Keeps Getting Better

One thing I like about having a birthday at the end of the year is that I get to reflect on what the year meant to me, both chronologically and as a year in review. 2011 was the year of being 30. It is insane how quickly this year went by. I feel like it was only a few months ago that Carter and I were frolicking in Santa Barbara for my 30th.

When I turned 30, I didn't have any freak outs or panic. The only thing that hit me was how fast life was flying by. 30 felt like it came from out of nowhere. And I really did welcome it with open arms....until I found my first gray hair(s). Yes, plural. But soon I learned it wasn't anything my hairdresser couldn't fix :) 

Last year, I reflected on life up to that point and felt very at peace with how much I had experienced and grown in general. This year, I feel like I've truly grown even more. It's been a year of many, many challenging ups and downs. It's during those storms you realize who is next to you, riding it out, holding your hand. When things that you thought were your stability slip away, you realize where your true support comes from.

When I turned 30, people would say, "30 is the new 20", etc etc. I never got that one. Why would I want to be 20 again? I spent my teen years imprisoned by fear. I was afraid of trying, for fear I wouldn't succeed, fear that I would do it wrong. Fear of what people thought of me. Afraid that I wouldn't be good enough. When I went to college, I wanted to experience everything I possibly could. Going to a big school, forcing myself to come out of my shell and meet lots of people, being in a big sorority, studying abroad with strangers who became best friends. I knew that was my chance to overcome those mental blocks. However, after college, I realized I did not have an answer to what's next. My early-to-mid 20's were punctuated by moments of feeling lost and without direction. What were my dreams? Did I have any? What was my purpose? 

In my late 20's, I learned to stop and listen to what my gut was telling me. God was trying to help me to see his purpose all along, I was just too ignorant to see. 

Three decades......what I've learned. I've learned to not be afraid of failure. I've learned that in those moments of failure, the lessons I've come away with are exponentially more insightful and beneficial than when there are no obstacles to overcome. I've learned that the number of acquaintances grow while the number of close friends shrink, and that's ok. I've learned that my traditional family can segue into a modern family, and that's ok, too. I've learned that if someone treats others poorly, then they will not treat you the way you deserve. I've learned that I will do anything for the friends who have become my family. I've learned that I've never felt so clear on my purpose in life. I've learned that God is really trying to give me the answers that I seek, I just need to close my mouth and open my eyes. I've learned to take things in stride, and that there are truly only about 3 things worth losing sleep over: health, family, and true friends. I've learned that I can love more deeply than I ever thought possible. I've learned that sorrow can run deeper than I ever imagined. I've learned to lean on others for support. I've learned to be someone else's rock. I've learned that I'm stronger than I ever knew. I've learned to choose my friends more wisely. I've learned to better manage anxiety. I've learned that to be a good partner, you need to be happy with yourself first. I've learned that learning to pick myself back up is one of the most valuable lessons I could ever learn. I've learned that I'm not scared anymore. I've learned that I don't give a darn if I'm good enough; I'm going to try regardless. And I'll probably have a lot of fun doing it. And within these lessons, there is freedom from every negative, self-doubting thought. 

So 31, I'm ready. Open arms, feeling free, and more excited for the future than ever. 

Happy 2012!

Love,
The Sigmon's

A Carmel Mountain Christmas

This year, we are spending Christmas in San Diego. The weather forecast for Christmas Day is 70 degrees...now that's what I'm talking about!

One thing that really gets us in the spirit is how Dad's street goes all out for Christmas. Stoney Gate was recently listed as one of the best streets in San Diego for Christmas lights. Last Saturday, the neighbors organized a "Hospitality Night". Everyone rolled out the fire pits, heat lamps, s'mores, homemade cookies with milk, popcorn machines, candy canes, teenager's bands, hot cocoa, apple cider, appletinis, and holiday cheer. There were appearances by Santa, a fire engine, tour buses, and Christmas carolers. We had such a great time walking the street and checking out the displays.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful time getting ready for Christmas! Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday.

