My Hawk and October

Wow. Two posts in one day?

Life has gotten a bit too crazy. I decided months ago that I needed to give my Nutty 'Nola my "all" and make it work or give it up. What I've found is that I don't have to give it up altogether, but I can decide when I bake and when/where I sell. The Farmers Market was sooo great to be at. The environment, the people, the outdoors, but it also made my schedule for the rest of the week a bit too hectic. Baking, playing at the Cafe, selling at the Market, then working a 6th day at the Cafe..one day off...back to it. In the middle of that was soccer, art shows, babysitters, homework, not making enough time for myself or my husband (together or separately)...so I decided not to participate in the last farmers market Saturday of the season. It felt like a really great decision. I sent the email, walked into the kitchen to tell Jason and outside of the window was my Hawk. Yes. It was the right decision.

Also yesterday I was given a "free day".  Jenny (owner of the Cafe) PAID IT FORWARD to me and gave me the day to rest. What will I do to PAY IT FORWARD today?

A month ago I joined two online workshops and they both started yesterday. While I got my house in order yesterday and spent many hours cleaning, I never looked at either workshop. So today, I did that. Wow. One is FINDING YOURSELF IN THE DETAILS www.findingyourselfinthedetails.com
and the other is
WHOLE FOODS KITCHEN- FALL workshop http://beautythatmoves.typepad.com/nourish_the_whole_self/classroom.html

They are both really great and I'll keep you updated and will share as I learn. And maybe you should sign up, too!!

Off to spend an hour with Jason to get art supplies for this weekend's art show. It's the time together- not what we do with it.

; )

My Hawk and October

Wow. Two posts in one day?

Life has gotten a bit too crazy. I decided months ago that I needed to give my Nutty 'Nola my "all" and make it work or give it up. What I've found is that I don't have to give it up altogether, but I can decide when I bake and when/where I sell. The Farmers Market was sooo great to be at. The environment, the people, the outdoors, but it also made my schedule for the rest of the week a bit too hectic. Baking, playing at the Cafe, selling at the Market, then working a 6th day at the Cafe..one day off...back to it. In the middle of that was soccer, art shows, babysitters, homework, not making enough time for myself or my husband (together or separately)...so I decided not to participate in the last farmers market Saturday of the season. It felt like a really great decision. I sent the email, walked into the kitchen to tell Jason and outside of the window was my Hawk. Yes. It was the right decision.

Also yesterday I was given a "free day".  Jenny (owner of the Cafe) PAID IT FORWARD to me and gave me the day to rest. What will I do to PAY IT FORWARD today?

A month ago I joined two online workshops and they both started yesterday. While I got my house in order yesterday and spent many hours cleaning, I never looked at either workshop. So today, I did that. Wow. One is FINDING YOURSELF IN THE DETAILS www.findingyourselfinthedetails.com
and the other is
WHOLE FOODS KITCHEN- FALL workshop http://beautythatmoves.typepad.com/nourish_the_whole_self/classroom.html

They are both really great and I'll keep you updated and will share as I learn. And maybe you should sign up, too!!

Off to spend an hour with Jason to get art supplies for this weekend's art show. It's the time together- not what we do with it.

; )

FALL IS HERE!!!

Fall is the greatest season for Nutty 'Nola. It's great on oatmeal, warm cinnamon peaches and perfect for hikes and camping. Order some for yourself and ship some to a friend, too!
http://www.leafandloaf.com/

FALL IS HERE!!!

Fall is the greatest season for Nutty 'Nola. It's great on oatmeal, warm cinnamon peaches and perfect for hikes and camping. Order some for yourself and ship some to a friend, too!
http://www.leafandloaf.com/

Personal and Sharing it Anyway

Eleven years ago my husband and I were thinking about starting a family. Then September 11th happened. We thought, "Why would we bring another person into this horrible world??" Then we thought, maybe we can bring someone into this world who will make the world a better place and raise someone who will make a difference. And in 2002 Owen was born. He is now ten and has certainly made a difference in our lives, and I know he has changed the lives of others.

What will you do tomorrow that will make the world a better place?
What do you do EVERY DAY to  make the world a better place?

