Monday, February 11, 2013
Finding My Happy Place...
It's Monday! I am hitting this week full speed! I had a client at 5am and then a full schedule of cooking and nutrition clients to work for. BUSY day, but I'm excited to have so much going on. Keeps me from thinking too much, ya know? Also, Jolene and Jessica, I saw a bunny this morning on my way back from the gym! That's a good sign, right?

Before I get too far into this post, I want to first thank all of you for your kind words and thoughtful messages. I will admit, we were all in a pretty dark funk. Everyday is a new day and we are all working towards finding closure. It really meant so much to me to read everyone's perspective on handling death. Lisa said something that completely hit me in the right way and I'm going to do exactly what she said.

She started by quoting me and then led into this...
"You said, "The man was like another father to Tony and a grandfather to me. He was the kind of person that brightened your day the second you set eyes on him. He had the most amazing smile that rubbed off on me every time I saw his face."

I think one way to keep him alive in your hearts is to aspire to be like him. Maybe it's that whole thing---people won't remember the things you did, but they will remember the way you made them feel."

Those words have seriously walked with me since you wrote them Lisa.

Ok, since we're moving forward these days, I will get right to the chase...I'm addicted to instagram (I'm stshasteen). Seriously, I'm all over taking quick shots of my boys...


First box of Cracker Jacks ever...this is Max's happy face.


This is Jay's awkward teen face.

my cats...


Tippy trying to get Max's chicken. Yes, every meal here includes Franks!


Luke right after eating my hair. Does anyone else's cats do that? He sits on the top of the couch and gets my hair. Leia stayed in her happy place on top of the cat palace this weekend so I spared all from that. You're welcome!

the food...


Gluten free Banana Muffins! Recipe coming soon. I used a new NuNaturals sweetener. 

 

Monster omelets! Bacon, potato, cheese and broccoli for the boys!


Scrambled egg whites with steamed broccoli seasoned with garlic and onion powder. This was not my usual bowl of oats and it was weird for me to crave this, but I gave in to my cravings and it totally hit the spot!


My first kabocha squashes!!!


Yeah, it took me all of 5 minutes to get these things in the oven when I got home from the Asian market! I'm totally in love! So much so that I ate an entire one all by myself yesterday. I would ask you not to judge, but yeah, I'm judging myself for that. Sweet, creamy, crunchy...really, it has everything. Oh and the topping, I'm sharing that on Friday! Gotta wait for Laura's Strange, But Good!


These slightly sweetened rice treats from the Asian market are highly addictive! The bag is about 3 feet tall and full of deliciousness! 


And this salad, this salad is my all time favorite mix of flavors! Crisp Romaine lettuce, green beans, roasted baby bella mushrooms, quinoa, crisp fresh red peppers, an over easy egg for extra protein and the best dressing ever (the yolk). 

I guess all of this is to say that we are finding joys in the little things these days. Being in the kitchen again definitely helps me. It's my meditation...my happy place. I'm going to spend more time there and focus on getting myself back on track mentally. I have a tendency to shut down when things get rough. I look at the big picture instead of taking everyday one day at a time and appreciating the small things that give me joy. I'm working on it, but it's a tough one for me.

Do you have a happy place?

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posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 6:27 AM  
18 Comments:
  • At February 11, 2013 at 7:39 AM, Blogger Heather said…

    The kitchen and the gym are both my happy places. They can be crazy, but calming at the same time. :)
    Glad things are looking up!!

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 7:54 AM, Blogger Cotter Crunch said…

    Lisa is so right, aspire to be like him. And I can tell you all already do that by loving the little things and embracing life as it comes. food and all.

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 8:09 AM, Anonymous Lee said…

    I'm glad you are appreciating the small things. If you think about it, that's what life is really about. Sure, the big things (good or bad) feel more important, but they're much fewer and farther in between.

    Also, I have a giant bottle of Frank's next to me as I type this, no joke.

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 8:25 AM, Blogger Heather Iacobacci-Miller said…

    YUM love love kabocha and I'm so glad you finally found some. So addicting isn't it? Lisa is one smart lady. I hope you guys have a good week with lots of happiness.

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 9:12 AM, Blogger Kristina @ spabettie said…

    that Lisa... I knew I liked her. those are very wise words - good words for everyone to remember.

    I hope things continue towards happy, have a great week, my friend.

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 9:31 AM, Anonymous Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table said…

    I hope things continue getting easier for you. All this rain can't be helping! Oy.

    That strange but good creation looks ah-mazing. Can't wait for that reveal!!

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 11:27 AM, Anonymous Paige @ your trainer paige said…

    I'm glad being in the kitchen makes you happy, because you make some awfully delicious dishes in it! Can I come over for an omelet next weekend?? ;-)
    Those muffins look delish, too.
    And how wise is Lisa? Such great advice. So happy to hear it's helping you out, Sarena.

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 1:41 PM, Anonymous Anna @ On Anna's Plate said…

    Instagram is soooooo addictive. :-)

    Glad you found your happy place in the kitchen-- that's mine too! (usually, ha)

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 1:50 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    I found my Happy place in Menorca in the middle of nature. Thanks for sharing your kitchen ideas, everything looks so delicious. :)

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 4:53 PM, Blogger Stephanie P said…

    You finding and sharing your happy place makes me happy. :) And yeah, I think you know my happy places: snuggle couch and Disney World. I'll be at Disney in less than 2 weeks!

    Also now I want to try these delights you found at the Asian market...

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 8:38 PM, Anonymous Purelytwins said…

    yay for kabocha squash!

    and I did not know you were on instagram!! off to go follow you
    :)

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 9:11 PM, Anonymous Jess said…

    Seriously, Lisa ALWAYS strikes me with her words. Love her soul!! Also? your Luke looks like he could be brothers with my Henry, such cute faces!!! And finally? Your food always looks so drool worthy, makes me want to dive into my computer every single time, hehe. PS. sending you another virtual hug, I hope you are doing better this week. xoxo

     
  • At February 11, 2013 at 11:06 PM, Blogger lynn said…

    glad you joined instagram! i'm following you now!!!

     
  • At February 12, 2013 at 9:37 AM, Blogger Cara said…

    Wonderful words to live by indeed :) And you are one lucky mama for having such handsome boys willing to model for you too hehe!

     
  • At February 12, 2013 at 11:50 AM, Anonymous Alisa said…

    So glad you are feeling better! Can't say that my cat does that, but you have a whole bunch of cuties there!

     
  • At February 12, 2013 at 3:52 PM, Blogger Jolene said…

    a bunny!!!!! YAY! I love this :-) and I LOVE what Lisa said, so true, aspire to be like him, your favorite memories. I am so glad that you are feeling more like you again. It takes time. XO (hug) (and I LOVE your instagrams!! so much!)

     
  • At February 13, 2013 at 7:28 AM, Anonymous fartygirl said…

    yay your first kabocha?! whaaaat?! slather it in nut butter. you won't be disappointed. also - try to eat the peel! it has the best texture!

     
  • At February 14, 2013 at 12:49 AM, Anonymous STUFT Mama said…

    Love those thoughts. People will remember the way we make them FEEL. :) Still thinking about you every day!!!!! Kabocha helps, yes? HUGS!

     
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Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen
Home: Atlanta, GA, United States
About Me: Lactose Challenged
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