Lordy, Lordy... looks who's turning 40!

Lordy, Lordy... looks who's turning 40!  Yep, you guessed it!  Forty, fearless and fabulous!!  To celebrate, I asked several beautiful, wise and inspiring girlfriends of mine if they have any advice for turning forty.  Here's a few bits of wisdom they shared... stop wearing makeup, buy a miracle bra, don't dye your hair, throw yourself a party, embrace the sweet moments of dependence that the kids have, seize the dreams of your truth, climb a mountain, power up your activism, and have a heart to heart with your parents.  I love all of these!!!  So, I chose a few that resonate with me and I added several more of my own to live by. 

Let Your Glitter Shine.  I love old.  I love wrinkled.  I love glitter.  I'm gonna let my strands of glitter sparkle!!!

Be Authentic.  Maya Angelou said it best, "“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”  By striving to be authentic I'm allowing myself to be the woman God planned for me to be.

Seize the Dreams of Your Truth. I am here on Earth to share my God given gifts and talents.  So, I'm gonna keep on shinin!

Sleep In.  During the fall and winter I basically hibernate.  And, when it rains... I sleep like a baby.  The rain grounds me.  It teaches me to be still, to stay in bed, to snuggle and to finish that book I've been meaning to finish for months.

Shine Bright, Boldly and Beautifully.  When grounded and in balance we are better able to express what we think and feel. We communicate our ideas, beliefs, and emotions from a place of love and passion. Sound therapy, singing or meditation helps unblock the throat chakra so we shine our personal truth out into the world.  

Keep On Juicing...  The earthier the better!  It's good for me, its yummy and it has many health benefits.  I also love that I have rainbow colored poo! Yeah, I said poo.  Poops important folks!  (If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of juicing give this a read, here.)

Keep On Baking...  I've been making these amazing muffins.  I call them Pulp Muffins (I'll blog later with the recipe.).  Since I juice daily I've been baking muffins with the leftover pulp.  Its great because they are perfect to snack on, to grab on the go or give as gifts!

Go Braless... Why not?

Go To the Movies.  I've created a Movie Bucket List that may end up going on forever since I keep adding to it.  Watching movies is something I rarely make time for, except for when we have family night.  I have a long list of movies I would like to catch up on.  Some I've seen before and some I haven't.  My hope is if I have a list of movies handy I'll go to the list and watch them when able.  I'll keep you posted!

Embrace the Sweet Moments.  These days it is extremely easy to overshare our personal lives.   Social media makes it super easy!  When we embrace the sweet moments (ie. our children, a special date, vacation, etc.) all to ourselves we are more in the present.  

Dream Big & Live Even Bigger.  I am celebrating every single person who has lifted me up or touched my life in some very special way.  These people have helped make me a better person.  To help get me started, I started a Gratitude Journal.  In it, I am writing something special about every person I am grateful for.  Throughout 2017 I will share what I've written and let them know my appreciation in some thoughtful, creative way.  Because life is too short to leave it bottled up inside and I want to celebrate their awesomeness out loud!

Cherish Every Moment.  Being present in the moment is so important and grounding.  Unplugging every once in a while to absorb the miracle moments is the juice of life.

Walk Through Doors.  Continue practicing YESES with a healthy balance of NO's.  Pray that new opportunities will present themselves and when they do be fearless and walk right through those doors.  

Be the Change.  I'd like to share my gifts in some big way.  I have ideas and look forward to sharing in the new year.  For now, I am super proud and grateful for the work I've been doing with Grounded Yoga and The Atlanta Yoga Movement.  Take a look, below.

• Check out my most recent blog post, "Moving On" here.
• Read Co-Founder, Cheryl Crawford's most recent post which includes my photography here.
• And, be sure to also read Grounded teacher, Kira Wilsterman's post, "The One and Only Ivan Family Yoga" here.  You'll see my photography there as well.  My kids also joined in on the class.  Look for the super cute red heads!  
• Last, check out the slideshow I created here.  (There is music, so be sure to turn down the volume.)
• Be on the look out for more!

Volunteer.  One thing I've learned is essential in keeping myself grounded is volunteering my time in some way.  Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  Its true!  And, when we provide our services, not expecting anything in return we learn a lot about ourselves and others.  We learn compassion, connection and love.  

