# allison knows best


## Posts

- [The kitchen island](https://allisonknows.best/the-kitchen-island/): When we moved in, this is what our kitchen looked like. The previous owners took the island that the house showed with, which was fine by us as it didn’t fit our aesthetic. Knowing we would need an island right away, I ordered one from Wayfair to arrive in Seattle when we did. It was tricky finding an island because the space is narrow and long and everything pre-fab is wider than what we needed. This $2,500, amazon-quality island arrived with a warped marble top and poorly finished wood. We refused delivery. So Josh fashioned a temporary island out of … The kitchen islandRead more
- [About our Seattle garden](https://allisonknows.best/about-our-seattle-garden/): What we’ve lost in space we’ve made up for in a growing climate that’s just a dream. Already I can tell that things just want to grow here, as opposed to the Colorado high desert where it is a miracle to get things to grow. In the fall I planted some cool weather crops in our only little garden bed: parsley, cilantro, lettuce, kale and chard. Chives and strawberries were already in the bed. I planted a few perennials around the property, two David Austen roses and the rhubarb that I dug up and brought from Colorado. Earlier this spring … The kitchen islandRead more
- [baked pasta](https://allisonknows.best/baked-pasta/): In the cooler months I try to keep the ingredients for baked pasta on hand. It’s a versatile recipe and a great way to use up veggies that are about to turn. I love the chickpea pasta because it’s a nice texture for a GF alternative and it’s also loaded with protein. Even if you’re not GF, it’s a delicious pasta. I bake this in my 5 quart Le Creuset Braiser which is my most favorite and most used of my Le Creuset collection. It works well as a skillet when I don’t want to cook acidic foods in my … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Lately](https://allisonknows.best/lately/): I’ve been quiet but here are postcards from the last few months: Recently I had coffee in Queen Anne with a friend of a friend: A lady a few decades older than me who lost her husband during the pandemic. She was a feisty and interesting, focusing her time on solo traveling, quilting, reading and crochet. When she travels she long-distance walks, like 500 miles at a time, across entire countries, by herself. Amazing. After coffee we walked to the local bookstore and I picked up The Correspondent. It’s definitely in my top five favorite books. So masterfully written. If … The kitchen islandRead more
- [2024 & 2025 Year in Review](https://allisonknows.best/2024-2025-year-in-review/): The last two years in a nutshell: we moved to Seattle. Or, it became more painful to stay the same than to change. I started out 2024 with a renewed sense of vigor. I left my tech job the previous October, took a little bit of time off to recoup and was ready to jump into what was next. I started the year with a six-part business plan that included things like bottling my peach jalapeño hot sauce commercially and growing a flower farm. I was on fire. I did grow the flower farm. We transformed my very large garden … The kitchen islandRead more
- [My favorite Thanksgiving recipes](https://allisonknows.best/my-favorite-thanksgiving-recipes/): I’ve cooked Thanksgiving almost every year of my adult life so I’ve got a fine-tuned lineup at this point. I don’t include a recipe for mashed potatoes here, but don’t worry, that’s definitely on the list. Just think a whole stick of butter and heavy cream. Also, making them in the instant pot is a game changer!  The year I got divorced I decided to add in some new traditions for our family. I wondered, why do we always eat pie after we’re stuffed to the gills with Thanksgiving dinner? And everyone knows the best thing about Thanksgiving leftovers is … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Allison's Apple Pie](https://allisonknows.best/allisons-apple-pie/): 3 Tbs flour2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 lemon)zest of 1 lemon 3 pounds (8 to 10) apples, honey crisp 1/2 cup sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon nutmeg1/4 teaspoon salt2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces1 10″ double crust pie crust, divided and rolled out for pie Preheat oven to 350º. Roll out the bottom crust and line the pie plate. Store in refrigerator until ready to use. Place lemon juice in a large bowl. Peel, core, and cut apples into 1/4-inch-thick slices; halve crosswise, and add to lemon juice (to keep them from turning brown) as … The kitchen islandRead more
- [spinach, bacon, goat cheese quiche](https://allisonknows.best/spinach-bacon-goat-cheese-quiche/): On thanksgiving, when we have pie for breakfast, we also have a quiche to, you know, balance things out. This is my go-to recipe. Keep in mind, measurements aren’t exact. Use your heart here. 1 tablespoon olive oil1/2 onion, chopped4 cups raw spinach, rinsedSalt and pepper8 eggs, beaten1/2 cup heavy cream3+ ounces goat cheese, crumbled8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled1 single 10″ pie crust, uncooked Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 1-2 minutes, until softened. Add the spinach and saute for several minutes, stirring … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Our first month in Seattle](https://allisonknows.best/our-first-month-in-seattle/): I’ve barely taken any photos. It’s because everywhere I go, I’m so astonished that I don’t think to pull out my phone. That about sums it all up really. But here are a few random details about what it’s like to live here. • First everyone is so nice. So much nicer than in Colorado. People talk to each other in public. I think it’s because there’s a different mindset. Not pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps, every-man-for-himself, but instead, We’re All In This Together. Maybe it’s like this in lots of big cities? Gosh, I’m so glad to be done with rural living. • … The kitchen islandRead more
- [How we're living in our new house today and the ways we plan to change it. pt. 2](https://allisonknows.best/how-were-living-in-our-new-house-today-and-the-ways-we-plan-to-change-it-pt-2/): An update from my last post: I forgot to mention that we have to replace the roof. (This was a known expense.) So while we’re doing that, we will be adding a skylight or two to the kitchen. I need to understand how the joists run to know if it will be one or two. Since I last wrote we’ve installed our teeny dishwasher and received our walnut table for the kitchen. It’s so pretty Here’s a look into the messy middle. Lots of things are piled up and disorganized on temporary shelves. It’s not my favorite, but I’m so … The kitchen islandRead more
- [How we're living in our new house today and the ways we plan to change it. pt. 1](https://allisonknows.best/how-were-living-in-our-new-house-today-and-the-ways-we-plan-to-change-it-pt-1/): We’ve been in our Seattle house for about two weeks and are loving life here in Greenwood. It all feels like absolute magic and we’ve just barely scratched the surface of Salish Sea living. Mostly we’ve been unpacking, hanging artwork, building shelves, walking the dogs and trying to find places to put things in this cute, little closet-less house. Everything in the house is about as setup as it can be without changes so I thought this would be a great time to go through everything as it is and write about what we want to change. The Studio is … The kitchen islandRead more
- [farewell to Colorado](https://allisonknows.best/farewell-to-colorado/): I think no matter what, I’ll always be a Coloradan in my heart.