Personal and Sharing it Anyway

Eleven years ago my husband and I were thinking about starting a family. Then September 11th happened. We thought, "Why would we bring another person into this horrible world??" Then we thought, maybe we can bring someone into this world who will make the world a better place and raise someone who will make a difference. And in 2002 Owen was born. He is now ten and has certainly made a difference in our lives, and I know he has changed the lives of others.

What will you do tomorrow that will make the world a better place?
What do you do EVERY DAY to  make the world a better place?

AMAZING Brownies

Hey folks, Bentley-Grace is an 11-year old customer of ours at the Cafe and she has started her own business baking brownies. Seriously- these are the best brownies I've ever eaten and they are organic, too! Please take a look at her site and order from her. It's all for a really, really good cause.

Quoted from her website-     http://www.bgandd.com

"Let’s Cure CP is a non-profit organization (501c3) committed to funding the support of Cerebral Palsy research.   They will accomplish their mission by undertaking and supporting initiatives at research institutions that focus on developing new therapeutic methodologies for the treatment of CP.

Helping children who have CP enjoy everyday fun by funding adapted bicycles and tricycles… allowing them to get out and play!"

AMAZING Brownies

Hey folks, Bentley-Grace is an 11-year old customer of ours at the Cafe and she has started her own business baking brownies. Seriously- these are the best brownies I've ever eaten and they are organic, too! Please take a look at her site and order from her. It's all for a really, really good cause.

Quoted from her website-     http://www.bgandd.com

"Let’s Cure CP is a non-profit organization (501c3) committed to funding the support of Cerebral Palsy research.   They will accomplish their mission by undertaking and supporting initiatives at research institutions that focus on developing new therapeutic methodologies for the treatment of CP.

Helping children who have CP enjoy everyday fun by funding adapted bicycles and tricycles… allowing them to get out and play!"

Eat Well, Save Time and Money

I am often told that I have a gift with food. I can make something from nothing. Today, with the encouragement of a great friend, this may turn into another branch of Leaf and Loaf, LLC.

 My days are busy, just like everyone else’s. I work 45 hours per week, have my own small granola business, two young kids and a wonderful husband. He is a professor and teaches during dinner two nights a week- the same nights as soccer practice.(!) In order to stay balanced, keep life simple, healthy and within our budget, I put together a little plan that I am quite proud of. So I'm sharing it. 

Yesterday I revamped my monthly budget. I now have a weekly budget for groceries for the house, lunch money for the kids for 2 days, food out for our soccer nights and a menu for the nights we eat dinner together at home. I know just what we’re eating on what days and I’ve purchased just the right amount of food for the week. This is sort of a personal plan, but I’m going to toss it out there so you can see how I made it work for my family. You’ll also see my receipt so you can see what I bought and how much it costs. This feels a little like I’ve exposed myself, but I’m not sure why. I’d love to only buy local and organic, but the truth is I can’t afford to do that all the time. I do avoid processed sugars, high fructose corn syrup and processed foods.

We eat a healthy breakfast at home every morning. I do not work on Mondays, so I get to make the kids breakfast before school. Today they had peanut butter, banana and golden raisins in a whole wheat tortilla with a glass of milk. They ate every crumb and got out the door on time to catch the bus. The other days of the week they usually have some high protein organic cereal, Kashi waffles, yogurt, eggs, OJ, milk and/or fruit.

Weekly food budget 
$100 for groceries
$25 soccer nights (odwalla smoothies, sandwiches)
$8.60 for school lunches

I have color-coded my receipt to give you a quick glance.

Produce (fresh and frozen) = Green
Protein = Blue
Drinks (milk, oj, juice boxes) = Yellow
Cereals and Nuts = Brown
Sweets (Immaculate Cookie Dough and Edy’s fruit bars) = Pink
Miscellaneous = Gray

Here is this week’s plan. Now some of these items I already had in the house. Some that I bought yesterday won’t be used until next week or the week after. The key is that I stay within my food budget for the week. Buy One Get One Free items are my friend. But I have to be careful that they are items that are healthy and we’ll use them. Pasta sauce and cereals are a biggie for me.

