Snow White Button Up

The weather has been so kind to us lately. First, a big storm came through and finally pushed that inversion away. Then, the sun was out daily and it heated up significantly for about a week; all of us in Boise were dreaming of spring. It cooled down rather drastically this week, but I don't mind because we were hit with another wave of snow. I mean, if it's going the be bone-chilling cold there better be pretty snow too, am I right?

Yesterday afternoon we headed out downtown to enjoy a bit of fresh air and some time together before attending a conference that evening (that we got tickets to for christmas). We walked around BSU campus, grabbed a mocha to split, then walked around the greenbelt for a bit. I love seeing the park all bare and white and quiet; I've always found winter so peaceful, you know. Our little in-town adventure didn't last long, though, as the crisp piercing wind made the cold rather bitter. I enjoyed it, none the less.

OUTFIT DETAILS
coat: Old Navy
scarf: gift
shirt: H&M
jeans: Forever 21
earring: Forever 21
gloves: bought from a vendor on UofI campus years ago
boot cuffs: gift, purchased at a craft fair
purse: Fred Meyer

The conference lasted well into the evening and after we headed to Apple Bees — not my favorite choice, but the only place we knew to be open in this town after 10 on a week day. But the crunchy shrimp surprised me and Will got to enjoy some buffalo wings (one of his guilty pleasures). The snow really started to dump again the moment we pulled up to the restaurant. I didn't mind one bit sitting there next to a window watching it fall over warm food and great conversation. Driving home in the blizzard was surreal, as we literally couldn't see anything around us (except the lights from a few dutiful snow plows). I'm a happy kid today, with the pretty white world.

Hope you are well and warm,
xx Emorie

Continue

Goals for February

I'm going to start trying slightly different formatting in the way that I share my monthly goals here with you. You'll remember that at the beginning of January I shared my goals for the year rather than specifically for that month. I will share my progress on these goals once a month, as well as the typical list of individual goals tailored to accomplish that month. My progress on my yearly goals will also include the next steps I am taking, or plan on taking over the next four weeks to continue towards those big aspirations. For the first time, I will also be linking up with Melyssa over at The Nectar Collective for monthly wishes. The Nectar Collective is such a great, supportive community. Be sure to check it out if it is new to you! I'm a few days later than I tend to like for my monthly goals post, but hey, sometimes that just how schedules work.

JANUARY IN REVIEW
+ One of goals this year is to try to be more of a creator and less of a blogger. I love blogging and writing and all the work I put into the content here, but I am struggling to balance it all out with my more artist endeavors. I'm still looking for a way to integrate more of my artistic side here.
+ I have some pretty serious stretch goals for the year. One, that I haven't yet to share, involves those artsy things I mentioned above. I'd like to try my hand at running an Etsy shop for some of my creations. I don't know how much of a market there is for things like handmade pillows, feminist patches, art prints, or embroidery art but I am creating regardless. And I'm doing a lot of brainstorming, researching, inspiration digging, and dreaming.
+ I'm doing well so far on my goal to get back into the great shape I was in previously. I'm learning how to incorporate workouts easily into my daily schedule again. I'm going out and being active just for fun. I've been so sore but it feels good too. I started a new series here, titled Learning Happy and Healthy, and I can't wait to share even more with you.
+ I started another series called 1 Book a Month, to challenge myself to move through my to-read list and hopefully get through some stories a little quicker. I finally finished A Dance with Dragons (and loved it). I've gotten well into Ancillary Justice too; the story is unexpected and extraordinary. I'm trying to have more unplugged days, at least once a week, but it is harder than I anticipated. It is especially difficult given the fact that I started watching Lost for the first time (and can't stop).
+ I've learned a lot of new things this month. I've learned that I feel 1000x better if I wake up at a decent hour and take the dogs for a morning walk to start my day, even before a cup of coffee! I've learned that I like seafood a lot; as someone who was a vegetarian for 5+ years, it has been a hard truth to accept. But it is delicious and makes me feel good, so I'm going to enjoy it and try not to feel guilty for giving myself that pleasure. Fresh steamed clams are great. So is calamari. I'm trying to learn to accept a few changes that are happening in my life that I can't control and embrace them happily.  

