i heart may

may and october have always been my favorite months. may culminates spring and october autumn. it's the pinnacle of color that creates this other-worldly feeling. although i dream about living in california (my birthplace) i cannot imagine not experiencing the change of seasons. the rhythm is so beautiful and refreshing. i feel so alive when outside during these months. you can feel the change and be a part of it. i love to bring the outside inside as well - especially when we have long stretches of rain like this past week. 

i am looking forward to the months to follow. we have family trips to plan, bbq's to organize, gardens to plant, outside toys to clean, school plays, camp, parties! and of course, lemonade stands! life is good.

i just have to share this easy-peesy kid-friendly recipe for cobb salad. i've been making this very often lately. the ingredients are super healthy and of the 5 food groups and everyone gets to pick and choose what they want on top of their plate of romaine lettuce. i added a few things that i know my kids will eat - like peppers and sprouts. why haven't i thought of this sooner? and the hubby is actually satisfied, too.

melly's pick 'n' choose cobb salad

salad ingredients:

romaine lettuce (chopped)

2-3 grilled chicken breasts

3 hrad boiled eggs

5 slices cooked bacon (i use chicken bacon, uncured)

1-2 avocados

2 handfuls cherry tomatoes

crumbled bleu cheese or shredded cheddar

1 cucumber (peeled and chopped)

alfalfa sprouts

dressing:

2 T red wine vinegar

1 T fresh chives

1 t dijon mustard

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 C extra virgin olive oil

bell peppers

i prepare all the ingredients and layout on a big platter. then, i put chopped romaine on plates and dressing on the side. healthy dinner done!