Totally Tay

Tay's Tips for Perfect Steak

2012-01-27T07:43:00.001-07:00

You're welcome.

1) Gather your tools.
2) Turn on some great tunes.

3) Select a nicely marbled piece of ribeye from your butcher.
4) Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Brush with olive oil.
5) Cook in a cast iron skillet. Seriously. Just do it. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, find one at your local thrift store or invest in a new one. So worth it.
6) Heat the cast iron skillet on high for five minutes.
7) Turn the heat to medium high and cook on one side until the juices pool on the top side of the steak (around 4 minutes for medium rare).
8) Turn the steak and cook on the other side for three to four minutes (for medium rare).
9) Remove steaks from the skillet and allow to sit for five minutes. Don't be freaked out if you cut into the steak as soon as its done and it looks to rare. The steak will continue to cook while it sits.

10) Pair with vegetables with both strong texture and flavor. I generally go with sauteed mushroom, onion and asparagus.

11) Enjoy your finished product with a hearty red that may or may not describe the current mood you're in.

Oh, snap.

Stamp Giveaway

2012-01-26T06:00:00.005-07:00

After finding an incredible designer for my blog/personal business card, I knew that I needed a solution to incorporate both my personal card and our restaurant business card for Alt Summit. After all, I attended the conference for both personal reasons and for our restaurant and didn't want to favor one over the other. The solution I came up with was to combine both cards in a Kraft Paper envelope (purchased here) and find an adorable stamp to use so that I could customize the envelope in order to stay consistent with both my personal card and our restaurant card. (whoa. run on sentence much?)

I found Trial by Cupcakes on Etsy and knew they could help me accomplish my goal. I was thrilled with their product and decided to order a stamp. Laura, of Trial by Cupcakes, was so helpful and helped me brainstorm the best design for my stamp. She not only gave valuable input, but put a rush on my order and got the stamp to me just in time for Alt Summit, despite my last minute order.

The card combination was a hit (pats self on back) and was even featured on Kirtsy's feature on The Business Cards of Alt. Holler!

Lucky for you, Laura has generously agreed to host a giveaway for your very own stamp! The stamp I purchased for my cards is actually an address stamp (example below from Laura's Etsy Site), so you can either do an address stamp, or simply a name stamp (like mine).

Or perhaps you'd rather have a stamp with your name, web site and email?

In order to enter the giveaway, please leave a comment on this post AND like my facebook page. For extra entries, feel free to blog, tweet or post on facebook about the contest. Just send me a link to your post(s) and I'll add an entry for you.

You must enter by Tuesday, January 31. The winner will be announced on February 1st.

These stamps are so well done and easy to use! They would make an incredible gift for your favorite letter writer (or keep it for yourself. I promise I won't tell). Please be sure to visit Laura's Etsy shop to check out her other darling items. I love the wedding maps! Such a clever idea.

Good luck!

Happy Chinese New Year

2012-01-24T11:06:00.002-07:00

Happy Chinese New Year. The timing for this annual event could not be more perfect. Thank you, moon, for making your lunar new year right after two of the most valuable things I've ever signed up for; the Blue Lily workshop and Alt Summit. I arrived home yesterday afternoon and went straight to work until around 8:00. When I got home, my first instinct was to bust out my laptop to edit photos and write eleventeen blog posts. My brain, however, so full of ideas and inspiration, had turned into a pile of mush. And if there's anything I learned while at these amazing conferences, it's that I need to make my work valuable and original. So, I will come back soon to give you re-caps of the most creatively inspiring weeks of my life. I'm going to take this week to think about where my blog is going. Fun and creative new things are coming. This is a time of renewal and resolution. I'm so glad that the moon agrees.

Stay tuned.....

Blue Lily Teaser

2012-01-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Pals.

I attended the Blue Lily GoPro photo workshop in Encinitas this weekend.

My one word sum up of the weekend: Amazeballs.

I'm still SLOWLY editing all of my photos. I'm using photo shop now (yay!) but it takes me a very long time. Here is the one photo I finished editing......

If you've ever thought of attending one of Wendy and Tyler's workshops, DO IT! It was so fun, so interesting and so informative. I haven't laughed that hard in such a long time and my brain feels like it's going to explode. I met people I know will be in my life forever (seriously. my fellow workshop attendees are rad and I'll always stay in touch with them. not to mention how incredible the Blue Lily team is.) and I can't wait to use my sick new photo skills to shoot some wicked sharp photos.

Alt Summit starts Wednesday so posting will be light, yo.

Age

2012-01-03T06:33:00.001-07:00

Quickly approaching 30, aging is often on my mind. On the day of the Iowa caucuses, I got to thinking about the 2012 presidential race and how fascinated I am with how quickly being the president ages our leaders.

I was perusing President Obama's facebook fan page and did a comparison.

2008

2012

Wow! What a difference. I wonder what internal impact of such a stressful job might be?

Check out this interesting slideshow on the Presidents' photos at the beginning and at the end of their terms.

**photos of our president taken from his facebook page

Sick!

2011-12-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

I caught my mom's flu on Christmas day. Sad! Aside from being in bed, the holiday weekend was great! So many nice gifts, wonderful food (until the bug got me) and lots of fun with friends and family.

More pictures and updates once my head/nose/stomach chill out. Until then, I'll be sniffling and drinking my favorite Trader Joe's tea trying to get through my work day.

Hope your holiday was wonderful!

Winds & Grey

2011-12-19T12:16:00.001-07:00

We've been having Santa Ana winds the last few days. I think they make everyone crazy and I hate them.

My nose is running, my eyes are red and my skin is dry. I feel unsettled and unfocused and I swear its the winds fault. Did you know that there is an increase in homicides and suicides during Santa Ana winds? It's true. They bring positive ions that disturb peoples' moods. Runny noses and grouchy homicidal people? Yuck.

On Saturday, I decided to walk away the funk. No alcohol this time, it was 9 in the morning. I decided to take our dog along, but once we got outside the rain clouds made our walk seem like a bad idea. I tried to get Ted (the dog) to come back into the house, but once you've told him he is going on a walk he refuses to come back into the house.

So despite some rain drops we played ball instead. I also shot some great photos of him that will make the perfect gift for my dad and step-mom. Later, we drove to pick up a sandwich for lunch and COMPLETELY forgot about Ted's issue with windshield wipers. It was an interesting lunch run to say the least.

Blog Makeover

2011-12-16T09:12:00.001-07:00

I thought that with Altitude Summit coming up I should spruce up my blog a little bit.

Thanks so much to Sarah of xoSarah for coming up with such a great design. She took all of my random thoughts and turned them into exactly what I was imagining. She was really easy to work with, finished two weeks ahead of schedule AND was very affordable. She is also a circus performer, which is rad.

I'll definitely be working with her again!

Thanks to Kathleen of Jeremy & Kathleen and Braid Creative for suggesting her.

**the above photo is one I snapped of Stella a couple of days ago. It has nothing to do with the blog re-design, but isn't it the most adorable photo? She looks like a little Christmas caroler cartoon.

A Walk to Remember

2011-12-15T07:22:00.008-07:00

Allow me to preface this story with a message to those people who walk their dogs and have no control over them- I'M SORRY. I used to judge you and your arms, which I assumed were weak and atrophied. Too scrawny to handle a lab? HA! Get to the gym, slackers. That's what I used to think. Until I met Major.

He is enormous. And strong. He is the Jethro Bodine of dogs.

Major is my mom's boyfriend's dog. I have been the victim of Major incidents before last week. I've been to Howie's (mom's boyfriend) house many times. I've been hit in the leg with bruise causing tail wags. I've been almost knocked over by the rambunctious dog bounding through the house. But I'd never taken him for a walk. Until last week.

Howie went out of town and asked us to watch/walk Major. 'No problem!' I said cheerily while my mother gave me a look of warning.

The first few nights Howie was away, my mom walked Major. I had late work nights and by the time I got home my mom would have already walked him and would be recovering on the couch with an ice pack on her shoulder and a weary look on her face. 'Ha!' I would say. You're not strong enough to walk a DOG?

Then, we got home at the same time one night.

The conversation went like this;

Mom- 'Let's get some exercise! I need to walk Major.'

Taylor- 'Okay, that sounds fun on this crisp winter night!'

Mom- 'Do you want red, white or champagne?'

{what, you don't drink while exercising?}

Taylor- 'Champagne. Duh.'

Mom- 'Perfect. We'll walk to Howie's house, pick up Major, re-fill our champagne and walk home with the dog.'

We did just that. Let's just say that the first part of the walk was more enjoyable than the second.

There was lots of arm jerking, yelling and champagne spillage. Never okay.

When we got back, my mom decided that she needed a photo shoot with the dog.

These photos make me pee my pants EVERY time I look at them. They are hilarious and show Major's personality so well.

Cheers!

Stella Lee

2011-12-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm an aunt!

My sister had her baby on Monday evening.

Stella Lee arrived at 5:46 and was 8 pounds 2 ounces.

We're all completely smitten with this little lovie.

She looks EXACTLY like my sister did when she was born!

**blogging will be light for the next week or so. Blog makeover time!

Holiday Recipe

2011-12-05T17:19:00.001-07:00

Whew! I'm back. I went to LA for a few days to help some new parents and their nanny with their preemie triplets and my blog totally got away from me.

