I want to start off by saying that Pinterest has jumped in and saved my butt when it comes to being organized about cooking and having fun with it all at the same time. Where have you been all my life? I never realized how much I needed a VISUAL pin board. I NEED the pictures. I guess I am a visual person, and that is that. So, I made these personalized baked oatmeal cups this morning, some with walnuts, some with walnuts and chocolate chips, and some with apples. I think the apple ones were my fave. This delicious, healthy recipe (found here) was made with ground flax, applesauce and banana– no sugar or flour whatsoever. Can’t beat that! And as I was taking the picture, I realized that this painting was right behind it, so why not include it. It was made by my lovely, inspiring niece. And yes, those ARE jelly beans, and yes, this is my family and our new home. She made it for us as a housewarming gift and I was so touched by it, I welled up with tears when she gave it to me!

Then I made this Curry Lentil Soup (topped with roasted pumpkin seeds and fresh coriander) for lunch (recipe from Green Kitchen Stories) which was also really great poured over steamed rice. Another thing I have discovered about myself is that if I do all the prep work the night before, cooking from scratch and getting meals on the table on time is totally no problem! Plus, it’s waaaay less stressful, and it makes me feel like I’m actually a good cook and maybe even have my shit together! Hah! The ways we try to fool ourselves…

Then…. I went to GirlCanCreate’s Movies & Makers art and craft fair at the Fox Theater. What a lovely venue! The booths were all set up in the aisles of the theater, each lit up in the darkness (rather than overhead lights) making it really enchanting. I got this wonderful, natural scented foot scrub (desperately needed!) by MadStone Soapery….

This gorgeous brooch and earrings from Ladeebee (in truth I would have bought her whole table had I had the money)….. who also has a children’s clothing etsy shop called Vintage Baby Revival which I can’t wait to check out.

And this adorable, lovely original vintage collage made by the organizer of the event, artist Lisa Pijuan Nomura, who is so lovely and kind herself. I can’t say enough about this show, and all the vendors there. I wish it was on again tomorrow so that I could tell you just how badly you need to get yourselves there. The work was impeccable– the craftsmanship, the quality, the inspiring imagination put into all of the work there just astounded me. Thank you for making my day! And thank you to Oma and Opa for making it possible for me to get out of the house with my good friend so that we could enjoy this show together!

Then… I came home and made this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe in my crock pot. It turned out great. You know how I know? Because my daughter actually ate it all up, had seconds and thirds I tell you!

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