Strawberry Fields Forever

I will admit, my favorite season is not summer. However, when I start seeing "life" come out the gardens, I get really excited. To me, late spring/early summer is about using the freshest ingredients possible. My husband works tirelessly on our own little homestead so we get the best veggies we could ask for (just wait until you see the lettuces!). We also like heading out to the local farms and grabbing what we don't grow. So today was about picking strawberries!

My son always likes to do a run through of the seasons and what special things we do during them. He lit up the other day when I reminded him that summer is strawberry picking time. Every year we end up so busy that we almost miss out on the opportunity. I was determined to not miss it! We went to one farm who claimed to still have pick your own, only to be turned away. This did not make for a happy boy. I had to look at that little face covered in disappointment.

We went home defeated. Had some lunch and a little rest and then I picked up the phone to check with another local farm. As soon as I heard that picking hours were ending soon, I grabbed the keys and we were out the door. We headed to Cider Hill Farm (http://www.ciderhill.com/) and had just about 25 minutes to run out in the fields and fill our baskets. In the intense heat of the afternoon, I plopped my son in one of their wagons and ran. I felt like Super Mom. And looking back at the smile on his face confirmed that for me. We worked fast and efficiently and ended up with 2 quarts of red, ripe berries.

We both were slightly giddy from excitement and a little delirious from the heat, I thought it would be an excellent night for an ice cream sundae. Not just any old sundae, it was going to be with cider donuts and strawberries. Oh...yeah...

Here's your "recipe":

Go find the best berries a local farm or your backyard can offer

I just love their fancy little hats

Find the tastiest cider donuts. I personally think Cider Hill's are the best (and I've tried many cider donuts before)!

Get your favorite vanilla ice cream. It needs to be a good quality ice cream. I was delighted to find Hodgies at Cider Hill! 

It's summer, allow for an extra scoop since it melts. Because then it doesn't count, right???

Warm the donut slightly (in a toaster oven or microwave) and slice your berries (make sure they're washed). Then just rip the donuts in pieces and mix in with the ice cream. Top with berries. And there you have it. A perfect summer dessert in my opinion.

P.S. I don't even care that the ice cream got all melty so fast. It just made it that much better. 

A Little Bit of Sunshine

One of the best compliments I receive, comes in the form of a referral. When someone really loves your work and shares that with their friends and family, it honestly makes me giddy. This wonderful family is related to this other wonderful family you may recognize (http://kristinesoares.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-growing-family-part-one.html).

This is the story of the Liz, Tim and Miss M.

I'm really excited to share this with you, as it has been in the making for quite some time now. There are so many great moments, that I am going to let the pictures do most of the talking. That's the best way anyway. You'd probably like to see these rather than listening to me babble.

And with a face like this to look at? I don't blame you!

Miss M at around 4 months. 

I mean...seriously. I looked at this photo whenever I felt down. It made me smile instantly.

Amazing what just a couple of months can do, because the next time I saw her, she was mobile!

Look at those eyes!

And if you are wondering where this little lady gets her good looks from? Here you go...

Family sessions are my pride and joy. I love to see the bond between parent and child.

Plus, family sessions give me a chance to get more shots like this. Ugh..love it so much!

Now, from these photos you can't quite tell, but Miss M was a little hesitant to smile for me. I often have parents tell me, "Oh, he/she usually smiles all the time! I don't know what's going on?". I reassure them, that maybe they are just wondering what the strange lady with the big camera is doing in their way. I suggest that sometimes, they need to be in their own element, with their own things to perk right up.

So for Miss M's one year shoot (it flew by), I would go to their house.

See?

This brings back personal memories for me. When my son (he's almost 4 now!) started walking, he became a furniture mover. It was his preferred method of getting around. I guess Miss M likes that way too!

Fast forward a few months, when talking to my friend Karen (Liz's sister), she mentioned that Liz was expecting again. Yay! She wanted to surprise her with a maternity shoot. So, I drew up a little certificate and set up a date. I couldn't wait to see the bump (and of course the whole family)!

Just like I predicted, Liz makes a perfectly glowing expectant mother.

And look how big Miss M is! She was very content with finding rocks that morning.

This image, to me, captures a father's love for his daughter beautifully. I tried not to tear up while snapping it.

I feel like she has a secret in this picture.

Maybe it's her own little special language for her baby brother/sister. Side note: I love that the baby's gender will be a surprise!

I wanted to sneak in some time with just Tim and Liz. Even having just 5 minutes to themselves is important. Miss M was quite happy with playing with keys and a phone. And of course, being a mom myself, I was using peripheral vision to make sure she was okay.

Liz, Tim and Miss M, I am so excited and happy for you all. I cannot wait to meet the newest member of the family. There is no doubt in my mind, that your home will be filled with an even greater joy and love. That is one lucky baby to be joining you.

And I think Miss M is ready for this whole Big Sister thing!

Until next time!

Stuffed Chicken

Dear blog readers,
   Forgive me as I have sinned. It's been a month since my last blog post.

Oh, you know how it goes. Life just gets crazy. Between migraines, asthma attacks and overall busy schedule, the last thing I wanted to do was sit at a computer for an extended period of time. But I'm back! And I am going to share with you one super easy dinner. It's one that can be customized to your liking and is absolutely delicious. Veggie and cheese stuffed chicken. Yum, right?

Ingredients:

Boneless skinless chicken breast (I chose 3 fairly large ones to have lots of leftovers)
3/4 of a tub of spreadable cheese (Our favorite is Alouette  Spinach and Artichoke)
1 bunch of asparagus (tough ends trimmed off)
1 bell pepper cored, seeded and cut in strips(we had leftovers from a taco night!)
Couple of large handfuls of kale washed and patted dry
3 cloves of garlic minced
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

First, I get all the veggies except the kale ready. The peppers and the asparagus are roasted in a skillet with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper on the stove. Cook the asparagus until tender, but still has a bite to it.

Now to prepare the chicken

On a cutting board, cut a pocket into the chicken. Make sure not to cut all the way through.

Add the chicken to a foil lined cookie sheet. I like to add olive oil to the foil so the chicken doesn't stick. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Now for the cheese. Mmmm...cheese. I spread about 2 tablespoons in the pocket of the chicken.

Now, fill the pocket with the veggies. Take any extra veg and surround the chicken with it.

Bake at 350 degrees about 25-30 minutes or until no longer pink and juices run clear. Now I just cook up my kale in a little olive oil, minced garlic and salt/pepper until wilted.

Once chicken is done, I just lay it on top of the cooked kale and ta da! You have a delicious meal!