GOALS FOR FEBRUARY
+ I'll be moving here shortly, so I've starting a very thorough and long to-do list to make the process a little less overwhelming and stressful for everyone (hopefully). It's pretty simple, organizing and packing one room at a time over a few days to space out the work that needs to be done. There will be a lot of purging, too, as moving is the best time to determine what items are essentials and what you are just hanging onto for no real reason.
+ Did I mention yet that the sun is out and has been shining none stop?! It is a lovely change after that nasty inversion. It even warmed up for a bit last week; it almost felt like spring! It is back to butt-cold again, but I still plan on getting out and enjoying fresh air and sun as much as I can — even if it requires my down-jacket. I've got an adventure planned this weekend, and hopefully more every weekend this month.
+ I've been doing so well with my workout goals; I can't wait to feel stronger and do even more. Lately, I've been doing cardio/hiit circuits three times a week, an upper body lifting day and a lower body lifting day once a week, leaving the weekends for rest or just for fun activities (like hiking or zumba with my sister). I'd like to also add in yoga, maybe switch out the cardio in the middle of the week for an hour session or add a little bit to the end of my circuit each day. I'm not sure yet where it will be added to my schedule, but it is something I am really looking forward to.
+ A simple goal: to keep my nails painted. I've mentioned this goal before, and why I like having them done. It's an instant mood booster right on my fingertips. My goal is to do them once a week, on Sunday — my lazy, catch-up on TV day. I've been experimenting with a few different techniques lately, and can't wait to try this scotch-tape method.
+ Finish Ancillary Justice and start the next book on my list!
+ I will continue my research/brainstorming/day-dreaming for my Etsy shop goal. And I will continue creating. I have so many new ideas for creations; luckily I keep them safely organized in my phone.

How did January treat you? Any big plans for the short month of February?
xx Emorie

Continue

Balsamic Veggie and Couscous Salad

I can easily say that this salad is one of my all time favorite concoctions (and I have made quite a lot of yummy concoctions before). I thought of it/made it for the first time last week, and I've been craving it since. Warm salads are such a treat this time of year; they're a great way to get some fresh veggies and greens into your diet without sacrificing the comfort-food craving that has become oh so strong nearing the end of winter.

It may very well be one of my favorite concoctions because couscous is one of my favorite foods. Couscous is a great grain that is fluffy, delicious, and super simple and fast to make. I eat it often as a side, to fish and tofu, but this is the first time I have made it the center of a meal. While hunting for lunch ideas after an afternoon workout, I saw we had a few boxes of couscous in the pantry. I wasn't much in the mood to cook much of a full meal and was craving something more light and fresh; couscous salad it was! I kept things really simple by using the box mix of couscous to add instant flavor to salad. I paired the Near East wild mushroom & herb couscous mix with some grilled balsamic veggies and lots of spinach, which made a perfect combination. Feta cheese crumbles and fresh slices of tomato really set everything together.

See the full recipe below and give this warm, filling salad a try!



Balsamic Veggie and Couscous Salad
yield: 3 large servings or 5-6 starters/sides | adapted from this recipe

Ingredients                                                                                            

1 box couscous mix or 1 cup uncooked couscous
1 zucchini, sliced
2-3 large mushrooms, sliced
1/2 a small red onion, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/4 cup feta cheese
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Instructions                                                                                           

1. Cook couscous according to instructions on the back of the box; cover and set aside. If not using a couscous box mix, bring two cups vegetable broth to boil, remove from heat stirring in one cup of couscous; cover and set aside.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat, add the zucchini and red onion. Cook until vegetables are tender, then add in the mushroom.
3. Cook until all veggies are tender and start to turn golden. Add in the balsamic vinegar, garlic cloves, italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook for another few minutes, until all flavors seem combined. Set aside.
4. Fluff the couscous thoroughly with a fork. Toss in a large bowl with the spinach leaves. Stir in the grilled balsamic vegetables and the feta cheese. Serve warm, topping each serving with a few fresh slices of tomato.



