I believe in the transformative power of stories. I am a high school English teacher, serendipitous farm girl, LEO wife, step mom, and writer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” ~ William Shakespeare Even though there has been a chill in the morning air, I witnessed subtle shades of green appearing in nature on my morning commute. I will never take the promise of spring for granted. After a long winter it feels like my responsibility to … More Strawberry Mango Salsa and Black Bean Jar Salads
“Thriving. That’s fighting… Surviving is barely getting by.” ― Jillian Michaels Since August of 2007 I have been a Weight Watchers Coach and I have experienced my own challenges with my weight management. Now that I am in my forties I have found that I must fight harder than ever to maintain a healthy weight. … More Fierce Green Smoothie with Blueberries and Kiwi
“You are what you eat. What would YOU like to be?” ― Julie Murphy With the first week of 2015 in the near distance, I keep reminding myself to stay true to my healthy goals and to keep progress over perfection my mantra. I have been navigating a personal struggle and I have to remember that nourishing … More Spicy Peanut Dressed Vegetables
“I love the dark hours of my being. My mind deepens into them. There I can find, as in old letters, the days of my life, already lived, and held like a legend, and understood.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke As an English teacher, I always tell my students that when we write we make … More Top Ten Recipes of 2014
“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next … More Italian Hummus Spread with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Capers, and Olives
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Since I try to fully embrace a healthy lifestyle, I do wait until the beginning of month to start new if I have slipped up. I truly believe that each day presents an opportunity … More Mediterranean Wrap with Greek Olives & Tzatziki Sauce
“Variety in your diet is health in your life.” ― Toni Sorenson One of the reasons that I started this blog in January of 2013 was to challenge myself to come up with new recipes so I could avoid a food rut. Instead of being limited by a plant-based diet, I wanted to branch out … More Layered Greek Dip with Hummus & Tzatziki Sauce
“I believe that food can be a profound means of communication, allowing me to express myself in a way that seems much deeper and more sincere than words.” ~Jenni Ferrari-Adler Unwinding, relaxing, and resting is how I have spent my past two days. In the midst of a hectic school year, suddenly all activity came … More Rustic Fruit Sauce – Slow Cooked & Sweetener Free
“It is, in my view, the duty of an apple to be crisp and crunchable, but a pear should have such a texture as leads to silent consumption.” – Edward Bunyard, ‘The Anatomy of Dessert’ I have a confession to make – I tend to be obsessed with analyzing my blog statistics. On a daily … More Fall Fusion Jar Salads with Brussels Sprouts, Apple, Walnuts, & Pear Dressing
“He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of inspiration.” ― Samuel Taylor Coleridge The topic for last week’s Weight Watchers meeting was Fake It Until You Make It. In my meetings we discussed what healthy changes we have made to our lifestyle that are now routine. The things that we do automatically … More Black Bean, Lentil, & Quinoa Salad
Produce with Amy 