Loving Lately

Feeling the love

Loving Lately

It’d be nice to say that I’m enjoying a bounty, spread out atop a blanket with a gentle breeze on a sunny day. I love a good picnic. I’m feeling it. I’m not actually doing it. But I’m feeling it. And if I wanted to get really specific, it would be a medium thickness blanket, because you know how those thin sheet-like blankets get moved and windblown and a mess when you sit or they’re stepped on; but nothing a thick like a sleeping bag, because that’s ridiculous. And it would be a mostly sunny/partly cloudy day, because a little reprieve from the open sun is really luxurious. The breeze would be gentle, obviously, because no one really wants to eat in stagnant heat- and being sweaty just sounds like the opposite of ideal, but too much wind isn’t right either. However, a playful gust really is fun… just enough to blow off my perfect sunhat and give a small chase. If you’re at the beach- you don’t want enough wind to blow sand (because we all know chewing grit is miserable, and this is perfection), just enough to keep us the optimal amount of comfortable. Oh, and the bounty… hmmm… what is the indefectable menu? Well it would definitely include bread, and cheese, and meat… I suppose that sounds like the makings of a sandwich, but I really enjoy them individually too… fresh fruit… coffee or iced tea?… wine… DESSERTS! Pie or cake or both? Ahhhh, decisions, decisions…

I’ve got to say this one looks a little like a work/picnic merger. We’re going to get crafty… but that’s okay, because if you supply the food and drinks and the aforementioned weather, I can let my creativity fly.

Courtesy of TermiNatetorKitchen.com

A backyard picnic really is an awesome option. I mean, you have all the comforts of home steps away. Restrooms? We got ’em. Prefer to take a nap in your bed over the lawn? Well, walk right in. But still want the getaway feel, and to break out of the everyday monotony? Pack it up and put it in a basket, kids we’re going outside.

Courtesy of SugarandCharm.com

Not that I’m against an excursion. Let’s say you’re all like “Sadie, I got us all inclusive tickets for a Safari Picnic package!” I’ve never done it, so I really don’t know… but I can’t see me turning it down.

Courtesy of Pinterest

How about an evening of just watching the waves roll in? Uh, sh-yeah! You don’t have to ask me twice. I don’t know how difficult it’s going to be to get out there… but clearly you’ve got everything I need- if I can do it. So, let’s give it a go.

Courtesy of Daydreamsandsundresses.com

Of course, if we we’re not up to the rock climbing challenge, we could go with the sandy shore. (All above perfect weather suggestions applied.) And can I just say that I actually lol’d when I saw the donut? It’s the focus of the picture. (I’m easily amused.) But really, who doesn’t like a donut? Winner-winner picnic dinner.

Courtesy of Pinterest

Continuing with our seaside theme, this next one looks incredible. Oh sure, the food might blow off of your fork (leave the sunhat in the car), but I think we’ll find it’s worth it. (BTW I love how they have the flowers wedged under the palate. It’s all the essence of fresh and floral staying put- Ingenuity at its finest.)

Courtesy of Pinterest

So, be it by bike,

Courtesy of theglitterguide.com

Or boat…

Courtesy of Pinterest

Let’s gather all good things,

Courtesy of Ana Rosa

And picnic.

Courtesy of carlaaston.com

Featured Image Courtesy of stylemepretty.com

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Loving Lately

During my home office Pinterest travels, I recently stumbled upon a French blogger named Mimi Thorisson. She has an incredible blog of food, fashion, and home design called Manger. Naturally, she has been featured in publications such as, Vogue, Bon Appetit and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), -to name a few, because she is fabulous. Of course, I love great food… France… and I’m often drawn to the sophisticated and timeless pics of French Country decor… Why I haven’t run across Mimi before, I don’t really know. But dwelling on that is a waste of time… time that I could be reading her inspiring blog. All that matters is that I have found her now. That, and also, that I share her with you (just in case you haven’t already been following her for years.)

courtesy of vogue.com

Mimi and her husband, Oddur (also her extremely talented photographer), moved to a farm in Médoc, France years ago. They offer wine tasting tours and workshops; where you can learn to cook in that amazing kitchen, eat her food and drink champagne during afternoon breaks for around 2,000 euro. (Consider that added to my bucket list.)

