Let’s Gab: January 2021

Happy New Year!

We did it! We got through the first month of 2021! When I rang in 2020, I never could have predicted the year that would follow. I mean, none of us could predict this year, right?

But now suddenly “Happy New Year” is more meaningful than it ever has been. Between the inauguration and the massive vaccine rollout (to include my parents, who both partook in the Pfizer vaccine trials) (go parents! 💪), things are looking sunnier and more positive in 2021.

I rang in the New Year visiting some my favorite people (and pups) in San Antonio, where the warm(ish) weather meant we could be outdoors and more COVID-conscious. I ate tacos and drank Bloody Mary’s and it was the perfect celebration for the year to come.

“I got bangs!”

*Legally Blonde voice*. I realize in the scheme of all that’s going on in the world this is trivial, but sometimes a brand new haircut is just what you need to start a year fresh (and if you’ve been considering going for the big chop, this is your sign 😛).

My New Obsession

It could be because my sister and I have absolutely no furniture. Or just call it our family’s frugal nature. Regardless of the reason, I have a new obsession, and it’s called…going thrift shopping everyday.

We’ve found so many treasures at the Goodwills around Denver, and every new treasure just feeds the addiction! Almost all of the decor in our apartment has come from there, from rugs and baskets to this fun buffet piece I snagged for $30!

It was more work than we expected to sand and paint this beauty. Sister thought it was important to dress for the job.

But look at it now! We use it to store all of our big appliances and food storage containers (but if you have any ideas for what to put in those glass shelves, we’re all ears!)

We also went full boho with a thrifted basket wall.

And you can’t say no to a colorful rug (even if it needs pressure washing at the carwash)!

Happenings in the Live Eat Learn Headquarters

Our “headquarters” are synonymous with “my home”, so I scoured Denver for an apartment complex that could feel like both. And so far, I love it. The kitchen is gorgeous, with floor to ceiling windows that are perfect for recipe photography. And the socially distanced work spaces in our common areas help remote work to feel a bit less isolating.

I’ve been experimenting with a bunch of new ingredients that I’m so excited to share with you, to include ancient grains and seitan! Sister has been eating it all up, still in the honeymoon phase of living with a food blogger (she doesn’t know how much seitan she’s going to have to eat soon).

Colorado, I love you

But I didn’t move to Denver to be cooped up in an apartment all day. I moved here for the mountains and the skiing and the adventures, of which there were many in January. We hiked trails close to Denver (like Mesa Trail in the photo below). We drove out to the mountains for ice fishing expeditions in Dillon and mountain romping in Frisco.

The first full month in Colorado has been colorful and sunny and happy, and I can’t wait to meet the other side of Colorado as we start sliding into spring.

And that’s the gab! Today marks 6 years since starting this little thing called Live Eat Learn, and I’m so happy and thankful that you came along for the ride. Have a happy February, friends!