These were taken at the American Tobacco District in Durham, NC. Such a fun spot to work in but I like to go early so we are not in the way of all the businesses out there. Plus, you can stay for lunch when we’re done!

But, the more I thought about it the more I realized that things I do to just “survive” ARE actually the things I am passionate about. That’s what makes a hobby, right? Of course my “hobbies” may be considered chores by others … so maybe I have just convinced myself that my chores are actually hobbies so I don’t feel bad about not having real hobbies. Hmmmm.

I love being outside.

Well, I love being outside and WARM which is one (of many) reasons I complain so much all winter long. I like to bike ride, hike, go to festivals or concerts, cook out and just sit on the deck with friends all night. Saturday mornings I literally get itchy if we don’t get outside. Along with that I really like yard work. I like to weed, plant, water, dig in the dirt and check on the progress of my little green babies every day. I know my neighbors must wonder what I am doing wandering around the yard every evening inspecting my plants, checking for blooms, planning what to add next. We built this house a little over three years ago and it’s our first “big” yard. It was a completely blank slate so it’s a slow work in progress to get it to the lush yard we want it to be. I also container garden every summer, vegetables and herbs which is what is pictured below. A little late of a start this year thanks to old man winter keeping his grip for so long but they go in the dirt soon. If you don’t have at least an herb garden, what are you waiting for? It’s very easy to maintain and grabbing fresh herbs (for free!) every night for dinner is a dream!

I enjoy cooking. I have always liked to cook but it’s become even more of a passion since changing my family’s way of eating to a healthier, whole food diet. How can I make delicious, wholesome and nutritious meals and snacks as simply possible? I plan on sharing more of these recipes as time goes on. We rarely eat out any more because frankly, I like controlling what goes into my body and usually I can make it at home for a lot less money (and just as tasty). Not to mention organic, non GMO and with no added sugar, preservatives, and other yucky stuff. Yes, I’m one of those. And yes I get a little more preachy then I mean to but I am so tired of seeing friends and loved ones suffer through illness and pain that could very much be controlled with food. I feel GOOD and I want everyone else to feel good too! And yep, that’s my breakfast in the top right there. Every day, a loaded with nutrients smoothie. Perhaps a post on that soon.

I guess this is all wrapped up in my general love of wellness. I enjoy exercise and get grumpy when I can’t make it to the gym. No photos from the gym, I look the same as everyone else sweating it out in there. No neat work outs or classes, just good old fashioned cardio and weights. And the better I feel, the more likely I am to want to do the things that I love that aren’t chore related – hanging out with my family and friends, going out on a Friday night to see a show, keeping up with toddlers at a session.

To continue through the blog carousel please visit Child and Family photographer (kitchener waterloo cambridge) – maybe she has an actual real hobby!

• Triangle Women of Distinction Awards
• Marbles Museum Imagination Ball (Bid here!)
• 1in9 Pink Tie Affair
• JDRF Hope Gala
• Hudson Memorial Preschool

Every year I am asked to donate to many great causes but unfortunately can only give to a limited number each year. Be in touch if you have a cause you would like me to consider, I will do my best!

I use Honeyville Almond Flour, it’s the best price I have found and I use it in everything. Which reminds me, I need to reorder after last night’s weekly baking of my Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. We go through that big bag fast! I order my coconut oil, Himalayan salt & baking soda from Vitacost (that link will give you $10 off). Coconut oil is in a solid form at room temperature but quickly melts when warmed slightly. I love this stuff, and use it in very often in cooking (and yes, in my hair). It does give a hint of a coconut flavor but don’t write it off until you have tried it. I considered myself not a fan of coconuts before discovering it!

Gluten Free Almond Flour Biscuits (with Parmesan and Rosemary)

(adapted from Roostblog)

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut oil melted (ghee, melted butter or oil of your choice would also work)
• 1/4 cup honey
• * 2 tbls chopped fresh rosemary
• * 2-1/2 tbls shredded Parmesan

*Optional ingredients – the rosemary is fantastic alone if you don’t eat cheese or you could sub garlic powder, or add in some cinnamon for a more decadent treat – I can’t imagine going wrong here. Leave them both out for a simple honey biscuit that is quite divine!

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, stir together the coconut oil, honey, and eggs. Stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Roll balls of about 1/4 cup of batter and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet, flattening them a bit. They will spread slightly.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a biscuit comes out clean. Let cool briefly on the baking sheet. Serve warm.

These are rich so I tend to make 9 smaller biscuits but have made 6 larger as well.

April: 24th, 29th

May: 3, 7, 8, 15, 16, 22, 24

Mini Sessions: Mini Sessions are scheduled for April 23rd. A 10:30 spot remains!