Debt Snowball

I'm feeling like a huge success tonight!  Nicko and I have been working on paying off our debt (basically ever since we met).  A few months before the wedding we decided to get aggressive with our payments and come up with a plan.  The plan is called the "debt snowball".  I'm sure you've probably heard of it before, it consists of tackling your interest deadlines first and then going after your smallest loans. The wild things about the debt snowball is, it actually works!  Five months ago Nick and I were making all of our minimum payments and still broke at the end of the month.  BUT!  As a result of cutting back on a few luxuries (Dutch Bros. coffee, separate cars to work,  etc.) and a head start with $1,000 that we made at our wedding, we have majorly reduced our debt, and in only 5 months! 

This whole thing started when we were listening to a sermon and we heard the pastor say "sometimes you have to live like no one else, so one day you can live like no one else."  This statement was made in reference to the state of the average American family and the debt they carry.  Nick and I have this wild notion of actually being able to raise a family debt free.  It happens people!  I know folks that have done it.  Sure, these people may seem a little "weird" at first glance, BUT is it really so weird to turn down a designer jacket for a non-name brand and be able to afford it, and then put your kids through college as a result?  I don't think so!

The moral of the story is, it pays to be able to say no to the things that you want, so one day you will have all the things that you really need (and guilt free).  After you experience the joys of cutting up your first credit card, you will not want to stop until you have chopped them all.  It's contagious, and in the best way.  The world teaches us that we need more in order to feel adequate or to "keep up with the Jones's", but the truth is exactly the opposite.  The best feeling in the world is to learn to live with less and to be happy with the real things.  Sure, Nick and I still have quite a ways to go before we reach our end goal, but for now we've caught the fever, and we're rolling full steam ahead towards "weirds-ville".  A debt free future is on our horizon! 

Top Green Kitchen Essentials

The indoor recycling station Nick installed in our house

#1 Nix the plastics.  I cannot say it enough.  Many kitchen plastics contain BPA and other cancer causing nasty chemicals that you do not want in your food or your body.  Instead, opt for glass, bamboo,  or stainless.

#2  Go organic.  Better for your health, you, and the environment.  I will take my bananas pesticide free please! Make sure it has the USDA Organic label on it. 

#3  Clean green.  Kitchen cleansers are laden with ingredients that you usually can't pronounce.  Those "un-pronounce-ables" are usually toxic.  Why would you want to put your food on a toxic surface?  Instead, opt for some green cleaners. 

#4 Skip the non-stick coatings. Those chemical coatings that you can't pronounce and are eating are not good for you.  If you don't know what it is OR what it does, chances are you do not want to eat it. 

#5 Join a CSA or grow your own.  CSA = Consumer supported agriculture.  Farmers markets and Saturday markets are always a great place to meet your farmers and learn a a bit more about the local food movement in your community. 

#6 Shop local.  Skip the air/drive time that it took to get your food from Mexico (and who know's what your food has come into contact with!), it limits emissions and your food will taste better! 

#7 Compost & recycle.  This is crucial, and so freaking easy.  Where I live the soil is total crap, but since I have started composting I am able to use that rich soil that is created and really bring my garden to life (without the use of pesticides!).  AND almost everything is recyclable today, if you are not recycling you're a jerk.  So do it already. 

#8  Energy efficiency.  Your refrigerator can be of the biggest energy drains in your house.  Nick and I just bought a new energy star fridge 7 months ago for $500 bucks.  It using far less kWh than your traditional fridge and still has plenty of space.  Also, chances are you have already switched your lights in you home to CFL's, but you can also change the light in your fridge to an LED and maximize your savings. 

#9 Buy in bulk.  You can save lot's of $$$ by buying in bulk and you will reduce the amount of packaging that comes with your traditional purchases.

