HEALTHY FOODS, A RECIPE & GARDEN DELIGHTS

 

My Cute Hummingbird Feeder

 

I do the Hummingbird watch as often as I can, too much perhaps.  Not far from my favorite seat on the patio but not too close to the feeder.  Close enough to the spot where I saw my first little guy.  As I did the HW over the past few days I brushed up on my knowledge of them and the feeding through Google.  I was correct in getting the red colored feeder as they go by sight rather than smell.  I seem to be in the right place with the flowers I have and they also love diving through water-as in sprinklers and I have mine going quite a bit to get the areas of my garden beds that are sheltered under eaves.  So I wait...

 

 

 

 

Planter of Mixed Lettuces & Arugula

 

We have some early lettuce to start using in salads.  I use a serrated knife to do a 'crew cut', and then we get another one or two more cuttings.  After this exhausts itself I may find something else that I can harvest in the fall.  Now---which is the lettuce and which is the arugula?  Does it matter?  I love the mix! :)

 

 

 

 

Daughter Emily went on a little weight loss program that has become somewhat popular.   I was skeptical at first but I learned soon enough that it was healthy and didn't require her giving up any food groups.  I will  only tell you the upside and downside that she kept me aware of.  First off, she's very much like me when it comes to portion control.  Should we eat the whole pork chop or half?  Should we have a half cup of popcorn or none?  A piece of cheesecake or 2 bites?  The program she went on was a sort of boot camp in portion control along with attention to the amount of protein, fat and carbs consumed in a day.  Meal planning was essential and in keeping track, she had containers proportionate to the size of her daily servings.  I liked that it involved "planning".  Those of us wanting to lose weight---(and I don't mean anyone who is at an optimal weight and can easily judge what they can and cannot eat every day) need guidelines.  In the end she adhered to the portions and the 'good for her foods'.  She planned her meals the night before and was not tempted to hit fast food places on her work days--she had it covered.  Yes, she was frustrated, moody and hungry the first few days.  But it only convinced her how she was eating the wrong foods at the wrong time in the wrong amounts.  She lost a enough weight to be very proud of herself .  She learned a great deal and I don't think she will be a mindless eater, hopefully for a long time if not forever. :)

 

Of course I was influenced but I truly know my best weight loss has involved keeping carbohydrates at a minimum.  So I did my best to mimic the portion control in Emily's program, and  in making meal plans the night before.  I basically cut my meals into half the proportions I had been eating and I added healthy salads to accompany lunch and dinner.  Filling up on veggies is always a good thing. 

 

Eating a salad twice a day calls for some creativeness.  I have to admit, after making a  few I knew I needed:  A) Texture  B) Some Sweetness  C ) Crunch (outside of cukes and celery)  D) More Protein  E) Some Herbs & Spices

 

So go for it.  This salad is something I make quite a bit.  A mix of fresh baby greens and some Romaine for crunch.  Various veggies form the fridge,  some garbanzo beans or any sort of canned beans you have.  A few tablespoons of quinoa, risotto, rice or cous cous---great texture. I toss in some dried cranberries, fresh berries, nuts and I'm happy.   And there you go...bases covered and you are smiling!

 

When you have all this, the best way to dress the salad is with a simple vinaigrette.   I made this up and I love it.  Here you go:

 

Blondie's Best Vinaigrette

 

2 T red wine vinegar

1 T Dijon mustard

1/2 c olive oil

1 T water

1 t honey

a pinch of salt and pepper

1 t. of your favorite herbs---I like an Italian blend. 

 

I like to mix everything up in a two cup measure and let sit at room temp for an hour or so.   Feel free to adjust any of the ingredients.  Fresh herbs are super!  Toss gently with your salad just before serving.  This is perfect for 4 cups of salad.  Refrigerate remaining dressing for 4-5 days.   

 

 

 

 

Hummus

 

Good and good for you.  I will make this myself one day.  Sorry-I put many things on Instagram that I post and vice versa.  So I'll say again, a lot of times I refrain from making certain recipes because I have to crawl into the back of one of my lower cabinets to pull out the dreaded food processor that I can never remember from time to time how to work.  Ha!

 

 

 

Layla

 

Doing what she knows how to do best.  So much rain.  When it's not doing that we rush outside to get some yard work and gardening done.  She doesn't know it, but her part in this is to lose a pound or two.  The diva LOVES to sleep!

 

 

 

 

When Rain & Humidity Wreaks Havoc

 

I can do selfies quite easily on IG.  On the blog---well, what does it say about your post?  So I'm here with a frizzy hair day to illustrate the wretchedly humid days we have been having.  Not all that bad I know...I should have caught it a few hours later after the wind got to it.  I would wear it this way but after the curls separate (it's wet here and springs up much more), I look like I stuck a finger in a light socket.  And then I have to mist it with more water to tame it.  Surely some of you can identify.  Yeah, it doesn't look too horrid here but maybe, just maybe I'll get a snap for you guys in the morning after I wake up with this mess.  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of very uneventful days here.  I had some sort of stomach bug from Friday night to Sunday evening.  I've been pretty good since.  I was so pleasantly surprised when The Husband and I were invited to dinner with a group of couples he has known for years, actually going back to grade school.  All of us get together  once in awhile but it's years and years between.  So his college roommate invited us and several others to dinner at a new restaurant and I was excited.  At least about the restaurant.  I'm a little shy and awkward in social situations unless they involve people I know very well or complete strangers.  Go figure. 

 

Little did we know, The Husband's friend had reserved a private room.  Hors d' oeuvres were served on platters and drinks arrived on trays. We sat down at this huge table...13 couples in all, and we had the most fabulous time.  And in the end, 'L',  The Husband's friend, picked up the tab.  Incredible.  He is so sweet and generous and it was a wonderful night, a rare treat for all of us. 

 

I'm afraid I took up a lot of your time.  Just as I think I need to post but have nothing fresh to say, I look at my camera and I know I'll undoubtedly run away with it.  Anyway...our weather forecast is for some sun tomorrow and then 10 days of rain.  Yes, you read that right.  There's nothing much I can change or say about that.  Trying to think positive and planning indoor activities.  Mostly not the 'chore type' things!

 

Have a great week! :)

 

Jane x