1. So I spoke at a luncheon yesterday for around 120 women. It was to raise money for my daughters school to re-do the kitchen and lunchroom- obviously something that would fall near and dear to my heart. I spent all Thursday with my mom creating the centerpieces for the luncheon, and they turned out really pretty. I have no future career as a florist, but I love the creativity of flower arranging. My mom is amazing at it, and I am still learning. Here are some I phone pictures of the Luncheon Flowers and tables.

   (I piled grapes, tangerines and apricots at the base of each arrangement. When we were done with the luncheon, we piled all of the washed fruit into boxes and brought it to pick up at school. The kids swarmed it like hungry vultures and it was all gone within a couple minutes- it is amazing how much healthy fruit a kid will eat when it is right on front of them. Pia had 6 apricots!)

2. I got a new fit bit in the mail. Mine stopped working. Well, admittedly, I had not tried to use it since December- but either way, I got a new one. I just really started to exercise regularly for the first time since before I had kids. I am walking and trying to lift weights a couple of times a week. I take an occasional barre class, and it is excruciating to me. But at least I am trying. However, I can’t bear to do the work, without knowing exactly what is happening, so in comes the fitbit. I am wearing it for the first day today. Can’t wait to see what happens. I suspect I think I am way more active than I am. Isn’t that always the way?

3. Coco is having a hard time with the allergies. Pia was accepting and understood what she had to do. Coco on the other hand is struggling. Despite the fact that she was not even able to eat without terrible, painful stomach aches does not change the fact that she typically cries over it at least once a day. Her main points of upset: Potstickers (I have figured this out- but it does not stop the crying), Donuts and scrambled eggs. Also, all baked goods. Also, just life. I think it really, dramatically helps that she is not alone in this. And because she worships her big sister, Pia is really leading by example. But I see the crying wash over her and I recognize it as grief. It is so sad. My only consolation is that she has not had a stomach ache in a week now. Also, she is so young, I hope that she will just learn to eat like this and the old cravings will fall away.

Ok. The recipes that got me drooling this week:

4. Aloha Burgers with Island Jerk Pineapple. OMG. This seriously looks so good, I can’t even believe it.

5. Homemade French fries with Fresh Garlic and Dill. We are so into homemade French fries, and these look amazing. I want them, with that burger.

6. Ok. I have a problem. I am probably just craving the bun and the cheeeeeese!! (I still have cravings too, you know!) But this Harissa Burger is incredible!

7. Spicy Chicken Lettuce Cups. These look exactly like how we are eating right now- love them!

8. I just love myself a good bloody mary, and boy does this one look good!

9. Falafel. With kale. I’m in.

10. Whipped Coconut Cream. This stuff is my life- Tracy shows you how to do it right!