Friday, November 30, 2012

November Gratitude - Wrapping it up. . .


The last two days of November have flown by. The weather has been gorgeous and perfect for walks with Elle. A visit with Ruth yesterday afternoon and a quick catch up with my Gabby tonight made the last two days such a blessing.

I finally started my long anticipated pillow project yesterday and finished the last one a moment ago. This project was one I hoped to finish before the wedding but it's done and that's what matters. I love the bright colors and how the living room seems somehow more serene.

I'm thankful for all the blessings of this month both big and small. Marc and Marie's wedding and the friends and family that came to share the day is so fresh in my heart. For a Thanksgiving shared with Marie's family, I am so thankful to my sweet sister in law Bev for hostessing.

It feels like the October Unprocessed Challenge continues to help me make better choices that will result in better health. That is a blessing.

November Gratitude was a wonderful opportunity to process each blessing and be mindful of what God is doing in our lives while pushing me to find time to blog (almost) daily. Good discipline for me.

December is bringing something new. While reading Ginger Lemon Girl's site this week I was happy to read about the December Sanity Challenge 2012 - A Peaceful Holiday Season. What a refreshing take on the holidays! I love Carrie's goals for December and focusing on making time to keeping Christ's birthday the focus. I'm excited to see what I'll learn through this challenge.

My silly outside Christmas tree fits right in. It's done, it's stress free, it keeps our house clean and it's the perfect spot for gluten free s'mores on the deck. Is there an easier,  more relaxed way to spend time with friends? I hope that we can keep things calm, keep the schedule light and have a serene December so that we can enjoy Christmas together. I'll work on my own specific goals to help ensure that next.



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Twenty Eight


Tonight I am so thankful for the prayer warriors in my life.

Late last night a neighbor had a health emergency and after the ambulance left and I got home and into bed I instinctively Facebook messaged some dear friends. The friends who I knew without a doubt would pray for the family they've never met.

Thankfully the family we were praying for was home from ER when I woke up this morning and the worst has been ruled out. I know my friends are still praying for my neighbors as they continue on for further testing. I am so grateful.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Twenty Seven




I am ever so thankful for God's traveling mercies today and always. My amazing hubby travels by air on a weekly basis and I am so grateful that each and every week he makes it home safely. Today my Feks flew home from a long and busy visit with family and while their trip home was squishy at times, they made it here safe and sound.

I put together these muffins to drop by as an excuse to get some hugs from my Ev & O and I had to check out O's very first manicure thanks to her Auntie E! Her tiny little nails were different shades of blue and pink - just adorable! 

These muffins are a vegan version of my Sneaky Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins. Just like the original, butternut squash is the sneaky ingredient - all that nutrition but you can't tell it's there. The flavor is very much like a chocolate peanut butter cup. 

This time I used finely milled golden flax seed and water instead of eggs. They baked up a little differently than the egg version. Surprisingly to me, they took much longer to bake and look a little flatter than the original recipe - in fact they rose and then collapsed a bit but they taste nearly identical. Joe said he liked them better this way!

The muffins call for baking soda and apple cider vinegar which may sound funny.  The chemical reaction between them give the muffins those wonderful tiny bubbles and soft texture of regular flour baking.  If you’re Feingold Stage 1 you can substitute any approved white vinegar.

I really don't think they need the chocolate chips if you're out - they're plenty chocolaty as is.

Vegan Sneaky Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins
Preheat oven to 375 and line muffin tins with 16 papers.

Mix together with stand mixer or food processor until creamy:

1 16 ounce jar all natural Peanut Butter
1 can 15 ounce Butternut Squash Puree (or two cups home cooked and pureed)
½ cup Cocoa Powder
1/3 cup Organic Cane Sugar
4 tablespoons Finely Milled Flax Seed (I used golden)
2/3 cup Water
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 ½ teaspoons Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar

Stir in:

1 cup miniature vegan Chocolate Chips (I used Enjoy Life)

Spoon evenly into 16 muffin tins and bake for approximately 25 minutes.  They will feel soft but not squishy and won’t get a browned crust at all.  Mine collapsed just a bit right before they were done. Let cool a few minutes before removing from tins - they'll firm as they cool.


Enjoy!

