September 29, 2010

Dreaming of Fall


You would never know that fall is here in the Bay Area – for the past 4 days, we’ve had record high temps in the 90’s/100’s! It’s WAY too much for me, since I’m beginning to get in the fall mood. Everything in blog-land is fall inspired – pumpkins, plaid, and comforting. Fall is my favorite season, and to me that means cozy scarves, soup, and cuddling in front of a fireplace (and now we have one!) We’re going to be hosting our first Thanksgiving in our house this year, and I’ve already found a cute tutorial for place cards over at Twig &Thistle. Check them out here!

September 28, 2010

A Boling Wedding


I'm a little late on the posting - last week was one of the biggest meetings I'm responsible for, so I had no time to blog. But anyway, here's a great shot of our whole family from Paul's dad's wedding 2 weeks ago. Ed met his beautiful wife Tania about 3 years ago, and they have been going strong ever since. They had a beautiful and simple Quaker wedding at the Palo Alto Friends Meeting House (the meeting that Paul's family has attended since moving to the Bay Area from Pennsylvania). The ceremony was traditional in the Quaker sense (there were long periods of silence), but deeply personal in another (people were encouraged to speak about life and/or the couple during the hour of worship). I think the most emotional part for me was not only seeing Paul's dad so happy with his new wife, but the fact that Krista (Paul's mom, who passed on 13 years ago) was so much a part of the ceremony as well. Most people who know me know that I don't cry very often - but there wasn't a dry eye in the house! We are so happy to welcome Tania into the Boling family!

September 17, 2010

The difference between house and home...

I really love the stuff that Cox & Cox carries ("the difference between house and home"). There are many unique items that you can't find elsewhere, or can't make yourself. For example, this cute compost bucket for your counter top:



But a button heart? Really? I can make that for 50 cents. 6 british pounds? With shipping, that's like $15! For buttons!



I'm just sayin'. It's cute, but I think I may make my own for the upcoming holiday season....

September 16, 2010

Found on Decor8

...a room identical to the one we spent our honeymoon in (Vinalhaven, ME)

Livs Lyst

I guess I should say nearly identical. Ours was a tad bit smaller, and didn't have a bookshelf on the side. Other than that, perfect.

September 15, 2010

Alert! New favorite food site!

I found out about this new food site Tasteologie on Crafttoday, and it's my new favorite food-related website by far! It basically showcases links from across the internets related to food: recipes, gardening ideas, kitchen wares...you name it, it's there. With pages and pages more to look at, I'll definitely be using this site as a resource in my kitchen!



Some of my favorites so far:

Balsamic Roasted Tomato Caprese sandwiches by Closet Cooking

How to plant a fall veggie garden by Better Homes & Gardens

Sunday Morning Baked Eggs by What Katie Ate

Basil Tops Pesto made in California

September 14, 2010

Thinking of San Bruno


Even if you don't live in the Bay Area, you may have heard about the gas explosion accident that happened in the city of San Bruno last Thursday. A PG&E gas pipe exploded - houses were incinerated, trees charred - what was left was a moonscaped neighborhood and a huge hole in the ground. This actually occurred only a few miles from where my great-grandmother Helmbacher used to live (the house where my grandmother grew up). San Bruno has always had a place in my heart, as I remember swimming in the city pool and playing at the park with my brother. It's also where my great-grandmother had her funeral. When I heard that the accident took place there, I was immediately glued to the t.v. Not just because I nerd out on disasters (Katrina, earthquakes, 9/11, wildfires - you name it, I'm interested in it), but because I wanted to make sure things were okay. It's so devastating to think that one minute you could be sitting down to dinner, and the next minute running out of your house to escape 6oo degree flames. My heart goes out to those affected by this tragedy...

If you're looking for ways to help the victims, click here.

September 10, 2010

Wedding Love

Between the 2 of us, Paul and I will have attended 7 weddings this summer. Seven! They have all been very unique and special to me in very different ways. The following are a few shots from my dear friend Season and Isaac's wedding, which took place a few weeks ago in Shasta. Seas and Isaac are my dear ARTA friends, who I've known for many years - rafting weddings are the best! The weather wasn't fully cooperative (rain came and went), but the bride and groom took it in stride - dare I say, embraced it? I LOVED doing the flowers for this wedding - Isaac's mom grew most of them in her backyard. How cool is that? I love these guys!










September 8, 2010

Summer Recap Volume 1


One of my favorite trips this summer was to Desolation Canyon on the Green River in Utah. I taught a junior whitewater school with an old friend, and saw the new generation of guides working their butts off to run great trips. Many of you may know that I have been guiding for ARTA River Trips since I was 18 (boating since I was 16), so it's been a huge part of my life. I spent 4 amazing summers in Utah after college/during graduate school, so the desert has a very special place in my heart. Driving down the washboard road to put-in, the smell of sweet sage in my lungs and dirt on my face, I was taken back to my 22 year old self (that crazy girl!) 7 days was not nearly enough for me, but alas, the "real world" was calling me back. This trip made me realize that it's essential that I visit the desert every year or two. I came back so completely refreshed and revitalized. It's strange to think that a desolate, dry place can do that to you....

September 7, 2010

Quick anniversary photo


One from Landmark Vineyards in Kenwood, CA (Sonoma County).

September 3, 2010

Happy 1st anniversary to us!

Wow, I can't believe it's been a year since we got married. It seems like only yesterday I was picking up flowers, greeting visiting family members, and enjoying what was the best weekend of my life! Paul and I are headed to Sonoma for a relaxing weekend away. Here's a few of my favorite shots from the day...




photos by rich miller

I don't think you're ready for this jelly

May I present to you, my latest in canning adventures?





I'm loving this end-of-summer bounty that's going on! Paul picked tons of tomatoes at his friend's house so I made tomato sauce. I've been craving homemade pickles, and Paul's been craving strawberry jam, so I made both last night. The pickling was my favorite (probably because I'm a salt fiend...) We'll see how they turn out in a week!