Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Forty-Four

I can’t believe it’s been a full week since we were on holidays. I’m not finding it hard to be back into normal life though because every part of the holiday was perfect in its own crystalline quality and exists as a beautiful memory of experience and emotion. I can’t wait to share our photos with you in some future posts, but for now there was a lot to be grateful for in our week of returning to normal life. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Forty-Four:Monday: Today we landed back in Brisbane! I was grateful to Mum and Jess for meeting us at the airport with big hugs and congratulations. When we got home we discovered that Mum had sewed me a beautiful Halloween apron and she and Dad had created cute and spooky Halloween decorations for us! I’m grateful that they were so thoughtful when they heard that we weren’t able to stay for Halloween in the USA.Tuesday: Back to work today! I was grateful to catch-up with my workmates and congratulate our two new dads in the office. There is so much to celebrate in life when you remember that the ordinary is always extraordinary.

Wednesday: This afternoon I was grateful for pushing myself just a little and making it to the gym for a run. I’m trying to keep my holiday exercise streak alive and tonight’s 8km run was absolutely perfect. So was the aftermath of lying on the couch watching Ice Road Truckers and nibbling on some Hershey’s Kisses 😉Thursday: I had the most lovely surprise today when my friends at work Jess and Chris brought me back a huge and lovely arrangement of flowers to congratulate Chris and I on our engagement. I am so grateful and touched that they would give us such a lovely gift of well-wishing.Friday: Today Jess and I resumed our Friday lunch dates – I missed them while I was away and I was grateful to talk about holidays and weddings and all the good things. After work I went for a sweet and sweaty Friday night run before getting back to my kitchen for a serious baking session! I am so excited for all the wonderful holiday and summer foods coming up – and to create recipes inspired by my holidays to share with you all. Saturday: This morning Mum and Jess and I made our return to the farmer’s markets where we feasted on gluten free bagels and coffee and stocked up on lots of fresh fruit and vegetables for the week. I was grateful to spend a few hours with my ladies to start the weekend. Fuelled up on bagel I had a fast and brilliant 10km run and spent a few hours in my kitchen. Tonight Chris and I joined the family for some Halloween fun! We got dressed up (I make a very convincing witch apparently) and spent a few hours having spooky fun with kids of all ages with Dad’s exciting Halloween display. I’m so grateful to have a family who really gets into the spirit of celebrations of all kinds. It was so much fun on a Saturday night. Sunday: Today I had a well-deserved sleep in before a short sunny walk and then – brunch! Caroline and I enjoyed a brunch date in the sun at our corner cafe before she had to get back to marking high school home economics assignments (no fun!). I was grateful for a few hours of talking and catching up. This afternoon I have an important date with my couch, and then perhaps a little more work in the kitchen 😉 

Also this week:

• I recreated one of my childhood favourites with this easy gluten free slice.
• This towering peanut butter and chocolate creation was a hit with all of my workmates and I’m sure you’ll love it too!

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Nine

Wow! We have been running on all cylinders this weekend! So many great things going on, so I am just getting a little time to sit down and reflect on all that there was to be grateful for this week. Here’s a sneak peak: only one week to go before we leave for our holidays, there was a lot of visiting with friends and family, and of course, a lot of food happening in the house. Here’s my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Nine:Monday: Chris and I have a Monday night ritual. We meet at home, head to the gym, and then come home and eat a healthy dinner while watching a few episodes of ‘Ice Road Truckers’. It’s daggy, but it’s our story and I am grateful for every day.

Tuesday:  Tonight I checked in with the Thoroughly Nourished Life Facebook page and discovered that 300 people had liked my page! I am grateful for each and every one of my readers and followers. You all keep me inspired to keep creating and sharing gluten free sweet treats and vegetarian meals. I am grateful for you gracing me with your presence, and it gives me a glow to see my little corner of the interwebs grow. Thank you.Wednesday: This week there were three full days of meetings. Not fun. But, awesome fuel for my running. Since my iron infusion over a fortnight ago my body has started to come back to life. When I am low in iron I find it really hard to get enough oxygen in and running feels like I am moving through molasses. Tonight when I jumped on the treadmill I could feel that the run was back in my blood and I flew through intervals for nearly 7km. A great midweek boost and I am grateful that my body is back on fire!