Again.

Here is a recipe that I made for an appetizer this Thanksgiving. It is SO easy to make and tastes fresh and delicious. It won't leave you feeling weighed down like so many holiday favorites. Also, it's Christmas colors! Very fun.

Cilantro Pesto Crostini

Pesto Ingredients:

1 bag of frozen peas (defrost by running under warm water in a colander)

1 bunch of cilantro

2-3 cloves of garlic

3/4 cup of parmesan (1/2 cup will go in pesto and 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top)

1/3 cup olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

Crostini Ingredients:

1 baguette or 2 ciabatta loaves

1/2 cup olive oil

salt and pepper

Instructions:

Thinly slice baguette or ciabatta.

Brush with olive oil.

Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper

Bake in a 300 degree oven until bread reaches desired crispiness level.

Combine all pesto ingredients in food processor EXCEPT for 1/4 cup parmesan and cherry tomatoes.

Allow crostini slices to cool, then spread with pesto mixture.

Halve the cherry tomatoes and place one or two on top of each crostini.

Sprinkle with snow (parmesan cheese)

Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:14:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I was up late last night cooking a HUGE amount of my favorite holiday dish, creamed corn.

My family has used this recipe for years, minus the msg.

What are your favorite holiday gifts and traditions?

Fab

2011-11-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

I have developed a major addiction to Fab.com.

Have you joined this site? They have so much fun stuff! And, it is so reasonably priced. I wake up every morning so excited to check my iPhone app for the new fun things they're featuring that day.

The boxes above are just the shipments I've received this week. It's getting out of control. It's a good thing I am homeless. Otherwise, I would have no money for rent, food or clothes. I would just be surrounded by fun stuff from fab.com

I've done the majority of my holiday shopping using their site. They have a 100 gifts for under $100 portion of their site right now that has so many great finds!

My brother is such a difficult person to shop for and I have a plethora of gifts for him. So many that I'm giving some to my mom to give to him.

It's crazy, yo. Click on this link to join and say good bye to all of your disposable income.

Life Update- Work part 2

2011-11-22T09:47:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite parts about my job, besides working with my family, is the food photography.

It's so fun playing with my 50 mm lens and the gorgeous natural light in the restaurant.

Two of my photos were even used in a local paper. It was a big day for me.

I'm attending Alt Summit in January and am SO excited to imrpove my skills. And to meet some of my favorite bloggers like Jason, Kathleen and Ryan.

A group of fellow attendees who 'met' in a webinar last week have started browsing each others blogs so that we can get to know each other before the conference.

Check out their web pages and show them some love!

Amanda
Caryl
Emily T
Emily W
Jeanne
Laura
Katie
Marie
Shannon
Jordan
Melanie
Amy
Melissa
Becca
Colleen
Kait

I'm excited to be in the company of such talented people and can't wait to meet them in person!

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I'm starting to gather (very last minute) *I Believe* blog posts. If you'd like to participate this year, please email me! Ltkalander(at)gmail(dot)com.

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Photos are of our;

catering menu
sweet potato fries with bacon chive aoli
shishito peppers
butternut squash ravioli

Life Update- Work

2011-11-21T10:27:00.002-07:00

Fall Foliage at the Red Table. What is the Red Table, you might ask? Oh, just the delicious restaurant that my mom opened. I do their marketing and social media. Here is our website, twitter feed, blog and facebook page. Just in case you'd like to become a fan.

If you're in Southern California, please come visit us! The food is incredible. It's a daily struggle for me to not become a two-ton-person who can no longer fit through doorways.

*I started a facebook fan page for my blog. You can find it here!

*photo taken with the iPhone istagram app. Are you instagraming? If so, my username is totallytay.

Life Update: I am homeless

2011-11-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

When the opportunity to work for my mom's restaurant came up I moved from Palm Springs to the coast. I haven't found an apartment yet because;

1) There is talk of opening another restaurant or two in 2012. The possible locations have ranged from Ventura to Dana Point, which is at least a two hour span of Southern California. I'm going to wait until we break ground on our next location to decide on a place to call home because I HATE commuting. When I lived in Arizona I made sure I never had to drive more than 20 minutes in traffic to get to and from work. I'd like to keep it the same here.

2) Apartments at the beach are expensive and I'd like to put off paying rent as long as possible.

For the time being, I'm bouncing between my mom's, my dad and step mom's and my grandma's. When one gets sick of me (usually my dad) I move on to the next.

It's kind of annoying because I like having all of my things in one place, but it is totally worth the trouble for the money I am saving.

Baby Love

2011-11-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

So, let's start with some big news. 

I'm going to be an AUNT! 

Little sister is pregnant. She and baby daddy surprised us with the news in February and we are thrilled. I already love this baby so much it's crazy. She is arriving in about one month. CRAZY! 

It's a girl.  

Her shower is this weekend and I can't wait for the photos. It's going to be very pink, very chic and very bubbly. She requested a very non-traditional cocktail party shower. We're going to party, yo.  

Little sister is pretty clueless when it comes to baby stuff. Luckily, she has a seasoned veteran (me) to help her. I feel like I'm about as close to being a mom as you can be without actually being a mom. 

She has done some pretty funny novice stuff that has made me want to laugh and cry simultaneously. 

Example 1: She and baby daddy thought that babies couldn't see for a few weeks after they were born. Like a puppy, or something. 

Example 2: She didn't realize that the baby could move around in the womb. She thought its back was attached to the wall of the uterus. Seriously. 

Example 3: She listed me as her co-registrant on her baby registries. I had to call and explain that while I do consider the baby to be partially MINE, she should probably list baby daddy as the co-registrant. 

Example 4: She uses the belly bands I bought for her as tube tops. 

There have also been a few things she has done that just make me want to cry. Like when she says she is going to, 'just give breastfeeding a shot, but she doesn't think it's going to work out because it gives her the creeps.' I'm praying that those maternal instincts kick in immediately and that she has a super easy labor and even better breastfeeding experience, but we'll see. 

It has been a true test of my patience to answer her questions and have conversations about these things. I am trying to be a neutral non-judgmental doula, but when it's my little sister the bossy big sister in me tends to win out. I'll be honest. I've yelled a few times.

Hey there, kiddos.

2011-11-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well hey there. How are things?

I am well.

I hope you are too.

I'm coming back. Starting today.

Lots of stuff has changed (new job, new city, new adventures, a few new outfits).

Lots has stayed the same (I still love booze, snowcones, butter and cussing. I'm still tall).

I'm about to dump the last year, or so, of my life on you in the next two months, along with some current happenings. Then, starting in January, I'll only blog about current events in mi vida. Unless I find some super sweet 80's youtube videos.

Looking forward to catching up with you all.

xo

Trip to Paris!

2011-06-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

I interrupt my blogging silence to tell you about the best blog giveaway ever. I'm sure you've already heard of it, but just in case you missed it go HERE to enter!!!

http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris/

p.s. I will be back very soon. I miss you all very much.

Guest Post

2011-04-07T14:37:00.002-07:00

Hello.

I wrote a guest post on Anie's blog!

You should read it.

Also, I can't find my camera cord. Boo.

I'm Back

2011-04-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'm ready to blog again. Here and on Oh So Cheesy. I have been neglectful, I know.

I moved all of my things from Phoenix to Huntington two weekends ago and I feel like I'm still recovering. It was an exhausting trip.

More on that this week.

Also this week? Posts on;

Christmas (yikes. that's late.)
Weekend road trip to San Simeon
Family Dinners

Music Monday

2011-04-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

This song is rad.

The dino is ok, I guess.

I had a fantastic time in San Simeon this weekend. Post coming soon....................

Reason #3,472

2011-03-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Reason #3,472 I love my mom's house:

She has fun things in jars on shelves like Smarties {they make you smart} and Veuve champagne cork tops. Kind of like a witch, but a good witch.

Routine

2011-03-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Since moving and accepting a position taking care of infant triplets, my life has fallen into a somewhat strict routine.

I thrive following a strict routine. It has been so nice and simplifying.

One of my favorite parts of this routine is eating breakfast. I have never been a breakfast eater, but I am really liking it now. Every morning I have fruit and oatmeal.

What do you eat for breakfast? Do you like routine or do you prefer to have a less structured day?

This is how the cool kids eat a mango.

random memories

2011-03-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl I was VERY particular about my candy. Now I am particular about everything, but that's another blog post.

I didn't like many types of candy and what I did like, I only liked certain flavors. For example, I only ate pink and orange starburst. The other ones went to my brother or in the trash.

I also only liked orange jelly beans. Every year, my grandma would pick all of the orange jelly beans out of the bag so that I could have exclusively orange jelly beans in the plastic eggs in my easter basket.

That is true love.

dumb

2011-03-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Do you ever do dumb things that make you really mad at yourself?

For example, spending $100 on super cute Happy New Year cards for your doula clients and colleagues and then NEVER sending them out even though you addressed them all?!?!

I am so lame. Now I don't know what to do with these things. It's too late to send them out, right? I don't want to throw them away because they are really cute! Maybe I'll just change the 1 in 2011 to a 2 to make it 2012. Anyone have a Sharpie? JK.