My first cavity

Tomorrow is going to be a big disappointment of a day!  8 AM tomorrow I will be getting my first cavity filled.  I can't believe it.  I have always been so proud of the fact that I didn't have any cavities.  Dentists have always praised my dental hygiene and I've always left my appointments smiling (mostly because I was excited to get the H out of their office). 
Two weeks ago I went in for my cleaning and films.  Lo and behold I had developed a nasty little cavity on a tooth waaay in the back of my mouth in a place that I don't think my toothbrush can even reach.  And tomorrow I am going to pay for it.
I'm so nervous, I don't think I'm even going to be able to sleep.  I have a bit of a phobia of the dentist.  It's been that way since I was little.  I can remember walking into the dentist and my knees would start to shake while waiting in the reception area.  Even the smell of the dentist office still makes my stomach hurt.
I know that you are never supposed to wish away time, but right now I am just so excited for it to be 5 PM tomorrow and for my dentist appointment and work day to be over. 

Our Story

                   Footage from our rehearsal dinner and wedding. 

BABY FEVER!

photo courtesy: http://www.elizabethtelegaphotography.com/baby.html

I have a bad, and I mean BAD case of baby fever.  What makes it even worse... so does my husband.  This is very unfortunate because we can't have a baby yet.  Financially we are in no position to bring another life into this world and care for it.  Nick and I sat down today and decided that we are going to sell whatever we can in order to get ahead of our debt and to start our family.  Car, engagement ring, nothing is off limits.  We're selling any and every thing of value we own.  Our goal is to be able to start trying to have a baby next year! 

I had my IUD removed on Tuesday.  That was an unpleasant experience to say the very least.  I actually yelped at one point.  Poor Nick held my hand while I cried the whole time.  The good news is that is was all over in less that 10 minutes.  Typical IUD removal are very easy, mine however was slightly different.  My IUD strings had been tucked up in my cervix and had to be retrieved using a dilator and a hook.  All in all, it was worth it.  My IUD served it's purpose while I needed it, and now I am ready to chart my body's natural cycle and prepare for a baby. 

My hope is that by this time next year I'm pregnant! 

IUD Removal Day.... tomorrow!

I'm getting my IUD removed tomorrow afternoon.  I tried to get it removed last month, but the doctor couldn't locate it so I had to reschedule and am getting it removed with a retrieval device.    I made the terrible decision to watch the procedure on youtube to prepare myself.  The video did the opposite of calm my nerves.

All I can think about is the agony I experienced with having my IUD placed 2 1/2 years ago.  I've been told that having it removed isn't even close to as painful as having it put in.  I really hope that is true.

I will give you an update tomorrow to let you know how it went! 

Married Life Update

It's been over a month since the wedding and things are just now finally starting to calm down.  It's unbelievable how excited I am just for things to be "normal" again.  I can wake up in the morning and not have to think about centerpieces or floral arrangements (Or the endless thank you's to be sent.)!  Thank you Jesus. 

Picture from our wedding photo re-shoot day. 

To sum it up in one word, married life is AWESOME.  There has been some unexpected and not so wonderful moments (mostly involving the bringing together of other important people in our lives), but overall Nick and my relationship with each other is awesome.  We are happier and more comfortable than we have ever been before.  We have a whole new level of love and trust for one another since saying "I DO".  Also, we have discovered that the trying moments only make us stronger.  Any insecurities that Nick and I had before we said I do have been heavily evaluated in this past month.

People keep asking me if I feel any different since saying I do. The answer to that is a big YES!  Suddenly I feel all grown up.  Keep in mind I'm only 24, graduated from college 2 years ago and got my first real job, and was living at home with my parents 4 years before that.  It really makes me realize that life happens so fast and I just want to soak up as much of it that I can.  I want to be with the people I love and doing what makes me happy.  That being said, my internal ticking time clock that tells me that I have to have babies right now has somewhat slowed down.  I realize that this may be the only time that Nick and I have (these next couple years) that will be just the two of us.  We want to enjoy this time that we have to the fullest.  And here is our goal... we want to celebrate our first wedding anniversary without a baby, or even a bun in the oven.  I think it is a good goal, it reminds us to slow down and smell the roses.  After our first anniversary we will re-evaluate.

Spanking your child

To spank or not to spank, that is the question! 

image from corruptct.com

I recently had someone tell me that they were going to start spanking their child when they reach 15 months.  For a little background information, this child I am referring to is currently 13 months, and still not speaking.  This child doesn't even have the benefit of being able to ask what it is that she has done wrong.

