Written by Candace on April 1, 2013 | 4 Comments

April Fool’s Failure

I have not been a fan of April Fool’s Day for many years.

When I was a young girl, I got a brilliant idea for an April Fool’s joke while watching one of my after school programs on TV. I went to bed early that night because I would need to wake up before anyone else to avoid getting caught. I snuck down to the kitchen before the sun came up and completed the task. Then I climbed back in bed, eager with excitement, and tried to lay still until my mom or dad woke me later that morning for school.

With my whole family in the kitchen and breakfast complete, we were all gathering our things to get ready to leave. The anticipation was killing me, but the telephone would not ring. I knew there was no way I could make it through the day without unveiling my genius plan that very moment. I decided the idea itself was brilliant enough and I didn’t need to actually “fool” anyone. So, before anyone took another step, I grabbed the receiver and unveiled my April Fool’s joke. I had lathered the receiver with peanut butter hoping that whoever answered the phone that morning would get an ear full.

Awaiting applause and possibly a standing ovation, I was dismayed to find my mom grow red with anger. There were two things I failed to take into consideration. 1. The phone was brand new and expensive. 2. Peanut Butter is sticky and seeps into small crevices. My plan was further demoralizing when my older brother began making fun of me for my failed plan that landed me in trouble. I went to school that day with a stomach ache of guilt and a bad case of humiliation. I’ve never been a fan of April Fool’s Day since.

For those of you planning an April Fool’s joke today, be nice and just assume peanut butter is irremovable.

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Written by Candace on March 18, 2013 | 4 Comments

Rolling Hills

I realized recently that I’ve started to take my surroundings for granted.

I remember when I first moved to northern California I would often drive to work each morning amazed at where I now lived. I still occasionally have these moments, but they are fewer and farther between. The bay area has become home to me. I’m finally comfortable here, and if you’re like me, it’s easy to put off exploring and appreciating the world around you.

Vitaliy and I discussed this and decided to make a better effort at getting away from our computers and out enjoying our beautiful surroundings. We were thrilled last week when our friends from Choco Studio invited us on a hike at the Garin Regional Park.

The sun shone brightly and the breeze kept my warm skin the perfect temperature. Everything seemed to be lush with life. Like nature was announcing that spring is near. The rolling hills were dressed in a rich green that only accentuated their depths and layers as far as you could see. I tried to watch my step, but I couldn’t seem to take my eyes away from the beauty around me. There were moments I was tempted to walk backwards because I didn’t feel quite finished gazing at the last view before being taken by the new one.

These same hills will be a sweet shade of gold in a few months. But I’m happy I didn’t put off seeing them just as they are in this season. Both deserve to be celebrated. I’m thankful we were able to capture this memory so that we won’t soon forget.

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Written by Candace on March 11, 2013 | 8 Comments

Rediscovering Quinoa Eating Well

I’m going to start today by giving you a little piece of advice for your relationship. Feel free to take notes.

If you would like one small yet practical way to improve your relationship, I’ve got it! When an opportunity arises for you to praise your spouse in public, don’t pass it up. Whether you’re complimenting their appearance, their character, or praising them for an accomplishment – go for it! Always speak highly of each other and never ever tear each other down in the presence of others. It’s such a small thing for you to do, but I guarantee it will be huge for the person receiving the praise. You words will be a reminder for them that they are loved and respected by you.

Today I’m going to practice what I preach. I’ve always told my husband that he’s my favorite photographer in the whole world. I’m amazed at what he sees through the camera and how he is able to connect with his subject. I think he often has a hard time believing me just like I sometimes have a hard time believing him when he says nice things about me. Oh, you’re just saying that to be nice!

Two years ago, Sergio Nunez de Arco, a close friend and founder of Andean Naturals, had a vision. He wanted to connect the consumer of quinoa with the farmer who helps bring the miracle grain to their table. It was a beautiful idea! And I am thrilled that my husband was able to tell the story through his pictures. Andean Naturals accounts for a third of the quinoa sold in the United States so it’s likely that you’ve enjoyed their quinoa at some point.

Vitaliy, now that you’re work has been published in print, I hope that you’ll trust me when I tell you what a talented photographer you are. I remember being scared for you to go to Bolivia for this project, but I’m so happy that you did. I’m confident the experience stretched you not only as a photographer, but also as a person. The more that I get to know you, the more I seem to admire you. I’m excited, and terrified, to see where God takes you with that camera of yours, but I promise to do my best to get out of His way. The last thing I would ever want to do as your wife is hold you back. I love you.

If you’d like to learn more about quinoa and find a few new recipes, the article is called Rediscovering Quinoa and can be found in the April issue of Eating Well. We found the magazine at our local Whole Foods store.

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