Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 


Well, it's that time of year again...  Time for a bit of over-indulging (I can't be the only one who eats too much stuffing) and perhaps some personal reflecting. (ie. What am I grateful for?  Have I been thankful enough) this year?

Today, as I ask myself these questions, I realize that I have to own up to the fact that I've done A LOT of complaining over the last few months.  Now, there's no doubt about it; it has definitely been a challenging time and I, for one, think a bit of wallowing (I said, just a "bit") is acceptable.  

Thankfully, this time of year always seems to snap me out of any pity parties I might be throwing myself.  No more grey clouds hovering over this lady's head!  Let's face it.  I, like so many others, have SO much to be grateful for.  I think, sometimes, we just need a lil' reminder.

Miss Modish was writing all about gratitude the other day.  Love her.  And love that brain of hers.  Check out the 5 questions below; she answers them following her meditation.  I don't know about you, but I intend to ask myself these questions today and much more often.  Thanks, MM!

"I think we all know how powerful gratitude can be- if we focus on all that is wonderful and incredible about our lives, rather than what we don't have, it opens us up to feel more joy, more fulfillment and abundance in our here and now.

The more you can bring gratitute into your everyday, the more happiness and balance it will bring into your life. It can become a deep well to pull from when you experience pain, fear or uncertainty- drop your bucket into that well of thankfulness for all that you have, and it can help you get through anything.

To help manifest more gratitude in your everyday:

Ask yourself these 5 Q's to get your gratitude rolling- try to find at least 3 answers to each:

1. What do I take for granted? Maybe your breath, your senses, your body, your health... what else? 
2. What relationships do I have that I cherish? Is there a certain person you connect to? A pet that's very special to you? What relationships do you feel lucky to have?
3. What freedoms, unique gifts and opportunities do I have? Think of your talents, your ambitions, your passions...
4. What advantages have I been given in life? This could be a long list if you really think about it...
5. Who are my backers in life? Don't focus on those who you feel don't support you, they are a drain on your energy- who are your champions? Your defenders? Your supporters? Who are your partners in life that have helped you get where you are right now? 

Give yourself permission to relish in all that is good in your life, and be grateful for it!"

Nice, right?  Do it!

A Brunch to be Thankful For...

Today, I am feeling so grateful.


We had a visit from some LA friends this morning.  It was so lovely hanging out with people we know.  People we have history with.  People who enjoy food as much as we do!  Cari & Rusty have the sweetest baby boy (his name is Harlan...SO cute?!), but poor thing.  She's still breast feeding and he's got some tummy issues, soooo she has a VERY restricted diet at the moment.


1. No Caffiene

2. No Sugar

3. No Alcohol

4. No Gluten Products

5. No nuts

6. No Dairy

7. No Chocolate

I thought, good LORD(!)...what are we going to feed these people???  Thank goodness Chef Cham+Thom was home and knew exactly what to do.  He's like a superhero in the kitchen. 

He saved the day with THE most amazing Mushroom, Spinach & Goat Cheese Frittata you've ever tasted! 

(I borrowed this shot from A Spicy Perspective.  Hers looks pretty amazing too!)

His Frittata ended up being such a brilliant idea and was a total hit!  It seemed super easy too;  we are definitely adding this to our "Impressive Meal Rotation". 

He says he didn't use an exact recipe. (Superheros don't need recipes.)  I had him sit down and tell me what he did though and trust me; you should totally try it!  And if you do, write me and let me know how yours turns out.

10 Eggs; beaten

1 Package Crumbled Goat Cheese

1 Package of Portabella Mushrooms; chop

1 Package Crimini Mushrooms; chop

Handful of Shitake Mushrooms; chop

2-3 Cups of fresh Spinach; chop

6-8 Drops of Truffle Oil

1 1/2 sprigs of fresh Rosemary; minced

3 cloves of Garlic; minced

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

Pre-broil oven to 500 degrees.