Sunday Dinner: Salmon burger, Asian sweet rice and blanched broccoli
Monday Lunch: Ham, string cheese, cucumbers, crackers, applesauce
Dinner: Roasted chicken breast, angel hair pasta, broccoli and carrots
Tuesday Lunch: Morningstar farms chick’n nuggets, peas and carrots, peach
Dinner: Odwalla drink before soccer, Publix sub sandwich after soccer
Wednesday Lunch: kids buy lunch at school
Dinner: Frozen lasagna and fresh green salad
ThursdayLunch: Ham, cream cheese and lettuce in a whole wheat wrap, baby carrots, apple
Dinner: Chicken Nachos Salad with Blue corn tortilla chips, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa
FridayLunch: kids buy lunch at school
Dinner: Homemade pizza or leftovers

What I’ve discovered is that we can have two or three fruits and veges for the week and we’ll eat them a few times. Nobody gets tired of them during the week, and then next week we’ll have different produce. This helps me from buying too much produce that doesn’t get eaten, goes bad and gets composted. There is a balance here between making as many healthy meals as I can, buying lunch at school and grabbing something while we’re out at soccer twice a week. We’re only on week two, so we’ll see how well this works out. I’m quite confident that it will be even smoother than last week.

KEEP AN EYE OUT. I am thinking about turning this into a subscription-based consulting service. How often do you have food in your fridge and you don’t know what to do with it? Leftovers that just get thrown away? Another dinner that needs to be made and you’re just out of steam? Want to save food, money and time? Let me help you make the most with what you already have. Avoid throwing away food. Send me a list of the foods that you have in your refrigerator/pantry and I will let you know what quick and easy meal can be made from them. Would you like me to put together a weekly dinner planner together for you?

Feedback and comments are welcome.
yummy@leafandloaf.com
What would you pay for this weekly service?
Is a 24 hour email response fast enough?
Will recipes need to be included?

Eat Well, Save Time and Money

I am often told that I have a gift with food. I can make something from nothing. Today, with the encouragement of a great friend, this may turn into another branch of Leaf and Loaf, LLC.

 My days are busy, just like everyone else’s. I work 45 hours per week, have my own small granola business, two young kids and a wonderful husband. He is a professor and teaches during dinner two nights a week- the same nights as soccer practice.(!) In order to stay balanced, keep life simple, healthy and within our budget, I put together a little plan that I am quite proud of. So I'm sharing it. 

Yesterday I revamped my monthly budget. I now have a weekly budget for groceries for the house, lunch money for the kids for 2 days, food out for our soccer nights and a menu for the nights we eat dinner together at home. I know just what we’re eating on what days and I’ve purchased just the right amount of food for the week. This is sort of a personal plan, but I’m going to toss it out there so you can see how I made it work for my family. You’ll also see my receipt so you can see what I bought and how much it costs. This feels a little like I’ve exposed myself, but I’m not sure why. I’d love to only buy local and organic, but the truth is I can’t afford to do that all the time. I do avoid processed sugars, high fructose corn syrup and processed foods.

We eat a healthy breakfast at home every morning. I do not work on Mondays, so I get to make the kids breakfast before school. Today they had peanut butter, banana and golden raisins in a whole wheat tortilla with a glass of milk. They ate every crumb and got out the door on time to catch the bus. The other days of the week they usually have some high protein organic cereal, Kashi waffles, yogurt, eggs, OJ, milk and/or fruit.

Weekly food budget 
$100 for groceries
$25 soccer nights (odwalla smoothies, sandwiches)
$8.60 for school lunches

I have color-coded my receipt to give you a quick glance.

Produce (fresh and frozen) = Green
Protein = Blue
Drinks (milk, oj, juice boxes) = Yellow
Cereals and Nuts = Brown
Sweets (Immaculate Cookie Dough and Edy’s fruit bars) = Pink
Miscellaneous = Gray

Here is this week’s plan. Now some of these items I already had in the house. Some that I bought yesterday won’t be used until next week or the week after. The key is that I stay within my food budget for the week. Buy One Get One Free items are my friend. But I have to be careful that they are items that are healthy and we’ll use them. Pasta sauce and cereals are a biggie for me.