Simple and savory. Enjoy!
xx Emorie

Continue

1 Book a Month / January

I'm talking a lot lately about the goals I set for myself this year, as January now comes to a close, and I am finding it hard to believe that it has already been a month since I really organized those goals and started making them concrete. I am happy with my progress so far on all of them! And I am even more happy with the fact that I made them in the first place. One of those goals was bringing myself to read at least one book a month all year long. It seems small, and it is. I am the type of person who tends to hold onto a book for as long as possible, and as much as I want to break this habit so I can start to make real progress on my mile long to-read list, I don't want wear myself out. I enjoy taking my time with stories. I prefer to give myself a few days of refresh to mull things over and think back on the book as a whole before I move onto something else. I immerse myself entirely into what I read, obsessing about it even (especially) when it is over, so I find this step important to my reading. I know some people enjoy pouring through book after book after book, but this is what works for me.

That is where my idea for this post series came from. It is purely for my benefit, as it will allow me a concrete place to organize my ideas and feelings concerning a story before discarding it for the next. While I may very well read more than one book a month, I want a space to remember my favorites and share a bit of review, too. Although this month, I will be skipping this step. Last week, I finally brought myself to finishing the 5th novel in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George RR Martin, A Dance with Dragons. I had been reading this novel since November (I know, ridiculous), limiting myself to two chapters a night because I didn't want to finish. I also took a small break from it during the holidays, as I didn't have the energy to keep up with everything going on in it.

A Song of Ice and Fire is a very involved and complicated series, with many story lines and countless characters. The 4th and 5th books were split between two sets of these characters but over the same timeline. So, starting this book was a bit like going back in time in the story and getting different perspectives (and many new stories and a few new characters). About 3/4 of the way through, Martin begins to bring all the characters back in. A bit exhausting to keep up with, but well worth it. Writing a review here, though, I don't know where I would begin; especially because this is a series. I also do not want to give away any spoilers to my readers who may be interested in this series or who are reading it already but are not yet to where I am. Just know I am happy to be finished with it (finally), despite the fact that I had been putting it off because the next novel The Winds of Winter still isn't out. And know that it was so so so so good. Ugh. I only got mad at George for killing people a few times.

What are you reading lately? Any recommendations?
I've already started, and am liking, Ancillary Justice.
xx Emorie

Continue

Learning Happy & Healthy: An Introduction to the Series

Last summer I was arguably in the greatest physical shape I have yet experienced. I had made my lifestyle into one that was active, happy, and fulfilling. I ate incredibly well and fresh, too, but I still enjoyed pizza and ice cream (as everyone should). It was a lifestyle I loved and flourished in, but it wasn't one that necessarily came easily. It took articulate, small, and well thought out steps to achieve, but it did eventually became habitual. I wish I was the type of person that naturally sought out activity, challenged myself physically, took care of myself mentally, and always picked healthy food first. As an introvert who struggles with anxiety and depression, I may very well be the opposite. It very easy for me to slip out of these habits, despite the fact that they make me feel good. And I did slip.

I came to the realization the other day, while I was standing among pine trees and filling my lungs with fresh mountain air, that it is simply silly to not take care of myself. I don't know how else to put it. I deserve nothing less than to actively care for myself and to seek out feeling my best every single day. My body deserves attention and nourishment and strength. I deserve to feel strong, healthy, happy, and confident because of my efforts.

