First Fire of the Season!
Our pretty, little, Christmas Tree
A Christmas wish!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Mmm..erry Christmas!
Ding round 100...or so it feels like it! Nothing like another huge, Minnesota snow storm to kick off the holiday baking festivities. Good thing that I had all the ingredients, I'm not sure that the Jetta would have successfully scaled the mountain at the end of our driveway. But what better way to spend a snowy Saturday?
Let's get to the baking....
Let's get to the baking....
Mmmm...Joe's favorites! I sure wish I was wrapping myself with the cookies and taking a little plane ride to California too!
Mmmm...my favorite and oh so easy!
And Last but not least! The crowd favorite this season...
OREO BALLS!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sharing the Christmas love...
Very Merry December! In honor of the holiday/list making season and as a way to spread some love, I thought I'd pass along a list of my favorite things. I've officially transitioned from perusing wedding blogs to a more "wifely" kind of pursuit...cooking and decorating! Martha Stewart you better look out. With the help of my friends...here is a list of my favorite blogs to visit! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
http://www.101cookbooks.com/
http://makingitlovely.com/
http://theletteredcottage.net/
http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/
http://makingitlovely.com/
http://theletteredcottage.net/
http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/
http://cocokelley.blogspot.com/
http://marleyandlockyer.blogspot.com/
http://pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com/
http://coconutsandlimes.blogspot.com/
http://joeyandlana.com/
http://housedoctordk.blogspot.com/
http://laurejoliet.com/blog/
http://puregreendesign.blogspot.com/
http://www.simplyseleta.com/
http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/
http://www.cococozy.com/
http://www.houseofturquoise.com/
http://simplygrove.com/
http://www.inthefunlane.com/
http://www.justagirlblog.com/
http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/
http://marleyandlockyer.blogspot.com/
http://pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com/
http://coconutsandlimes.blogspot.com/
http://joeyandlana.com/
http://housedoctordk.blogspot.com/
http://laurejoliet.com/blog/
http://puregreendesign.blogspot.com/
http://www.simplyseleta.com/
http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/
http://www.cococozy.com/
http://www.houseofturquoise.com/
http://simplygrove.com/
http://www.inthefunlane.com/
http://www.justagirlblog.com/
http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/
http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/
http://eatdrinkpretty.blogspot.com/
http://eatliverun.com/
http://followstudio.blogspot.com/
http://www.honeyandjam.com/
http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/
http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/
http://www.sparklingink.com/
http://www.annesage.com/blog/
http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/
http://www.wild-and-precious.com/
http://www.younghouselove.com/
http://eatdrinkpretty.blogspot.com/
http://eatliverun.com/
http://followstudio.blogspot.com/
http://www.honeyandjam.com/
http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/
http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/
http://www.sparklingink.com/
http://www.annesage.com/blog/
http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/
http://www.wild-and-precious.com/
http://www.younghouselove.com/
Friday, November 19, 2010
Off to Boulder for the weekend!
Yay! We can't wait to get there...so ready for a Buff win, great friends and a little birthday celebration!
See you soon!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Mmm...Doughnuts!
Two weeks ago we came up with our first of many million dollar ideas! I know...we have big dreams. We got to thinking after sampling some mediocre doughnut holes from Cub, that the Twin Cities is lacking a great, old fashioned, doughnut shop. So we got to researching, business planning and most importantly...baking! Let's just say, we need to continue our research and a few baking classes may not be the worst idea. So raise your coffee mug...cheers to round one!!!
Making sure we had all the correct ingredients...
Improvising because we definitely didn't have a doughnut cutter, but various size juice glasses kind of did the trick
The looked pretty yummy...
However, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!
So re-fill that coffee mug...here's to round 2!
APPLE CIDER DOUGHNUTS!