Sunday Dinner: Salmon burger, Asian sweet rice and blanched broccoli
Monday Lunch: Ham, string cheese, cucumbers, crackers, applesauce
Dinner: Roasted chicken breast, angel hair pasta, broccoli and carrots
Tuesday Lunch: Morningstar farms chick’n nuggets, peas and carrots, peach
Dinner: Odwalla drink before soccer, Publix sub sandwich after soccer
Wednesday Lunch: kids buy lunch at school
Dinner: Frozen lasagna and fresh green salad
Thursday Lunch: Ham, cream cheese and lettuce in a whole wheat wrap, baby carrots, apple
Dinner: Chicken Nachos Salad with Blue corn tortilla chips, Cheese, Lettuce, Salsa
Friday Lunch: kids buy lunch at school
Dinner: Homemade pizza or leftovers

What I’ve discovered is that we can have two or three fruits and veges for the week and we’ll eat them a few times. Nobody gets tired of them during the week, and then next week we’ll have different produce. This helps me from buying too much produce that doesn’t get eaten, goes bad and gets composted. There is a balance here between making as many healthy meals as I can, buying lunch at school and grabbing something while we’re out at soccer twice a week. We’re only on week two, so we’ll see how well this works out. I’m quite confident that it will be even smoother than last week.

KEEP AN EYE OUT. I am thinking about turning this into a subscription-based consulting service. How often do you have food in your fridge and you don’t know what to do with it? Leftovers that just get thrown away? Another dinner that needs to be made and you’re just out of steam? Want to save food, money and time? Let me help you make the most with what you already have. Avoid throwing away food. Send me a list of the foods that you have in your refrigerator/pantry and I will let you know what quick and easy meal can be made from them. Would you like me to put together a weekly dinner planner together for you?

Feedback and comments are welcome.
yummy@leafandloaf.com
What would you pay for this weekly service?
Is a 24 hour email response fast enough?
Will recipes need to be included?

What do we really need?

I'm a very simple person. Anyone that knows me can tell you it doesn't take much to make me happy. How much stuff do we really need? I'm not big on stuff, that's for sure, but I do manage to clutter up my desk and my dresser with junk. Receipts, photos, hair clips, jewelry and lots of JUNK. Due to a behavior issue in our house, I literally put everything from one of my kids' rooms into a large plastic container, from which, the "stuff" could be earned back with acceptable behavior. (This would be a story for another post.) I asked her to make a list of the top five things she wanted to earn back, and she could only think of three. Three items out of a TON OF JUNK. That made me realize how much stuff we have and don't even know we have it. It's been two weeks now and the bucket of stuff is still taking up residence in my bedroom. Taking this to an adult level, I'd like to just swipe my arm across my desk and dresser and through my entire house and put everything in a box. If I don't need it in a few months, it can just be donated or given away or recycled. While this is easier said than done..... What would you keep if you could only keep five things from each of your rooms? Why? This is not a test for a home evacuation due to Mother Nature, either. It is a question worth asking- why do we have this "stuff" lying around our house? Can someone else make better use of it? Would someone else appreciate it more than I/we do?

What do we really need?

I'm a very simple person. Anyone that knows me can tell you it doesn't take much to make me happy. How much stuff do we really need? I'm not big on stuff, that's for sure, but I do manage to clutter up my desk and my dresser with junk. Receipts, photos, hair clips, jewelry and lots of JUNK. Due to a behavior issue in our house, I literally put everything from one of my kids' rooms into a large plastic container, from which, the "stuff" could be earned back with acceptable behavior. (This would be a story for another post.) I asked her to make a list of the top five things she wanted to earn back, and she could only think of three. Three items out of a TON OF JUNK. That made me realize how much stuff we have and don't even know we have it. It's been two weeks now and the bucket of stuff is still taking up residence in my bedroom. Taking this to an adult level, I'd like to just swipe my arm across my desk and dresser and through my entire house and put everything in a box. If I don't need it in a few months, it can just be donated or given away or recycled. While this is easier said than done..... What would you keep if you could only keep five things from each of your rooms? Why? This is not a test for a home evacuation due to Mother Nature, either. It is a question worth asking- why do we have this "stuff" lying around our house? Can someone else make better use of it? Would someone else appreciate it more than I/we do?

