Of Basil & Wheat Bread Twists & Cat Condos

Basil and Wheat Bread Twists

Gene often jokes with our son that he married me for my bread baking!  He absolutely adores homemade bread, and he’s sure to be whistling a happy tune when he sees me putting some sort of yeast bread together for dinner.  This whole bread baking thing has sort of a symbiotic feel with us, as I love making it just as much.  Truth be told, it puts me in a good mood.  Baking bread is rewarding, satisfying, & gives me a sense of accomplishment.  I just love the whole nurturing process, it brings out the creative “Mom” in me!

Your Smile for the Week – Adorable Mini

Adorable Mini

“Look into my eyes.  You will have an amazing week.  You will accomplish much.  You will have a positive attitude.  You will believe in yourself.  When I count to 3, you will bring me my favorite treat…”

Oh come on – you know you smiled!  Happy Monday, have a great week!

Designing Weekends to Recharge

Thank goodness for weekends, because sometimes my mind & body just needs  some time to “be,” to rest, & de-stress.  This was one of those Saturdays that just required some good old fashioned R & R.  Everyone in the house needed it, my husband declared it, my son & I took a nap (which he never does).  Hey,  even Mini (our cat) took a break from her “Spicy Mini” persona to cozy herself into her favorite chair.  At some basic level, our body just knows what’s best for us. I think now more than ever, we live in a society which requires more from us.  We’re constantly plugged-in, tuned-in, multi-tasking or otherwise engaged in a way that takes so much from us.  A quote comes to mind;

“I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.”

Tanque Verde Falls – A Beautiful Sunday

Tanque Verde Falls

Happy New Year!

Rock Your Own Playlist

I just got back from an exhilarating walk, listening to music, enjoying life! Music is so powerful, it can influence our emotions, boost our energy, take us back to moments in time. As I was walking, my thoughts turned to a little news blurb I heard during the work week (bless the 24 hour news stations and their quest to fill space). Anyway, this report

Mindfulness

Mindfulness

As I’m referring to mindfulness, I don’t mean in a deep meditative state (although that would be amazing and powerful), but in just a very basic way.  Being mindful, being present, thinking, visualizing & feeling the bigger picture before taking action.  I believe this could be a tremendous tool, & I’d like to practice mindfulness as it relates to making healthier decisions.  After all, success to a very great degree, boils down to the choices we make.  Choices are at every turn…being active vs. sedentary, selecting fruit vs. candy, drinking water vs. soda, having one scoop instead of two, and so on.   So this is my desire, that I practice mindfulness, resulting in healthier decisions.

Mini Says, “It’s All About Me”

Mini

I am a cat, I am perfect no matter what I do.  My people tell me so all the time.  Sometimes I toy with them to see how far I can take this.

If I want them to pet me, I rub up against them and snuggle, only the way that “I” can.  They are eager to please me, so they pet me.  When I am finished, they must stop.  I bite them & they stop.  They discuss amongst themselves how precious I am anyway.  I am a beautiful cat, I can get away with this because it’s all about me.

Volunteers in the Garden

Volunteers in the Garden

First of all, sorry for the quality of this photo, just a little point and click with my camera phone.  But it just made me think how much I enjoy “volunteers” in the garden.

Sicilian Sausage w/ Vegetables & Ravioli – Just a Weeknight Meal, and a Little Bit of Home

Sicilian Sausage w/ Vegetables & Ravioli

A quick little weeknight meal, made by sauteing garlic, onion and mushrooms in a small amount of butter and olive oil.  I added some cooked Sicilian sausage medallions,  and a little cooked broccoli.  After this was heated through, I added chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt.  Freshly chopped Roma tomatoes were added  after removing from the heat. I wanted to keep the flavor light, so in addition to the fresh garlic that was added earlier, I seasoned with only Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, and a light sprinkling of nutmeg. I took a cue from Sandra Lee  (Semi-Homemade) by incorporating a purchased, but delicious item, Giovanni Rana’s Artichoke Ravioli, cooked then tossed in a little white sauce, then spooned over the vegetable/sausage dish.   Serve with Parmesan, salad, and crusty bread. A very simple dinner idea, but delicious all the same.