Imagine

2011-03-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

Before accepting my new job in California, I sat in my house with my favorite mug and thought about what I would be losing and what I would be gaining by leaving Arizona. I focused on the Emerson quote in my mug while sipping my tea. I know what I want from life and staying in Arizona is not a part of that plan. I knew I would really miss my friends (I have NO friends in my current city) and my house. I really miss having a space of my own. However, this job is providing me the opportunity to prepare for living the life I imagine. It feels wonderful to have my family an hour and a half away and I love seeing them every weekend. I feel peaceful and content with my decision to move and am looking forward to the near future when I can live the life I imagine.

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I would really like to start blogging more often, but I am taking care of babies for 12 hours a day 5 or 6 days a week. I feel like I don't have much to share. Not only am I not allowed to blog about the kiddos (understandable), but there are only so many 'I'm covered in spit up' posts you can write. I'll do my best to post more consistently. :)

I'm also posting HERE every week! Are you reading about the cheesy goodness?

love resolution

2011-02-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

'No, I don't think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That's what's wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.'

Valentine Resolution: Kiss more handsome men between now and Valentine's Day 2012.

Next year, my valentine will be a lovely tall manfriend.

I am tired of having babies and dogs as my Valentines.

That is all.

Music Monday

2011-02-07T06:47:00.001-07:00

I think this is a repeat....

moving

2011-01-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school, I used to check the weather page in the newspaper every day I was at my dad's house. After reading what the weather was going to be like for school, I would check the weather for San Francisco. I have always loved it there and have dreamt about moving there for years. Well, my dream came true! I have accepted a fantastic job and am moving home to California. I will be in Palm Springs for six months, then moving to lovely San Francisco. 

..........contented sigh...........................

When my cousin found out he texted, 'when you wish upon a star!'

I am thrilled. 

Blog posts will be sparse, as I have to pack my condo, rent my condo, cry good bye to friends and family in Phoenix and head West ALL in the next seven days. 

CRAZY! 

But good crazy. 

See you in California! 

I'm coming home! 

*photo credit

{p.s. I will be listening to this song and this song the entire drive}

My Vicious Cycle

2011-01-26T15:46:00.002-07:00

a new year harvest

2011-01-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

Oh look, just some broccoli that I GREW MYSELF! 

Ok, not by myself. With the help of Carol and The Judge. But still. Pretty cool, right? 

We only planted three plants. I didn't realize that you only got one broccoli piece per plant. Farmer Tay has learned her lesson. Next harvest? At least 20 plants. 

Because it was so delicious. I must have more.

So....

2011-01-12T08:09:00.003-07:00

So, um, now that the I Believe posts are done.....

.......does this mean I have to, like, start writing again? 

Hmmm.........

Daina Believes

2011-01-11T08:35:00.002-07:00

We have a straggler! Today's list is from a family friend, Daina. :) 

Enjoy!

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My list is an odd number kind of thing. And, I dedicate it to Taylor’s mom…

I love you Sammy!

· -I believe in drinking expensive champagne out of plastic cups

· -I believe reading opens the mind

· -I believe in “ponies”

· -I believe in listening and the power of touch

· -I believe in breaking the cycle

· -I believe in rocking in chairs during training sessions

· -I believe walking barefoot in the sand calms the soul

· -I believe in never judging – you never know when you will be walking in the shoes you have just judged

· -I believe in dancing

· -I believe in playing word games during staff meetings and giving hotel tours as it were the Louvre

· -I believe friends are like the ebb and flow of tides – sometimes they are in and at times they are out, be but they are never truly gone

· -I believe everything tastes better with fresh herbs

· -I believe magic sentences are the best when packed in a lunch box for school or work

· -I believe my day is complete when sitting at my very old dining room table sharing great food and wine with my family and friends

· -I believe in lipstick and scarves

· -I believe in no regrets and life lessons

· -I believe in Carpe Diem

· -I believe all problems can be solved during a “working lunch” at Joe Jost’s

· And last but not least… I believe we can pang if we want to!

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Thanks for sharing Daina! :)

{photo is of Daina and Jeff's gorgeous girls who wear my party dresses and ready my books. :) }

Oh So Cheesy

2011-01-10T08:38:00.001-07:00

Do you like Macaroni and Cheese?

Of COURSE you do!

Check out my new blog project with HSBFF Ney.

http://ohsocheesyblog.blogspot.com

I Believe

2011-01-07T09:13:00.007-07:00

Today's list is from me. 

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I believe there is no better free form of relaxation than laying on a raft in a pool in the summer. 

I believe in wearing a lot of sunscreen. 

I believe in reading every night before bed. Even if it's just a paragraph.

I believe in carrying your passport with you at all times. You never know when the love of your life is going to come up to you and say, 'Hello, I know we've just met, but would you like to go to Paris with me this afternoon?' You must be prepared for that type of occurrence.  

I believe in champagne.  

I believe watching your best friends become mothers is one of the greatest things I've ever been witness to.   

I believe in marriage equality and that if two consenting adults want to be married (regardless of gender, race, religion), they should be allowed. 

I believe it is our duty as humans to help, in some way, people who are not being treated fairly. 

I believe that there will never be a better way for me to relax than to swim laps.

I believe I was a mermaid in a past life. 

I believe in reading the newspaper.

I believe it is ok to try and fail.  

I believe in buying/shopping/eating locally. 

I believe in volunteerism and that people who volunteer regularly are happier and more content with their lives. 

I believe in closing your eyes when you take a bite of creme brulee. 

I believe in creme brulee. And macaroni and cheese. 

I believe that organized religion, sadly, is the root of most of the problems our world faces. 

I believe in peace and diplomacy. Always. 

I believe it is possible to forgive people and to not ever speak to them again. 

I believe this is one of my favorite quotes: "The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."   

I believe that becoming a doula and being present on the BEST day of people's lives has profoundly changed the way I view the world. I see more beauty and hope now because of those little babies.  

I believe I feel best in a dress. 

I believe in divorce. 

I believe in super soft mattresses, featherbeds, lots of blankets and a ridiculous number of pillows. 

I believe in Katharine Hepburn. 

I believe in Jeopardy and Crosswords. 

I believe in feminism. Not the type that is most commonly associated with the word, but the type that acknowledges and recognizes the feminine role to be as important and vital as the masculine role; in our homes, our relationships and our world. It is a necessary balance. 

I believe in defying traditional gender roles. 

I believe that traveling internationally is the best way to change your perspective for the better. 

I believe in my family. 

I believe in learning from the mistakes made by others in your family. I believe it is possible not to repeat them and to make your life better because of them. 

I believe in snow cones.

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Thank you all SO much for participating and reading. It has been a pleasure to host this series again. I look forward to next year.

**photo credit.

Bee Believes

2011-01-06T08:32:00.001-07:00

Today's post is from my grandma, Bee.

***************************************************************************

-I believe I am blessed with a wonderful and most understanding family. 

 - I believe Taylor is blessed with some fabulous, profound and fascinating blogging friends. 

- I believe in the power of prayer

- I believe good music soothes the soul

- I believe 2011 will be filled with new adventure and wonderful surprises

- I believe tears are cleansing and that it is ok to cry

- I believe a cup or tea or warm milk before you go to bed will help you sleep better

- I believe in candle baths with lots of bubbles

- I believe a walk in the fresh morning air keeps you healthy and helps to start the day. 

- I believe I am one of the luckiest Grandmothers in the whole world

HUGS....BEE

*************************************

Thanks for sharing Bee!

Check out Bee's post from last year here.

**I think this is the last 'I Believe' post?? Did I miss anyone?

Stephanie Believes

2011-01-05T07:53:00.001-07:00

Today's list is from my favorite Phoenix turned London blogger, Stephanie, from Letters and Lists.

I'm fortunate to know Stephanie for-the-reals and am SO anxious to visit her {and Jessica and Nicole} in London this summer. TK in the UK. Woot!

*************************************************************

I Believe...... in the form of an even numbered list because that's how I do:

1.  I believe in love....."Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love."

2.  I believe true friends make up your heart and soul

3.  I believe most problems can be solved with ribbon

4.  I believe most problems can be solved with wine

5.  I believe ribbon and wine go together like peanut butter and jam

6.  I believe jelly is bullshit

7.  I believe in marriage

8.  I believe confidence is sexy

9.  I believe I'd be lost without my family

10..  I believe people come in and, sometimes even more importantly, go OUT of your life at just the right times

11.  I believe everyone is slightly OCD in their own right. Some more so than others, obvs

12.  I believe that people who shorten their words are cool kids

13.  I believe in God

14.  I believe in the power of making lists

15.  I believe "the champagne's bubbles" should be the new "the cat's pajamas"....but not the new "bee's knees" because that one is a classic.

16.  I believe Tay's mom might agree with #15

17.  I believe it would be hysterical if a dog was named Linda 

{note from Tay- my mom will also like this one. Linda is my step mom's name. Bwahahahahaha.} 

18.  I believe I now need to pause and laugh at the thought of Linda the dog! 

19.  I believe you have to be in it to win it

20.  I believe it's okay not to smile all the time, it doesn't mean you're not a happy person

21.  I believe in glitter and rhinestones

22.  I believe in not having regrets

23.  I believe fellas should wear more cardigans, it's just a good look. Ask Mr. Rogers (a moment of silence please to show your respect)

24.  I believe winter wardrobes are way more enjoyable than summer ones

25.  I believe it's okay to have a loud decibel

26.  I believe in saying no

27.  I believe pumpkin flavored treats should be available all year round

28.  I believe most things in life happen for a reason

29.  I believe in singing loudly in the car

30.  I believe watching reality TV is not a reflection of your intelligence

**************************************************************

Thank you for playing! I am loving this list.