Thursday: Today was our last day of full-day meetings for the week. Despite the fact that we were bogged down at a meeting table all day, the team did manage to get in a few giggle and I was grateful when my boss expressed his gratitude for the work I put in to make sure we were prepared.Friday: Tonight after work I treated myself to a hair cut and colour! I don’t make the time to get my hair done very often (seriously, about two to three times a year is all I manage) so I was grateful to catch up with my wonderful fairy godmother/hairdresser and I walked out feeling like I was on cloud nine. The feeling continued when I caught up with my best friend Caroline for dinner, dessert and a long night of talking. It still feels like we are those primary school girls lying on bunk beds and talking about life. I am grateful that 16 years later I still have her in my life.

Saturday: This morning I woke up super early and headed out for a run – 8.5km I finished feeling strong! Then I came home in a cleaning frenzy – I am grateful for this little cottage that is all ours and I love keeping it clean. Then my Mum, Mormor, Aunty Lone and cousin Grace came to visit. We visited my little local coffee shop and I enjoyed a delicious chai latte and then I headed back home for a day of recipe testing and photography (got some great treats coming up for you all in October!). I was grateful for a nourishing day from beginning to end.Sunday: I slept in a little today and it was so great to lie in bed and just feel my body relaxed. I fuelled up with some toast, jam, and tea and then headed out for a run. Today I powered through 10km! I haven’t managed that distance in months. This iron has got me runnin’ runnin and I am so grateful! Today was more recipe testing and some quality time with Chris while the rain poured down outside. A great end to the weekend.Also this week:

• My friend Lynn celebrated her 30th birthday this week so I made cake!
• Spring is here and all the green things are calling so I made a hearty, spicy salad.
• I rounded up 6 of my favourite gluten free, vegetarian salad recipes to get us all in the mood for the warmer weather.

What are you grateful for this week friends?

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-Seven

This weekend I have had a whole weekend at home. Two full days of just being in my house (and at the gym) doing whatever the winds drove me to do within my own four walls. Mostly it was cooking, and napping, and bingeing on ‘Longmire‘. It has been absolutely perfect and just what Chris and I needed after a busy two weeks. There has been a lot to be grateful for over the last seven days, here is my Thoroughly Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Seven:

Monday: Tonight I headed to the hospital after work for my iron infusion – gotta get juiced up before we go on our holidays! I’m currently having some more tests to figure out why I can’t hold onto iron (and no, it’s not because I’m a vegetarian). I am grateful for the care of the doctors and nursing staff while I’m having my infusion, and for the lovely orderly who brought me a cappuccino! When I got home Chris and I went for a great sunset walk around the neighbourhood. Tuesday: Tonight Chris and I did some more holiday planning. We booked a helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon and an airboat tour through the Louisiana swamps! Only three weeks to go now. We are grateful for the opportunity to go on an amazing holiday and have adventures together. Wednesday: Tonight after work Chris and I went to the gym together and I had an amazing run. Then we came home, made a big healthy roast veggie dinner, and snuggled up in bed to do our grocery shopping. Sometimes in the quiet moments just before I fall asleep I wonder at the contentment I feel on those ordinary days, and I am grateful for my extraordinary happy life.Thursday: Today was R U OK? in Australia. This is an important day for me as I have had bouts of depression since I was a teen. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to ask genuinely “are you okay?” for the world to change back to blue skies again. You never know how much you will touch someone’s life or who you can save just by asking if they are okay. I am grateful for the love and support of friends and family who have helped me build a healthy mental foundation and who pick me up when I fall.

Friday: Tonight Chris and I absolutely conquered this whole ‘adult life’ thing. We hit up the gym after work and smashed our relative workouts, then we came home and cleaned the whole house (no housework on the weekends – heck yes!), and then I baked muffins while Chris relaxed. I was grateful for a power Friday night to kickstart our weekend. Saturday: Wow! This morning I slept in until 9:30! That is super late to me, but I didn’t feel guilty in the least. I woke up and padded downstairs to start my weekend of cooking. Today I made and photographed three recipes, ate lots of tasty morsels and got lots of new ideas for new recipes to share with you all. Tonight Chris attended a party while I went for a run at the gym. It was one of the hardest runs I’ve had in a while, but the bad ones make the good ones even better. I can’t wait until my body is feeling stronger again and I’m hitting faster times. Just gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other! I’m grateful for a Saturday dedicated to whatever I wanted to do. Oh, and the homemade veggie burger that hit the spot after my awful run.Sunday: Today I woke up super early! I headed out for a long walk around our new neighbourhood. I discovered a beautiful park hidden amongst the suburban streets and enjoyed the peace in the middle of the hustle. Today was another long day of cooking, and I was grateful to get some recipes made to share with you all over the coming weeks. I was also grateful for a long afternoon nap while the spring breezes played through the house. Tonight is all about leftovers, Longmire, and lounging on the couch.Also this week:

