Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Eight

Two weeks to go before our big holiday, and after this week we can definitely use three weeks away from the world to just explore and be inspired. Still, as in every week, there was much to be grateful for in my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Eight:Monday: Today I found out that a big four day meeting that I was supposed to attend the week before we are going on our holiday has moved by a week – and I don’t have to go anymore! I’m grateful that I wriggled out of this one (it’s all engineering focused) and I promise to spare a thought for my colleagues while I am walking through Central Park with my first-ever pumpkin spice latte (which will probably end up being Pike Place roast if I’m honest).

Tuesday: Today Jess and I went out for a great lunch and sat in the sunshine talking and chomping on delicious food. I am so grateful that the warm spring sunshine is back to warm up our favourite lunch spot.Wednesday: Today I had to start a low fibre diet in preparation for a procedure on Friday. So, basically a low fibre diet means I can’t eat anything that I usually eat. Enter: cottage cheese, gluten free white bread, and egg. Oh and then, after the gym, Chris made me the best mashed potatoes ever. Seriously, the man has a gift. I am grateful that he chooses to share it with me.

Thursday: No food for me today after a very plain toast lunch. These few days of hunger have made me even more grateful for how privileged I am to never have to know true hunger, to always have a meal or snack within easy reach, and to be able to provide good food for the ones I love. This has been a lesson in not taking my food privilege for granted, and in thinking more of those who go to bed hungry in a world where some of us have so much.Friday: Today I went in for my procedure and I was so grateful that my Dad took some time off from work to drive me to the hospital. I might be ‘all grown up’ but I’m still Daddy’s girl and I’m grateful that he could take a few hours off to drive me. Chris picked me up afterwards and bundled me up in bed at home. I’m grateful that I have such caring men in my life.

Saturday: And she’s back in the game! I woke up this morning and went for a great leg-stretching walk followed by a super awesome breakfast – my favourite banana bread! I got stuck into some baking and photographing before Chris and I left to spend the afternoon and evening catching up with some of our friend-family. We sat on Casey and Matt’s deck, sipped some sangria, ate a gorgeous Mexican feast and laughed the night away. I was grateful to fill up on some time with my favourite people – it’s been too long since our last family dinner.Sunday:  Oh yes, a whole Sunday to spend in my kitchen after my morning walk creating and photographing some delicious recipes to share with you all in October. I was grateful for blue skies and a beautiful new walking route when I woke up this morning and a rainy afternoon to spend napping on the couch before heading back to work.

Also this week:

• I made us an old-fashioned buttery shortbread treat
• A girl can’t survive on butter alone (but she can try…) so there’s always this soup for lunch
• I found lots of cool stuff around the internet to share
• My Pumpkin Snack Cake was featured on this awesome pumpkin recipe round-up on Buzzfeed!

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Six

Sometimes when you think the world is rolling along and you are keeping your head down and just shuffling through the day you forget to look up and see the stars. The bright points of everyday wonderful that punctuate and remind us to keep looking up in wonder. This week was filled with brilliant points of everyday wonderful so bright they lit up my sky day and night. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Six:

Monday: Tonight when I got home from the gym Chris was waiting for me with a huge bunch of lilies. Just because. This man melts my hearts in the way he sprinkles ordinary moments with extraordinary love. I am grateful when he surprises me in such sweet ways. Tuesday: Tonight Chris and I went for a great walk around our new neighbourhood and when I got home I found out that the new issue of Yum. Gluten Free Magazine was out! I contributed three recipes to this, their second birthday edition, and there’s even a one page profile about me written by the lovely Olivia Jackson. I am grateful to be part of the Yum team. Wednesday: Today Mum sent me photos of Dad’s Christmas preparations and I can safely say that this year, the Chatwin Christmas Extravaganza is going to be bigger and better than ever. I know it’s only September, but when you are creating awesome stuff like my Dad does, Christmas is a year-round obsession. I’m grateful for his love of Christmas, and keeping us all in the spirit of the season. Thursday: Tonight Chris joined me at the gym! It’s great to have him back working out with me and I am grateful that we can share an enjoyment of working out. Tonight we settled in after our gym session and started watching our new obsession: Ice Road Truckers. Yep, if a reality TV show has people fighting against a brutish environment to achieve a common goal we will watch it.

