You all know that I am vey passionate about encouraging humans to eat real food and also about natural healing.  I am thrilled to be hosting one of Annie Dru’s Ancestral Cuisine (Level 1) classes in my home here in Bonita.  Annie is filled with so much knowledge about healing foods, so I’m excited to learn more from her and keep educating myself! I am hoping some of you have been aching for a class like this in your own lives and want to join us! The 6 week class will start May 4th and will be from 10am-1:30pm.

Please check out the details and pricing on Annie’s site here:

Ancestral Cuisine Level 1

Sign up by emailing Annie or myself:

anniedru@lardmouth.com

bonnie.rush@gmail.com

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I never thought this day would be here.  Sharing in the triumphs and struggles of motherhood with my sister  has always been something I hoped for.  Even while my sister was pregnant, I couldn’t believe I might one day be holding my niece or nephew.  I knew that moment was going to special.

Photographing births and newborns would be an incredible job, if it weren’t for that being on call part.  I’ve only done it a few times for friends and family, but it is so thrilling and quite the emotional experience.  Waiting for the phone call makes me so anxious.  Though, getting to capture those wrinkly little human when they are only a few hours old is amazing.  The joy surrounding a birth cuts through most any difficulty experienced before and during labor. I said most, not all.

The human body is incredible.  I was always surprised by how much adrenaline kicked in during birth.  Who would think you could go all of those hours or even days without much to sustain you, nutritionally.  The water cup with the yummy ice was such a lifeline during birth, wasn’t it?  I kept my giant Yuma Regional Medical Center tumbler for a few years after Faith was born because it brought back happy memories of that cool, icy water roll down my throat when I needed it most.  I wanted to capture the little memories that fade, such as beloved ice cups, the discomfort of the IV that also brings replenishment, the dreaded blood pressure cuff that would automatically go off in the middle of a contraction, the “comfortably situated bed” for the Dad, the odd yet beautiful way the monitor shares the baby’s heartbeat,  and your first meal after the biggest workout of your life.

New life. New baby to snuggle.

Ethan Weston Homestead, you are loved.

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I feel like I’m right where I need to be.

So many times I asked God for contentment, to find joy in my daily tasks, to remove the heavy burdens of the world from my heart, to give my heart peace about what I’m able to accomplish in each season of life. I can’t homeschool, run a business, blog, make everything from scratch, do photography, and still be good to my family. I think I hid behind a busy life while ignoring significant pain. Also, most importantly, I can’t take care of myself well.

I have learned that I was taught incorrectly to be completely selfless. Even saying that, “I am important” would have been declared a sin to me. There is freedom to be found in the knowledge that Jesus thinks I am important because He loved me enough to create me. HE VALUES ME. Therefore, how can I not value myself? Rest, friends, it’s one of the greatest freedoms I’ve been given in my 31 years. Rest can only come after you have let trauma, sadness, anger, and grief pass through you without stopping them because you feel like you should out of guilt (message me if you need a therapist in San Diego!). This sickness has catalyzed so many gifts of understanding and I’m extremely grateful for it.

Take care of yourself, friends.

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Kids love to be outside, that’s no secret.  This summer, make a point to share the outdoors with your kiddos in a fresh way.  Find some trails and go exploring!  Hiking is completely different from trail to trail so try several different ones and the 6 tips in this post to enjoy some special time with your little one.

1. Locate a trail with good reviews for kids.

It’s easy to scope out fun places to hike with great sites like this one or this one.  Your local REI will also have great resources for your local trails.  They have a bulletin board in each store with flyers and maps of your local areas that you can absorb info from.  If you have toddlers or smaller kids, look for trails that are wide and have flat areas. It’s always important to remember that a 1 mile hike for a little one is like walking 10 times as far because of their little legs.  Even if they seem up for anything, which is awesome, you always have to factor in the walk there as well as the walk back to the car.  Kids can go from enthusiastic to meltdown SO fast.  I’m sure you’ve never seen that before, right?

2. Read ahead about possible plants and wildlife. 

Before we hike, I love to hop on the computer and google the particular trail area for info on any fun and colorful birds, interesting plants, or fluttering butterflies that might be sharing the trail with us that day.  You could still have a good hike without this info, but knowing the possibilities makes for an exciting game of seek and find for the little ones. Audubon has several great apps you can download for identification.  I particularly love their bird app.  We use it every day for school and love being able to see pictures, hear bird calls, and read about their habitat and habits.  You could even make your own little checklist for them to cross off, as you hike, if they want to play a little game.