Dr. James Dobson recommends using an object to spank your child with (as opposed to your hands).  Do we really think our children are so dumb that they cannot recognize that the object is simply and extension of our hand?  And even an extension of our own anger?  A person spanks.  A spoon does not.  It's very easy to try and rationalize an ugly act, or to place the blame somewhere else.  I don't think that 15 years down the road the kid is going to blame the spoon.

Here is my list of reasons why we should NOT spank our children:

 1. We don't teach our children to hit others when they've done something wrong
 2. As adults, we do not hit others
 3. If you hit your child, they are more likely to hit
 4. Think of when you were spanked as a child & how it made you feel.  Chances are you remember those moments, and not fondly.
 5. Our hands are supposed to be loving, a safe place for our children.  We are supposed to protect our children, not harm our children.  Using a spoon or belt does not make spanking any better.  Kids realize that you (mom or dad) are the one that is operating the weapon. 
 6. There are other and (what I believe to be) more effective & less emotionally scarring forms of discipline.  Ever heard of a good ole' timeout?  Stare at the wall?  Take away something privileged?
 7. Spare the rod, spoil the child.  Do people really still believe this?!  I don't think that not hitting your child is going to be what ended up spoiling them.  Buying them every video game on the market and letting them drink soda at 8 p.m. on a school night might though. 
 8. Do we really want our childen to fear us?
 9.  Is spanking really a means or discipline OR is it just a fed up parent releasing their anger & frustration on their child.  Our children are not our own personal punching bags.  Maybe some parents could use a good time out.
 10. Last, but not least, I have spanked before.  No, it was not a human, but I did spank my dog Arlo when I was at my wits end with him and he simply wasn't listening to anything.  I got fed up and I spanked him right on the rump.  I will never forget the look on his face right after I did it either.  I immediately felt complete remorse.  Arlo remembered for a while too.  Any time I would raise my voice he would tuck his tail and look sad for a solid month after.  What's more, Arlo didn't change his bad behavior because I decided to give him a good whack.  Yes, Arlo is a dog.  BUT, I think science has taught us that animals are not so different than us.  They have feelings and emotions and are capable of love. 

No, I am not a parent and I am sure that anyone who reads this blog will let that fact alone disqualify my opinion.  What I can say is that I was a child once and I got spanked, not often, but enough to remember.  Being that I am not a parent, I do not know what it feels like when your child has been fussy and misbehaving all day and you cannot seem to catch a break.  What I do know is that I am a good person plan on raising a kind-hearted and loving human being.  Children learn their behaviors at an early age.  Are we not role models for our children?  My parenting style will be to lead by example.  To each their own, but I deeply hope that the human population can show a little bit more compassion, especially if you are going to call yourself the "superior species"... we need to start acting like it. 

Pre prenatal care :)

My order of prenatals came in the mail today!  SO excited!  I took my first New Chapter Perfect Prenatal about an hour ago on an empty stomach.  So far I can report that I have no nauseousness and the pills were easy to swallow :)  Which is a major plus, because most pills are too big for me to swallow. 

 

They've arrived!  Is it weird how excited I am about prenatal vitamins?!

In addition to prenatals, I have also been using Burt's Bees Mamma Bee Belly Butter.  I am using that simply because I already have some faint stretch marks on my sides.  I figured if I start using belly butter now then it will get me in the practice, maybe fade my stretch marks I already have, and I will have smooth skin :)  I love the way this stuff smells and that it's 99% natural.  I love that Burt's Bees posts the percentage.  When I am actually pregnant I would like to using something that is 100% natural, if anyone knows of anything or has any suggestions, I would love to hear!

Been using this for about a months now, it sure does leave my skins smooth!

Lastly,  I have given up caffeine.  Ouch.  This has not been easy.  My first couple days off of caffeine I developed a nasty headache.  I think I may be in the clear now though, fingers crossed!  Also, in the last 6 months I have lost about 10 pounds.  Before I get pregnant, I would like to lose another 10.  Wish me luck!  I want to be the best, healthiest, most informed and ready mom I can be :) 

Baby schedule

Flowers from our wedding - doesn't really have anything to do with this post, but still pretty!