- 3 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon(s) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon(s) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon(s) powdered buttermilk
- 3/4 teaspoon(s) cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
- 2/3 cup(s) milk
- 1/4 cup(s) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup(s) instant espresso powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup(s) sugar
- 1 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cup(s) vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 teaspoon(s) nutmeg
- 2/3 cup(s) apple cider
- 1 tablespoon(s) cinnamon
- 3 cup(s)
Directions
- Make the batter: Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, powdered buttermilk, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl and set aside. Combine milk and butter in a small bowl; add espresso powder and stir until dissolved; set aside. Whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until thick -- about 2 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, alternately incorporate the flour and milk mixtures into the egg mixture until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
- Make the doughnuts: Turn the dough out onto a generously floured work surface. Flour the dough and roll it out to about 3/4 inch thick. Cut doughnuts out of the dough using a 3-inch doughnut cutter and transfer them to a baking sheet. Gather dough scraps, reroll, and repeat cutting doughnuts until all dough is used. Chill doughnuts for 30 minutes.
- Fry the doughnuts: Heat about 4 inches of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet fitted with a thermometer over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350 degrees F. Fry the doughnuts three at a time for about 2 minutes per side or until golden. Remove doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack. Repeat with remaining doughnuts. Once cooled, top doughnuts with Creamy Frosting, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve immediately.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wedding Pics are Up!
Here is my favorite so far... Thank you again to David and Colby http://colbyelizabethphoto.com/blog/, you did an amazing job! We're so lucky to have such talented and spectacular friends capture our day!!
I think this is my favorite!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Just a little preview...
Just thought I would share a little bit about our favorite Colorado Photographers and great friends David and Colby! I met David and Colby in college, actually just after they had gotten engaged. Since then we have become really great friends spending some great times in both Colorado and California...we are so, so lucky to have such great friends and photographers to capture our perfect day. With that said...here is a little preview to hold you over. Can you even wait for the rest? I sure can't! Thanks David and Colby, we LOVE you guys!
And just for fun, here is a little bit about Colb...in her own words.
When I am shooting I see the world differently through my camera. I get an indescribable feeling inside, I come alive. There is something about capturing ordinary things through my lens and making them beautiful. It is my art. I have many layers. I am a country girl and a city girl. I'm a lover, a fighter and fiercely loyal. I live for traveling to new places and seeing new things. I am a dog person...and yes, until I have a child of my own, my 85 pound black lab will be considered my baby. I am married to the love of my life and best friend. I feel so lucky to have him as my second shooter and right hand man in running this business.
And a little bit about their studio...
Colby Elizabeth Photography is as much about the experience of taking a great photo as the photo itself. We strive to create real relationships with our clients and are a studio that works with you directly throughout the entire process, and beyond. We want to be a part of your lives, not just one event, but the string of events that make up your story. We are here to make certain that in 5, 10 or 20 years you can look back at your photos and experience the emotions you felt at that moment. That is what we do, in a vibrant, fresh and timeless way... your. moment.captured.be sure to visit soon.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Just wanted to share...Namaste
This morning, I was feeling a little restless in my cubicle, which prompted a FB status update to the lottery and my request to win it. About 2 minutes later I got a comment from a yoga instructor that lives in Mpls. Anyway, she then sent me a facebook message about how life is short and how important it is to be happy in the moment. I really liked it so I thought I would share...
Happiness is THE WAY
One of my favorite quotes is from the Dalai Lama - "There is no road to happiness. Happiness is the way". I truly believe that happiness exists within all of us and strive to live this way-each and every day.
Ben Stein provided commentary on CBS Sunday morning - How to Live: Follow Your Heart- Risk Be Damned - his advice to graduating students. In the commentary Stein talks about the fundamental difference between unhappy people and happy people:
Unhappy people let others talk them into careers that were not them, careers that were not what they wanted to do. They end up complaining about it to their psychiatrists.
Happy people "made a decision to live"...to do what their hearts told them to do. They took risks...tried a lot of different things until they got where they wanted to be. As Ben put it, "this very often means working incredibly hard and living on the edge. But it gets you to where you can look back on your life and say it wasn't wasted. Choose to live a life you want to live, not one that's safe or what someone else thinks you should do."
