The Spring Festivus worked! { Even my blog seems to have imported without a hitch! } Warm temperatures have begun melting snow, streets are becoming a slushy mess.. and everyone is basking in the welcome sunshine! Not that I have anything against the color white. White is a calm, clean, warm color, one that reminds…
This little button popped up on my birthday the other day and it was the icing on the cake. { Photos of my real little cakelet to follow on a later post. } The timing was perfect, after all, what kind of world is this, if a girl can’t win on her birthday? Unlike the…
I posted a “congratulation message” on your Facebook page, but just to make sure you see it: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Awesome job!
This salad is quite unique, I love everything about it – mango is such a cool addition. I might try to make a version using farro, as a friend of mine brought a 5 pound bag for me and I want to put it to good use.
I think green is a nice base color for your next design… go for it! 
Congratulations on your awards, what a wonderful birthday gift!!!!!
Love your new design, both the color and the layout.
My kind of salad, great idea with the addition of mango.
Happy birthday and congrats on your blog award!
Massive congratulations on the well deserved award and on your birthday..am doing a one man (or woman) mexican wave for you right now! Beautiful salad, just seeing those vibrant colours makes me feel full of energy 
Oh, this salad looks yummy! I’ve been staring at a bag of edamame in my freezer– now I have plan. Wonderful news of the award and you birthday–congratulations on both.
Great looking salad with wondrous ingredients. Green’s good – it makes me think of spring and that’s good for me and my mind.
Whoo Hoo! Congratulations Smidge!! You’re on fire Loving this salad too! I too have had my hand in the candy jar one too many times and trying desperately to keep my hand out of it. LOL! Lots of kale and veggies in my house at the moment. And Ranger Craig just brought me a lovely fresh kale/beet/carrot juice. I think I’ll have a breakfast cookie with this. Wishing you a delicious day.
I hope you kick some major tail in this competition, my friend!
I never seem to be nominated or even hear of these things, but I’m glad to see you have a shot at getting some much-deserved recognition!
Ah, thank you, Barb, something that looks great, and I can eat without feeling guilt !!!
Paul
Congratulations! Nice salad too
Great spoons!
Congrats Barbara, very cool! Your blog is quite lovely, I haven’t changed mine since the beginning!
What a great salad for such bone chilling temperatures! Gorgeous colours.
Happy Birthday my friend and BIG congratulations 
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Congratulations to one of my favourite ladies, and belated birthday wishes, Smidge. This is one blog that whenever I catch it in my reader, I can’t resist visiting.
Congratulations. You are my talented and amazing friend. Enjoy the feelings associated with your honor. How was your weekend?
Sharon
Sent from my iPhone
That really is too cold. If we have a day of +14C it makes the news because it’s just so cold. Love your green salad – it really does look not only good for you but inviting too xx
I am loving the new layout!! And this salad looks delicious, you can NEVER eat too many sweets..but eating too few greens in indeed possible!
Sprightly!
Smidge, that looks perfectly healthy and delicious, and just such a gorgeous colour! Congratulations on your win, and a belated happy birthday! xx
This would be a perfect accompaniment to my new Cross-Trainer. Which, incidentally, I need because I too swore I would give away 99.9% of what I cooked, but the decimal place slipped.
Huge congratulations on your award Barbara – very well deserved. LOVE your blog design, and green is my favorite color. This salad looks absolutely fab, with all that beautiful green goodness. Love the edamame/mango combination.
Congratulations Barbara! (And happy belated birthday) the salad looks and sound delicious
Congratulations! That is a lovely bright salad to brighten a winter day.
This reminds me about the salad I had in Seattle – it was wonderful, edamame beans I will have problems with … but I’m sure I can use another green bean. So I put this on file until the sun comes out and salads goes on the menu again. Congratulations to the award … and your Valentine cake will get it’s post this week. Fantastic cake .. take everything back that it was too sweet, the next day is was PERFECT!
Ooh, how very exciting – congratulations on the very well deserved award Smidge! Your salad looks good enough to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mandy xo
YUM! and something that won’t leave me feeling guilty!!
We’re definitely going to have to try this. Baby Lady loves edamame and sugar snap peas. I love the brightness the mint gives the salad an the sweetness and tropical flavor of the mango. Pinning it now for later use.
I’ve never done anything with edamame – despite living surrounded by soybean fields! You, as always, inspire me.
Well how many ways can I say congratulations! Happy Birthday, and how absolutely tremendous to be honored for your creativity. I’m really delighted for you. Your blog is a gorgeous place for a reader and follower to luxuriate. Poetry, art, fabulous photography and the best food and stories! I love to visit, and I’m truly delighted to see you’ve been acknowledged! And this salad sounds just wonderful to me! It feels springlike—and yes, green! Don’t eliminate the roses on your banner too soon though! They are so lovely! oxo
That indeed looks healthy, we love edamame here
Hi Smidge ! Sorry for the hiatus – I was in the US for work for the last three weeks and am really in need of non-meeting food, or rich (and large portions of) American fare. I am a firm believer of “when in Rome”, but I do need a break (both from tastebuds and from waistline !) from burgers and fried food.
SO, this is a WONDERFUL inspiration for me to go and make yummy salads for my meals – thank you !
Belated happiest of birthdays Barbara and a big shout out and congratulations on the wonderful award! Soooooo well deserved!!!!
Congratulations! Well deserved.
Such wonderful news, Barb! Congratulations and belated happy birthday wishes, too! Love your banner photo. The roses are stunning, as are the rest of the photos that follow within the post. And then there’s the actual salad. It sounds delicious, a mix of tasty ingredients of varying textures with a simple dressing. This is a real treat!
Congratulations, Barb! You are so deserving!! By the way, I love the Mark Twain quote. He could not have been more right!
Well done! So much more rewarding to win. A juried competition! I will make this salad for Dave without the mango which he doesn’t like
Congrats on the award Smidge! Well-deserved!!! And happy belated birthday. I hope it was a memorable one and that you have an amazing year to come. I’m not much of a fan of peas, but sugar snap peas I actually do enjoy. I bet this salad would go over well at our table. And I’m with you – the color would be welcome right now. Love the beautiful rose up top as well. Very happy.
Congratulations Barbara on your much deserved recognition. I love your light and healthy salad and I kknow we all give about 90, well at least 50 pecent away and the teenagers inhale the rest. Loving the look of your new site always so fun to come and see new things. Take care, BAM
Congratulations on this award! How wonderful!! I’m loving this salad…healthy and beautiful too. I haven’t used white balsamic vinegar much, so thank you for a nice recipe with which to try it again.