Tonight I sat down and re-evaluated my husband and I's debt.  It isn't small.  That's a hard pill to swallow.  I'm only 24 years old and already in the hole.  Thanks a lot college education!
The good news?  We have a plan!  Nick and I are going to take an aggressive re-payment approach.  If all goes as planned (and we are crossing our finger and praying it will) then we could have a baby by (drum roll please) 2015!  WOO hoo.  It sounds far away... yes.  But, I am choosing to look at the bright side.  Yes, I want a baby, and I mean REALLY want a baby, but at the same time, this is Nick and I's only time with just the two of us.  We need to really enjoy it.  We are young and we still have things that we want to do before we have a baby.  We could just go ahead and jump right in to having babies, but I think we would breath much easier knowing that we had a couple extra dollars at the end of the month, especially once we have a baby to think about!  Well, that's the plan.  I hope we follow it and can stick to it.  It would be so awesome if we could.

My niece Harlo and I on wedding day!  Being around this kid sure makes me want one of my own.

All that said, I am getting my IUD removed next week.  Risky decision?  Maybe.  So what.  I'm sick of this thing.  This way I can start charting my natural cycle without all those crazy hormones.  My cycle is so unpredictable with the IUD.  My IUD has served it's purpose well, and now it is time to say sayonara!  I'm sure I sound like a royal contradiction right now with wanting to wait to have babies, but also getting my birth control method removed ASAP.  Unfortunately I have had some not so great side effects with this darn IUD and will be looking to more natural forms of birth control, if anyone has suggestions, I would be love to hear them. 

Might as well enjoy my young and childless years while I can!  I only have a couple left!  - Rehearsal dinner photo

Prenatal Vitamins

I recently read that it is smart to start taking prenatal vitamins well before you plan on getting pregnant.  I started taking Nature Made prenatal vitamins a couple months ago because they were on sale at the grocery store.... bad choice.  Do not go for the cheapest prenatal you can find, and you should probably read your labels and do your research before you buy prenatals.  Looking back now, I can tell you, Nature Made prenatals are awful! If you want to experience what morning sickness feels like, without being pregnant, then I encourage you to try Nature Made Prenatal Vitamins.  I had terrible stomach aches and actually felt like I was going to throw up.  Most prenatals are meant to be taken with food.  I did not know this going into using these vitamins, however even after eating a small breakfast with them, the improvements was not much better.

Now, I'm not an expert.  But from what I have read, apparently most prenatals use folic acid, which is synthetic.  If you get a prenatal with "folate" in it though, it has not been altered and is in it's more natural state.  Folic acid is often what leads to that feeling of nauseousness.

So, what to do?  I just purchased New Chapter Perfect Prenatal, it is made with whole foods (rather than synthetic chemicals) and can be taken on an empty stomach!  If you go to their site, this product gets rave reviews!  Women love it.  The only down side is you have to take it 3 times a day.  So what!  I eat at least 3 times a day, so I will just keep my prenatals in my purse.  I will do a full review on them once I have been using them for a few weeks and let you know what I think!

Organic Baby Gear

Where's the organic stroller's and car seats?  I have been hunting online all night.  I have come to the conclusion that there is none... if you live in the U.S.  Anyone know something that I don't.?

 I did find this great website http://www.naturkind.at/content/cms,id,38,nodeid,37,_language,en,em_url,internal.html
but they don't ship to the U.S.!

Granted, I do not plan on getting preggers for a while, but I like to do my research well in advance. 

Suggestions anyone?

I'm a married woman!

August 25th, 2012

It's love

Getting the dress just right

Center pieces

The bridesmaids and I before the ceremony

The ceremony site

Dad walking me down the aisle

Signing the marriage certificate

Classic wedding picture

The reception site

My favorite girls

The End

Wedding Preview

A full post to come later, but for now, here's a little snippet of the big day!

2 days

I cannot put into words what I am feeling right now.  I have such a mixture of emotions.  I am sitting down at my table in my house right now, and in an hour I am leaving for my parents house to prepare for the wedding this weekend.  The next time that I sit down at this table I will be married.  I will be someone's wife.  I feel so completely happy, but at the same time anxious, excited and very very nervous.
This is a moment that I have dreamed about and imagined since I was a little girl.  And now it is happening.  Two days...

