Hello!

 

Thanks for stopping by Naturally Ella.  My name is Erin and here are ten things you should know about me.

  1. I’m still waiting on my Fairytale Romance.  While I know that Disney builds up this great hype around romance, I’m still looking for that special person that I can enjoy life with.  If you find him, send him my way and I’ll bake you cupcakes for years to come ;)   For right now, the love of my life is a furry, 45 pound husky that goes by the name of Radar (I did always have a thing for MASH.)     I’m actually getting married in September, 2013 to the love of my life and we’re moving to California!
  2. Yes, Naturally Ella is a vegetarian site but I do occasionally eat meat, it’s just how I roll. I’m a big fan of the plant based diet.
  3. I started blogging on June 17th, 2007 but ended up deleting a lot of my older post because they were sporadic and really poorly written.  I really only started getting in to blogging two years ago when I joined my CSA and it’s really only been since January 2012 that I’ve honed in my voice, gearing it towards Seasonal, Vegetarian recipes and whole foods (as far away from processed as possible-my shopping consist of produce, bulk bins, and local dairy.)
  4. I play the bassoon and am a music professor by day until May. Once I head out to California, I’ll be pursuing my love of photography, cooking, and whatever else may come up!
  5. My heart is in Colorado.  Every summer (and sometimes winter) I head out and get lost in the mountains, breathing in the fresh air and every time I’m out there, I say to myself I never want to leave.  My contract with the school I’m teaching at is up in May of 2013 and I’ll be moving to Sacramento, California to meet up with my Fiance (who is out there working already!)
  6. I hate the weight debate.  For a long time I was overweight and with diet and exercise, I got myself down to a reasonable weight.  However, thanks to college, grad school, and relationships- my weight has slowly creeped back up.  But, I’m determined not to count calories. I exercise regularly and eat what I want. I try not to be obsessive about it- there’s just no point.
  7. I’m highly competitive which is both a blessing and a curse.  Often I’m competitive against things I can’t control (ie marriage and babies) but I’m also competitive against myself (ie.. I use to weigh this but now I weigh this.)  It’s something I’m really trying to work on because really, it’s no way to live life.
  8. I grew up on McDonalds and pretty much ate fast food everyday of my life until my sophomore year of college when my father had a heart attack at the age of 45.  Since then, my entire family has changed how we eat, weeding out processed foods and meat.  While the heart attack was scary, I’m thankful for the wake-up call we all had.
  9. I’m leaning towards the notion that social media will be the leading cause of depression in the not so distant future.  I hate how dependent so many of us (myself included) have become on twitter, facebook, email on our phones, etc.  I truly believe that I think we miss living the best moments because we are too busy trying to document them.
  10. I feel like there should be a random list of things that make me happy including, but not limited to: dancing, snow, camping, coffee, records, sunshine, hiking, picnics, old cameras, road trips,family, friends, big trees, mountains, and oceans.

Thanks for stopping by and I always love to hear from readers!

Live Natural, Be Healthy, Eat Delicious

Erin

 

Contact:

[email protected]

 

 

  • sharon

    your birthday…first off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I, personally believe birthdays should be celebrated and it is very important for me to make sure other’s birthdays are celebrated fully. To answer your question, my favorite cake is the special request or the complete surprise I make for someone for their special day. As long as I have a recipe, the sky’s the limit.

    Happy Birthday!

  • http://www.ohladycakes.com/ Ashlae | Oh, ladycakes

    So, I just read the long version of your about me. And I had the exact same surgery when I was 17. Except my benign tumor was the size of a softball, not a football. And the darn thing wiped out my left ovary. I mean, having a giant tumor wasn’t enough? ;)

  • http://www.tiffanylanehandmade.wordpress.com/ Tiffany

    Just found your blog via Eat Boutique and I will definitely be adding it to my Google reader! I love your slogan, “Live Natural, Be Healthy, Eat Delicious;” it’s perfect!

  • http://twitter.com/TastefullyJulie Julie

    I totally agree with you on number 9. It’s such a horrible necessary evil!

  • http://www.two-tarts.com/ sarah @ two tarts

    beautiful site! And I’m with you on the Colorado thing. We left Seattle for the Boulder area in 2010 and absolutely LOVE it here!

  • Caitlin Ting

    Just discovered you recently (though now I forget from who/where) and I’m in love with everything you stand for! Also props to a fellow (post) grad student and musician foodie!

  • http://cakemerchant.com/ Natasha

    Hi Erin, I found your site when I was looking for vegetarian recipes. It’s great to see another double reed food blogger. I’m an oboist, and I find blogging to be a great distraction from making reeds! :)

  • http://fiksd.blogspot.com Jasmine

    Glad I visited your site! I’ve just come over from Emmadime’s. Love your about me.. My first thought was that I have a brother that is on the market ;) hehe and as I read on, I totally agree with what you say about social media. For that reason I just got my husband to hide my Ipod (the way I used twitter, facebook, instagram etc as I don’t have a smart phone due to my clumsiness ;) and am trying to fight the urge to go find it to check in! I’m in the process of changing up my blog (and life) to be more wholesome and natural… I’ve been a vegetarian all my life and love it. Can’t wait to cook some of your recipes :)

  • Hannah

    Erin! I love your blog, I do not remember how I exactly stumbled upon it, but I am so glad I did; it is a real gem. You (or your blog) have become a kitchen staple as of recent, and I continue to be inspired, so thank you!

