This salad embodies what winter salads should, in my opinion. It’s filling, hearty, full of flavor and textures. The shallots caramelized in olive oil give it richness and depth, the golden raisins cooked with the shallots offer a warm sweetness in contrast. A mix of wild and basmati rice add earthy heartiness, the toasted almond slivers provide the crunch, mint leaves offer an unexpected pop of flavor and pomegranate seeds add sweet freshness in bursts. And arugula. The spicy greens wilt perfectly when tossed with warm rice. There it is my friends, my new favorite winter salad. Hope you love! xx- Sarah
Hi friends, happy New Year! I hope you all celebrated your pants off! I could practically see the re-commitment to health in the aisles of Whole Foods this past weekend, so in that spirit I’m sharing my not-so-secret secret for staying on track. I don’t think I’m alone in the boat that sinks when it hits evening and I have a meal to cook ahead. That’s when takeout starts sounds mighty fine and batting her eyelashes at me!!! NO WAY THAI FOOD. So here’s what I do as a preemptive strike to VERY EASILY SEDUCED BY THAI TAKEOUT SARAH. I prep on the weekend. Sauces, dressings, pickled yummy things, hard boiled eggies, roasted garlic, etc. Sometimes I even chop veggies if I know I’ve got long days ahead. That way, when the clock strikes dinner and I’ve got nothing in the line up I can throw something delicious together. Because somehow as lazy as I get if I know that all I have to do is roast some veggies, cook a grain, or throw together a salad I become a superhero. A clean eating superhero.
After the jump I’ve written what’s in my current rotation, and how I’m using it these days…. trust me, you will do this one time and possibly be a little grumbly that you have to hit the market on a Sunday, but then find yourself belting out HELLLLOO FROM THE OTHER SIDE whilst drinking rose´and chopping cilantro and thinking this really isn’t so bad! When that happens pat yourself on the back my friend and know that your future self is totally loving you right now!!! And please chime in with your weekend prep routine, I wouldn’t mind mixing it up and adding a few tricks to my bag! xx- Sarah
2015 started out wild with the sale of our Palm Springs house, a move into our friends house for 6 weeks and the purchase of our San Diego house. It didn’t calm down any from there, with nearly 8 months of health challenges and a lot of shaking things up both professionally and personally. In looking back on the year it feels a bit like we’ve been through the tumble cycle and had ours arses kicked! And, I’m grateful for it. Of course there are moments when I’ve been left reeling, and I’ve hosted a few pity parties of one this year. But I don’t think you can really appreciate the highs of life without also experiencing the lows. And so I’m focusing on being grateful for all of the struggles that 2015 brought because I know that when the tides turn and life is a bit easier again I’ll appreciate it that much more.
Which brings me to 2016! We’re leaving in mid March for our one year rv adventure, and we couldn’t be more excited! I suppose we could’ve gone the other route after such a tumultuous year and really tried to settle things down for the coming year, but it turns out that’s not really who we are. Life is crazy and we’re along for the ride. At the end of it I want to say I lived it, I took risks, I had grand adventures. I know that sometimes it will be at the cost of security, or convention or comfort. I’m ok with that. If something scares me I usually try to do it. Except climbing Everest. I’m all set with that.
This time of year is always one of reflection for me, and one of hope. The slate feels wiped clean at the end of the year, doesn’t it? A whole 365 days come ahead with all of the possibility, all of the chance, all of the unexpected. It’s a beautiful thing.
I’ll leave you with this quote, which I adore: They say: Think twice before you jump. I say: Jump first and then think as much as you want! {Osho} So that’s what I’m wishing for all of us next year- the courage to pursue our dreams, whatever they may be. The courage to JUMP, to live boldly, lovingly, and happily. To you and yours my friends, I’m wishing you the most colorful, joyous year ahead. xx- Sarah {photo via}
Hi friends, I hope you had a great holiday weekend! I’m here today with some of my winter beauty picks from BeautyKind– a few things that are essential in my book for surviving the cold, dry season. As always, I’m a minimalist and my list is relatively short- but these are the things I find myself reaching for the most. Hope these are helpful for you! Click through for all the details! xx- Sarah
Hi friends! Popping in for a quick hello/goodbye before I shutdown the ol’ computer for a week of Christmas fun! I’m planning on baking and cooking and watching Christmas movies with friends until I can’t see straight. And lots of dog walks and bunny snuggles too, of course. Hope you have fun ahead, with all of the goodness this time of year brings. See you in a week! xx- Sarah {image via}
I peeped this home on My Domaine and immediately thought to myself, I’m moving in! It’s so bright, sophisticated, eclectic and charming that I kind of want to just pack my bags and head on over. So remember when I said I was gonna share less home stuff? Maybe I lied. I DON’T KNOW! I can’t stop looking at pretty houses, I can’t stop making tweaks to our own home! Who knows what the future will bring. But I do recommend you pop over here and check out more of this house. It will make you wanna relocate (the pool!) but listen up my friends- I have first dibs if they’re taking in strays!!!! xx- Sarah {photos by Tessa Neustadt}
