Written by Candace on March 15, 2013 | 6 Comments

RJ+Jamie
Engaged

RJ likes to refer to himself as the “silent killer.” He slowly and silently worked at winning over Jamie’s heart.

Jamie and RJ started off as just friends. She was the younger sister of a close friend which meant she was off limits. RJ was the life of the party so Jamie never took him too seriously as boyfriend material.

All that would change the day RJ realized that Jamie was worth taking a risk. But he was also well aware that he would need to work at making her take him seriously. RJ invited Jamie to a casual dinner but arrived all dressed up in work clothes in order to let her know there was much more to the party guy than she knew. But it wouldn’t be that easy. Not realizing that RJ asked her on a “date”, Jamie arrived to dinner with a mutual friend. Oops!

Though it may not have been the date of his dreams, he accomplished what he set out to do. Jamie definitely took notice and realized RJ was worth getting to know…off the dance floor. The two continued to drop hints to one another until RJ finally asked Jamie out on another date. This time she arrived alone and the two have been a pair ever since.

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Written by Candace on March 13, 2013 | 6 Comments

Play in the Snow

Now that we’re all starting to adjust, I think it’s safe to say that we’re excited about the time change.

Growing up in the Midwest, “springing forward” always meant warm weather was around the corner. The longer days only added to the excitement. But without fail, there was always one more winter storm that would blow into town and remind us that it was still March. And still winter.

If you find yourself in that last dreaded winter storm, here’s a little date idea to help you make the most of it. Soon enough you’ll be in flip flops and splashing in a pool, but until then, enjoy what little winter you have left. I can just hear my mom now – this coming from the girl who lives in California where the average temperature is 60 degrees. I get it!

But nonetheless, if snow arrived on my doorstep today, I’d grab Vitaliy and go outside for a good ol’ fashioned snow ball fight. I suggest you do the same. It just might be your last chance of the season.

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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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