(sigh)

"If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I am living for, in detail, ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully for the thing I want to live for."

"When you do something noble and beautiful and nobody noticed, do not be sad. For the sun every morning is a beautiful spectacle and yet most of the audience still sleeps."

"If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise."

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October 25, 2012.

It's snowed! And it's actually quite beautiful.  I think I understand now why people in Colorado get excited for winter.  I know it's only the first day but so far winter seems much more like something you live and lavish in as opposed to something you dread and brave through (Midwest). 

In light of the winter weather I had a warm things party with cupcake wine, homemade butter recipe from my best fran Megz, baguette, cherry chocolate vegan chili, and lemon cake! The crock pot makes for awesome meals to share with friends.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Chili

1 can kidney beans (drained)

1 can black beans (drained)

1 can pinto beans (drained)

1 bag frozen corn

1 can crushed tomatoes

1 bag frozen edamame

1 can vegetable broth

4 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons coriander

1 heaping tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon almond extract (for cherry flavor)

Instructions

So. Simple.-- Put everything in a crock pot and let sit for 8 hours. Done! I tend to like a lot of flavor so if you want a milder version just tone down the spices a bit! 

Variations:

pumpkin- Sub pumpkin beer for vegetable broth and omit cocoa powder and almond extract

traditional- Omit almond extract, corn, and edamame, and add buffalo, bison, or the meat of your choice. Drizzle some honey and wala!

spicy fire- omit almond extract and cocoa powder, add 2 diced jalepenos and siracha sauce. boom.

So get out your crock pot, french press, tea pot, and let's celebrate winter in fashion!

Je suis Elizabet

I've been feeling a little french lately which inspired my unallocated shopping spree at the world market today....  

this French beignet recipe is on my mind (especially since it's made with kombucha squash), can someone please make it for me? I have realized I get really excited about recipes but having a mini fridge and toaster oven makes things a LITTLE difficult. 

and my goodness, J'aime la mode francaise!

Excusez moi, venez avec moi au Francais?!

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 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

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It appears that it is all around us.

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Read: “When you experience uncertainty, you are on the right path – so don’t give it up. You don’t need to have a complete and rigid idea of what you’ll be doing next week or next year, because if you have a very clear idea of what’s going to happen and you get rigidly attached to it, then you shut out the whole range of possibilities.”

- Deepak Chopra

Make: a tent

Listen :Sea of Love, Cat Power

Feel: Exceptionally free

Taste: BOXCAR COFFEE

See:Biutiful

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It's been too long! Sorry 17 blog audience followers.

What I've been up to:

Reading intriguing articles on GRIST

Listening to new music like Angus Stone, The Jezebels, and Boy and Bear. Check it out!

Making homemade CHAI TEA BAGS (that actually taste good?)

Learning how to food process my very own Lara Bars. We made honey cashew ginger and almond date coconut, but go crazy!

Reading a World Watch book titled 'Eat Here,' I may say I recommend this!

Experiencing Taste of Colorado in Denver this past weekend

+ running (shuffling?) up a mountain, working too much, attempting to make sushi, and drinking lots and lots of caffeine. I think it's good to be busy to a certain point, but maybe this week was a bit much! I am pretty lucky that I was still able to enjoy lots of good things though!