Last week was Valentine's Day, as most of you know, which had me reflecting on the people in my life whom I love. I truly believe the most important part of life is the relationships you build. One of the hardest parts of moving away from Idaho for me, was leaving my family and friends and "those relationships". But what I've since realized is that I'm really lucky to have people in my life who are willing to travel miles to visit. Oddly enough, between going back to Idaho a couple times a year, meeting for vacations around the country and world, and hosting visitors in my home in California--I would actually say I've not only maintained some of those key relationships but have actually created deeper, more meaningful relationships. Now, I don't take those people for granted and when we are able to hang out--its concentrated quality one-on-one time focused on talking about what's really happening in each other's lives and spending time doing things together we enjoy.

Sometimes, getting away from the day-to-day pulls you out of the "judgement and opinion" mode and into just focusing on each other and enjoying the time you have together. AND, after living here for a little over two years, I've made some really great new relationships with people in L.A. who mean the world to me. So, even though my friends at work tease me about never being alone and having visitors in my house every weekend, I wouldn't trade it and I absolutely LOVE the fact we have so many people who care about us and are willing to travel to come spend time with us!

A couple weeks ago, my parents came down for their annual 10-day visit...yep, not a typo, 10 days. The thing is, I actually like the less often, longer visits. It feels like you are able to connect and they are able to see what my real life is like when it's not vacation. Also, being true Idaho parents, they always buy groceries, cook meals to fill up the fridge and freezer, and my Dad fixes things I didn't even realize were broken around the house. My dining room table is now turned a different direction which was the best design decision I would have never thought of! This week's recipe is one I adapted to go in the crock-pot and my Mom helped make and then froze leftovers which we are still working on--awesome! It's also the perfect healthy recipe as there is no artificial sugar or processed ingredients -- just fruit and spices to create a unique, tasty, and hearty meal.

Crock-pot Pulled Pork
Time: 8 hrs.   Makes: 8 servings 
3 1/2-4 pounds boneless pork roast     
1 c water (enough to cover 1/2 the pork in the pot)  
1 yellow onion, peeled and halved     4-6 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
2 Tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)     2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dry oregano     1 tsp ground cumin     2 bay leaves    
salt and pepper     1 orange, cut in quarters (juice and fruit)
Turn crock-pot on low. Place pork roast in crock-pot. Cover with water, lime juice, vinegar, oregano, cumin, and salt and pepper. Add smashed cloves and onion halves to pot. Juice orange quarters into pot and then add quarters to pot. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Use 2 forks to shred meat in juice. Use slotted spoon to transfer from pot to storage containers. Can use for salads, tacos, pork ramen, or anything else. Perfect to freeze and defrost.