I think farro would be a lovely switch out for quinoa.. I’ve got a huge bag of quinoa from Costco that needs using up first:) Thanks always for your messages, Sally!
Thank you, Norma, it was a great surprise! I sure enjoy changing my blog, probably too much someone would say, but it’s too much fun not to:) xx
Thank you!
Haha, thanks Chica.. waving right back at ya’!
Thanks so much, Alice. If you try this salad, I hope you like it as much as we did. xx
I love green, emerald green is the color for 2013 I hear. But reds and oranges won me over this time:D
Haha, yes, that candy jar AND the cookie jar need a lock in my house! Thanks so much:D
Well.. there are many categories, you should look into it another year:)
No guilt here, I promise!
Thanks:D
They were my neighbors, I think about her every time I use them.. she’s moved away and I don’t often see her.
I find it fun, digital photos and such are interesting for me.. almost as much as food, but not quite:D
A big thank you:D
It’s difficult to be everywhere on the blog reader.. I always appreciate you stopping in! xx
Thanks, sweetie:D It was a great escape, warm temperatures, great x-country and wonderful food.. xx
I really must get over to your country one day! So much traveling that needs to be done! xx
You’re a sweetie yourself!! I love that philosophy! xx
Thanks, Kathryn.. it’s lovely having you pop in:D xx
Thanks so much Celia! xx
Hahaha.. that darn decimal, I was never good at Math!!
I will have to incorporate more green next time.. at least there are green leaves in my photo:D xx
Thanks Giovanna.. It was a happy one:)
I know you love the color green.. just thinking of your garden makes me love the color green more:D Thanks so much!
Hey, no worries, Viveka.. it was an Ina Garten recipe.. everything she makes is “fully loaded” with butter and sugar. Reducing the sugar is not a bad idea at all! xx
Well.. maybe with a little egg right in the middle it would be good for breakfast:D
It’s tough to find recipes that are guilt-free and appealing, isn’t it? I’m finding more and more on different food bloggers sites though. xx
I hope Baby Lady loves it as much as we did.. if not, I know you would be able to tweak it to her perfection:D
I don’t usually either.. we typically buy the packaged edamame from Costco and steam the packages for snacks. Thanks for your compliments, Gretchen! xx
You always know just the right words, I feel so blessed to have connected to writers like you. I love those roses, too! They were my birthday bouquet:D xx
Glad to hear it:D
No worries, Carolyn, I hope you had some fun while you were in the US?? I look forward to reading more posts from you now! xx
Hey, Thanks Danny!!
xxx
Thanks so much, John. I wondered if you’d like those roses.. I also wondered if you have ones like that in your garden?? You’ve so many varieties, I couldn’t remember. Glad you liked this post:)
Isn’t it true?! Lol, it’s just not fair:D
Thanks, Tandy.. I’d love to know what changes you make.. then I could try this salad a new way:) xx
I think the color craving comes from our winter.. it does seem to drag on sometimes. The roses do make me happy:) xx
Thanks so much Bam.. you’re right about the teenagers. Congrats, by the way, on your new blog.. I can’t wait to see it!! It’s very exciting!! xx
Thanks:) I think we’re both cooking pretty healthy these days! Just wait ’til Valentine’s Day, lol, that’s when my good intentions go right out the window! xx
No, Barb, I don’t have any that special over here. You’d know if I did. I would have featured it in post after post.
Congrats on the award! you so deserve it! love the new colours on your page.
hmm this edamamae and snap pea salad looks like a lovely meal for one. So easy to put together too! I should really get down to some healthy eating myself!
I use a lot of sugar in cooking – specially my sauces …
Cakes I can’t eat if too sweet – but it came out perfect the next day and I made an other for mum this morning.
Today I posted your cake .. and put some romantic music to.
I love the new rose header, Smidge! How lovely. And I adore everything about this salad – the freshness, the colors, and the crunch! x
I want this salad badly! Can you think of an alternative to the edamame as I am allergic to soy 
I do not think one can ever eat too many sweets so long as they can still crawl out of bed in the morning. Cheers Barbara!
Wow, my friend, you are indeed the bee’s knees! What a string of well-deserved accolades and awards! I told you a long time ago (not to do an I-told-you-so ….. ok I told you so) there was to be no stopping you! You’re headed to the heights dear Smidge, and you belong there! This recipe sounds to-die-for though I don’t like that expression and can’t imagine why I used it! It sounds rather like one of those things to live for and to savor. Good salads are like that. A big and joyous Whoop! for you, Barb! Couldn’t be happier!
First, congrats and happy belated birthday, Smidge! The bright green of this salad just drew me in. I love edamame and the thought of it with mango is making my mouth water! BTW, love the new tweaks to the blog. The rose banner is gorgeous! You’re getting ready to bust out of winter, aren’t you? lol!
Love the green and the promise of spring it conveys! This salad looks like a winner to me! And, of course, your beautiful blog is a winner too. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour. You’re one of my blogging role models!
Barbara, how did I miss this? Oh yes, I have been overdoing the sweets too. And like you I really only taste and give the rest away. Congratulations on your awards, well deserved! Your blog is phenomenal on all levels. What a wonderful birthday gift!! This green salad looks delicious and refreshing! I absolutely love sugar snap peas and with all the rest of the ingredients it has to over the top delicious!!
I saw the title of this post and straight away saved it to my favourites. I love Endeme, the only time I’ve had them from fresh is when I tried to grow them (not very successfully I might add!) but I can get them frozen and so this WILL be ade. Thank you x
I would love to live in a place where I could even consider growing them, lol! Mine were frozen.. alas, they shall probably always be frozen:) But they still tasted great! xx
This salad looks so fresh and healthy and delicious! You have a beautiful blog!
I’ve always wanted to do one of those “In my kitchen” posts. But who am I kidding? I’m so “all over the place” that “In my kitchen” is virtually impossible. So, instead, how about “what’s new and notable”? 1. Well, I can swim in a straight line almost a straight line now, as long as…
Like like like your post… busy busy busy bee…
Eminem bit made me laugh – I have probably three followers, so all I can say is that it’s a good thing I don’t suffer from self esteem problems
congrats on swimming a straight line, and WOW on the painting. I envvy people with artistic inclinations, as I have NONE. ZERO. NADA.
I can do 45 pushups, man style – does that count for ANYTHING?
I saw that you won the book at my friend Barb’s blog, and I was jealous! Lucky you! We chopped down our tree on Sunday and I hope to have it decorated tonight, but I have come down with a bad chest cold and possibly a sinus infection, so we’ll have to play it by ear. The orzo looks lovely, although I have to say that is one pasta I am totally conflicted about. If I wanted rice, I would have asked for rice !
