Carrot Ginger Lime Smoothie

Wow, what a weekend! My hubby had the amazing idea of driving down and surprising my mom for mother's day, and I did. Not much gets past this woman, especially surprises, but--with the help of my dad--the surprise went off without a hitch and she was truly surprised. When you're an only child (as some of you know too well), there's pressure on your shoulders to represent "the offspring" of your parents, because you don't have siblings to share the responsibility. It also means that you're their main/only shot at parenting, so you are the guinea pig your whole life, but that's okay. My parents have been amazing, and I am so thankful for such consistently loving people.

Do you have a favorite memory with one/both of your parents that always brings a smile to your face? Mom and I cleaned out one of my grandmother's closets this weekend. We found the dress that my grandmother made and wore in my parents' wedding. We found several suits and dresses that my mom made for my grandmother. Mom was (and still is, when she has time) quite the clothing designer/seamstress. She used to completely surprise my grandmother each year with a suit SHE MADE FOR HER! Mom was sneaky, but somehow she managed to figure out my grandmother's measurements by measuring the regular pieces in my grandmother's wardrobe. She'd then sew late at night after my grandmother went to bed and, on Mother's Day or her birthday, mom would present my grandmother with a 3- or 4-piece suit. A jacket, blouse, pants and a skirt, all matching perfectly, all designed and constructed to fit my grandmother perfectly. Brilliant! Mom is a quiet giver and gives all of herself for those she loves. It's incredible. As her daughter, I've gotten to see mom secretly give and give and give over the years, and she never asks for anything in return. What a lady! Cheers to my mom, my mom's mom, and to all you who have/had moms or are a mom yourself. Blessing to you this day and every day.

On to food...after traveling and staying busy all weekend and yesterday, it was time for a pick-me-up.



Carrot Ginger Lime Smoothie
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
1 banana
1-2 t. freshly ground ginger (or 1 t. of candied ginger)
1/3 cup of a mildly flavored veggie (I used 3 mushrooms)
Juice of 1/2 lime

Blend all ingredients together and sip while doing some quickly-piling-up laundry. Oh, that's just me.




Need a dinner idea? Matt boiled 4 chicken breasts, transferred them to the grill pan, and cooked them in a little red wine, olive oil, and garlic. The wine gives the chicken flavor and a beautiful deep rose color. He topped it with a little store-bought curry sauce. Simple and delicious!



 



 Happy Tuesday!