3. Bring plenty of snacks and water

Do your kids snack all day?  It always seems like my kids and their friends are always needing a little snack.  Hiking isn’t any different.  Bring plenty of nutritious snacks to give the kids energy, including fruit, nuts (trail mix!), protein bars (like these), and dried fruit.  We like to set a goal of eating our snacks at the halfway point so the kids can sit down to rest their legs as well.

For longer hikes, I LOVE having a camelbak!!  It’s a little backpack with a water pouch we can fill up for the whole family.  There is a little plastic tube that hangs down over your shoulder with a spout on the end for easy access.  I love being able to give the kids water when they need it without stopping for a full 5 minutes to get water out of a backpack.  Camelbak‘s are the best and worth investing in!

4. Don’t forget your camera!

How many times have you said, “Man, I wish I had my camera!”  Well, write a list of everything you’ll need for a  hike and don’t leave out that camera.  That way, when your little girl or guy comes to you with a rare butterfly they are holding in front of your face, you will be able to have that memory forever.  I try to bring my camera everywhere.   The other benefit to bringing your camera with you on outings like this is your kids are getting used to it being around.  The more your kiddos are used to the presence of your camera, the more naturally they will act, and the better your pictures will be.  It’s a win for everyone!

5. Document your findings at home.

It’s never too early to teach your kids to journal.  It’s such a great way for kids to get in the habit of writing down memories and discoveries.  At home, we use a combination of the pictures I take, the kids sketches, nature guidebooks, encyclopedias, Audubon apps, and local foldable field guides to help us identify and draw everything we’ve found.  My kids love the thrill of putting a name with what they saw and i’m sure yours will too!

6. Plan your next hike!

It’s so easy to go home pumped about your great time hiking, say you want to go again soon, then pretty soon it’s September and you don’t know what happened with your time.  Put your next hike on the calendar while you are still pumped up!  You can always reschedule it, but having it on the calendar ensures you will make it a priority.  You will thanks yourself later!

Kids love exploring and hiking is one of the BEST ways to bring this quality out in your children.  Kids love getting answers to their questions about creation around them.  Spend time with your child this Summer finding out those answers and discovering the beauty that is in your city!

In case you are ever in my city (or if you live here!), my favorite San Diego trails are here:

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Hollenbeck Canyon

Mount Laguna-Pacific Crest Trail

Mission Trails 

Happy Hiking!

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Welcome excited Downton Abbey fans!

If you’re coming to this page you are probably not sure you can watch this show free and clear, but let me assure you…

THIS METHOD WORKED FOR SEASONS 1-5!!!

Season 6 is almost here!

I know everyone is excited about the new season (hopefully) starting September 20, 2015 at 9pm in the UK (1pm Pacific Standard Time in U.S.)! Who’s excited?!

Thanks so much for sticking with me for season three, four, and five. I have already been receiving SO many emails and messages from you guys anticipating Season 6. For each of these seasons, I have done no more than provide a place where you can find all of the links in one location. The videos are not hosted by my blog and I have no control over them. I am happy to help with whatever I can. I plan to post the links again on my Facebook page here, if they are available, as well as some Downton inspired recipes and cocktails on Instagram here. Be sure to follow!

ANYWAY, you guys really just want to know how to watch, right?

**PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be patient with each option. Not every option will work for every person simply because of your specific computer/setup. Try each option more than once until you find one that works! Please test the Tunnelbear option before Downton premiere Day**

How to watch in the U.S. (3 options!):

Option 1:

This option includes any extra videos and behind the scenes option on ITV!

Here’s what you need to do to get Downton Abbey to play on your PC:

1. Download Tunnel Bear here for free (they have cute branding!). You will need to pay the $6.99/month to get enough data for the season unless you follow their system of tweeting for more free data storage . No biggie in the long run to pay for a few months, just set a reminder on your calendar to cancel! Tunnel Bear is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which is changing your IP address to reflect that of the UK. Think of it as a giant antenna that reaches across the globe. Technology is amazing, right?

2. Confirm Tunnel Bear by e-mail.

3. Once you are signed in to Tunnel Bear, turn the knob you see to “on”. It will say “connected”.

4. Now, set the country option to “United Kingdom”. Your computer will now be compatible with the region showing Downton Abbey. Yay!

5. Go to

Create an itv account.  You’ll also need a postal code to access the ITV player on the website. I used the code “HP5 2US” Use any of the ones on this list. If one doesn’t work, try another.