What a delightful post Smidge! Hope things settle down for you soon so you can have a little more time for yourself.
Have a beautiful and happy day.
Mandy xo
Eminem likes Smidge….that’s almost enough to make me like Eminem. I’m picturing what will result when your eye for composition and beauty in the kitchen meets your brushes and oils…I can barely wait to see it here! Love (and am thoroughly jealous) that you can swim even an almost straight line. Love Alice Hoffman and am ordering Dovekeepers! Don’t know Boscoff spread, but you think I should? And your salad sounds fantastic, Smidge! I’m quite sure that will be seen on our table within the week. wonderful post! xx
Great post. I’ve read The Dovekeepers. I loved it.
wow eminem! that would get me to wondering… And you HAVE been busy! Which is good considering the alternative!
Loving your post – #2 – ha! – love Alice Hoffman and have this book on my reading list:) You have been busy – Have a Great One:)
I thoroughly enjoyed this post, Smidge. Eminem. How about that? The orzo salad sounds delish.
I think that spread is called ‘Speculoos’ in France and Belgium, but is hard to find here in Ireland.
‘Eminem’s new single featuring Smidge’… has a good ring to it
Speculoos is addictively amazing and Alice Hoffman is a wonderful author, so it all sounds like a great combination to me!
You are seriously overachieving! Not only did you do new and notables but we got a recipe? I barely squeaked out my “hey my nephew is cute so you don’t get a real post because I am playing with him” post…. ACK!!!
Nice salad.
Nice to get caught up with you, Barb. What is Biscoff, exactly?? (I’m off to do a Google search!)
OMG, it’s speculoos spread?! I have to get my hands on some of that…!!!
Gracious, Barbara, Eminem. The boy has taste…
I like to live in fantasy land, so I am going to pretend that’s the REAL slim shady!! SWEET!! This yummyness looks so good I need to start using orzo more.
Haha my friend you have been more than busy of late and seem to be on a winning at life streak
Keep it up!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
You’re reminding me that I need to get moving on the Christmas decorating which I haven’t even started – your tree looks lovely
I really love this post. You’re so busy, but I love that you’ve written about it. I feel less overwhelmed….in that I’m not the only one Thanks for this recipe too. I seriously need to make better food like this. ASAP. I’m blaming Ina for the extra few pounds that found me these past couple of months. Speaking of Ina! Congratulations Smidge!!!! I know you wanted this one. It’s fabulous, and I can not WAIT to see what you try first from it.
Eminem? That’s cool! And it trumps the fact that David Hasselhoff is following me on Twitter….which I will not get over any time soon, lol.
I just read Sarah’s comment and I like to say ditto on all fronts. Things feel hectic right now, but it’s nice to know I’m not alone. I’ve also gained a few pounds thanks to Ina and those salted caramel brownies. (The downside of blogging.) Thanks for the shout out. I’m delighted that you’ve won Ina’s book, which I’ve just ordered for you. It should be there on Dec. 4th according to the shipping estimate. The ponytails said “Mom, how can you win this?” when they saw the name Barb on the little slip of paper. So, from one Barb to another “congratulations!”
I really love this post – hearing bits of your busy life. Your Christmas tree looks splendid – I have this mad self-imposed rule that I don’t put up decorations until the 1st December but I think I might break it this year. Please never worry if you are busy about reading my blog – feel free to skip it. Life’s so busy sometimes – especially at this time of year.
Who knows? Someone named Eminem is following you!
Darling, I would ADORE seeing what’s in your kitchen, should you ever feel like playing. But it’s just as fun catching up on what you’re up to – swimming is great (I’m lousy at it), and Eminem as a follower is very very cool! And this is now the third time Biscoff has been mentioned to me in the past few weeks..
A lot happening in your life! I do understand how books something unconsciously make us act different, but I haven’t gotten down on the floor to clean the grout yet. Love the orzo dish! Healthy and tasty!
I love this “all over the place” post. I’m sitting here nodding my head like one of those wobbly dogs to everything you’ve written. Except Biscoff … Google and I will be sorting that out soon enough!
PS I must remember never to read you blog when I’ve skipped dinner … Yum. Just YUM.
I think you most certain should make some M & M cookies for your new fan! What a riot! Maybe he likes your poetry? You have been a very busy girl and even though life is quite crazy at the moment I wanted to do more than just ” like”, but let you know how much I look forward to your posts. Have a wonderful holiday season Smidge. BAM
I’m also behind on blog reading! Thank you for sharing Smidge
eminem must have lost himself in the music and now he’ll never let you go. What a great little share. I’d be happy if I could paint a lemon too. I’ve got stick people down but that’s about my limit (oh and box houses and the sun).
At the moment I’m reading the Young House Love blog book which has me running to DIY every time I read a few pages. Nothing like a book to kick start the action!
Swimming in a straight line with efficient strokes is always going to be easier than the strokes needed to paint still lives in the manner of Dutch and Flemish masters:)
I’m behind in my blog reading too! Life just seems to get busier and busier. I was going to comment on all your other photos but then I couldn’t get past your Christmas Tree. It is absolutely stunning and so beautifully decorated. We buy a real tree and so we can’t buy it until about the 15th of December otherwise, with all the heat, it just dies. It’s such a shame because our decorations are only up for such a short period of time xx
Barbara, absolutely beautiful and elegant; as always! I love your blog. Barb and the pony tails are wonderful!! Love her blog. The orzo salad is perfect!! Congrats on Eminem! That is pretty cool!!
Fun post! I have yet to even check out Instagram. Not on Twitter either. I wonder if I’m missing out on something. So much to do already! Looks like a good book – thanks for posting – I love to read, but it’s one of those obsessive things that keeps me from being productive . What does Biscoff Spread taste like? It looks like peanut butter! Good luck with your painting – if your other aesthetic talents are any indicator, you should ace that in no time! You have inspired me to take pictures of my tree. I am always behind in my reading AND posting, but I always enjoy your posts and think that they are all comment-worthy – at least the ones I see!
Good point.. I may have to do some refining:D
What blog book is that? I’d love to take a look!
Ahhhh, I love a post like this. Scrubbing, funny follows, good books, dried stuff that ends up being scrumptious…. I have a jar of that Lotus spread sent by a friend in France. I’ve single handedly consumed it spoonful by spoonful. It is hidden from the rest of the household. It’s called Speculoos in France. Such a funny word to see on the label while I sneak another spoonful.
Eminem? I’m jealous!
Sorry, the above comment was mine. I didn’t intend to be anonymous!
1) I have never liked Slim Shady. But since he likes you… that improves my opinion of him a him.
2) I have never heard of biscoff spread. What kind of flavor is it?