- [the beginning](https://allisonknows.best/the-beginning/): Today we became the owners of a 900 sq ft, 1945 flat-roofed house in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle. The house comes with a detached 1000 sq ft sunny artist’s studio with gleaming wood floors and the cutest little apartment inside. It also has a substantial chicken coop which will soon be a greenhouse, plenty of growing space and lots of fruit trees. And not one single closet!  We’re so excited about the new life that’s about to start next week. I can’t wait to show y’all the house and our plans for it. We can’t wait to host visitors … The kitchen islandRead more
- [postcards from the middle - house hunting in Seattle edition](https://allisonknows.best/postcards-from-the-middle-house-hunting-in-seattle-edition/): The Middle™ is nearly over despite being 37 years of my life. (In reality it’s almost been a year since I decided it was time to love where I live.) Finding a new house in Seattle was as easy as selling our house in Colorado was hard. We were under contract on the first house we saw on the first day of looking within 36 hours of seeing it. I truly cannot wait to be in there and bask in all of the goodness and beauty of it. I am so excited to live in a big city and have … The kitchen islandRead more
- [postcards from the middle 8/9/25](https://allisonknows.best/postcards-from-the-middle-8-9-25/)
- [on leaving Grand Junction](https://allisonknows.best/on-leaving-grand-junction/): I’ve been writing draft after draft of my thoughts and feelings about leaving Grand Junction. I’ve lived here since 2nd grade—1989, a whole lifetime—and there is just so much history to process through. I think the problem is that I’m trying to write about all of this from the middle. When we decided to move away, I imagined how the leaving would go. I’d process everything that living here meant, I’d go on a farewell tour, people would show up and wish me well. Instead not much of it has happened how I imagined, especially internally. Every draft I write … The kitchen islandRead more
- [kismet](https://allisonknows.best/kismet/): Tomorrow marks 10 years since we’ve moved into this house. I was hoping to be out of here before we saw this anniversary come and go, but we’re under contract and closing soon, so we almost made it. We moved into this house after we’d been married for a year. We couldn’t believe our luck to get one of the very few mid century modern houses in Grand Junction and with a pool on top of that! The kids were 13 and 11 at the time, and the move was good for all of us. I have a lot to … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Postcards from the middle 7/21/25](https://allisonknows.best/postcards-from-the-middle-7-21-25/): I’m waiting impatiently for our move to Seattle. Here’s my attempt at finding the beauty in the middle, however messy it all is. Carla’s fish cake recipe always on repeat. Such an easy, delish low-carb staple. I’m obsessed with these new short glasses from acopa. They’re perfect for a larger cocktail and my afternoon iced coffee. I moved this furniture under the cabana when we listed the house and we’ve been wondering why it wasn’t here all along. No matter the temp, he always wants to be under a blanket. My bronze fennel usually has aphids by this point in … The kitchen islandRead more
- [this chance](https://allisonknows.best/this-chance/): This place here in the middle. I’ve been so impatient to get out of here but also I’m having these glimpses of gratitude for the gift of this extra time. I’m getting to see plants bloom for the first time—these investments I made years ago giving me my first dividends. How lucky that I have an extra little moment to see it all pay off. How lucky I am to get to keep making things beautiful and making beautiful things.  Moon carrot, bronze fennel, globe thistle, dara, tassel flower, bee balm, blue vervain, marigold, coconut daisy, echinacea, rudbeckia, scabiosa, black … The kitchen islandRead more
- [dara](https://allisonknows.best/dara/): If a seed can find its way to some soil, live through the winter and spring to life, I’m always going to let it live.  Perhaps what the world needs right now is a little more wonder for the life people make in the unlikeliest of conditions. How holy/beautiful/sacred it is to live, to make beauty out of ashes, to fight to build something new for your children. No matter your skin color or where you were born.
- [farewell pretendingsanity](https://allisonknows.best/farewell-pretendingsanity/): Perhaps the username pretendingsanity has never quite fit me. I chose it back when this blog started in 2004 (!) when I was in the throes of parenting two little kids 19 months apart. I was 23 at the time. But the truth is that I’ve always been able to hold things together pretty well. My capacity to handle a lot at once has always been higher than most, it’s what makes me great at operations. And while I’ve struggled off and on with depression, my grasp on my sanity has always been firm. But I’ve had this username for … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Dinner this week - 3/18/24](https://allisonknows.best/dinner-this-week-31824/): Chopped Italian Salad – salami and pepperoni, mozzarella, pepperoncini, red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, chickpeas, bell pepper, black olives, cherry tomatoes, vinaigrette. Paleo Fish Tacos – I’ll make the slaw but will serve on Carbonaught tortillas. GF for me, regular for Josh. Chicken Salad wraps – cold rotisserie chicken, apples, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and pecans. Mix half regular mayo, and half Truff mayo to taste. Add lots of pepper. Eggroll in a bowl Brisket! With Franklin BBQ beans, coleslaw and southern-style green beans. Best! (Brisket and beans from the Franklin BBQ book.) Coleslaw dressing – half mayo, half sour … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Dinner this week - 3/4/24](https://allisonknows.best/dinner-this-week-3424/): White bean soup with ham and collard greens that I didn’t make last week -this recipe exists in my head and I’ll try to write it up. It’s loosely based on this one, but I use dried beans and ham steak and make it in the instant pot. Korean Beef Bowls -we eat this with cauliflower rice and store-bought kimchee. Carne Asada -I have some pre-seasoned meat in the freezer. We’ll eat this with low carb tortillas, avocado and possibly some pinto beans I have frozen from a previous meal. Greek Meatball Bowls -I make Tzatziki dairy free with Culina … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Dinner this week - 2/26/24](https://allisonknows.best/dinner-this-week-22624/): The theme these days is what is super easy to make. Also, I’m trying to free up some space in the freezer so all of these are meals I can accomplish without going to the store.  Salad with chicken and goat cheese  -rotisserie chicken, goat cheese, apple slices, pecans, red onion, greens, some kind of homemade vinaigrette Thai Basil Beef  -subbing in ground beef because I’m lazy. Mini Meatballs and pasta -bless me for making a double batch of meatballs back in December and freezing half of it. We’ve been eating this pasta because it’s the best tasting low carb … The kitchen islandRead more