"Decide to live." Wise words Ben Stein. As I watched the piece, I kept thinking of parallels to something I had heard before. Finally it came to me - Steven Jobs' Stanford Commencement speech from 2005-of his philosophy on life. In his commencement speech, Jobs told 3 simple stories.
He dropped out of college, lived with friends, collected bottles, and ate weekly at the Hare Krishna temple - while at the same time auditing classes that interested him. Ultimately this led to Mac offering a universe of font types. Jobs has made the most of his life by drawing on his experiences. "...you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something--your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever--because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well-worn path, and that will make all the difference."
He got fired from Apple - and turned that experience into a chance to start NeXT and Pixar - because startups and technology was his passion. "Sometimes life's going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love, and that is as true for work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking, and don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it, and like any great relationship it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking. Don't settle."
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, only to find it was a rare form that was treatable vs. incurable. From that he learned that time on Earth is limited, to not waste it living someone else's life. "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important thing I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life, because almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." Jobs' parting advice to the audience - "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish."
I'm often asked questions about Marianne Wells Yoga School and yoga teacher training more generally. How many graduates actually teach? How many open their own studios? How much money can they expect to make? All very good questions that miss the mark in my opinion. Sure you've got to pay the bills - and most do go on to teaching yoga - but I believe the greatest value of my yoga teacher training lies in developing a greater understanding of one's self while also learning to develop this understanding of self in others.
Many attendees of my school use the training as a way of determining whether their current job or place in life is right for them. It's their way of developing a life experience from which they may draw upon in the future - their own dot connecting process. One student from a few years back just recently left a very unfulfilling corporate position to open his studio. Many use the training as a building block for careers in non-profits, counseling, therapy, personal training, life coaching and education. Many continue on the path to deeper self study. Some leave stale relationships. Others strengthen and renew relationships, or commit to new ones.
Been thinking of attending a yoga teacher training? Of changing careers? Of starting the journey of self study? The Upanishads state that "it is easier to act yourself into a new way of feeling than feel yourself into a new way of acting." You must find ways to feed your creative source, your spirit. As your consciousness expands, you will become a better person than you ever thought you could be. Act now, for I truly believe that when you know yourself very well, you will know what you love to do. When this happens, life is much easier, simpler, and happier.
Happiness is THE WAY.
Namaste,
Marianne
Happiness is THE WAY
One of my favorite quotes is from the Dalai Lama - "There is no road to happiness. Happiness is the way". I truly believe that happiness exists within all of us and strive to live this way-each and every day.
Ben Stein provided commentary on CBS Sunday morning - How to Live: Follow Your Heart- Risk Be Damned - his advice to graduating students. In the commentary Stein talks about the fundamental difference between unhappy people and happy people:
Unhappy people let others talk them into careers that were not them, careers that were not what they wanted to do. They end up complaining about it to their psychiatrists.
Happy people "made a decision to live"...to do what their hearts told them to do. They took risks...tried a lot of different things until they got where they wanted to be. As Ben put it, "this very often means working incredibly hard and living on the edge. But it gets you to where you can look back on your life and say it wasn't wasted. Choose to live a life you want to live, not one that's safe or what someone else thinks you should do."
"Decide to live." Wise words Ben Stein. As I watched the piece, I kept thinking of parallels to something I had heard before. Finally it came to me - Steven Jobs' Stanford Commencement speech from 2005-of his philosophy on life. In his commencement speech, Jobs told 3 simple stories.
He dropped out of college, lived with friends, collected bottles, and ate weekly at the Hare Krishna temple - while at the same time auditing classes that interested him. Ultimately this led to Mac offering a universe of font types. Jobs has made the most of his life by drawing on his experiences. "...you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something--your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever--because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well-worn path, and that will make all the difference."
