Loving Lately

Feeling the love

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: My Birthday!

I am so blessed. I really am. I have such a loving group of family and friends. I have a great husband and four beautiful children. I don’t normally like to get gushy. (Must be softening up as I age.) Something happens to birthdays as you get older. When I was a child it was all about the party, people coming over, presents, cake and ice cream. It’s different now. Now it seems like a time of reflection. Where am I at in life, how far we have come and gratefullness that there is so much to be thankful for. The number 39 seems non-monumental, but thirty-nine years of life, a good life- not unchallenged, not always easy, but good and full of love, that’s special. I think my day was a pretty fair representation of my life.
I woke up to a gift bag full of presents, literally before my feet hit the floor. Owen was leaving for work and wanted to see me open a gift. He surprised me with some new workout clothes, complete with socks and sweatbands- appropriate for my new lifestyle. And he had wrapped a new cookbook and a couple of new kitchen apparatuses that were on the table when I went downstairs. He knows me so well! Isaiah had “Morning with Mom” at his school, so I got to start the day off right and have breakfast with my eldest son. Sometimes it rains, and so it was on the morning of my birthday. It was raining and slippery, so when I walked through the door I slipped and fell. But I’d like to pretend that didn’t happen, because those kind of embarrassing accidents shouldn’t happen on one’s birthday. Right? Onward! Of course I’m on this strict diet so I skipped the donut and stuck to the fruit. Life is full of those difficult choices… and occasional embarrassing moments. We take the ups with the downs… and keeping a sense of humor really helps.


My parents came over to watch the kids so I could go to breakfast. And they visited with me all day. They gifted me some fun decorative accessories to finish off my newly decorated bathroom (towels, soap dispenser, garbage can, etc. to match my well-loved French goose) and a new shirt. Yay! My sister came over in the afternoon joined me for my workout. My parents brought lunch; turkey and cauliflower stuffed cabbage rolls. My mom volunteered to give me a hand and give the kids a bath. I sat down and decided to commandeer the television, a rare treat but after all it was my special day. We watched a cute old Doris Day film and “To Catch a Thief”. Hey, sometimes life hands you those privileges. Take ’em! At some point throughout the moviethon, however, my baby woke up from his nap in real discomfort. He was cramping and scrunching, moaning and crying. I thought it was gas, until he threw up (a peculiarly large amount of lunch, goat milk and bile) all over me. You know, when life hands you sour, um, “lemons”… thankfully I had babysitters on hand and could dash into the shower right away; I try to keep my eye on the silver lining. (Trying to be a little bit Pollyanna never hurt anyone did it?)


Nevertheless, the best metaphor for my life was yet to be. Because at the end of the day I was surrounded by my family and friends. I had hot food and cold drinks (water of course, I’m dieting). Simply everything I want and need (with the exception a few people not there). I was surprised by thoughtful and beautiful gifts, including a baguette making class from a local bakery, a rustic rotating “fromage” (cheese) board, and a “21 Day Fix” approved dessert, that sufficed as my birthday cake- made by my sister- from which I might add all of my friends and family indulged because that’s the kind of awesome they are! (Imagine a sliver of a Clif Bar.) Thanks to everyone who make my day, days, years, life- great. I love you!

Loving Lately ❤

Loving Lately: Life

I’m not gonna lie, lately I’ve been distracted. I’ve been making dinners and not taking pictures. I’ve hardly done any blog reading. I’m day 4 into a 21 day fix eating/workout challenge, and my out-of-shape self is really sore!


All of the kids (okay 3 out of four) have started their sport programs. (Between that and church, there are my weekends.)

I’ve redecorated my downstairs bathroom, and around my fireplace. My “country cottage” look is finally taking shape! (I can’t wait to tackle the kitchen.)


The yard is screaming for some attention. Thankfully that is not my yard in the picture. But spring has sprung and a couple of my flower beds have (almost) as many dandelions!


You know that saying “there just aren’t enough hours in the day,” it’s true- at least concerning all of the warm weather outdoor play time.

Loving Lately ?

It’s All Easy by Gwyneth Paltrow

It’s been about a whole month (I think) since I’ve purchased a cookbook. And since Cravings by Chrissy Teigen has been on the list that whole time, I am bragging about my restraint. I knew that Gwyneth Paltrow (GP) had published a new cookbook. I just hadn’t walked by it in a store -until I was in Target yesterday and I broke my streak. Don’t worry, I’m totally good with it, and my excitement outweighs all other emotion.