Courtesy of mimithorisson.com

She has also published cookbooks… in English. (Consider them ordered.)

Courtesy of mimithorisson.com

She wears a leather apron… Are you kidding me? She rocks it. There are blacksmiths, and the steadily fashionionable food blogger: Mimi Thorisson.

Courtesy of vogue.com

Yes, she is beautiful, stylish, and living the French countryside dream… but Mimi Thorisson is also highly regarded for her cuisine. Look at this Bouchée à la Reine… “French puff pastry filled with chicken, morel mushrooms, onions, white wine and a thyme scented Bechamel sauce.” I’m smitten.

Courtesy of mimithorisson.com

And apparently she knows a thing or two about throwing casual and elaborate gatherings. Ahhh, just a relaxed outdoor meal -outside of her French chateau.

Courtesy of Instagram @oddthor

But if that’s not enough to convince you… there is always the flower arranging, beloved caregiver of dogs photograph…

Courtesy of bonappetit.com

Although she had me at this:

Courtesy of vogue.com

Loving Lately is an easy one this week! Hope you enjoy getting to know Mimi Thorisson as much as I am. 😉

Featured Image Courtesy of vogue.com

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Loving Lately

Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE jazz? I do. I always have. I just get it.

For a period of time, my mother worked as a secretary for a landscaping firm. It was owned by two business partners, both were kind and intelligent men; one of them, an architect and savvy engineer, was particularly generous and warm. He and his wife, a school counselor with her Master’s degree, blossomed a great friendship with my parents and they often hung out together outside of the professional realm. On Friday nights, the whole (small) office team and a few friends would go out after work. And every Friday night they would talk about going to breakfast at Brennan’s in New Orleans- where they would enjoy a five course meal including eye-openers served by waiters in tuxedos. However, there was always someone that for whatever reason couldn’t do it so, they would just scrap the idea, until the following week. On a particular Friday in February of 1977, the subject came up and went around the table as usual, except this time everyone said they could go. For a second they all looked around at each other kind of stunned, wondering if they were really going to do it… Six out of the eight said they would. So, one of them quickly booked the red-eye and off they went- home to pack in a rush and meet back up at the airport. Once on the plane, they realized that not a one of them had any major cash to pool (banks weren’t open on weekends and ATM’s weren’t a thing), until my mom looked in her purse and realized she hadn’t made the bank deposit that day, giving them a few hundred in petty cash. They were all such a jovial group, that I can just feel the joy and almost hear the laughter when my mom tells the story how it all just worked out. I love it when she describes her craving for the fried oysters that she could smell from the open bars as they walked around the city… The jazz music they took in at the Preservation Hall… And the snowflakes that dusted New Orleans in a record-breaking cold winter. Of course, they were all dressed in their Michigan clothes, so that didn’t bother them either. Unexpectedly, Brennan’s was full with a convention, but they were assured that Court of Two Sisters would be a comparable breakfast- and it did not disappoint. Drinks were bloody Mary’s, mimosas, or screw drivers, etc., and they feasted on fresh baked breads, coffee, an appetizer of baked apple with cream, an entrée of Eggs Benedict and ended the breakfast with Bananas Foster flambé…

I love that story- of close friends flying out on whim to eat breakfast in New Orleans. And I take a little pride in knowing that I was there too… albeit in my mother’s womb. (Obviously, that is where I inherently fell in love with jazz… and possibly food.)

That same man and his wife, not able to have children of their own, would ask my parents if they could be godparents to me and later my sister. And through the years they were very good to my sister and me. They would take us to the theatre at The Fox, the Fisher, The Gem, and to see the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. I was enamored with their Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home, their art collection, and the Shirley Temples my godfather would serve me with my very own cocktail napkin. I’d listen to their stories, their records, and imagine them dancing the Jitterbug. I can safely credit them with my love of the arts (and so much more).