I am also loving the pink mustache. Way to bring it to Stonehenge.

Adri Believes

2011-01-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today's list is from my DDD sorority sister, Adri.

Adri cracks my shit up and I miss our days living in Mountain View. :)

****************************************

I believe…

…at 28 that it’s totally normal to talk to my mom every single day

…that you need to live in the moment and spend less time thinking about tomorrow

…that my dog’s paws smell like nacho cheese doritos

…that if it is not on PerezHilton.com, it’s not news ;)

…in a clean house, but not in the act of cleaning a house

…that every girl deserves at least one expensive purse and an expensive pair of shoes

…that flip flops should be worn all year long

…that laughter truly is the best medicine – especially laughter with snorts

…in following your heart, but making sure your head is on board too

…in the magic of Disney, -Walt, -land, -movies, -mouse ears, anything Disney
“All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney

…in friend dates

...in taking lots and lots of pictures

...in using your words passionately, wisely and intelligently

...in the New York Giants (even though they break my heart.....*sigh*)

...in reminiscing with friends and family...even though sometimes it's the same story over and over (I still love to hear it!)

...in MYSELF!

*************************************************************

Thanks for playing Aids!

{best animal Christmas card photo ever}

Summer Believes

2011-01-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

Today's list is from Summer, who I know from high school.

She was a senior when I was a freshman and I was friends with her little sister, Winter.

She used to drive us around in her convertible cabriolet {am I right on the car make?} and I used to feel so cool being driven around by a senior. :)

Know she has four adorable children and a very crafty fun blog.

****************************************

I believe a day begun with bacon and/or coffee is a better day

I believe taking out the trash is a man's job.

I believe something you made yourself is better than something else, unless that something else was made by someone who loves you.

I believe everyone has a gift to give, and when you are able to see the value of everyone's gift you love a little more deeply.

I believe my husband is my better half, but sometimes that's not saying much, and sometimes it's more than he deserves, but usually it's exactly right, and that's why we make a good pair.

I believe I never understood how God loved me until I held my own child.

I believe in watching cartoons on Saturday morning in bed.

I believe children can do more than you think, perceive more than you'd like, and forgive more than you deserve.

I believe laughter, chocolate, wine, and a good cry are better with a friend.

I believe in having a house where the inside doors don't lock.. but sometimes I wish I didn't.

I believe "What do you think?" Is the best way to answer a question you don't want to answer.

I believe in taking too many photos and then not deleting any of them.

I believe words are powerful and sometimes I am careless with them.

I believe in do-it-yourself. Conversely I believe in asking for help, and it has taken YEARS to come to this conclusion.

I believe children should dress for church, sit reverently during service, and smile at the elderly, but that doesn't make it happen,

I believe sometimes it's okay to bribe kids under 3, I mean 4 okay.. seven is definitely the cut off.

I believe you should kiss before you leave and say I love you because you just never know.

I believe the days can be long, but the years fly by.

I believe a thing worth doing is worth doing well, as long as your doing, if I'm doing it i will determine what degree of "well" is acceptable given the time and energy constraints I'm currently under.

I believe the best time of my life is everyday, if I want it to be.

*****************************************

THANK YOU for playing Summer! Your words and crafts inspire me and I can't wait to see what you have in store for the new year. 

{best kid family photo ever} 

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T12:19:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year friends. 

It has been an incredible year and I feel so fortunate to no longer be in the black hole that I was last year. 

This year has been challenging and fulfilling and I am so ready to CRUSH 2011.  

I hope your night and year is filled with fireworks, fun new experiences, champagne and love.  

Let's dominate this year, shall we?

xo,

Tay

Bridget Believes

2010-12-30T11:11:00.001-07:00

Today's post is from Bridget, a fellow Lumberjack, a friend of my brother and the proud owner of a shiny new BLOG. I didn't know Bridget when we were at NAU, but have loved hanging out with her recently!

She moves to DC in two days having never even been there {that's brave, yo} and I am so excited to see the wonderful things that I'm sure will come her way on the East Coast.

Enjoy!

***********************************************************

I believe whole-heartedly that everything happens for a reason (my mom taught me that).

I believe that I am happiest when I am surrounded by the people I love--even happier when we are all dancing.

I believe in always reaching out to talk about the things that are most difficult to talk about.

I believe in family and that my nephews are the cutest/best/most hilarious children in the world.

I believe in the healing power of a really good run or Zumba class.

I believe in the healing power of a really good piece of pizza.

I believe in listening to your newest favorite songs until 2am.

I believe in standing up for yourself!

I believe in volunteerism and doing something really good to improve the quality of life of others.

I believe in red lipstick and wearing more of it in 2011!

I believe in eating, drinking and shopping locally.

I believe in Steve Nash.

I believe in finding enjoyment in your job and being a good, reliable, hard worker. I believe this is one of the greatest lessons I've learned in my adult life.

I believe in feeling fabulous & classy while drinking a Tanqueray & tonic with a lime. I believe this is also the key ingredient to a really good karaoke night.

I believe in telling people how you feel. I also believe in moving on if they do not feel the same.

I believe in growing and learning through pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Scary, but necessary.

I believe that diets are a waste of time and energy. I believe they make you crabby.

Therefore, I believe in eating healthy and being good to yourself. I believe being good to yourself includes eating burritos.

I believe in never settling for a man. I believe the old cat lady option is better than that.

I believe that we all better learn to genuinely love ourselves. I believe that the power of self-confidence rules over all aspects of our lives.

*******************************************************

**photo stolen from Bridget's facebook page. <3 it. Thanks for playing!

Tracy Believes

2010-12-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

Today's post is from my favorite LA blogger, Tracy.

I love catching up on her acting, life and struggles {and overcoming those struggles} with the past. She is incredibly strong and shares her strength through her powerful words. We've also had some pretty great email conversations in which she has helped me through some ish.

Thank you SO much for sharing again this year Tracy!

************************************************************

I believe:

In the division of costs. As in: If I bought this dress for $200, but I wear it twice, then it really only cost $100. Also, if dinner was $30, but I had leftovers for lunch - voila! - it only cost $15. See how that works? I'm pretty sure men don't do this...

That kindness for the sake of kindness is the best gift you can give anyone.

Organized religion should help bridge the differences of others, not exacerbate them.

Chocolate fixes everything. If chocolate doesn't fix it, try eating cheese first, then chocolate for dessert.

Catching a stranger's eye and smiling is one of the most wonderful experiences humans get. Cherish it.

That we should all be proud of the supposedly "uncool" things we truly, absolutely adore. They'll be cool in a few years, trust me.

80's fashion is evil and looks good on no one except Rihanna, who would look good in bear suit. Speaking of which:

No, Lady Gaga, meat is not for wearing. Ease off the drugs, please.

It's the thought that counts when we try to do good things, and it's the action that counts when we try to do bad things.

That you shouldn't move in with someone unless you plan on spending the rest of your life with him or her.

In the power of breakfast in bed. And lunch. And dinner. And dessert. In bed.

People should hug something furry every day. If you have allergies to furry animals, hug a teddy bear, or a really soft blanket.

Sometimes it's okay to let people down.

That everyone should find three or four really good, deceptively difficult-looking but actually quite easy appetizer recipes, and bring those to parties for the rest of their life.

That life is what happens when we get up from our computers. The easiest way to blog is to live your life so that you have something to blog about.

************************************************

Link to Tracy's 2009 I Believe list.

Kelli Believes

2010-12-28T08:59:00.001-07:00

Today's post is from my favorite local blogger, Kelli. Her blog, African Kelli, is incredible and you should all be reading it.

Oh, by the way, she also wrote a great book that you should definitely add to your 2011 reading list.

*******************************************************************

I believe in the power of words. Words can wound, heal, cause laughter and tears, bring goose bumps to the back of your neck, a shiver down your spine and a rumble in your belly. 

It is with these words, that I believe a good book can be a friend on a lonely night, a traveling companion on a long ride, something to stick under a wobbly table leg, a reason to spend countless hours in a bookstore, a prop for a child just a wee bit too small for the Thanksgiving table, and a reason to trek to Egypt to see the greatest library of the ancient world. 

With words in books that fuel imagination, I believe all children should have a chance at a great school. In much of Africa, the lucky boys and the even luckier girls attend schools with dirt floors, limited space and expectations that are humiliatingly high. The importance of boys and girls in school, with books in hand and the power of the written word in their hearts-is a belief that fuels me. 

I believe girls especially should go to school-without the restrictions of uniforms, book expenses or any of the other bogus fees that often keep them away. I believe girls who learn to read, write and think critically become women who are selective of their mates, have high expectations and are better mothers, teachers and leaders. These are the women who will change the village, the nation and the world for the better.

I believe a healthier future for families globally starts with girls who are taught to read. Girls who learned to love words. 