Monday, November 26, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Twenty Six

Today Laura, Marie and I had lunch at Martin's Curry Rice.

It was Laura's first time at Martin's so Martin (seated with us at right) came out explained all the options of his make your own curry bowls, told Laura what was vegan and gave her samples of his amazing vegan and gluten free sauces to help her make her choices.

I love the fact that Martin is so aware of how to keep his gluten free customers safe and happy while offering both vegans and omnivores delicious choices. The prices are so reasonable, too.

How thankful I am to be able to share delicious food with the fellowship of these special ladies.

We ordered our meals and sat down in a big comfy booth.  Marie said our blessing and we started enjoying our meals.

Marie had one of the specials today. Look how patient she is with me making her stop eating to take a photo of her and her chicken tikka!

She enjoyed it and thought it reminded her of Brunswick Stew but with an Indian flair. =D

Laura and I each did a make your own curry bowl full of garbanzos and all sorts of fresh veggies - many are local from the Western Wake Farmer's Market. The veggie choices are amazing - there must have been two dozen to choose from. I chose half mild/half hot curry sauce for a really nice sweet/hot bowl.

I love the fact that Laura has so many interests and asks really great questions. She had some fun ones for Marie. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other's hearts and learning more about each of them myself.

It was also fun to visit with Martin before the restaurant got too crowded and hear about his plans for his food truck, the special cooking classes that have been going on there and some of his special dishes. He brought out little dishes of his Vegan Shepard's Pie for each of us to sample and wow was it good. The Indian spices in the sweet potato topping were perfect.  The mix of veggies were really flavorful. It is one of the specials he made for the Western Wake Farmer's Market.

We came back to my house for a quick cup of tea and something sweet before getting back to our days. Laura got to see several of Marc and Marie's wedding photos and there was more sweet fellowship that left me feeling completely blessed.

I made a vegan, gluten free dessert that didn't turn out quite as I hoped but turned out pretty good in the end. I made my usual Lara Bar type treat in the food processor but used Trader Joe's yummy almond butter instead of nuts. Hoping it would set up in the fridge I popped it in just before everyone arrived.  It was pretty gooey with our tea.  But I put in in the freezer, took Elle for a long walk and came back to delicious, healthy freezer fudge.

Chocolate Coconut Freezer Fudge

Prepare a small glass dish (5 x 7 inches) by sprinkling 2 tablespoons unsweetened Shredded Coconut evenly over the bottom of the pan.

In a food processor, combine:

6 large pitted Dates
6 tablespoons Raw Almond Butter
6 tablespoons Shredded Coconut, unsweetened
2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
1/8 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Powder
1/8 teaspoon Sea Salt

Process until well mixed, I could have given mine an extra minute or roughly chopped the dates in advance.

Spoon mixture carefully over the coconut so it stays in place. You can see I could have been a little more careful.  Smooth top, cover and place in freezer for at least an hour. It will be firm but not hard.

Store in the freezer if there's any left.

Marie and Laura, doesn't this look better frozen?

I wrapped up a yellow stick for Marie and Laura.

This time of year my chapped, dry skin really need protection and I love to keep them handy.

Laura came in with two very different wine glasses each filled with passion fruit!

We actually have a passion fruit vine out front but it didn't have one piece of fruit on it this summer and I've never tasted one. I think Joe and I will enjoy them in a smoothie tomorrow.

I have a Pinterest idea for one of the wine glasses in particular...maybe later this week there will be a photo if it works out the way I'm hoping.

Sweet fellowship is something I am grateful for. Women who inspire me and love Jesus with all their hearts are a joy to be around.

That one of them is such a new friend that feels like an old friend is so fun.

That one of them is my new daughter in law is nothing less than a gift.

Having a flexible schedule to sneak out for  lunch is something I also am grateful for - it's a special break from the routine and fellowship that I cherish.

Laura's vegan review of Martin's Curry Rice and our day together is up now - check it out here!

Edited to add:

Martin's Curry Rice has closed, at least temporarily.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

November Gratitude - Days 24 & 25


This weekend flew by.....great plans to clean and paint and organize and blog - most of which didn't happen.

Can I still blame it on the turkey?

