Day out at the Biltmore

The other day we woke to a gorgeous sunny day, so we decided to take full advantage of being outdoors. I packed a picnic and we drove on over to the Biltmore Estate for a day of fun in the sun. They have a farm with a petting zoo and acres and acres of beautiful land. We didn't go into the house this time since it started to rain, but we have an annual pass so we can go back at anytime. Today is another cloudy/rainy day, so I think I will finally take care of the cleaning that I have been planning to do. It all works out perfectly since we are leaving for the Florida Keys on Friday for an extended family vacation for nine lovely days. I can't wait. It has been way too long since we have been to the beach. Well I am off to get cooking and cleaning.
Peace, Yasmin

That thing called Rhythm

Ok, so I think I am starting to find a bit of a rhythm, but there is still a ways to go to be totally in it. I think one of the problems is that there is some serious organizing that needs to get done in this house, but with the beautiful weather we have had all week  so far, I can't justify spending it indoors organizing. Speaking of which, I need to get this post written quickly so that we can enjoy the outdoors some more today. I may also do another blog post tonight highlighting our adventures from today. This post was supposed to be written yesterday, but I ran out of time before having to head out to work. So anyways, one of our favorite things to do outdoors is to take our dog to the dog park. Everyone gets to run around and we have a very happy dog at the end, so that is exactly what we did the other day. I also have been cooking and baking a lot more, which is helping with that rhythm thing. I made cheesy grits, eggs, and a bagel for breakfast yesterday, Banana nut choc chip muffins, a delicious egg, avocado, tomato sandwich on a jalapeno cheddar bagel that was homemade and sold to me at the Tailgate market, and I also made some ice cream mix to be frozen today. The flavor is Hibiscus ginger...we'll have to see how that goes. There is a recipe for chocolate lavender ice cream that sounds divine as well...that may be the next one to try. Ok I'm off to prepare our picnic and enjoy the rest of the day outside. Have a lovely day.
Peace, Yasmin

All was well in the house, and then a tree fell...

Hello, hello my friends. Life has been hectic as usual. I have been working a ridiculous amount of hours, which is great for now since we are going on vacation soon, but I am somewhat exhausted. I am looking forward to getting into the rhythm of summer time. My rhythm that I was hoping to start today was slightly thrown off by the tree (apparently two trees, we just found out) that fell against the house at 3am this morning. It had been raining all day yesterday and we are guessing that the ground just got so wet and soft around one tree that it made it fall and it took another tree down with it. After that, this momma could not go to sleep for the worries of a tree coming through the kids' room and taking them both out...I know a little morbid, but unfortunately things like this do happen and as their room is an add-on, I feel that it is not quite as sturdy as the rest of the house. Ok off the bad and onto the good summer things...Ashleigh graduated 4th grade and we have been enjoying yummy summer foods and beer, glorious beer. I made vegan herb potato salad, sweet organic corn with Amish butter, and sliced some fruit. My free rose plant finally bloomed, the variety is called Ketchup and Mustard. By the way, that tree took out all of my potted veggies on the back deck...I guess I will be starting from zero once again, boo. The beers I have been enjoying are Bell's Oberon and an India Red Ale that my boss brewed, it was delicious. One other thing that we have enjoyed is our dog, Molly, barking at her own reflection in all of the glass doors, hilarious I tell you.

Hopefully there will be no more trees falling against the house in the foreseeable future and I can start to truly enjoy this break from school. Ta ta for now.
Peace, Yasmin