Fundamental Things

I love the word fundamental.  Fundamental! Fundamental! Fundamental! ...How could you not love the word?  The word has fun and mental which means to me that you need fun for a great mental attitude.  This may be a little primitive in the overall definition or phonetic break down; yet it works for me.

The intrinsic value of a  great mental attitude gives to us the ability to approach any obstacle on our journey.  We should look at our journey being grateful for all the gifts we will receive.  Oh sure, life happens.  Life throws a big ol' curve in your otherwise lovely life plan to stir up you.  Yep..you.

We all become complacent at times on our everyday routine.  Are we giving ourselves the inner encouragement to be positive with a can do attitude towards any obstacle?  Are we embracing our inner self to quietly say "just breathe.. you got this".  Life happens with illnesses, deaths, births, career choices, family issues and then....your own playground of life. Yet no matter what the obstacle might be for the moment or the day; you should choose the stronger positive mentality to endure all that has been placed before you.  

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.”Helen Keller

We can choose to make the day a better day.  We can choose to be grateful.  We can choose to look for peace and joy in the smaller things of life instead of always seeking the peace and joy to come from larger events.

Choose today to be the powerful loving person you deserve to be on this journey.

Choose today to be present in the moment.  

Choose to "just breathe"

Choose to be the woman warrior that you are in all areas of your life.

Choose to be brave, thoughtful, kind, compassionate.

Choose to think of others before yourself.


Choose to say hello to a stranger

Choose to be the glorious loving being you are

Choose "it's okay to say no"


Choose to give yourself a "me" day to rejuvenate

Be Here. Be Present.

Wherever you are, be there

Willie Nelson

We are capable of truly being peaceful on our journey.  

Brunch to Celebrate the Women in Your Life

May 8

Not all the women in your life may have children.   However along the way of their journey I am sure they have nurtured a friend during times babbling "mother inspired" sayings, baby sat, had a sibling or even a pet or two.  Yes, motherhood takes on many forms and hats... If you are like me your Mom is now your angel ever present in your journey.

As I listen to one of  my favorite bluegrass artist, Sarah Jaroz, I thought I would be berry inspired for a fun celebration brunch

Celebrate !  Just Celebrate the Life of Your Women Friends, Daughters, Sisters, Cousins, Aunts, Co-workers, Neighbors...just Celebrate!!

Gift Ideals

Small nosegays of picked or purchased flowers
A coupon for a picnic lunch
A coupon for a "Mom's Day" out
Lotions, creams, bath bombs, cleansers made by you with natural products * more on recipes on another blog soon
Movie or movie tickets
Dinner preparations for two or four
Bottle of wine with chocolate
Crafted gifts made by the grandchildren
Live Music Outing
Museum or Wildflower Center visit

The thought in the gift is what truly is measured.  Be as simple as your want or extravagant but make sure that the gift is a reflection of the recipient .

Now about those recipes

Berrylicious Sangria
Yield 8 to 10 6 oz glasses

1  to 2 bottles of Sparkling Fruit Flavored Water or Fruit based bottled Italian Soda*** you may use a ginger infused italian soda or lemon infused to bring more flavor to the sparkling water
1 to 2  Bottles of Savignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
1/2 cup of simple syrup* be sure to taste first then add as needed for sweetness
Berries of your choice * 10 to 12
Fresh Lemon wedges
Ice Cubes with berries and lemons

Serve in an 6 oz wine glass

Decadent French Toast
Yield:  6 to 8 servings

2  loaves of orange/white chocolate bread, orange bread, cherry bread, lemon bread or challah.  Ask if your bakery can slice on 16 or cut into thick slices
Variety of berries, mango  slices or chunks * I use frozen which are very delicious, grilled peaches
 1 - 1 1/2 cups of Chocolate ganache or rich chocolate topping sauce
Powder sugar
Whip Cream or Creme Fraiche
Toasted Almonds

Now let's build!

Brush lightly with butter to pan toast bread.  Mix berries and fruit with sugar to sweeten or agave,  Place a tablespoon on toast to spread to ends, then add fruit mixture on slice of bread, sprinkle with a little powdered sugar,  put 2nd  slice of toasted bread on top.  Add whip cream or creme fraiche with a spoon drizzle of chocolate topped with more powder sugar.  Top with a sprinkle of toasted almonds.

For heartier appetites you can include turkey bacon, apple cured bacon or links to serve along side
Mini quiches

Coffee Bar

Fresh brewed Coffee
Whip Cream
Flavored Cream
Cinnamon
Mocha or chocolate powder
Nutmeg
Caramel

Fresh Juice Bar
Mango
Pineapple
Guava


Now I do not have pictures as I write without cooking the dish at the time.  So..here is the closest picture..

Celebrate!  Celebrate!  Celebrate!