- [2022 and 2023 years in review](https://allisonknows.best/2022-and-2023-years-in-review/): This is my eighteenth and nineteenth annual year in review. To read past reviews click here. If I were to describe these past two years in one word or phrase it would be life and death. I’ve struggled to write this over the past month, trying to remember everything that happened and trying to see it all through a beautiful lens. The truth is that 2023 was the hardest parenting year of my life and on top of that we did two rounds of layoffs at work and two people we loved died.  Most of this happened in January so I never had the … The kitchen islandRead more
- [A few low-carb recipes we've been loving lately](https://allisonknows.best/a-few-low-carb-recipes-weve-been-loving-lately/): Five weeks ago my functional medicine doctor put me on a candida diet to help combat a moderate yeast overgrowth in my gut. I love my functional medicine doc because everything she does is science-based and backed up with lab results. I’ve gone to so many “natural” type providers that take a guess at what’s wrong or wave something over me to give me a diagnosis, all to no avail. I’ve also gone to conventional physicians who have literally told me about my health, “I don’t know what to tell you.” So I’m grateful to take a more natural approach and … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Carla's fish cakes](https://allisonknows.best/carlas-salmon-cakes/): 1 can of good-quality salmon or tuna in olive oil, drained1 TBS Coconut flour1 TBS Almond Flour1 EggGenerous squirt of Braggs liquid Aminos Mix together until combined. Divide into four patties and fry in olive or avocado oil until firm and golden on both sides. I like to serve them on top of a big salad with capers and a lemony dressing. 
- [Refrigerator Rolls](https://allisonknows.best/refrigerator-rolls/): 1 cup room temperature butter, cut into pieces 1 cup sugar 1 cup boiling water 2 tsp salt 1 cup cold water 2 eggs beaten 2 Tbs yeast or 2 packages 3 cups white flour 3 cups whole wheat flour 1. In an extra-large bowl, pour boiling water over butter, sugar and salt. Set aside. 2. Let yeast stand in the cold water for 5 minutes and then stir. Add to first mixture. 3. Add beaten eggs. Add flour gradually. Mix well. Cover and place in refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight. 4. Grease muffin tins. Roll 3 small … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Strawberry Rhubarb Pie](https://allisonknows.best/strawberry-rhubarb-pie/): 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped2 cups sliced strawberries1 1/3 c sugar1/3 c flourzest of half an orange2 Tbs butterheavy cream and additional sugar for the crust1 recipe for a double pie crust (This is my favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe.) Mix flour and sugar and fold carefully into strawberries, rhubarb and zest. Add to a pie crust and dot with butter. Top with pie crust ensuring there are vent holes or create a lattice crust. Brush the top of the pie crust with cream and sprinkle generously with sugar. Bake at 425º 40-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Josh's Very Famous Mac and Cheese](https://allisonknows.best/joshs-very-famous-mac-and-cheese/): It’s important to not purchase pre-shredded cheese for this dish because it is coated with something to keep it from sticking and it won’t melt as well! Sodium Citrate can be ordered online and keeps the cheese from being stringy. Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 min | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 12 Ingredients: 1 lb Monterey Jack 1 lb White Cheddar 1 lb Mozzarella 1 lb Elbow Macaroni 22 g Sodium Citrate 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard 2 1/4 cup Milk Directions: Shred all cheese and mix together, separate a third of the cheese for later. Heat milk … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Maple Orange Sweet Potatoes with Pear and Sage](https://allisonknows.best/maple-orange-sweet-potatoes-with-pear-and-sage/): Quantities are a little iffy with this recipe so just follow your heart. I prefer my sweet potatoes to be more savory so I generally add less maple syrup. I generally start these 1-2 hours before I serve dinner and then keep them warm on low until I’m ready to serve. 6-8 Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks Juice and Zest of 1 orange 1-2 Tbs of fresh sage, finely chopped 1-2 bosc pears, cored and cut into chunks 2-4 Tbs Maple Syrup 1/2-1 stick of butter salt fresh coarsely ground pepper In a large pot, cover the … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Blackberry Sage Pie](https://allisonknows.best/blackberry-sage-pie/): This is a favorite amongst our Pie for Breakfast™ crew. Something about the sage really works with the blackberries. 2lbs fresh blackberries 1Tbs fresh sage, finely chopped 1Tbs fresh lemon juice zest of 1 lemon 1/4 cup cornstarch 3/4 cup granulated sugar pinch of salt 2 Tbs butter for dotting heavy cream and additional sugar for the crust 1 recipe for a double pie crust (This is my favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe.)   Preheat oven to 400º. Prepare and roll out double pie crust. Combine blackberries, sage, lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and salt. … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Weenie](https://allisonknows.best/weenie/): View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allison Blevins (@pretendingsanity) On Monday we let go of Dexter, our little dachshund. He had several health issues and was rapidly declining. Josh dug the grave for him in our side yard, near the garden. Because of Covid, our vet’s office was only allowing one of us in at a time so Josh and I waited in the car while Honor went in with him. The vet wrapped him in his favorite blanket—a knitted one that I purchased long ago at Target and was my inspiration for learning to knit. When … The kitchen islandRead more
- [2020 and 2021 Years in Review](https://allisonknows.best/2020-and-2021-years-in-review/): This is my sixteenth and seventeenth annual year in review. To read past reviews click here. If I were to describe these last two years in one word, you’d not be very surprised: COVID … or maybe division.  For two years now we’ve lived in a pandemic. I remember thinking in early March 2020 that I hoped the lockdown would last a full month. That may tell you how completely spent I was and how very thankful I was to be stuck in my house, forced to slow way down. It’s hard to remember what it was like to wish for that … The kitchen islandRead more
