bags packed, sleep needed
November 17, 2010 I got SO much done in the last 3 days. My to-do list is almost cleared out. The only things left are things like recipe + about me updates on the blog.
What did I do today? It would take too long to list! The main point is that I’m pretty much done and SO ready to get to Portland!! A few of you have asked about meeting up and given my place to check out while I’m in town. Unfortunately, there is going to be no time for meet-ups or sightseeing. The only sights I’ll be seeing is looking out of the Peas’ windows!!
If you missed the details of where I’m going, you can check here + here.
[so excited!!!!!!!!!!]
Before I go I thought I would leave you with a recipe.
Per your lovely suggestions, I used my vita-mix to grind farro this morning. It worked amazingly!! The noise was significantly lower and it took much less time, with a better result.
The texture you are looking for is very powdery with small pieces of farro mixed throughout.
Ahhhh, finally. Farro breakfast perfection!
Studded with raisins + topped with almonds, just like the wonderful breakfast at il Cane Rosso.
The texture was much better this morning. I used a mixture of almond milk + water. It was silkier and not quite as thick.
love.love.love.
creamy farro porridge
- 1/3c [slightly rounded] ground farro
- 3/4c unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2c water
- pinch of salt
- 1/2T butter/earth balance
- 2t sucanat/brown sugar
- Bring water, milk, and farro to a slow boil.
- Let cook over medium heat, whisking every few minutes.
- After it starts to thicken ~8-10min, whisk in salt, butter, and sucanat.
- Total cook time is about 12-15min, or until desired consistency is met. If you let it cook a little too long, just add more milk or water.
- Add mix-ins, pour in a bowl and add toppings.
I just had to add more toppings. :) Ahhh, this was delightful. The only problem is that it didn’t keep me full as long as oatmeal. I’m not sure why that is. The only thing I didn’t include in this bowl is my typical 1/2 banana. However, I added more nuts than usual, thinking the extra fat would help hold me over. I’ll have to try again when I get back from Oregon. Sometimes when I’m in go-go-go mode, nothing holds me over for more than 2hrs.
And now a lesson in being an efficient packer.
Actually, not a lesson because I am NOT an efficient packer. I don’t really over-pack, but I hate cramming things into a small suitcase and not having a few extra clothing options. For this trip, I’m not too concerned with what I’m wearing.
5 days worth of clothing + toiletries, is stuffed into this small rolling carryon bag. I’ve seen this clothes-rolling method before, as a way to save space, so I thought I would give it a try. At first I had everything stacked and then I rolled it to see the difference. Definitely helped!
The other bag I’m bringing, is this large Burton camera bag, stuffed with…
- hat
- scarf
- 2 lenses
- 1 camera
- tripod
- chargers
- kitchen towels
- a few little bowls + plates
- mini spoons
- and somehow I need to fit my computer + charger in here too
This is a great camera bag with a million useful pockets. We use it for hiking and travel.
A present for Mama Pea because I doubt we’ll have time for the real thing.
Tomorrow, I will be THAT person with too much carry-on luggage.
This is technically a “personal item” right???
If anyone yells at me for the 2 large bags, I’m going to tell them to call Mama Pea.
Night!
<3 Ashley
BTW - Posting might be a bit sporadic while I’m away, as well as answering emails + comments. I will try my best! :)
Reader Comments (58)
um, that's totally a personal item. i've seen people with 3 different "personal" items...you go on and be that person and ROCK it :)
One time a stewardess main a huge scene about my carry on baggage. Okay dramatic.
I'll have to try that rolling method... looks like a great trick!
Wow! You will really have a great day! I love the almonds and the raisins on toppings!
1. You will not perfect the farro recipe when you get home from Oregon. You will perfect it IN OREGON. Period.
2. I appreciate the gift. I also have two huge tubs of baby wipes and zero kids in diapers. Come to think of it, I have diapers if we are really short on time.
3. I will throwdown any pissy stewardesses or stewards that call you out. It would be my pleasure.
4. See you in 13 hours!!!!
What a neat lil' packer you are. Have a blast!
My mom taught me that rolling method, and I think it totally works! Safe travels!
