Simple Inspiration

I find inspiration in beautiful things, quotes, stories,  and food . The quote that keeps mulling around in my head is "Positive Energy Is the New Pink."  Being around positive people is like fuel to me. 
I try to drink about 20-30 ounces of water first thing in the morning.  Sometimes, it is hard to drink it before I start eating or drink coffee.  I saw my friend at Bible study with a mason jar with lemons in it.  She said it was helping her to drink water.  I tried it.  Drinking water out of a beautiful mason jar helps me to drink more and feel happy about it. 

I am reading a book by Katie Couric, The Best advice I Ever Got, Lessons from Extraordinary Lives.  It inspires me to read about, passion and focus in others lives.  Last night, I was reading about Alicia Keys.  She said,      "When you make a decision because you really love what you are doing, because you're really passionate about it, believe in it, and because you'd do it no matter what the outcome-that's when you become most successful." 
Passion is what drives me to write on this on-line journal called a blog.  I am passionate about continually learning about being the healthiest I can.  Writing about what I'm cooking and inspired to try, helps me.  I made a broccoli soup yesterday.

The Pioneer Woman has a beautiful blog, a show on the food channel and wonderful recipes.  She is an inspiration to me.  Her broccoli soup recipe is made with whole milk and half and half.  I took her recipe and made it much lower in fat. 

In the original recipe it had 5 cups whole milk and 2 cups half and half.  I used 5 cups chicken broth and 1cup half and half.  To thicken the soup, I started with a butter flour rue.  I simmered the broccoli for about 20 min, then blended.  It was super simple and super creamy.  I feel that healthy food does not need to taste bad.  Even my oldest was very skeptical before she tasted, but ultimately, gave it a thumbs up. 

Ingredients for Simple Broccoli Soup

butter

flour

1 clove garlic chopped

5 c. chicken stock

1 c. half and half

2 c. cut broccoli

1 c. grated cheddar cheese

salt and pepper

 After I made it on the stove I put it in the crock pot.  Having dinner ready and hot when we walk through the door is a beautiful thing.  It helps with "I'm hungry" from the kids and anxiety from a long day.  Happy tummies makes me, a mommy, happy.   My kids of course,  liked extra cheese and lots of tortilla chips in their bowls.  I was satisfied without the extras.  It was creamy and filling.   

I hope that we can all find beauty in small things like a mason jar, chopped broccoli, or satisfying soup.  My friends, eat well, live well, and live out your passions.