Friday: Today at work I was surprised with a gift of eggs from a co-workers chickens! There’s nothing like fresh eggs, and this was such a sweet gift from someone who knows I love to bake (and enjoys the cupcakes I bring into work). I was grateful for such a thoughtful and unexpected present. Tonight Chris and I drove up to Toowoomba to have dinner with Chris’s parents. Chris found the greatest Indian restaurant in a pokey little shopping centre. The man has a knack for finding great dining spots!Saturday: Today was awesome from beginning to end. This morning Mum, Jess, and I had a special visitor at the markets – Miss Casey! We spent a few hours sipping coffee, nibbling banana bread, and picking up beautiful spring produce. After the markets I went for a 9km run before doing some baking. Chris whisked me out of the kitchen for a lunch and movie date. We saw Southpaw and I highly, highly recommend it. Our day was rounded out by a barbecue and catch up session with friends and we talked late into the night. I was grateful for a day full of adventures and time with people I love.Sunday: Today was Father’s Day. My Dad is my hero. A big-hearted, life-loving family man who can’t do enough for his family and those he draws into his life. I am grateful for all the sacrifices he has made over the years to give us a life that never wanted for anything. I am grateful for the lessons he has taught me, and continues to teach me, and for the way he makes life fun. I love you Dada and I am blessed to be your daughter.

Also this week:

• Breakfast for lunch, breakfast for dinner – this sweet potato, lentil and poached egg bowl is good any time of the day.
• Take your cookies up to 11 with these chocolate-on-chocolate decadences!

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Two

Can you believe that we’ve already lived through the first week of August my friends? This year is passing far too quickly for my liking, but I’m sure that’s what happens when you are busy living life. This week had its ups (getting some finishing touches crossed off our list) and its downs (me having a major stomach bug and not eating for two whole days) but there was plenty to be grateful for. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 Week Thirty-Two.

Monday: I mentioned in my Gratitude List last week that my Mum and Jess and I had enjoyed high tea at Newstead House but the caterer was rather rude to us. She actually was very forcefully rude about my need for a gluten free high tea and told me that ‘people like you shouldn’t be at high tea’. My sister went to bat for me and took the lady to task, both privately and in the media as the caterer had advertised the availability of a gluten free high tea and more than happily took my money. I am grateful that I have a sister who will stand up for me and unashamedly make a fuss when she feels that someone has been treated unfairly. She is my hero and I am grateful for her.

Tuesday: Today I was not feeling well at all when I went to work. I thought I could shake it off, but I made it through a grand total of 45 minutes at my desk before fleeing home and wrapping myself in blankets and monotonous daytime television for the remainder of the day. I am grateful for Chris taking care of me and making sure that I didn’t do anything but sleep and try to drink some water between bouts of being sick.Wednesday: No way on earth was I moving from my bed today and I was grateful to just lie back and let my body heal itself. I was also very grateful for all the lovely messages from my family and my online friends telling me to get better. Thanks lovelies!

Thursday: Lazarus has risen! Today I was back on board at work and back in the real world. Today I was grateful to get out for a little drive at lunchtime and have a big chat to my work friend Jess – I missed her while I was at home watching re-runs of Ellen.Friday: Tonight after work Chris and I headed to my Mum and Dad’s to have a visit (and also steal some internet…) and to give Molly lots of snuggles! I was grateful to catch up with Mum and Dad after a busy week and to eat Mum out of peanut m&ms. Hey! I was recovering…

Saturday: This morning started off slowly with a run and then Chris and I had Dad’s help putting up our curtains, a mirror, and doing some other finishing touches to the house. I am so grateful that my Dad was happy to help us and that our house is looking more and more like our home every day. After our house work Chris and I headed out for a lunch and movie date. We saw Fantastic 4. Verdict: B+. It tried hard and had all the ‘action points’ covered but there wasn’t much character development. I was still grateful to get out of the house and enjoy a date with my darling. In the early evening I went for a leg stretching (and popcorn burning) walk around our neighbourhood and watched a gorgeous sunset as the lights came twinkling on all around me.Sunday: Sundays always start with sweat and I enjoyed my slow run this morning before Chris and I went for morning tea and car washing at Mum and Dad’s place. I really enjoy washing my car and taking care of it so I was grateful that Dad and I could tool around with the car and enjoy some morning tea with the whole family. In the afternoon we had a visit to our new house from Chris’s Mum and Dad and we enjoyed afternoon tea with them while showing them around our new home.

