Round II .... Phase I

Alright folks...here we go again... it's oven building time! And this time, there is actually a serious plan (see photo to left). Andy spent the better half of Saturday drawing up some plans for our brick oven. Using "The Bread Builders" book guidelines, we went out and staked the area we want to build, established dimensions that work and Andy set to putting in on paper (well...on computer). It really felt nice to establish a plan of attack, it is going to be beautiful! (I am really quite excited about the timber frame and slate roof...yup...slate). As you can see in the photo it will be completely sheltered as well as the two tables that will be on either side of the oven (one for makin' the pizza, one for slicing the baked pizza...of course). Next step... laying the foundation. It looks like Friday night pizza nights are really going to happen. YAY!

I am sooooo in love!.... with yoga :)

Practicing on my mat today I had an amazing moment of complete gratitude for the life I have (as a side note: this may be coming from the last of the high I have been on from the 75 degree day we had yesterday.... look what a little pink on my cheeks does to me!!). Sitting in my beautiful cozy cottage where there are down comforters on my bed to keep me warm, yummy food in my cupboards, hot tea in my mug, a sweet sweet dog napping on my couch and yoga mats rolled up in the corner, I truly couldn't be more content right now. Not needing or wanting anything else and realizing that all things will come in time. Looking forward to longer, warmer days (Happy Vernal Equinox by the way!) and many more sweet moments in the cottage. Would love to hear what you all are grateful for!!

Is it March???!!

What? Where has February gone?? And what about the first of March? Days have just been floating by here with warm sun and so much to do...hiking, yoga, and just lounging with great people...of course, what gets neglected? Squash Blossom, I know, I know I apologize too much for the lack of posts so I won't, I will just celebrate a full life (and a very demanding dog!) :)

With all the yoga and lifestyle changes, I think tonight I will share with you an Ayurvedic recipe for spicy oil (which, to all those who just gasped at the though of me using spicy oil, is NOT so spicy)... It is quite delicious and good for you in so many ways (and for those who are familiar with the doshas..it's good for all of 'em!). I use this to saute up my veg. for beans and rice nights. It is really delicious....

1 cup canola oil (I use sunflower)

1 Tbsp. cumin seeds

1 1/2 Tbs Hing (asafetida, from an Indian store)

2 Tbsp. mustard seed

1 Tbsp. turmeric

Heat oil in a pan. Add 2-3 mustard seeds in while while it is heating. They will start popping once the oil is hot. Remove the pan from heat and add the remaining mustard seeds and cover the pot. After the seeds stop popping, add cumin seeds, hing, and turmeric. Allow the oil to cool down for 5 min. and then pour in a thick glass jar and store at room temperature.

It is really versatile I hope some of you give it a try!

p.s. turmeric is also called the "poor woman's saffron," for it does many of the same things that its more expensive cousin can do.!