Potatoe Leek Soup

I love it when I cook up something healthy, filling and yummy.  But, the best part is that everyone loves it including the kids.  Fall is here and you know what that means?  Soup!  If you like leeks, potatoes and 100% pure goodness you will love this delicious Potatoe Leek Soup.

~Enjoy,

Kelley Sue

Recipe:

3 leeks, white parts chopped

1 Vidalia Onion chopped 

2 large potatoes chopped into small pieces (I leave the skin on and like the extra bite, but if you aren't into that peel them.)

6 cups of water or broth (I use both...just depends on what I have in the pantry.  Broth can be veggie or chicken.)

a few knobs of butter

1 tsp Olive Oil

salt and pepper to taste (I use garlic salt)

1.  Saute onions in olive oil and butter for about 5 minutes.

2.  Add leeks.  Saute.  Do not allow to brown.

3.  Add potatoes and water and/or broth.  Add salt and pepper.  Simmer for about 20 min.

4.  Allow to cool off the heat and decide on what consistency is best for your family.  I like mine chunky but my hubby and the kiddies prefer theirs smooth.  Pour into a blender if you want smooth.  Maybe leave a few bits out if you are desired an in between consistency.  

5.  Taste test (my kids favorite part) and decide if soup needs more salt, pepper or butter.  

6.  Serve with garlic Naan or maybe a side salad.

7.  If you are feeling naughty add cheese or cream.

8.  Enjoy!

Choice

Change is hard.  When we experience good changes in life we celebrate them.  We plan dinners and parties with those closest to us.  We even celebrate on social media.  But, when it comes to heart wrenching, difficult life changes that keep us up late at night we clam up and want to close ourselves off from the world.  We refrain from posting on Facebook and if you are like me you unplug altogether.

Change is always there.  But, light is also always there also.  When we go through pain and suffering it is easy to get stuck.  Often times we become uninspired, possibly lose faith, begin eating unhealthy, surrounding ourselves with darkness from the shows we choose to watch to the books we choose to read.  Darkness is always there.  But, light shines through every nook and cranny, every crack in every wall.  Light shines at the end of every dark alley.  You get the idea.  We always have a choice.

“Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside of us, we always have a choice. It is our choices that makes us who we are, and we always have a choice to do what's right ~ Let love and forgiveness reign.” 

- Spiderman 3

I've learned the more I resist change the more anxiety builds.  Anxiety feeds off of worry, fear and darkness begins to latch on us like a leech.  The more anxiety which is fed, the more crippled we become.  I've often related this to the symbiote in Spider Man.  Anxiety is like a symbiote.  It envelops its host and creates a bond through which the host's mind can be influenced.  But, when we meditate, pray and surround ourselves with the support of friends and family we allow ourselves to flow naturally through the changes that are taking place in our lives.  We soften and remain open.

It's hard work.  But, possible.  Here are three steps to take charge of anxiety before it takes charge of you.

1.  Meditation - Look up Mindful Meditation or add the Stop, Breathe & Think app to your phone.  The app allows you to choose your mood and a meditation will be chosen for you based off of your emotions.  Meditation allows the brain to redirect itself by creating new pathways.  You may experience the anxiety creeping in begging for your attention, but avoid it by inhaling deeply.  As you breath in imagine your breath gathering up your worries.  Release them through a slow and steady exhale.

2.  Diet - Stay away from the heat!  Spicy foods add more fire to the fire.  Avoid refined sugar and heavy foods that make you feel heavy and sluggish afterward.  Eat often and carry a snack like fresh fruit or carrot sticks with you when traveling.  Also, drink plenty of water!  A friend of mine says she drinks her water at every red light during her commute to and from work.

3.  Exercise - Go hiking!  Exercise helps fight depression.  Try going for a walk or hike for at least 10 to 15 minutes.  Nature helps clear the cob webs!  If you have a dog take them with you!  If you are up for the challenge find a moderate to advanced hike in your area.  The more exercise the better! 

2016 Birthday Bucket List

This year has been one heck of a year!  A year of growth.  Lots of stillness.  And the best part, some good quality time with the Lord!