Also this week:

• I made peanut butter chocolate chip blondies, and you should make them too.
• This over-the-top cake eliminates that tough choice between cake and cookies – and you can have your frosting too!
• The latest issue of Yum. Gluten Free Magazine is out and there are 3 Thoroughly Nourished Life cake recipes inside, including one completely new chocolate confection!

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty

We are officially moved in! Thanks to the hard work of family and some friends all our furniture, a library of books, our kitchen, and plethora of technological bits and pieces are now in our very own home.

Our very own home. I kept saying those words over and over again yesterday. I feel like I have to pinch myself to see if I’m in a dream. If I am, I don’t want to wake up.

This week, instead of going day by day through my Gratitude List, I want to share with you a list of things that I was grateful for in our new home.

 

• First of all I am so grateful to our family and friends for helping us to move in on Saturday. Chris’s Dad came down from Toowoomba to help us, my Mum and Dad were absolute packing/dismantling/unpacking/reassembling rock stars, my sister came to help (she is small but mighty), and two of Chris’s oldest friends came to help with all the heavy lifting and loading. I am so grateful for all of them giving up part of their weekend to help us.
• I am grateful that I get to share a home with my soulmate and best friend and every day is like a party when the two of us are together. Hard times there may be, but happiness and laughter, affection and love abound too. I am grateful for Chris and that we are having this grand adventure called life, together.
• I am grateful that we are closer to my family again. I loved living in our house by the bay, but our new home is only twenty minutes from my parents and my sister and her husband, which makes me incredibly happy.
• I am grateful that we live in such a diverse part of Brisbane! Our new area has so many interesting food spots, parks, and entertainment options to explore. Last night we stumbled across some cute little Korean cafes, an interesting Korean barbecue spot, and a Korean supermarket about a kilometer from our house! So many tasty adventures to be had!
• I am grateful for this place. This place that is ours. Just Chris and me. Our safe spot, our own castle. Our home.

The last two mornings I have woken up in our new bedroom feeling like someone has just given me the most awesome Christmas present ever. My gratitude for this place runs all the way to the roots of my soul.

Dorothy said it best: there’s no place like home.

 

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Nine

And so the last week in our cottage by the bay begins! From next week on Thoroughly Nourished Life will be coming to you from a brand new kitchen! I can’t wait to see what new adventures we have together. I’m looking forward to having a space where all of our friends can gather and I can feed people once again. And so, here is a reflection of all we had to be grateful for this week in my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Nine:

Monday: This afternoon I went for a big run after work and then got home to my poor sweetheart who had been in the dentist’s chair all afternoon having some pretty major work done. Then I made a big pot of soup while he napped and we enjoyed watching some Barefoot Contessa re-runs. I was grateful to a enjoy extra snuggles because of his sore mouth. Tuesday: Today I was contacted by the ever-lovely Bianca at Yum. Gluten Free Magazine to contribute to their upcoming August issue! I’ve got three recipes ready, and one is completely new and over the top, so keep an eye out for their next issue. I am so grateful that I have been able to work with Bianca and the Yum. team this year – they keep me thinking of new recipes that their readers would like and I get to share yummy gluten free food with even more people.

Wednesday:  Today I was grateful for a pause at the end of the day. I got home, put on a yoga video and namaste’d the stress right out of my body. I’m really enjoying trying to incorporate some more yoga into my life. I feel so calm afterwards!Thursday: This afternoon we collected the keys to our house and it officially became ours! Thank you all so much for your support as we have been going through this process. I am so grateful that we now have our own little cottage and I can’t wait for all the new adventures and memories to begin! Tonight I went back to my Mum and Dad’s house to do some more packing and spend the last night in my room. I am grateful for all the support and help my parents have given us while we have been going through building our home.Friday: This morning Mum and I shared a pot of tea after my run and before I headed off to work and I was grateful to start the day with puppy snuggles with Molly before a busy day. I was grateful to come home for some yoga practice and then enjoy sushi for dinner while Chris and I watched Deadliest Catch. Wild times.

