Inspired

Who doesn't love some inspiration? I found mine in blog land this weekend, as I so often do! Thanks to the lady-keeper of Awesome Vegan Rad, I sought out the tools needed to get growing indoors. Of course, I have been watching and reading about the in-door gardens of other wicked cool bloggers, but, maybe its the spring sunshine, I really got down to it yesterday. I bought two types of lettuce, three different colours of carrots, onions, garlic and some lavender. They are happily germinating their hearts out on the windowsill - much to the annoyance of Eliot who is feeling some injustice with her special viewing seat being taken over by some big green boxes.

(please note the FILTH on my cat's fur...she had been rolling around on the ground in the most sultry, sun worshipping kind of way)

I was also inspired by the always info-packed-full blog of Jenn. I made her Everything Granola Bars. I did some subbing here and there, and realized, at the last minute, that I didn't have the right sized pan for her recipe, so I ended up with some yummy nummy granola-flat bread. No - they aren't quite that thin, but they aren't anywhere near the thickness they should be. Taste wise - num, num. They will serve as great little kitchen-walk-by nimblies and toppings for my oatmeal throughout the week. I love love love all of the nuts and seeds! Great recipe Jenn.


I am also inspired by my oatmeal. I just love it so much. Maybe too much. I felt that I had no choice but to take a pretty picture of it. So here it is, in its: fig, maple syrup, soy milk, oatbran, raisin and cashew glory! Oh yah!



Oh, and because Shellyfish asked so nicely - here's my belly! Big and beautiful - baking a little baby boy in the Belgian sunshine.


Wait a second. Speaking of inspiration - I am reading a beautiful book right now. Just as a little preemptive - I love my yoga, granola and natural soaps, but I don't think anyone would put me in the new age category, so don't get freaked out by the title of this book. It is called Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting, and it is written by Myla and Jon Kabbat-Zinn. I have had only a bath's soak worth of a read, but I am already so impressed with the text. It doesn't ream off a list of to-do's, or assault me with a by-the-week-chart of exactly what my child should be doing (and how to 'fix' them if they haven't worked hard enough to reach that goal). Rather, these author's focus on the idea of stopping to look at our children as a holistic being and trying to be mindful of the big picture with every situation. They also acknowledge that we aren't perfect and we aren't yogis who can step back with every new stress or big decision and pull out some holistic and happy-for-all answer. They encourage you to accept the lows with the copacetic meditation of their approach to parenting, and to look at the lows honestly and fully to better understand how to make it better next time. I really dig the idea of looking at your kids as their own little, full beings and not a pile of our own (failed) expectations, yearnings, misgivings, hopes, dreams etc. I dig it.

And for all the other meal planners in the world - here's this week's line up:
Sunday: Seitan Burgers and Sweet Potato Chips
Monday: Ratatouille
Tuesday: Mashed Cauliflower and Edamame
Wednesday: Mom's Green Beans and Tomatoes with Baked Tofu
Thursday: Cumin and Carrot Soup
Friday: Left Over Goodness

Have a wonderful and foodfilled week!!!