Last year I created a bucket list.  And when I go back to it to see what I did and didn't do I feel pretty good about it.  I've added one more goal to have 39 goals total (one goal per year).

1.  Enjoy eating a delicious grass fed, free range burger on my birthday and not feel bad about it.  ✓
2.  Commit to a daily yoga practice.  Break out in pigeon pose by the end of the year!  ✓
3.  Get a 1 hr. full body massage.  (I am very excited about this!!!)

4.  Put flowers on my grandaddy and brothers graves.

5.  Visit my dad in Terre Haute, Indiana.  ✓
6.  Visit Rock City.
7.  Become more involved in Grounded Yoga.  ✓
8.  Take in the good and bad days with my grandmother.  ✓
9.  Have a date night with my hubby at least one night a month.
10.  Snuggle with my kids as much as possible.  ✓
11.  C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y. ✓
12.  Tell my mom and my grandmother I love them as often as possible.  ✓
13.  Have a spa date with my sister.
14.  Read the children's "Storybook Bible".  ✓
15.  Study therapeutics with Martin Kirk.
16.  Take a weekend trip to Ashville, North Carolina.
17.  Garden.
18.  Drink more water!
19.  Read more. And stick to one book at a time.
20.  Sit out the "technology basket" for all cell phones during family time.  (Actually keep phone in the basket.). ✓
21.  Rise with the sun and meditate.
22.  Rest at sun down. This can include sipping on tea or warm Almond Milk and/or reading a good book, taking a soothing bath, yoga, meditation, etc. ✓
23.  No technology after 10 p.m.!! (This allows for more snuggle time.) ✓
24.  Sneak up and love on my man more often. ✓
25.  Go away for a weekend adventure with my mom. No kids! (I rarely make time for alone time with my mom and it is so important.)
26.  Be patient.
27.  Be patient with myself.  ✓
28.  Make more time for "girlie time".
29.  To challenge myself after knee injury, hike a level I trail by the end of this year. ✓ 
30.  Live more colorfully! Draw and paint more!! And, yes mama, this may mean I'm getting a tattoo. ;) ✓
31.  Walk Janie Girl daily! (I missed this the most when I injured my knee.)

32.  Skype with my cousin, Jenny and her boys at least once a month. ✓
33.  Visit the "7 Places You Have to Visit That You Didn't Know Existed" (I grew up going to Callaway Gardens and Jekyll Island and so I have replaced them with two other locations.)

       1.  Bellwood Quarry

       2.  Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. Rocktown   ✓
       3.  Brasstown Bald   ✓
       4.  Fricks Cave

       5.  Talulah Falls  ✓
       6.  Cumberland Island

       7.  Jekyll Island, Ga.Providence Canyon (a.k.a. Georgia's Little Grand Canyon). ✓
34.  Get a haircut!  ✓
35.  Take a class at Country Gardens.

36.  Write a cook book with my grandmother's recipes.
37.  Organize a book of poems in memory of my grandmother.
38.  Write a "love note" to my dearest and closest friends and family the old fashioned way... snail mail.
39.  Laugh more!!!

Sweet Potato & Kale Indian Soup

Remember all that rain we had a few weeks ago?  I fell ill at the start of that week and I promise you, Mother Nature wrapped her arms around me and soothed me with all that rain.  I know, I know.  Many grew tired of the rain.  But, sometimes the weather lets us know exactly what we need.  My daughter says the rain is God's tears.  And, maybe so.  God may of been crying because he knows we are all too busy and some of us do not take time for ourselves.  I got his message!  For an entire week I slept, rested and pampered myself with hot tea, good books and episodes of Call the Midwife.  Thank you, rain!

Afterward, I finally grew hungry.  I felt like a bear that had been hibernating and when I woke I needed nourishing.  When we are sick it is important to eat foods that cleanse us and nourish our soul.  I literally went with what my body was craving when I put this soup together.  It was exactly what I needed!  The family feasted on it for days and we all felt it soothing our bodies and our souls.  I hope you find it comforting as well.

enjoy,

Kelley Sue

Sweet Potato and Kale Indian Soup

1 tbs coconut oil

1 Vadalia onion, chopped

2 pieces of garlic

1 carrot, chopped

1 celery rib (single "stick"), chopped

2 sweet potatoes, chuncked

4 pinches of garlic salt (to taste)

1 pinch of little peppercorns

1/2 tbs cumin

1/2 tbs tumeric

1 qt broth (I usually make my own vegetable broth, but I also like to keep Imagine Organic Vegetarian Broth on hand.  My new favorite is their Vegetarian No-Chicken Broth.  I usually get the low sodium.)