After Friday night's photo party with the adorable Katelyn I have to admit that I spent my Saturday morning coffee time looking at those amazing wedding pics again. I ordered a bunch to send to Chris' mom and had the best time putting a little album together.

We, meaning mostly Chris, got Christmas lights up outside and I love how they sparkle and brighten up the house when it gets dark way too early this time of year. I am thankful he's feeling a bit like Clark Griswold this year.

Yesterday with Elle in tow, we walked across the street and picked out our Christmas tree. I love my delivery guys and I love our new tradition. After years of artificial trees because of my allergies we went back to real, fresh trees. The trick to no allergies? We keep it on the back deck. It makes the whole living room glow and there's not one wayward needle on the carpet!


Later that night we enjoyed a long overdue visit with friends Saturday night and I'm thankful for being able to reconnect. They're the kind of neighbor friends we would love to spend more time with if life wasn't so crazy and I'm thankful we can call so many of our neighbors friends.


This afternoon I finished up Suzie's album and updated Chris' mini album that he keeps in his bag for travel. I am so thankful that my husband is a man who carries his family with him on the road.

Friday, November 23, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Twenty Three

This is one of my favorite shots of Marc and Marie.
Tonight our darling wedding photographer came over with her mom Julie to show us all her beautiful photos.  Marc and Marie, Terri and Jerry were here and we had the best time looking through hundreds of gorgeous photos.

Katelyn did such an amazing job. Here's the thing. Katelyn is 14. She's got such God-given talent and a great eye and she is wonderful to work with and professional beyond her years. Check out her site at Katelyn McKay Photography.


I am so blessed by this family - love mom and dad here. 
Our two families - such a joyous day.
So thankful for the love God has put in their hearts for each other.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

November Gratitude - Thanksgiving

Poor Trevor - the turkey did him in and he tried to nap but it was cousin photo time!

Today we were blessed to spend the day with family and new friends enjoying delicious food at Bobby and Bev's house. Bev always hosts Thanksgiving. She honors her own dad's tradition of preparing the huge meal almost completely on her own. Tables are set beautifully, the coffee table is full of appetizers and the entire house smells heavenly.

This year she invited Marie's parents, Jerry and Terri, and Carmen's friends Jessie and Ernesto from divinity school, too.

My pic of Jerry & Terri was totally blurry so instead I'll use this only slightly blurry shot of Marc and Marie celebrating their first Thanksgiving together. =D
I only made a couple of things - dozens of these little gluten free cheese rolls.








And I made a big batch of gluten free corn bread stuffing. Bev bought a giant additive free turkey from Whole Foods (turkey sold with solution and broth can be gluteny) and made delicious gluten free gravy, too.






Bev made not only the turkey, but a ham, stuffing, a citrus flavored yam dish, the most amazing roasted parsnip and carrot dish, bacon and shallot topped green beans, sesame soy topped broccoli, brussel sprouts, a giant vat of mashed potatoes and more.






Shannon helped cook and serve and we had fun helping with the veggies together. Isn't she gorgeous? And so talented, too. She's a middle school art teacher and not surprisingly a very talented artist.










When mom and dad arrived we realized Mom and Carmen were wearing matching blouses.








And Marie and Shannon must have coordinated their dresses. =D









Somehow Bev always looks relaxed and completely pulled together during this entire day of cooking.









I guess I got excited and forgot to take a photo of the buffet but purposely cropped the enormous serving of mashed potatoes that is making Joe smile.

Chris and I sat with Dev, Carmen, Ernesto and Jessie. It was interesting hearing a bit about their experiences at Duke and what their goals were after divinity school.



The desserts were amazing. Terri made the most delicious gluten free pecan pie. I hadn't had pecan pie since before going gluten free and her pie was delicious. Mom brought a gluten free Almond Joy torte which I always love. Marc and Marie made their first pumpkin pie together and I missed trying it but it looked yummy. Carmen's cheesecake with a cookie crust and a caramel and chocolate topping looked awesome - I need to get her recipe and figure out how to make it gluten free because she clearly won't make it gluten free for me. ;-)



Devo and Carmen brought my Fred along and after dinner and dishes he came in to visit with Bobby and Bev's dogs. Fred stole my heart several weeks ago and every time I see him I want to steal him away.

He is the sweetest, most loving pup. I love this pic of Marc and Joe with Fred.



