There is nothing that brings me more pleasure than going to the farmer's market, getting some beautiful produce and turning them into something totally delicious... and totally simple.  Something about homemade makes everything taste better.  You taste what is put into it + the dedication of the person making it.  But most importantly: it is good for you.  Yes, there are times when we must grab a can of tomatoes or beans but whenever possible I like to go for the fresh stuff.  


Here is what I like about fresh food: what you get is what you see.  A radish is a radish and an apple is an apple.  It is honest and humble.  You eat it when ripped and it nourishes the body.  I was all about eating fast foods and whatever I could find and then I remember reading this quote:  

It stopped me on my tracks because it was simple but boy-- did it bring the point home.  Especially when you start reading about "pink stuff" in meats or food that does not melt even when put to the fire.  And so I made a conscious decision to eat more foods in the natural state and the farmer's market became my new favorite place to shop for food.


This past weekend the market was full of so much beautiful produce {yes, I find food beautiful} and my eyes immediately focused on tomatoes, peppers and herbs.  I am a person that eats with my eyes first and a ranbow of color produce always makes me smile.  So how did I decide on what to make?  I follow one rule of thumb: try to keep the produce as close to natural as possible.  In the end I settled for two recipes: a roasted peppers and tomato soup.  And also a tomatoes and green bean salad.  It does not get any fresher than that. 

I am also a huge fan of eating raw tomatoes which is why I made a tomatoes + green beans salad dressed up with nothing but olive oil, Maldon salt and pepper.  The trick was simply cut the tomatoes in half and let them marinate in olive oil an hour before I served them.  Then I added to them some blanched green beans and it was a delicious and healthy feast. 

Again, the whole point of these two recipes was to enjoy the freshness of the produce and let their own summer flavors shine. And that they did.  It was a perfect way to nourish my body throughout the weekend especially in this heat when heavy foods just do not sit well in my stomach.  Both dishes were light and summer perfect.  I hope you have gotten to enjoy the bountiful of fresh produce that summer had to offer.  Have a wonderful day!

 



 

 

4 lbs. tomatoes, chopped into quarters (do not seed them)

1-2 red or yellow peppers, seeded and chopped into quarters

1 bulb of garlic

1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth

olive oil
Herbes de Provence olive oil (optional)

salt & pepper to taste

a handful of fresh basil

 

 

Steps

 

1.  Preheat oven to 400F. 

 

2.  In a bowl combine tomatoes (including any juices you gathered while chopping) and peppers, then add enough olive oil to coat them, and salt & pepper to taste.  Toss and spread on a baking sheet. 

 

3.  Take the garlic bulb and cut in half.  Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil.  Put the foil packet in the same baking sheet as the tomatoes.  And roast for the same amount of time.

 

3.  Roast for 30-35 minutes.  Once everything is roasted, let it cool a bit.  Transfer the tomatoes and peppers to a blender.  Add 4-5 leaves of basil and squeeze the soften garlic out of the garlic casing and into the blender.  Give it a quick pulse to combine together.  Add the vegetable broth (add water if you want the soup thinner) and blend away until the soup is smooth and silky.   Taste to make sure the flavors and seasoning are good, and adjust as necessary. 

 

4.  Once done, serve, granish with chiffonade basil leaves and croutons (I used ezequiel bread croutons), drizzle a little of the herbs de provence oil and enjoy.  It is that simple!

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Ooooeeh!  This was one hot weekend.  This summer has been fairly cool here in Kansas but this weekend summer decided to come out and play and did it! Saturday it was blistering by 1000 when I went to the farmer's market to pick up some stuff.  And it did not help that I was feeling rotten.  Luckily I was able to be in and out of the market in 15 minutes.  Afterwards, I went home and took a nap trying to feel better.  Later in the afternoon, I practiced some more calligraphy.  I started this week and I am loving it so far. 

 

By the time I made it home I was ready for shower, dinner and movies.  Yes, it was so hot I did not want to do anything outside.  And I was in the mood for wine-related movies.  Probably because I still have the Napa earthquake in my mind {how scary was that?}.  When I heard about it this morning the first thing I thought of was of friends I have in the area and of bloggers I follow who may have been affected.  I hope they are all ok. 

