Meatless Monday - Oops

So this is where you would usually find a pretty picture of food, and often a recipe. Well, not today. Not that I didn't try. I made a really awful rice dish. Really, I had great intentions, but come on, we've all had a dish go awry, right? Well, it happened to me today. I think I can salvage it by tossing it into a pot of soup, to dilute its over-the-top seasoning, although that might just create an even bigger pot of inedible food. All I can say - better luck next Monday.

Flowers On A Friday - Faded Magnolia

Thankful Thursday - A Short Walk In A Light Rain

I love to go for a short walk in a light rain. I'm grateful for the wonderful smells, the distorted reflections in the puddles, the rain drops clinging to the branches, and the delicate sounds.  To raise my face to the sky, and allow a few drops to splash on my checks. Now, I would never presume to speak for this fella above, but from the look of bliss on his/her  face I can tell that he/she enjoys it too. What a treat to go for a walk down in the harbor and see such a magnificent creature! For this, I am very thankful. 

Meatless Monday - Breakfast Mochi

Mochi (say: Moe Chee) is a traditional Japanese food made from sweet brown rice. I have had this weird relationship with mochi for years. I always thought I should like it, I'd  buy it, prepare it as directed on the package, and then I'd go YUCK! I recently came across a recipe for mochi, prepared in an entirely different way, and I decided to give it another chance. I confess I was not optimistic. To my great surprise, I really liked it! It puffed up, and was chewy on the inside, and crispy on the outside, just like they always promised! The secret was to put the cut up pieces in dry cast iron skillet, and cook it over a medium/low heat for about 5 minutes per side - and never, ever try to bake it like the package says.

The plate of mochi pictured above is the raisin & cinnamon variety, served with maple syrup, fresh blueberries, and sliced almonds. Yum! It's like a healthy, chewy, easy version of homemade pancakes.

Flowers On A Friday - Faded Paperwhites

Thankful Thursday - Moments



I've been thinking lately that the secret of living a joy filled life is to string together a series of happy moments. So today, I want to be thankful for all the little moments of bliss. Like right now, watching the rain running down the window, magical.   

Meatless Monday - Kombu

First of all, let me say Happy Valentines Day! I hope you are having a good one! Are you feelin' the love today? I hope so.
And now, onto the Meatless Monday part. How was that for an abrupt segue?

Today, the featured food is Kombu. I'm going to suggest that everybody gets a package of this super sea veggie, and keep it in a jar in your cupboard, and start enjoying it regularly. Why? Because I love you, and it's Valentines Day (see how I turned that around, and made it all come together?) It is a wonderful thing to drop a piece of kombu in any pot of soup, grains, or beans. It has glutamic acid which will tenderize, add  rich flavor, and thicken bean broth. Most importantly, it will make things, like beans, easier to digest - if you know what I mean!
It cuts down on the salt that you need to add to things. And get this, it has algins that have been shown to remove heavy metals from the digestive tract. Kombu is a good source of vitamin C, B-complex, carotene, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, and fiber. What more could you want from a sea veggie that you can easily just throw in a pot?
Aren't you feelin' the love now? Hugs for everybody, and thanks for being my Valentines.

Flowers On A Friday - Crackled Plum Blossom

Crackled Plum Blossom Available Here

Signs of spring are appearing in my yard. The air is chilly, and the rain is supposed to return soon, but for now, I will smile at the birds sitting in the plum tree.

Thankful Thursday - Furry Companions

Nessa ( aka Miss Mouse) keeping a watchful eye on me, as I work at the computer

Today, I am thankful for my furry companions. These guys bring so much joy to my life. The snuggles, the company,  the giggles, and yes, even  Dutch and his perpetual search for naughtiness, they brighten my days.

Would you like to share what you are thankful for today?

Valentines Day Is Just Around The Corner

Valentines Day, aka Single Awareness Day, is just around the corner. So, for those of you that are looking for a little something special, I thought I would let you know about some goodies that I have over in the Gilding Lilies Shop . These images are offered as digital downloads, for only $1.50 (two per page), so you can print them out, fold them up and give them to your peeps. For those of you that feel the urge to channel Martha, they look super sweet dolled-up with a sprinkle of glitter (and it's a really fun project for kids too).


My Love Valentine Available Here



Kisses Valentine Available Here



Love Valentine Available Here



Rose Valentine Available Here

Meatless Monday - Falafel Sunshine Patty

Today, I offer another food recommendation. Falafel style Sunshine Patties are really delicious. I am a big falafel fan, and I made my own for many years, but I have to say these are as good as the ones I made myself. The flavor is excellent, they are super convenient, and they are made of really good quality ingredients. I'm sold. Take a pita bread, spread on some tahini sauce, stuff it with a slice of tomato, lettuce, and one of these cooked patties, and you are stylin'. I'm not sure how readily available they are (for my local readers I get them at Harvest Market), but they are worth looking for. 

Flowers On A Friday - Paperwhites



To purchase, click here

I think paperwhites are completely dreamy!

Thankful Thursday - Happy Dance Time

Today, I am so thankful that I am doing my Happy Dance! Please join in, if you'd like. My daughter, took the test, and got her drivers lisensce today! Yippee! This has been a long time coming (she is 20 years old). I say  "Big Congratulations Nichole!". Maybe, just maybe, my taxi driving days are over. Where is she right now, you ask? Out driving, of course. Thankful, thankful, happy, happy!  

What are you thankful for today?

February Desktop

Here you go, your February Desktop.

DOWNLOAD 1280x800 pixel version

DOWNLOAD 1024x768 pixel version