We are blessed beyond measure by our God who has given us our family, our friends, our home and food to share.

Highlight of the drive home is this massive Christmas light display.
Every year it gets bigger and and brighter.





Wednesday, November 21, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Twenty One

I am thankful for the opportunity to spend the evening in church with my guys and Marie.

A message on thankfulness was perfect.

A special speaker brought home what thankfulness really and truly is and it was humbling.

And also, I am pretty thankful for Blue Letter Bible, I love being able to check a verse or read a passage on my computer and even my phone as in the pic on the right.

Thankful, too, that Chris is on a plane heading home to us.

God is so good. Forever.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Twenty


Today I am thankful for a beautiful, peaceful, quiet, healthy day. Walking with Elle under this sky was so amazing this evening. Being a couch potato with Joe was a very much needed bit of quiet time. Sometimes the uneventful days are the ones I am most grateful for.

Monday, November 19, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Nineteen

My handsome, healthy guys. Love them so.

Today I am thankful for The Feingold Association. We joined the summer of 2005 due to Joe's yellow 5 induced migraines. I was hopeful I would be able to help Joe avoid all dyes and the headaches and migraines that went with them.

Avoiding artificial dyes, preservatives and flavors are only a part of the program but I really thought that was all we would need. But as I read more about the program and spent time on the members' board I realized we needed to try the whole program. That meant starting at stage 1 and removing fruits and vegetables with high salicylates. Apples, berries, grapes and oranges are a few favorites we gave up for a while.

We found Joe did so much better with this new healthier way of eating and surprisingly found he (and I) reacted to some of the stage 2 items we tested back in. We also found we both strongly reacted to cinnamon and he was sad to know maple syrup caused problems for him, too. These last two items are not typically problematic to Feingold members but because we'd kept a food diary we were able to track foods and reactions. Like many other Feingold members we both react to chemical scents. Artificial air fresheners, stinky laundry detergents and perfumes can be tough. But keeping our house free of scents seems to help us deal with other scents better.

We kept our house Feingold safe - all for one and one for all - but Chris and Marc ate what they wanted to out side of the house when Joe was not with them. Marc had things like Butterfingers and Kit Kats and movie popcorn and sodas at work and when out with friends. He was convinced for a long while none of it bothered him. But he finally realized there was a correlation between his headaches and feeling cranky and junk food. So he started eating better on his own.

I'll be honest and say right up front that Feingold was not easy at first and was not our total answer. For many people it is and that is a wonderful blessing.

For us Feingold was the springboard improving our health and we took things beyond Feingold considerably.  I don't know that I could have gotten to this point without Feingold and the amazing members board. Many of the members that helped me are still there helping others.

We no longer consider our diet to be the Standard American Diet. We eat a more plant based, whole food diet with emphasis on naturally gluten free foods and limit our sugar and meat consumption greatly. We consume as many organic foods as possible to lower our exposure to chemicals. These changes have evolved over years in baby steps.

Lots of research into supplementation, incorporating applicable aspects of Body Ecology Diet, Gut and Psychology Syndrome, Specific Carbohydrate Diet and The Westin A Price Foundation and then addressing yeast overgrowth have made a huge difference.

Feingold has been wonderful for our family and I am thrilled to pay my membership dues each year and volunteer some of my time. I am always happy to answer questions and help anyone get assimilated because I of the great moms who were there when I needed them.

Good health and happy kids - that's a lot to be grateful for.


Thanks for this pic Gabby!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Eighteen

Tonight I am grateful for this silly man who makes me laugh.

For a house full of family to join us for dinner.

For a fridge full of food to share with them.

For many laughs also shared.

For making plans for Thanksgiving together.

For arguing over the smell of brussel sprouts and nothing more.

For so many blessings it's hard to pick just one.

xoxo

Saturday, November 17, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Seventeen


Today I am grateful for friends to spend the morning crafting with and talking with.

I realized I could share the other pics I took as some of us were working on gifts for loved ones.  This pic is of Penny and Torri working on dozens of little sheep ears for the kids' church Christmas special. Dozens!!!

A little break in the week with friends who love the Lord is such a sweet time.

For that I am thankful.