- [2019 Year in Review](https://allisonknows.best/2019-year-in-review/): This is my fifteenth annual year in review. To read past reviews click here. If I were to describe 2019 in one word it would be growth or possibly college. I struggle with what to say about the past year and instead keep finding myself with clarity about how I am leaving it. It was certainly not the year I had imagined 365 days ago. 2019 met us with unexpected trials that, at times, seemed insurmountable. But in trial and pain is where we find our best teacher and in those moments growth comes exponentially rather than linearly. And even though much … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Happy Holidays 2019!!](https://allisonknows.best/happy-holidays-2019/): View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allison Blevins (@pretendingsanity)
- [Playlist - year 37](https://allisonknows.best/playlist-year-37/): On this, the last day of my 37th year, I’m gathering together a list of all of the albums that I’ve listened to over and over again in the last year. I’ve listened to lots of music over the last year, but this is what has stuck with me and climbed into my heart, marking important lessons, changes, and seasons. Everyone one of these albums is tied to such a feeling of gratitude. In no particular order, my 37th year playlist: When We All Fall Asleep – Billie Eilish The Weatherman – Gregory Alan Isakov Words I Never Said – Ella … The kitchen islandRead more
- [phoenix](https://allisonknows.best/phoenix/): It’s been raining. Everything is turning green and my lilacs and apple trees are right on the verge of blooming. I’m one cup of coffee into my weekend morning ritual of drinking coffee by the open window, wrapped up in the first quilt I ever made, listening to the birds chirp whenever the rain breaks, focusing on the things for which I am so very grateful. It’s Easter. The Super Bowl of Christianity. Churches all over have hustled hard to bump up attendance so they can share crackers and grape juice with the lost souls of our communities. Yesterday was … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Here's what you should do](https://allisonknows.best/heres-what-you-should-do/): Here’s what you should do: you should create something. Any time your heart hurts or you’re stretched thin or you need some space, you should make. Because that’s what you were made to do. As you’re creating, you should use that time to hold what you’re making, and your whole life, loosely. Into your craft you should pour your hopes and fears and dreams and wishes. Relax, be calm, trust. Stitch your stitches or make your music or build your masterpiece. What is in your hands, however imperfect, will turn out beautifully if you just relax your grip on it. … The kitchen islandRead more
- [2018 Year in Review](https://allisonknows.best/2018-year-in-review/): This is my 14th annual year in review. To read past reviews, click here. If I were to describe 2018 in a word, I think it would be delightful or maybe Proximity. While this year has not been without its trials and challenges and many, many lessons learned, I leave it in utter delight. Which is a feeling I have not had for many years. It’s like the lessons of these last five years have finally been brought to a point. Or one might say all those years I couldn’t see the forest for the trees…those trees now make so … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Happy Holidays from us!](https://allisonknows.best/happy-holidays-from-us/): View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allison Blevins (@pretendingsanity) on Dec 22, 2018 at 6:34pm PST See past videos here.
- [COO](https://allisonknows.best/coo/):   On Monday I was named Chief Operating Officer of Proximity! I’m so excited that I’m part of a company that values people and relationships above everything. That I am entrusted with the day-to-day operations of Proximity is such an honor and I am ready and excited for the challenge. My gratitude for this team of extraordinary people (29 and counting!) is immeasurable and I am so thankful that each and every one of them is a part of my life. This life I’m living is such a gift and I never, ever stop being in awe of it. Life … The kitchen islandRead more
- [To my 26 year old self](https://allisonknows.best/to-my-26-year-old-self/): Ten years from now you won’t recognize yourself or the life you’re living. This thing that’s undone you becomes your superpower. This world, this life you get to live, you’ll never stop being in awe of it. You are well acquainted with loss, but that just makes the sweetness of your life even sweeter—you know what you have. Life is such a gift. You’re slightly horrified that you were willing to live under the shadow of a man who needed you to be small. Here’s what you know about that: You’ll never sacrifice the whole of yourself for someone else. … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Pacific Northwest](https://allisonknows.best/pacific-northwest/): We’ve been vacationing in the Pacific Northwest for over a week now. We drove from Colorado, through Utah, to Idaho, into Oregon—where I saw for the first time in my life a fox, in real life, running across the road (while I was definitely, maybe, probably not following Oregon’s ridiculously slow speed limit)—and then into Washington. Tomorrow we will venture into Canada for a day and night before we head back to Colorado. The PNW is familiar in ways that I can’t quite put my finger on. Maybe because the tall, tall trees and sea salt air are what my heart … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Last day of school](https://allisonknows.best/last-day-of-school/): Last day of 8th and 10th grades. Last day of driving my kids to school, possibly forever. Eden will have her license soon and next school year she can transport both herself and her brother to school. They’ll be back together, going to the same school again. Once she’s graduated, he will have his license… so that’s that, really. Parenthood means that we are SO in a life phase and then suddenly we aren’t and we just go speeding right on to the next thing. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. When you’re in the middle of raising teeny tinies it is so … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Spicy German Sausage with potatoes and asparagus](https://allisonknows.best/spicy-german-sausage-with-potatoes-and-asparagus/): This was a delish meal that I threw together quickly from what was in the fridge. We always get the best meat in our farm box and this sausage was no exception! The leftovers might even be better the second day for breakfast, reheated in a skillet and served with a runny egg on top. 1 lb Spicy, ground German sausage 1 bunch asparagus, chopped into 1-2″ pieces 3 baked russet potatoes, cubed (if you don’t have baked potatoes on hand, see below for alternate cooking instructions.) 4 cups of kale, torn into bite sized pieces 1/4 c red wine 1/2 … The kitchen islandRead more