  • Hayley

    Hi Erin!! I loved your videos on Vimeo and cant wait until you post more:) I was wondering what music it is that you play in your videos. There is one girl that sings and I really like it but could not find out who she is. Thanks!

  • Hannah

    You have a wonderful blog that resonates with many of the values and beliefs and ideas (so forth) I have. I’m considering becoming a teacher (applying to graduate school right now) and it is lovely to see how your life unfolds. Beautiful photography, real life, and delicious food? I’m in.
    I’ve got a blog that I”m considering revamping, but I’m just culling inspiration from people I feel blog from the heart, not for what others think. You may be competitive, but I don’t see you people pleasing at all! Keep up the wonderful work,
    Hannah

  • Maria

    your blog is wonderful, i often use your recipes! And congratulations on getting married next year :) x

  • Elana

    absolutely love your blog- recipes are clearly inspired and unique. thank you.

    • elalderson

      Thank you, Elana!

  • http://www.facebook.com/chrisrayrobertson Christopher Ray Robertson

    Hi Erin, Your site has proven a real God sent. After gaining 40 pounds in the last 4 years I knew something had to change so I moved to a more whole foods diet. With the change in diet and exercise I’ve lost about 35 pounds, but growing increasingly tired of raw veggies and beans by themselves. My moms idea of a recipe growing up was adding a pound of beef to hamburger helper. I think it’s safe to say cooking isn’t in my blood. That’s why I was so excited to find so many great resources and recipes on your site. You’re cooking with all the stuff I’ve been buying but just didn’t know how to put together. Thanks for sharing your talent and love for food with us all!

    Thanks,
    Chris

    p.s. If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer my wife and I do wedding photography together and love it when we get to work with like minded people! chrisandjennphotos.com

    • http://www.facebook.com/chrisrayrobertson Christopher Ray Robertson

      p.s. p.s. Just read you grew up in central Illinois. That’s awesome! I grew up in Decatur. The only things I miss is open space, my family, and secretly the sweet smells of processed soybeans.

      • elalderson

        Chris- so sorry I missed this comment! That’s so wonderful to hear about your switch/weight loss (and I’m happy I could help you move into more than just veggies/beans!) I also have to admit, it’s going to be strange being away this summer and not smelling the soybeans :) Hope all is well with you!

  • sonny

    HI Erin, I agree with your statement about depression and social media. I am trying to limit myself to spending time on the computer. I do not have Facebook, twitter etc. but i am a internet junkie and hope to spend less and less time on some useless sites.
    Thanks for keeping it real. Stay well!

    • elalderson

      Thanks for stopping by and saying hi!

  • Becky Rosenthal

    Love you’re list! I relate with so much of this! I vow to never calorie count but eat well, fresh, and flavorful foods with the occasional (or sometimes more than occasional) splurge. I also try and exercise often though you won’t see me talking about it much, I do it to get it over with much of the time, unless its hiking, biking or skiing! And I couldn’t agree more about social media… I’m such a huge fan of being face to face with someone and actually getting to know them, preferably over a meal of cup of coffee. So, I’m so glad we had a little of that so we can continue our friendship online!

  • Sudha

    Wow..wonderfully put!I really love this line ‘I truly believe that I think we miss living the best moments because we are too busy trying to document them.’

  • Joseph Shoemate

    It has been a pleasure looking through your Blog. I am a Chef living in Michigan right now, but I graduated from Johnson and Wales University in Denver. I am a Head Chef at a University that only serves Vegan and Vegetarian Food. I often look at your creations for ideas and inspiration. You photography is fantastic. Thank you

  • du3a14

    Thank u I loved ur vegetarian recipes :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/beth.a.myers.3 Beth Ann Myers

    What an exciting new place to check out for recipes and just to read. Thanks! Can’t wait to get started on some. The gals will enjoy Bunko this month!

  • Laura

    I LOVE your site! You have been such a blessing to my family, who have started on a GF diet. Thank you so much! I’m glad your moving to CA ~ What area are moving to?

    • elalderson

      Why thank you! I’ll be moving to the Sacramento area (and am super excited!)

  • Laura

    I came across your site via Pinterest. I made one of your salads tonight and pinned a few others. You have great food and really love your unique recipes! Thanks so much!

  • Megan

    I’m so happy that I came across your site. I can’t wait to try out some of your delicious looking recipes. I strongly believe in eating healthy, whole foods with the occasional indulgence, like your brown butter chocolate chip cookies. Yum!
    I see you’re moving to Sacramento! It’s a great town that feels both big and small at the same time. I just got married myself and live in East Sacramento. I hope you like it here!

    • elalderson

      Megan- just saw this comment so I apologize for the late response. I just got back from house hunting and I’ve fallen in love with Sacramento- I definitely get that big/small vibe!

