The Letter

My two cents for the day.


What do you do when your workout plans are cancelled due to a rare rain storm? Well, write a letter, of course.


It was a week ago from yesterday that I wrote a letter (remember that crazy rain we had?!). Now, I'm not going to go into details about the specifics and reasons and all that; however, I do feel compelled to share the impact that the act of writing that letter had on me.


Ever since moving back from the East Coast, I have felt prompted to write a letter to a certain someone in my life. Not sure why I put it off for so long, but the rain (or You, Lord :) finally led me to sit down and just write that thing! 


Ok, so the letter ended up being a little longer (10+ pages longer!) than I had planned on, but I just went with it. It became a raw, genuine expression of my love and admiration for this person, along with an apology, confrontation (in gentleness), truth, and thankfulness. Wow! What a release of freedom and healing I experienced. Truly! Not sure exactly how that worked, but I believe this physical act (of writing the letter) allowed for a softening of my heart and a work of the Holy Spirit.


My lesson?? How writing a letter can be so friggin' freeing! I also learned that I am only responsible for.....ME - my behavior and response in any situation. I don't have control over any one else in life. In any relationship/friendship, I need to be honest and speak the truth in love; however, at the end of the day, my job is to focus on my role in the friendship/relationship and seek the lesson in every circumstance (ask, What, Lord, are You wanting to reveal to me right now?). Also, giving the letter to this person was a huge step out of my comfort zone (not AT ALL a fan of confrontation and potentially hurting someone!)! This was yet another lesson in boldness, courage, communication, and honesty (all surrounded by love and grace, of course:).


So, all this from the simple act of writing a letter, huh?! 


Yep :) 


Oh, life lessons. 


Cheers!


xo

Stuffed Roasted Kabocha Squash

This complaining fast is going quite well. I've learned a few invaluable lessons already (thank You, Lord!), and I'm sure I'll get around to sharing some of those at one time or another :)

For now, let's talk food. I realize this isn't a 'food' designated blog per say; however, with my recently acquired skill (certified natural foods chef) and ever-increasing love and passion for health, nutrition and cooking, I've decided that I just might be writing more and more posts pertaining to this topic. A lot is currently in the works regarding this hobby and career of mine, so it's only natural for its contents to spill into this "Table For Two" blog. However, I am hoping and planning to create/design a more designated 'spot' for this niche of mine. 

With that being said, I am posting an (unintentionally) vegan dish that I made this past week. My parents and I are doing this cleanse that requires a somewhat strict and limited diet. So, I've been having oodles of fun in the kitchen, trying to create yummy, enjoyable meals that not only contain okay-to-eat (for us) ingredients, but that are bursting in flavor, texture, nutrition, and satisfaction.

Enjoy :)

*Note: I tend to be rather loose in my measurements (and by loose, I mean, I don't measure at all...ha), so think of this 'recipe' (and future recipes) as more of a general guideline that allows for lots and lots of creativity and inspiration :)

Stuffed Roasted Kabocha Squash

1 Kabocha Squash (looks like a green squat pumpkin)

coconut oil

salt and pepper

1 yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chopped mushrooms (crimini or button)

1 bag spinach, chopped

1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas)

1/2 can coconut milk

1-2 cups chicken broth

cooked brown rice - optional

toasted coconut flakes - optional

Dried spices:

(These are the spices I used to obtain more of an Indian flavor, and the coconut adds an element of Thai flare; however, I like to have fun and play with various herbs/spices to create different flavors (and I encourage my friends to do the same)..."a little of this, a pinch of that, a handful of those" is how I roll :)

cumin - a couple of dashes 

paprika - a few pinches

curry powder - lots :)

cinnamon - one tiny sprinkle

ginger - a couple of dashes

garlic powder - depends on how much you like garlic :)

cayenne - depends on how much you like heat/spice!