You are a really organized traveler. I don't think my suit case has every looked that neat...or ever will!
You will have such an amazing time! Safe travels hun!
Woohoo! I'm so excited for you - not only do you get to spend 5 whole days with the Peas, but you get to do some amazing work! Have fun!
have a great time and good luck with the photo shoot!
That is the most organized suitcase I have ever seen. Well done! Your breakfast looked delicious and healthy, YUM!
wow, you even make your packing look apealing! nice breakfast! sounds delish! have fun in Oregon!!! :)
Have a GREAT time!!! You two have a lot to do, but I'm sure it will all go really well. :)
Those Vita-Mixes sound like miracle machines. No wonder everyone raves. My blender stalls and dies in the middle of attempting to crush frozen berries. Lame.
Have a safe flight!
So excited for you two- I can't wait to hear all about it!!
Have fun!!!
[And that farro porridge looks to die for]
xoxo
You look like you're ready for COMBAT. Maybe, photo shoot, ehehe.
I will need to try rolling my clothes the next time I pack. It looks like it takes up less space. I'm excited for you! You'll have so much fun. I can't wait to see the pictures.
i think we are all sending good thoughts your way hoping for photographic magic!
I can't WAIT to try the farro! Thanks for figuring it out! :)
Have SO much fun!!! I'm impressed with your packing. And I love your carry-on. hehe.
hope you have a great time :)
Oh my goodness, I am so excited for you!
Make sure you bundle up, Oregon has been all sorts of chilly for the past few days!
Have a safe flight and a great time!
Have fun!!! And what a great packing job- I should take notes ;-)
When I was in high school, I made two trips to Europe, each lasting over three weeks. We were limited to only one large suitcase and one carry-on! I did the rolling-clothes method. I also took Woolite and washed some of my clothes in the hotels we stayed in.
I hope you have a great time in Portland!
Apparently if you have sports equipment, you're able to get away with having heavier bags, so just make something up about being a professional photographer (not so made up!) and need for lots of equipment.
Have FUNNN!! I wish I was going too. I also wish I could be behind the scenes and learn your photography tricks too. Post idea?
Where are you going?
Have fun Ashley!!
Congrats on your gig with Mama Pea! You are a beautiful photographer and I am STOKED your photos are going to be recognizes in this way!!
Have fun!!
D
Eee have fun!! Congratulations :)
I'm glad the Vita Mix worked wonders with the farro! :) I mean, if that machine can blend chicken bones to smithereens, it can do anything. It was my life saver during jaw surgery recovery time.
Your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you, but who's checking? :P
hi Ashley! good luck & have fun! I don't know what it is about oats, but it's the one food that keeps me full more noticably than any other. I don't even love them like you do, but I find if I go for too long without them in my diet, it just feels like I'm not eating right. I'm excited to see that you're exploring different grains for breakfast! I'm always inspired by your recipes :)
love doing the roll trick! safe travels :)
Oh man! Have a great time. It'll be fun seeing mama pea blog about ya too. Have a safe trip!
Have a blast! I've rolled my clothes like that before when packing!
Thanks Marta! I've also been putting about 2T of flax meal in my oats lately, and I know that really helps too. I'll have to try adding flax to the farro and see if that makes a difference.
They ended up checking 2nd bags for free right at the gate so it totally worked out! :)
Thank you so much Darryn!! That really means a lot to me :) xo
Yes!! I remember that from lugging around our snowboard gear. I was taking them both as carry-ons but ended up gate checking my 2nd bag for free...worked out perfectly!
In college I went to Italy for 10 days and we were only allowed 1 carry-on and a back pack!!! That was rough!
I am SO not that organized normally..haha
Thank you thank you!! It's been quite chilly in Colorado lately too...I don't think we'll be outside too much though ;)
You're welcome!! Soooo good..I'm going to try adding flax meal soon too, to see if that helps keep me full longer. You're impressed with MY packing? I was thinking of you the whole time..with your little packing organizers...hhahaha
Thanks so much Alana!
They seriously are!!
So far so good ;)
hahahah thanks ;)
Funny because I am not that organized of a person!
And lots of eating :)
Thanks so much Lauren!