Fall Weather

It is finally Fall in the Sunshine State!  Well I don't know if finally is the correct word, it seems as thought it's here earlier than usual.  But I'm not complaining!  I love having the windows and doors open on the cool mornings.  It is quite pleasant outside.

I've really enjoyed the cool mornings to practice my yoga with the windows and doors open and the sounds of birds chirping and squirrels scurrying around.  It does a lot for the mind and body.

Fall also brings fabulous fall decorations.  I decided to make some a few additions this year.  My favorite being from Michaels of course! If you don't visit Michael's regularly you really should!  

How cute are these little words?

With the cooler weather comes the craving of heartier foods.  I went to Publix for some inspiration without really having a list (could have been a disaster) however I kept myself in check.  I'm trying a new recipe tonight for chicken stroganoff, saw it on the TODAY show (of course).  Beef Stroganoff was one of my favs growing up but this one seemed healthier so we shall see how it turns out.  I'm doing it from memory of what I saw this morning.

Tomorrow... CHILI!  OH I CAN'T WAIT!

It's truly Fall when you have Chili cooking all day long!

Happy Fall Y'all!

-lp  

Summer Salad

Ok so I mentioned in my last post about a Martha Stewart's high and fancy summer salad that I had to make on a working girls/boys money...i.e. no lobster sub shrimp from Publix.

It was so good on Sunday I had to make it again for dinner tonight...for just me. I'm a little obsessed with it and was so excited I had enough of all ingredients left over except for the shrimp to make again tonight!

I like good food ok, deal with it.

Take a look though. Tell me that doesn't just look divine, refreshing and healthy (minus the bread I know...sometimes you have to have a little french baguette in your life).

Thank you Martha for the recipe. It made me feel high and fancy as I ate and watched House Hunters International and dreamed of living in Paris permanently.

So if you're interested here's what the salad consists of:

Arugula (fresh)

Cilantro (fresh)

Grilled Corn on the Cob sliced off the cob

(brushed with olive oil and salt and pepper)

Tomatoes

(grape or whatever you've got)

Avocado

Squeeze of lemon or lime whatever you've got

(Martha prefers lime I suppose)

Shrimp (or Lobster if you're so inclined) brushed with olive oil, fresh parsley and fresh chopped chives (broiled or grilled)

Sliced french baguette (my addition not Martha's)

I suppose you could add fresh shredded parmesan too but I didn't as that thought it just now occurring to me.

I couldn't tell ya how much of what was in the salad I just threw it all in there till it looked good enough. That's just how I cook, take it or leave it.

- summer salad chef lp

Favorite Things

I may have many favorite things. Probably too many to list in a song as Julie Andrews so poetically does. I don't often list products or items that I adore on my blog but if I find something I love I figure why not share it.

So here is a favorite thing of mine.


It is from Bath & Body Works. MK bought me some for Christmas in their clean linen scent which if you know anything about me is right up my alley. This week I decided to branch out and tried Orange Sapphire. So nice and springy and refreshing. Makes your skin so smooth and will help with those unsightly calloused heels that us Florida girls get from too much time in flip flops. They did have a deal on them this week too. Can't remember exactly what it was but you had a buy a couple of them to the deal.
So if you're inclined enjoy one! It made me feel better on a manic Monday.

-lp