In this, I believe.

*********************************************************************

Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful words and incredible photos, Kelli.

Mackenzie Believes

2010-12-27T08:29:00.001-07:00

Today's post is from my cousin Mackenzie who is wise beyond her years.

Enjoy.

********************************************************

I believe.

I believe in grace even though I have none.

I believe in walking barefoot in the rain with no umbrella.

I believe in Steel Magnolias.

I believe that we were all put on this Earth for a reason – even if that reason takes 85 years to discover.

I believe in food that makes your mouth water just to think about it.

I believe in the kind of love that sweeps you off your feet and never lets you go. The kind of
love that keeps you laughing through everything, good or bad.

I believe in skipping class and spending all day in bed.

I believe that it’s okay to want to be five years old even though you’re 25.

I believe in the power of God and prayer.

I believe in respect and dignity – treating yourself with it and making sure you give the same to others.

I believe in staying out all night with friends just so you can watch the sunrise.

I believe that everything matters.

I believe that there are things we can’t take back, no matter how hard we try.

I believe that women will always be little girls first – no matter how hard we try to not be.

I believe in flirting.

I believe that it’s hardest when family is the one who hurt you – but the reunion is the sweetest.

I believe in Christmas.

I believe in butterfly kisses.

I believe in chocolate and that it is the best bandaid.

I believe that this too shall pass.

I believe that talking for hours to your best friend over a bottle of wine is just as good as sitting for an hour with a shrink.

I believe that my mom can do anything and everything. She’s wonder woman.

I believe that my dad is the smartest, strongest, most amazing man that I will ever know.

I believe in laughter, pink, high heels, Audry Hepburn, chick flicks.

I believe in big trucks, mud, backwards baseball hats, ripped jeans.

I believe in me.

***************************************************

photo source

Tracey Believes

2010-12-23T09:05:00.002-07:00

Today's post is from my favorite Iowa blogger {and soon to be author. I'm on of her beta readers. Squee!}, Tracey.

Thanks so much for participating again Tracey!

**********************************************************

I believe:

in the healing power of wine and girlfriends.

in publicly announcing your goals, even if it might mean announcing your failure to reach them, too. 

that talent without hard work is talent wasted.

that making a Target run in my pajama pants, sweatshirt, and no makeup guarantees I will run into at least one former boyfriend, neighbor, and co-worker. 

that my children are my greatest accomplishment.

that eight solid hours of sleep will do wonders for your attitude.

in acting like a grownup when I should, and a kid when I can.

that it’s okay to work tirelessly toward your own goals, even if everyone has to accept that you’re a little less available because of it. 

that the universe has a plan for everyone.

that nothing is a coincidence.

that how you treat animals says a lot about you.

that books are cheap therapy.

that you can spend too much time on the Internet.

that there are two kinds of people: those who always answer their cell phone, and those who don’t even know where their phone is.

that Dave will rarely answer his cell phone because he doesn’t know where it is, and even if it’s in his pocket, he won’t answer because it will be on silent. 

that if I don’t cross my legs before laughing, sneezing, or coughing, I’ll probably pee my pants a little.

in supporting my kid’s dreams.

in not paying lip service to anyone.

that there are morning people and night owls and trying to convince either one to change is a exercise in futility.

that being perceptive will get you farther than being smart.

that sometimes it’s best to just shut your mouth.

in giving second chances.

that we’re all a little psychic if we really pay attention.

*************************************************

another great list! I love seeing how the lists change and stay the same from last year.

here is a link to Tracey's post from last year.

Believe. 

Ney Believes

2010-12-22T09:50:00.001-07:00

Today's list comes from my High School BFF, Neyleen.

We have rhyming names (ney and tay) and the same birthday.

Ney is a fancy attorney.

The photo above is from Neyleen's wedding. Do you like my Anna Nicole hair? I hope so.

Here is Ney's list;

I believe that watching a  sunset, smelling the ocean, and finding a beautiful seashell is perfection. 

My wonderful assistant, Irasema, believes that Santa has the power to 'off' people upon request. 

I believe that it is completely appropriate to show up to depositions with a bedazzled briefcase. 

I believe that love is mysterious, confusing, fulfilling, necessary and eye opening. 

I believe that family can be adopted, inherited, or borrowed if necessary. 

I believe that I am a super lucky person to have a friend like Tay Tay. 

I believe that at least one cocktail is necessary after work each day. 

I believe that work weeks should never be longer than 4 days. 

I believe that a Vegas trip should not last more than 24 hours. 

I believe that cheese, pasta, bagels and donuts are nutritious. 

I believe that I am not too old to take a photo with Santa. 

I believe that cabbage patches make the best of friends. 

I believe I will be a beautiful sea turtle in my next life. 

I believe I was Punky Brewster in a former life. 

I believe that the world no longer needs sharks. 

I believe that exercising is for the weak. 

I believe in the justice of jury trials. 

I believe in angels. 

****************************************************************

Thanks for sharing Ney Ney. I love you.

**I didn't send emails out this year asking for lists, so if you would like to write one please send it to me soon! We will have a very small series this year if we don't get some more in. :)

My Mom Believes

2010-12-21T09:39:00.001-07:00

{me and mom. notice my patty-cake hands.}

Today is the FIRST day of the second annual I Believe posts.

Are you so excited?

I am.

Today's post comes from my mom. She is coming to Phoenix today and I am so looking forward to her week-long stay.

Here is her list;

I believe in the transformational power of being still. 

I believe in champagne.

{I know I said this last year, but I really do believe in those bubbles} 

I believe that actions speak louder than words. 

I believe that to have a friend you have to be a friend. 

I believe in hand written notes and sending them through the US mail. 

I believe that someone somewhere knows the whereabouts of my missing gym bag (since 1992-h e l l o)

{note from Taylor- she still blames me for losing it. I swear I never saw the damn thing}

I believe that all people really need is love, but that sadly some people just can't accept it. 

I believe that please and thank you are NOT the magic words but that the really magic words are the ones that encourage and support. Like, "I know you'll make the right choice," and "I'm SO effing proud of you," and "I'll sleep with the phone next to my bed if you need me at three in the morning," and, "I love you," and, "that sucks hard," and, "I am so happy to see you,"....oh wait..... those are more like magic sentences. 

I believe that everything happens for a reason. 

I believe that honesty is the best policy. 

I believe in puffy hair. 

I believe in using too much Downey in the laundry. 

I believe in pockets because they help you when you are nervous, keep your hands warm when you are cold, are OH SO CUTE and sometimes they produce surprise money.  

********************************************************

 Last year's I believe post from mom. 

The mom ketchup post. 

Mom funny post. 

Another Mom funny post. 

{There is still time to send me your I Believe list!

Ltkalander at GMAIL dot COM}

I Crack Myself Up

2010-12-13T17:20:00.001-07:00

I wasn't even drinking when I ordered these.

hearts.

2010-12-08T07:19:00.001-07:00

My mom sent this card to me a few months ago. It has earned a permanent place on my bedroom mirror and in my heart.

If you are so inclined, call your senator and encourage them to repeal DADT.

Woo!

2010-12-07T09:33:00.001-07:00

Hey look!

I guest posted on Woo.

http://www.michellewoo.com/2010/12/07/things-that-make-me-say-woo-by-totally-tay/

More guest posts for awesome bloggers coming soon............

Have you sent your 'I Believe' posts in yet?

Friday Updates

2010-12-03T12:50:00.001-07:00

Well hello there bloggy friends.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I have helped with two births, two weeks in a row. Thanksgiving and shopping and candy-cane-mainlining have also kept me from the blog.

The births went very well. They were both difficult and were awesome learning experiences. I was able to use so many of the tools I've learned but haven't practiced, so that was fantastic. 

Want to see the babies? 

Go to the official Baby Love Doula facebook page to check them out. 

http://www.facebook.com/#!/babylovedoula

So, how are things with you? 

Are you busy writing your I Believe lists? Are you finishing them up and getting ready to email them to me? I sure hope so, because I have only received one person's list and ONE list does not a series make!

I have been feeling super Christmas-y this year. Carol and I are working hard on decorating their house for the arrival of mom, grandma and brother.  We are super pumped for the holidays this year. I even went shopping on Black Friday AND Thanksgiving night (just to Michael's on Thanksgiving night for some essential Christmas craft supplies) which I have never done before. 

More soon, I promise. 

In the meantime, start writing your I Believe lists! 

xo,

Taylor

music monday

2010-11-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

music monday

2010-11-23T13:40:00.001-07:00

hullo

2010-11-19T13:14:00.001-07:00

The computer system I use to do my job is down in our office {oh darn!} so I thought I would check in with a 'lil post about life. 

I have been doing really well lately, FYI. I have been a good visualizer, planner, eater, bill payer and grown up. Also, I have been telling people NO {which I've NEVER been very good at doing} and I have been telling people when I am feeling overwhelmed. Especially at work. And I am the girl who usually strives to be the #1 worker bee who can handle anything and who never has too much stuff to help someone out. And I've been telling co-workers, 'hey, I have a ton of stuff to do, can you please help me?' It's a good feeling to be good at life. 