3) Congrats on the win.
4) The salad looks divine! I can’t wait to make it!
My kind of salad! Congrats on the cookbook and on all you’ve accomplished with decorating, painting, etc. Way ahead of me so far this year.
When do I get to read about this Wild Rum-Infused Eggnogg????
I just loved this post, Barb. I might be short on time but I always want to read your posts. They are always beautiful and so well done…and this one had me laughing out loud! You struck my funny bone! I have some of those pre-holiday dreams, too, just like your Wild Rum-Infused Eggnog tree-lighting party! Except my dashed dreams are going on 40-years worth! Ha! And I have enjoyed Alice Hoffman in the past…not sure about this book review you’ve offered. I don’t know if I can take the pressure. And painting lemons for bitterness? You are many things, but I sure don’t see you with any bit of bitterness in you. Your lemons would represent something really delicious, I know! I’m still chuckling…and I really love this recipe. It’s another winner! oxo
Lovely. Hold on to that Biscoff (never heard of it, but if you say it is THAT good, I believe you wholeheartedly).. don’t share any with eminem (sorry dude), but having a bite with your lost and found friend would be appropriate. It could seal some sort of friendship oath.
I just found a jar of Bischoff, my tree is up and I’m behind on my blog reading as well. I hate to hit the like button instead of reading and commenting…so I’m catching up with your posts I have missed now. Love orzo salads and yours looks terrific.
Wow, Smidge! That was so fun. I love you more the more I learn about you. Cracked up about Eminem and am cheering hard for you and your painting. Some day, some day…
Lovely salad!
Adore your salad comment at the end Barbara – too apt and I think I heard that recently from a blogger I love That orzo salad looks delicious!
I found Speculoos Cookie Butter at Trader Joe’s in the U.S. and it is imported from the Netherlands. I went looking for it after I read a description on a blog that said it was like “crack in a jar”. I think that’s an apt description. I think it tastes like those Biscoff cookies that you get from some airlines – a nice spice cookie but in a delicious spreadable form. Glad you found time to write about what’s keeping you busy. By the way, any idea where November went?
You’re such a busy lady…and a ‘fit’ one at that and such a good cook…I think I’ll come and live at your house..lol Diane
Wow, lady! Where do you find the time?! I love how Eminem’s profile says “I am not Eminem. I am not Eminem. I am not Eminem.” What a follower for you to have! Be careful with that cookie butter… I bought the Trader Joe’s version and almost finished off the whole jar in 2 days using nothing but a knife…
Fun post … I like all snippets you shared! Congrats on winning the book from Barb’s Profiteroles and Ponytails blog, even though you beat me!
Isnt it nice when some celebrity follows you, whether its really him or his staff. I remember I had the similar situation last week when Jamie Oliver contacted me (not) it was is marketing arm to promote some seafood products
Yeh.. don’t think it’s Eminem.. somehow I don’t think my poems are to his tastes:D
That is hilarious that Eminem popped up on your instagram! Too funny! I would have to put down any book that got me on a house cleaning kick – I do enough of that as it is. And your oil painting is phenomenal. You are an amazingly talented woman Smidge!
This one was a little different… I loved it!
As you can see, I’m behind too! But found a little time today to catch up and so happy I did. Your tree is BEAUTIFUL! I’m going to put the Dovekeepers on my reading list, I must have missed the Biscoff revolution…what’s in it? Eminem – hilarious!! Love Ina (now), although when I first started watching her I thought she was a snob and her constant references to “Jeffrey” drove me nuts…LOL I whole heartedly agree with you on the salad thing and your orzo salad looks divine!
Hugs and kisses ~ April
I do ‘like’ you. And I’m always trailing about a week behind on my reading
lovely post and I could have some of that orzo salad now… it’s -15 here, how there? cheers
Oh my Goodness… your tree is up and decorated? Your home organized? You have eminem in your life? That does it. I simply need you to move to Ottawa to put me and my disorganized life in order!! .
The following is an excerpt from a post I made one year ago… The Field of Crosses “As my daughter quietly steered our vehicle home along Memorial Drive and the banks of the Bow River, we saw floodlights shining in the distance and the figures of people, photographers took shape and appeared out of the darkness….
Lovely post and beautiful dish.
I call it Israeli Couscous – which is another way of showing that we are all one and the same. Lovely post.
Thank you for your lovely tribute…”The larks, still bravely singing, fly…Scarce heard amid the guns below…”
Have visit quite a few of the war cemeteries in Normandy, France .. far too many of them.
And still every day men and women die for wars that isn’t even theirs. A beautiful tribute.
Love the photos – very respectfully.
I will do you’re couscous this week coming – and add some chicken to it. Will come back with verdict.
This looks lovely! I can’t wait to try this! Your photography is fantastic too.
Lovely heartfelt post my friend. Thank you.
Hugs
Uru
Very lovely post. Thanks.
Beautiful tribute, touching photos, and a great recipe to tie it all together “a la Smidge”
I am also fascinated by different ingredients, and methods of cooking – sometimes I fall on foreign blogs and do my best to extract the “essence” using google translate – not easy, but it does give a tiny window to peek into a different world. Still, so many bloggers all over the world blog in English, those who speak the language are very luck!
Beautiful tribute, beautiful photos, lovely recipe. Thank you!
Linda
We are very fortunate indeed Barb. We had our minute of silence with the girls and paid tribute all who lost their lives all those years ago…. Just love israeli coucous and your salad looks full of flavour. Lovely post.
A beautiful post, Barb, and heartfelt tribute. We owe so much to the generations that fought before us. Imagine the World had they failed.
This time of year, there aren’t many salads that appeal to me — the veggies just aren’t at their peak anymore. This one, though, is perfect. The flavors are bright and the salad colorful — just what’s needed on these now gray-skied days.
That’s a lovely tribute Smidge and so true! I love that kind of couscous and with the ingredients you’ve put with it, it looks very pretty xx
Beautiful post Smidge. You have such a way with words – which is especially difficult when sometimes it seems as though words are not enough, yet you find a way. You have a gift.
Am an army brat, born and bred . . .veneration of those who paid the price was ingrained with baby milk . . .beautiful remembrance photos . . . I too am used yo calling this Israeli couscous: we speak of the same – beautiful recipe!
The field of crosses is so moving. Lest we forget.
The salad you posted is lovely and sounds delicious.
Very nice post. Thanks!
Such a great reminder and the dish looks so tasty!
Thanks for the lovely tribute Barbara! The veggies at the market have been looking very sad and dismal as they are no longer in season. So this is a great way to have a salad in the winter. Take care, BAM
A beautiful tribute Smidge! I have only ever used the small grain couscous – I will definitely be looking out for this big ball variety.
