Classic Candlelight

There has been a huge gap in time between my last post to this simple little blog.  However, I don't feel as if I owe communication to anyone through this blog.  It's first and foremost intended for me.  So that I can constantly remind myself to look out for and recognize the things in my life and around me that make me happy or put a smile on my face.  I had a lovely evening with my daughter in November walking the busy streets of a little town that was laced with pretty white Christmas lights and shops bustling with pre-holiday shoppers.  We sampled food, shopped for a few gifts and just took in the glow of the lights around us. The decoration that I appreciated the most was this candle display made from a simple Ball Mason jar.  They were so elementary and yet so beautiful and lined the posts and sidewalk of a local restaurant. 

Farm Stands

I think it's so fun to be driving along and come accross a farm stand in the middle of nowhere filled with all kinds of wonderful things.  Some of my favorite ones are the Amish families that have them in the rural areas.  This time of year it's so nice too with all the autumn vegetables and bushel baskets brimming with apples, pears and potatoes. It's nice to support local farmers and eat foods that are more fresh since they are grown locally.  Plus, I was able to get several little pumpkins, a bag of pears and a buttercup squash for just over four dollars.

A Nice Cup of Tea and a Sit Down

I've received a fair amount of bad news lately and it was a rainy cloudy and fairly gloomy day today.  So, I took a break from work for a nice cup of tea and a sit down.  That is a title of a book I have actually and there are occasions that call for just that - a comforting cup of creamy sweet tea and a few moments to reflect.  So, I did that.  I sat down, sipped at my tea, had a few biscuits and took some time to think.  I paid homage to my Nan with that cup of tea.  With the packet of Sweet and Low I put in it and with every warm nourishing sip I drank, I said "here's to you, Nana."

Lunch Outside

I wanted to get some fresh air and have lunch outside today and it was a perfect day for it.  It's a chilly fall day with a breeze, but the sun is out to keep you a little warm (along with my long sleeve shirt and sweater).  It was a relaxing break from phone calls and checking e-mail to enjoy my lunch outside, listen to the leaves rustling, the birds chirping and read a few pages of my book.  For my lunch, I used this perfectly ripe heirloom tomato from the farmers market with some fresh mozzerella a drizzle of olive oil, white wine vinegar and some fresh ground salt and pepper. 

Food Presentation

I went to Chicago with a friend today (my foodie friend) and we enjoyed a tasty lunch at Bittersweet Pastry Shop in Lakeview.  It's by far one of my favorite bakeries. Their pastries are gorgeous, their cafe is simple, classic and cozy, they have a great retail shop and the presentation of our lunch was lovely.  Oh, and it tasted really good too.