You may remember that I made it a goal this year to create an integrative schedule to get moving. If you've been a longtime reader of Oh Whimsical Me, I'm sure you remember that last summer I participated in a fitness program, called Revolt Fitness, for 12 weeks. I documented my journey and experience here in exchange for free access to the complete program. This included meal guides, workout schedules, new daily workout videos, and a supportive and interactive online community. Before I was contacted to participate in the program, I had really embraced yoga, Pilates, and even did cardio a few times a week— so integrating this program was simple; especially since the Revolt workouts were all designed to complete at home in little time. I am all about workouts that I can do from anywhere with little equipment.

But starting from scratch again is always difficult; I kept putting off getting back into working out knowing how out of shape I had gotten. It was easy to discourage myself, knowing all the hard work I had to put in before and realizing I had fallen back into unhealthy habits. That is why it is important to start small. My goal is to take some of the important aspects I learned from Revolt (and the parts that I loved), add lifting and toning twice a week, and mix everything in with yoga and flexibility building. I am happy to say to that I am already well on my journey and have really started to integrate these things back into my everyday. I miss being fit and feeling strong, confident, and highly focused. But I will get there again. And I want to share my journey with you.

The Learning Happy & Healthy series will be a monthly or bi-monthly post featuring topics such as:
+ my workout from home tips
+ my favorite workouts
+ recipe suggestions
+ planning meals ahead
+ body image and body morphism
+ self love
+ mental health care
+ tips for managing stress
As well as many other topics, I'm sure. Of course, I can only speak from my own experience and the knowledge I have gained, as I am not a expert (or a professional) on any of these topics.

I'm excited to continue my journey and share a bit of it with you. Look for the first edition soon!
xx Emorie

Continue

Cuddly Cacti Feature

The lovely Dus of Cuddly Catci was kind enough to interview me and feature me on here blog today!  She asked some great questions and I had lots of fun answering them. Be sure to check it out and maybe learn a few new things about me, just for kicks. Dus is one of my very favorite blogging buddies, so be sure you check out her great blog and beautiful fair trade shop, too!

xx Emorie

Continue

We Found The Blue Sky!

It has been extremely gloomy for far too long here in Boise with the inversion that has settled over the valley. It has been over a week since we have seen even a glimpse of the sky. Day after day the forecast says clear and sunny, but all that we are experiencing is gross grey smog. I can't remember the inversion ever being this bad or sticking around this long in the winter before. It is definitely rubbing off on all of us — wanting nothing but to stay grumpily indoors. I'm now positive that the only reason this cough of mine is still barely lingering is due to this gross air.

Yesterday I decided we'd had enough and it was time to breathe some fresh air again and get outside somewhere were we would enjoy it. We made the hour drive up to Idaho City and it was well worth it. Breaking through that thick grey and seeing the sun again was like waking up from a week long depression induced slumber. I'm thinking a lot of other folks from Boise had the same idea of a Sunday drive in search of sunshine because Idaho City was packed full of people and their pups walking around enjoying the weather. Some of them were even enjoying ice cream cones!

We ventured 20 miles further up the highway, with the hopes of driving up a scenic overpass backroad to a secluded hiking trail. But the further we drove on, the deeper the snow piled quickly. The road was completely covered in multiple feet of snow with no way for a vehicle to trench though so we headed back to town in search of a simpler trail. We ended up walking the airport loop; an easy, casual trail that followed along the small airstrip up there, winding peacefully through thick pines. I cannot tell you how much of a treat it was. The breathing was easy and the sunshine felt like gold on my skin. We may have wandered off trail a bit, not wanting our hike end. If I had not been focusing on balancing on the ice and snow, I would of taken a video of Pippin happily hopping in and out of the snow piles. That pup couldn't get enough of the adventure, fresh air, and fun in powder form.

Looking back through these pictures today while peering out my window at the thick grey inversion is a little heartbreaking. I'm just happy we were able to treat ourselves yesterday and I'm crossing my fingers for a storm to come through and blow this yuck away. My lungs will be happy when it clears.

Hoping you are well,
xx Emorie

Continue