Mandy
There is tiny country cemetery near Godalming in Surrey, England which is filled with Canadian war dead from WWII. I know it because my Godparents are buried there, overlooking the cottage that they lived in. Remembrance Sunday is made even sadder by the continual addition of wounded young men to the procession of old soldiers remembering wars which have taught us nothing.
Very moving words. There is something about seeing fields filled white crosses (I have seen them in France) that really, really gives pause for thought and reflection. xx
Wonderful and meaningful post dear Barbara, I am impressed so much. And your recipe and photographs are amazing too. Thank you, love, nia
I just love the texture of the large pearl couscous. Such a fresh and lovely recipe.
The photo of the crosses is humbling; we are indeed very fortunate to live in such a generous and wonderful country.
Lovely post Smidge.
In the past have tried and failed to locate giant couscous, but I imagine plain cous cous or orzo pasta would work well with this recipe also.
A lovely post, and remembrence. The salad is attractive as well. I love salads like these in the warmer weather.
What a lovely colorful salad!
Beautiful post Smidge.
One of the reason I love all the bloggers is that they’re so willing to share things from their world. I’m SO grateful for that. It’s a great way to travel when, well, you can’t travel. I’m so excited about this recipe – one, because I’m desperate for some new things to have for lunch, two because it’s couscous and I’ve never tried it (shameful) and three, because of its ethnicity. I just love trying new things from new places! Thanks, Smidge
What a beautiful post my dear.
When googling to get a better handle on this Couscous, it was referred to as a pasta. I think the orzo would be amazing and would have the right “weight” to support the tomatoes and olives:)xx
That field of crosses is gorgeous. What a place to stumble upon. Your photographs capture it perfectly. And this recipe? Oh boy..you had me at cous cous. YUM!
A very touching and poignant post. xx
Wonderful tribute post.
Smidge, you touched me deeply with this one. And your field of poppies couldn’t be more perfect I think. Nothing but goodness. So grateful for you I am. xx
What beautiful and symbolic colors. The tomatoes do remind me of the red poppies people wear on Veteran’s Day. It’s mind boggling to see a peaceful field(s) of flowers and imagine the horrors that took place there. Here’s to the veterans of our countries!
Does this every look absolutely delicious! What a compelling read! Good luck with the Canadian Blogger contest!!
V
I think I would just dissolve in tears if I came upon the field of crosses! How do we ever comprehend the sacrifice of so many. Thank you so much for sharing this. And the couscous recipe is particularly nice, too. I do love couscous and could use a good recipe!
a humble dish for a humble post
Now chicken would be a great addition.. thank you for stopping by, as always. xx
I love Google Translate.. I rely on it, even though I believe it does wonky things to semantics.. it’s fun to use:)
Thank you, Barb xx
I hope you like it as much as we did. We’ve had a fair bit of sun recently, I will try to send some your way!!
My husband often refers to himself as a navy brat.. thank you for stopping here. xx
*sigh.. I miss those summer markets.. You take care as well! xx
I want to dig my spoon into the screen! It looks scrumptious
That is truly heartbreaking…
I hope you like it, Sarah.. I think many different ingredients could be added to it..
As I you.. xx
Will do it this weekend coming … *smile If I can find the right couscous!
Such a colorful dish, it just brightened our rainy, dreary morning. Never worked with Lebanese Couscous, need to get some, I could have a bowl of the salad right now.
This couscous salad looks so tasty! I love couscous (all forms of it!) and all the fresh herbs in this salad sound so delicious with it, especially with the light lemon dressing
Wow, that is beautiful. I have seen similar fields near D.C and Virginia but never that close.
This is such a beautiful post with a beautiful dish to tie it all together =)
Beautiful post and I’ve got all the ingredients in my pantry, including moghrabieh so I’m making this today. It’s perfect.
Indeed a breathtaking view, shocking in the same time…
It seems like ages ago, but then the last war is still in the air some parts of the world.
The couscous in Lebanon is so huge, like the one from Israel. I have never cooked or indulged in this type, we are used to the small Moroccan type.
I agree, we can estimate ourselves lucky to live in a almost peaceful century, in a world where we can share and communicate with each other, nearly without borders.
A beautiful post Barbara. Let’s not forget
What a beautiful, vibrant and healthful dish Barb. What a striking and sad photo. Thank you for helping us to remember and find grace and humility when thinking of our fallen soldiers.
I haven’t come across this kind of couscous before, I’ll have to keep an eye out for it
And a lovely set of photos and gentle words, a good reminder to us all Smidge
touching. and regarding the food… this looks so delicious and healthy! I love Libanese cooking and this dish sounds just made for my tastebuds. thank you for sharing!
Thats a nice salad, I need to buy those type couscous. Looks so delicious!
Seriously I need to eat everything on your site.
http://wearyourvitamins.com
As a historian I never forget….wonderful post.
Barbara, this is a beautiful tribute!! Very moving.
Your couscous looks delicious. I love the recipe!!
Beautiful, beautiful post. Thank you for sharing!
[...] About 8 weeks ago Barbara@ justasmidgen posted this fantastic recipe – on Remembrance Day, 11-11, “Vegan Lebanese Couscous with Roasted Tomatoes and Olives” [...]
That is a very tasty couscous recipe!!!
[...] about 3 hours out in ambient temperature. For the couscous I decide to got back to Barbara’s – Lebanese Couscous (borrowed) – that I really like, but didn’t have all the [...]
There was a cool timbre to the morning air last Saturday as Katie and I hefted our bikes onto the car rack. We were heady with plans to strike out for an autumn coast along the city’s park pathways, longing to be enveloped in the scented Bow River’s embrace then stopping for a latte along the…
The lavender butter is beautifully speckled, Smidge. Love the chickadee photo. Interesting flavors in the salad — I’d have to leave out the avocado, but am otherwise game.
The chickadees know to hide the seeds and stock up for the change in season!.
The flowers are lovely as all of your blog posts, always! Stellar.
Thank you Sharyn.. I know this would be a great salad without the avocado, it has so many ingredients!
That’s so awesome, I didn’t know that! Thanks:D
Love making herbed butter. Used a food processor – it took about 45 seconds!
Only you could make lavender butter from scratch Smidge! Delightful!
I love the lavender butter idea! I recently started making butter from scratch, and now I’m excited to blend all sorts of herbs into it (even though I could have been doing that with store-bought butter all this time, too!).