- [chickpeas with eggs, chorizo, and kale](https://allisonknows.best/chickpeas-with-eggs-chorizo-and-kale/): Yum, this is probably my favorite breakfast right now. If you’re lucky enough to live in West CO, you must track down some Chorizo from Roan Creek Ranch, it’s truly amazing. Adapted from Refinery 29. 1 lb. bulk Chorizo, Roan Creek Ranch if possible 1/2 tsp cumin 1 onion, chopped 2 Tbs. olive oil 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1 can chickpeas, drained (or make them in your instant pot – 3/4 cup dried is about the equivalent of a can.) 2 cups baby kale, torn and packed 5-6 eggs 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro Preheat oven to 400º. In … The kitchen islandRead more
- [the next adventure](https://allisonknows.best/the-next-adventure/): I’ve found that there are times in life that we let life happen to us and there are times that we make our lives happen. Lately, I’ve been choosing to make my life happen. Here’s to knowing that when you can’t see the forest for the trees, once you’ve made your way through, all those trees make so much sense. And it suddenly becomes very clear that the path you’ve blazed was exactly the path that you needed. We’re on to the next adventure here at the Blevins/Hudnall household. I’m leaving my Downtown job at the end of this month … The kitchen islandRead more
- [gluten free biscuits rolled in "Everything"](https://allisonknows.best/gluten-free-biscuits-rolled-in-everything/): I’ve been loving cooking through Smitten Kitchen’s Every Day book. Here’s my gluten-free take on her everything drop biscuits. Smitten Kitchen Everything mix, tweaked slightly. 1 TBS toasted sesame seeds 1 TBS black sesame seeds 2 TBS poppy seeds 1 TBS minced dried onions 2 tsp minced dried garlic 1 tsp coarse kosher salt Mix together well and set aside in a small bowl. (I fully plan to make more of this and eat it on buttered popcorn.) my GF biscuits 2 cups Cup4Cup baking mix 2 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 3/4 cup … The kitchen islandRead more
- [2017 Year in Review](https://allisonknows.best/2017-year-in-review/): This is my 13th annual Year in Review. To read past reviews, click here. 2017 in a nutshell: so, so busy. Or the year we bought our house. I’m of double mind about 2017. There was both so much bitterness and so much sweetness, as life always is. On one hand it was the year that I saw the culmination of years of my own personal growth. On the other hand it was such a stressful year, especially for Josh. There were so, so many challenges and stressors and there were times that I wasn’t sure how we were going … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Net Neutrality](https://allisonknows.best/net-neutrality/): Both of the children texted Josh and I today worrying about Net Neutrality. They both also have Net Neutrality written on their Christmas lists (really). I can’t say it better than Honor, who is 14, so I’ll leave you with his words: “Net neutrality is gone, this is a very scary reminder of the state of our country, something that will affect (almost) every single person in America negatively was passed without anyone wanting it. The only people this benefits are pre-existing internet service providers, things like Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast. (FREAKING COMCAST) This is a very big issue that … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Happy Holidays 2017](https://allisonknows.best/happy-holidays-2017/)
- [homeownership](https://allisonknows.best/homeownership/): Sometimes I am amazed when I pause for a minute to look back at where I’ve come from. I lost so very much when my first marriage fell apart but every single bit has been redeemed and is now better than it was before. Today we bought the mid century house that we’ve been living in for the last two years and we couldn’t be happier. Life is good.
- [Dreamers](https://allisonknows.best/dreamers/): Today we’re pasting our photos on the side of FACTORY in support of the Dreamers. I believe that American Values are that we care for each other and kids who were raised in these United States are certainly our own. #loveyourneighbor #westslopebestslope
- [community](https://allisonknows.best/community-2/): This seems to be like a good time for me to give my shopping local speech. What shopping local really boils down to is shopping with intention. Sometimes that takes more time and sometimes that takes a little bit more money. But it also means so much for your community. Shopping small, at locally owned shores, means that 68% of each dollar you spend stays right in your community. Our city is primarily funded by sales tax so those dollars go to provide roads, sewer, police, fire, EMS, parks and so much more. This process is something I get to … The kitchen islandRead more
- [teacher](https://allisonknows.best/teacher/): Here’s the work that I’m practicing right now: I’m remembering that everyone is my teacher. I’m taking the longer view. I’m learning what I can from everyone, even when it’s hard. Even when they complain to me about parking. • I’m sitting down every morning before I start my day to write three things I’m thankful for about my job. I’m focusing on three things I’m thankful for about my life, too. It’s a really good life. • I’m learning how to protect my little, empathic self from feeling all of the things so I can focus on what’s important … The kitchen islandRead more
- [five years](https://allisonknows.best/five-years/): It’s been five years since Josh and I met. Gosh, how lucky I feel that Seth and Carrie talked him into driving over the mountains to carve pumpkins that day. It was only a couple weeks later that we started dating and he kept driving over the mountains to see me. I’m so thankful for these memories to look back on and measure the way life changes. I could not have imagined then how good life would be now. This man would go on show me how very real redemption is and what it’s like to be loved unconditionally. I really am … The kitchen islandRead more
- [opportunities](https://allisonknows.best/opportunities/): This is why I believe in public school: tonight we got to watch all of the musical kids at Palisade High School perform, all the bands and orchestras and choirs. Eden sang in two of the choirs and we marveled at the way her confidence to perform has changed over these last few years. The night ended with the marching band filing into the auditorium, lining the room, and filling it with so much sound that you could feel it in your chest. As those kids marched in, joy exuding from them because of the music they were making, I … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Eden](https://allisonknows.best/eden-2/): You guys, I can’t even. I can’t believe I made this child.