Saturday: Today I started out with a big walk along the water and headed to Mum and Dad’s for some more packing….so…many…books…. Jess came to visit and brought lunch (one of the key features of an excellent sister) and Jess, Mum, and I headed to the house so Jess could see it for the first time. Chris and I even picked out curtains! I don’t even know this domesticated version of myself… Grateful to visit with my whole family – I’m getting out excited for moving day!Sunday: Chris and I had a major sleep in this morning…like, 10am… I was grateful for the chance to just sleep and snuggle and talk about the house. This afternoon I went for a great 11km slow run along the water and I was grateful to come back home and enjoy the wind down with Chris before Moving Week begins!

Also this week:

• The cupcake experiments of last weekend yielded these sweet results
• I loved working with Medibank on their Warm Up recipe book – and this week they are sharing the four recipes I contributed! Snuggle in and get cooking!

Okay my dear readers, what are you grateful for this week? What have you got cooking in your kitchen?

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Eight

This weekend was full of house excitement and cupcake baking experiments. I spent most of yesterday in my lab coat apron conducting experiments baking batches and batches of cupcakes while the wind howled outside. So I am taking a few minutes early on Monday morning to reflect on the past week and all there was to be grateful for. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Eight.Monday: I usually practice the mantra ‘never skip a Monday’ at the gym, but tonight I just needed to rest after last weekend’s 12km run and 10km walk. I relished just lying in bed after work and scrolling through Instagram and I was grateful to just take a few moments for myself.

Tuesday: Tonight I stopped at the gym on the way home from work. I was grateful for a silly thing really: the inbuilt solitaire game on the treadmill. It seems such a small thing, but tonight I needed something to occupy my mind as I made it through my 8km run.Wednesday: Chris and I are not ‘sport people’. But every year we watch the three games that make up the State of Origin and pretend to be football people. Tonight we had so much fun camped in front of the TV watching the game and eating mashed potato for dinner and cheering on our state team! And then we won! I was grateful for a night in our little cosy house watching a great game and cheering alongside Chris.

Thursday: Tonight I made it home from work before the sunset, which means the days are slowly, slowly getting longer again! I celebrated with a long walk along the waterfront while the sun set. I have been grateful for my time by the bay, and I was grateful for this way to wind down on a Thursday night.Friday: Today I received a lovely surprise in the mail – printed copies of the Medibank Warm-Up recipe book I contributed to! It was such a delight to see my name in print, and to see my recipes professionally styled and photographed. I was grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate on this book, and to see my name on the printed page!Saturday: Today was great from start to finish. I got up early and smashed out an 11km run before Chris and I joined Mum and Dad to inspect our house! This is the first time we have actually seen inside, and I was grateful for the chance to acquaint ourselves with our new home, and to notice some of the little things that will really make it ours. Afterwards we debriefed at the café that is just down the road from my house! I have always hoped to have a little corner spot, and this one serves great food (including lots of gluten free options) and beautiful coffee. I am so grateful that this dream of our own home is coming true. Chris and I speedily purchased some other furniture (we are get in, get it done, and get out people) and even survived a trip to IKEA (#relationshipstatusachieved). We wound down the evening with a Liam Neeson flick and far too much chocolate.Sunday: Today my walk was windy and cold! I was grateful to pause for a moment and stare out across the water and have a chat to Mum on the phone. Sometimes you need a heart to heart with your mum, and I am grateful I have mine just a phone call away. The rest of the day was spent experimenting with new gluten free cupcake recipes and then Chris and I curled up to watch Frozen Planet. Have you seen this documentary? Outstanding. I was grateful for a slow end to the day.

Also this week:

• Big bowls of warm, healthy, Thai-inspired food was on the menu
• Dessert was spoonfuls of almond laced crumble topped with Greek yoghurt
• This sprinkled layer cake went gangbusters! Looks like everyone’s finding a reason to celebrate!

