we have been making a lot of green drinks around here. of course, it’s the new year and everyone is cutting this and that and everything out of their diet. i’m not good at that. i never have been. but, like I told you earlier this week, what am good at is adding good things. and adding lots of fruits and vegetables is a good thing. i love vegetables but i don’t always find it easy to eat several servings a day. what i do find manageable is to drink them in a yummy smoothie. my current favorite combo is:
+ spinach : a big handful
+ cucumber : a quarter of an english cucumber
+ pear : one half
+ banana : one half, frozen
+ mango : one handful, frozen
+ chia seeds : about a tablespoon
+ rice milk : to desired consistency
+ ice : one small handful
its good. my kids love it, kind of good and there was no bribing or brainwashing them into believing it was hulk juice. it’s really one of the only smoothies that i don’t put almond butter or yogurt in and i have to say i like it all the more.
do you love to smoothies? i’d love to hear your favorite combos.
i also love this green smoothie, that i wrote about last year, and when i want a non-green smoothie this recipe is my go to.
Do you decorate for fall? I used to, but these days, I just haven’t had the energy and I don’t care for all of my former fall decor. I saw this garland and it really got me thinking about just bringing in a few natural elements. Such a great idea string or group them together some goodies from the great outdoors. I think I feel a nature walk coming on.
And speaking of fall and all of its goodness, check out these pumpkin candy cakes. So cute!
image Apartment Therapy
Do you ever just pretend? You know, like you are somebody else or at least just living somewhere else. I do, but it shouldn’t be any surprise as my imagination tends to be on the overactive side (in good and bad ways). Usually, it’s when I’m reading a book or watching a movie, I get a little lost in the character, the set, the plot and find myself right there in the middle of it all.
This past weekend while we were in New York celebrating our anniversary and visiting dear friends, I did just that. I imagined, envisioned, and made mental pictures of myself living in a big city. And of course, not just myself but my lovely (not so) little brood. Could we do it? Would we survive? What would life look like? I took in so many details, as I always like to do. My eyes scanning and searching the layers beyond the surface. This time it wasn’t just the buildings, the fashion, the food, and the palpable creative drive that seems to permiate the air. This time, I watched families, children, everyday life, the coming, the going and those unnoticed in between moments that are often unseen and overlooked or deemed unimportant. I found those moments to be the telling ones.
I can’t say I have come to a conclusion on whether or not I could or could not do it. And I suppose, a conclusion is not really necessary, as all of this thinking and imagining is theortical. But, I like to know what I’m capable of and if I had to or even wanted to, would I survive? Yes, is the answer to that, but would we thrive and be able to take on a such a foreign way of living?
These kinds of trips, which are usually meant for fun, always end up meaning so much more. There is a deeper meaning to everything, at least always in my mind. I’m grateful for the thoughts, the conversations, the learning, and the possibilities.
As for what we did, it kind of went like this….Thursday night I stopped by the Rue Turns Two party. Then we hopped on over to an event for Q Ideas which was held in Tom’s NYC showroom (which was beyond cool). I loved meeting new like minded friends that are brilliant in the industries they work in.
After that, we had a great time with our friends and pretty much shopped and ate our way through New York. And although, I now probably need to exercise for a week straight…I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
Here is a list of places we went, which I would, without a doubt, recommend:
Hudson Clearwater – this place is like a secret garden. it seriously took us awhile to even find the entrance. so good and such a great atmosphere.
Magnolia Bakery – it had to be done. and yes, it is a good as they say.
Co. - for pizza. probably the best pizza crust i’ve ever had.
Shake Shack - i could have eaten this every day. and i’ve been thinking about it every day since.
Le Pain Quotidien - bread. croissants. tartines. perfect for a quick bite.
Sarahbeth’s - lovely for breakfast and known for their jams.
Our last night we saw the Broadway show, Once. The music was insane and the story is the kind that sticks with you.
I love this last shot on the flight home. It looks like all sky, but really its where the air meets water (sky + Lake Michigan).
*Tomorrow I’m sharing some photos from a shop in NYC that totally inspired me.
images from la la Lovely Instagram.
Since I’m away I thought I’d forgo my normal fave photos of the week and share a yummy recipe for coconut cloud cake. You can be sure that I am eating my way through New York City this weekend. But, if I were home I’d be baking up this cake, no doubt.
+ a few of my faves this week +
01 / A really great rug DIY
02 / The always stylish Erin made Marie Claire’s street style round up (slide 79).\
03 / A fun social media cheat sheet
04 / I def want to make these painted baskets.
