"Love, Love, Love"

All You Need is Love!

My resounding theme in my life, I HOPE!  I LOVE, love in all forms!  Hugs, Kisses, hand written notes, acts of kindness, smiles, service to others--especially!  That might have to be my top love, seeing or witnessing or experience an act of service or hospitality to another with nothing expected in return.  My heart gushes for that :)

My foot pedal to my favorite sewing machine broke this week:(  I purchased a good enough used one to replace it out of a wonderfully helpful shop in Austin--Hopefully arrives today--Fingers and toes crossed :)

UNTIL THEN ...

  I decided to make the most of an "off" day and CELEBRATE my loves in my life:  

My Best Friend, sole mate, and luckily for me, my husband, my Johns!  My beautiful, sparkly Ava Bird, my strong, witty Leo, my joyfully charming little Octopus, Maximus and my spunky go getter, Kalliope, and of course, my loveable, furry white monster, Rigby.  

 We had the fortune of a RAINY Saturday this past weekend to stay inside and make homemade Valentines for all their friends at school and beloved teachers--they even made a few for each other--which made my heart leap :)

And now that All 4 of my little ones are at the same school, I have volunteered (for the first time ever) to assist with school Valentine's Day Festivities!!  

Cannot WAIT!  

Pictures to come of our homemade crafts and matching cookies thanks to our neighbor, Ms Josie, or Morsels by Josie!

Leo's are the black with glitter--who knew he was such a glitterer??  Max's are blue and green, signed, and then just a touch of silver on each :)

Ava's :)

All 4 chose a color heart and went to town crafting and personalizing each! 

This morning, I am walking to Central Market to get last minute ingredients to whip up this fabulous favorite from Pioneer Woman for tonight's LOVE Feast at the Berios Residence :) 

Everyday is pretty much a joyful celebration here, even on our down days, it's just how we roll. 

I wish you and the birds in your life, young and old, a day FULL of Love whether it be as the giver or recipient :)

Oh yes, and a song to leave you with :)

All You Need is Love, The Beatles

Love, love, love.
Love, love, love.
Love, love, love.

There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game.
It's easy.

Nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time.
It's easy.

All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.

All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.

Nothing you can know that isn't known.
Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.
It's easy.

All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.

All you need is love (all together, now!)
All you need is love. (everybody!)
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need (love is all you need).

Yee-hai!
Oh yeah!
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah.
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah.

Love!

J.O.B., 

Grace 

Favorite Things #1: Tuna Salad

This will officially be my very first recipe POST!

I've decided to make my Chirp a bit more personal.  I am a lover of things.  Once I acquire something wonderful, I spread it!  I let every single person I contact that day know about it, and then if another friend happens to enter the convo late, I retell about it!  That's how joyous I am about the favorite things in my life.  

It's a pretty simple list, so I decided I'd start sharing with my Flock. 

             {Super mom moment..}

We found out in January of 2009 that my one year old lion, Leonidas had FOOD ALLERGIES.  Oh dread.  He had a Peanut, Milk and Egg allergy.  I remember the moment I got the call from our pediatrician with the test results:  He was sitting at his table in front of me eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a big cup of milk!  Awesome.

Leo at 17 months:  A true lover of living he is :)

I immediately started revamping our entire household diet to accommodate.  One gem I found from the many: Tuna Salad made with French Vinaigrette {I got my recipe from the old school Joy of Cooking cookbook, but really like http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2009/11/how-to-make-french-vinaigrette/ version.} and instead of Dijon mustard, I use dry mustard..  I guess I just make my own version because mine is much more simple to put together, but for those who enjoy actual measurements and true ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe ;)

So I make mine with REALLY, REALLY good tuna to start with, such as canned Yellow Fin from Central Market or Fresh Albacore Tuna canned from Wholefoods 365, and make sure they're packed with EVOO.  I then drain, because it will have the soaked goodness from the EVOO it was packed in, but will be ever enhanced when I add my personal EVOO to it, thanks to a lifetime supply directly from Greece from my Mother-in-law {one perk of marrying Greek}!  I throw into a Tupperware container that has a lid, and add equal amounts {about 2 Tbls each} of oil, red vinegar and a squirt of lemon juice.  I add a dash or 2 of dry mustard--because dry mustard enhances any dressing in my opinion--and some fresh ground pepper.   Throw in your choice of nut {pecans or almond slivers are truly divine in this, but also walnuts--your choice}, and don't forget the dried cranberries {adds the perfect sweetness}.  Next, place top securely on container and shake, shake, shake!

Enjoy alongside your favorite cracker, toasted, thinly sliced french bread {or toasted cranberry walnut bread from Central Market, YUM!} ALSO a hit on top of a fresh bed of greens with some fresh cut tomatoes and purple onions. Any time I have you over for lunch, I'll most likely make this for you alongside some fresh pitted Kalamata Olives, toasted slices of an assortment of breads, some feta and a huge bowl of salad greens;)

I must state this:***Leo doesn't really LOVE this dish like I do, but it has been a true favorite of mine since Mayo exited our life.   

Let me know if you try it--I hope you LOVE IT!

J.O.B., 

Grace