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Seven

This week has been full of blessings: a new life brought into the world, a good meeting at work, yoga, big runs, and lots of time with friends and family. Life is about to change in a big way with our new house, and I am waiting on the edge of this new adventure with excitement for the blessings ahead. I am grateful for the life Chris and I are building together. Now for my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 Week Twenty-Seven:Monday: Today one of my close school friends, Michelle, gave birth to her first child, a beautiful little girl named Belle. Congratulations Michelle and Mani, and welcome to the world beautiful little Belle. I am so grateful that everything went smoothly, and grateful that our ‘family’ can welcome another wonderful spirit to its folds.Tuesday:  A few months ago I talked about how much I learned from Gretchen Rubin’s first book ‘The  Happiness Project‘ and I have just started her latest book ‘Better Than Before‘. I am really enjoying the science behind her suggestions for habit creation and the personal stories she shows along the way. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about how to make my life better and improve the energy I can give to the people around me.

Wednesday: Today I was not at my best. I had some stress in my belly and I couldn’t figure out what it was about. I am grateful to Chris for hugging me and putting up with my stress storm. I am also grateful that I could just chill out in our lounge room, do some yoga, and just wind down and get my soul back in order.Thursday: Today we had a big meeting at work. Usually I get really stressed but today I was working with some of my favourite guys and although we did get serious work done, we had some fun along the way. I was grateful for a serious, but light-hearted full-on day of getting stuff done.

Friday: Tonight after work I had dinner with two of my oldest and best friends. Caroline, Josie, and I had a girls’ night dinner and spent the whole evening talking about everything happening around us at the moment. Caroline made delicious individual moussaka for dinner (seriously, so good) and Josie brought wine, and after dinner we dug into a gluten free version of Joy’s classic lemon bars. I was grateful to catch up with Josie and Caroline and to nourish my soul with their company. Saturday: This morning I met up with Mum and Jess for breakfast at the markets. We enjoyed thick slices of orange hazelnut bread and cappuccinos for breakfast and filled our market bags with colourful midwinter produce. I was grateful to get back to the markets and stock up on healthy body food for the week. After the markets I headed to the gym for a nice long run. I set my mind and managed to accomplish my 12km goal! This is probably my favourite long weekend run distance and I was grateful that I made it happen. Tonight Chris and I joined Mum, Dad and Jess (Trent was at the football) to have a great family dinner (mushroom risotto for the win) and watch Minions! These little dudes (?) are so fun and they have become a common love for everyone in my family; plus, the cutest one’s name is Bob – the same as my Dad 🙂 I was grateful for a laughter-filled night of family fun. It’s the simple, non-complicated fun that nourishes the base part of our soul the most in this complicated world.Sunday: We only have a few weeks left in our bay cottage and so I made sure to head out for a long walk by the water this morning. I soaked up some rays and then Chris and I headed out to get more things for our house! We finally found our dining room table, which made me so grateful because I know we are going to make some great memories with our friends and family around our new table. 

Also this week:

• I made a cake to celebrate….having some cake!
• Let’s run, let’s earn points, and let’s reward ourselves with this new service!
• Tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays – they can be quick and healthy food all week long – try my latest chickpea filled favourite!

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Six

Yesterday America’s Supreme Court overturned the ban on same-sex marriage and America became a place where you can marry the person you love, no matter who you are. I cried so many happy tears. I stand here, acknowledging my privilege, and I sob with the happiness that everyone in America can now know the same joy of being able to stand hand-in-hand with the one who owns their heart and say ‘this is the person I bind myself to for the rest of my life’. I hope that one day soon my country will follow in America’s footsteps. Let’s paint a rainbow with all the things we have to be grateful for this week in my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Six:Monday: Today my little sister ended up in hospital. I spent the night pacing the house, sending her and anyone else I could think of messages to see if she was okay. I was so grateful when we found out that it was nothing serious, and that she will be better with just some rest and anti-inflammatories. I am grateful to the medical staff who cared for her, and that her husband is such a caring man.

Tuesday: Tonight I just needed to be outside. Yesterday was the shortest day and longest night of the year, so today we are on the homeward run to longer days. I celebrated with a run and walk through the evening gloam. I am grateful that I live in an area where there are so many other runners out no matter what time of day you lace up your sneakers. Wednesday: Tonight Chris and I went to a welcome night hosted by the developer for new residents of the community we are moving into. We even met some of our neighbours and found out that our move-in date is only three weeks away. I am so grateful that the time is getting closer! I can’t wait to show you all our new home!Thursday: Tonight on the way home I stopped for a run. I had to talk myself into doing it, and I surprised myself with 8km at my fastest pace in a while. I was grateful that I made movement a priority and that my body is so capable of moving in this way.