Fresh Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe

Nothing says fall like pumpkin bread! If you know me, then you know how much I love pumpkin flavored-anything. For some reason, I used to think cooking with real pumpkin was intimidating. Like most things, it was only daunting in my head and is so easy to do! I roasted 3 small sugar pie pumpkins a few weeks ago and froze the puree until I had time to play with the recipe. An extra bonus is roasting the seeds for later :) 

I was making my go-to pumpkin bread recipe a few weeks ago, and realized that the recipe called for a ton of sugar. We were bringing the pumpkin bread to visit with some former neighbors who are in their 80's, so I thought it would be best to stick to a more traditional recipe for them and then experiment later. My first experimentation turned out beautifully - as long as you don't mind that your bread doesn't rise :( I was very sad, the spices were spot on but that was about all that turned out well. I realized that change is slow and instead of trying to overhaul the entire recipe at once, I'd start with a few modifications then continue to work the recipe over time. The applesauce and chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness while eliminating cups of sugar. I'd like to play around with other natural sweeteners, but that's another day. This baby came out of the oven tonight and it's amazing! 

Pumpkin Bread

1-1/2 cups fresh pumpkin puree (directions below)

3/4 cup applesauce (I used Ela Family Farms Gala Gala - local and organic with no added sugar)

1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tbsp chia

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp allspice

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp cloves

1/3 cup water

1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (they taste so much better than regular ones)

To cook the pumpkin: It is easiest to do this in advance so you have it on hand to use later. It freezes really well, too. Here are some tips on cooking with fresh sugar pie pumpkins- I prefer the baking method and scooping the puree into a big tupperware bowl.  

To make the bread: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Sift together dry ingredients and set aside. In mixing bowl, combine applesauce and pumpkin puree. Slowly add in dry ingredients. Add water. Fold in chocolate chips. 

Pour into a greased bread pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. 

Enjoy! 

Crockpot Sunday: Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

I am so happy with how this soup turned out. One of my cooking goals for the winter is to create new soup recipes using local, in-season produce. Sundays always feel like the perfect day to have something yummy bubbling in the crockpot. While I love butternut squash soup in restaurants, I could never find a recipe to make at home that I was happy with. Each time I tried a new recipe, I kept feeling like something was missing from the soup, but couldn't put my finger on it. The other day, I was wandering around the grocery store and had an "ah-ha" moment that SWEET POTATOES would be a delicious added ingredient. It got a little interesting when I created the "soupy" part - enjoy! :)

Crockpot Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
- 2 local, organic butternut squash
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 2 cups free range organic chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (we like Royal Crest)
- 2 tbsp grass-fed butter

Peel butternut squash, cut length-wise and scoop out inside. Chop squash into chunks and place into crockpot. Peel sweet potatoes, chop into chunks and place into crockpot. Dice onions and garlic, place into crockpot. Cook on LOW. Once the squash and sweet potatoes have become tender (around 2 hours), remove in sections and puree in food processor (or however you choose. This is my method based on what's available in my kitchen). Return puree mix to crockpot. Add spices (the cloves really add a nice flavor.) Continue to cook on LOW for an additional 5-6 hours.

I ran the entire mixture through the food processor once again since it was still a little too chunky for me.

This is where it gets interesting. A friend adds cream cheese to her recipe and suggested putting that in at the end. I slowly stirred in the chicken broth, heavy cream, butter and cream cheese until I attained the consistency I was looking for, which is reflected in the above measurements.

I don't know if I'll add the cream cheese again the next time, but I was intrigued and had to see how it would turn out. You can even dust a little cinnamon or nutmeg on the top for presentation.

I am so happy with the result and the only way I can describe the taste is that is tastes like a fall harvest. I'm going to freeze most of it so I can enjoy it throughout the winter. A successful crockpot Sunday!

Crockpot Sunday: Jenn's Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

I LOVE tomato basil soup and have been wanting to create a homemade recipe using minimal and fresh ingredients. Last week, I decided it was the perfect time to start experimenting. This was my first shot and I'll probably re-work the recipe throughout the winter but I loved how this one turned out. It is delicious!

Ingredients:
12-13 tomatoes (local and organic)
As much Basil as you can possibly buy (if you are a basil fanatic like myself)
5 garlic cloves
1 yellow onion
1 cup of cream
2 tbsp butter
Sea Salt and pepper to taste

Cut a shallow "X" into the bottom of each tomato. Place in boiling water for 30 seconds - 1 minute to soften skin. You will notice the skin beginning to peel away. When finished, use your fingers or a paring knife to peel the skin off the tomatoes. Quarter tomatoes and place into crockpot.

