I took the rest of Christmas down last week but I can’t bring myself to touch the Christmas cards just yet. Sending our cards each year is one of my very favorite things to do and I love receiving holiday cheer via my mailbox. And I extra love looking at these happy faces and notes each day.
Maybe I’ll take them down in February.
I received a really great note from The Universe this morning that was really timely. I have a big career goal, one that isn’t proving to be easy to achieve, and this little love note kind of validated my gut feeling to just go and know that some ducks (or head count or support, whatever) will follow. Just go.
Take a look at photos of the polar vortex’s impact across the country: http://nyr.kr/1lNzjqe
Above: Ice builds up along Lake Michigan at Chicago’s North Avenue Beach, as temperatures fall below zero. Photograph by Scott Olson/Getty.
Images like this one and news that it was actually colder in Chicago than it was in Antarctica or that they had to bring the polar bears inside at Lincoln Park Zoo because it was so cold are really incredible. Here’s hoping this polar vortex is hitting the road soon…
I lost something very precious to me almost exactly a year ago. I have kept praying on it and hoping I would find it but after a year and a move, I figured it was probably gone. But today proved that you should never under estimate the power of prayer or how sneaky couch cushions are at hiding things in the cracks.
My friend Kate and I braved the snow and falling temps to make a Sunday veggie run to Stanley’s. I can’t believe this was only my second visit, it is a veggie dream, and I can’t get over how fresh and cheap this place is. I stocked up on everything I will need for the next week for $22. $22! Jewel produce is disgusting so normally I rely on Whole Foods but costing an arm and a leg vs Stanley’s pile o’goodness for 22 bucks…no brainer.
Go ahead, storm- snow me in with my blackberries, kale and spaghetti squash.
Polenta rounds with sautéed cherry tomatoes, onion and basil topped with parmesan and sprinkled with balsamic. Inspired by Sincerely Caroline’s amazing cookbook. This gluten-free business is pretty delicious.
Remember 2 years ago when it was 80 degrees on St. Patrick’s Day and we had that gloriously warm Spring? Maybe this arctic never ending freeze means that’s going to happen again this year because we’re earning it right now.
Post-Flywheel sweat fest, a colleague and I stopped by Lyfe Kitchen for a healthy bite and I happened upon another use for chia seeds: ginger-chia water with strawberry and mint. Just what I needed to rehydrate. It was so good that I am currently soaking sliced ginger root and chia in water so I can have it at home. Stay tuned.
Related: it’s so nice to have places like Protein Bar and Lyfe Kitchen available when out and about for food that is whole and healthy. Ryan and I went to Protein Bar last night and the vegan chili quinoa bowl was exactly what the 7 degree cold night called for. Gluten free and vegan is a no-brainer at both places.
I love the holidays and subsequent edible merriment but I must say, after our NYE feast, I was ready to take a hiatus from all of the less than clean eating I have been doing. I love wine, I love fun dinners out and I need a break. For the month of January, I am rocking a gluten free and no refined sugar way of eating to see if it makes a difference in how I feel. Food is fuel and if I am not feeling energized and great, my fuel must be off.
Yesterday, I made these tacos from Sincerely Caroline, who is a great gluten free resource (and really lovely person). This morning was gluten free oatmeal with chia seeds, berries and almond milk. It’s actually been a lot of fun to research recipes and learn some new things. Some intentional choices and backing away from the wine and cookies can’t hurt.
Any websites, recipes or blogs you love for gluten free or healthy eating are more than welcome!