3 leaves of kale (or 3 handfuls), chopped however you like.  I like large pieces, but my kids prefer it finally chopped.

1 cup small, plain couscous

(I also served warm garlic Naan on the side.  If you haven't tried Naan bread you are missing out!  You can buy it in the bakery at Kroger or Publix.)

Heat large soup pot on medium-high.  Add coconut oil.  Allow to melt.  Add onion and garlic.  Stir and cook until slightly softened.  Add carrot and celery.  Add garlic salt.  Stir and cook until slightly soft.  About 5 minutes.  Add sweet potatoes.  Stir.  Add black pepper, cumin and tumeric.  Stir.  Add broth. Cover and allow soup to boil.  After soup has boiled, turn heat down to low.  Allow to cook until sweet potatoes soften.  

While soup is simmering begin cooking the couscous.  I use a steamer (for rice), but you can use the stove.  I also keep the couscous to the side because not everyone in my family enjoys couscous.  I also think it can get soggy in the mix.  So, I leave it to the side and as an option.  I personally love the texture and felt I needed the extra bang in my soup.  It was delic!

Spices 101:  

Tumeric is the king of spices that fights cancer by slowing down the growth.  Read The Cancer Fighting Kitchen for more on this.  Its tasty and colorful.  Guaranteed to brighten your day!  

Cumin aids in digestion and is rich in flavor.  Give it a sniff!  It smells like lime.  Yum!  

Garlic is just plain good for you and fights off infection.    

I truly went with my taste buds on this soup!  If you feel your soup needs more or less of any of the spices go for it.  I may of actually used more of the garlic salt, turmeric and cumin.  I buy my spices in the bulk and just eyeball it.  This soup was full of flavor!  

* Please note  I have read that if battling cancer you must consult a doctor for a prescribed dosage of tumeric.  

20 Ways to Stay Young

Recently I read a post on Elephant Journal on how to stay young.  I have to admit, I don't keep up with popular magazines and tips on how to stay young, but what attracted me to the post was the author taking advice from her grandmother.  I too have learned a lot from my grandmother!  My grandmother is 84 and has always lived by the motto, "Age is just a number."  She has said many times that she doesn't feel her age.  At the age of 84 she feels her age creeping up on her.  My grandmother has always told me that we have a 'real age' and our inner age is often different from our outer age.  I have learned from my beautiful grandmother that laughter, being active and living by my 'real age' are key components to living a healthy and fulfilled life.

This post is inspired by, How to Stay Young & Hot Forever: Advice from a 96-Year-Old Grandma.  

20 Ways to Stay Young

1. Laugh!  Laughter has been proven to keep us healthy and young.  There is even Laughter Yoga!

2. Surround yourself with people who feel and act young, both inside and out.  People of all ages!

3. Exercise every day!  My grandmother enjoyed gardening, walking and dancing.

4. Explore!  I'd love to travel more than I do, but for now and where I am in this life traveling around ATL keeps me young.  I crave culture, art, people and diversity so I spend lots of time at museums, going to musicals, plays and exploring the Atlanta BeltLine.  My grandmother and I use to visit the DeKalb Farmers Market almost every week together.  She enjoyed meeting new people and chatting it up about new recipe ideas.

5. Set goals and reach for the stars!  Setting goals is important and good for the soul.  Want to learn to draw?  Take a local drawing class.  Want to read a book a week?  Visit the local library.  Want to take up yoga?  Visit every yoga studio and try a variety of styles.

6. Be extravagant once in awhile.  I enjoy a daily dose of dark chocolate and recently, I started dying my hair redder than its natural red.  I vowed to live more colorfully and am loving it!