1.) Turn oven on - 375F convention or 325F convection (cooks faster). Rinse kabocha squash. Then, halve, deseed and slice squash (keep skin on if organic). Lay pieces flat on oiled cooking sheet. Rub in coconut oil (or evoo) and season with salt and pepper. Roast in oven for about 30-45 minutes (depending on setting) until golden brown and soft.

2.) Heat a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil (medium heat) in a large skillet. Saute onions until soft. Add garlic and mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add copped spinach, beans and whatever spices you choose. Stir for a minute or so. Add coconut milk and chicken stock. Cook until heated through (or until desired thickness). Taste and adjust seasonings.

3.) Take 1-2 pieces of squash and place in wide shallow bowls. Top with brown rice and bean-mushroom-spinach mixture and sauce. Sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut.

Serves 4-5

The roasted kabocha squash (loaded with vitamins, minerals and flavor) is like a cross between pumpkin and yam. It has a sweet and slightly nutty aroma and taste, with a smooth creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Pairs nicely with the mixture and sauce. Or, eat it plain or with a dash of cinnamon and coconut for a tasty dessert. 

Cheers!

xo

Oh Me! Oh My! I Just Might Cry (or pee in my pants ;)!!!!

In case you didn't know - I love to eat. I love to cook. And, I love fresh, seasonal, local, organic, sustainable, wholesome, fun, delicious, beautiful food :)

I'm a passionate organic foodie dork who gets SO excited about supporting local family-run organic farms :)

This is worthy of a jump, a shout, and a big crazy tail wag!!!! Ohmygoodness! Guess what I just discovered right here in San Diego??!!! - 

Garden of Eden Organics CSA

Check out their website to find out more information:

http://www.goeorganics.com/index.html

A quick synopsis:

Who They (Garden of Eden) Are

Garden of Eden is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for San Diego and other southern California regions. By joining our CSA for a weekly delivery of seasonal, fresh, certified-organic and chemical- and pesticide-free produce, you not only get the freshest, best-tasting produce, you know that you are supporting local California growers.

About Their CSA

Community Supported Agriculture is a great way for the consumer to become directly involved with farmers by supporting the sustenance and operation of their farms. GOE Organic CSA membership can be monthly, quarterly or annually with a minimum twelve-week commitment. Each week we deliver an ever-changing, seasonal variety of freshly harvested fruit and vegetables to several central locations around the area.

Garden of Eden is different from a tradtional, one-farm CSA. We are a co-op of 13 small farms, which for our members means variety. This is one of the most important distinctions of our program. Owners Paul and Jennifer Trejo are always looking for something new to keep the program fresh and exciting.

Enjoy :)

Cheers and hugs to beautiful, healthy, organic food happiness!!!

Tea Time

Oops! Missed a day. Oh well. Guess a little Sofia Grace, Rosie, and Taylor Swift will just have to do:

Now, if those two little girls and Taylor Swift (all having tea time together) don't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will :)

Monday Cuteness

 

I know that I hadn't written in this blog for quite awhile, and then BAM! I randomly come back with this complaining fast that I recently started and begin writing again everyday....

There's no real rhyme or reason, I guess it's a 'just because' thing. I realize I'm not required to explain myself, yet I feel compelled to at times. Not sure why. The need to defend myself? Perhaps. Or, too worried about misperception on the reader's end? Possibly. (Sounds like pride, actually, but let me go on). I find it rather funny that I so quickly and simply decided to start writing again, yet how soon it turned into a 'formula' where I, for the most part, have to critically and strategically think about the content and fluidity of what I'm writing. Quite silly if you ask me. I'm quite silly. One, for thinking this way. And, two, well, I'm just silly silly, as in goofy silly, ha ;) 

But, anyway, I just wanted to get that off my chest. . . I'm curious why I often sense a nonverbalized pressure to say or do the 'right' thing? And, I'm not talking about moral issues here. I find that if I don't fit into that mold (that either I or society has created), then that leads to (or has the potential to lead to) disappointment, changed perception, or goodness forbid, a lost fb friend ;) (over-thinking? most likely)....

