When the weather outside is…

Good afternoon!

If you are on the east coast (or possibly the whole US, I’m not sure) you are experiencing the same weather I am. It’s COLD! I have finally got my house to a balmy 76 degrees and I have to admit, I am quite happy with that (I love wood stoves). It’s absolutely beautiful out but when I got up this morning my windows looked like the one picture here. The old house doesn’t have great windows. They are all single pain and very drafty. I have faith we will able to replace them by next winter though! I anticipate that will help greatly!!

I think I succeeded in tiring the puppies out for a little bit. We (well I) bundled up and went outside to play for a little bit! I had to feed the birds too, they had gone through almost all the seed in their feeders! I even let the kitties out so they could get some fresh air (even though it’s frigid). Everyone enjoyed it for a little bit, then it was time to come in. But before coming in, I had to check the fire again! I can’t wait for the hubby to get home so he can split some more wood! We’re almost out!! I am super klutzy with small sharp objects so I haven’t attempted to use the ax yet.

I don’t know if many of you use Chia seeds on a regular basis but if you don’t (or do) I have a fun recipe for you!  I used to use them a lot in smoothies, then stopped using them for quite a while. I have started using them again on and off (still in smoothies). Last night the hubby and I were craving something sweet so I decided to throw together a fruit smoothie. He wanted mango so he had grabbed some frozen mango while he was at the store. It is a lot easier for us to get frozen organic fruits at the store down the street than it is to get fresh…sigh. Don’t worry about me though, I have 3 organic foods stores within 20 minutes of my house. They just aren’t super convenient for a quick trip and they also don’t carry a wide selection of meat (for the pups din din).

Any-who…he picked up mango. So to please our sweet tooth I threw together a smoothie…the recipe is below! It was quite delish!

SunShine Smoothie

3 cups water
1/2 cup Chia Seeds
1/2 – 3/4 cups Tibetan Goji Berries
1-1/2 cup Frozen Mango Chunks (organic)
agave to taste

Mix water and Chia Seeds and let sit for at least 10 minutes (I just threw them in the Vita-Mix together and let sit). After the Chia Seeds have formed a gelatin (it may just be around them not through-out; that’s ok) combine rest of ingredients except agave and blend until smooth. Add agave to taste. Sip and enjoy!

I felt that this was an appropriate recipe for these chili winter months! Everyone needs a little extra sunshine in their life!

This smoothie didn’t end up being overly sweet and it totally hit the spot. If you don’t have Tibetan Goji Berries you can get them from NaturalZing! They are RAWsome!!

Love, Blessings and RAWhugs!