What a shame about your plans going upside-down. But, it does sound like you’ve got yourself organised for the coming frosts and snow. (It’s amazing to me how quickly your seasons change – we don’t get the big range like you do). Your butter looks lovely but what do you use your lavender butter for? I imagine it’s good with chocolate and scones and cakes? That chair on your balcony is so similar to chairs we have only my legs don’t have that lovely curvy shape. The salad looks delicious and I love the sound of the ingredients in the dressing xx
WHen I first opened your post, I though – she made white chocolate with lavender!!!! And I almost collapsed. I am like that with white chocolate, what can I say? But lavender butter is just as luscious and the possibilities…endless!
loved the pup photo, basking in the sun… right now I am staring at a blond dog, one that used to have a dapper look, and seemed to have basked in mud this afternoon. (sigh)
Hope your bike ride was finally everything you hoped for, even if on a shorter scale.
Lavender butter! Awesomeness! Great post as usual. xx
I also like to clear things out at this time of year, particularly old clothes and the accumulated detritis on the verandah, but not yet! not yet! it is still warm and lovely here.. I really liked your collage of flowers, what an excellent idea.. c
You have a great attitude Barb! If that had been my car battery I would have gotten a lot more than the tiniest bit ornery That lavender butter looks so lovely, and so does the salad.
Did you make it with whipped cream? I was wondering about that because it would keep the mess “inside”, lol!
Did you make it with whipped cream? I was wondering about that because it would keep the mess “inside”, lol!
ps.. I’ve lost the linky to your blog.. could you reply here with it?? Usually I can click on the photos.. but yours doesn’t work?
Hahaha.. it’s so easy, but shhhh:D
I think organic and freshly made is sweeter? What do you think? Or am I imagining what I hope I taste, lol!
That lavender butter looks great. I’m forwarding the recipe to my wife.
We do have a range of temperatures for sure! It’s hot again and the colors on the trees are spectacular! I think the butter is perfect on a biscuit or scone.. I will have to blog about that I think:) Do a little research and testing perhaps? That is a single chair and table (like my plates and bowls) and not one of a set.. I wish I had a set! xx
Hahaha, dogs will do that, mine is white now turning gray!! Hey.. if you get the chance to make a white chocolate lavender bark.. well, would you?? And post it.. that would make me a very very happy camper:) The bike ride was glorious.. xx
Thanks:)
I think it is freezing and pile on sweaters, only to start panting like my dog.. or Daisy around 11ish. I’m happy you’ve got warm weather for your farmy:D
You know, I think I’m just getting resigned to stuff like this.. just more of a feeling that if I get mad.. the car will ruin my whole day instead of an hour, lol!
Well.. I think even you could make this one;) Thanks for your compliment!
I have some dried lavender from this summer.
Love your photos and the thought of curling up with a glass of wine and a book.
When are you going to get Freshly Pressed??? (I shouted so they hear me….)
and I hear a shower of rain too at this very minute.. i hope the warm holds on a bit longer tho.. c
and I hear a shower of rain too at this very minute.. i hope the warm holds on a bit longer tho.. c
I am greedy!
Your photos always bring me such peace Barb. They are just so beautiful and serene. Make me smile every time. And lavender butter?! Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a bit of that. I can just imagine how good it smells and taste. And I’m with you on the fall nesting. I purged and cleaned this past weekend too. My mind is already much better.
Hahaha.. probs never, I have given up.. “they” should be so lucky to have me there, lol!
You need to be.. what do you do when it’s cold.. do you have a little more time for other things once the animals are looked after??
Doesn’t it help? Plus I feel good giving stuff to charity! We gave so much hockey equipment away, so some little one will have the chance to play I hope!
You have it all! The site, the stories and the photos… It is only a matter of time!
Amazingly written !
I just swooned over the lavender butter! That is a absolute must-try Another great one, Smidge! x
Totally – you may not be able to control what happens, but you can choose how you let it affect you!
So very lovely! I’ve been hoping to grow a little pot of lavender on the new patio space for shortbreads and the like. I’d never have thought to use those darling buds in something as lovely as home made butter and without a doubt, they’re a lovely addition to any afternoon tea. Such a beautiful idea!
Thanks you.. you’re a sweetie!!
Mine grew quite well.. but I needed to be home to harvest it a while back.. I managed to get a few stragglers before it went to seed. I didn’t know it went so quick! Oh, well, next year!
Thanks a bunch!
One of the many herbs that grows like a weed here. I can’t grow a tomato to save my life but thankfully I do have lavender. Love the homemade lavender butter! What a great idea. I think i need some lavender butter for morning biscuits.
Well.. my tomato plant was technically a disaster.. all the leaves were wilted and withered.. only the tomatoes survived, it was strange, lol! Yes.. on morning biscuits…I’ll be right over with the butter:D
That peanut lime vinegarette looks utterly gorgeous with the salad my friend! And your lavender butter? Stunning
Love your photos!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Barbara. a stunning post again – your photos so delicate – a clear favorite is the little bird … what a fantastic photo *smile – Love lavender, to look at and to smell, but in food I have difficulties with it. The salad is more down my alley way – and the dressing reads so good. Your hydrangea is stunning, one of my favorite flowers, but that snow white I don’t think I seen for a very long time to match the post your little dog … does just fine. What a beautiful start on my morning who has rain today.
What a wonderfully heartwarming journey in photos! Being a very typical Gemini the gentle walk from flowers to a beloved pup and then the picture of sitting with such a beautiful plate in front of one looking up into that view . . . am smiling . . . thank you!
Hi Barb, Fabulous post and beautiful photos. Love the lavendar butter.
Regards Florence x
Lavender butter. I will need to try that! My lavender is a sprawling octopus. I need to trim it up because it’s growing right across the garden steps. I leap over it and it smells so good, even now with most of the flowers dried and brittle. I have a small lavender plate in my collection that is very similar to yours. It’s from one of my husband’s grandmothers. I need to go find it and see if the patterns match. Wouldn’t that be nice! Matching plates 1000s of miles apart….
I love everything about this post – your gorgeous pup (of course!) that stunning speckled butter and that fabulous salad. I always feel so relaxed and refreshed after reading your posts – thank you
Smidge you always have the most beautiful posts! Your pictures are extraordinary as is your writing. Thank you for always having an uplifting post to read and such delicious recipes too.
Mandy
How elegant does that lavender butter sound? Yum!
I’m not much of a cook but your photographs are gorgeous–beautifully composed.
I am very impressed! And your photos are gorgeous as always.
A lovely lovely post my friend…seems as though your car might have done you a favor by giving out when it did…though you’ve shown yourself to be awfully good at making “lemonade”. I’ll be making lavender butter when I get home! That’s brilliant! The salad looks wonderful too, yes please on the avocado!