 

Back to the movies: I spent the afternoon being lazy and watching Bottle Shock (my favorite wine movie) followed by a documentary called A Year in Burgundy.  If you get a chance to watch this documentary, please do.  It it follows wine makers in Bordeaux as they shape their wines and explores the ins and outs of wine making against the backdrop of beautiful chateaux and vineyards.  It was simply blissful and a lovely way to end the weekend.

 

How was your weekend?  Anything exciting?  Is it hot in your area?

 Mingle Monday. Monday Morning Gossip. Monday Link-Up. 

 

This basket of produce {below} is beautiful and the first words that come to mind are fresh, nourishing and healthy-- among others.  Nourishing vegetables can heal the body and there have been many articles that break that topic down to Barney level {because I do not do complicated}.  I love talking and reading about food because I like to learn from others and engage in meaningful discussion about our food sources, how to use food to heal the body, bring people together, etc. 

 

 

 

 

Yet this beautiful basket, while very healthy for many, is not very good for me-- a hypothryoid.  This is very frustrating because these foods have been linked to healing the body and in maintaining a healthy weight, which is VERY important (and hard to do) for hypothyroids.  It is always interesting to see people's expression when I tell them that I cannot eat certain veggies because they are not "good" for me. The look? Confused.  So today I want to talk about the impact of some veggies due to a substance called goitrogens.

 

If you have heard the term "goitrogen" before it is probably related to thyroid function or thyroid disease.  And when used in this context it is referred to naturally occuring substances that interfere with thyroid function most specifically enlargement of the thryoid gland.  There are many substances that can contribute to a enlarged thyroid gland or "goiter" and some of it is naturally occuring in foods, mostly cruciferous and soyfoods. 

 

I have to clarify that these foods DO NOT cause a goiter when consumed and they do not interfere with the thyroid function of a healthy person Goitrogenic food are not "bad foods" they are healthy foods containing nutrients which under certain circumnstances can also interefere with thryoid function.  What causes problems for certain individuals is not the food itself but the mismatched nature of certain substances within the food to their unique health situation. (WHF.org).       

 

 

The good news for hypothyroids is that there is a little light at the end of the tunnel: many health professionals believe that cooking may inactivate goitrogens.  So if you are just dying to have some of these foods make sure you cook them.  Also, some health professionals believe that if you have had your thyroid removed surgically, you should not worry too much about goitrogens {still, I do}.  

 

6.  Let's talk gluten-free.  I am not crazy about gluten-free YET it is basically the only way I see results in combating the hypothryoidism associated weight gain that some hypothyroids (not all) experience.  So I am basically back to semi-gluten free.  I found that if you keep saying " I am on a GF diet" it feels very resctrictive.  However if you stick to fresh veggies, fruits and meats you will be on a GF diet by default. 

And there you have it, an oversimplified look at goitrogens and eating healthy as a hypothyroid.  Do you have hypothryoidism?  any other tips?

Healthy Tuesday. Fitness Friday. Heart & Soul Tuesday.

I seriously need to take a knee and take a deep breath because the past three weeks have been go, go, go!  I am not kidding.  It is ridiculous.  But it is necessary.  It is preparation for my next life.  I can get a really freaked out thinking about the what if's.  But I am feeling unusually peaceful which is good.  So today, I am sharing my craziness and what I am thankful for.

 

NO. 1 // I drove up to Minnesota this past weekend to deal with wedding stuff and spend time with D and the kids.  So much fun.  I always love spending time with the kiddos.  They are hilarious and so loving.  Plus it is always a good weekend when I get to see my love. :-)  But I tell you, the way there was stormy and not optimal for driving.  When I saw this in the distance while driving into Iowa, I knew I was in for a rainy drive.


 

 

NO. 2 // We finally sat down and started on the guest list for the wedding.  Save the Date cards are in and the major details of the wedding have been decided, mostly the concept-- and I am loving it.  D and I want a romantic wedding but a super fun reception-- not stuffy-- where the guests enjoy themselves.  And in honor of my love for North Carolina we are going with a very Southern food menu {it is going to be soooo delicious!}. 