Do you know why I think I am doing so well? My doula training. Seriously. Being in this world {the birth world} has taught me so much about life and coping and how to get the best out of your experiences with what you have. It has taught me to change positions when I am uncomfortable {literally or figuratively}, how to deal with {and respect} people who handle things differently than I would choose, to take deep breaths before I make a decision, and how to nurture and take care of others by FIRST nurturing and taking care of myself. That, my friends, is the most important lesson I have learned. 

I have been good at not feeling guilty for not calling people back, for cancelling my mom's trip to visit me because I needed some down time and for taking days for myself. My goal is to eliminate my feelings of guilt that persuade me to do things I don't want to do. Nietzsche would be SO proud. 

I am a better and happier person because I am a doula. Better to myself. Better to friends, family and strangers. 

And that makes me very happy. 

Our system is back up. 

That is all. 

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Be kind to yourselves.

p.s. did you read this post from Meg Fee? It spoke to me.

After Hours

2010-11-18T06:07:00.003-07:00

I'm often the last one at work. 

Not because I am working long strenuous hours, but because I often arrive late. Then I have to stay late. It's not very fun.

One rainy day a month or two ago I was the last one at the office and decided to take a little photo tour. 

Here are my findings;

I think that this should be my last name {pronounced bossy}. If it were, I would sing the Kelis song all the time. And I would make people get stuff for me. 

There is a woman in my department who collects ducks. Her desk has very little work related material because there is only room for the ducks. She features a new duck every day. I want to hide all of her ducks. No one would ever suspect me.

She also has a boyfriend named Tom the Tool Man. Not to be confused with Tim the Tool Man. Tom the tool man bakes cakes. I think his name should be Tom the Cake Man. He doesn't have air conditioning in his house. In Phoenix. Forthereals. 

Duck of the day. 

This is my inbox. 

Rain 

That is all.

karma

2010-11-16T13:52:00.006-07:00

Remember when I hid from the bug man? Well, I never did have him come back. So much for preventive maintenance. I got in the shower last week (this is one the traumatic things that happened to me that I said I would discuss with you in my last post), picked up my loofah and a motherfuckingcockroachjumpedontomyBOOB! 

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you done screaming/convulsing/running around the room in a hot panic? 

No? Still going? Ok. 

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, now that we've calmed down....... I shall continue. 

In the .42 seconds it took for me to figure out what was going on and kill the cockroach, I contemplated the following options;

-run out of the shower and house to get as far away as possible from the pervy cockroach. naked. 

-immediately run to the kitchen to boil bleach for a boiling bleach bath/steel wool exfoliation to ensure all cockroach germs are gone. 

- suicide by a combination of drinking my medicated shampoo (my scalp gets itchy sometimes. don't judge)/hanging myself with my shower curtain/slitting wrists with Shick Quattro to ensure a speedy death and relief from the image of a cockroach on my left boob. 

These are the other thoughts racing through my crazy little brain; If I breastfeed my future children from that side, will they turn into cockroaches? Is my implant just going to deflate because it is so grossed out that it was near a cockroach?  I would, if I were an implant. {in my head, implants have brains} Am I going to think of this incident every time a guy feels me up? Not that I'm felt up often, but it does happen from time to time. {sorry mom and grandma} I can see it now!

Dream Date: smoochXOsmoochXOsmooch.

Tay: Um, you might want to steer clear of the left one. A cockroach jumped on it this one time.

Dream Date: I have to go home now.

Tay: Sad face.

Moving on. 

After scouring myself with hot water, a washcloth (loofah went in the trash, natch) and antibacterial soap, I called Orkin. They said they would come to my house Monday morning and they NO SHOWED!!! 

Karma, people. Karma. 

{side note, Orkin is not the company I called before when I didn't answer the door, so it's not like they knew that I sometimes don't answer the door for bug people.}

***********************************************

Now, for some random weekend photos. 

Funniest card ever, right? 

Would you like to live in my glitter globe? I will let you. 

I grew this lettuce! Straight from Dothager Acre. It tastes so delicious. 

Next project.........

SO excited to be an apiarist. 

music monday

2010-11-15T15:40:00.002-07:00

I Believe

2010-11-11T08:09:00.001-07:00

Hello Pals, 

Remember last year's 'I Believe' posts? 

Well, I'm doing the same series this year. 

Hooray! 

Don't remember the 'I Believe' posts? Click here to read them all. 

Please let me know if you'd like to participate! I don't care if you have a blog, have ever guest posted before or are nervous. 

Just do it. 

It's fun. 

{photo credit}

bonjour

2010-11-10T06:08:00.004-07:00

Hi friends. Sorry for abandoning you for a month.

Above is a photo of my Busy life.

I have been Busy. With a capital B.

I will try not to be so neglectful for the rest of the year. Promise.

Things that have been keeping me busy:

1) My farm, Dothager Acre.

2) TWO new doula clients. Hooray! November is for Babies.

3) TWO postpartum doula clients. Hooray! November is for Babies. Again.

4) Tutoring

5) Dog sitting, cat sitting, teenage boy sitting (three teenagers for an entire week. Yikes), and dog sitting again.
Also, until this week the weather in Phoenix has been an unbearable un-autumnal 90 degrees. This put me in a very bad mood. It's probably a good thing I haven't blogged. It would have been very negative. Also, the neighbor I was stealing wireless internet from changed their network to private. SO RUDE, right?

Below are some photos from my farm, Dothager Acre.

Enjoy.

yes, please.

so many choices!

ouch. I did not plant these on my farm.

the cart

my new bff

I tilled that earth, yo.

the newspaper layer

the mulch layer

my cousin showed up at the end and pretended to work. don't let the photo fool you. Carol and I did it all! Ok, the Judge helped a little.

our completed lasagna garden. before the plants.

toasting to a job well done. notice the soil under our farmer fingernails?

p.s. two very traumatic things happened to me this morning. I will tell you about them soon. Also, I have actual plant photos to share with you, but I have not uploaded them yet.

new plan

2010-10-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hello pals.

I've decided that daily posts are too much.

I'm going to post every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday because those are the days that have a T in them. And my name starts with a T. So there you go.

Maybe I'll post on other days, but those will just be bonus posts. Sometimes I might post every day. You never know.

Stay tuned.......

music monday

2010-10-11T16:41:00.001-07:00

what a nice fall-ish song.

El Juez

2010-10-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

I had tacos with The Judge last night. The Judge is my uncle. Well, technically he is my grandpa's cousin's husband, but it's way easier to say that he is my uncle. I call him The Judge because he was.........a Judge. Sometimes I call him El Juez because that means The Judge en espanol. Sometimes I call him Judgie-Wudgie-Poo-Poo. He LOVES it when I do that. Not.

When I was little I got to sit in his judge chair in his courtroom. I banged the gavel and sentenced my great-great aunt (mother of Carol) to life in prison. I know, I am harsh. Carol (wife of The Judge) fled to California so I have been making sure The Judge is being fed.

We went to a BRAND new taco place last night and it was deliciosa. It is called Los Taquitos. They opened a new place on Sixteenth Street and Glendale. If you live in Phoenix, check it out. If you don't live in Phoenix, too bad. Try the carne asada tacos. They had the perfect ratio of meat to onion/cilantro mix. ¡Que bueno! We thought it was the grand opening night, but it ended up being their practice night so everything was ¡FREE! Even the beer. I just love free drinks. ¡Que bueno! I ran into Susie of Foodies Like Us, which was fun. She is cute and always has the best facebook profile pictures. You should like them on facebook.

Sometimes The Judge gets nervous that people will think I'm not REALLY his niece. Like, 'this is my niece...wink wink.' Like in pretty woman when she says she is his niece but she is really a hooker? Ya know what I mean? In order to assuage those fears, he usually says things like, "Hello, this is MY WIFE'S NIECE,' very loudly so that people don't get suspicious. It's pretty hilar.

I hope you're having a lovely Friday.

Peace, love and tacos.

¡Que Bueno!

they do

2010-10-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

I went to a wedding this weekend. It was such a nice wedding. 

I was the day of helper/coordinator. I used to want to be an event planner, like my mom. I even began my college career as a Hotel/Restaurant Management major. After Saturday's wedding I am glad that I made the choice NOT to be an event planner. Being a doula is way better, for me. 

The couple is amazing (I am a friend of their family) and everyone had such a great time. By the end of the night, I felt like the flower girl pictured above. Just. Plain. Wiped. I envied her bed on the floor of the 'getting ready room.' I wanted to snuggle down under garment bags too! Alas, I survived. And I only cried once. I just love a good wedding cry. 

************************************

Completely unrelated: There are men of the roof cleaning our office solar panels. They are making loud noises. I am pretending it's a thunderstorm.

She Could Be a Farmer In Those Clothes

2010-10-06T07:31:00.007-07:00

I've decided to grow stuff. 

Vegetable type stuff. 

And with the help of African Kelli and with some land generously loaned to me by my aunt and uncle, I think it's going to happen. 

Initially, I planned a farm. Complete with fainting goats {comedic value}, miniature pigs {cuteness value}, chickens {for the eggs}, and Shetland ponies {so I can braid their hair. also, you can use them to plow stuff,duh}. My ideas were scaled back, however, when my aunt and uncle informed me that farm animals would not be welcome on their 1 acre lot in Central Phoenix. Too bad. 

