Taking a break from food to share a fun clay craft. This post is about how to make ornaments emulating emoji faces. Ornaments can be used for a Christmas tree, as gift toppers, and as charms or key chains. Mainly they are super fun to make. We made them several years ago and we still…
Weekly Healthy Recipes
Salad Shirazi | Persian Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Salad Shirazi is THE salad in Persian cuisine. It’s light and citrusy, complimenting Persian stews, rice, and kababs as the most commonly served side dish. You won’t find any lettuce in this fresh salad. Salad Shirazi is made simply with 3 main ingredients; cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. The dressing is a tangy blend of lemon…
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Peanut butter energy balls are easy to put together with only 4 ingredients needed – oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips. There’s no baking required. Simply add all of the ingredients to a bowl, mash together, shape, chill, and enjoy. We pop PB energy balls in the place of a protein or granola…
Dog Portrait
This post is dedicated to Oscar. Two weeks ago we had to put down our beloved Tibbie, Oscar. He was my first dog – our first dog – the first for Bob, Ley, and Aves, for all of us. More than being the first, he was the best. In sweetness, he broke the mold. No…
Orange Chia Pudding
Orange chia pudding is a light, healthy breakfast, dessert, or snack that’s easy to make and fun to eat. It’s mildly citrus and mildly sweet. We use fresh tree oranges to add fiber and flavor, and coconut milk for a creamy, vegan alternative to dairy milk. If you are a fan of creamsicles, orange sherbet,…
Basic French Vinaigrette
The recipe for basic French vinaigrette inspired by a trip to Paris. It is delicious on rocket greens and even as a marinade for chicken. One of the first things I noticed on our recent trip to France was that greens are served with every meal, even breakfast. Not being a big meat eater I…
Traveling with Style and Comfort – Fun Fashion Finds for Paris
Traveling with Style and Comfort – Fun Fashion Finds for Paris Bonjour mes amis! Today I stray from food with this post about Fun Fashion Finds for Paris. I will be featuring items from the following stores: Madewell, Nordstrom, and Zara (and a little Brandy Melville mention at the end). By now you are taking…
Creamy Oatmeal
Today I’m sharing an oatmeal secret with you that will change the way you feel about plain, unsweetened oatmeal. My family thinks there is something special and magical about the way I prepare oatmeal. Psst, here’s the secret – I just swap the water with milk. We keep two or three types of milk in…
Chocolate Granola Brownies!
Chocolate granola brownies are fudgy and out of this world. They are made with cacao which some folks consider a super food (think flavinoids). The taste is similar to dark chocolate. The granola adds an interesting texture. Make these granola brownies – you won’t regret it! Let’s divert from brownies for a moment. Have…
Frozen Yogurt Treats
Frozen yogurt treats are fun to make and are a healthy, low-sugar fruit snack for any time. Make them in thematic shapes and use your favorite, seasonal fruits for holiday fun. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about chocolates and candy. We have a family birthday just a few days before Valentine’s so there…