 

NO. 3 //  I got to go running while I was in Minnesota.  It was super hot, but I love running in the little town that will be my future home.  I get really motivated to run when I am there.  Very picturesque and beautiful.  Summer in Minnesota is hotter than I thought it would be but talk about excellent for gardening.  I came back to Kansas with a basket full of veggies straight out of my future mother-in-law's garden.  She is so good at gardening and I hope I can one day be as good as she is. 

 

NO. 4 // Beautiful images to remember my roadtrips.

 

 

NO. 5 // The most beautiful skies.  For some reason Kansas, Iowa and Minnesota have the most stunning sunsets and sunrises.  Maybe it is because of the wide open spaces but I am always in awe.  These are two of my favorites this week:

 

 

 

 

There was only one bad thing this weekend: running was about the only exercise thing I managed to do because I pulled a muscle in my upper back on Friday.  Mr. Jack tried to jump in the back of the Jeep which is much more higher than he is.  And me, so he would not get hurt, jerked to catch him and pulled the muscle-- NOT FUN.  It was so painful that the first hour of the drive to MN it hurt every time I breathed.  So painful.  It has gotten a little better but still there.  So taking it easy on the upper body workouts.  But it has allowed me to slow down and enjoy the world around me.  And that is something else to be thankful for. :)

 

How has your week been?

 

Hello, dolls!  Wow, it seems like I have not posted anything fitness related in forever.  Honestly, training has been... well, training.  With life, wedding planning and starting the process to transfer for active duty to the National Guard, it has been crazy to post my big ol' boring training.  So a little update:

 

Running has been going good.  With the unseasonably autumn-like temperatures it has been a delight to run.  Truth be told, I have been running for me more than anything instead of time.  I have found myself using my running time to think about all the changes going on and going over my to-do lists.  Always a Type-A.

 

I am doing Crossfit but had to scale back on the amount of days I was doing it.  By the end of the foundation classes, I was feeling broken.  My knees started killing to the point that I was running with knee braces and my left hip joint felt like it was on fire after anything squats related.  Scaling back has really helped though.  And I am glad because Crossfit makes me feel like a bad-momma jamma! :D

 

I also started going to the Crossfit gym on post because honestly the 30-minute driving to Kansas City was getting old.  Not so much going but coming back.  After an intense Crossfit workout I was super dead to get on the road and drive.  Luckily I found a great Crossfitter who has been helping me here.

 

 

Last week I had to go to the normal gym-- or what Crossfitters call "globo gym" {if you have seen the movie Dodge Ball you know where this is coming from}.  With work and the Crossfit gym closing by 6:00 PM, this is what worked.  And I have to admit: it was like coming back home (oh, I'm getting teary thinking about it... lol).  I loved lifting weights and I could tell that Crossfit is improving my fitness because I went up 15-20 lbs. on all the weights.  Yeap!  Feeling like a bad-momma jamma again!  

 

 

I wanted to touch on this because I think my thyroid levels are all wacked out {hello tiredness}, however I have been able to maintain a good balance or exercise and nutrition.  On the scale the change is not much (booo!) but I am fitting into clothes I have not in many months and that is reassuring.  Little baby steps that make everything worth it.

 

And that is for me my friends.  How has your training been going?  Tried any new workouts lately?

Joining Workout Wednesday and Fitness Friday.

I am a Type-A personality.  If you add to that a love for organizing and planning, stationery, pretty binder and journals you will get a highly organized bride-to-be.  I bought a wedding planning book when I first got engaged but after getting it home I found it is not what I was looking for.  It was more of a guide to planning a wedding instead of a planner book-- which is different and what I needed.  


Still in looking at the various options available for planner books I was not impressed nor found what I wanted.  I like a clean look.  Just because I am a woman does not automatically mean I like frilly and flowers.  I wanted classic because this would be a keepsake for a lifetime.  So I took matters into my hands I made my own using various resources and tools I found online.  What I created is my perfect wedding planner book and in the process discovered that truly a wedding planner must have a few key components.

NO. 1  A CLASSIC & TIMELESS BINDER

 Wedding Wednesday. Wedding Wednesday. 