Friday, November 16, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Sixteen


Today I am thankful for silly monkeys who brighten up my afternoon. It was so sweet to spend the afternoon together (with Gabby, too) and just hang out since we won't see each other for nearly two weeks. O commandeered the netbook for Disney videos and modeled her hood while Ev played with Joe's old Lego car. We went to Trader Joe's together so Ev & O could stock up on Peppermint Joe Joe's - three boxes in each of their little carts! We saw some neighbors and Laura was there, too! I am still wearing the stickers O stuck to me. Lemonade in the afternoon sun on the porch to wash down their Joe Joe's and a dog walk/run to run off the cookies and lemonade were a great way to spend the day. I totally loved the fact that they talked Gabby into coming back over after the walk for just a little more together time. So thankful for silly monkeys am I.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Fifteen



On this gray and rainy day I am thankful for this bright and happy room I'm typing this blog post in. I'm still not sure what to call this little space of mine but I love it. It's my office, my craft room, a guest room and my sanity saver.

Our little house was filled to the brim when all four of us lived here but I loved that. It was incredibly hard for me when Marc moved out and my nest wasn't so full anymore but this spot has been my silver lining. Chris sweetly told me to make the room my own.

The walls were a dark, dark blue.  Ruth came over and we painted and painted until it was sunny and bright. The ivory walls make it feel bigger and gave me a fresh, clean palette. Just about everything in the room came from other rooms in house. Most of my shells came up here, anything pink did. Things finally have a place. Things I can finally see, enjoy and utilize.

I love having my ABC's up here in my "girl" room. My mother in law cross stitched this for me shortly after Chris and I were married.

There are still some things to finish organizing, a platform bed to make to add storage and fun, and some more art for the very blank walls but it will all come in time.

The closet may be my favorite feature as crazy as that sounds. We painted it a sunny, very light turquoise blue. It makes me smile when I open the door - in fact I often keep the doors open just because.

I love being able to actually find craft supplies, ribbons that never tangle again and having all my wrapping supplies in one place.

Maybe this little bit of organization will spread through the house! =D

The dresser was in my mom's house when she was growing up and used to be in my grandma's sewing room. I love that. I also love the new drawer pulls that match the closet.

It is topped with favorite photos and filled with stationary and mailing supplies - need a stamp? A padded envelope? Packing tape?? I now know exactly where it all is.

I even love ironing in here! Well maybe not love, but I am thankful for a spot that I can spread out and do what I need to do.

My desk is too messy for an iphone pic but it has a snoring pup underneath and there's a chair next to me if anyone wants to come and sit and chat.

I feel very grateful for my own little spot, a girl spot in the midst of a house full of men.


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Fourteen


Today is Chris' birthday and I am most grateful for him. For his love and his patience and his energy and his crazy sense of humor. I am so blessed. Since he's away today I chose this kiss for today's photo. It was taken on a special day with his mom and our boys several years ago - the dip and kiss done just to gross out Marc who took the photo. =D

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Thirteen


Today I am thankful for today's rainy, drizzly, downright cold and gray soup weather!

This is the soup I've been making making weekly for the last few weeks.  I created it during the October Unprocessed Challenge.  I needed a soup that didn't have a stock base because none of the stock containers I had on hand fit the challenge. This is easy, fast, nutritious and so delicious.  It's also low in calorie and inexpensive both of which are always a good thing.

I love cooking with Tumeric as it is a great anti-inflammatory and great for aches and pains and I add even more garlic when fighting off a bug. The spices are the key to the flavor and you can vary the veggies depending on what you have on hand. I like a blend of onion, carrots and butternut squash the best. I've been cheating and buying peeled chunks of butternut squash at Trader Joe's because it's so fast. I would love to try pumpkin but Chris really has a pumpkin aversion. If it sounds good to you, go for it and let me know how it is.  The red lentils and spice combination are similar to Dal, hence the name.

Dal-icious Soup!

In a large soup/stock pot, sauté

1 or 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
2 pounds chopped veggies - approximate amount, include at least 1 large onion
3 cloves Garlic, or more to taste
1 teaspoon Tumeric
1 teaspoon Ginger
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1/8 teaspoon Cayenne or one fresh Cayenne Pepper, sliced and de-seeded.

Continue to sauté until spices are fragrant and golden but not browned.