Friday: Tonight Chris and I gathered together with some of my workmates for a big fancy dinner! One of the gentlemen at work organised a great restaurant night for us, and we had a wonderful time! The restaurant, Moda (here in Brisbane), took all of my dietary needs into consideration and I had a delicious dinner – they made the best caramelised cauliflower and mashed sweet potatoes. The wait staff were amazing, and they kept my champagne glass full – there was so much laughter and camaraderie, which is just what we needed in our team at the moment.Saturday: This morning I met up with Mum and Jess for breakfast and to do our grocery shopping together. It was a great slow start to Saturday morning, and we tried out a new local cafe near Mum and Jess’s homes, which had so many gluten free options! I was grateful to see Jess and Mum and catch up with them, and to satisfy myself that Jess really was feeling better. In the afternoon I went for a big walk, listened to podcasts, and played around in the kitchen. Chris had to work all day so when he got home I was grateful to relax and watch a movie together (our type of date movie: Godzilla!). Sunday: This morning I woke up to a beautiful cloudy blue sky and couldn’t wait to lace up my running shoes – I ran 11.5km along the waterfront! I couldn’t believe the energy that my legs had! I was grateful for some time out in the beautiful winter sun. Now the rain is falling, and I am about to do a little more cooking, and snuggle up with my book for the afternoon. 

Also this week:

• I have a batch of this ice cream resting in my freezer ready for dessert tonight. I may or may not share with Chris…
• I made my new favourite breakfast quick bread with oranges fresh from my brother-in-law’s garden
• Big bowls of roasted veggies are the best way to nourish ourselves through wintry nights

Tell me, dear readers, what are you grateful for this week?

 

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Five

Good morning friends. This weekend has been a little hectic with nearly 600 kilometers travelled, a loved one remembered at the end of her life, family reconnected with, friends visited, and an important birthday celebrated. We have run the gamut of feelings and were left last night with just enough energy to crawl into bed and pass into sweet oblivion, which is why this is coming live from Monday morning. This week had some weight to it, but there was still so much to be grateful for, and even more reminders of the importance in finding the extraordinary in everyday, the gift in every moment. After all, it is those moments all linked together with breath that make up our lives. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Five:Monday: Today Chris and I received news that we had our final approval from the bank for our home loan! I have never been so excited to owe people a lot of money! We are so grateful that we are fortunate enough to be able to buy our own house, and start our own little (two person) family home. I cannot wait for the next stage of our adventure together to start.

Tuesday: We had meetings and reports all week this week. I was grateful for the help of my colleagues and the way we managed to keep the whole ship on course despite the extra work load. I was also grateful to come home for a run and climb into my PJs and snuggle in bed with Chris and a copy of Donna Hay magazine. Wednesday: Today I received news that a project I had worked on a few months ago has been published! I have worked with the team at be. Magazine on a few different little projects, but a few months ago they contacted me and asked if I would like to contribute to their Winter Warm-Up Recipe e-book – and of course I said yes! Today the book went live and they’ve even published hard copies to giveaway in-store at Medibank branches across Australia! There are five Thoroughly Nourished Life recipes in the book, and a stack of other winter recipes from other Aussie bloggers that I cannot wait to try out! Check it out here today, and let me know if you try any of the recipes! I was also grateful to my wonderful family for their support, encouragement and celebration when I told them it was being published – my Dad printed his copy straight away and sent it to everyone in his office!

Thursday: Today (work) Jess and I managed to sneak away for our weekly lunch date. We grabbed some food from the food court and sat out in the sunshine talking about life and everything in between. I am grateful to have someone to share laughter and life talk with at work.Friday: Today we travelled to Toowoomba to farewell Nanny. The ceremony was touching and lovely. Afterwards the whole family gathered in her honour. I like to think that Nanny was looking down at all of us sharing stories, tears, and laughter (more laughter than tears) and smiling at the legacy she left behind in each one of her family members. I am grateful that I could be there with Chris’s family to celebrate Nanny’s life, and to meet the family she created.