Our overnight temp dipped down to 5c, so I’m ready to start switching summer clothes for the thicker, huggable stuff. Big jumpers! YEAH!
Very nice looking lavender butter
Those flowers brightened up my day! Thank you
Our interests can condition the way we read a sentence. When I read your phrase “strike out for an autumn coast” I thought of heading for a coastline with trees turning bright colors.
Oh wow, Smidge. That butter makes me swoon. And look at all those flowers! It’s a rainy morning here, so it made me extra happy to see these.
I knew.. it might conjure up different images:) That’s why I selected that word.. Here on the prairies we can only imagine a “coast” .. so we just “coast” as in verb:) xx
I might take up on this challenge!
No, I think you’re right! But also the only homemade butter I’ve made so far has a pinch of salt added, whereas I only choose unsalted store-bought butter. So maybe the salt– counterintuitively– makes it taste sweeter?! Next time I’ll leave it out and see if it still tastes sweeter… either way I’m sure it will still taste BETTER though! : )
Barbara, I adore your collage of flower pics. Each looks so delicate and together they made me sigh aloud. Clever you for shooting your GORGEOUS white hydrangeas on a wicker chair. Brava>
Lavender butter would be dreamy with scones! Your salad looks so beautiful and full of delicious flavours Barbara. Snuggling with the pup is always a sure way to a better mood!
Luscious photos and food, as ever, Smidge. Never mind- Autumn will hold on just a little while.
Loving your post – Beautiful Photos – Happy Tuesday:)
This is all just so utterly butterly beautiful!
I feel I now need to spring clean but can’t face it but if i wait for warmer weather i will be distracted and want to be outdoors so I better get onto it. What a lovely idea, lavender butter, I just imagine a dollop on fresh scones
That lavender butter looks so tempting to just put in your mouth… like white chocolate or shortbread. I’m sure I’d regret it, but very tempting! I am also huge on decluttering when I need to sort out my life. It does help clear the mind
I was really attracted to the lavender butter! so beautiful! tthanks for sharing photos of your garden..they look wonderful!
At first I thought that was a picture of white chocolate bark, with some yummy bits in there. I’m sure the lavender butter is yummy too! I could see using this on a delicate white fish baked in the oven. I’m hungry just thinking about it.
Fantastic salad – all those lovely fresh flavours. Sometimes I really feel like I “need” to eat dishes like this. Something with a bit of a zing to invigorate the taste buds! Lovely photos too Smidge.
They are all so beautiful and fascinated me as always but the lavender butter is my best. Thank you dear Barbara, love, nia
Love that photo of the hydrangea. I find it is not an easy flower to photograph.
I am presenting a class “Titled Cooking for 1 or 2″ for seniors and am encouraging them to eat outdoors whenever possible. Your balcony photo will inspire many. May I use it in my presentation?
Of course, it’s my favorite spot to eat and write.. Use any of my photos:)
Sent from my iPhone
Gorgeous!!!
Thanks xx
When I’m lazy I through the same ingredients in and use a bottled organic dressing (shhh) but you didn’t hear me say that, lol!
Now I never thought of using this on fish. I’m def going to try this.. This is why I love my fellow bloggers!!
I like your new blog design. It’s very professional looking.
Lavender butter is something I never thought of. Of course i thought it was chocolate but this is even better. A warm brioche would do this justice.
That little puppy sure can cuddle on a winters evening…I can picture that!
Hi Barbara! Your house is beautiful and your recipes wonderful. I love the butter idea, I bet is delicious. Thanks for sharing )
Thanks CCU! How goes the studying?
I love that bird photo too! Sometimes photography is all about luck isn’t it? Have an awesome day!xx
You’re very welcome! I like that I gave you that gentle moment, life can be crazy, eh?
You’re so lucky, it sounds like you have the garden I am striving for! It must smell heavenly! Does it attract butterflies as well?
And if you find that plate I’d love to see it.. How awesome is that?!
It was fun to make! A tad messy though!
Refresh away!! Xxx
Thanks, Mandy!
It’s pretty yummy ! Xx
I love photography.. Especially close ups, itskind of still life for me:)
Thanks Barbara – yes, a lot has to do with luck when it’s about great photos. The same to you.
Your new design is lovely Barb. I really love it, and especially how nice and big the photos are. They’re so beautiful….they always were….but I love this new “frame” for them. You’re so creative…
I’m so sorry about your car misbehaving It can be a hassle, but your mindset is inspiring. I love how you think. I always have. Which makes coming here for visits feel so nice. This one feels so homey and comfortable that I can literally feel myself calm down when reading it. Oh, I hope that all makes sense
You really are one of the very best Barb, we’re SO grateful for you.
Yesssss, I’m all over the lavender butter too. YUM!!! Lavender is such a wonderful fresh flavor isn’t it? I first discovered it as an herb that helps me with the anxiety issues (it works!) and fell in love with everything about it. I can’t wait to try the butter!
Loving the new look of your site Smidge !
and the pretty balcony, oh how happy I’d be to sit there, a cup of tea watching, well wathcing the word! the photos are a delight
Levander butter sounds like a great idea. I’ve never tried it and I think it’s a high time great post Barbara.
Beautiful pics Smidge. Your lavander butter sounds lovely.
Beautiful photos Smidge! I at first thought the lavender butter are cookies! They sound so delicious on toast!
Thank you very much, Barbara. The photo put smiles on the faces of all the attendants. I think many are going to copy your idea. Thanks again for sharing and allowing me to use the photo..
Oh, what a dreamy post! I enjoyed every word and every photo!
Another fine post, Barb. This is such a treat, reading a few of your posts in a row like I’m now doing. This post, like the one before and, without a doubt, the one to follow, is a joy to read. And your photography! Simply beautiful. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got next for me … er … us.
The dates are a nice addition to your salad. i agree with you about doing as much as you can before trudging through the snow. I’ll be sitting in front of a fire and give a toast to you that we did our work in the nice weather during fall and can now relax to the degree that winter let’s us. Nice post!
Your blog is always so yummy, Smidge. It’s a joy to visit.
That salad looks amazing! I like the idea of making butter from scratch (well, maybe once)! This is such a beautiful post; I love your sense of colour and style.
Who knew lavender+butter could look so darn beautiful? Wonderful post!
New to your site today – I love the layout and your photos are gorgeous!
Thanks! What is your website.. I’d love to visit you as well?!
Beautiful photos, and recipes for a real plus, I enjoyed the visit to your blog.
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Loving the new look and the clean bill of health! xox
PS That salmon looks next level awesome.
