This post may be a bit like the weather I’ve been experiencing over here lately–a whirlwind. There has been consistent snow for the past two weeks and there is more to come! Not only has it been snowing constantly but it’s also been super windy. But I haven’t let the weather stop me from adventuring and atleast there’s been plenty of sun to help keep my mood up. Sophia recently asked what we appreciate from nature. Well, the sun is something I wholeheartedly love. It brings up my spirits and I can’t help but feel better on sunny days.
Starting off a sunny day with some chocolate!
I decided to try out another one of the chocolate bars the folks at Newman’s Own Organics sent me. I had only tried their dark chocolates and I wanted to change it up a bit with some milkiness. Deliciously creamy and made me feel like a kid again. Oftentimes milk chocolates get overwhelmed with all the other ingredients, but I like how you can still taste the chocolate in this bar. I feel like milk chocolate is often forgotten about nowadays. But I think dark, milk, and white chocolates all deserve a little love.
And this is how Matilda started out her snow day.
She dug it!
And came back 10 minutes later to see if there was more.
Leftover chickpeas in coconut milk over rice & roasted butternut squash tossed in coconut oil + cinnamon
Then went on an adventure to visit a friend of ours!
I'll admit the snow sure is beautiful though.
Soul sistas!
Back of the Virginia Center for Architecture
Snacks were had--I found the Coconut Macadamia flavor!
I'd like to think this was a delicious snowball. Soft, chewy, and cocoNUTTY.
Our beautiful friend in her barista zone! She made us yummy Cinnamon Dolce Lattes "with love."
I hadn't had an English muffin in ages!
I spread Sunland’s caramel peanut butter on one slice and the other had butter and the berry jam Holly sent me awhile ago. I also had a bowl of yogurt + a minneola, pomegranate arils, and granola.
Sauteed mushrooms + salsa verde + manchego + Italian bread
Umm YUM!
All together now!
Letfover AMAZING ziti and roasted butternut squash
And my dad came to stop by since he's in town on business.
How sweet
After some hang out time with my dad I went over to a friend’s house. I got to try a most delicious vegetable lasagna recipe she made up + garlic bread (ON HOMEMADE BREAD)! Afterwards we headed to one of the bars around here that reminds me of a tavern.
A supreme peanut butter oatmeal cookie made by one of her roommates, the expert baker!
CranBran Vitatop + coconut oil, Kashi GoLean Crunch, bruleed banana slices, Sunland's caramel peanut butter over Greek yogurt.
Met up with my dad at a new cafe for some afternoon bites.
I loved the openness and natural lighting.
He ordered the carrot + ginger soup.
He let me try some of it with the bread they served it with (SO delicious). I also got a white chocolate chip and cranberry scone + soy cappuccino
The place is called Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe and it’s really neat because you can even go grocery shopping in there. They sell things like organic milk, cake mixes, eggs, quinoa pasta, and granola made by a local Richmonder. We definitely plan on going back for lunch! It also seemed like a really nice place to study and have a nice change of environment.
Snapped a picture before another meet-up!
Look who I got to hang out with!!!
I met up with Brittany at a local cellar for some wine and chocolate sampling. I haven’t seen her in ages and she’s just as radiant even in the winter! We both brought our dogs, but Matilda was being a brat to adorable little Olive, and Isaac had to bring her back home. I hope they get along next time they meet!
Wine!
Crazy Matilda
Yummy chocolate samples, and they even opened up a bar for us chocolate lovers to try.
Look at these two dolls!!!
She also gave me the most delicious Coconut Macaroons she made (recipe from Raw Food/Real World).
Friday turned out to be an up and down and up day. I got really upset at one point but before totally giving into it I knew I had to do something to help me calm down. I have worked so hard to not succumb to things that in the end are not good for me. I reached out, communicated my feelings, and ended up rising above the stress. I did what I knew would be best for me. So glad I wasn’t incredibly stubborn and didn’t give in. Now I plan on going out with some friends and dancing my worries away! Do any of you find it hard to let things go out of stubbornness?
This weekend there’s going to be tons of love in the air. Who knows what’s in store!!! Either way, I hope you all enjoy it whether you’re single or taken!