Cover vegetables with boiling water making sure the water level is about two inches over the veggies to leave room for the lentils and mushrooms later. Simmer over low heat for an hour or until you're nearly ready for dinner. Simmering longer just mingles the flavors.

When veggies are soft, use an immersion (stick) blender to purée thoroughly.  Then add:

1 pound Red Lentils, sorted and rinsed
1 pound sliced mushrooms

Stir occasionally as the lentils cook and the soup thickens. It takes about fifteen minutes for me.

If it's a little too thick for your taste you can thin it with more water. Add:

Salt & Pepper to taste.

I love to top a bowl with a large handful of chopped cilantro to give it a nice, fresh and healthy kick.

Gabby, there's a jar in the fridge waiting for you.

Enjoy!


Monday, November 12, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Twelve


Today I am thankful for the opportunity to get back to baking for my family and friends. I love this coconut rich treat. Coconut flour, coconut oil and flaked coconut make this a moist and dense muffin or bar. As always, I like to use Tropical Traditions coconut products.

It's a quick and easy recipe and full of protein and fiber. Delicious for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Coconut Macaroon Muffins
Preheat Oven to 400
Line muffin tins with paper liners or grease well.
24 regular or 48 mini muffins can be made.
Optional: Grease a 13 x 9 pan with coconut oil.

1 cup Coconut Flour
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
12 Eggs
1 cup Coconut Oil, melted if solid
1/2 cup Organic Cane Sugar
1 tablespoon Vanilla
1/2 cup Shredded Coconut Flakes
1 cup all natural Mini Chocolate Chips

Combine all ingredients until mixed thoroughly. About two minutes in my mixer.

Your batter will be very thick. Fill muffin tins until almost full. Smooth the tops of the muffins with the back of a spoon or wet finger tips because they will not change shape or rise much.

Bake until golden brown. About 15 minutes for the larger muffins and just over ten for the minis in my oven. A 13 x 9 pan takes about 35 minutes.

Enjoy!



Sunday, November 11, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Eleven

Today and every day I am thankful for our veterans. On Veteran's Day it seems only appropriate to share this old photo of my dad in his navy days.

Chris' father was also in the navy and met Chris' mother when stationed in France after WWII.

We pray for our soldiers stationed around the world and those who are home and getting assimilated into new lives - sometimes with great difficulty.

We pray for our favorite green beret Doug and I am so thankful for his influence on Joe.

But this guy - you've got to take a moment to "meet" Taylor if you haven't already. This love story will break your heart and give you hope all at once.

Taylor is someone I am incredibly grateful for. http://www.buzzfeed.com/txblacklabel/true-love-in-pictures-only-28m7

Saturday, November 10, 2012

November Gratitude - Day Ten


Today I am incredibly grateful for gorgeous, warm and sunny Saturdays in November.

Saturdays were going to be my theme today anyway because I spend them with Chris.

Today's glorious sunshiny day was spectacular.

To start the day off I slept in - really slept in!?!? It was heaven and helped me kick most of the cold I'm fighting.  A quick breakfast and nearly an hour on the bike was the perfect start to the day.

Even our poor maple perked up and changed color for today. I'm finally really starting to love Carolina blue skies in the fall after all these years.

Chris and Elle ran up to the lake before I even woke up but Elle still wanted to play outside this morning. She chased squirrels and crunched leaves under her busy little paws and generally acted like a puppy again and it was a treat to watch her.

Chris did all sorts of yard work and garage organizing today - which I appreciated but didn't really participate in. =D

After all Chris' hard work and a fun surprise visit from Terri we had lunch.


Our new favorite detox salad and kombucha were especially delicious and we enjoyed it while we sat in the afternoon sun on the porch.

I have to put the recipe up soon. We've been making big batches of it at a time at least once a week for weeks now and just love it. It's nice because it stays fresh in the fridge for at least three days. Makes for great quick and healthy meals.

Anyway, while we sat in the sun we talked about plans for the garden and for Chris' birthday which is coming up very, very soon.

We decided a nice long walk in the sunshine was in order before errands had to be run. It was perfect. Errands were run, dinner was made and now we're sitting here with Joe enjoying our evening.

It looks like tomorrow is going to be more of the same and I'm already thankful for that!