7. Practice mindfulness.  Eat, drink, say and do whatever you want, but also practice mindfulness and know when to stop.  When my grandmother wanted that Molten Chocolate dessert from Chili's she enjoyed every morsel, but we shared it.  Less calories that way!  ;)

8. Smile at everyone who crosses your path.  Sometimes we all need a pick me up and laughter keeps us young.

9. Surround yourself with like minded individuals.  Surround yourself with creative, smart, lively and interesting people who lift you up and make you hungry to learn more about the world.  My grandmother used to talk about attending Georgia Perimeter College up the street from her so she could learn how to use the computer.  She never signed up for a course, but I encouraged her to learn more and taught her a few tips.  She also sign up for Lisa Cohen's yoga class that ranged in ages 4-84 (my daughter was the 4 year old).  She rocked out!  I was so inspired by her on that day!

10. Be spontaneous!  I love this one!  I can be extremely spontaneous and have to sometimes ground myself.  I'm airy like that!  Being spontaneous keeps our creative juices flowing and makes us feel free.

11. Stay away from vampires!  Feeling sorry for yourself and bogging yourself down with regret is no good.  It's a waste of time and toxic for the soul. Keep your head up and look forward.

12. Spend time with yourself every morning.  I like to wake up early and spend time with my husband.  Once he leaves out I meditate, read and spend time with myself before the kids wake up.  My grandmother enjoyed gardening and reading.  She was also a hair stylist so she always had her hair fixed up and makeup on.  Her favorite thing to use on herself right now is hairspray!  I buy her more almost every week.

13. Its the small things that matter most.  I enjoy giving myself a pedicure once in a while, taking a walk with my dog, reading a good book with a cup of hot tea, catching up on the next Downton Abbey episode and getting dressed up (even if I'm just going to be having out around the house all day).

14. Never say you're too old!  You are only as old as you make up your mind to be. I took up skateboarding last year.  This year I'm learning Latin and piano.  I remember when I was growing up, my grandmother and mother took dance lessons together.  I love my memories of watching them practice and dance across the kitchen floor!

15. Meditate.  It helps me to set an intention every day.  Sometimes I have the same intention for a week or longer.  Especially if its something I really need to practice.  Setting an intention and meditation keeps us young and grounded.

16. It's never too late to learn!  There is always room for learning something new or maybe even brushing up on a favorite hobby, career or a new interest.  My favorite subject is history!  I enjoy learning Art History, Ga. History, U.S. History and World History.  I also enjoy learning about our family history!  I ask my grandmother many questions about her childhood and about our family's history.  I also have a dear friend who is going to lend me her ukulele so I can being learning how to play.  I'm super excited!

17. Breathe.  We often forget to breathe deeply.  Practicing mindful breathing is healthy for the mind and body.

18. Practice gratitude.  When bummed out about something practice gratitude.  Last year I got into a car accident and although I was upset about it being my husbands car I sure was thankful for not getting hurt.  At the end of the day I was returning home to be with my husband and children.  This year my husband got into a car accident and totaled his car.  We still have not found him a new car.  But, its okay!  He is healthy and alive.  I am grateful and so is he.

19. Allow yourself to have a pj day!  My favorite day to do this is on a rainy day.  My grandmother has no problem doing this!  She LOVED to sleep!  About half way through the day I tend to get antsy and end up getting dressed because I experience cabin fever, but there have been other days when I have finished a book I have been reading for weeks, finish a show that has been paused on Netflix or just spend the day snuggling with the kiddos while we read Little House on the Prairie or The Wizard of Oz.

20. Diversity is good for the soul!  Surround yourself with friends who are younger, older and the same age as you.  This is guaranteed to keep you balanced and young!  

My grandmother is a dear friend of mine and has taught me so much.  I am blessed to have her in my life and my children are blessed to have their great-grandmother in their lives.  Love you, Hello!

Roasted Carrot + Tomato Soup

Fall is a around the corner and I have a meal to prepare for friends of ours who just had their fourth kiddo.  Congrats Marchman family!  New baby = Soup time!  My dear friend, Gina made our family a batch of delicious carrot soup last year when I was couch bound from a knee injury. I loved it!  It warmed my heart, soul and helped heal my knee.  I'm serious!

Here it is...

On stove,  sauté 3 cloves of garlic with 1 medium sweet Vadalia Onion in large soup pot on medium to medium low in 2 Tbsp of olive oil or 3 Tbsp of butter (your choice).