Hello Smidge,
Your new site is absolutely gorgeous, just like you. Very easy to navigate and it loaded very quickly as well. I am very delighted to hear that you have been given a clean bill of health and thank goodness you do not have to eat that bland diet for more than 4 days. Thank you very much for the kind mention and am so glad we can help each other out any way we can. John and Spree always have delicious recipes and so glad you have incorporated them into one healthy and colorful meal.
It takes a bit of time to get everything settled with the move. If questions let me know.
Take care,
BAM
Movita!! You’re the first person to comment on my new blog:D I should have had a prize for that! xx Thanks so much!
Thanks, Bam! I’m glad to hear it loaded easily, I found out there was a “jetpack” that interfered with the template photo loader.. so the support team changed that for me.. and voila:) You are the second person to visit.. now I get to sit back and visit everyone’s blog and forget mine for a while:D xx
The salmon with pecans sounds wonderful and the new blog looks great Barb! I’m thinking about taking the plunge myself at some point so I may take you up on “paying it forward”.
Your “new” blog looks great! So does the salmon!
Great to be in the clear: go out and take a few deep breaths! Been there!! Love the new look to the blog AND the lovely recipe: yep, have made and enjoyed John’s salsa verde already also – cheated: snuck some homegrown mint in . . .Southern Italian methinks he said . . . well . . .
Firstly, congratulations! My RSS reader is amazing and here you are. Thank you for the link love
Congratulations, Barb! Your new home looks fantastic! A perfect place to showcase your wonderful prose & poetry, as well as to frame your beautiful photography. And you picked the perfect post to inaugurate your site. The food is all delicious and the presentation flawless. Well done, all ’round!
Thank you, too, for the kind words about my salsa verde. I’m so glad you tried and liked it.
You are definitely an artist my friend, this is so beautiful! I am definitely coming to you for remodelling advice!
And it is so springy as well
Cheers
CCU
So glad to hear the transfer went well! The flavors in this salmon recipe are perfect for me, it sounds delightful for spring. Well done, Barb, have a great weekend.
Congratulations on the successful blog move! And much more important, on getting an A+ on your health tests!
I am totally on top of this type of stuff, as my goal is to try to be as healthy as possible for the longest time possible… a lot of it is luck, one never knows, but we must do our best, and prevention and screening is the key
great post, Barbara! (I will be away from the net for a week or so, might miss some of your posts but will catch up later)
Hi Barbara, I’m not sure I’ve mentioned this before but I really love the look of the presentation of the recipes and photos, very nice. I’ve had the same look since 2007, I guess I should think about changing it up.
It had warmed up last weekend and we enjoyed 12°C but it has been cooling down all week and today we’re expecting flurries all day. It’s also very grey, which is very depressing.
That low-fibre diet sounds strange, I think I would get all bogged up and that is not pretty! Glad your tests came out with flying colours.
The salmon sounds fantastic, I’ll have to bookmark it because I’ve just read Charles (Five Euro Food) stuffed salmon recipe and I’m totally smitten. We’ll definitely try this one next week but like Charle’s salmon, I’m going to sub out the salmon with another fish since I’m not sure what’s going on with the Salmon fisheries in Canada at this time (they are said to be infected with an influenza virus and the CFIA has approved sales for human consumption, claiming it won’t affect us. I’d just rather not take a chance).
Oh Smidge, how pretty this new site of yours!! So lovely, so you! I’d so like to do something different but am not sure I’m up for the challenge. When I am, may I come knocking?
(Just for the record, I would too! 
) So happy you liked the kale salad, and isn’t (John’) salsa verde a fabulous condiment?! This pecan encrusted salmon of yours sounds quite wonderful…we’re coming up on salmon season again so am always happy for a new & delicious twist on something we eat quite a bit of in season.
I was a bit concerned when you said you were off for a medical “test” ! Am relieved and grateful to hear that all is better than well with you! And I must say, you girl know how to celebrate the end of a fast!!
Congratulations on such a beautiful transition to your new digs here! xoxo
Beautiful healthy food! I love everything about it.
I’m not sure I’ll be ready for salad until summer, but that does sound good
This is one for this weekend … love it and I found Panko breadcrumbs that I want to try too. Salmon is the big think we eat for Easter, beside the herrings .. and a couple of frozen snaps/shots to go with them. Will have some spinach mash with mine.
Thanks a million, Barbara and I wish you a great weekend.
CONGRATS on passing that test with flying colors. Pecan crusted salmon sounds fabulous. Starting my kale seedlings soon and hopefully harvesting will not be too far behind.
Your new look looks great and it is nice that it went smoothly. I’m always looking for new ways to cook salmon and adding nuts sounds very interesting.
Glad the tests were all good and the changeover went well…you deserved that gorgeous salmon after all that stress!
Barbara, the site looks fantastic! Congrats on the big move! It definitely can be unnerving but everything is beautiful as only you can do! The salmon looks delicious as well!!!!!! Love the simplicity and flavors.
New site looks great, Smidge !
The salmon looks delicious! And the site looks fabulous. Congrats on going self-hosted.
Barbara, I love the new look! Gorgeous elegance!
Your salmon looks divine. Love it. And it is perfect with a kale salad! Delicious!
Wow, your site looks fantastic, Barb and so light and airy…so pretty, as always, like a breath of fresh air! Exactly as I would expect from you and congrats. Also a big congrats on the good health report. If you have health you have it all. And this salmon certainly looks like a big and tasty part of keeping that good health, and good taste going.
Here I am! LOL! It took a few steps to be able to comment once again, so I’ve been slow to get back to you, but your blog looks just gorgeous! Good for you! And it’s excellent to hear that your medical screenings were purposeful and proved to give you a good report! oxo
Any salmon dish will be a champion for me, Love this recipe
Raymund recently posted…Tom Yum Goong
New site looks great Barbara and I can taste the crunchy pecan on the salmon right now.
Jed Gray (sportsglutton) recently posted…Monday Morning Humor
First, so glad to hear all of your tests are good. Second, as others have noted I just love your new site design. It feels light and effervescent and just pretty. I have got to try the kale salad. I just know that’s something I’d love for lunch. My hubby would love that salmon for dinner.
Allison @ Main St. Cuisine recently posted…Pan-Fried Cauliflower
Thanks so very much, Allison! I’m so glad you’ve popped by.. I’m still trying to catch up on bloggers I haven’t visited for a while! I’ll be over shortly! xx
[...] I got the idea from Barbara@justasmidgen – and she called her dish,“Jane’s Crunchy Pecan Salmon”. Don’t have clue who Jane is – and I can’t figure it out from her post neither. I [...]
You brave person! I hadn’t realised you’d switched because you seldom appear in my WP reader. I guess you definitely won’t now, so I need to subscribe?