August Update... Sourdough, Core 4, Beautycounter

This has been a summer for the books.  We have focused on relaxation, spending quality time, and being present in the moment.  B and I are thinking very hard on starting up a business for our crafty stuff, and hope to debut a few pieces / projects at our Annual Gumbo Night next week!

We have been busy in prep the last few weeks!  Cleaning, weeding, baking, woodworking, and so much more!   We can't wait for our guests to see what we've got in store this year!


Adventures  in Sourdough

One of my co-workers mentioned they were craving good artisan rosemary garlic bread.   I may not be the best bread maker, but I love a challenge.
Sure I could have taken a course, gone by the book -but that is not me.  Trial and Error seems to be the way I learn best.   Suffice to say I've learned a lot about sourdough the last few weeks.  I have a wonderful starter in my fridge that is waiting to be fed, and have made some epic biscuits and crackers, some dense door stop breads, horrible pancakes, and some wonderful muffins.  but we're not done!   This is a life long dream to be able to make good bread from scratch - without all the additives needed for commercial baking.  Sure it doesn't last as long - but it's just as good!

Who knows what will come out of our oven next!


Core 4

Maybe you have heard of her.  Steph Gaudreau has written a great book - The Core 4.  I've been following her on social platforms for years, and I love her message.  It's not about diets, it's not about meeting society's definition of normal.  It's about embracing your own strengths and not beating  yourself up cause you don't fit the mold that society thinks you should.  The focus on lifestyle changes, the holistic view of shifting the way you see yourself, the way you train with a more integrative approach - it's what I needed.

Of course eating good foods comes into play and she's got some great recipes from the Stupid Easy Paleo days.  Then this happened.  Baked egg cups with ham and green onions.  So yummy, a perfect breakfast bite!!

She is an inspiration and I love watching her lift with huge weights!    I don't plan on doing big lifts - it's just not for me, but I took a first step by purchasing my first kettleball.  Check her out, you won't be sorry!

Todays daily affirmation is: I will be my own amazing person and be enough for those around me. 

Beautycounter Update

I wanted to give an update on my Beautycounter tinted foundation experience.  The first day I used it, I took it off.   When you look at the ingredinet list - and if you know me - you know why.  There was a potential reaction to some of the ingredients.   I put it on, smelled it and thought - OH NO!  But I gave it a try anyway and so far I've not had blotchy red skin from the orange oil.   It could just be my skin issues, but when I just use this foundation, it dries quickly and looks like it's clogging my pores.   So I came up with a solution.

I use a base of coconut oil first, then I apply two fingers of foundation.  This way my skin is softened and after application, it looks smooth and with that little bit of tint that it needs!  I have freckles and sun spots, I have red marks from where I have to pluck hairs every day (thanks to PCOS), I have hairy cheeks and no I can't shave it unless i want to grow a beard (again, thanks PCOS).  I just need light coverage.  I am learning to live with my skin issues and I think I've found my solution with beauty counter.  I don't want to look like I've applied makeup with a paint brush. I'm a woman in her 40's and I'm not afraid to own up to that.

The end result?  I am very happy with my purchase!   It's not easy for me to drop $40+ on an unsure thing - but I'll be back for more!!  Next up may be the mascara. :)


Morning ramble over, now back to my prepwork for next weekend.  Enjoy!

New Years & The Changes

You may have heard about it.  But I'm officially an "upriver" gal.  I no longer live in the hubub of the city, but amid cows and dirty 4x4 trucks, and that makes me happy!! Concrete is a great little town and I'm excited to become apart of this small community.

Things have changed with Books N Brew.  We had a great Christmas offering, and since everyone was surprised this year with their Soda Breads, we're planning on making an Irish Stew and making our Soda Bread Mix, so stay tuned to see how it turns out!!  We'll provide the step by step pictures, but the tasting is remaining at home.  As you guessed it, our annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner will be limited, as I just don't have the room for 30 people.  So, I hope you get an invitation, and if you do, please make sure to RSVP!!