Saturday: This morning we joined Chris’s family for a wonderful brunch at Chris’s Mum and Dad’s home. We sat in the sunshine and looked over the valley below while we enjoyed a delicious brunch feast. Chris and I returned home and I went for a really fast 10km run before we headed over to a friend’s place for a poker night. I played my first game and came third! Looks like watching Chris play is paying off. I was grateful for a night of laughter after an emotion-filled two days.  Sunday: Today we earned a go-slow in the sun Sunday. We slept in late, I went for a lazy walk and then filled our kitchen with the scent of a new quick bread recipe (coming this week) and then we moseyed down the coast to celebrate my friend Steph’s 21st birthday party with barefoot bowls! We had a laughter-filled afternoon of bowling, enjoying some beverages, and celebrating this lovely young lady. I was grateful to catch up with some friends, play the fool as ‘official photographer’, and watch Chris and Jess make it to the ‘semi-final’ and ‘final’ respectively. Jess made the most gorgeous Africa inspired cake for Steph too! She is so talented! 

Also this week:

• More gluten free cookies for your cookie jar!
• Comforting soups help to check dinner off your list.
• Don’t forget to check out my recipes in be. Magazine’s Winter Warm-Up e-book – get them here!

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Three

I just need to talk about last week for a moment before I reflect on last week, okay?

Sunday was one of those perfectly awesome days. I spent the afternoon on a great date with one of my favourite men: my Dad! He picked me up and took me out for coffee (and surprised me with a delicious gluten free brownie) and then we laughed and giggled and maybe snorted (okay, yes we snorted) along to ‘Monty Python and The Holy Grail’. Afterwards we tried out a new (to us) Mexican restaurant. It was the perfect Sunday adventure and father-daughter date. Such an afternoon to be grateful for, thanks Dad!

Now, let’s look reflect on my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Twenty-Three:

Monday: Today was my sweet best friend Casey’s birthday. From the first lunch we shared at university, to all these years later, I am grateful that she stepped into my life in a whirl of bright smiles, long talks, and always fabulous shoes. I’m grateful for you everyday Casey T.

Tuesday: Tonight I was exhausted, and when I walked through the front door Chris handed me my pyjamas and then bundled me into the car to pick up sushi for dinner. He then proceeded to tuck me into bed to read my book. I wasn’t ‘allowed’ to do anything else, just rest. I am grateful for this man.

Wednesday: Today my copy of Lynn’s new cookbook arrived on my doorstep! This was a bright spot in a rather dark and long day, and I am grateful to have such a talented friend and that the interwebs brought us together in baking/blogging friendship! I cannot wait to make these again, and try out all the new recipes too!

Thursday: Today was my Mama’s birthday! I am grateful for this woman every single day, and more and more as the years go by I find my heart filled with gratitude for all the love, sacrifice, and happiness that she has gifted to the world, and especially to our family. Mama, you are my best friend, and I cannot wait to see what adventures this year brings you!

Friday: Tonight on the way home from work I stopped in at the gym to clear the cobwebs from the week and ended up surprising myself by running 10.5km. I am constantly filled with gratitude at what my body can do when I trust it, challenge it, rest it, and truly nourish it.

Saturday: This morning started with a trip to the farmer’s markets with Mum and Jess and some much needed warm coffee and important talk. Then I joined Chris and Dad and we spent a pleasant morning looking for some of the furniture for our house! I cannot believe we move in next month! I was grateful for a morning with two of my favourites, we had a great time. Then Dad and I spent a few hours washing, polishing, and taking care of my car before Chris and I enjoyed a relaxing evening at home. I was grateful for a day filled with special time with all of my people.

Sunday: The day dawned grey and striking over the bay and I joined my friend Jenny and her pup Ellie for a walk to welcome in the Sunday light. I was grateful to catch up with Jenny and get my heart started. I spent the day relaxing in the sunniest spot in our house in the company of a book. I was grateful for a lazy day to warm my bones, my heart, and just truly relax. Tonight Chris and I went on a triple date with Mum and Dad and Jess and Trent for Italian and to see ‘Spy’ (highly recommended movie). I was grateful to finish the week on such a high note. Now, off to bed in my new PJs.

Also this week:

• We started the week with warming, nourishing winter vegetables and grains
• I enjoyed a sweet nibble with my latest reads
• There were lots of interesting things on the internet this week
• I contributed to the latest issue of Yum. Gluten Free Magazine – including an entirely NEW gluten free cookie recipe!

What are you most grateful for this week friends?