05 / Just bought this dress (in blue but they sent the stone color). Which do you like?
06 / Weekend reading here. Viewing here. And what I want to listen to here.
FOR MORE L O V E L Y + Inspiration : PINTEREST / Chatter : TWITTER / Conversation : FACEBOOK / Pictures : INSTAGRAM
image : Martha Stewart
Happy 4th of July. Need a little last minute festive something to pass or please the littles? These 4th of july fruit wands means last minute is no problemo! We are definitely doing these at my house!
Enjoy your day! xo . t
Sunnies / Jeans / Nail Polish / Shoes
Still looking for something to make for Mother’s Day Brunch? I made this salad for Easter and fell in love with it. So good and perfect for a spring Mother’s Day.
And something to wear? What about one of these items to add a little pep in your step?
(My Recipes)
This week my fave is this easy peasy breakfast. Toast with peanut butter, bananas and honey. Anyone else love this little combo? Perfect with a good cup of coffee, yes? And probably even better if you make your coffee in this. I should share with you that I love my Dualit Toaster. Not only does it make a great piece of toast, but it is super pretty on the counter. I found mine for a pretty good discount on Wal-Mart.com (really!). So what is your fave breakfast, lovelies (more talk on food here)?
Hey, before I wish you the happiest of weekends, be sure to stop back on Monday for Monday Mess. It’s a good one. I’ll tell you this . . . our guest is from Canada and has a stunning home. Now…. happiest weekend dear readers!
< a F E W of my F A V E S this week >
01 / Clean Living Delivered Daily! Love this brand new site.
02 / A tiny book of my Instagram photos. Ahhh yeah!
03 / Can you imagine riding your kids around like this? I would love to see this in person someday.
04 / Do you know what you are getting your mom (or wishing) for Mother’s Day? Our fave ideas here.
05 / This really transparent post from one of the most popular girls online is a good reminder that we are all more alike than we think. Love this so very much!
06 / Don’t you love a good behind the scenes? I do especially when it involves blogging + food.
FOR MORE L O V E L Y :
Inspiration / PINTEREST
Chatter / TWITTER
Conversation/ FACEBOOK
Pictures / INSTAGRAM
Mug / Le Creuset / Tea Towel/ Chemex / Recipe Cards
Say, do you like to cook? And before I ask that, maybe I should first ask, “do you cook?” I like to, or if I’m really honest, I used to like to cook. And If I’m even more honest, I much prefer to bake than to cook (working with cookie dough is so much better than working with a chunk of meat, duh). Ever since #4 came along, I just can’t seem to find much pleasure in cooking. Come 4:30/5 I’m totally wiped and the idea of preparing a meal with babies hanging on my leg, older kids running wild and trying to help with homework at the same time is anything but enjoyable (in fact, it’s more like painful). And right now, for me, almost harder than the actual cooking bit, is the meal planning. I can’t, for the life of me, seem to come up with new menu ideas.
Do you want to know what I make over and over? Spaghetti, Tacos, Roast Chicken, Teriayki Salmon, Baked Chicken, and Pasta with Chicken Sausage. All served with a side of the same vegetables, over and over again. And that is what is in heavy rotation in my kitchen. Occasionally, I’ll mix in something a little different or pull out an oldy but goody recipe but this is even pretty far and few between. I’m in a total rut. I used to watch the Food Network all the time and inspiration was a flowing. But I also used to only have 2 kids and a lot more energy. So for now, I’m trying to just give myself a pat on the back for actually cooking (and using the best ingredients I can find for my very boring dishes. Sadly, there are no awesome farmers markets, Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s where I live with healthy quick cooking options – wahhhh). I’m pretty certain that when things slow down some (and my fingers and toes are crossed that slower days are ahead) that I will again, one day enjoy cooking.
One thing that does get me inspired (besides food shows) to get in the kitchen and make something lovely for my lovelies is a new cookbook and some new pretty kitchen utensils, gadgets and the like. Very Fond of Food by Sophie Dahl is definitely on my wish list. I mean gorgeous, right (images above)? And I can attest that she does have some really lovely recipes as I have her first cookbook. This Le Creuset is on my long standing wish list.
So what about you? Do you like to cook? Do you make the same things over and over? Whats in your rotation? And tell me, where do you go for inspiration and new recipe ideas? Oh, just feel free to leave me a recipe in the comments… yes, Im kind of that desperate.
(vogue)