Quite frankly, if I love to write, then gosh darnit, I just want to write. And, write freely, not giving too much thought to how I or my writing is being perceived. Some days, I will think long and hard about what I want to write. Other days, I will....not. I'll be deep, serious, and thought provoking sometimes. And, silly, funny, and lighthearted at other times. I want to break that 'formula' that I so unfortunately have a tendency to create for myself. 

I guess (since I'm a chef :) I'll compare it to cooking - I love being in a kitchen, whipping up a new, fun, (hopefully) tasty meal. I may be bold and frequently try new ingredients, herbs, spices, and techniques. There's no guarantee that my creation will come out with 5 stars every time, yet it doesn't stop me from continuing to do what I love to do. And, with more time and practice, I will eventually get the hang of the art of cooking. So it is with writing. It's a hobby, one of my many hobbies. Fills me up and is a great release. I enjoy doing it and hope to never quit just because it can be a little intimidating at times and bring up a few billy nilly insecurities. 

So....with that, I am not apologizing for this post or the following randomness. It's a rather adorable song sung by a little girl to her hedgehog, and it made me smile. So, there. Watch, listen, smile, and be blessed. 

CHEERS!!! Here's to the freedom to be YOU and random, if you so desire :)


oxo


Galations 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery."

Not too high on life?

Feel like this occasionally?

Or this:

Or this:

Do you roll your eyes at the following?

Just can't seem to nip it (complaining) in the 'butt'??

Then, perhaps we should reconsider...

Punishment for grumbler??

Oh, I sure hope NOT! Ha! :)

Night y'all!

Music to Their Ears

Day 3. So far so good :)

Thanks to the influence of American Idol and Southern Belles, I am in the process of reshaping my habits to combat the complaining temptation with the following responses:

*Note: The examples are (for the most part....) hypothetical situations ;)

1.) A song - in an unfortunate situation that is provoking the complaining bug, just take your usual, instinctive reaction, completely flip flop the words and sing your response. Eg., after barely tipping over a wine glass and having it shatter all over the counter, learn to bite your tongue, release, and sing "Oh, soft fluffy baaaaaallssss of warm fuzziness. I loooooo-uh-uh-uh-ve when I so gracefully bump breakable things with my loving touch, for this teaches meeeee humilityyyyy and patience. Now, reeeeeest innnnnn peeeeeeace, dear broken glaaaass (fluctuating between alto, soprano, and tenor)." Sing as long as you need to, until feelings of complaining subside.    

2.) A sweet tone of voice - if someone tells you you're a big baby and uses a sarcastic, cutting tone of voice, then take one deep breath, and in the girliest most innocent voice ever, respond with - "Aw, I think I may be sensing some pent up stress there that you're accidentally taking out on this innocent bystander, muah. But, don't you worry, buttercup, no harsh feelings whatsoever. We all have our off days." And, then, for extra brownie points, throw in a wink ;) 

3.) A sugared phrase - "How adorable that a 21-year-old baby brother still wants his mommy to make his breakfast, scratch his back, and cuddle. Bless his sweeeeeeeeet little heart...."

4.) A nice smile accompanied with a batting of the eyes and a light giggle - soccer game or food network (in the slight off chance that you're possessing the clicker before the boys walk in the room)......."Yes, I have always wanted to bond with by bwuddahs over Everyday Italian. Oh, you're just going to LOVE Giada  :)" 

Sarcasm or not, these alternate responses really do have a positive effect on one's attitude, or at least they do for me (so far....as in today, ha! :). They usually lead to a smile, laughter, and/or a light-hearted feeling. I don't know about anyone else, but I sure prefer these 'new,' spiced-up reactions. I'm looking forward to implementing them more in my life, until they become habit :)

Cheers to not complaining!

xoxo