Inspired

Life has been a bit chaotic lately. This summer has been full of travel, family, parties, gardening, rowing, and all around FUN!  While I haven't blogged about it, my container garden is yielding. I've harvested lots of spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, fresh herbs, strawberries, chard, and cucumbers. Zucchini, tomatoes, beets, and peppers should be ready to pick this week.

As the summer sun fills the sky, I thought I'd reflect on a few things that are providing some much-needed inspiration:

• Nutrition School! I started my IIN modules in May and LOVE that I'm learning so much about 
  something I'm so passionate about. 
• New bike! James got it for me for my big 3-0 and it's hands down the best gift I've ever received! It's so freeing to ride around Boston! 

Birthday Gifts! Picnic Basket is Perfect for Farmers Market!

• Music! Started the summer with Radiohead. Got up close and personal for Ani DiFranco at Wanderlust. Going to see Coldplay tonight! Life wouldn't be worth living without live music! 

ANI!!

• Technology! I bought an iPad and it's changed my life. The How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman App (developed by Culinate) is amazing and it is already changing the way I approach cooking. Best $9.99 I've ever spent!  
• Family! One sister is getting married in September. The other is having a baby boy any day now! My niece's personality is coming out more and more every time I see her. My mother's strength (and her insane veggie gardens) will never cease to amaze me. 
• Yoga! It's been tough to stick to a routine, but I spent a weekend in Vermont in June with some of the best friends I could ever ask for. We practiced for 3-6 hours a day for 3 days straight, meditated on the side of a mountain, met amazing yogis from all over, and loved every minute of Wanderlust. Oh, and I met Joel Salatin there! 

I was a little apprehensive about Acro Yoga, but it was so fun!

Dancer on a mountain.

One Smart Farmer!

• Rowing. 2 nights a week on the Charles all summer long with the calluses to prove it. :-)  

Boston Skyline from the BU Boathouse

Where should I put this thing?

• Chi Omega. I don't talk about the sorority girl side of my life much, but XO continues to provide inspiration, friendship, and wonderful opportunities to give more of myself. I attended our National Convention in Phoenix and accepted an award for the Greater Boston Alumnae Chapter's success in fundraising for Make-A-Wish through our annual A Pot Full of Wishes! Fundraiser, which I've headed up for the past 3 years. I also snagged the cutest owl apron ever while I was there! 
• Making introductions. I love connecting people to people and connecting people to new foods! On a recent trip to Scottsdale, I had dinner with an old family friend who had NEVER eaten tofu! We ordered these delicious lettuce cups stuffed with tofu and she loved them!

Lettuce Cups Stuffed with Tofu!

I promise to post some new recipes soon and would love to hear from you! Any requests?!