Wedding music download day!

The weekend before we become Mr. & Mrs. Welk!

Yesterday was highly productive!  Nick and I went back to my parents house and starting on wedding prep!  We got all of the hay bales in place and cut yards upon yards of burlap to lay over the bales.  All in all it was a huge success and we are feeling on top of our games and ready.

Nick and I hard at work laying out the burlap

Today we are downloading music for our wedding and getting it on the Ipod.  Come wedding day all we will have to do is press play.  We have chosen the classic Pachebel in Cannon D for our aisle walk song, and Feel So Close by Calvin Harris for our exit song.  Our first dance is going to be Sweet Pea by Amos Lee.  We are having a hard time deciding on a father - daughter dance however.  I would love some advice here. 

It's all coming together!

Right now Nick is hanging up a beautiful wine rack that a friend bought for us on our wedding registry.  It's so exciting coming home every day after work because we go to open the front door and there's just been stacks of presents waiting for us.  Our kitchen is looking awesome with all the eco-friendly gadgets we have been getting, I cannot wait to start cooking up a married life storm in here after we get back from our much needed and well deserved honeymoon. 

This is where we will be standing next weekend when we say "I DO!"

As for me, my rash is looking much better! Yay!  I went to the doctor on Friday and they told me that it looks like I had an allergic reaction to something, which is weird because I'm not allergic to anything (or so I thought).  So hopefully whatever it was that I ate or touched on Monday, I do not manage to get myself into again prior to the wedding. 

It's all coming together.  It look's like this wedding is going to happen, and dare I say it, it might even run smoothly :-)  As for the list of things that still need to happen.... it's long.  It's a good thing that Nick and I have taken Wednesday through Friday of next week off to get everything ready.  Here is a list of things still to do:

-Buy paint for the recycling barrels, and then paint them
-Buy posterboard to put on out on the road that say's our names on it with a big arrow
-Buy balloons to hang from my parents mailbox
-Paint "wedding" on a chunk of barn wood
-Buy cold food items that have to be transported home
-Pick up flower pens from my maid of honor
-Buy (4) black ties for the groomsmen
-Finalize our music selections
-Check on wedding night hotel reservation (I'm going to do that right now!  Thank goodness I just thought of it!)
-Confirm flight plans
-Finish packing our honeymoon bags with the final things
-Buy LED string lights
-Buy dessert plates
-Buy stuff to make flower poms to hang from trees
-Get ring cleaned
-Drop off dogs at kennel
-Pack the car as tight as possible

and that's all I can actually remember that needs to happen right now.  Wish us luck!  6 more days!

Feelin rash!

BBQ last weekend

Tonight Nick and I went out and bought more wedding reception stuff.  We loaded our cart down with as much tortillas, beans, plates, and napkins as Nick's manly muscles could manage.  It's hard to believe that we are only days away.  We both only have 3 work days left until we are officially on our "vacations".  It's funny because next Wednesday through Friday is not going to feel like much of a vacation.  We'll most likely be running around like chickens with our head cut off.  Airport, dog kennel, home, grocery store, ranch, hotel, and everywhere between.  We are doing our best to keep everything in perspective and remember that this is a happy time, not something to stress and freak out over.  Unfortunately as a result of all this wedding madness, my skin has decided to remind me that it will not easily be tamed.  I have had a MASSIVE red, bumpy, splotchy, and itchy rash on my neck, chest, arms, and most recently ears (as of this morning) since Monday evening.  I am praying that this is simply a stress rash and that it will pass by our wedding.  Please send out some positive vibes and prayers (seriously, this is a praying matter) my way, or at least to my chest.  I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a little girl, I cannot and will not let a rash ruin it. 

12 Days

7:00 AM

It is officially 12 days until my wedding.  I am running on coffee and adrenaline.  I cannot wait to finally SLEEP when all this wedding business is over.  As soon as my head hits the pillow at night I instantly start thinking about dessert plates and where I am going to purchase LED twinkle lights for cheap.  My posts will be short the next couple weeks, I will be back to full posts in September! 

Lastly, I am trying to drop an additional 2 pounds by the wedding.  I've already lost 12, but 2 (maybe even 3) more would just be perfect.  Wish me luck! 

