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Slim Paley Photo

FIRST SPRING ROSE to make it to the second story window  (don’t look at those aphids, I just put them there so you wouldn’t be too jealous)

It’s THE MOST GLORIOUS day here in Santa Barbara.  I’ve just been out in the garden and the rose bushes are full of promise,

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their leaves waxy and buffed, the buds literally about to burst.

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Slim Paley photo

And the lilies aren’t even vaguely playing  ‘Hard to Get’ – they’re popping up everywhere, even in the stream.

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Slim Paley photo

Just the other day, when it was pouring with rain (although it doesn’t look like it in the photo) I was in my office and I could have sworn I heard ducks.  I came out to investigate and lo and behold, some tourists were checking out our “Resident Fowl”

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Slim Paley photo

“I said just act casual“

“I am, Brad, but I don’t think you should get involved…she’s got kids…”

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Alright,  just a few Friday Favourites to start off your weekend;

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As you know, my love affair with Trader Joe’s knows no bounds…

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So ridiculously easy even Slim Paley can bake them;

Take out of the freezer the night before and by morning these mounds of marvelousness will be awaiting you.

I swear, it’s like magic. Not being a baker (to put it kindly) it thrills me every time! ( I know…kinda sad…)

Slim Paley photo

More exciting than Jiffypop!

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Glaze with some egg wash and pop in the oven;

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et voila! (these are the mini plain ones, the chocolate ones are even better!)

And what better segue than this?

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Our younger son gave us these pedometers for Christmas and we’ve worn them almost every day since. Actually I don’t think “Mr. Paley” has missed a day, but my first one went through the wash.  They’re a fun & easy way to be aware of how much you are (or more importantly- are not)  moving every day.

For someone like me, who counts bringing my husband’s coffee upstairs in the morning as a weight bearing exercise, this little pedometer in my pocket serves as my mobility conscience.

I find I’m much more willing to run up and down the stairs for various tasks now that I have to face comparing scores at the end of each day with my husband! The goal is to reach 10,000 steps a day for optimum health benefits.

But, you know…it’s really about the “Journey” not the “Goal” isn’t it? ( I’ve only out-stepped the husband twice since Christmas- why are men so damn competitive?)

(Omron pedometers available on Amazon- my advice would be to get a bright colour that is noticeable in the laundry basket )

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OK, back to food…

I have a friend who happens to be, amongst many other attributes, one of the best cooks we know.  Recently we were guests in their home and she served the most delicious sweet potato fries ever. Not only did they look beautiful and taste great, but they smelled divine.

The secret? I’m going to share it with you because I’m sure she wouldn’t mind and it’s nice to share ;

Slim Paley photo

Simply chop up your sweet potato (or yam- I always get them mixed up), melt a lusty portion of coconut oil in the roasting pan for a couple of minutes, remove from oven, toss fries til they are coated in oil and bake until easily pierced. You might want to give them a turn about half way through.  Serve hot with rock salt.  So delicious and SO good for you!

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And lastly, I know there have been a lot of God’s creatures acting strangely this week, what with alligators crawling out of NY sewer grates, and the infamous Tweeting Python on the loose, but this lovelorn goose is really quite amazing…

Click below to meet;

Maria the Lovesick Goose

(PS. It turns out “Maria” is actually “Mario” but what does it matter in the end? Love works in mysterious ways…and as my grandmother used to say, “There’s someone for everyone”)

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Wishing you a glorious weekend!

xx

PS. and for all you basketball fans- How’d your brackets work out for you?!! (aren’t you impressed I know what brackets are?)

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