My godfather passed away before I graduated from high school, but my godmother passed away very recently. As an homage, my sister and I were given several pieces of their art collection and I now lovingly own much of their record collection…

So, please excuse my absence… as I reflect on their memory and love of life, listen to great music and tell their story to my children. …And who knows, maybe I’ll even fit in an impromptu flight to New Orleans. 😉

Loving Lately

Well it’s that time- for another weekly addition of my favorite things… I don’t really think I can call it love this week. (I’ll let you know in a month). However, I have once again gone Keto; Ketogenic; placing myself in a state of Ketosis. “What is Keto?” you ask. Well according to dietdoctor.com, “A keto or ketogenic diet is a very low-carb diet, which turns the body into a fat-burning machine.” (Yeah baby!) Wikipedia tends to be a little wordier, “The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that… forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates…” If you haven’t heard of the trendy Ketogenic Diet, think of it like a variation of Atkins, that concentrates on more fats (healthy fats), than protein.

I do this to myself. Many of us do. It’s a let it go and reel it in. More poetically, it’s my ebb and flow. I stored up for winter, and now I need to burn some (stored) energy before summer gets here! Crunch time. So, for the next month or thereabouts (small attainable goals for a girl who loves her pastries), no carbs shall pass my lips. Ok, that’s an exaggeration. No net carbs exceeding 30g daily shall pass my lips. What are net carbs you ask? (I feel so academic!) Net carbs are basically the amount of carbohydrates in a specific food less the grams of fiber. Because fiber is our friend, we get to deduct those grams from our total! (I’m selling it to myself, not you.) So, for example, one avocado (according to verywellfit.com) has 17g of carbohydrates, but 13g of fiber so the net carbs are only 4g; and with a whopping total of 29g of fat… it is a perfect Keto food. Now that I am a fat burning machine I need no longer worry about grams of fat (as long as I don’t eat a piece of bread).

Enough diet talk. Let’s get to inspiring recipes! Pictured above is baked Halloumi (possibly my new favorite thing) with roasted garlic, zucchini, and summer squash. I also added a little crispy pancetta- because I could- but it really didn’t need it.

Generally speaking all vegetables that grow above ground (avoiding mostly tubers) are fair game on a low carb diet. They are the gravy boat, so to speak; the vessels on which to carry our delicious toppings (in lieu of mashed potatoes, rice or pasta). My cousin-in-law, Lisa, has had a lot of success with this lifestyle and has passed on a few of her favorite things to make. It’s actually a great plan for those of us who need to avoid sugar too. Diabetes runs in my family, thankfully most of my family members have been able to control it with their diet; which is awesome- and another reason this plan works for me.

These are Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Boats from Kim’s Healthy Eats.

 

Thankfully I like veggies, so I have no problem snacking on things like Brussels Sprout Chips from Delish.com. I’ve even seen recipes using them for nachos. Don’t be afraid to get crazy with your veg and dip.

 

To be honest, this Best Buffalo Chicken Casserole Recipe from Delish.com looks like something I’d eat when I’m not “dieting.” So that’s win-win. (And btw the picture does not do it justice… all that buffalo sauce-y, cheese-y chicken over roasted cauliflower.) I’m salivating.

For me the flavors have to be varied, otherwise I’d feel like I’m eating the same thing all of the time. And I need to incorporate the majority of my meals into whatever it is that I am feeding my family, or it gets too complicated. But something as simple as foregoing the taco shells on a “Taco Tuesday,” is an easy way for me to enjoy my salad.

Something I haven’t done in the past is venture into sweeteners. However there are “keto-approved” options like Swerve (erythritol and oligosaccharides), a unique blend of all natural (non-GMO) fruit and vegetable ingredients, that has 0 calories and very little carbohydrates. Mix that with a little almond flour and voilà! You can eat Donuts! (From wholesomeyum.com  -which Lisa has made several times, so they are verified.)