I'm getting married in 2 WEEKS!

Engagement Party

Now is the time where calm, meditative breathing is very important.  I am getting married in two weeks!  Otherwise known as 14 days.  Not even 14 days, more like 13 days and 23 hours.  W O W.  The past year has just flown.  By this time two weeks from now, my fiance and I will be officially married!  We'll be done with pictures, back at the reception, going through the line at the burrito bar and just absolutely thrilled that we made it to the big day, and that it went off without a hitch.  Oh I am so ready for this moment, we both are.  Wedding planning is fun, but it is also a job in itself.  It really makes me understand how people with money can just dole out the cash and hand this task over to someone else.  Then again, where's the fun in that?! :)

Nick and I had big plans today to wake up lazily, mull around the house, cook something new and delicious, and just relax and enjoy our weekend.  Reality Check!  We're getting married in 2 weeks, now it's time to kick into high gear and pull all the "little things" together.  The devil really is in the details, and I'm just remembering that we haven't even bought dessert plates.  Regardless, the day is going to happen one way or another, and I am going to enjoy it to the fullest.  I will be posting pictures of the day after I get back from my honeymoon. 

My goal here for this blog posting is to give you 5 tips on how to make your wedding greener.  I'm not an expert, but this is my personal advice to you, whoever you are, and whoever finds this interesting.

1.  Go recycled/compostable - Can't afford the fine china and silverware?  If you can't go reusable, then at least you can provide the next best option.  There's plenty of plate and dinnerware options that are friendly to your wallet and also the environment.  Plus, I like the raw cardboard look, it works with a lot of outdoor weddings.  Don't be afraid to wave your eco-loving flag loud and proud.  And don't forget as part of this to put an emphasis on your trash area.  Designate and area for food scraps, and designate a separate area for what can be recycled. 

2.  Keep it organic and local.  From the food to the flowers, it's nice to support your local farmers or even grow your own bridal bouquet.  For my wedding, my dad is growing all the lettuce, and he's getting tomatoes from the local farmers market.  My mom is growing a special wedding flower garden for the wedding flowers. 

3.  Plantable invites!  Ever considered recycled paper invites embedded with organic wildflowers?  I purchased mine at foreverfiances.com.  I cannot tell you how many compliments I have gotten since mailing them in June.  The paper looks beautiful, you're guests get a gift, and it's sure to be a wedding invite that they will remember.

4. Reuse.  Grandmas old pearl earrings can be your something borrowed.  Plus, vintage is in.  Don't be afraid to get creative.  Check out theknot.com for some pictures of eco-wedding decor.  Chances are lot's of stuff you will already have laying around or you could borrow from a friend. 

5. Conflict free.  Nobody wants to wear a blood diamond on their finger.  If you can't find the perfect second hand ring and you are opting to buy something new, then you must do your research.  I love shopping Etsy.com for jewelry.  Support a small business owner who uses recycled gold and can tailor something perfect just for you or your special someone. 

Those are my 5 tips!  There's plenty more you can do to green up your event and really make a statement.  Please feel free to comment me with your ideas!

Javatopia Organic Coffee Review & How I Make My Coffee

Morning all!  

I have an hour before I have to head out the door to work this morning so I figured I could get a quick posting in.  I am drinking "Bird Friendly Javatopia Organic Coffee".  It is certified organic, shade grown, and friendly to migratory birds.

Please see pictures below on how I make my morning cup of Joe!

Step 1 - Boil water

Step 2 - Grind beans

On to the review!

Javatopia breakfast blend coffee is by far my favorite coffee! It's not bitter, has a tad bit of sweetness to it, and doesn't cost bucket loads.  How was that for short, sweet and to the point?!

How do I drink it?

I start off my using my handy and oh so awesome  reusable coffee filter and slow drip coffee cup topper.  I got the coffee filter at Whole Foods and it is awesome.  All you have to do is wash it with a little dish soap and let it dry after you use it.  The drip coffee cup topper I bought at World Market, their really isn't anything special about it other than I like the color.  My only complaint is that it doesn't have a peek hole at the bottom so you can see when your cup is getting full.

