The Secret Ingredient

When I saw this post for these cookies, I knew I had to try them.

They don't look the same as Miryam's, and my kids said they didn't look like real chocolate chip cookies, but they ate them and pronounced that they were good.

No one was able to guess that the secret ingredient was chickpeas.

Yep! You heard me right. Chickpeas, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, baking powder and chocolate chips. That's it! The dough is very sticky to work with, but the end result was pretty darn good.

Yesterday morning I walked for an hour by myself and then again in the evening with hubby for 50 minutes.

He warned me that today was going to be 49 C (that's 120 degrees) and boy was he right!

There was a breeze but it was like a blast of heat from an oven.  I was grateful for rare spots of shade, like this trail next to a park that I was able to take for a few minutes.  I pretended I was in the woods, and listened intently for the cool sound of a babbling brook.

Instead, all I heard was a squawking chicken who was hanging out in the shade, too.  Can you see her there in the middle?

 After 20 minutes of walking, I hightailed it home to cool off.

Wishing you all a great new week.

Treasure Seeker

I used to walk for the sake of walking.  But now I walk with purpose.

Rather than only seeing a stark terrain.

I see trees and birds.

 Vegetable gardens in bloom.

Trailing vines and flowers in the most unlikeliest of places.

 I pretend I am on an adventure.

Today I came home with five smooth stones.

 And dressed them up with crocheted covers.

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.
(Mary Jean Iron)

Have a beautiful day!

Humidity Helps

I didn't get up extra early today so thought seriously about foregoing my morning walk.

But I know if I don't make a habit of it, I won't do it, so out the door I went at 10:40 am.

 According to global obesity rates in 2010, Kuwait and the United States rated in the top 10.  Kuwait rates in the top 10 for countries with a high rate of diabetes.  And the Middle East has the highest rate of Vitamin D deficiency in the world.  Staying healthy and active is very important at any age, but even moreso as we get older.

 A bit of humidity in the air actually made the walk easier.  Plus every time I head out, I go a different way so that I get a different view.  Watermelons were being sold out of the back of this truck.

Water fountains in different designs can be found all around the country.  Much needed for the guys who are working to clean the streets each and every day.

I always feel energized after my walks; ready for the day ahead, whatever it may hold.

Wishing you a healthy, happy day!

Up and at 'em

The vegan pancakes I froze last week came in handy for breakfast this morning, topped with natural peanut butter, a drizzle of honey and chopped banana on the side.

Since I was up early, I decided I would take a walk at 8 am instead of 10 am which is when Zack and I went yesterday.  We both thought we would pass out from the heat!

I must say, it was still hot, but so much more bearable.

My girlfriend, Melissa, tells me that I make Kuwait look good when I post pictures like this.

My June calendar says:

So that's what I do when I walk.  There's always something beautiful to behold.

Have a wonderful Friday!

Maybe Not Such a Good Idea

I wanted to start my summer holiday off on the right foot.

Grabbed the handmade water bottle holder I bought in Nepal last summer.

And headed out with Zack for a walk.

Walking path number 1.

Walking path number 2.

On the pavement, there was no relief from the heat.  But under a canopy of trees, there was a nice breeze.

This country needs more greening up.  It's amazing what a difference it makes.

But walking for 45 minutes in Kuwait in the summer is never, ever a good idea.

Hope you are having cool breezes in your corner of the world.

Happy Sunshine Day!

Yesterday Barbina at Little Things Made with Love passed the sunshine award my way with 10 questions to answer.

1.  Favorite animal:  The elephant.  We've had the privilege of interacting with elephants in Sri Lanka, India and Nepal.  They are smart, gentle, hard working, amazing animals!

2.  Favorite number:   #7   Don't know why.  Wikipedia provides all sorts of useful (and not so useful) information.  Who knew there was so much to be said about a number!

3.  Favorite non-alcoholic drink:  Water is my main beverage of choice.  With the heat we have to endure, there's nothing better than a big glass of ice cold water.  (Although a beer would be nice, too.)

4.  Facebook or Twitter:  Neither.

5.  My passion:  Spreading joy.  A smile. A gift.  A hug when needed.  A helping hand.  A handmade gift.  Homemade goodies.  It is the simple things that mean the most.

6.  Getting or giving:  Definitely giving.  Especially when least expected.

7.  Favorite pattern:  Way too many to choose from.  Anything quick and easy that doesn't require a lot of concentration.  Sometimes it's just nice to make things up as you go along.

8.  Favorite day of the week:  Saturday as it is the one day without obligation.  The one day I can choose to do as I please.

9.  Favorite flower:  I am very happy that my moss roses are able to survive each and ever year in this desert country.

10. Favorite country:  Too hard to choose.  We've been to so many and each has something unique and wonderful to offer.  My favorite quote is "An old friend met in a far country is like rain after drought."  (Chinese proverb)

My friend Rizwana in Sri Lanka.

Thanks Barbina for the sunshine.  I'm to pass it on to 10 other bloggers:  farmgirlsam.blogspot.com; a lovely mess; My Hobbie's Place; Beach Bungalow; Mereknits; Beautifulday; Crochet Galore; Fruitful Fusion; Gifts from the Sea; Treasures-n-Textures.

Good news!  Today was my last day at school!  Hello summer vacation!

Tea Time

Once again I am joining Kimmie at Art in Red Wagons for Tuesday tea.  And once again I've made banana and coconut bread.  I previously posted a link to the recipe, but have written it out below the way I make it (I cut back on the butter and sugar).

Banana coconut bread:  2 mashed ripe bananas; 1/2 cup skim milk; 2 eggs; 1/2 a stick of butter; 1-1/4 cups wheat flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 cup coconut; 1/2 cup brown sugar.  Spray one big bread tin or several mini ones and bake at 350 til done.  

Along with the banana coconut bread, I'm having Zhena's Gypsy Organic Coconut Chai with almond milk and a little bit of brown sugar.

These last few days of school have been crazy busy!  I'm looking forward to Thursday when my summer holiday will finally begin.

Have a great day!

Healthy Choices

Seven years ago, I changed my eating habits, started exercising with friends and lost about 25 lbs.  For the most part, I've kept the weight off by making healthier food choices.

I make homemade soups year round, even when its 115 degrees outside.  Corn chowder, Italian vegetable or tomato soup can be ready in about 10-15 minutes.  I don't buy commercial salad dressings.  A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar or lemon juice is used for salads.  And since I don't eat meat, my protein comes from peas, beans and nuts.  Chickpeas in salads.  Blackeyed peas with brown rice.  Black beans are an all-time favorite.

I came across this recipe for black bean & mango salsa cups on a (new to me) blog called gimme some oven.  A very easy recipe.  The wonton cups go soggy if the salsa sits in them too long, so you have to eat them right away.  I found that Tostitos Scoops worked well.  And even though it's called black bean and mango salsa, it's great as a side salad, too.

Wishing you a healthy, happy day!