- [Nashville](https://allisonknows.best/nashville/): I struggle to understand why it is so important to be so concerned with what other people do? I mean, I was raised to believe this way so I am familiar with the preoccupation with other people’s actions, especially whenever sex is involved. But, really. Why is it so important to be so worried about who someone else loves? [Also, millennials don’t buy into a religion that builds a wall between “us” and “them” (in SO many ways.) We’re witnessing the death of Christianity and I think this, hypocrisy, is why.] Washington Post: Nashville Statement
- [editorial](https://allisonknows.best/editorial/): Printed in the August 17, 2017 edition of the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. ____ As the the director of the Downtown Business Improvement District, and a longtime lover of these tree-lined streets in the center of our valley, I’m always fascinated by what visitors and those new to our community have to say about downtown. Most visitors wander our award-winning streets in awe, enjoying our little slice of heaven here in the western Colorado high desert. It’s fun to watch. Things are thriving here in downtown Grand Junction So far in 2017 we’ve had 17 businesses either open or plan … The kitchen islandRead more
- [proximity and fear](https://allisonknows.best/proximity-and-fear/): I’ve been sitting at Human Services for the last two hours, helping a family member get some much needed help. Watching the people in our community who are trying to wade though a really difficult government process, being helped by some very kind people who are truly on the front lines, only further reiterates to me how incredibly grateful I am today that millions of people are not losing their healthcare. Glennon says that proximity and fear can’t live together, and it’s so true. When you hear the stories of the people who need help, it changes the way you … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Three years](https://allisonknows.best/three-years/): Today Josh and I celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. Many of you know that I was previously married, for 12 years. The stunning result of which is Eden and Honor plus some pretty big scars on my heart. It’s hard to fully explain the pain that I went through during the undoing of that marriage. It’s also hard to put words to the example of redemption that I have experienced in my relationship with Josh. I am constantly awed by the gift that we have in his love, encouragement, strength, hard-working spirit, and enduring patience. It is a truly remarkable … The kitchen islandRead more
- [love](https://allisonknows.best/love/): Today I lost my grandmother who I didn’t really know and here’s what I’ve been thinking: Love is always going to cost you something. And sometimes it can be so expensive. I have scars on my heart and stretch marks on my stomach to prove how much love can cost. But, gosh, we only have one chance to do this life. And every morning we wake up to a choice. Love or not. Invest or not. Try or not. Before you are your people, and they will surely cost you. But it will always, always be worth it.
- [2016 Year in Review](https://allisonknows.best/2016-year-in-review/): This is my 12th annual year in review. To read past reviews, click here. 2016 in a nutshell: Exactly where we should be. Or the year we closed Tangle. 2016 was a year of joys and sorrows, life being equal parts normal, hard, and exciting. Many people on social media are lamenting that 2016 was the worst year ever, but there are enough bright, shining moments in this past year that I’ll have to respectfully disagree. Yes, there has been a lot that was hard and a lot that makes the future seem a little bleak, but there has also … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Uncle David](https://allisonknows.best/uncle-david/): I woke up early this morning thinking about my uncle. Uncle David died very unexpectedly last Christmas. It’s been so hard on my family, missing their dad, husband, brother and uncle. What a day to lose someone. I’ve been thinking about what is probably my favorite memory of him: When my marriage fell apart I kept it to myself for several months. We were still living together in the same house and I could keep up appearances pretty well. I think I was disillusioned enough to think there was something I could do to fix it. It was not my … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Happy Everything! 2016](https://allisonknows.best/happy-everything-2016/): Happy Everything! 2016 #tradition A video posted by Allison Blevins (@pretendingsanity) on Dec 4, 2016 at 6:47pm PST 2015 Happy holidays, 2015 version. A video posted by Allison Blevins (@pretendingsanity) on Dec 13, 2015 at 7:20am PST 2014 Happy holidays, ya'll! A video posted by Allison Blevins (@pretendingsanity) on Dec 14, 2014 at 8:59pm PST
- [happy thanksgiving](https://allisonknows.best/happy-thanksgiving-3/): Over the past few months I’ve watched several marriages fall apart and others go through some very hard things. I’ve been thinking so much about those three years of sheer suffering I went through while I fought to keep mine together, pleading and fighting and trying everything I could to keep a ship from sinking that had long been sunk. It was hard. It was terrible. And it was terrifying. It’s hard to watch now in someone else’s life because I know just how it feels and I wouldn’t wish that brand of pain on anyone. I get to observe … The kitchen islandRead more
- [post post election](https://allisonknows.best/post-post-election/): Today I cried on the bathroom floor, back up against the cabinet, hands clutching the rug. I had to ask more than one family member today to not talk to me about politics, for the sake of our relationship. Today one of my downtown business owners, and friend, drove to my office just to give me a hug. I’m pretty sure we voted for different candidates. Today I had to show myself (and those around me) a mercy and unfollowed a handful of friends who were rejoicing in their newly-voted-for good fortune. It’s just too much right now. Today I … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Post election](https://allisonknows.best/post-election/): Hate won. How long will it keep on winning? How far and wide and deep will the aftermath be? Who is left to stand up for what is good and true? Who fights for the marginalized, the minority, the abused, the broken? And for those of us who do, how futile will our efforts be? How do we stand in the way of hate, abuse, discrimination, when we no longer have our government backing us? I am afraid. All around me I see darkness, growing ever darker. I don’t see the small, shining beacon of hope in the distance. I’m … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Schools](https://allisonknows.best/schools/): I went to private Christian schools until I was in high school so every time I watch my children perform at one of their school musical concerts I’m struck with overwhelming thankfulness for the opportunities they have. It’s startling to me how well-rounded the education they are receiving is compared to the one I received. While many people complain that we have terrible schools*, I am continually grateful for the schools my kids get to attend. I marvel at the work that middle school music teachers undertake. Many kids don’t get introduced to music until 6th grade and it makes … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Portland](https://allisonknows.best/portland/): We’ve been exploring our way through Portland as only we know how, by tasting it. In the mornings we make our way in to downtown on the train, Starbucks in hand, waiting until we can trade our white and green cups in for something truly hipster. We wander to coffee shops where there are only three things on the menu and it makes me wonder if it’s ok to ask for cream. It always is because people are so nice in Portland. So much more than in other big cities I’ve been to and even more so than in Western … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Pacific North West](https://allisonknows.best/pacific-north-west/): I’m laying in a tent on the Oregon coast. I can hear the crashing of the ocean, the fog horn from the Yaquina Bay Light House. Every once in awhile something will rile up the seals on the beach and they start barking, reminding me how very badly I just want to pet one. Tonight we walked along the harbor, photographing the boats as the sun went down. We ate dinner at an amazing seafood place overlooking the harbor. Everything was so fresh, directly from the boats we looked down on as we ate. We drove through the forest to … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Double taps](https://allisonknows.best/double-taps/): Well, here’s a thing I know: I’ve been using social media to try to communicate and connect with the people around me. It’s not working very well.  Big life changes are getting brushed aside, lost in shuffle of Donald Trump articles and recipe videos.  Or maybe no one cares? It’s hard to tell.  What I’m feeling so acutely is that likes, emoji, double taps are all a counterfeit for real human connection.  Nothing beats real words from a person to another person. And I think that’s what we all actually need. Connection. To feel like some really cares. To see … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Long story](https://allisonknows.best/long-story/):    I’m so excited to have this up on the wall in our dining room! It’s 6ft tall and just perfect. Josh built the frame and stretched the canvas (while I watched!). It’s just perfect. 