He got fired from Apple - and turned that experience into a chance to start NeXT and Pixar - because startups and technology was his passion. "Sometimes life's going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love, and that is as true for work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking, and don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it, and like any great relationship it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking. Don't settle."
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, only to find it was a rare form that was treatable vs. incurable. From that he learned that time on Earth is limited, to not waste it living someone else's life. "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important thing I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life, because almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." Jobs' parting advice to the audience - "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish."
I'm often asked questions about Marianne Wells Yoga School and yoga teacher training more generally. How many graduates actually teach? How many open their own studios? How much money can they expect to make? All very good questions that miss the mark in my opinion. Sure you've got to pay the bills - and most do go on to teaching yoga - but I believe the greatest value of my yoga teacher training lies in developing a greater understanding of one's self while also learning to develop this understanding of self in others.
Many attendees of my school use the training as a way of determining whether their current job or place in life is right for them. It's their way of developing a life experience from which they may draw upon in the future - their own dot connecting process. One student from a few years back just recently left a very unfulfilling corporate position to open his studio. Many use the training as a building block for careers in non-profits, counseling, therapy, personal training, life coaching and education. Many continue on the path to deeper self study. Some leave stale relationships. Others strengthen and renew relationships, or commit to new ones.
Been thinking of attending a yoga teacher training? Of changing careers? Of starting the journey of self study? The Upanishads state that "it is easier to act yourself into a new way of feeling than feel yourself into a new way of acting." You must find ways to feed your creative source, your spirit. As your consciousness expands, you will become a better person than you ever thought you could be. Act now, for I truly believe that when you know yourself very well, you will know what you love to do. When this happens, life is much easier, simpler, and happier.
Happiness is THE WAY.
Namaste,
Marianne
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Pumpkin Treats
Muchas Gracias for the KitchenAid Mixer we received as a wedding gift from our friends parents! Love it!
Pumpkin Mookies (yes that's a combo of cookie and muffin)
Ingredients
* 1 cup canned pumpkin
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 egg
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon milk
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions
1. Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
2. Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts.
3. Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm (I ended up baking them for closer to 13 - 15 minutes).
Saturday, October 9, 2010
All things new...
Yay! We're back...after a whirlwind few weeks of marrying, dancing the night away, name changing and honeymooning I think we've finally started to settle into wedded bliss. Gosh I love my husband! (Ha...kind of fun to say!) We're having a blast, but in celebration of the name change we thought we should change the blog name too, since I'm no longer "officially" a Reichow. So here's the debut of the new blog. Welcome to our new home.
Here's a little recap of some of our honeymoon adventures and a list of our favorite places we visited in Kauai. We were so spoiled and had an absolute blast. One last shout out to our parents too...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU again for making our day perfect! Your generosity truly amazes us and we are so thankful!
Here is a link with the rest of our pics...
Here's a little recap of some of our honeymoon adventures and a list of our favorite places we visited in Kauai. We were so spoiled and had an absolute blast. One last shout out to our parents too...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU again for making our day perfect! Your generosity truly amazes us and we are so thankful!
We also fell absolutely in love with a few spots in Kauai and couldn't help but share...so the next time your in Kauai don't forget to stop and visit!
In no particular order...
Java Kai (This was our favorite, little breakfast stop, super great coffee and even better banana macadamia nut waffles, they'll change your life!)
Next stop on our culinary adventure...Mermaids Cafe in Kapaa. Very budget friendly and hands down the best black beans I've ever tasted...I had the fish tacos and Barrett had their famous seared ahi wrap, a special blend of garlic, jalapeño, lemon grass, kaffir lime, basil, and cilantro, then wrapped in a spinach tortilla...MMMMM! But careful, if you blink you'll miss it!
We figured we better find a way to burn up all of our stored energy, so we hiked the Napali Coast. My most favorite part of the whole honeymoon! 6 hours, 8 miles and a 300 foot waterfall!
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