To watch the show live as it airs in the UK at 1pm Pacific Standard Time, go here to watch the live streaming ITV player:

6. Make sure you turn Tunnel Bear to “off” when not watching Downton as you want your computer to know which country it is really in. :)

7. Hopefully, you’re smiling and watching Downton! If not, “like” and check my facebook page here for loads of questions answered, as well as the comments below this post.

Option 2:

Watch by clicking below in the questionably legal way click here from Watch TV Series.  I’ve posted them below. When you click the links, don’t click the play triangle in the middle of the player screen. Simply close the “x” symbol and click the play button on the BOTTOM of the player, right below the window you view the show in. If it’s asking you to set up an account, close the whole page and start over (you’ve clicked through to an ad…no biggie). In the right hand corner, above and to the right of the video player, there are numbers next to the word video.  You will have to click a number until you find a comparable player.  iPads and mobile phones won’t be as successful at blocking adware from the site.  The ads make money for the site and are designed to get you to click on them, so just pay no attention.  Personally, I just go for option 1 so I don’t have to mess with this.  Below is a view of the top of the page:

For Macs, download this apple trusted ad blocker I found in their recommended apps.  It blocks all of those nasty ads! I’m not sure if it’s available for PCs, but you could investigate!

Option 3:

Some previous links are/will be available from the iTV website but you obviously have to have the ability to watch the player using options 1 or 2 above or clicking here:

Downton Abbey iTV Player

Get excited!

Support your local PBS station here in the U.S. who provides shows like Downton.

Share your favorite characters and scenes in the comments below!! What’s going to happen?!

Amazon has all three previous seasons on Instant Video so catch up on Season 1, Season 2, Season 3, Season 4, and Season 5 here.

Watch the trailer for Season 6 here.

If you decide to wait for the PBS U.S. air date, have fun waiting until:

January 3rd, 2016 !!! Crazy!

Follow my INSTAGRAM for updates and Downton era inspired recipes and cocktails!

Click on the above image to like my FACEBOOK PAGE so you can get the updates for NEW episodes.

Follow my Downton Abbey Pinterest board!!

Stick around and find us on:

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This is the face of a girl who thought she had Mom to herself for the weekend, while the boys were adventuring in the mountains. She would eventually wake up to find her brothers back at home again from camping because there was too much rain and cold weather up there. I’ll hold on to this moment, though, as a sweet time of enjoying girl talk. Topics included Disneyland, schnitzel, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, summer projects, cheese, and what it’s like to be “nearly 10”.

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Recently, my friend Kristin came down from L.A. for a quick visit, along with her overflowing box of mysterious props and delightful stylish pieces.  She started this fun challenge on her blog, DineXDesign, called “You Got Served”, which involves her showing up at your door with a box of styling pieces she pre-selected for you to play with.  In each challenge series, the same box and items are given to a few different people.  It’s fun to see the way each person styles the same items differently!  Kristin says she can often predict which items people will use, based completely on their gravitation toward things natural, like wood, or in other cases, toward statement pieces that are bright and bold

I was nervous to be a stylist for the day, as I mostly throw together and photograph our meals as they are happening in real time.  Kristin was kind enough to interview me about my style in the home, which you can read HERE.  I share which pieces I’ve got my eye on right now! You’ll also find some shots of me in my kitchen with my best concentration face.  She says SO many nice things about me that I don’t feel I deserve! (thanks for the sweet words, K! ;)).  Once you answer questions that force you to define yourself, you realize you have more intentionality in your creative process than you were aware.  Go to Kristen’s lovely and super-stylish blog, DineXDesign, to be inspired by her keen eye for design and ability to bring together things that make your soul sing with delight.  She’s a pretty great lady and I’m happy to know her in real life. ;)

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Chicken pot pie is one of my most favorite foods.  I have yet to hear someone say they don’t love flaky, buttery crust that leaks creamy sauce, chicken, and veggies when cut into.  I could eat it every week, but especially when I need some comfort food.  This post isn’t about me and my pot pie obsession though, it’s about bringing a little comfort and warmth to the new moms in our lives.

The sigh of relief that follows a new mom receiving a home-cooked meal is to be cherished.  It’s a privilege to come along side our friends and neighbors, with joy, as they begin their new life.  After almost 10 months of preparing, waiting, and hardly sleeping with a giant belly, their special day finally arrives.  The child is here.  For many, the days of giving birth never come and YET they experience the uncomfortable “pregnancy” of tears, paperwork, waiting, more paperwork, hope, and more tears.  They too have waited.  Finally, their day arrives.  The child is here.  Children come into our homes in many different ways.  What a joy to share with these families, the gift of food, as they greet their new children.

