Happy Summer!! I just recently returned from a six day vacation in Texas, talking about summer, it was really HOT, and HUMID! I couldn't believe that we were able to get our party of five to Texas at the same time, for almost a week! My youngest son moved there for a job opportunity, we thought it would be a great time to check out Texas, his new restaurant, and celebrate Fathers Day. We had a great time, and even did pretty well considering the heat, a few days by the pool didn't hurt.
Upon returning home, I realized how nice it was to be home and get back to my routine. I am learning, with age, to try and fly by the seat of my pants more often, to be more flexible, stray from my routine on occasion. But, routine is also nice, its dependable, predictable, comfortable, something you can count on, making life easier to navigate at times. A routine sometimes helps you align with the things that are important to you, making sure you get them in each day, being accountable to what you feel are priorities in your life.
Seasons can bring routines, falling into each season with a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed seasonal program. This may look different to each of us, or somethings we may find similar to others. Vacations, same places each season, same time each season, there is comfort in routines, maybe even moments we look forward to in that routine. A yearly 4th of July get together, with the same friends, at the same beach, eating the same delicious foods and recipes that are served and shared. A fair that arrives every summer, at the same time, looking forward to attending with the same friends or family, anticipating the delicious cinnamon rolls and funnel cake they have each year.
I always try to make a point in expressing how great it is to spread your wings and change things up, embrace new environments, new discoveries, new people, new foods. But, there is something to be said about our routines and what is familiar and the things we can count on day in and day out, our ROUTINES. You don't need to give up one for the other, you can have both, you need both in your life. Embrace your routines along with all the other wonderful things this season has to offer, experience summer in all its glory!!!
Summers freshest vegetables:
Radishes, arugula, cucumber, beets, bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, garlic, corn, rhubarb
Summer freshest fruits:
Apricots, plums, cherries, blackberries, nectarines,strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, passion fruit, melons
Look into a local Farmers Market to get the freshest local produce and foods, a fun healthy experience.
Fresh Cilantro and Veggie Salad
A salad can be any vegetables you like, at any time. Different veggie combos, for different moods or time of year. Try to keep vegetables seasonal.
Salad-
Fresh colorful greens, spring mix, red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce, arugula...(mine cam from a mix of lettuces in my garden) try to mix it up.
Fresh garden heirloom cherry tomatoes
Jicama, diced
Red bell pepper, diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped
Any other delicious seasonal vegetables you would like
Chicken or fish for some animal protein, optional
Arrange all veggies in a large bowl and set aside.
Dressing- Avocado Lime Cilantro Dressing
1 bunch cilantro, loosely packed
1 avocado, diced
juice of 1 lime
4 cloves garlic
1/4-1/2 cup olive oil
2-3 tsp white wine vinegar
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp cumin
Blend all dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss.