I have always had a love for vineyards and wineries.  Learning about the operations of the vineyard, thee grapes and everything that goes into making it work, regardless of how small was fantastic.  Especially because one day I hope to one day have a small vineyard operation in Minnesota.  There is a new world of viniculture in Minnesota that D and I have been talking about exploring, and this visit just made our gears turn even more.  We will see.  In thee meantime I will cherish the loveliness of the day.

Just assemble a bed of your favorite greens {I love mesclun} and drizzle some of the vinaigrette {see below}.  Then sprinkle as many sliced fresh strawberries as you want, slice a half avocado and sprinkle some feta cheese. 

 

For the vinaigrette just mix 1/4 cup champagned vinegar, 3/4 cups olive oil, salt and pepper.  That's it!  You can add some garlic but for this salad I prefer it without.  

 

I am not big about adding fruit to salads but in this one it just works.  The juiciness of the strawberry and the creaminess of the avocado works really good with the vinaigrette.  It really is super easy, delicious and so refreshing especially on a hot summer day. 

 

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So it is no surprise that for my wedding day, this is the route I am going (plus I am a bit taller than the groom).  But that does not necessarily mean ugly shoes.  Many designers are realizing the niche in the fashion world for ballet flats and are coming out with gorgeous ballet flats worthy of the big day.  These are some of the ones I am loving so far.

Nothing says festive like sparkle and glitter.  Personally it just makes me happy.  And flats in these mediums are fun, flirty and girlie while maintaining the classic look by keeping colors neutral and the style simple.  

Is there anything more romantic or feminine than bows?  I LOVE BOWS.  I remember growing up and putting bows on everything.  I think of all the flats in this post, the ones from Something Bleu are my favorites.  Satin bows + ballet flats are a match made in heaven.

The "something blue" tradition has not been the same since Carrie Bradshaw's blue satin Manolo Blahniks made an appearance in the movie Sex & The City.  And with all reason-- they are gorgeous!  And how fantastic it is that Manolo thought of girls like me who would love to wear flats on the big day by transforming the beautiful satin pump into a flat.  They look so French court, don't you think?  I also love the slightly more dainty flats from Christy.  They are so girly.

 

Ballet flats are the perfect compromise for the bride looking for comfort and classic style.  There are so many choices to meet a brides' taste and budgets that the only problem will be deciding which one to go for.  But the best thing about these flats is that they are so beautiful that I will be able to use them after the wedding instead of staying relegated to the back of the closet.  And I am all for that.  Happy wedding inspiration!
 

I love a weekend when I enjoy myself to the point of such contentment that I drift through the days without even noticing.  This weekend started very lazily for me and handsome Jack.  I kind of hung around in bed reading and enjoying breakfast while Jack snoozed away (while keeping me within eye sight, of course}. 

Once done at the market I stopped by the library.  Am I the only one who loves a library?  There is nothing like walking through isles of books and that smell-- you know that peculiar smell of library books.  I love it.  I found some good fiction books and a cookbook from The Blackberry Farm.  I have read so much about this self-sustained farm and poured through the book enjoying the stories, photos and recipes.  Foodie heaven indeed.  

Sunday arrived with thunder, lightning and a deluge of rain, which made for another lazy morning.  Jack is not a fan of stormy weather and he just relaxed in the cocoon of his quilt.  As gets older he sleeps more and more.  After church- latter and chocolate muffin in hand-- I headed to the town of Atchinson, KS which is 30 minutes from where I live.  It was a gorgeous day by then and the drive through the beautiful farmland was just beautiful.  

Because it was Sunday not many things were open but I managed to visit two beautiful historic homes:  the Amelia Earhart Birthplace and the Clay Historic Home which was exquisite with its facade reminiscent of a Scottish castle.  I loved everything about this last home and the historian in me loved every minute of it.  Later in the week I will share the interior of the homes.  

By the time I made it home it was time for dinner and food preparation for the week.  Then I cuddled with my snugglebug and watched Saving Mrs. Banks, the story behind the movie Mary Poppins.  It was so endearing and moving.  A perfect way to cap the night and the weekend.

How was your weekend?  Anything exciting?

Mosaic Monday. Mingle Monday.  Monday Morning Gossip. Monday Link-Up.