The Challenge

There is a woman who comes to the Cafe almost every morning for breakfast. She always takes it to go. Today she told me she worked all weekend, as she normally does, and could she please have her fried egg to go- in a box. I asked her if she might take 5 minutes to eat it off of a plate with a fork. She said she had too much work to do and she normally doesn't eat until around 10 anyway. (It was 8:00). So I said, "you mean to tell me you get it to go and then eat it cold at 10?" After more conversation, I discovered that she makes a lot of money, she's got a very good job, but she's not happy. She's always wanted to do something else. Every once in a while I get the sense that Sharon has sent someone to me to help pass along what she taught me. This was another one of those times. So I challenged my Cafe friend to come 10 minutes earlier tomorrow and to sit and eat a hot egg with a fork, on a plate. I also asked why she doesn't just follow what she wants to do- a path with animals. She said she makes really good money where she is. My comment- "you make such great money, but you can't eat an egg off a plate and can't enjoy your money because you are always at work. I shared the Stephen Levine book with her and she said she'd get it. Many people should. http://www.amazon.com/Year-Live-This-Were-Your/dp/0609801945/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342566271&sr=1-1&keywords=stephen+levine+a+year+to+live We'll see what tomorrow brings. Will she get an egg in a box?

The Challenge

There is a woman who comes to the Cafe almost every morning for breakfast. She always takes it to go. Today she told me she worked all weekend, as she normally does, and could she please have her fried egg to go- in a box. I asked her if she might take 5 minutes to eat it off of a plate with a fork. She said she had too much work to do and she normally doesn't eat until around 10 anyway. (It was 8:00). So I said, "you mean to tell me you get it to go and then eat it cold at 10?" After more conversation, I discovered that she makes a lot of money, she's got a very good job, but she's not happy. She's always wanted to do something else. Every once in a while I get the sense that Sharon has sent someone to me to help pass along what she taught me. This was another one of those times. So I challenged my Cafe friend to come 10 minutes earlier tomorrow and to sit and eat a hot egg with a fork, on a plate. I also asked why she doesn't just follow what she wants to do- a path with animals. She said she makes really good money where she is. My comment- "you make such great money, but you can't eat an egg off a plate and can't enjoy your money because you are always at work. I shared the Stephen Levine book with her and she said she'd get it. Many people should. http://www.amazon.com/Year-Live-This-Were-Your/dp/0609801945/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342566271&sr=1-1&keywords=stephen+levine+a+year+to+live We'll see what tomorrow brings. Will she get an egg in a box?

Someone found me!!!

An events person saw my booth at the SSFM and contacted me through my web site to invite me to be at this market. There are only eight vendors and 3,000 employees in the complex. So excited!!! Wednesday, August 8, 2012Turner at Techwood (Cartoon Network Building) Farmer’s Market 11am-2pm Outdoors on the green!

Someone found me!!!

An events person saw my booth at the SSFM and contacted me through my web site to invite me to be at this market. There are only eight vendors and 3,000 employees in the complex. So excited!!! Wednesday, August 8, 2012 Turner at Techwood (Cartoon Network Building) Farmer’s Market 11am-2pm Outdoors on the green!

The Hawk Visits Again

This post will be very stream-of-conscience and honest. Lately I've been wondering if I should continue with my 'Nolas. There are many reasons why I have been doubting it. Monday, as I walked to my friend Susan's house to go for our (almost) weekly walk, I heard a hawk, and looked up as it sat on the highest part of the highest tree on the street. As I did my lunges down the street (yeah, nice mental image, huh?) I had a word with the Hawk. "I'm listening, Hawk. I'm looking and I'm listening, and I still don't have an answer." The fact that I actually spoke out loud to the Hawk is a bit funny because I don't talk to myself. Ever. Watching others talk to themselves makes me uncomfortable. So Monday afternoon I went to a fun outdoor YMCA pool with the kids. As we sat in the rain, a Hawk very slowly flew by, almost as if in slow motion. Once again, I said, "I'm listening..." My message that day was that I needed to spend more focused time with the kids. This is obvious- I don't need a Hawk for this. HOWEVER. Today I got the message. I received an invitation- from someone who saw me at the SSFarmers Market- to be a vendor at a Health Fair. WHAAA???? How awesome is this??? So, onwards I go with the 'Nola. Next......

