Biting into the Hit Parade

One of the surprise hits of the past weeks was this sandwich...

Which is amazing in itself. I am not much of a sandwich eater but made three that were stand-outs. This one pictured, then a nut "cheese" one and then a roasted pepper one. My sister-in-law made three more (egg salad like none other!) and gosh, looks like we could open up a lunch spot!

Here is the skinny on how to make this healthy sandwich. Just vary the bread to your taste. I wanted to use a yummy local bread...might as well bite into the best!

Summer Garden Sandwich

2-3 little summer squashes, sliced very thin
Favorite vinaigrette (I am developing a new one...de-lish!)
Fresh tomatoes, sliced thin
Fresh mozzarella, sliced thin
Fresh basil leaves
Pesto

At least an hour or up to one day before serving sandwich, marinate squash ribbons in vinaigrette.

To make sandwich:
Toast or warm bread to crisp crust and then, spread with pesto. Add a layer of marinated squash and then layer on fresh tomato slices, mozzarella slices and basil leaves. Top off with more squash slices and a dollop more of pesto. (Those wiggly looking strands in the picture are kelp noodles. They are crunchy not noodle-y. If you want to add some crunch, try those or maybe a handful of sprouts!) Top with bread slice or serve open-faced.

Have a great weekend!

Hits and Misses

Over the past couple of weeks there have definitely been some hits and misses.

The Grand Ones have come and gone and they were delightful...so purely joyful and loving. What struck me most from watching them was that, from the very beginning, we humans seem to have a natural curiosity and sense of exploration and also a natural need to connect, whether through the soft touch of a hand, coos and giggles or twinkle of an eye. They really enchanted me...I couldn't take my eyes off of them. They were beyond "hits". Pure joy.

The "misses" were annoying...moments where I found myself muttering, "Really?" But, good always prevails and time manages to keep pulling us forward and into a new day. Awesome.

This Women and Wednesday post is "hit parade" of sorts. There are a three helpful "skin" things to share from my dermo:

First, sunscreen for all ages every day of exposure. Do not wait until your little one is 6 months! If you need a recommendation for a safe, non-toxic sunscreen, just ask me. Secondly, from a study first done in Australia and the repeated in Scotland: the sun exposure before age 9 greatly determines the number of moles that show up later on your skin. Heredity plays a role, of course, but sun rules! And lastly, melanomas occur most often from new growths and are most commonly found on men's backs and the backs of women's legs.

Then, some more "hits" for your inner and outer wellness...the top three foods to eat: kale, blueberries and broccoli. Now, no surprises there, but how fun that all three usually appear in my morning shake!

Lastly, I try to remember the wisdom of adages, like the one where things come in threes!  Here are three (plus one to grow on!) other beautiful "hits" to share. Have a wonderful Wednesday!