Author: Kathleen

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Awesome Sunset

IMG_0826{Mark Rothko-esque sunset at Heath}

I wanted to share these awesome pictures of our sunset taken yesterday evening after dinner. The Mid-Atlantic was caught in drenching, windswept rain from a cold front that moved from the west and merged with lingering moisture of Tropical Storm Karen. Alerts were being sent very early in the day to warn of possible flooding and tornados.

By midday the rain was producing vast rivers of water and made the loudest sound ever heard, when it battered against the roof. Talk about rainy days and Mondays, but all I could think of was what comfort food I would prepare for dinner.

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IMG_1882{Sunset after the storm}

On cold and rainy days the perfect comfort food for me consist of potatoes, eggs and a bit of chicken. I came home from work and prepped my ingredients for a savory chicken hash. I began peeling and dicing potatoes, and then chopped onions and bell peppers with a few cloves of garlic. There were a few chicken breast that I cubed and placed in a bowl to season with salt, pepper and thyme. In a pan I put a dollop of canola oil and a tablespoon of butter to stir-fry the chicken until golden brown. Once the chicken was cooked I placed it in a bowl to stay warm, while pan-frying the potatoes. When the potatoes were semi-browned I placed the onions and peppers into the pan, along with the garlic, and tasted for seasoning. The chicken was placed back into the pan and mixed in with the potatoes. Several eggs were prepared over easy, which would top off the meal, along with a few slices of wheat toast and a touch of butter…. this meal was shear heaven!!!

As we were finishing the meal my brother looked out the window and noticed the sky trying to clear, and said that I needed to take a picture of those glorious colors.

Enjoy,

K

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The Abstract Art of Relaxation

IMG_0810{Sculptural fountains on Lake Anne Plaza}

Lately, I have been reading a myriad of articles on the benefits of health and the occasional “girls night out” with your BFF’s. Researchers have shown that women who stay connected and maintain close ties gain the advantage of a longer life expectancy; experience lower blood pressure, increased immunity and my personal favorite is experiencing complete relaxation over those who stay disconnected.

This weekend our “girls” group met at Café Montmartre a quaint French Bistro on Washington Plaza to discuss life’s problems and came away with solutions to global issues after a few sips of French Chardonnay and eating the most delicious food.  As we share mutual goals, common interest and feelings on most topics, this is why we get along so well. We have even invited new friends into the group and weeded out those who did not have our best interest at heart.

While a bit of stress may be good, and pushing ourselves on a daily basis to conquer the day seems right, there is nothing more fabulous than ending the day and carving out time for ourselves, in which to just relax!!!!

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Today I spent down-time in the garden pulling  a few scraggly annuals from pots on the front of the house, and planted a few chrysanthemums to bring one last blast of color to Heath before the extreme cold. I also pulled the remaining pumpkins from their vines and strategically placed them around the house for added decoration.

IMG_0824{Dahlias and Pumpkins}

While rushing to meet deadlines for work or handling stressful situations will always continue,  but whenever possible… relax, in whatever way works for you, it is more healthful than you may realize.

Relax Stylishly!!

K