Saturday at The Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge has it all -- majestic views, fruit orchards, wineries, water falls, mountains, clean air, and on this particular Saturday -- warm temperatures and sunshine. Oooo la la.

Summer Entertaining

Tonight, I had a girlfriend over for dinner out on the patio. The temperature was perfect, the ambiance was beautiful, and the food, well the food was delish! We laughed, talked, and enjoyed each other's company over a good home cooked meal. She admitted it was much better than ANY restaurant.  I used my 10 percent wisely tonight and I don't feel guilty because it was good wholesome food made with love by me.

Whole Wheat pasta with grilled organic chicken breast and roasted asparagus. Tossed with pesto and topped with fresh basil and parsley

Tomato Feta Salad: Tri-Color grape tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, fresh basil and parsley, white wine vinegar, and olive oil

Garlic Herb Crusted bread: Real Grade A butter, with fresh garlic, basil, and parsley on an Artisan baguette

Sweet Endings -- Organic peaches, blackberries, served over creamy Australian Vanilla Yogurt topped with sliced almonds


This folks is why I NEVER eat out!

Everything Must Change

Organic Chicken Caesar Salad

I follow the 90/10 rule when it comes to my diet and I typically cash in my 10 percent on Saturday's. Well, lately I've been working really, really hard on cleaning up my diet. So yesterday's cheat/treat meal looked completely different than in the past. I just couldn't see myself going too far off path. So for last night's dinner, I prepared a Chicken Caesar Salad. Yes, the dressing can be highly caloric but I went extremely light on the dressing and sprinkled plenty of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. For my after dinner treat (Which, I only have on Saturday's) my signature homemade chocolate chip cookies were calling my name but I didn't cave. Instead, I used the fresh peaches and blueberries I bought at the Farmer's Market to create a delightful little summer parfait. I feel so good about my decisions. I realize that in order to cash in on the ultimate prize, changes are necessary. You can't keep doing the same things and get different results. Everything must change.

Sweet Endings: Blueberries, peaches and a little bit of vanilla yogurt