I loved GP’s first cookbook, My Father’s Daughter. I follow her recipes to make my own vegetable and chicken stock. And I’m a fan of her pasta sauce too. I appreciate that GP keeps healthy alternatives in her recipes. She includes some meat and seafood, but it’s listed right up there with vegetarian and even vegan options. It is to her credit that I bought my first jar of Vegeniase (a vegan mayonnaise) years ago. Because if food tastes good, it’s just an added bonus if it’s healthy for you too!

I’m not even a third of the way through, stuck on GP’s “Beet chips” to be exact. Oh my goodness they look so good next to her cilantro hummus! Her “Fried Egg Sandwich” looks amazing and I am heartbroken that I don’t have chickens of my own to lay eggs, because I know my store bought organic eggs are not going to have a yolk that orange. The “Migas,” a Mexican inspired scrambled eggs with queso fresco, salsa and even corn chips are singing to me. (Honestly, I think I here a Mariachi band… and who wouldn’t want to wake up to that kind of fun?) The “Bacon Avocado Toast” with almond butter? That’s a combination I wouldn’t have come up with, but now feel like it’s mandatory to taste! And don’t get me started on the uber-inspiring “noodle jars,” a pre-made jar with Thai flavor and noodles… just add boiling water when ready to eat. Brilliant!

I have to go, I have a book to read.

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: My Fiddle Bow Knife

One of my very favorite things I bought on vacation is a knife (a lot like a saw). It was completely unexpected. There I was at the Marco Island Farmer’s Market, looking at locally grown vegetables, freshly roasted coffees and sampling chocolates, when a vendor’s booth of lovely handcrafted woodwork caught my eye. Jerry Oppenberg had cutting boards in every custom shape you could think of; a silhouette of golf clubs in a bag, a football helmet, fish… you name it. He and his wife made for a great team. She was bustling around the booth, placing things just so and he was explaining how he would make any custom design you desired, all the while demonstrating his signature “fiddle bow” knife at the center of their display. Naturally, being attracted to kitchen gadgets, I had to ask for a try. It was love at first… slice!

Clearly it’s not replacing my chef’s knife, or paring knife. It’s not made for making quick work of a pile of onions needing dicing, or bulks of potatoes needing to be cut for boiling. It has a place of its very own, for slicing baguettes and crudités while visiting with mom in the kitchen. It’s for slicing citrus fruits to be put in a pitcher while chatting with friends on a summer afternoon. And for slicing thin rounds of tomatoes, gorgeously sweet and juicy to place on top of white crusty bread with a drizzle of olive oil and a light sprinkling of sea salt for an impromptu gathering of loved ones.

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I’ll be honest with you too, I haven’t mastered a slice of tomato that thin without using my mandoline. And something else I appreciate is the angle. Because of its saw-like function, it’s so easy to sit while cutting. No need to stand and apply pressure from the top! They come in a variety of wood finishes (with cutting boards to match). And because they are handmade, there is a selection for all of the left-handed users out there! Care is easy too, just wipe with a warm soapy cloth and rinse.

For more information or to get one for yourself visit BOWKNIFE.COM

Loving Lately ☕

Loving Lately: Coffee

I cannot take credit for any of these photos which were found courtesy of Pinterest.

Now that that is out of the way…

I love coffee. I started drinking it at a very young age, a watered down version that would make an appearance every Sunday morning along side donuts, at a fellowship gathering we would have at church before services began.

I love it in the morning when the air is cool…

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I love to have a cup with my breakfast.

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And any time of day to accompany dessert.

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I take mine black, but do not object to the creamy froth that (depending on the process) can accumulate on top.

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I love to talk with friends over a cup of coffee, at home or catching up at a café…

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I probably have a dozen apparatuses for coffee preparation. As far as I’m concerned there is really no wrong way to prepare it (as long as it’s good, and done properly. ?)

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I can even drink it cold…

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And all by myself.

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The moral of the story is…

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Loving Lately ☀

Loving Lately: Family Vacation

I’ve been really behind on my blog reading recently… but for good cause.

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We’ve been soaking up the sun!

I just love quality family time.

I love making memories with my babies big kids.