• I shared my latest cake creation – and you all loved it! Thank you for your sweet words!
• There were lots of other interesting things to look at on the interwebs too.

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-Five

We are back in our own home now. Mum and Dad returned safe and sound and full of wonderful stories from their two weeks in Singapore, so we have returned to Casa de Amy and Chris. Mum and Dad’s house will always be my family home, but returning to our own house has made me realise just how much this place has become home over the past two months. There really is, no place like home. Here’s my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Five:Monday: Today we celebrated the wedding of one of our managers at work! I made chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting and we surprised him after our morning meeting. I am grateful for these moments of celebration at work, and the happy occasions when we get to pause and share the great things happening in our lives.

Tuesday: Today I joined a group of workmates to celebrate the last day for one of our staff members. He is off to do great things and have adventures and I was grateful to share lunch with him one last time. Tonight after work Jess and I got our konga on and danced and cardio-boxed to to music. I think all the laughing counts as extra ab work!Wednesday: Tonight I headed to the gym for my run and ran into my brother in law while he was working out! It was nice to see a friendly face at the gym and I’m grateful that I live close enough to my family to have tiny moments of connection in my every day agenda.

Thursday: Today Molly and I were treated to the most beautiful sunrise on our walk. The sky was painted in vivid gold and pink and it was worth the early hour for such a gorgeous show. Friday: Today I heard that one of my favourite authors loves my muffin recipes! What an honour to be fuelling the mind that brought me some of my favourite books! Tonight Jess and I had a big baking job on. We walked our respective dogs and then got into our work. I love watching Jess create beautiful fondant cakes. She is so talented at sculpting sugar into charming shapes and objects. Tonight’s project was for a dear friend’s daughter’s baby shower and we had a great time creating something marvelous for their special occasion. I’m grateful that I get to work with Jess on some of these cakes and create something special to help people celebrate. The stress is worth their smiles.

Saturday: This morning Molly and I headed out into the morning for our last walk together before Mum and Dad come home. Then Jess and I met up for a sister walk and talk (I think our mouths and legs move faster when we are together) and shared a cup of tea before we got on with our day. I was grateful to start the weekend with a sweat and natter session with Jess. Then I had a busy day of recipe testing and photography before indulging in an afternoon nap while the rain fell outside. Sunday: A very special flight arrived this morning and Jess and I were there to pick up the precious cargo: Mum and Dad! We enjoyed a family breakfast together at home while they entertained us with stories from their travels. I am grateful they had a wonderful time. I love hearing all their tales and watching their faces light up as they relive the memories. I met up with my friends Caroline and Josie for lunch and we were joined by our dear friend Laura who is visiting from Canada! She hasn’t been home in two years, but just like it does with old friends it only felt like yesterday since we had sat across the table and shared our lives. I was grateful to get a moment with her while she is here. Come home soon Laura!

Also this week:

• I made Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins that are begging to be put into your lunchbox rotation
• This cupcake recipe was extremely popular, and my sister even made them for her workmates #viralcupcakes
• I found lots of interesting places to lurk on the web

Tell me, dear readers. what are you grateful for this week? Share it in the comments below, or let me know on Facebook, or Twitter!

