts everywhere, to mysteries, to the documentaries, to the Indis, to the romantics. I simply prefer a certain kind of movie and that is of the comedy variety. I have very little interest in blood, thrillers and anything having to do with Aliens (so gross). I have a friend that shall remain nameless that loves those Saw movies. I secretly believe she needs to see a therapist. But for me, it’s not those romantic comedies that get pumped out like a clichge romantic comedy replicating machine. I’m talking slapstick, stupid, raunchy, over the top hilarity. And I don’t like to feel confused when I’m trying to relax with a movie. I’ve been known to get lost within the first 5 minutes, and it’s like what, how did I lose this so quickly? I’m educated and I can’t follow this freaking story line. Movies that require note taking, decoding and a separate computer to research facts is not my idea of relaxing. Oh yes, then there’s the pestering Scott every 2 minutes about what’s going on; and sometimes I’m pretty sure he’s confused too, but won’t admit it, and so I’m on to you pal. Life confuses me enough. I will pay Sudiko if I want to figure out a puzzle. Just give me raw humor in any shape or form and I’m happy
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Happy Holidays To You!
Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy Holiday, full of laughter and love!
Best Wishes,
–Amber & Family
(Check out my Mom’s crazy Nutcracker collection there to the left!) 
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Giving Thanks
Well we are off today on our first long drive as a family (7 hours). I’m very curious to how this is all going to go – I’m pulling for manageable. I’ve found a few tricks for our short journeys (the grandparents all live out of town, but nothing over a 2.5 hour drive). So I have prepared yummy goodies, activities, fun CDs, stories on CDs, some car games and if things get ku-ray-zee I will bust out the portable DVD player (that I just bought yesterday at Target, on sale – woot). We usually don’t travel on Thanksgiving, but it feels right this year.
Have food sensitivities- will travel!
Having food sensitivities and food allergies makes things difficult when traveling in general, but more so when you’re traveling on one of the biggest food days of the year. Arg, I can’t help but feel anxious about the food situation. But I take control, get real and bring food with me. This year I’ve made two desserts: these brownies and a delicious carrot cake with a vegan/sugar-free frosting (that I will share with you very soon); a side favorite (honey roasted sweet potatoes with apples and pears); my cranberry sauce; pan seared green beans with an orange sauce; and gluten free dinner rolls (from my local gluten-free bakery). I know the turkey will be okay to eat, and I’m sure there will be a salad. So, I’m good and Ethan will be fine. My husband is so great about bringing me back down to a “breathe, everything is fine, it’s all good” place and I love him so much for that. We are a great match in that way.
This year I feel grateful for so many things…
My sweet, wonderful, supportive husband
My two amazing, magical children
My loving family
My fabulous friends
And my fabulous new internet foodie friends
And my fabulous new internet foodie friends
My health on good days
My body for pulling me through the tough days
A roof over my head and access to healthy food
Clean drinking water
Clean drinking water
Our beautiful earth for providing us with nourishment and life
And for special days like this.
Singing with my kids, enjoying each other and cherishing the moment
Singing with my kids, enjoying each other and cherishing the moment
Have a Wonderful, Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Be Well,
–Amber
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Gift of Tea
I’m a tea girl through and through. I drink tea like my coffee loving friends drink their beloved coffee. Tea has been a real life saver for me though in many ways. When I was pregnant with both my children a cup of chamomile tea would somehow calm my Crohn’s flares. And if you know what a flare feels like, you know how wonderful it is to find something to decrease that pain. I have a weakened digestive system so I frequently rely on peppermint and ginger tea as a quick and effective digestive aid. To calm my nerves I love a cup of chamomile and lavender, for clarity of mind, Rooibos, and for a pick-me-up I adore a smokey green tea or Herba Mate.
I can’t think of a better gift than the gift of beautiful, healing tea!
The above picture is something I quickly put together.
Total cost was about $5.
I went to my local Coop and searched through the loose-leaf teas. I found a nice middle road green tea and a herb/fruit blend. I purchased a cup or so of each and mixed together. I dressed the tea with a beautiful organic lemon and a fun stainless steel mesh tea infuser. This would be a super fun gift for the tea enthusiast or otherwise. This would also be a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or your child’s teacher.
You could certainly expand on this idea and create a more involved tea gift. Some ideas include:
*A jar of healing local honey
*An adorable glass tea pot
*Sweet little honey spoons
*Little glass jars for loose teas (I love these)
*Books about tea
*Vintage tea cups
Shared on: Gluten-Free Holiday over at Tasty Eats at Home
Posted by at 3:13 pm
Labels: Uncategorized.
11 Comments
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November 18, 2011 at 6:22 am
Hi There Julie~
Thanks!
Have you tried the RSS feed (top left). Let me do some research and find out more about the emailing. I know there is a way, as I receive blog updates via email from some bloggers, but I don’t know how to get that going on my blog (off hand).
(stay tuned)Thanks,
–Amber -
November 26, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Totally love this idea, Amber! Just pinned and shared on Facebook.
xo,
Shirley -
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May 8, 2012 at 1:33 am
love this! i am a huge tea addict and love this idea for gifts! now have to come up with some of my favorite combos…
noosh.-
May 8, 2012 at 2:30 am
Yeah, a fellow tea lover!! We need to stick together Noosh! Everyone loves coffee…so I need my tea loven’ peeps!
I have to say, I gave this as gifts for the Holidays and they were all very, very well received!
Hugs,
–Amber
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Leave a Reply
Hope you had a safe trip…I am thankful I am NOT traveling! With three young kiddos and a 100 pound dog it seems nothing short of a 3 ring circus anymore! I am also thankful I do not have to dodge any foods with the kids…always a challenge on trips! Happy Thanksgiving my friend.
Wow, they are so cute and engaged–love it! What a sweet post, Amber. Thanks so much for sharing what you are thankful for.
I am thankful for you and your positive spirit and sweet support of me and so many others.
Hope the Thanksgiving visit goes really, really well! xo,
Shirley
Hi Tessa~
I can’t imagine traveling with 3 kids and a DOG!! Oh my. Well things went well on our end. We celebrated an early Thanksgiving on Wednesday to accommodate some busy family members. The food situation went great, thankfully! I have to say, I love it when I get the opportunity to expose family and friends to alternative versions of traditional foods. The brownies were a hit and the carrot cake was gobbled up. Felt so good giving these healthy treats to kids, “Go head, have as many as you want!” I’m sure your day went well, and I have no doubt you made a magnificent meal for your family.
Gobble Gobble
Hugs,
–Amber
Hi There Shirley~
Thanks for your kind words!! Time is going by so fast. My daughter lost her first tooth last week and all of a sudden I had a flash of her graduating from high school!! I know it’s all gong to fly by. I try and savor all the sweet moments I can.
Shirley, you are such a treasure in the gluten-free community. So many people are very thankful for you and your wonderful blog. It is truly a warm and welcoming place for all… such a comfort! Have a relaxing, peaceful weekend! Take Care.
Hugs to you,
–Amber