When I was ten we traveled to Smithboro, Illinois {population 200. Seriously. 200 people live there.} for a family reunion on the good 'ol Bauer family farm. The Bauer family farm used to be a fur trapping business {don't tell PETA} but after an unfortunate fur warehouse fire {karma?}, the Bauers decided to focus on growing soy beans, corn and milo. I still remember this from when I was ten. What is Milo, you might ask? Milo is a grain used primarily in animal feed. In the town of Smithboro there is a family called the Dothagers. Many of them are on the, shall we say, trashy side? Which is saying a lot in the town of Smithboro. So of course, members of my family make fun of them because that's how we roll. 

When I was 15 I went on a ski trip with my farm cousins and their friends. I flew from CA, they flew from IL and we met in Breckenridge, CO. While in a gondola ski lift, I spotted some super trashy skiers. Being the snotty teenager that I was I said, 'Ew! Look at them! They must be Dothagers!' thinking this would make my cousins laugh. I forgot, however, that their friends were with us and being from a small town were all related to every other townsperson somehow. About three of the cousin's friends cried out, 'HEY! My granny's a Dothager!'

And that, my friends, is how I almost died in a gondola in Colorado. 

How are these things related, you might ask? 

We have decided to name our Phoenix farm Dothager Acres. It just seems like the right thing to do. Overalls mandatory, shoes discouraged, missing teeth welcome. 

Stay tuned for farm updates!

RIP Tai

**photo courtesy wehearit.com

hey you, shut up. ok?

2010-10-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Hey fall loving bloggers,

Can you please be quiet? It is still sadly warm in Phoenix and I don't really want to hear about your pumpkin spice lattes, tights, pumpkin bread and scarves. I know that you have to love fall (along with cupcakes, etsy and regina spektor; the blog love holy trinity) but please stop telling us about it. Love it to yourself.

I know, you're super excited about it being here. When I lived in Flagstaff I used to get really excited about it too. Oh, Flagstaff. I would so much rather live there. If I were there I would drive to Oak Creek to buy some cider from the side of the road, admire the fiery aspens on the peaks, drink a latte downtown at Late for the Train and would most definitely stop at Basement Marketplace for a new fall ensemble. But until I move, please stop blogging about fallishness until at least November.

Thanks,

Tay

sigh.

Music Monday

2010-10-04T20:05:00.002-07:00

crazy week!

2010-10-01T09:03:00.002-07:00

What a crazy week. Phoenix bff had a baby on Monday and NOW we're headed down to Tucson for her sister's wedding. 

Yep. A baby and a marriage. This is a big week for the Adelmans! :) 

I have been working and snuggling baby K this week and have had little time to let the blogging part of my brain work. I'll be back next week in full force. 

As I said, I'm heading to Tucson.

{do you ever get nervous when you say you're going out of town? Ya know, how the news guys tell you that if you broadcast that you're out of town on social media bad guys will come and steal your stuff? Even though I really don't have much stuff to steal? Well, BAD GUYS, I have around 17 mean junk yard dogs in my house. That's right. In my 900 square foot condo I have 17 junk yard dogs. You had better not mess with them. They're MEAN. And HUNGRY for bad guys. Also, I have a loud alarm. For the reals. So there.}

Please read this post (from my blog; before I figured out how to make the pictures look pretty. ;)) and this post (from an awesome blog that you should all be following) about the AMAZING Congress Hotel in Tucson. I really love it there. Check it.

Have a wonderful weekend! Happy October!

**photo credit

I wish

2010-09-30T11:17:00.003-07:00

I wish that I was the type of person to get out of bed at a reasonable time. The type of person who wakes up the first (or even the second) time the alarm goes off. I wish I were the type of person who woke up with enough time to go to the gym; to read the front page of the NYT while drinking some tea and leisurely get ready. I wish I woke up with enough time to make my bed every morning.

Instead, I am the type of person who hits the snooze button for at least an hour (seriously. an hour.), sprints to the shower, throws on the first thing I find and rushes to work hoping that my boss doesn't catch me putting on my makeup in my cubicle.

My dreams are just too good and my bed is just way too cozy.  

Grrrrrrrrr.

this pleases me

2010-09-29T06:52:00.005-07:00

I am way too tired to write today, so here are some of my favorite internet finds from the last couple of days. 

Enjoy.

#1 Cute Monkey Cake. I think I found this on Joanna Goddard's blog? 

#2 Cute wedding stuff in my hometown! Yet another reason to move home.As if I didn't already have enough. 

#3 Best food idea since bacon wrapped tater tots. And so easy! I think I will make them when my mom comes to town in a week and a half.  These also look delicious. 

#4 Adorable children from Michelle Woo's blog. 

#5 HUGE news. I have found the perfect fall boots. I was drooling over the amazing photos on Blue Lily's blog and spotted them. I have been on the hunt for the perfect fall boot for about four years now. My birthday, awesomely, coincides with the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale. EVERY year I browse online and in store to find the perfect fall boot. Sometimes I find one that I love, I order it, and for some reason or another it never works out. Boo. These ones look PERFECT!  However, I have no idea how to get them and I doubt they come in my size. Not only because I have huge feet, but because they are kid boots.  The search continues. Ho hum. 

That is all. 

Photo is from my boudoir. Do you like my pony?

p.s.- did you know that the word boudoir comes from the french verb to pout? So really, the boudoir is the pouting room. This pleases me. 

Music Monday

2010-09-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

an excerpt

2010-09-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

"I swear, Sophie, I think theres something wrong with me. Every man I meet is intolerable. Perhaps I should set my sights lower-not so low as the grey doctor who clicks, but a bit lower. I can't even blame it on the war--I was never very good at men, was I?
Do you suppose the St. Swithin's furnace-man was my one true love? Since I never spoke to him, it seems unlikely, but at least it was a passion unscathed by disappointment. and he had that beautiful black hair. .....................Sophie--what is the matter with me? Am I too particular? I don't want to be married just to be married. I can't think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with someone I can't talk to, or worse, someone I can't be silent with."

An excerpt from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

I think I'm going to like this book very much.

I would like to start a literary society, but I would much rather eat creme brulee than potato peel pie.

Who is with me?

What shall we call it?

incongruous

2010-09-25T10:53:00.001-07:00

I feel like a fraud when I listen to Rage Against the Machine. 

In my cubicle. 

Working on a Saturday. 

Rebel fail. 

Zack would be so disappointed. 

Photo of college friend Tyler and me trying to be bad asses.......and failing at being bad asses because we're really just nice kids who sometimes like bad ass music.

Oh, college.

wins

2010-09-24T06:19:00.002-07:00

Here are my WINS from yesterday;

1) The prescriptions that the pharmacist told me would cost $60 only cost $15. Score!

2) Individually wrapped hand sanitizer. Perfect for the doula-on-the-go! I just love things that are individually wrapped. Although, I do feel guilty when I buy things that are individually wrapped. It all started when Dawn Schafer decided to save the planet in book #57 Dawn Saves the Planet, and yells at Claudia Kishi for having individually wrapped candies. Yes, I still think about The Baby-sitters Club and how it relates to my life. Quite often, actually. For those of you who never read the books, I'm sorry. For those of you who were fans of the Baby-sitters Club, you're welcome.

3) A lovely card from my wonderful marmie.

4) WITH a Trader Joe's gift card. She can always sense when I am at my Broke Phi Broke-est. Also, she is coming to visit in three weeks, so she prolly needs me to start stocking up on the Jesus Juice. We tend to go through a lot when she visits. We just get so thirsty in this dry desert!

Did you have any wins yesterday? I hope so.

beauty

2010-09-23T06:39:00.001-07:00

I have been having a hard time lately. With the way I look. One of my many obnoxious neurosis. I loathe taking photos {I usually make a witty quip about needing to check with my agent first} and have been avoiding mirrors. Ugh! Such a waste of precious energy.

I think it has a lot to do with my finally deciding to be more proactive about my genetic disorder. When I was diagnosed, I gained sixty pounds in one summer. This was NOT acceptable for some members of my family, genetic disorder or not. I have been good about seeing my doctors lately, figuring out the right hormone replacement balance and facing the uncomfortable questions and stories that come with each new care provider.

These things take me back to when I was diagnosed with good 'ol Swyer Syndrome. The summer before high school senior year when all I wanted was to be a normal teenager; dreaming about college and prom. Instead, my mind was consumed with my syndrome, watching my body blow up, and feeling that my body betrayed me in more ways than one.

In order to prevent myself from slowly slipping into my dark place of self loathing and hopelessness {so dramatic, right?}, I have been trying to focus on the things that make me feel beautiful. Not the conventional kinds of things like make up or pretty dresses, but things that make me feel beauty in my core. Like every chromosome, xy or not, is emitting radiant goldenpink light that shines on everything I come into contact with.

I'm sure you've probably figured it out based on the photo at the beginning of this post, but one of my favorite feel beautiful activities is swimming. Swimming until my lungs burn and my shoulders scream. Swimming until my fingers wrinkle and my calves cramp. Swimming until my goggles press deep creases into my eyes and the pool lights turn off.

What is your thing? Your unconventional 'I feel strong and beautiful' thing?

I want to know! Tell me.

photo courtesy weheartit

etsy love

2010-09-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

My mom bought matching prints for she and me.