In a large non-stick frying pan, put olive oil and heat to medium high; cook mushrooms with salt & pepper until soft.  Add truffle oil.

Add minced rosemary and garlic and cook for about a minute longer.

Add spinach and cook until wilted.  Lower heat to medium low.

Add eggs; do not stir.  Let the egg mixture almost completely set...until it's just a teensy bit runny on the top.  Keep in mind you'll want to run the rubber spatula around the edges to keep it from sticking.

Sprinkle goat cheese on top.

Put in the oven until cheese is melted.

Transfer to a serving dish and cut into wedges.

Along with the world's most delicious frittata we served homemade hashbrowns (1 sweet potato, 1 purple potato, 1 white and 1 yellow potato) and a colorful salad.  How did I not take a picture of that salad?!  Mixed herb greens topped w/ apple slices, cherry tomatoes, celery, chopped carrots and dried cranberries.  It was SO beautiful! Mmmm...makes me hungry just thinking about it.

Okay, so this week is Thanksgiving, right?  By the weekend you are going to be over all the turkey madness, but you are likely to still have a house-full of guests.  This meal will surely put a smile on everyone's face!  Try it, people. 

Again, you can thank me later...

Bon Appetit! :))

A Whole New Level of Crazy

Oh. Mah. Gah.  The trailer for the new Seb Montaz documentary, I Believe I can Fly, is circulating on the web and I'm here to tell ya...it is UNbelievable.   Thanks to Joanne at A Cup of Jo for sharing; she's such a pro and always finds the best stuff!  

I've gotta warn you before you view this though.  Your stomach may end up in your throat before it's all said and done.  The two Frenchies in the film are crazy!  They call themselves the Skyliners and are pioneers in what they call "highlining", a new European sport that combines tightrope walking, slacklining and base jumping.

Care to do a cartwheel off a mountain, anyone?  Um.  These guys do.  Like I said, CRAZY!  But awesome.  Don't try this at home, folks.  But yes; let's all watch the documentary (it's only 40 minutes) and report back.  Enjoy!

Hip Hip Hooray!

Today is the best day I've had in weeks. Mr. Cham+Thom is home from a long 3 weeks away working in Los Angeles.  It seems distance really DOES make the heart grow fonder and more than ever I am reminded just how much I love that man.

{Honey, if you're reading this, this is meant for YOU!}

Source: etsy.com via Bridgette on Pinterest

Now if I were a better, more organized wife my lovely husband would've come home to one of these awesome cards from Storeyshop on Etsy.  Sadly, he didn't, but I DO intend to break the bank (they're not cheap) and put my order in soon.  They're adorable, right?!  And, it looks like she's running a special at the moment.  Buy 4 get 1 free!  Now I like them even more!


Helen Foers is the talented designer behind the clever cut-outs.  She uses a template and cuts all the designs with a scalpel so no pencil or pen marks ever go on the finished card.  Do we love her or what? You just have to check out the colorful selection of cards on her Etsy site. And don't you think they would make great keepsakes?  I know if I received one, I would pop it into a frame...pronto!


Hop to it.

images via Storeyshop

Fantasy Friday

Tonight I am fantasizing about places far far away...


Close your eyes if you will, and travel with me to Nairobi (the largest city in Kenya).  It's summertime in our fantasy (if only) and we're decked out in some fab safari gear.  Think Meryl Streep in Out of Africa.


We'll be staying in the most amazing hotel.  Truly.  It's called Giraffe Manor and as the name suggests, the long-necked beauties have the run of the place.  It's a luxury boutique hotel that was built in the 1930's and just look at the pictures; it is beyond gorgeous!  I mean think about it...  A giraffe's head through the window at breakfast time?  *sigh*  Sign me up, please.


A trip to this beautiful hotel has definitely secured a spot on my bucket list.  Check out these photos (could you just DIE?!) and then go here to book your room.

photos via www.giraffemanor.com