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Four

We are halfway through our stay-cation/house-dog-cat-sitting for Mum and Dad, and there is something about this house that will always be home, no matter how long Chris and I live in our own home. I’ve been enjoying my morning walks with Molly, cuddles with Toby on the couch, and being three minutes away from my sister. I will be happy to get back to our own home next week because this feeling of home, true relaxation and shelter, is what Chris and I are creating for ourselves in our new home. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Four:

Monday: Today I headed home to Mum and Dad’s place to house sit for them for two weeks. When I went in to put my clothes away I found that Mum and Dad had left Chris and I a little gift pack on the bed: fresh towels, beautiful soap, and our respective favourite chocolate treats. It was such a sweet thought. I’m grateful that I am able to do something little to help Mum and Dad while they enjoy their holiday in Singapore. I will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude I have for all they have done for me.Tuesday: Today was a super active day! Molly and I went for a walk in the morning, I stopped past the gym for a run on the way home, and then Jess and I went to a Konga class and sweated it out to the music together while making complete fools of ourselves. It was so much fun! I was grateful to spend a night with my little sister dancing and squatting and crunching and lunging and laughing all the while.Wednesday: Tonight Molly and Toby and I had a night hanging out alone while Chris stayed at our home. We watched Murder She Wrote, lounged about on the couch, and just had a relaxing evening. I was grateful for a Wednesday evening relaxation session.

Thursday: Tonight Chris and I had a Deadliest Catch marathon. We love this show! Although neither of us harbours any fantasies about running off to the Bering Sea to catch shellfish, we do love watching the adventures of these fishermen and we’d both love to visit Alaska someday! I was grateful for virtual adventures with Chris – talking about faraway places just makes me more excited about our upcoming holiday!Friday: Tonight on my way home I stopped for a run. I really didn’t feel like running tonight so I bribed myself to just get through 5km. I stopped at 8km because Chris called and asked if I was ever coming home! Sometimes you just have to get started on something to remind yourself that you are capable, and that you love doing it. I was grateful for the reminder from my body tonight.  Saturday: Today was a golden day from beginning to end! This morning I walked Molly and then headed over to have a walk with Jess (sister this time) before we went out for a sisterly movie/shopping/lunch day together! We bought ourselves a few new things (watch out NYC fashion police here I come!), had a great sushi lunch, saw Trainwreck (recommended), and laughed and talked and just completely relaxed. It was nice to take a day our where I just let myself enjoy every second of life. I came back on Saturday night feeling drop dead tired (what is it about shopping that is so exhausting?) but completely refreshed. I’m so grateful that my sister is my best friend too, and that we had such a wonderful day together free from stress.Sunday: Today Molly had a walking date with our neighbour and they both came back sweaty and smiling so it was a success. I got to lie in bed a while longer, make carrot cake muffins, and curl up with a New York guidebook and ease myself into the day. I went for a long walk around my old streets, baked so many cupcakes I made myself sick on buttercream ‘testing’, and spent some time planning our time in New York (six weeks and definitely counting). I am grateful that we are going on this trip and preparing ourselves for an adventure!

Also this week:

• I baked up some perfect soft and moist banana bread
• Found lots of interesting places on the internet
• Made another batch of this salad for lunches this week

Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Three

I think we should have four day work weeks every week. I could do with a little break on Wednesday, it certainly left me motivated for Thursday and Friday this week. Daydreams aside, this week was really wonderful. I feel like we hit our stride at home and everything just worked. There was a lot to be grateful for in this week’s Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Three:Monday: Today I went for a run in the morning and then stopped in to see my specialist on the way home. Unfortunately I need to go back in for some more iron therapy, but I am grateful that I have healthcare providers who take such good care of me and make sure I get what I need.

Tuesday: Tonight I received the following message from my sweetheart nerd: ‘My brethren have given me access to the portal where the might shall beg for mercy. In the world where ability with a mouse and keyboard is mightier than any muscle. It is the chosen land where I thrive…Onward to the internet!!!!’. Yes. We finally have the internet at home again. I am grateful that my sweet man can enjoy the land of his people once again and that I can finally blog from the comfort of our new lounge!Wednesday: Today was People’s Day at the EKKA and our Brisbane Show Holiday! I made good use of my midweek weekend and started the day with a run, made and shot three recipes for a new magazine article, and then went to the movies to see ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ with Mum, Jess, and Chris. We had such a great time and I was grateful to end the day feeling like I had made the most of the whole day. It’s a true blessing when you love every minute of the day from beginning to end. Also, Chris took some new profile pictures for me and I was so grateful and surprised to discover his hidden talent behind the camera! I’m grateful that he supports me, and my passion for the blog, and will help me whenever I ask.Thursday: We had a pretty quiet office today with a lot of people out or on training, and I really enjoyed the camaraderie between my colleagues and I as we got our work done with plenty of laughter and jokes sprinkled in for good measure. I was grateful tonight too for an interesting documentary on the Amish. I am fascinated by their way of life.

