Let’s talk about some stuff in our jeans…brace yourselves, it’s a long one.

……

The last time I install backsplash. Until the next time I install backsplash. We’re already talking about extending it up higher.

It may have been late and it may not have been fancy, but we got to enjoy the cool temps and dark sky as we feasted on Memorial Day while sipping boxed wine.

My parents came to town the first week of June. Flowers for mom are a must, and always from my favorite flower shop.

Root Down brunch with my parents. My mom’s almond flour pancakes [with homemade cornflake topping + strawberry rhubarb compote – also GF!] stole the show. BUT, everything was fantastic. Especially the bottomless mimosas.

Best pancakes. Ever.

I ordered the veggie eggs benedict on quinoa patties, devoured it, and helped my mom out with her pancakes.

Brunch is my thang.

Kind of obsessed with info-graphics. Especially boozy ones. Especially when dad’s buying the booze.

[The Proper Pour]

Typical summer breakfast.

whole milk plain Greek yogurt + chilled plain quinoa + fruit + 2 large eggs + coffee n’ cream

If you make a batch of homemade peanut butter cups for a 10yr olds birthday they will like you a lot. Especially if you add crunchy peanut butter cereal [Panda Puffs, obvz] on top and a candle.

While my parents were in town the work didn’t stop, but I got to feed my family in the process and my mom helped me a ton in the kitchen. Having help for even just a few days was amazing. This was for a freelance job I’ll be sharing with you pretty soon.

Dakota likes my dad.

More than anyone else.

Lots of cheers’ing!

Lots of morning walking!

Exploring in downtown Golden, CO.

I took my mom to Pinot’s Palette for a painting + wine date for her birthday. It was one million times more fun than we expected! Neither one of us are too artistic [like at all] when it comes to painting, drawing, etc. but their simple instructions were surprisingly easy to follow. We can’t wait to go back together!

Umm, yeah, there’s still more.

Round 2 // Colorado –> Cleveland, OH

I headed back to Ohio with my parents to visit the rest of my family + friends. I haven’t been home since my book signing in October!

The trip started off with a side trip to PA to visit Jess. I’m pretty sure we talked about 137 topics for 5 minutes each without stopping to take a single breath. But we did manage to eat a whole lot of fries. Definitely on my top 5 list of best fries ever, in case you were wondering.

Stone fruits. STONE FRUITS.

My fancy photo setup at my parent’s house + White Quinoa Pizza Casserole.

My dad recently mentioned that his great grandma used to always make him an angel food cake for his birthday and it was his very favorite growing up. I happened to be home for his birthday this year, so it was obvious what kind of cake I needed to bake. I bet you will never believe this beauty is gluten-free and is also the absolute best angel food cake you’ll ever eat. The texture was spot on. My entire family raved and everyone said this is going to be a new go-to.

Topped with fresh whipped cream + berries. The only way. This is my kind of dessert.

You can find the fabulous recipe in Erin’s book, The Homemade Flour Cookbook!

Umm, heartbreaker? I think so. I lucked out and got to spend some time with my cousin + her sweet boy who were in town from Chicago while I was in.

This face!

My brother knocked my socks off the other night when he whipped up a few traditional [vegan] Indian dishes in his kitchen. It was really fun to help someone else cook and watch their process.

Aloo Gobi + Daal Tadka

Legit.

Pretty much the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted.

It’s been a whirlwind these past few months, but in the best ways possible. I’ve had more work than ever [yay!] and have gotten to balance it out with a lot of family time and weekend fun.

Last week’s giveaway winner forThe Homemade Flour Cookbook was: Sarah R. who said, “I love the lemon poppyseed donuts at Mighty-O in Seattle.”

Thanks to all who entered!

Ashley

Recipes will be back next week! Thanks for hanging in there with me this week with the sparse posting, due to my laptop charger dying + me being under the weather for a few days.

Let’s talk about some stuff in our jeans…

Only in Colorado do people protect their veggie gardens from the SNOW with a TENT in MAY.

The company Modern Sprout contacted me a few months back about trying one of their windowsill jar-planter systems at home. The offer multiple hydroponic windowsill options, with the jars using a passive technique known as "wicking" to bring the water to the to the plant.

They offered to send me one of their jars to try out and I love the idea behind this. I'm currently growing basil and it seems to be doing well. I don't have the best greenthumb, so I'm thrilled to see the plant still alive. The jar came with simple instructions and so far so good!

Besides me not killing this basil plant [yet], some other good news from the week was Chris finishing grad school!!!I couldn't be happier for him as this was quite the lengthy adventure for the past 5 years while working full time. His degree is in water resources engineering, a speciality within civil engineering. Clearly, we had to celebrate with margs + way too many chips. YAY Chris!

Now for some Friday links!

Molly made my doughnuts into mini muffins and they’re pretty much the cutest things ever.

This article on “How Successful People Stay Calm” is a fabulous read and so on point. I’ve been trying to implement a lot of these strategies for the past few months and it’s been a tremendous help. I felt like this article made everything click. – “breathing” “reframing perspective” “using their support system” and “avoid asking what if” have been HUGE for me.

Dana made a Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Pie that I want to dunk my face into.

And then Ashley made a Coconut Date Shake that I want to guzzle for all the days of spring + summer + forever.

I’m currently working through Phase 2 of Jamie Eason’s Livefit Trainer program. Oh my word. It hurts so good. I’m in no way following the diet/eating program that goes along with it, but I have upped my protein [along with my overall food intake] because my muscles are workin’ it. I used this program a few years ago [modifying with dumbbells at home] and it’s so nice to actually be doing it at a gym with proper equipment. My previous weight training plan was boring me to tears. I cannot even tell you how much more energy I have throughout my days since starting this a few weeks ago. Huge difference! Not sure exactly what I'll do when I finish "phase 2" but for now I'm loving it.

If you’re looking for new ways to use Nori other than sushi, check out Gena’s Hummus and Nori Veggie Wraps. Summer lunch!

Can someone please make me a Kid’s Art Table and then come over and play with me? I’ll supply snacks.

I adore adding avocado to smoothies and love this extra addition of mint from Tracy!

This blog post -- I Went to the Nutritionists' Annual Confab. It Was Catered By McDonald's. Fascinating. Appalling. A must read.

A ridiculous brownie creation from Angela.

Happy weekend! Enjoy!

Ashley