 

Last, but not least, I have read a lot of positive things from my Low Carb forum peeps about “fat bombs,” which apparently are a nice treat or midday snack. So, I am actually excited about trying Cookie Dough Keto Fat Bombs from Delish.com, after my Swerve arrives.

Some people like to start on New Year’s Day… I usually wait until spring, and roll my eyes and drag my feet, and spit and kick (not really on the outside, just in my head)… But it’s nice when I don’t feel too deprived.

If you have had success with the Keto diet, and have any recipes or ideas to share, I’d love to hear about it!

Hope you’re having a great day and you are inspired to do something good for yourself!

Love, Sadie

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Loving Lately

I apologize for the lapse in time. I realize that my “spring” break lasted a little longer than anticipated. (I’m sure you were all ridden with anticipation: When is Sadie going to publish another post?) Of course, now that I have identified myself as a writer, I can justify taking artistic license and melodramatic periods of unexplained absence; time to “smell the roses.” It’s all a part of the creative process. (Unless you want to syndicate me, then I assure you I work great under the pressure of a deadline.)

We are very fortunate that my in-laws are indeed snowbirds and are generous enough to offer their Floridian home to our family for our week of school vacation. We get to spend our time in the warm luxurious sunshine and in turn they get the opportunity to share in the experience of potty training our youngest son. I really don’t know what we were thinking. It worked so well for our oldest son, the incentive of getting to swim in the pool if he goes potty in the toilet. Since we were in a potty-using rut at home, we thought we’d try it out. It worked… but not without consequence. I’d like to publicly apologize for the rug incident. (And any other incidentals that I know of and possibly other events of which I am unaware. Ahem.) You both are so good to us!

It was mostly highs however. We fed giraffes…

Rode camels…

went on an airboat ride,

and took the touristy shots.

I think we’re missing something…

We were photobombed by an alligator. (Yes, an alligator.)

Okay, that was a dirty trick. But seriously, check out the background here.

And then the kids decided to hold a baby alligator.

My mother-in-law and I tried out a new Sangria recipe. Yum! (Coming soon!)

Vacation is a time of escape, but not a total reprieve of responsibility.

And I am proud to say, we came home with two more successful deep-end swimmers.

Another vacation for the books. I love it.

And just in case you need actual proof that I was there:

 

If you received a version of this post yesterday without pictures… I’d like to blame technical difficulties. Sorry!

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Loving Lately

I’d like to tell you I’m loving decorating my spring-themed porch. Hahaha. I’m more like loving sarcasm. I can’t put flowers out on my porch. They would freeze- not just in the temperature dropping night, all day long. I could put out fake flowers. Of course everyone would know they must be fake. (Not like the fantastic blooms above from @misskatyenglish)

But looking at porch ideas got me kind of excited about flowers… just pretty pictures of random bouquets. They’re inspiring.

Courtesy of Pinterest

Yet, in this progression, somehow my inspiration always comes back to food and drink. Always. I was (slightly) surprised to see that the last 4 pins for my “Inspiration” board on Pinterest actually contained coffee or food or both.

Courtesy of @mezanin

Apparently that’s where my heart lies. Because I start with nature… then I just totally drift back to food. I mean, c’mon… these pies are as pretty as a bouquet of flowers. Come to think of it, I don’t know if they really are pies… or flowers? And I honestly don’t know which one I would be more excited about being surprised with.

Yes I do. Give me the pies. Are they pies?

Courtesy of Vue » Portfolio – Debby Lewis-Harrison

People keep crossing the lines of food and art. And I’m down. But I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I get confused. Like this season: Is it winter? Is it spring? We’ve got these beautiful breakfast egg tarts. They are so whimsy… in a rustic setting surrounded with herbs, egg shells, kitchen utensils, an apron, pine cones… Pine cones? Are they pine flavored? Are we supposed to eat the pine cones? Because I will. Just kidding- no I won’t. But I still like this picture.