The Hawk Visits Again

This post will be very stream-of-conscience and honest. Lately I've been wondering if I should continue with my 'Nolas. There are many reasons why I have been doubting it. Monday, as I walked to my friend Susan's house to go for our (almost) weekly walk, I heard a hawk, and looked up as it sat on the highest part of the highest tree on the street. As I did my lunges down the street (yeah, nice mental image, huh?) I had a word with the Hawk. "I'm listening, Hawk. I'm looking and I'm listening, and I still don't have an answer." The fact that I actually spoke out loud to the Hawk is a bit funny because I don't talk to myself. Ever. Watching others talk to themselves makes me uncomfortable. So Monday afternoon I went to a fun outdoor YMCA pool with the kids. As we sat in the rain, a Hawk very slowly flew by, almost as if in slow motion. Once again, I said, "I'm listening..." My message that day was that I needed to spend more focused time with the kids. This is obvious- I don't need a Hawk for this. HOWEVER. Today I got the message. I received an invitation- from someone who saw me at the SSFarmers Market- to be a vendor at a Health Fair. WHAAA???? How awesome is this??? So, onwards I go with the 'Nola. Next......

NO Coincidences

Today I saw an old friend. He brought a friend with him. This new friend needed information I have. The information I have was given to me by Sharon. Sharon sent this man to me. I sent this man a book. The book that Sharon presented to me that changed my life. Thank you Sharon. I miss you.

NO Coincidences

Today I saw an old friend. He brought a friend with him. This new friend needed information I have. The information I have was given to me by Sharon. Sharon sent this man to me. I sent this man a book. The book that Sharon presented to me that changed my life. Thank you Sharon. I miss you.

Seriously???

So years ago I read something about how to market your product. I can't remember the name of the book or the author, but I do remember them suggesting that you have people go into shops asking for your products, and then you, as the product creator, go to those shops asking if they want to carry your product. I always thought that was sort of clever, but it just didn't seem quite right. Well today I spoke with the woman who runs the farmers market. She said that someone who had purchased my 'Nola before asked at the Farmers Market where I was. SERIOUSLY??? I don't know this person (by name, anyway), and it was an honest-to-goodness request!!! It doesn't get much better than this.... Until I'm really at the market this Saturday. I CAN'T WAIT!!! VISION. I created my first draft company vision today and posted the long darn thing on my web site. I learned that your vision is truly a visual.. (seems intuitive and obvious, right?) and that you write it in the present tense, as if you're seeing it happen right now. That makes sense after learning it, but it didn't occur to me beforehand. Check it out: www.leafandloaf.com

Seriously???

So years ago I read something about how to market your product. I can't remember the name of the book or the author, but I do remember them suggesting that you have people go into shops asking for your products, and then you, as the product creator, go to those shops asking if they want to carry your product. I always thought that was sort of clever, but it just didn't seem quite right. Well today I spoke with the woman who runs the farmers market. She said that someone who had purchased my 'Nola before asked at the Farmers Market where I was. SERIOUSLY??? I don't know this person (by name, anyway), and it was an honest-to-goodness request!!! It doesn't get much better than this.... Until I'm really at the market this Saturday. I CAN'T WAIT!!! VISION. I created my first draft company vision today and posted the long darn thing on my web site. I learned that your vision is truly a visual.. (seems intuitive and obvious, right?) and that you write it in the present tense, as if you're seeing it happen right now. That makes sense after learning it, but it didn't occur to me beforehand. Check it out: www.leafandloaf.com

Nutty 'Nola goes to Market!!

I did it!!! While I was in Culinary School I decided to start my own small business to get my feet wet. Low risk, no overhead, etc. I was planning on getting into Farmers Markets with my 'Nola (granola). But then I got the best full time job anyone could ask for and the 'Nola got put to the side. Now with a bit of juggling and breathing, I can do both!! I GOT INTO THE SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET FOR 2012!!!.

So I baked today and my process was the most streamlined and efficient it's ever been. I was putting my spreadsheet together for today's bake and realized that my product amounts went from ounces to pounds!!!! 50 pounds of rolled oats is a LOT!!

In my morning meditation reading, (paraphrased), it said something like if you don't take a leap and jump the dark chasm, you'll never realize the rock of foundation that will appear under your feet. How appropriate for me any time, but especially for me today.

Look for Leaf and Loaf, LLC at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market in May!!!
http://www.sandyspringsfarmersmarket.com/

Love Love,

Sue

Nutty 'Nola goes to Market!!

I did it!!! While I was in Culinary School I decided to start my own small business to get my feet wet. Low risk, no overhead, etc. I was planning on getting into Farmers Markets with my 'Nola (granola). But then I got the best full time job anyone could ask for and the 'Nola got put to the side. Now with a bit of juggling and breathing, I can do both!! I GOT INTO THE SANDY SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET FOR 2012!!!.

