For awhile, Toly and I have been discussing the idea of giving a portion of our income to a charitable organization. The only problem we had was deciding which one we wanted to participate in. After doing some research, we finally decided to become Partners of Hope for The St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Each month, we will make a donation that will go directly to the research of terminal illness and funding for medical treatment for these children so that no child is ever denied. We will also receive letters and pictures each month, from children who we have helped.
What a gratifying reward! Toly and I know that we have been blessed well beyond our needs and it is truly the very least we can do to share some of our blessings with others who are in need. If you are able to make any kind of charitable donation this holiday season, I strongly encourage you to give this some thought. It doesn't have to be much; every little penny makes a significant difference to those who have next to nothing. Think of how fortunate you are for the things that you have and see those things as a blessing, not as an expectation. I promise the experience of giving is entirely uplifting and worthwhile.
There are countless ways that you can give and even so many right in our very own blogsphere.
You could help Holly build a well in Cambodia
Or you can support Caitlin as she trains for her first marathon to raise money for the Luekemia and Lymphoma society.
Okay, just had to get that off my chest….
Today was downright COLD! Nope, cold doesn't even describe it, it was more like glacial.
I think I need to start swapping up my usual bowl of cold cereal with warm oats in the morning because I was shivering after I finished breakfast. The only trouble I have with making oats in the morning, is that my oatmeal breakfasts usually take more time, and on work mornings, I don't have that time. Does anyone know if microwave oats taste just as good as stovetop? Or can I microwave rolled oats or do I have to buy those icky instant ones? Maybe I should do some experimenting.
Speaking of experimenting, the lovely little doll Emily over at The Experimentarian was so gracious to send me a bag of her homemade trail mix. Dried apples, chocolate chips, almond, dried cranberries….yep it was pretty unbelievable and made the perfect morning snack. Thank you sweet girl! :)
Lunch was pretty much perfect today. Being that it was sub-zero outside, I knew that a hot bowl of soup would be entirely fitting. I warmed up my leftover homemade Butternut Squash and Apple Soup and added a big handful of baby spinach. I topped the steaming soup with dried cranberries and greek yogurt. So fantastic!
Some nibbles on the side included a slice of pumpkin cranberry bread, carrots and almond butter and fruit.(The cantaloupe was one that my dad picked up for me at the farmers market. I wasn't too sure how it would be, but honestly, this is one of the best cantaloupes I have had all year. Thanks Dad!)
Or you can support Caitlin as she trains for her first marathon to raise money for the Luekemia and Lymphoma society.
Okay, just had to get that off my chest….
Today was downright COLD! Nope, cold doesn't even describe it, it was more like glacial.
I think I need to start swapping up my usual bowl of cold cereal with warm oats in the morning because I was shivering after I finished breakfast. The only trouble I have with making oats in the morning, is that my oatmeal breakfasts usually take more time, and on work mornings, I don't have that time. Does anyone know if microwave oats taste just as good as stovetop? Or can I microwave rolled oats or do I have to buy those icky instant ones? Maybe I should do some experimenting.
Speaking of experimenting, the lovely little doll Emily over at The Experimentarian was so gracious to send me a bag of her homemade trail mix. Dried apples, chocolate chips, almond, dried cranberries….yep it was pretty unbelievable and made the perfect morning snack. Thank you sweet girl! :)
Lunch was pretty much perfect today. Being that it was sub-zero outside, I knew that a hot bowl of soup would be entirely fitting. I warmed up my leftover homemade Butternut Squash and Apple Soup and added a big handful of baby spinach. I topped the steaming soup with dried cranberries and greek yogurt. So fantastic!
Some nibbles on the side included a slice of pumpkin cranberry bread, carrots and almond butter and fruit.(The cantaloupe was one that my dad picked up for me at the farmers market. I wasn't too sure how it would be, but honestly, this is one of the best cantaloupes I have had all year. Thanks Dad!)
For dessert, a Candy Cane Kiss. LOVE these! Probably my favorite of all kisses. (Well except the ones I get from my hunka hunka burnin love! ;)
Dinner this evening appeared and sounded a bit more upscale; however, undeniably easy. I made
Roasted Vegetable Balsamic Veggie and "Pasta"with Pesto Shrimp in a light Dijon crème sauce
First, I roasted Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Eggplant with salt pepper and balsamic drizzled with honey at 450* for 10-15 min. I also roasted my "pasta" during this time, which was a spaghetti squash.
