Project Pinterest: DIY Laundry Detergent

Yes, I've become one of those people that makes their own laundry detergent.

I had to see what all the fuss was about. And if you recall my moss-making project, you'll remember that I clearly have no issue with putting non-food items in my food processor.

Does it really save you tons of money? To be honest, I never really considered laundry detergent a giant expense (perhaps that's because I never wash my clothes...). This guy claims it's about 6 cents per load vs. 21 cents per load for the store-bought stuff. I guess if you're doing multiple loads a day, that would add up but that's just not the case for me.

Is it better? Well, 3 loads in, my clothes are definitely clean and the whites are very bright white.

Is it better for you? Since I have fairly sensitive skin, I've always bought natural and unscented detergents, so could this really be that much better? I don't have the answer yet, but I do like the idea of knowing EXACTLY what is in there. No hidden irritants.

I followed these instructions from Apartment Therapy. It was easy, but not as easy as picking something up at the grocery store...

Flavored Water

It seems like everywhere I go these days I'm being offered fruit or herb infused water. There is something about it that is so refreshing and delicious. Now that summer is upon us I want to try keeping some flavored water at home to avoid the calories in juices, soda, and vino. This formula seems like the easiest for mixing up a perfect combination of herb and fruit. Also, have you tried one of these "infusing" pitchers or water bottles, they look like fun (but hard to clean?).

For summer it would be nice to get one of these big carafes (or this cute pitcher) to fill in the morning and just drink yummy water all day long...maybe out of these awesome glasses.

Do you have a favorite "recipe" for flavored water?

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My Happy Place

I need to get on top of my blogging so for today I leave you with a gif of my happy place (this was actually on my first ever Mother's Day as a mom). On the front porch, sunny day, with my two babies.

Wedding Wednesday: Favorite Venues

As a photographer, I'm often asked about my favorite places to shoot weddings. So I thought I'd start a series of post showcasing some of my favorite venues to shoot.

First up this week is a unique one, one that most people haven't even heard of, a hidden gem if you will... The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle.

What do I love about it?  

Nestled in the middle of Discovery Park this unique venue has an amazing view of the Puget Sound. You'll forget your in the city. It's surrounded by GREAT spots to take photos. For couples looking for something other than a ballroom or barn, this is a great spot. It's a blank canvas with natural northwest flare, beautiful log pillars and wooden beamed ceilings. They even have salmon bake house! 

Also, Daybreak Star is a non-profit, community center run by the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation. It serves as a community center within Seattle. So added bonus, your venue fee goes towards keeping the center open and available for community programs. 

Why should you consider this venue?  

-If you're looking for a laid-back venue with a true northwest vibe, this is your spot. It's conveniently located in Seattle, yet you feel like your out in the wilderness. Perfect for giving out of town guests a very northwest experience. 

-If you're working with a limited budget yet can't manage to whittle down your guest list, Daybreak Star can fit 250 people. Also, you're allowed to bring in your own catering and alcohol. 

-If you're looking for a unique venue that your friends won't have seen yet. 

- If you're going for a  DIY wedding, it lends itself to handmade decor and wild flowers. 

Would You Take Your Child on a Dangerous Adventure?

A while back you may remember seeing Eric and Charlotte Kaufman in the news because they had to be rescued with their two young children by the coast guard on a family sailing trip across the Pacific. Their story made headlines across the country as everyone from the hosts of The View to the NY Times commented on their supposed poor parenting and ill fated adventure. The Kaufman's had not granted any interviews until their story ran a couple of weeks ago on This American Life. Ira Glass interviewed them about the details of their trip and what went wrong in a segment titled "Call for Help."

Being that I've attempted to sail a boat exactly two days in my life I was surprised by how riveted I was by the story, and even more, how much I felt like I related to the Kaufman's. As I read through their family blog I found myself asking, why am I so interested in this story? Why do I relate to this so much? And in the end, I think there are two reasons. One is that I like adventures and I wholeheartedly believe that children benefit from living a little bit outside of the box. It was a good reminder to me that bringing Myles on some adventures, whether that be travel, a concert, heading out on the water or into the mountains... or just staying up past his bedtime, is good for him and something that vibes with our family culture.

But upon reflection, I think the larger reason I was so drawn to the Kaufman's story is that on some level parenting itself is a "dangerous adventure." There is huge potential for failure, embarrassment, inconvenience, and loss, but also mystery, excitement, wonder and novelty. I don't think most people enjoy having to "call for help" but having a child makes it nearly impossible to avoid. I relate so much to Eric and Charolotte because even though I never plan to sail across the Pacific, I can taste what it would feel like to try something risky with your kids and to fail.

Being adventurous when you have children takes a lot of guts and since Mylo was born I have been mostly afraid to push the conventional rules of society and parenting. I find the Kaufman's story inspiring...here's to all the parent's out there on this "dangerous adventure."

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Jenny's Favorites: May Edition

May, the first month this year that I've been home more than traveling! Woohoo! Here are some of my favorites, old and new, that I've been enjoying this month.

1. My "gardening" this spring has consisted of buying potted basil from Trader Joe's and planting it in my raised bed. It's been alive and growing a whole month. VICTORY.

2. For those few moments in life where I feel the need to be fancy/feel like a grownup lady, this lipstick has been a great spring-y color, not too intense.

3. I've been on a This American Life kick...from the family stranded at sea (which Teresa blogged about) to the twins separated at birth, I just can't get enough. For some summer nostalgia, check out this one on camp.

4. Loving this foundation from Chanel. If you're in Seattle, go see Teresa's sister Laura at Nordstrom downtown. She's our makeup guru :).

5. Smoothies have become my go-to for breakfast, either berry or a mix of greens and things. This chart has been helpful.

6. Seattleites, you MUST try Six Strawberries Ice Pops! My favorite is the Cafe Vita.

7. Birkenstocks are back! I retrieved my old pair from my parents house a few months ago, patting myself on the back for begin such a cool middle schooler (haha). Jason noticed them in our bedroom last week and asked when I'd managed to go shopping. My reply, 1998. Boom.

8. This month I've been filing my favorite Fiesta bowl with these. #healthysnack

9. I've washing my face with a konjac sponge for the past couple of weeks and I'm sold. I'd wanted to be a Clairsonic person, but with traveling so much, I ended up giving mine to my mom. This is a much better fit for me.

10. THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER! Well, for anyone else out there who wants to scratch their eyes out of their head from allergies, then you to, will love these eye drops.

11. Since the 30/30 Project is working with Partners in Health on it's first clinic being built in Malawi, I finally read Mountains Beyond Mountains. I have to admit, this has been on my "to read" list since college, I just tend to stick with fiction, so I never got around to it. I love that it's a fairly easy read and it's incredibly encouraging to see that people, non-profits, governments, all working together can make changes in the world, both big and small.

12. The music of Astrud Gilberto has been the soundtrack of my life this month, I find the tempo and her voice soothing, perfect for getting me through spring cleaning. (Can't quite place her? I'm sure you've at least heard this one.)

Monday Motivation

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