WORLD ELEPHANT DAY!

HAPPY WORLD ELEPHANT DAY!!!

Help support endangered elephants right here in Tennessee! The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, is the nation's largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically to meet the needs of endangered elephants. It is designed specifically for old, sick or needy elephants who have been retired from zoos and circuses. Utilizing more than 2700 acres, it provides three separate and protected, natural-habitat environments for Asian and African elephants. Our residents are not required to perform or entertain for the public; instead, they are encouraged to live like elephants." - taken from elephants.com

Whole Foods in Nashville, at both the Cool Springs and Hill Center locations, is donating 5% of their profits from today to The Elephant Sanctuary!! Please consider supporting this wonderful organization!

Blue Corn Cakes Topped with Avocado and Herby Heirloom Tomatoes

This summer, our favorite thing to eat is Grilled Romaine and Grilled Pizza. Last summer it was Grilled Panzanella, and the summer before that, it was Corncakes with Tomato Salsa. I recently made these, and we remembered how much we L O V E D them, that and it is the perfect 'cold' dish to serve during the heat of the summer!

Four great things about this dish: 1) it can be served as an appetizer or as a side, 2) it can be served cold, 3) it utilizes delicious heirloom tomatoes, 4) it harks back to traditional southern cuisine, but in a healthy way.

Lovely Minnesota - Minneapolis Highlights

We spent a majority of our week in Minneapolis close to Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet. Never in my life have I seen so many wild flowers, not to mention monarch butterflies and bees!! (I haven't seen one monarch butterfly this year in Nashville!) The other thing that was quite notable, was how easy it is to be active around there. There are bike rentals in addition to lake rentals with paddle boarding, kayaking, sail-boating, canoeing, etc. The trails are super easy to access and they all connect. People of all ages and sizes visit the lakes for an opportunity to be active, and thats what is so great about Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun.

The other common thread between our favorite spots, was the commitment to locally sourced goods and ingredients. Many of the restaurants served things they've grown themselves from rooftop gardens, or as you'll read below, their own 100-acre farm!

The area around Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, make up my favorite place on Earth. Here are some highlights from our trip and also part of my campaign to get Chris to think about moving back to Minneapolis some day...

LLH Celebration Part 1: S'mores Ice Cream Sandwiches

Lainee Lou Hou is finally medication free! This is Part 1 of our celebration! We are so thankful for your support and love and prayers!! We wish we could have you all over for a dinner party! We'd have all of my favorite summer time cookout foods; Grilled Pizza, Grilled Romaine, watermelon (Lainee's favorite), and because we don't have a bonfire, we'd have to settle for S'mores Ice Cream Sandwiches!

Lainee Lou Hou UPDATE!!!

Our welsh terrier, Lainee Lou Hou was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMTP) and Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) almost 11 months ago during her first 8 day stay in doggie ICU. IMTP is defined as when the immune system starts attacking healthy platelets, platelets are required for blood to form clot. IMHA is when the immune system starts to attack healthy red blood cells. It has been a long road with many set-backs, but we have some REALLY exciting news to share with you!!

Heirloom Tomato, Beet, Avocado Cold Summer Salad

It took me a couple of years to acclimate to Nashville summers. No t-shirts (if you sweat as much as I do...), God help us, NO gray, breathable fabrics only, no pants EVER, you get the idea. One night before dinner time, I asked P to research exactly this: 'cold summer vegetable recipes' and 'cold dinners for hot summer days'. We didn't really find much that could be ready super quick. (Sometimes I wait until I absolutely MUST eat within minutes, and that kind of limits things.)

Edible Garden: Back Patio Edition

Remember that one time we built a garden planter ladder? It has been almost one month, and the growth of all of the little baby seedlings is extraordinary! One of the most important parts of any types of gardening, is the soil you use. The soil contains nutrients which are absolutely vital for the health of your plants. If your soil lacks nutrients, so do your plants. Bad soil = bland and nutrition-less produce. I don't use any pesticides or harsh chemical fertilizers on my plants either. I like to encourage good bugs like ladybugs and honey bees to come and eat pests and pollinate, and I do not want to ingest any chemicals!

Red, White, & Blue - #3: Grilled Romaine

In addition to the 4th of July, it is also my 6th 4th of July here in Nashville, and my 4 month anniversary with Grilled Romaine, which I thought would be the perfect third addition to my Red, White, and Blue series. Grilled Romaine is divine. It has a slightly smokey flavor and remains fairly crispy after the grilling process. The olive oil, salt, and black pepper act as a sort of frosting. The granny smith apple matchsticks add an additional crisp, and for those who eat meat, the pancetta is a delightful salty addition.

Red White & Blue - #2: Watermelon WORKOUT

It can be hard to find time to be active during the holidays, no matter how great your intentions are. The trick is to plan ahead and to involve as many of your friends and family as possible. Here are some ideas on how to stay active during the Fourth of July!

Red White & Blue #1: Ode to Grilled Pizza

ODE TO GRILLED PIZZA

Roses are red, violets are blue, all day long I think about you.

The way the mozzarella melts so evenly, it fills every crevice just so evenly.

Your ever so crispy crust, makes my heart want to bust.

First thing in the morning, and late into the night, I just can't wait until my next bite!!!