...

I have never been much of  liar.To a fault. I am always THAT GIRL that frequently has my foot in my mouth because I skip over the "think before you SPEAK" part.  Even with small things. Like feelings. I wear them on my sleeve. Anyone who knows me never has to ask "what are you thinking?" or "how are you today?". They just KNOW.

I wish I could be better. Perhaps if I practice LYING about other things, these truths about myself wouldn't be so blinding. Some say that TRUTH is overrated. I disagree. A lost ART.

You have been chopped....

Last Friday night the Mr. and I had date night. It has been difficult with both of us working to fit this in every week. Our fridge was full of single serving, random items that needed to be used and we have been trying to save money and reduce waste. We decided to create our own version of the television show "Chopped" in which contestants are given mystery ingredients and asked to make a delicious dish with these items. We took turns selecting one ingredient out of five from our fridge and attempted to create a culinary masterpiece. The Mr. made a chicken enchilada salad (leftovers used: White bean/sausage/swiss chard soup, lettuce, cabbage, hotwings, salsa, sour cream). I came up with some Italian style potato pancakes with basil tatziki dipping sauce (Leftovers used: Fresh mozzarella, potato logs, bread crumbs, cucumbers, basil) and a creamed brocolli/apple/leek soup. It actually ended up being delicious and food that we had become tired of was reinvented. I enjoy things like this where we can be creative. I should have taken a picture, reading this post back to myself hardly makes it sound good. But it was. ;)

Good things...

Things have been busy around here. My parents came and went. It was so great to have them here to see a glimpse of my life here in WI and to experience some new things with them. Our time was full of The Domes (fabulous indoor gardens in Milwaukee), Dim Sum, gourmet chocolate and hiking. I couldn't believe how quickly time passed while they were here. I was so thankful to have them visit.
Today I canned salsa with the peppers and tomatoes from our garden. My first time solo although it brought back a lot of memories of growing up in a home where summers were for weeding gardens and preserving food. It was tricky trying to do such a large project in my small/humble kitchen but I enjoyed myself. 
On Monday we are planting our Fall garden. Our cucumbers continue to produce along with our zucchini, swiss chard, jalapenos, carrots, and of course tomatoes. But the rest of our garden space will be filled with squash, lettuce, peas and beets. Yum! Today I made this delicious cream of zucchini soup. Some warm whole wheat crusty bread made the perfect addition. This along with the huge thunderstorm outside my window hinted at the beginning of Fall. My most favorite season.
Today marks the 2nd wedding anniversary for my Mr. and I. Time certainly does fly. I am so thankful for him along with the other blessings in my life.