Tuesday Tidbits

Time for the first Tuesday Tidbits of the year and I`m so excited to introduce our featured blogger today because I`m obsessing over her gorgeous, healthy dishes!  Michelle Miller is an American expat living in Kuala Lumpur where she creates healthy recipes using loads of fresh produce.   Living in Malaysia provides Michelle with a wealth of new and unusual ingredients and her dishes are bursting with flavor.  Her photography is simply stunning and I know you’re going to love her.  Michelle is also an avid hiker and traveller and shares beautiful pictures of her adventures.  So many great reasons to visit her site!

Now let’s check out some of her unique creations!  This first dish led to my discovery of Michelle’s blog.  I saw it on Foodgawker and knew I had to see more….

Butternut, Millet and Spinach Salad  from Vitamin Sunshine

This photography blows me away each time I look at it.  I want to dive in and devour this sumptuous salad. Not only are her recipes delicious but Michelle shares valuable information about nutrition.  It’s crucial that we pay attention to what’s going on in our bodies and Michelle helps us on that path.

 Crockpot Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Sauce {Paleo, Low Carb}  from Vitamin Sunshine

Confession – I am completely obsessed with this spaghetti sauce and I can’t wait to make it!  Michelle doesn’t have access to some of the fruits and veggies she grew up on but recently found spaghetti squash and used it with this amazing sauce.  You can have this decadent dish without the guilt!  Confession #2 – I love spaghetti and I could eat it every single day and now I just might!

 SW Butternut and Quinoa Soup from Vitamin Sunshine

 I think I was drawn to Michelle’s blog because we think exactly the same way about healthy eating.  You can have fabulous taste without a lot of work or expense.  Whole foods will give you the energy to sustain you throughout the day and not leave you with headaches, cravings or bloated feelings.  Her beautiful recipes will have your creative juices flowing and you’ll be hooked like I am!

Thanks so much, Michelle, for sharing with us today.  It was truly a pleasure introducing you to my readers!

Since we’re on the topic of healthy eating, here is a very helpful list of 30 Sugar Substitutes for Any and Every Possible Situation from Greatist.com.   Some of these natural substitutes will surprise you.  Let’s do our best to eliminate refined sugar from our diet this year.  It’s addictive, can suppress your immune system and can contribute to diabetes just to name a few.

I was thrilled last week to have Greatist include my popcorn recipe in their round-up of 30 Healthy Popcorn Recipes That Satisfy Every Craving.  I love this website.  It’s full of healthy eating and living articles and the reading is very entertaining.

One of my projects for the new year is to start a glossary of fresh herbs on the site.  It will include the nutritional properties, it’s uses in cooking and eating raw, and how to grow it.  You know how I love to nag you about including these in your recipes!  Until then, here’s a guide from Jessica Seinfeld at Do It Delicious.  (yes, Jerry Seinfeld’s wife!)

Since we’re spending so much time in the kitchen today, I thought I’d share this outstanding post from Architectural Digest of Perfect Kitchens for Holiday Entertaining.   I think this first one is my all time favorite – so cozy!

The colours and textures of this room have me sold!  What about you?

Light and airy with high ceilings gets me every time.  Is this your favorite?

Traditional is always beautiful and this wood cabinetry is gorgeous.

Click here for more stunning kitchens.

Ok, let’s go outside and explore these lighthouses that you can book for your next vacation.  I’ve always had a thing for lighthouses and these ones are very special.

HECETA HEAD LIGHTHO– USE, Yachats, Oregon

About halfway down the Oregon coast is this 120-year-old lighthouse, restored in 2011 to accommodate tourists as well as seafarers. The nearby keepers’ cottages serve as a bed and breakfast, with rooms ranging from $133–$315 a night. The Mariner’s Room I & II provide the best view of the waves crashing on the rocks 61 metres below.