Wash, chop and slice, lengthwise 12 to 13 carrots and line on tray.  Wash and slice in fourths Roma tomatoes.  Line on tray, salt (to taste) and cover with 2 Tbsp of olive oil (or butter).  Bake about 30 min. at 350 in oven.  Stir occasionally.

When all is done, add carrots, tomatoes, onions and garlic to blender or food processor and mix on high.  Add veggie broth a little at a time if needed.  Blend to desired consistency.  I prefer chunks, but if you have kiddos they may prefer the mix blended more with less of a chunky bite to it.

Add mix to the large soup pot.  Add the remainder of veggie broth.  Add salt to taste.  Plain Greek Yogurt if you wish.  Dill is desired.  Enjoy with Naan and/or a Ginger Salad on the side.  

Ingredients:

3 cloves garlic

1 medium Onion (sweet or not)

4 Tbsp of Olive Oil (or butter)

1 small bag of carrots (approx. 12-13)

4-6 Roma Tomatoes (the more, the tomatoey)

1 case of vegetable broth (approx. 3 cups)

Salt (to taste)

Plain Greek Yogurt (if desired)

Dried dill (if desired)

A heap of love and enjoy!

Eggs In A Basket

I got this yummy idea from Jerry Jones Stone's Eggs In a Basket Grilled Cheese with Asparagus recipe at cookingstoned.tv.  Since I didn't want all the cheese and butter I just put my own spin on it.  Here's Jerry's recipe if you want to check it out.  His pictures are fabulous and are guaranteed to make you drool.  My family enjoyed this yummy delight with fruit on the side!

Ingredients:
1 egg
2 slices of Whole Grain bread (I prefer Publix's fresh bread)
5 or so asparagus spears, blanched
1 tsp Coconut Oil

Time:  20 minutes
Oven temp: 250

1.  Blanch asparagus (if unsure how to do this check out Jerry's site here).
2.  Heat up iron skillet on medium, melt coconut oil.  Toast bread. Put toast to the side.  (Jerry cuts out the center for an actual "basket".  As you can see in the picture... I forgot to do this.)
3.  Fry egg, but not well.
3.  Place one slice of bread on pan.  Add asparagus, egg (and cheese if you wish) to the bundle, cover with blanket.  I chose to heat sandwich in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes (just keep an eye on it).  If you choose not to do this, you may want to cook the egg for longer on the stove.
5.  Eat and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Joy

I don't know about you, but I love me some chocolate! I came up with this concoction to help with a Reese's craving I was having.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Joy

2 tbsp creamy natural peanut butter
1 tsp dried coconut flakes
1 tsp chia seed
1 tsp local honey

Mix ingredients and dip your favorite chocolate for joy. 

My 2015 Birthday Bucket List!

To celebrate my 38'th birthday my sister suggested that I come up with 38 realistic and achievable goals I would like to accomplish in 2015.  So, here I  go... (Thanks sis! xx)

1.  Enjoy eating a delicious grass fed, free range burger on my birthday and not feel bad about it. 
2.  Commit to a daily yoga practice.  Break out in pigeon pose by the end of the year!

3.  Get a 1 hr. full body massage.  (I am very excited about this!!!)
4.  Put flowers on my grandaddy and brothers graves.

5.  Visit my dad in Terre Haute, Indiana.
6.  Visit Rock City.
7.   Become more involved in Grounded Yoga.  

8.  Take in the good and bad days with my grandmother.
9.  Have a date night with my hubby at least one night a month.
10.  Snuggle with my kids as much as possible.
11.  C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y
12.  Tell my mom and my grandmother I love them as often as possible.
13.  Have a spa date with my sister.
14.  Read the children's "Storybook Bible".
15.  Study therapeutics with Martin Kirk.
16.  Take a weekend trip to Ashville, North Carolina.
17.  Garden.
18.  Drink more water!
19.  Read more. And stick to one book at a time.
20.  Sit out a "technology basket" for all cell phones during family time.  (Actually keep phone in the basket.)
21.   Rise with the sun and meditate. 
22.  Rest at sun down. This can include sipping on tea or warm Almond Milk and/or reading a good book, taking a soothing bath, yoga, meditation, etc. 
23.  No technology after 10 p.m.!! (This allows for more snuggle time.)
24.  Sneak up and love on my man more often.
25.  Go away for a weekend adventure with my mom. No kids! (I rarely make time for alone time with my mom and it is so important.)
26.  Be patient with myself. 
27.  Make more time for "girlie time".
28.  To challenge myself after knee injury, hike a level I trail by the end of this year.
29.  Live more colorfully! Draw and paint more!! And, yes mama, this may mean I'm getting a tattoo. ;)