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It goes by so fast, life… childhood… vacation… dessert…

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Gotta go…

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Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: Honey

My husband has a great boss name Jason; who happens to be friends with a guy named Terry; who happens to be the president of the Michigan Beekeeper’s Association. Recently Jason gifted us a beautiful large jar of Terry’s Lazy T’s honey. How fortunate are we?

Honey, also referred to as liquid gold, has been used in the kitchen as a natural sweetener for ages. But did you know that it has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that have made it extremely useful for medicinal purposes as well? Many people believe it is a viable solution in dealing with allergies. Bees collect pollen which is then used to make the honey. The small traces of pollen that remain in the honey are comparable to vaccinations in that once consumed your immune system builds antibodies to the pollens. This is just one of the reasons why buying local honey is so important. It can help you build up tolerances to common allergens in your own area!

The sweet nectar in honey is loaded with antioxidants that have been linked in studies with promoting healthy brain function and boosting memory. In addition, honey has been successfully used as a cough suppressant and topically useful for treating minor burns and wounds. No wonder it’s considered so valuable!

For more information about the Michigan Beekeeper’s Association and keeping bees click on www.michiganbees.org

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: St. Patrick’s Day

One day a year it is perfectly acceptable to eat and drink green food and beverages; and my mother makes enough corned beef and cabbage to feed a small army. I just cherish holidays that have sentimental food attachments.

In honor of the special day, I’ve collected a few fun recipes that represent the notion.

How Sweet Eats’ Irish Ale Potato Cheddar Soup with Beer Battered Leeks

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The Metal Pan’s Guinness Empinadas

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My very own, Sadie’s Nest’s Shepherd’s Pie

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And a little something to wash it all down… The Pioneer Woman’s Guinness Float

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Happy St. Paddy’s Day! And thanks a mil for joining me, you’re grand!

*Featured Image and Irish blessing courtesy of the internet.

Loving Lately ☔

Loving Lately: The Rain

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Confession: I love the rain.

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I love a warm rain that I can walk in.

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I love to curl up and drink something warm during a cold rain. On a blustery wet day, I love to build a fire and look out the window.

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I love rain so much that I gave it as a middle name to one of my children.

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It’s a blessing: “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater…” Isaiah 55:10

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So long for now, I’m going to take a stroll in the rain.

(And I cannot take credit for any of these photos, which you can find on Pinterest.)

Loving Lately ⚠

Loving Lately: Information

This week was sadly informative to me. I saw new articles about Johnson & Johnson admitting their baby products contain causing chemicals; the French were told to avoid 185 cosmetic products; Mars recalls chocolates in 55 countries because they contain plastic; A list of wines containing high levels of arsenic….

Here I go again. But in all seriousness, I am so thankful for the people who go out of their way to share, unveil, discover important information. Whistle blowers like FoodBabe.com take it upon themselves to spread alarming facts. Information is power, because “what you don’t know can hurt you.” Granted you might never eat a Girl Scout Cookie again, and you might be terrified by the alarming percentage of glyphosate, a cancer causing herbicide, in your German beer. But at least you know, and once you are informed you can try to make the best decisions for you and your family. I’m not perfect in my choices. Not everything that goes into my mouth is organic or non GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms). We occasionally eat at chain restaurants that not committed to any ethical standard besides what the FDA insists upon (squirming in my seat). Certainly I value and accept invitations to dinner from friends and family members who may not hold to my food values. That said, I think every amount you do in making healthy and whole choices matters. Every certified organic product you consume is that much less deadly and disease causing chemicals and such that you and your loved ones partook. And it supports farm practices and preservation of truly natural methods of growing food and livestock that you can feel proud about passing on.

I think the first video I watched that truly made an impact was about factory farming from themeatrix.com. It seems simple in concept to me now, but it was mind-blowing to me a decade or so ago. I grew up in a rural area. I saw cornfields and farms regularly. I never thought farms not being what I understood them to be.

I realize the draw of “factories”, pesticides, genetically modified fertilizers… Of course producers want the most bountiful crops and largest livestocks. But at what cost? Who is really paying the price? We are aware that we are ingesting known carcinogens, contributors to heart disease, links to Autism and Alzheimer’s. Not that long ago they were putting lead in make-up; and people’s hair and teeth started falling out. Remember that Chinese emperor who was so special, he was the only one allowed to drink (now known to be toxic) jade tea? He “got sick” and died. We don’t even know all of what we are doing to ourselves. Do you really want to be part of food and product experiments?

Ok, I’m done. (today)