- [2015 Year in Review](https://allisonknows.best/2015-year-in-review/): This is my 11th annual Year in Review. To read past reviews, click here. 2015 in a nutshell: Adulting. 2015 hasn’t been the easiest year. A lot has changed and I’ve spent a lot of time learning to trust. I’ve struggled to hang onto the the rescued perspective I gained after my divorce, dealing with loss and loneliness, struggling to forgive. While so many of my life experiences have taught me that I need to protect myself, I’ve had the chance to learn to trust Josh who has proved himself to be completely trustworthy. Marriage is proving to be something … The kitchen islandRead more
- [3D printing](https://allisonknows.best/3d-printing/): Sometimes I think of my heart as a 3d printer. Every message I hear, verbal or non, prints a thin, little layer on top of the other building up these castles inside me. Some are fortresses, dark and foreboding. Others are open, light, welcoming, safe. I think we start our lives in the world whole, believing our worth, knowing deep in us that we are worthy. And message after message comes printing a thin, little layer and the printer arm passes, layer upon layer telling us you aren’t worth it. You aren’t worth it. You aren’t worth it. They keep … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Dinner this month: Menu for October](https://allisonknows.best/dinner-this-month-menu-for-october/): I’m trying a new thing and planning meals for a month at a time. We’re so busy that a month’s worth of groceries seems to be the only way that we can ensure that we have food to cook when we get home for the day! Stuffed Acorn Squash (Made my own tweaks to the recipe.) Beef Stroganoff Paprika Roasted Chicken Homemade Pizza Dahl with Brown Rice Beef Stew Potato Basil Frittata Chicken Lettuce Wraps Chicken Cacciatore Quesadillas with Chicken Sausages and sweet potatoes Acorn Squash Soup with Kale Mini Meatballs with pasta Lentil and Sausage Soup with Kale Fajitas … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Vail ](https://allisonknows.best/vail/): Josh and I are driving home through Vail and I’m remembering a time a long time ago that my ex husband and I were driving home through Vail, late at night, during the holidays. I was in awe of the Christmas light display: thousands of white lights, wrapped around every branch of hundreds of trees. It was amazing. I was delighted.  He was annoyed at my delight. He was often annoyed with me.  The further away I get the more I realize how dampened I was. I never got to truly be myself. My true self wasn’t good enough.  I’m … The kitchen islandRead more
- [The Curiosity Project: My weekend as an event planner](https://allisonknows.best/the-curiosity-project-my-weekend-as-an-event-planner/): I created The Curiosity Project as a way to satiate my ever growing curiosity about the world around me. What is it like to change oil every day? How do restaurants really work? What would it be like to be a bartender? A barista? A maid? A gardener? A baker? I want to know and learn and do it all. One of my favorite things about my new job is that I get to work with the incredible Ms. Robin Brown. Robin, a former military helicopter pilot (who was shot down in combat, by the way), coordinates Downtown’s events and … The kitchen islandRead more
- [everything new](https://allisonknows.best/everything-new/): Today the FexEx guy walked into the office at my new job and asked, “What? You’re here too?” Yes, I do all of the things. (PS, I got a new job. I’m the “Interim Marketing and Communications Manager” for Downtown Grand Junction. Plus I’m still at Tangle. I don’t know how long this new job will last, but I like it.) I don’t know what I’m doing. All of the things, I guess. I’m dead tired. But I’m having fun. I’m actually making real money for what feels like the first time ever. I’m doing all of the things I … The kitchen islandRead more
- [The Curiosity Project: My day as a Production Chef](https://allisonknows.best/the-curiosity-project-my-day-as-a-production-chef/): I created The Curiosity Project as a way to satiate my ever growing curiosity about the world around me. What is it like to change oil every day? How do restaurants really work? What would it be like to be a bartender? A barista? A maid? A gardener? A baker? I want to know and learn and do it all. The first Curiosity Project adventure I had was in the kitchen of Bin 707 Foodbar. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love this restaurant! I was lucky enough to design their 2014 menus and Bin is definitely where … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Introducing The Curiosity Project](https://allisonknows.best/introducing-the-curiosity-project/): I created The Curiosity Project as a way to satiate my ever growing curiosity about the world around me. What is it like to change oil every day? How do restaurants really work? What would it be like to be a bartender? A barista? A maid? A gardener? A baker? I want to know and learn and do it all. So every now and then I’m going to moonlight as something new and maybe a little unexpected. The first place I went was into the kitchen of my favorite restaurant, Bin 707, where I spent the day with Production Chef, … The kitchen islandRead more
- [believing what is true](https://allisonknows.best/believing-what-is-true/): Last night I spent over an hour with Honor reminding him of who he really is. That he is smart and kind and sweet and brave and good at math and reading and computers. He’s been believing the lies that the kids in his class are telling him: that he’s stupid, that he’s a “book worm” (apparently a high insult), that he’s not athletic. Aside from the mama-bear rage that this incites in me, I also feel guilt. I’m telling Honor all of these things that I know are true about him, telling him over and over again to believe … The kitchen islandRead more
- [teenager](https://allisonknows.best/teenager/): Dear Eden, Today you are 13 years old. This is weird. I think over the last year you’ve made it pretty clear to us that you are no longer a kid anymore. You keep reminding us, pushing for more freedom, having very strong opinions of your own, dying your hair in rainbow shades. Your brother is still a kid and you are not and that’s a strange transition for us to make. I always say that I trade you guys in for the next model every so often and you are definitely the next, teenaged model. I’m pretty proud of … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Hashtag Mama Bear](https://allisonknows.best/hashtag-mama-bear/): Today Honor told me that he wishes he could be in middle school now so he wouldn’t have to go back to his school. Apparently some of the kids have started a rumor that Honor is paying someone to have sex with him. He’s 11. He doesn’t know who started the rumor but his classmates keep coming up to him asking him how much he’s paying. Kids can be such dicks.