Courtesy of Fotogrammi di zucchero

But I’m not just all about the food this spring. I mean yes, it is too cold to go outside. So, I spend a good portion of my time in the kitchen. Which means I probably need to spruce it up- give it a little spring makeover. Therefore logic says I should get a new copper hood for my stovetop.

Courtesy of baltimoreathome.com

It makes sense, as long as you don’t think about it very hard. But really, does copper say spring? Because, I’m feeling it.

Courtesy of @mademoisellepoirot

Is it more spring-ish if it’s used for a bouquet?

Courtesy of Pinterest

Okay, it’s possible I’m getting off track. Basically what I am saying is this: I’d like to be outside, decorating my house, but I’m not. The next best thing would likely be to brighten my day with a fresh bouquet.

courtesy of GREY AND SCOUT

However in reality, I’d be more apt to make a bouquet of Rainbow Roll-Ups with Peanut Sauce.

Courtesy of Pinch of Yum

And until it gets a little warmer out there… I’ll be keeping it real over here, dreaming about the possibility of spring and touches of copper while I eat and drink.

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Loving Lately

Yes… I’ve done this before. I really just can’t help myself. It’s like that line from Godfather III, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” That’s how I feel about Pinterest… and beautiful pie art. I’m a weirdo. I just love this stuff. People keep upping their pie game, and I’m hooked.

Of course I love it when they break it down. Especially in pictures… since I don’t read fluent Spanish.

Courtesy of lachicadelacasadecaramelo.com

Then there is really serious. I won’t even try.

Courtesy of mymodernmet.com

But it doesn’t have to be intricately woven to be beautiful. Look at this piece-of-art slab pie from bake-street.com:

Courtesy of Bake-Street.com

Gorgeous! I honestly don’t know if pineapple, ginger and turmeric is my new favorite flavor combination… it sounds a little out there even to me… but if you eat with your eyes first, then there’s a chance.

I am equally a fan of a simply woven pie. Probably because it’s more my pace. And probably because rhubarb, orange, and pistachio sound delicious.

Courtesy of sbs.com.au

There is a pie for every occasion…

Birthday? Got it.

Courtesy of Pinterest. And I really wish I could give the right person credit because you know they cut that “Happy Birthday” out by hand.

Anniversary? Of course.

Courtesy of CutiePiesNYC

Just to celebrate your love of pie? Absolutely.

Courtesy of Instagram @jojoromancer

There are so many to choose from. It’s hard for me to narrow it down to just a few.

I love that people let their creativity fly… on their pie! And with some really great ready-made dough options, (#sorrynotsorry) you can just bust out those cookie cutters and leaf presses for a fancy look with out a lot of weaving fuss.

Courtesy of Pinterest

Spring and berry season are right around the corner. I’ll bake to that.

Courtesy of thefeedfeed.com

Featured Image Courtesy of pillsbury.com

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Loving Lately

Okay, okay. I know what you’re thinking. “Whoa Sadie! Two posts in a row, your a little overzealous!”

That’s true.

Well, excited might be more accurate. But here’s the thing: if you’ve followed my blog at all, you know that Thursdays are really my only days of consistent posts. This is the day I share my favorite things, ideas, new finds, i.e. stuff I think everyone should know about. I love to share new products, delivery services, cookbooks, food (usually food), etc.. Right now, I am loving the idea of Spring.