Next, dice as much garlic and onion as you would like. I used about 5 garlic cloves and 1 yellow onion. Place on top of tomatoes in crockpot.

Next, chop up lots and lots of basil and place on top.

Cook on LOW heat for approx 6 hours, stirring every 1-2 hours. Run through a food processor to break up chunks. Pour back into crockpot and add 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp butter and sea salt/pepper to taste. Let cook for another 30 minutes.

While I finished up the soup, my husband whipped up a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches on fresh sourdough bread. The PERFECT Sunday crockpot/football meal. It also freezes very well and was perfect to enjoy during for our first snow!

If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes

I love fall, and we were blessed to have a vivid and drawn out season this year. Most of our days were 70-80 degrees, sunny and gorgeous. It made for good walks around the park and neighborhood.

Hokie-themed trees are my favorite :)

However, in typical Denver fashion, fall/winter came fast and furious. 

The beautiful fall photos were taken Sunday. On Wednesday, the power went out 10 minutes into seeing my patient. When a few hours had passed with no improvement, clinic was cancelled for the remainder of the day. I do still wonder why my psychic snow-anxious patient did not see this coming. She could have saved herself some serious distress coming into clinic that day. Anyways, I drove home fantasizing about sipping hot chocolate in my pi's and studying the rest of the day, only to be greeted by Tree Massacre 2011 in my backyard....trees on the detached garage, trees on the fence, 15-ft trees just hanging out in the yard. 

And let's not forget the tree limb that fell on the power line and broke my meter. 

6 days later, and the trees and power line were finally fixed today (just in time for tomorrow's snowstorm). And of course, as we've learned with everything with this 100-yr old house, none of these repairs are ever as seamless as they appear. Ay yi yi. However, I am very grateful that I didn't lose power and could stay in my house all night. The night turned around when my dental hygiene big sib came over for dinner and we whipped up an amazing dinner of salmon, mushroom risotto, homemade tomato basil soup (Recipe Here) and pinot grigio. It was so wonderful to catch up and laugh after an insane day. Thanks, Sarah! 

I love Autumn in New York....

To celebrate Carter's graduation from ODS, we decided to take the train from Providence, RI to New York for a romantic weekend getaway. We booked a room at the gorgeous Setai Fifth Avenue and had a wonderful weekend exploring a city we adore. One of my guilty pleasures is fabulous hotels, and the Setai did not disappoint. The service was impeccable and our room was phenomenal. I could have stayed there forever.

We arrived Friday evening and caught up with Adam and Scott for dinner and an adventure to a speakeasy. I'm glad I take cell photos of things I want to note later because otherwise I would have forgotten about this sassy little quote on our receipt - "I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the carats in a diamond" - Mae West. LOVE :)

On Saturday, we awoke to a beautiful day and strapped on our walking boots for a nice walk down to Ground Zero. On the way, we meandered through Madison Square Eats and drooled over all the goodness.

As we were strolling along, we literally walked into the Occupy Wall Street protesters as they were marching through the West Village.

When we arrived at the 9/11 Memorial, we were disheartened to discover that it required advance tickets. Fortunately, they noticed Carter's Navy shirt and allowed us in since he's active duty. We were so appreciative as we would not have been able to see it otherwise. The memorial is peaceful and meditative. I can't believe it has been 10 years since the attacks.

That night, we met up with Adam for quick bite to eat before seeing Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark. That poor show has gotten so much press that we just had to see it for ourselves. Despite it being a disaster when it opened, I really enjoyed the revised show and all of the stunts. You can't go into it expecting an actual Tony award-winning theatre performance with a phenomenal score, (although I DID expect more from Bono and the Edge), and actors. You go into it expecting to feel like you're on a movie set. I adored the Green Goblin - he was by far the best character. I loved the acrobatics, artistry of the sets, and stunts. The flying fight scene was great. Was it worth the price of the ticket? Probably not. But was it good entertainment and aesthetically pleasing? You betcha.

On Sunday, we strolled around Central Park before meeting up with my cousin, Catherine, and her family for lunch.

 It was so great to catch up with Catherine and Greg and meet sweet Amanda. She will be the cutest Halloween panda! What a beautiful family and wonderful weekend.