Below is the quicker version of this recipe, using phyllo dough instead of a homemade crust.  To make this faster, I like to have a jar of pot pie filling in the freezer ready to go with chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions  that have already been steamed and seasoned.  Then, I just have to defrost the jar and the phyllo dough, then make the sauce.

 Chicken Pot Pie

For the filling:

1 cup cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie chicken is fine)

1/2 cup carrots, chopped

1/4 cup pearl onions, leave whole

1/2 cup fingerling or red potatoes, chopped

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini preferred)

1/2 cup peas

sachet with thyme, whole peppercorns, and

For the sauce:

3 Tablespoons butter

3 Tablespoons flour

3 cups almond milk

1/4 cup chives, finely chopped

salt & pepper

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Childhood is precious.  These little ones have been given to us for such a short time.  We want to soak up these moments and keep them forever, right?

Every Mom has a different perspective on the best way to photograph their kiddos.  For me, the distant and quiet observing point of view is my favorite because I prefer not to interrupt my more intimate moments for a photo.  Think for yourself about which moments make you smile.  Do you smile most when you have a loved one in your arms?  Do you crack a smile from a far, soaking in all of the childhood joy exuding from your little ones. Whatever it is, remember…

When you take a photo, you are telling a story.

1.  Don’t be afraid to leave out a face.

This may not be our Grandma’s favorite shot.  She might think it’s weird that you see hands but no face, but I love the joy I feel from remembering a moment with my kids and the beautiful way they used their hands.   Chubby baby hands are a total bonus!  Don’t forget to include some open space (like the table space above) so that you give the action in the photo some room to breath.  Nobody like a crowded picture, right?

2. Capture the funny.

We all have those pictures of our kids being goofy and acting crazy for the camera.  Those moments always make for great pictures.  However, my favorite funny pictures are the one where they DIDN’T know they were being funny.  This picture of my son above reminds me of this time in his life when he didn’t know that a squishy round bottom in a cute pair of underwear made me chuckle quietly to myself every time I saw it (sometimes out loud).

3. Stand back with your camera. 

You don’t have to see the whites of your little ones eyes to capture the beauty in a moment.  Stepping away will help you gain a new perspective and therefore, an entirely new photo and memory.  The above

4. Black, white & low lights were MFEO (Sleepless in Seattle, anyone?).

You know those times you wants to remember but you realize it’s night, there isn’t much light, and the color ends up looking wonky when you snap a photo?  I totally have those too.  Those nights were meant to be black and white nights.  The contrast that is created in a photo when light meats dark can be extremely emotional.  The picture above, taken of my youngest son, was a scary and precious moment.  He had just received a shock from an outlet after sticking something in it.  While I was completely nervous about the cause and effect he had just discovered, it was one of the first times he seemed to understand the danger in being too curious.  He was actually scared from the sparks and jolt, which is the emotion we really want them to have in order to stay safe as little ones.

5. Let’s see it again.

I get asked all of the time if I pose my kids or create scenes just to take pictures.  Usually, my pictures are completely “in the moment” and organic, where I speak nothing and just snap a photo.  Other times, I might be having a conversation with my kids and they do something funny or something worth telling a story about.  In a few cases I say, “I love it!  Let me see that again!”, “Show it to me again and hold it up and to the side.” or “Do that dance again”.  The moments are happening, but when I feel the moment is worth preserving beyond just my memory, I ask the kids to do something again so I can capture it permanently.

6. Capture the ordinary.

A funny conversation amongst your kiddos, silly little dance moves, the way a toddler waddles like a penguin, a child reading their favorite book, the groceries all over the counter, a messy room, your morning oatmeal…

It’s important to remember the moments that make up our every day, however ordinary they may seem.

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The Southern Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is always an exciting place to visit.  You will feel like you have one foot in the desert and one in the mountains.  On this particular visit last year, the trees had seen better days.  Fire had touched their weary branches, but you could still feel their longing to blow in the wind.  Parts of the land felt like you were stepping foot on a new planet.  Ash had mixed with the dirt to form a new kind of topography.  Yet, life-filled flower buds grew from this very burnt soil.  Remarkable how God brings life from death.  He’s good at that.

If you are wanting to hike the PCT with your kiddos, the best spot is directly across from the Laguna Campground.  There is parking on a few spots along the road.  We had little kids and older kids on this hike and they all did just fine with a snack and rest at the top (one baby was in a carrier).  The views are a tremendous reward for everyone!

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