30.  Walk the dogs daily. (I missed this the most when I was unable to walk and so have they.)

31.  Skype with my cousin, Jenny and her boys at least once a month.
32.  Visit the "7 Places You Have to Visit That You Didn't Know Existed" (I grew up going to Callaway Gardens and Jekyll Island and so I have replaced them with two other locations.)

       1.  Bellwood Quarry

       2.  Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. Rocktown 

       3.  Brasstown Bald 

       4.  Fricks Cave

       5.  Talulah Falls

       6.  Cumberland Island

       7.  Jekyll Island, Ga.Providence Canyon (a.k.a. Georgia's Little Grand Canyon)

33.  Get a haircut!  
34.  Take a class at Country Gardens.
35.  Write a cook book with my grandmother's recipes.
36.  Organize a book of poems in memory of my grandmother.

37.  Write a "love note" to my dearest and closest friends and family the old fashion way, through ole snail mail. ;)
38.  Laugh more!!

Throat Coat Tea

This throat coat concoction has helped kick the flu right in the butt and its yummy! It's loaded with vitamin c, rids toxins, and soothes the throat. I found the recipe at Simple Green Smoothies. 

Ingredients:

2 lemons
2 pieces of ginger (3-4 " long)
Raw local honey

Instructions:

Slice and layer lemon and ginger in 12 oz.mason jar, fill to rim with honey, cover and sit in fridge. Concoction will become liquid in a few hours. Mix 1 tbsp in mug with boiling water or enjoy a honey spoon. Sip on throughout the day. 2-3 times a day.

rainy day biscuits

its a rainy day... why not make biscuits!

I got this yummy recipe from Lisa Leake's "100 Days of Real Food" blog.  The biscuits are delicious all by themselves or with your choice of preserves.

Whole Wheat Biscuits

•               2 cups whole wheat flour (I used King Arthur’s white whole wheat organic flour)

•               4 teaspoons baking powder

•               ½ teaspoon salt

•               ¼ cup cold unsalted butter

•               1 cup milk (any kind)

In a medium sized bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well with whisk or fork. Cut the ½ stick butter into little pea sized pieces and then mix the pieces into the flour mixture. Using a fork, try to mash the butter pieces as you mix it together with the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. It is okay if the outcome just looks like the same pea sized pieces of butter covered with flour. Then pour in the milk and mix it all together. Knead the dough with your hands 8 to 10 times and then turn out onto a counter or cutting board. Pat it out flat with your hands until the dough is a somewhat even ¾-inch thickness (sprinkle with a little flour if necessary). Turn a drinking glass upside down and cut out biscuit rounds. I have also used shaped cookie cutters (like a heart or star) if you have little ones helping you! Then put them on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 450 degrees for 10 – 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Yield: 8 – 10 biscuits (depending on the size that you cut

dinner at LEON's

for our son's 9'th birthday he asked to go to leon's, in downtown Decatur.  along the way we stopped for some history and a bit a of fun.  ;)

"Valentine", by George Lundeen

City of Decatur courthouse

Thomas Jefferson, by George Lundeen

with sweet Hello

yummy!

sleepy head

Celebration by Gary Price 

BOOM!

FIRE!!

Cinnamon Apple Pie Smoothie

Good morning Mr Cinnamon Apple smoothie!!

4 ice cubes1 banana1 cup (I just eyeballed it) of unsweetened Almond Milk
1 chopped up organic Gala apple

1 tbs of chia seed gel
a touch of Cinnamon

(The kids LOVE it!! We were craving apple pie yesterday and this is what i whipped up this morning. ;) Try a handful of organic fresh spinach for a whole new burst of delight in your mouth!)

for the love of hello...

sushi, smoothies, laughs and memories...