SO cute, right?

You can find them on Tender Beast's etsy page.

I think you should match us too.

Make Not Ready

2010-09-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

This is my work phone. See? It says Taylor K. That is my nombre. 

I have to log into a call queue where people phone in to yell at us. It's super fun. 

Thankfully, we have a magic button that says, Not Ready.

Then our display thing says, Make Not Ready.

And I got to thinking this morning how nice it would be to have a Make Not Ready function for life. 

I try to live my life in a way that is ready. 

No, READY. 

Ready to take on new opportunities. Ready to meet new people and experience new things. 

But sometimes, it would be nice to have a Make Not Ready button.

This morning I would have pushed it so that I could stay in bed for another hour or two. Wait, who am I kidding? I would have used it to stay in bed all day. This week, I would have pushed it to give me an extra hour each evening to swim laps or take a yoga class. This month, I would have used it to postpone my mortgage due date. 

What would you use your Make Not Ready button for?

P.S. Phoenix bff is ready to pop. Her baby needs to stop pushing the Make Not Ready button and come out already. WE WANT TO MEET HER! 

Did you hear that, Baby K? 

I'm sorry for yelling at you, but it's time.  

We have lots of nice presents. Come out soon. 

Ok?

queso

2010-09-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

Well hello there!

Today I am the guest blogger over at

It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy,

one of my MOST favorite blogs.

So go check it out!

While you're there, check out the Our Story section of the blog. It's the adorable whirwind romance story that shows the true essence of the Cline Family. :)

Farts+Chuckee Cheese=LOVE

Music Monday

2010-09-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

repeat

2010-09-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

I know that I have blogged about this before, but I do believe it is one of the best inventions of the twenty first century. Long live Postino wine bar.

music

2010-09-10T15:47:00.004-07:00

I have some music topics that I would like to discuss;

1) Please listen to this song, this song and this song this weekend. I feel that they are good songs to listen to no matter what the weather. Do you have certain songs you like better when it's cold outside or warm outside? I definitely do. The songs I've suggested are good year round and are perfect for this season-straddling time of year. They can be enjoyed with a crisp cocktail on a warm summer evening or cozied up on the couch with a soul warming glass of red wine and your favorite blanket. Enjoy. 

2) I've been thinking about Music Monday and have been considering adding a playlist to my blog that I update every week, instead of doing a (sometimes cheesy/poorly made) youtube video. However, sometimes blogs that have an auto playlist bother me. For example, when I'm reading a blog with my music off and decide to switch windows because I must watch a youtube video of, say, corgis doing belly flops, for example, it totally bugs when I turn on the speakers and I can't figure out where the music is blaring from. Is it the youtube video? Is it another window open? Have I finally cracked and now hear songs in my head that aren't really there? 

Do you know what I mean?

3) Dear Pandora, 

This is not Louis Armstrong. I believe it is Duke Ellington, but it is most definitely not Satchmo. Please correct this issue.

Ketchup

2010-09-09T07:56:00.001-07:00

Have you ever seen something in a movie and thought, 'I HAVE to do that one day or my life will not be complete?'

Well, my Aunt Carol {the one who likes to be mentioned on this blog} has always wanted to make Ketchup a la Meet Me in St. Louis. 

Since Carol and I are both TCM addicts, we watch this movie often. Our heart strings zing, our trolleys clang and our bells ding. Whatever that means.  

So, while Carol was summering {I have always wanted to summer somewhere} in Belmont Shore this year, she and my mom decided to fulfill the ketchup making fantasy. 

And here goes a blog post and photos from my mom, who documented their ketchup making debut. 

Anything that I add to the dialogue will be in red.

**********************************************

you will have to add the links to meet me in st louie and long beach farmers market and chase and not sure what else. i love you me {ok mom, I will}

Dear taylor.

Ok so cousin carol decided that she would simply die if she did not make home made ketchup.

is it ketchup or catsup, i don't know why it is spelled two different ways but whatever..

so being that i am all things fun and being that it is 500 degrees in Phoenix and due to that little heat fact there are no outdoor farmer's markets in phoenix {this is not true. there is a FANTASTIC outdoor market on Saturdays and Wednesday evenings. Heat or no heat. It's awesome.} so she came to long beach, california to make ketchup in the cozy little kitchen in the cute little house on the hill.

we go to the farmer's market five minutes before closing so we can bargain with the people to get cheap stuff. i know this makes you CRAZEE and run and hide your face in shame {it's true. I hate it when they bargain} when i ask for a discount or try to haggle a little but Carol is even more intense {more embarrassing is more like it} than I when it comes to getting a good deal.

In truth it has very little to do with the kind of deal we are getting but it is just so fun for us. So as we exit the car, knowing that we have no time to waste she hollers at me "you get after the tomatoes, i'll get the strawberries." did i mention that we were after strawberries too? now i have. she made jam too and one batch was not enough, it was so YUMMM did-li-umptions that she wanted more. her strawberry jam tricks will have to be saved for another blob because two stories about red items being made into liquid are just way too much. Agreed.

So i lickety split start looking for tomatoes; sizing up the people in the produce booths. looking for nice ripe red tomatoes and someone who looks like they would know a good deal when they see one. Me with cash, desirous of taking a big lugg of tomatoes off of their hands, thus avoiding the pesky process of loading them back on the truck and taking them somewhere else to sell.

I see the lovliest tomatoes and start feeling them for ripeness. As luck would have it i also see a nice teenaged boy working in the stand. I ask him if i can have a whole box for $15.00 i point at the big-ass box to which i am referring. he politely says "just a minute i'll check". He walks back to the truck, speaking a language I do not understand and comes back with a grandma looking woman. I smile nicely, nod my head and say "i'm making ketchup." certain she has no idea what I just said, I nod and smile more and lean in territorially toward my selected lug of tomatoes. She snaps back a reply to the young man, and he says yes. Then I decide that I want to pick out each and every tomato rather than just taking a pre arranged box. {I would be whimpering in the corner at this point, so embarrassed of her behavior while shooting apologetic glances at the teenage boy and his grandmother} so i feel and examine every single tomato. after having satisfactorily piled up my "stack o maters" i pick up the box and my oh my is it heavy.

i tromp down the asphalt aisle looking for cousin carol who has gone after the strawberries. reminiscent of the scene in Sex and the City ( Movie #1 where Miranda and Steve agree to meet on the Brooklyn Bridge ) {I could only find the French version of this clip. Enjoy} look through the crowd and over the tops of people's heads eager to find Carol and show her my tomato booty. You know like pirate's booty, only different. So i spy her in the crowd and we make eye contact. She can see that I am carrying a big box, I can see that she is carrying a big box we know that we have scored and then i think "Was I suppose to get the tomatoes or the strawberries?" I begin to panic; then i see that she has little red things in her box and they are indeed strawberries. She is pleased as punch with the tomatoes and the price and we tell each other that we did a good job and go home.

i decide that i got 30 lbs of tomatoes and tell everyone. the neighbors, the husband cousin who is back home in phoenix, you, everyone who will listen. we decide that the tomatoes need to sleep outside overnight for maximum freshness. then we begin to worry about squirrels and parrots eating them so we decide against it and bring them in to the kitchen table.

the next morning we begin our work. but first we decide we should weigh the tomatoes to determine how many lbs we got for $15.00

having no produce scale in the house i step on the scale to confirm my weight, then i step on the scale with the tomatoes. 22lbs of tomatoes!

please note the reason this ketchup making notion is even in cousin carol's pretty little blonde head is that she once {once? more like once a week} watched Meet me in St. Louis and evidently {evidently? like, you've never seen it mom? how is that possible?} there is a ketchup making scene in that movie. In the movie, during the process, the neighbors, friends, sisters, brothers everyone traipses through the kitchen and tastes the ketchup, saying cute things like "oooh just a little more salt"..."Yumm needs more pepper" "just right..." and so on and so forth. So she is expecting imaginary people to just happenstance by the kitchen while we are making this and participate in her fun.

so we find a recipe on the world wide web. after much comparing and printing and reading the recipes out loud to me she decides.

I'd post the recipe but i can't imagine that anyone in their right mind would make it so I'll continue with no recipe. Good point.

Essentially, making ketchup involves mashing up tomatoes, cooking them, straining them, making spicy vinegar, adding the spicy vinegar, adding sugar and cooking until 30 lbs of tomatoes reduce to two jars.

So as you can see from the photos we followed the directions, had one very handsome and complimentary taster, stirred, poured sugar and TA DA ketchup.

cousin carol may now check this item off of her "things to do before i die" list and i am still wiping tomato juice off of the cabinetry.

The next week we made hamburgers and decided that this was the best tasting ketchup we'd ever had.

Actually, it was not so special so we decided never to make ketchup again. the end.

ps- my favorite part was making the cute little bag of spices tied in cheese cloth. it is called the bouquet garni. that is french for cute little spice bag. it goes into the vinegar.

More photos:

One Lugg. Sung to the tune of Bob Marley's 'One Love.'

tomatoes- some say

Mashed tomatoes- ain't as good as the 'taters.

bouquet garni- not a feminine hygiene product

my favorite spoon- I always feel so powerful and professional when I stir with this

almost done- are we there yet?