 

Courtesy of DaySpring on Instagram

If you could see out my window right now, you’d laugh at my blatant disregard of the winter storm outside. Hey, that’s the beauty of denial optimism. And in spite of the fresh layer of snow on my lawn, I am ecstatic about spring on the horizon! I am loving the idea of rhubarb pies, tulips and daffodils, mucky boots, baby birds…

Two days ago, my kids were fighting while we were trying to get out the door for school. My son, overloaded with snow gear like the little brother in A Christmas Story, didn’t see (so he says) his sister’s leg while she was sitting on the floor pulling up her boots. He apologized after stepping on it, but apparently she wasn’t satisfied. So, after she stood up, she gave him a shove which sent him toward the staircase. He caught himself with his hands out on a step before any serious damage had been done, but the force of the shove (no impact mind you) was enough to cause his glass nose to start bleeding- maybe it also had something to do with the dry winter air. Anyway, I stopped zipping up the baby’s (he’s three years old, but my youngest) coat to run and grab a paper towel. My son with the bloody nose just stood there dripping. So, I yelled to the baby not to touch the blood, which I could see him staring at on the floor. I told my other son to come to me and helped him clean the blood off of his face and hands. I handed him a fresh paper towel to hold against his nose and turned around to see the blood drops had been smeared around the wood floor at the base of the steps by the baby, who while clearly ignoring my direction insisted he was helping clean up. I still don’t know what he used. I told him to go wash his hands, which he is very capable of doing since it has been a regular occurrence during his excessively long potty training routine. At this point, the bleeding seemed to be under control, and I cleaned the floor properly. I made sure my kids had their lunches, backpacks, gloves, etc. and realized that the baby had been in the bathroom a long time. I called his name and asked what he was doing, to which he replied “nuffing” and then I knew he was up to something. I walked in to see him covered in vaseline- his hands, his face, his shirt, his hair… Needless to say, the kids were late to school.

“But that was then, and this is now…” -Tommy Boy. I’m looking ahead to fresh- not frozen air. I’ve already seen bright ruby radishes in my local market. (Don’t tell me they’ve been there all year long, or that they were shipped from the south… I’m quite content in my Spring bubble.) I’m scouring Pinterest and flipping through my cookbooks for spring recipes like lamb stew, cream of asparagus soup and radish toasts:

Fried Egg on Toast with Salted Herb Butter and Radishes courtesy of Bon Appetit

Oh sure, I might have “the cart in front of the horse” so to speak; like department stores displaying Christmas decorations in October. But the first day of spring is officially less than two weeks away. After the very snowy winter we’ve had in the upper midwest, I’m ready.

Printable Spring Peony Art from The Happy House

We had two days of almost 60° weather last week. (Yes, I’m bragging.) I went for a walk around my new neighborhood. I cleaned a few windows. I could finally see the remnants of last year’s weeds that needed to be pulled. That was of course, before the last no school-snow day; before the second to last snow storm (which is still currently underway); before pulling out the boots and snow pants for the I-lost-track-of-how-many times. Don’t get me wrong, I love winter. I’m thankful for the beautiful snowfalls we had this year. However, it was a lovely glimpse of what lies ahead, where 2 rounds of stomach flu, flu type A, and another season of strep throat fades into a wintery memory.

Courtesy of Buzzfeed.com

It’s… so… close!

 

Picture by Heather A. Stillhufsen courtesy of Pinterest

Just imagine temperatures warm enough to open the windows; brisk- but not overly chilly evening walks… daylight sprawling out further into the day… sending the kids outside after dinner! The thought of these things are enough to get me through this (possibly) last blast of winter.

Courtesy of Inspirational Quotes

I hope you have a good day… and thoughts of Spring.

Featured photo courtesy of Zsa Zsa Bellagio Tumblr

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Loving Lately ???

I’m not one of those “a few steps ahead” people. I’m more like “a couple years behind.” It’s okay. I’m preoccupied with a happy life. But everyone once in a while, when I catch a late whim of something, I’ll think “I should check that out.” What’s better is when I love it- then I want to shout it out, like this is awesome! (…Pinterest, …kombucha, …things I don’t know about.) And everyone’s like “yeah, we know.” And I’m all like, “your long-time knowing will not curb my enthusiasm!” Such is the case with #fabfitfun. And I just want to encourage you that it is never too late to try something fun and new (to you 😉 ).

