Little Miss Peacock

The little miss is a peacock for halloween this year. When I was trying to decide her costume, (as I realized that this would probably be the last time I'd get to decide it for her), I tried to think of something that she liked. The first thing that came to mind was a bird. Not only does Vienna love birds (Rio) but ever since she could make noise she has reminded me of a little birdie. If you've ever been around her you would know what I mean. She likes to squeal, at all different pitches, and though birds don't really squeal, she sure sounds a lot like one when she does.

So I bought some tulle and made her into a little peacock princess.

She thought it was pretty cool to put the tutu on. :) And from the look on her face it was like she was immediately transported into a different world of fairies and princesses...and peacocks...

And apparently even princesses like to play with tools...

A Cute Subject

I got a new camera. Pretty excited about that. Like, really excited. You have no idea. I'm tempted to go on to explain why I'm so excited, how long I'd been wanting a nice camera, blah blah blah...but really, it's just an excuse to share a few cute pictures I took of Vienna.

We went on a little walk down a trail near our house so I could play with my new toy and hopefully get a few good fall pictures of V. Unfortunately about 4 days before I got my camera we had 45mph winds that blew all the colorful leaves off the trees, so I had to settle for bare trees and crusty leaves...but the subject sure was cute :)

Finally...a Recipe

Okay. So several people have asked for recipes or ideas ever since I mentioned the change in our diet, and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to share anything! I've cooked several meals that I've thought about sharing on my blog, but I seem to never get around to it! I should get on that.

This recipe isn't something new since starting the change in our diet, but we had them today as part of our lunch and I thought, I must share these! They're just too good not to. They have become a popular snack in our house or side to a meal.

I can take absolutely NO CREDIT for these because I am not a talented enough cook to think of something so simple yet so delish. I first heard of them from a friend, Anna, who has been an inspiration to me in several ways, including, but not limited to, the way that we eat. So thanks, Anna!

Kale Chips

1 bunch of Organic Kale

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Raw Salt

Tear Kale into 1-inch pieces, toss with olive oil and salt and roast in oven at 350-400 for aprox. 10 minutes.

Simple. Easy. And super tasty. Vienna saw these in the oven today and started going nuts when she realized what they were. She gobbled them up so fast and made a huge mess, but...I'm fine with messy eating when it's vegetables!

And I'll try to be better about sharing more recipes!

Fall. Family. And a poem.

I love fall. Really. Truly. Love it. There's something about stepping outside into the perfect temperature. Seeing all the beautiful colors. The smell in the air. The feeling of a hot drink in your hands. The comfy boots. The crisp leaves. Everything.

I'm not sure if I just love it because it's simply so wonderful. Or if I love it because its simply so short (in Minnesota anyway). The reality of winter is tapping at the door and fall is like one last chance to get out and soak up nature before the cold and snow settles in for far, far, far too long.

Either way. I'll take it.

This weekend we headed north to spend some family time together and enjoy the scenery. We hiked along Lake Superior's shore, enjoyed the rapidly changing fall colors, took Vienna to the waterfalls, threw rocks in the water, and watched her squeal in excitement at the big waves crashing against the rocks.

It was fun. Just us three. A perfect, relaxing day together.

And, I got to borrow a nice camera so I got some great pictures too. :)

As I was driving home this evening the car was quiet and I had the chance to let my mind unwind. I love moments like that. Somehow or another (and I really have no idea how...) it created this little poem. It's kind of silly--I know, it has been years since I've written poetry and I think I may have lost my touch. But, it was spontaneous and fun, and I feel like sharing :)

"Give me the land.

And color me the shades of fall.

I'll capture and hang them on my wall.

For when all the windows are closed

From the cold and its woes,

I'll be able to remember how it feels

To walk in autumn's fields."

-K.M. Ward