mmm...you gotta try this!

One thing I'll blog a little about is great food! I just love to roll up my sleeves and make a mess in the kitchen. I love trying new recipes and I promise to share the good ones with you. Enjoy!!

Chickpea Goji Berry Salad

* You can subsitute dried cranberries or blueberries instead of using goji berries.



 2/3 cup slivered almonds

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 can mandarin oranges, drained

2/3 cup dried cranberries (or goji berries)

1 small red onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

4 oz (125 ml) feta cheese, cubed

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Fresh ground black pepper to taste

In dry skillet over medium heat, toast slivered almonds until golden brown, about 4 minutes, stirring often. Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Store in refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Serves 4.

Picture and original recipe from Alive magazine

The house that built me....

I love this song and if you like country music, I encourage you to have a listen: 'The house that built me' by Miranda Lambert. If you're a softy like me, you'll be balling in no time! haha :) I wasn't too sure what my first blog should be about but I guess this is a good place to start....at the beginning.

My amazing parents

One thing I'll never understand is what I ever did to deserve such a beautiful family. Seriously?! My sister, Stacey and I were talking the other day about our childhood and growing up together. We could not have asked for better parents and in my wildest imagination I could never paint a picture of parents better then mine. They've always loved and supported us unconditionally. My mom would sit at the kitchen table some nights (bored to tears I'm sure ) with the 'teenage version' of myself until the wee hours of the morning just listening to me go on, and on, and on. About nothing. AND she had to work the next day. My dad worked so hard for us and not once did I ever hear him complain about how hard he had to work. We were always assured of his love for us, he always took our side (even if, looking back...we were wrong). I thank God everyday for my mom and dad. I ask Him to bless them as they have so selflessly given to us their love, their time, their EVERYTHING. I only hope that one day I can give all that back to my own children. Thankyou mom and dad for teaching me what love is.

Stacey rocking her son, Donovan

My sister is my best friend, and the most wonderful woman I know. She is younger then me by 3 years, but is my greatest teacher. Her integrity and selflessness always speak to me. She's a lantern in my life. A bright light on a dreary day. Time with her reminds me of what's really important in this life, and she doesn't have to say a word. She's relaxed and easy going and always, always seeing the positive in the darkest of situations. She constantly puts the needs of others ahead of her own and the way she loves takes my breath away. She is so special and a gift from God to me.  I love you Stacey.

I humbly bow before the one and only true and living God. I thank Him for my up-bringing, and how He has taken my hand in this life. How he has protected and stood by me as a baby, a child, a teenager and now as a woman. I stand where I stand because He is so good, not because of any good I have done. I dedicate my life to bringing Him glory. Thankyou God for Your love.