First, I roasted Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Eggplant with salt pepper and balsamic drizzled with honey at 450* for 10-15 min. I also roasted my "pasta" during this time, which was a spaghetti squash.
While they cooked, I worked on the sauce which started off my sautéing some garlic and evoo in a skillet. Then I added shrimp and let them cook for a min. Remove the shrimp and toss them in a touch of pesto. And to the skillet, add chicken broth, balsamic, Dijon, laughing cow and greek yogurt, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and basil. Let the sauce cook and thicken for a few minutes.
Once the sauce is done, remove the veggies and toss them in the skillet of sauce. Then I layered….
- Baby Spinach
- Cooked Spaghetti Squash
- Roasted Veggies and sauce
- Pesto Shrimp
- Crumbled Goat Cheese
Fettucini Alfredo with Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ah-Ma-Zing!!!! Far exceeding anything I have ever ordered at Olive Garden! :) We both LOVED our meals!
My belly is full of veggies and I LOVE it! ;)
My belly is full of veggies and I LOVE it! ;)
Okay, no mas for tonight. TGIF because this has been one loooooonnnnngggg week!
Night loves.
Night loves.
cranberries and butternut squash are such a beautiful and tasty winter combo
ReplyDeleteNICE job on the donation decision! Josh and I felt the same way, which is why we decided to make the donation to the SPCA.
ReplyDeleteBoth your lunch and dinner look delicious. There is something so incredible about roasted veggies, isn't there?
Hooray for almost Friday
I cook my oats (slow cooking) in the microwave whenever I'm in a hurry!! :)
ReplyDeleteNo difference... and no need for instant oats!! :)
It truly is more blessed to give than to receive :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so awesome that you are able to donate to St. Jude. Since I live in Memphis (where St. Jude is located) and am a nurse I've had the opportunity to take care of some pretty sick St. Jude kids and it is just amazing the hope and strength they get from that hospital.
ReplyDeleteAs for the oats, I don't think microwave oats taste as good as stove top :( But they are a lot quicker and you can even prepare it the night before, refrigerate, then pop into the microwave. And you can use regular oats in the microwave too, don't have to buy instant!
Hahaha I am on the ground laughing at your hunka hunka burnin' love comment. I did Girl Scouts for 13 years so giving back is in my blood! You and Toly are such amazing people and I'm sure whoever is on the receiving end will thank you forever and ever. I love the dollop of Greek in your soup!!! What a fab idea. I am imagining what it tastes like in my mouth right now.
ReplyDeletei love roasted veggies! & that is so true, giving is so important :) we truly are so blessed!!
ReplyDeletei like the instant oats lately with hot water! haha
xoxo
shelley
Shrimp makes everything taste better! :D Totally jealous you munched on some cantaloupe! I miss it so!
ReplyDeleteWe donate monthly to St. Judes as well. It is a wonderful charity. I'm glad you decided on it! Also, the shrimp looks sooo yummy!
ReplyDeleteYou have such a big heart! One of the many reasons I love you :D I agree with you though. We are all very blessed and it's refreshing to think outside of our lives and see how we can help others.
ReplyDeleteI want to send you some warmth!!! It's raining over here but it's not cold. Frustrating because I want to get some sun. That's like source of energy lol. Your eats all sound amazing and I love the sound of that pumpkin bread. Yumyumymum. Everytime I'm around any pumpkin or pumpkin type thing I think of you.
p.s. I have a candy cane kiss too :D
Love your blog!!! I just got the same template!!! I am still trying to figure it out, the menu section, I am clueless!!! I hope you have a great day and Happy Holidays!!!
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea and for such a great cause. i admire your decision! that is awesome! emily is a doll. i am lucky enough to live near her :) haha~your hunka hunka comment was so cute!! youre adorable and i just love you to pieces. both yours and toly's meals look mouth-watering. delish. i hope you have a great weekend!! get some relaxing it :)
ReplyDeletemake that IN! haha
ReplyDeleteGlacial - haha, I like that term! Emily's trail mix is crazy delicious, isn't it?! She's a pro trail mix maker! Those balsamic veggies sound absolutely divine!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY FRIDAY, MY DEAR :)
I think that I vote you the sweetest blogger ever. You always have the nicest posts. And prettiest food!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great what you're doing to help St. Jude's. And congrats on your promotion!
ReplyDeleteI love your idea to donate a portion of your income to a charitable organization! My office did a food drive and donated 107 lbs of food today. It feels really good to give back to the community, especially at this time of the year!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the comment on my blog. I'm excited to read more of your posts!!