  • Lauren

    I just came across your site yesterday and am HOOKED! Thank you for the stunning photographs and beatiful food inspiration :)

    • elalderson

      Aww- thanks Lauren!

  • Lara Rhyner

    Hi Erin. I found you through a delicious looking recipe on Pinterest. Your pictures are beautiful and all the recipes I’ve browsed through so far look really flavorful and healthy. I’ve been trying to mostly eliminate processed foods from my diet and get into more bulk grains and fruits and veggies….so I’m excited to bookmark your site and try some recipes :) Thanks…have a great move to Cali!

    • elalderson

      Thank you, Lara! (and sorry for the delayed response- I missed a bunch of comments on this page!)

  • http://www.facebook.com/john.f.fischer John Fischer

    I make breakfasts for my girlfriend on the weekends and was running out of unique/good ideas. Did two of your breakfasts last week and my gf has since found your site and added a couple more of your recipes to her request list. Thanks for making my life a little easier and my breakfasts a little more adventurous!

    • elalderson

      Yay! I’m so glad I could help you get out of a breakfast rut!

  • Rebecca

    What a clean, fresh blog! very well done, with great recipes to boot!

    • elalderson

      Thank you!

  • http://www.facebook.com/michie.bee.9 Michie Bee

    Hi Erin. My daughter forwarded your vegie taco recipe – we TRY to avoid meat but I still make it occassionally for my husband and I eat organic chicken and fish. I live in California and my family lives near Sacramento – you will love it there! Hopefully, you can live outside the city in the foothills – must go to Amador County for wine tasting sometime and visit Sutter Creek.
    I don’t usually write bloggers but you seem like a wonderful real person and I am enjoying lots of your recipes! Wish you all the very best life has to offer!

    • Jackie

      I agree! She seems like one of the most genuine and humble bloggers I’ve come across :) I love this blog! Happy I found it.

      • elalderson

        Aww, thank you Jackie!

    • elalderson

      Michie, I missed your comment so I apologize for the late response! Thank you so much and I’m really excited to be out in California. I’ll definitely check them both out- I’ve got a list going!

  • SareC

    I stumbled upon your blog the other day as I’m switching my diet to embrace the vegetarian lifestlye. Your recipes look delicious and I cannot wait to try some of them. Thank you!

    • elalderson

      Awesome! Let me know if you have any questions!

  • Lauren from The Holy Kale

    LOVE LOVE what you are doing! You are so very talented and I cannot wait to share your blog on mine :) PLUS dying over the breakfast :)

    • elalderson

      Thank you for such kind words, Lauren!

  • Tiffany J.A.

    I just found your blog – the recipes look wonderful – can’t wait to try some. Thanks so much for sharing :)

    • elalderson

      Thank you, Tiffany!

  • http://www.facebook.com/rosie.mcguire Rosie Mcguire

    this is fantastic, thanks for sharing your talents.

    • elalderson

      Thank you, Rosie!

  • Sarah

    Saw your avocado jalapeño grilled cheese on Pinterest! Cooked it and it was AMAZING!! I commend you and your family for making such a huge lifestyle change and look forward to reading more from you and enjoying more recipes! Thank you!

    • elalderson

      Thank you, Sarah and I’m so glad you loved the grilled cheese!

  • rachel

    love what you say about social media, i totally agree.

  • Laura

    I just found you, and I think that I’m in love! Erin, your blog is beautiful and the food is delicious (I’ve already made two recipes). Reading your ‘about’ was great, it’s a story that really resonate with me.

    Thank you for sharing!

    • elalderson

      Hooray! Thank you for stopping by and saying “hi”, Laura!

  • Daphne Populiers

    Just stumbled upon your blog. What a beauty! I am a green, clean blogger as well. Learning a lot from bloggers like you!

    • elalderson

      Thank you and awesome! I think the more people share clean recipes and make healthy eating accesible, the better!

  • morethanjustwaffles

    Hi Erin, I came across your blog via the Kitchn. Why Naturally Ella instead of Naturally Erin? Or is it supposed to be Naturally Her? Love your blog and recipes. I’m not vegetarian but I’m trying to eat more vegetarian foods. Your photography is something to strive towards!

    • elalderson

      Hi Alaina! So, Ella is actually an acronym for my full name. I picked it out six years ago and while I thought about changing it to Erin, Ella just stuck :) Thank you for the kind words!

  • Rochesterian

    In spite of the fact that you are rightfully concerned about the impact of social media on…well….everything. I did have to post your website on my fb page as a “recommended” site. Keep up the wonderful cooking…and photography! You are very talented and my palate is happy to have found you! Haha!

  • http://www.facebook.com/corinne.grieve Corinne Chaput Grieve

    Thank you so much for your recipes! It has made our life tastier. Your story resonates with me as my husband had a heart attack last fall at the age of 38, with us having 3 children at home and another on the way. Lifestyle changes were and are a must. Btw, I love your #6. Thank you.

  • http://www.wanderlustlust.com/ Wanderlust

    Hi Erin, I recently found your blog through a recipe search. I love your healthy recipes, but even more than than I enjoy your honesty and kind spirit that shines through your writing. Wishing you all the best in your new home.