I have not bought any new books so far this year, but I'm rereading quite a few.  I've decided to reread all of my Stella Cameron books.  For those that don't know, Stella Cameron is a Washington Author, but the series I have are based in Louisiana.  I'd love to have her do up a series about the North Cascades.  I'm sure we've got enough stories and drama around here to keep the rest of the world entertained!!

Wedding plans are coming along. . . We're planning a simple & elegant wedding.  A down-home shin-dig that is comfortable and relaxing.  Just telling y'all now, boots are required!! Seriously, you won't want to break your ankle in spike heels!  The only and solid ground is on a patio we are not using!  So you can call this the Sturdy Shoe wedding!!

My New Years Resolution is to blog at least once a month, letting y'all know about what we're reading, cooking, creating, and the plans for our wedding!!!

Until then, keep on cooking!!

The end of an era. . . and the start of a new Adventure

So it's Official.  I have a new job.  After 12 years of working with Ventura products, I'm moving onto new challenges and adventures!

Many of you who may view this may not know me well.  But those of you that do know me, you understand that this decision was not made lightly.   I started with Ventura products in 1999 under Hoppe & Associates.  Mr. Hoppe gave me a chance and to this day, he still credits me with keeping the product afloat in North America.

It has been an honor to be the customer service person for Ventura products and Avon Tyres.  While it's been two years since I worked with Avon Tyres, they are as much apart of me as Ventura is.  Working with both products, I've traveled around the USA, made lots of friends, and created tons of memories!!  Come on, who remembers my crazy summer campaign of "Show us Your Rack"??  That was a good one!  I still wanted one for Gryyp Products that say "Get Screwed!!"  But no such luck as of yet.

So what's going to happen with me?  I'm getting married next year and I want to live with my soon to be husband, and I'm not willing to commute to Lynnwood daily.  So I've found a new job, and it's not in motorcycles.  I won't say who my new employer is, just that it's in the medical field.  I'm really excited for this new opportunity!

What's going to happen with Ventura MCA?  Max and Jesse have been in "Amy Training" since late August.  While they won't need to don the blonde wig and proclaim "I'm the Amy Now!", I'm fully confident that they will continue to provide the best in customer service, product support, and give awesome technical advice!!

I wanted to say Thank you to my friends and customers.  It's you who have made me into the woman that I am today.   My wonderful motorcycle family, I will always cherish our great memories.  From IMS shows, to the races at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway to hanging out on the porch at Deals Gap to drinking wine at Rally Week in the Gorge and getting kicked off the docks in New York.  We've had great fun!!

Thank you to everyone at Dold Industries, Avon Tyres, Kenma AU, Motohaus, Ventura MCA, IXIL, Sound Rider, Dave Preston, Advanstar, and so many other companies and friends I've made over the years!


Wish me luck on my next adventure!

Happy Trails, and remember my friends, keep the rubber side down!!

Amy

September 2010

I haven't updated this wonderful blog with all the things I've been doing. What have I been doing, you ask? Fishing, Camping, Cooking, and most of all, having great adventures! I've come up with a few good new recipes. For example, for those that are cutting pasta, how about Turkey/Pork Meatballs in quick tomato sauce with Spinach? So yummy! Or Fruited Coleslaw with apples and peaches? It's fall, so my taste buds are yearning for stews and soups. I've got corn, potatoes and peppers. Harvest Corn Soup? You'll be the first to see it!

Also, the Books part of Books N Brew has improved! I've added a new addition to my living room, which now allows me to house more books and display them with the rest of my trinkets. Pictures to be added soon!

My health is a priority for me. Especially with mild cholesterol issues, weight issues, and the fact that I'm an ex-smoker trying to have as healthy as an immune system as I can. Sustainable living isn't for everyone, but I do my best to use local, organic, and as natural as can be. Next up will be about Full Circle Farms, my new CSA. And of course a shout out to the gals at Cafe Ladro, where I pick up my box every week. Can you say hot tea and granola? It's the best!

Stay Tuned!

Amy
Books N Brew