Let Them Know You Love Them

You cannot tell me that food does not have power.

Via the electronic world yesterday, I was sent to a blog I had never read before.  The post was called for mikey.

I read it and felt my heart breaking for the blog writer.

Today, again, via the magic of the internet, I am seeing an outpouring of love for this woman and her family.  Take a moment to watch this video.  It is beautiful.

I have mentioned often the food website Tastespotting; I use it as a resource for amazing recipes.  Today, it is all about peanut butter pie, again, dedicated to this one blogger and her loss.

I am left in awe.

I know many of us have spent countless hours telling ourselves that food does not have to be the center of the universe.  I think all of this reminded me today that there are special times for special recipes and special occasions.  Food does have power; a power to create smiles and memories, to help us celebrate, to cause angst and worry to some, and to fuel us.

What this has to do with a healthy journey I am not sure.  I just had to get these words out there.  Hug the ones you love, and let them know just how much they are loved.  Even if that means today you eat pie.

I love you guys!

Kel

A Perfect Summer Meal

Here are a lot of my favorite foods combined into one meal!

Having bookmarked this recipe for Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad quite some time ago, I decided today was the day to make it.  Fresh local corn is now available, and this seemed like the perfect excuse to fire up the grill.

Actually, the real excuse was for these peaches, but I will get to that in a moment!

I make a very similar salad with just the avocado, tomato and red onion.  Adding the grilled corn was a no brainer; why can't I think of these things?

Well, I did add something!  I added the grilled shrimp.  I marinated the raw shrimp in olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper and some red pepper flakes.  Measurements?  Yeah, not so much. I soaked some bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes, loaded these bad boys up and grilled them.

While I realize my siding does not make a great backdrop, I liked this shot of my dinner!

With the leftovers I can guarantee I will add some black beans!

Now, the peaches...

I finally caught up on some reading over on Nutrimirror and read this post by m.o.m. - our resident chefs!  I have always wanted to try grilled peaches.  Maybe sometime I will make them with the yogurt, warm honey and walnuts like Bobby Flay does, but tonight, they will be enjoyed naked.  I cannot believe how much they taste just like peach pie!  I did nothing but brush the grill with canola oil as m.o.m. suggested.  The natural sweetness is amazing!

Speaking of naked...Paco officially has no shame!

Here he is in all his glory; this is his favorite sleeping position on the couch.  He kills me.

Here he is caught in a more serious moment.

This is the little man prancing towards me.

I can't believe how big he is already getting!  He can now go all the way upstairs; downstairs is a different story. He helps me on a daily basis with core strengthening.   I often have to stand on one foot as he attempts to chew off my toes!  He is starting to realize when I say "hey!" that I mean business!

He is lucky he is so cute...

I hope you are enjoying a restful weekend, and have a chance to try this salad soon.  Lots of chopping but so worth the effort.

Here are the salad stats; this was for a 188 gram serving (how precise of me and Nutrimirror).  Stats do not include the shrimp.  

Enjoy!

Paco: A Great Excuse for a Party!

Some colorful pictures of paella, the veggie prep, and a few Paco shots.

I am in charge of all the chopping; here are the tomatoes, artichoke hearts, peppers, onions, and garlic.  Not pictured (because they were in the refrigerator): sausage, chicken and shrimp.

This was one HUGE batch of Paella; look at it in comparison to TJ's head!

C'mon over!  There is plenty leftover!

Hot cornbread on the side.

Lemon cupcakes for dessert; the delicious recipe was found on this blog.  

Paco has taken over my favorite corner of the couch.  I can't say I put up much of a battle!

Catching some zzz's before his guests arrive.

A puppy stare down.  That is Paco's new friend Gabby on the right.  He would not leave her alone!

Yesterday was all about party prep; shopping, baking, cleaning (thank you Ben) and paella prep.

Today is all about laundry, relaxing and Paco!  We (Paco and I) were up at 5:55 this morning for playtime.  After breakfast, we (Ben, Paco and I) went for a walk.  At this point, Paco scampers leash-less.  It will be interesting to see how he does when he is tethered.  For now, he stays pretty close and does a wonderful job keeping up with the bi-ped crowd!  

Now, he is sacked out, back in the corner.

Just getting his rest before the afternoon walk!

Hope you have a great Sunday!