Friday: Tonight Chris and I got down to some serious planning for our holiday – it’s coming up so soon! And yes, I am totally counting down the weeks! I am grateful that we have the opportunity to go on an adventure together and I can’t wait for all the exciting moments that await us!Saturday: This morning Mum and I had breakfast at the local cafe (the best chai latte I’ve ever had) and then went for a girl’s morning shopping trip! We had fun trying on some new clothes and gathering the last things Mum needed before she and Dad head off to Singapore (tomorrow morning!). I even managed to find some new things. While we were saving up for the house I didn’t buy any new clothes so it felt good to treat myself a little. After my great morning with Mum I went for a run and then spent the afternoon doing the last bit of unpacking and organising and made Chris a big roast chicken dinner. I was grateful for an absolutely wonderful Saturday spent with two of my favourite people.

Sunday: I had a big sleep in this morning and then spent the morning hours pottering around making Chris cupcakes for work. I was grateful for a slow, sun-soaked start to the morning – and for surprising myself with a 9.5km run this afternoon! 

Also this week:

• Strawberries are a surprising twist to this haloumi and quinoa salad.
• It was a week of salads – and this one is simple enough for everyday.

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-One

The first week in our own home felt like finally coming home. Coming downstairs in the morning and realising that we own this little patch of the earth is still a little surreal, but as the boxes slowly disappear and the bookcases are stacked with volumes I fall more in love with our little house everyday. I am grateful for this place, and so much more in my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-One:Monday: Today I had to go home early so that the builders could finish some painting and plastering re-work, and I had the unexpected delight of Mum coming over for a quick lunch. I was grateful to see her and to be close enough now that our family can come over for an unplanned visit.

Tuesday: I am so glad to have our own dining room table again! For the past week Chris and I have really been enjoying sitting at our table for dinner while watching something on TV and just chatting about how our day has been. The ritual of gathering at the table is very important to me and I am grateful to have this everyday ritual back in our lives.Wednesday: Tonight after work I headed off to the gym for a hard workout. 5km of intervals and a challenging full body weights circuit. It felt so good to challenge my body like that! I am so grateful to my body for stepping up to the challenge and letting me have some fun with my workout.

Thursday: Tonight Chris and I headed back to IKEA (one more time….) to pick up another bookcase (I’m thinking of opening a library branch from our living room) and some other house things that we forgot about. I also spent some of the night trying to untangle our electricity and gas providers issues. I was grateful for some really helpful people on the phone who sorted out our issues with not too much trouble.

Friday: Today my work friend Jess and I headed back to my house for lunch! We had a great time nibbling on some crustless quiche and talking before heading back to work. I am grateful to be close enough to work that we can have our Friday lunches at home sometimes. Tonight I headed to the gym before Mum and Dad came over for dinner. They were our first dinner guests! I am so grateful for all the help Mum and Dad have given us and all the thoughtful things they do just because. They have taught my sister and I so much about just being good people and I am grateful for those lessons. I made them prosciutto wrapped chicken, mashed potatoes (well, Chris made those because he is the expert), and broccolini followed by mixed berry crumble for dessert. It was such a wonderful night.Saturday: I started my morning with breakfast at the farmers market with Mum. The coffee was hot, the breakfast was sweet, and one our favourite performers was on the stage singing away. It was a great way to start the weekend. In the afternoon Caroline came to visit us and we had a great time showing her the house before Chris headed off to spend some time with friends. I went for an evening run and then made brownies (coming soon…) I was grateful for some time alone in the house just feeling myself settle in and the house welcoming our lives to its walls.Sunday: Today I slept in. Oh glorious sleep. When I woke up I enjoyed a long walk around our neighbourhood – so many new places to discover! And then I did some photography in our house, which I am grateful to say has fantastic light! In the afternoon Mum, Jess and I headed to Newstead House for high tea on the verandah overlooking the river. The historic house was the perfect spot to wile away the afternoon hours and enjoy some tea and sweet treats. Although the proprietress was rather rude about my dietary needs, the staff was lovely and the venue was absolutely perfect. I was grateful for a chance to dress up and play ladies with my Mum and Jess.

Also this week:

• I shared a simple, but flavour packed midweek meal
• Even though we are still internet-less I managed to spot some interesting things in the past week

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