- [a few snaps from Christmas 2014](https://allisonknows.best/a-few-snaps-from-christmas-2014/): Eden singing at her Holiday Choir Concert The bar from our Christmas Party.
- [Dream Board 2014](https://allisonknows.best/dream-board-2014/): Making yearly dream boards had been a tradition with a few friends of mine since 2009. Life has taken over and we haven’t been able to get together the last couple of years, but it’s a tradition I’m not ready to let go of. I love having the stack hanging up in my creative space like a tiny snapshot from the years past. Love.
- [2014 Year in Review](https://allisonknows.best/2014-year-in-review/): I’ve been writing my Year in Review since 2005. You can read past year’s reviews here. 2014 in a nutshell: We got married. Or we moved. 2014 saw some of the biggest changes we’ve experienced in life. Josh and I got married. A couple months later we moved out of the house the kids and I had lived in since 2001. Moving was (hopefully) one of the last big consequences of the divorce. I stopped running the free clinic for the church due to budget cutbacks and our community really changed. 2014 felt like for everything I gained, I lost something … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Hey, you, with the broken heart](https://allisonknows.best/hey-you-with-the-broken-heart/): One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how often I get to walk with people through broken hearts.  I never knew how much good would come from my own broken heart, but I’m SO incredibly thankful that I have gotten to talk about it. Through telling my story I have been able to help people over and over again. It’s so humbling and I feel so honored. Several years ago, when I was watching my family fall apart, NO ONE was talking about going through what I went through. I searched everywhere but couldn’t find anyone who was willing … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Menu - week of October 11, 2014](https://allisonknows.best/menu-week-of-october-11-2014/): Saturday Chicken green chile with tortillas and cheese Sunday Bacon wrapped jalapeño hot dogs (go Broncos!) Monday Linde’s soup Tuesday Enchilada soup Wednesday Pasta with spicy Italian sausage Thursday Out Friday Beef stew (I see a theme emerging here…)
- [forward](https://allisonknows.best/forward-4/): I handed over the keys to our little yellow house last month, and with one last look, I stepped out the back door for the last time, walked down the path for the last last time and closed the back gate into the alley, for the last time. Moving has been such a process for me. Both literally and figuratively. I don’t know how many trips back and forth it’s taken to clear 13 years worth of stuff out of that house. I also don’t know how many days of processing it’s taken and will take. That house saw me … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Goodbye yellow house](https://allisonknows.best/goodbye-yellow-house/):          
- [moving](https://allisonknows.best/moving/): In a couple of weeks, my new little family is embarking on a new adventure. We’re going to be packing up our little house and moving a few blocks down the road to Main Street (just up the road from Tangle). I’m equal parts sad and happy. We’ve lived in this house for 13 years. This is where I brought my babies home from the hospital. And I’m not quite ready for this next step in life. Needing to move is (hopefully) one of the last consequences of my divorce that I’m going to have to pay. Also, I have … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Red sangria with pear](https://allisonknows.best/red-sangria-with-pear/): Pour 2 bottles red wine (I used a local merlot) and 1 cup 100% pear juice over Strawberries, lemons, limes, raspberries, and 1 pear cut into chunks. Let meld in fridge for several hours. Serve over ice with a splash of club soda.
- [How's Married Life?](https://allisonknows.best/hows-married-life/): This is the question I’ve been getting a lot lately. I’m not totally sure how to answer that question because I haven’t solidly wrapped my head around the fact that I’M MARRIED.  This is mostly my fault because I think my little PTSD’d self had a hard time believing that it would actually happen. Leading up to the wedding I started to be convinced that Josh was going to die in a fiery plane crash or something equally as tragic. My life has not been the easiest for a lot of years so I just didn’t spend much time thinking … The kitchen islandRead more
- [We do](https://allisonknows.best/we-do/): We got married last Saturday. It was a beautiful, sunny day in the desert, not too hot and just perfect. There were flowers and twinkle lights, balloons, cloth napkins and lots and lots of china. Details to follow, but for now let me just say, I’m so thankful for redemption and for the people who lit up my path along the way.
- [Manifesto](https://allisonknows.best/manifesto/): This has been one of those years where I’ve examined the majority of my theology and come up short. At times this is hard for me, feeling like I don’t have anything solid to stand on. But then it feels so natural. Theology, to me, is fluid. The best way for each of us to experience God is through our experiences and our experiences change the way we see things and open our eyes and wake us up. The way we see and experience things changes the way we believe. What I’m learning is that when I start to get … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Redemption](https://allisonknows.best/redemption/): I’ve come to believe that if God is in the business of anything, it’s the business of making all things new. I’ve seen him take what was broken and bad and turn it into something whole and good. I think that’s his primary business. That’s what he does for all of us. Yesterday I got the opportunity to share my story with the church I attend. I’ve been telling the story for a while, in bits and pieces, though my blog and even twitter, but I’m pretty excited to get to tell the whole thing. I’m so thankful to be … The kitchen islandRead more
- [Did I mention we're getting married?](https://allisonknows.best/did-i-mention-were-getting-married/): June 7th 🙂

## Pages

- [recipes](https://allisonknows.best/recipes/)
- [about me](https://allisonknows.best/about/): Hi. My name is Allison. You’ve found my website. I’m 33 years old. I’ve got two great kids, ages 11 & 13. And a wonderful husband. I don’t think that I started this website in January 2004 with any real goal in mind. People wanted my recipes, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if I told them, ‘it’s on my website’?” I wanted to have photos of the kids and I wanted to start writing about my life. I became a blogger before I even knew what a blogger was. It’s sort of grown from there. A few years ago … The kitchen islandRead more


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