Happy Blog Anniversary!

Jeff Boodman is an excellent photographer and I appreciate him allowing me to post more than a couple of pictures on my blog.

Happy Blog Anniversary. This is my 64th post and I have had close to 9300 page views in my first year of blogging. Thank you to my friends for the suggestion and encouragement to start this blog a year ago today. This isn't Smitten Kitchen. This isn't Dinner, A Love Story or any other huge blog obviously. But, it is mine. My little blog.

One year ago today, I sat and wrote my first entry. It was entitled, Blogging, a new world. I was really nervous to share about myself and my feelings. You know, putting myself out there. As I said, this was originally going to be strictly a cooking blog but somehow that didn't feel quite right so it really is a mish mash of different things, including cherishing the simplest moments in life. I hope you have enjoyed reading as much as I have enjoyed writing.

So feel free to provide feedback - public or private. Is there any kind of dishes you would like to see or blog entries you enjoyed reading?

My two thoughts for the day.

One of my favorite people in the world has said - your greatest strength is often your greatest weakness. This is so, so true. You know the age old recruiting question that I really despise - what is your weakness and everyone always answers with something like - I am a perfectionist. The weakness that is really a positive.

Well - think about your greatest strength and then think about your greatest weakness. Are they related? For me they are. I have many weaknesses (I am human after all - I also have many strengths) so we will pick one for this blog. I feel things deeply. I feel people's feelings deeply. Especially my children's.....yes, many of my friends and family will now say - too much.

I feel emotions too deeply.  I find it hard to separate myself at times. It is a strength to have this ability and it has helped me in many circumstances but it also can hurt me. Taking deep breaths and finding some space within my body and therefore in situations and with those close to me helps me. Awareness is key. I was feeling particularly close to something one day recently and I did some yoga. It provided me clarity and the ability to keep those feelings in perspective. I am not saying to do yoga every time you feel too close to something, but find a way to distance yourself and find space.

Second. Dance. Yes. You heard me or shall I say read me....Dance. Dancing lets out such stress and anxiety. There was one particular night with my book group and a dear friend said kinda randomly - sometimes I just feel like I have to dance, or something to that effect. We all laughed...hard...in that moment....and my poor friend has never been able to live that down.

Admission time. She is right!!

I love dancing. I don't get many opportunities to dance so I go to a gym class or two where I dance. Wednesdays are my day to take 2 classes back to back so by 10:45 a.m. I am exhausted but I can't not go to this zumba toning class after my really hard cardio, core and strength class because the music is great and you are moving the entire time.

And I dance. I may not be that great but I really like it and it is hard. And if I really like it then that means it is worth doing. It doesn't matter how good you are at something as long as you like it. And chances are if you really like doing something and you keep doing it, you will improve. So, get out there and dance or find a way to release tension in your body. Jump up and down and wiggle your arms (like Jacqui does in yoga) or do some jumping jacks. Or just shake your booty. I guarantee you will feel better!! And don't forget to smile!!

Put on FourFiveSeconds by Rihanna, Kanye West and Paul McCartney and get cooking.

This was a surprisingly delicious meal and incredibly easy. I know people have a love-hate relationship with curry but this dish really does not have a strong curry flavor and the kids will love it because they can really make the dish their own - so think taco bar with a twist. I halved this recipe and really shouldn't have done so....I would've loved more leftovers. We also made steamed carrots on the side which added a nice taste to the meal.

Chicken Curry Bar - Cooking Light, March 2015
1T canola oil (I used vegetable)
1 large white onion, vertically sliced (I used sweet)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch-thick slices (I bought breasts instead mistakenly)
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp salt (I used less)
1 cup unsalted chicken stock
1 cup light coconut milk (I used the whole can)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 cup flaked unsweetened coconut, toasted (I omitted)
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried banana chips (I omitted)
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup thinly sliced mint leaves
8 lime wedges
4 cups precooked brown rice (I used more like 1 1/4 cups)

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add white onion and garlic; sauté 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add chicken, curry powder, and salt, tossing to coat.  Cook 7 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked, stirring occasionally.

Add stock, coconut milk, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 15 minutes or until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.

Place coconut, almonds, raisins, banana chips, green onions, cilantro, mint, and lime wedges each in small serving bowls.

Spoon 1/2 cup rice into each of 8 shallow bowls; top each serving with about 3/4 cup chicken mixture. Serve immediately along with toppings.

Enjoy and have a happy day, everyone!!