Lastly, I use Madhava Raw Agave Nectar for sweetness.  Just a small amount goes a long way.  AND Organic 1% on top, and my coffee is ready!  Yum!  Let me know what your favorite organic coffee is!

Step 3 - Add ground beans to reusable coffee filter

Step 4 - Add hot water

Interested in a bit more??

When I buy coffee, I always make sure it is shade grown and organic, however, this whole bird friendly thing completely threw me for a loop.  I couldn't figure out what wasn't bird friendly about regular coffee, and what made this coffee "bird friendly".  So I did what anyone would in my situation, I googled it.  Duh.  Now, I feel silly for not thinking that coffee could be bird friendly.  Bird friendly coffee is grown in a way that isn't disruptive to birds migratory paths or forests.  Birds use the forests for cover.  Shade grown coffee is grown beneath the shade of trees in forests without cutting them down.  This is not only helpful to the birds, but also all the other animals and indigenous communities that inhabit the forest lands.

Step 5 - top with your favorite sweetener and cream

Step 6 - Give it a stir

Step 7 - Enjoy (Thumbs up!)

*As a reminder, I will be doing a blog on learning to cook something new and delicious this weekend.  I would love some suggestions, please leave comments!  Happy Thursday everybody!

What's to come

Topics that will be covered in the coming months by Green Mamma Chronicles:

•  How to grow & take care of a clover lawn

•   How to make your wedding or event"green"

•  Organic cooking

• Organic gardening and how to build your own raised garden boxes

• Eco makeup

• Pregnancy planning

• Staying stylish and eco-friendly

• Making your own home cleaning products (reviews)

• Exercise

• Crafts

• The ultimate goal - going zero waste!

• Lastly, I'm open to requests on topics!  please feel free to comment on what you may like to see

Meet the Welks

Nick and I fishing the John Day river on Thanksgiving 2011

Noni (9 years) and Arlo (2 years)

I wish I had a terribly romantic story to tell you all about how I met my soon-to-be husband and how he swept me off my feet in some grand, chivalrous act, however our story is fairly ordinary. 

Nick and I met on a warm Fall night in October 2010... at a bar.  Not even a cutesie, hole in the wall, brick, old world charm, kind of bar.  Nope.  It was a bar where you could play pool for free, the drinks were cheap, and people came in NASCAR t-shirts and jersey shorts.  To make a long story short, Nick and I met, instantly hit it off, and moved in with each other 5 months later.  The rest is history. Luckily, all of our rambunctious 4-legged children got along swell.  Arlo loved Noni immediately.  Noni tolerated Arlo just fine.  And Nick's cat Squeak ruled the roost and made sure we all knew it. 

He knows he isn't allowed on the table

We have a loving, happy, and very furry family.  We wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, but now it's time to grow!  We're ready to get a bun in the oven.

Having never been much of a "blogger" before and this all being very new to Nick and I, we're open to pretty much any format.  If you have questions we would love to answer them as our blog grows.  We'll be posting pictures and videos a few times a week.


P.S. Nick and I want to cook something delicious this weekend, neither one of us are very cunlinarily (yes, I just made this word up) inclined, but it is a skill we would like to acquire.  If anyone happens to read this post before this Saturday, we would love some suggestions!  We'll even make a blog posting on what we end up cooking and how it turned out.

Welcome to my blog!

Greetings fellow green living enthusiasts!

This blog is going to be dedicated to my fiance Nick (soon to be husband, in 21 days!) and my living and learning experience through our daily lives the next year, TTC or "trying to conceive", the 9 months, and beyond!  We welcome your comments and suggestions on how we can improve our green efforts and how we can live the most environmentally conscious life possible.  

Shortly after our nuptials, we are going to embark down the path of conceiving our first child.  We will be discussing our feelings, diet, home life, work, spiritual/emotional well being,  and overall journey through trying to live the most sustainable life possible for us and our expanding family.  We realize that this blog will most likely bloom into much more than just our baby chronicles.  Nick and I will likely also be blogging about food, learning to cook, animals, environment, home-making, our daily lives, and whatever else sparks our interest. 

This is an exciting time and we are so excited to share it with whoever may find it interesting or insightful. 

Many thanks, peace, and love!
Hannah (Green Mamma in training)