A couple weeks ago, I signed up to receive fabfitfun boxes. I’ve been trying to watch what I eat (gasp) and I wanted to reward myself- and not with food. Also, admittedly, being a stay-at-home mom for me at times, I feel like a drab disconnected hermit… and I thought this might be a fun and exciting way to keep in touch with what’s trending and current. (I’m already in constant pursuit of appreciating what’s old.) Anyway, I got my first box… and it feels like Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one. It’s possible that I squealed.

The first thing I noticed was the Mod Cloth. It was love at first sight. It’s a blanket scarf… probably my new favorite thing. The first item I took out of the box was the 18K gold plated necklace by Jook and Nona that says “Dream,” that’s what I’m best at! I put in on right away. The first little box I read was skin hydrating booster from #dermalogica. How did they know I have dry skin? (I may have mentioned I have combination skin when filling out their form… but I didn’t say ridiculously dry and need this immensely!) I gave my face a quick wipe and applied. I’m glowing. Best day ever! Next I took out the primed lip gloss stain by Manna. It’s a shade called “lucky”. I’m feeling it. Then I took out the Zoya nail polish box. That’s a brand I’m familiar with. I love that their product has no formaldehyde or several other toxic chemicals. Yay! I also received Marrakesh Oil, an Argan and hemp oil therapy hair styling elixir; Colored pencils and coloring book (I am not too old to color.); Mineral Face Peel by O.R.G., a gentle exfoliant face spray; and a “good morning gorgeous” travel mug. I’ll just say it, I saw that travel mug online and was hoping I would get one. I’m so excited!

The program is seasonal, they send four (winter, spring, summer and fall) boxes a year, full of surprise products that they select for you based on your preferences. The cost is $49.99 per box, but the value is approx $200+ worth of full size goods. They are always running specials such as $10 off of your first box and you can cancel your subscription at any time. Also you can opt to pay for 1 full year up front for only $179.99, an instant $20 in savings.) And if you like the products, they offer discounted “add-ons” to members available for purchase. For more information visit FabFitFun.com!

Loving Lately

So Spring is not exactly “in the air.” In fact, currently the temperature is below freezing. But it’s that time in the upper midwest when we are ready longing for Spring. And because Michigan has drastically fluctuating weather, I am aware that beyond this nearly 60° forecasted weekend, there is probably still a snowfall on the horizon. Actually being the true Michigander that I am, I’m okay with it all. But I am still loving the idea of Spring… the gradual bursts of opened windows… the flower buds… the recipes…

I am really excited about making the spring line-up from Farmhouse Rules by Nancy Fuller: Spring Fling Fiddlehead Soup, Tavern Ham, Roasted Asparagus, Buttery Braised Radishes… Fiddleheads and radishes! How spring am I! I am looking forward to the fresh garden offerings, and more time outdoors. It’s menus like this, little peeks of sunshine, and days with longer stretches of light that fuel my fire this time of year.

It’s a time of transition. And it’s not very beautiful. The trees are still bare, the snow has left behind brown patches of mud… But it’s hopeful. It has the promise that good things are on their way. (Photo courtesy of Betterphoto.com) I’m eager for the good things that lie ahead. I think we all get that way after a long cold winter. It’s the homestretch, our rite of passage. I can almost taste it… and I want to taste it!

Here’s a random goal: I want to eat nettles. (Photo of baby nettles courtesy of forageporage.) Apparently, they only grow in the Spring. Eiven and Eve Kilcher, from Alaska: The Last Frontier, make them sound like the most necessary and nutritious things I’ve never tried. In their cookbook, Homestead Kitchen, they include them in several recipes from tea, to Nettle Bread, and even Nettle Burgers! …Now, how do I get nettles?

The first day of Spring this year is March 2o. Yes, (small cry) still over a month away. We are smack dab in the middle of “The Thaw” phase (photo courtesy of Flickr). But thinking about Spring helps me get through the cold and gray. And enduring these last cold murky days makes the appreciation of what’s in store all the better.

Thank you refreshrestyle.com for my featured image and inspirational spring quote!

(And even more so, thank you to my readers who put up with my ramblings! Xoxo)