Saturday, August 27, 2011

Our Endless Summer: Catching Up - South Fork, LI



While texting a friend from our camp site last night I found myself telling him what I've been saying for weeks now: This was the BEST. SUMMER. EVER.

Yes, we have been living our summer life to the fullest...and there has been one adventure after the next. I'm taking photos but haven't found the moments needed to upload and post. So, this will be the first of a series of catch-up posts.
#1: Long Island, Terrell River County Park- We took off one Sunday for a spontaneous hike along a section of the south fork in Long Island. We hiked a short mile through what felt like an enchanted forest until we emerged at the shoreline.
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We ate a delicious lunch at the old school diner on Main Street, hiked, explored, bathed our hair in the water, lounged, talked, shared a delicious bar of organic dark chocolate & made some new friends, too.





It was a magical, serene & restorative day for me & Girl Cub.


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Cooking/Diet Inspiration


A trip to the local library with my Cub and her sweet friend allowed for time to browse my fave section of the library-the cookbooks!

I found three books that I am really enjoying. I've listed them in order, saving the best for last.

The Everything Vegan Cookbook is a great basic cookbook that reinvents the classic comfort foods (like "Deli Macaroni Salad") and some yummy desserts for this sweet tooth ("Sweetheart Raspberry Lemon Cupcakes!")

The Everything Vegan Cookbook [Book]

The Daily Bean : I never met a bean I didn't like and I have been eating them almost daily for protein as well as enjoyment. I love this book. It is divided into chapters according to bean variety. So far, it all looks very yummy...especially the desserts. This evening, I think I'm going to have to try out the "Pinto Bean Carrot Cake." It just looks so good.
And my Cub loves her carrot cake!
The Daily Bean: 175 Easy and Creative Bean Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner....And, Yes, Dessert

This is a book I have been wanting to read for the looooongest time and just have not had the chance. I will definitely buy it.
After some resistance, I have come to really admire Alicia Silverstone.
Yes, she has come a long way since Clueless!
I read this book in one day and made a lot of notes about diet and food in general.
The Kind Diet focuses on diet, eating for optimum health and self-improvement with respect for all living beings on our planet.
She breaks everything down in easily understandable terms and gives a lot of medical/nutritional information to support her food choices.
I highly recommend it...and the recipes look tasty, too.

The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet by Alicia Silverstone: Book Cover

To me, a person who reads cookbooks and recipe/food blogs for fun...there is nothing more inspirational than expanding my knowledge of the food I eat
and refining my skills to make each meal beneficial
for the greater good.

Blessings and happy eating, Everyone!


Monday, August 15, 2011

One of the Best Compliments


My little J swatting at seagulls on our beach vacation in August.


I received one of the nicest compliments yesterday from a new friend I both love and admire.

She said, "You make it look so easy."

I don't think she had any idea..while we were driving through the rain with our little ones in the back...(for a "girl's day out")
just how much she touched my heart.

But really I have to say...My GIRL, she makes it easy.

I feel like the luckiest Mama in the world.
But I know we are all blessed: both mamas and daughters of this world.
I am not unique just because me and my daughter have a beautiful relationship.

Love & hugs to all the mamas who are taking good care of their little ones.
God bless.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Just a few highlights of our Summer! So far...


Best. Summer. Ever.


Went on the most amazing, fun, relaxing, beautiful vacation to the shore
with my favorite person...for a week!

Oh, and fell in love with instagram while I was there.
(Separate vacation/instagram post soon to come!)

Me and my other half on the first day in our hotel.



Lots of new and exciting interests and hobbies for both me and my girl.
My cub is taking violin lessons and LOVING it!
She came to me, "Mom, I'd like to play the violin."
And I swooned.
This is my little virtuoso at her very first lesson.



Re-committed myself to 90% vegan diet...10% vegetarian.
I've been experimenting a lot with new recipes and learning a ton...and we've been eating
really well as a result!
Here is a veggie lo mein I made for lunch at Grandma's after shopping at the
local Asian market, H Mart.


Dancing at (still) our favorite picnic spot on SI.


Typical after lunch picnic scene.



Lake Sabago in the Catskills with our besties at the beginning of summer!
My cub swam on and off for FOUR hours. Yup!


It has been a blessed season for us.
So many wonderful adventures with our loved ones by our side.
We couldn't ask for more, really.

And tomorrow my baby turns SEVEN, 7!!!!