True story. I’m at Trader Joe’s last week in the checkout line when the guy ringing up my groceries asks me what I do for a living. “I teach yoga,” I say. To which he replied, “That sounds fun, but what’s your real job?” I chuckled and said “That is my real job. What are you trying to say?” And he looked a little smug and then asked, “Yeah but what do you do with all your free time?” Insert the angry face emoji here please because I was annoyed by the fact that “teaching yoga” isn’t considered a real job to some folks, just something to do to keep busy or something. I felt like he was trying to make me say, “I have a very rich husband and I don’t have to work. I just shop, have lunch with my ladies and workout 24/7.” Instead I explained to him that I teach 25 classes a week, in different towns that requires a certain amount of travel time and I’m up before the sun every morning to make sure people get to practice yoga before they go to work, drop off their kids, eat breakfast or whatever it is they do when they are not on the mat! The checkout guy didn’t say anything, he just stood there with his mouth wide open like he wasn’t expecting me to reply so I took my change and kindly asked him to think with his brain the next time BEFORE he speaks. And off I went. Namaste man!

So what I’m trying to say is I’m sorry for taking such a long hiatus from my blog… I have been one busy bee and I haven’t been cooking or mulling on any fascinating topics in the last month. Andy remarked just today (when I told him I was taking the laptop to work) that I didn’t have any new recipes to share because I haven’t been creating any as of late. Point taken Andy, got it! Speaking of Andy, he is doing great! He is making a full recovery after the scooter accident and back catering weddings, events and more importantly, feeding me! His short-term memory is still on the fritz but he feels stronger everyday and considering the circumstances, he could be a lot worse off. We attended our friend’s wedding a couple of weeks back and it was our first night out in a while and boy was it fun!

My Ma and step-dad were also in town recently and we did some hot tubbing, Farmer’s Market, wine tasting, dinner at Ventana and NoVo and Andy even made us dinner which they were impressed by (I could tell!) It was nice to be surrounded by family since I don’t have any out here at all… I just wish they lived closer! (What’s stopping you from moving here Ma???) Oh! And I turned 36 last week… how did I get so old so fast?! Just kidding, seriously though, at 36 I feel more full of life and vigor and curiosity then I ever have before so bring it on! Andy planned a lovely picnic at our favorite winery and later he made me homemade pizza. It was a beautiful, relaxing day!

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So my new motto is fail to plan, plan to fail. I’m the type of person who has to plan dinner and make dinner beforehand or else I end up having no boundaries and eating whatever I can get my hands on or whatever my refrig has to offer and that can be a dangerous combination when you get home at almost 8 p.m. and are ridiculously hungry! Since I have little lulls in my afternoon, I usually use that time to plan and prepare dinner but the last month or so I’ve gotten way off track. I’m making a promise to myself and to you guys to that I will get back on track starting today! Yesterday, I prepared and cooked this easy peasy meal in less than 30 minutes and then tossed it in the refrig until we got home and reheated it. I had some leftover so I got creative and made myself a salad for lunch today too… that’s what I call streeeeeetching the budget my friends! Who needs to pay upwards of $13 for lunch? Not this girl, I’ll save my extra pennies for good wine and travel!

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Quinoa Turkey Skillet Dinner- serves four or more

Ingredients:

-1 lb ground turkey

-1 cup quinoa

-1 red onion, chopped

-3 cups spinach

-1 cup mushrooms, chopped

-1/2 cup diced green chilis

-1 can yellow corn, drained

-1 can red kidney beans, drained

-1 can black beans, drained

-spoonful of coconut oil

-2 cups water

-salt and pepper

-spinkle of cumin, garlic powder and turmeric

Directions:

1. Chop the onion and break up the meat and add to a large skillet with some coconut oil. Cook until brown.

2. Then add everything except for the spinach. Turn the heat down and cover for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the quinoa is open that means it’s cooked.

3. Add in the spinach last and cover for another 2 minutes or so.

4. When the spinach is all cooked, transfer to a big bowl. I like to eat this over greens or with tortillas or to use in tacos with guacamole. The possibilities are endless!

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I have been doing a lot of reading lately, as per usual I guess! You must check out Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari, comedian and best known for his role on Parks and Recreation. I listened to the audio version and it was hilarious! It make me thankful that I’m not a millennial and that I’m happily married!

Two of my favorite authors, Toni Morrison and Tracy Chevalier just came out with new books and both were equally entertaining and thought provoking. Especially Morrison’s story about children and how when they are born, you never know what’s in store for them or what kind of person they will turn out to be no matter how much influence you have on them. The plot was fresh, well thought out and very, very sad. I couldn’t put it down!

 I PROMISE I’ll be back next week! Until then, Happy Earth Day!