So I baked today and my process was the most streamlined and efficient it's ever been. I was putting my spreadsheet together for today's bake and realized that my product amounts went from ounces to pounds!!!! 50 pounds of rolled oats is a LOT!!

In my morning meditation reading, (paraphrased), it said something like if you don't take a leap and jump the dark chasm, you'll never realize the rock of foundation that will appear under your feet. How appropriate for me any time, but especially for me today.

Look for Leaf and Loaf, LLC at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market in May!!!
http://www.sandyspringsfarmersmarket.com/

Love Love,

Sue

Leaf and Loaf Promotion

So I toasted some Millet and left it in the pan. Last night I saw Eva playing with it. (Eva is my six and a half year old daughter who has really taken to the kitchen with me lately.) She was using it like a Zen garden. Next thing I know, she's in the corner of the living room shooting this video. Priceless. There's not much to see, but the audio is just precious. And she's totally right.

Leaf and Loaf Promotion

So I toasted some Millet and left it in the pan. Last night I saw Eva playing with it. (Eva is my six and a half year old daughter who has really taken to the kitchen with me lately.) She was using it like a Zen garden. Next thing I know, she's in the corner of the living room shooting this video. Priceless. There's not much to see, but the audio is just precious. And she's totally right.

Comfort Zone

We all love our comfort zones. They're safe, warm, dependable and we know what to expect from them most of the time. But what I have found to be true for me is that when I'm comfortable for too long, I'm probably not challenging myself enough or pushing myself enough. And so I am now going to push myself a bit harder in promoting my Nutty 'Nola and expanding the offering to various flavors. Again.

So thank you to my friends and family who have supported me and who seem to know better than I- what I can really do.

My web page is up and running well so you can order 'Nola online and have it shipped to your door! If you'd like some and you're local, just send me a email or a note through the web site and we'll getcha some!!

http://www.leafandloaf.com

Comfort Zone

We all love our comfort zones. They're safe, warm, dependable and we know what to expect from them most of the time. But what I have found to be true for me is that when I'm comfortable for too long, I'm probably not challenging myself enough or pushing myself enough. And so I am now going to push myself a bit harder in promoting my Nutty 'Nola and expanding the offering to various flavors. Again.

So thank you to my friends and family who have supported me and who seem to know better than I- what I can really do.

My web page is up and running well so you can order 'Nola online and have it shipped to your door! If you'd like some and you're local, just send me a email or a note through the web site and we'll getcha some!!

http://www.leafandloaf.com

Let us all be thankful.

"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so let us all be thankful."

BUDDHA

Let us all be thankful.

"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so let us all be thankful."

BUDDHA

LEAF AND LOAF, LLC IS LIVE!

So I've created my own website for Nutty 'Nola!
Now you can order online and have it shipped right to your door!
Check it out:

http://www.leafandloaf.com/

LEAF AND LOAF, LLC IS LIVE!

So I've created my own website for Nutty 'Nola!
Now you can order online and have it shipped right to your door!
Check it out:

http://www.leafandloaf.com/

What a WEEK!!!

And so my Journey continues.
In the past six days I have:

* I was interviewed for an online radio show for The Better You Project
(the link is long, so copy and paste it)
http://podroom.a2zen.fm/podcasts/the-better-you-project-with-eric-and-susan/the-better-you-project-highlights-sue-snape-of-lea

* I built my new web site for Leaf and Loaf, LLC
(Work still needs to be done, but it's up and live! Just need to square away PayPal for online ordering of Nutty 'Nola)
www.leafandloaf.com

* Presented myself for the Top Chef Casting Call in Atlanta which required a lot of work- I completed a 3.5 minute video about myself and a very long application to present in person today.

There are no coincidences, but here's one, anyway. The Top Chef application says to get your passport ready. I had already sent mine in for renewal, and when I got home from the Top Chef Casting Call today, guess what was in the mailbox?? YUP!!!! My passport!!!

What a WEEK!!!

And so my Journey continues.
In the past six days I have:

* I was interviewed for an online radio show for The Better You Project
(the link is long, so copy and paste it)
http://podroom.a2zen.fm/podcasts/the-better-you-project-with-eric-and-susan/the-better-you-project-highlights-sue-snape-of-lea

* I built my new web site for Leaf and Loaf, LLC
(Work still needs to be done, but it's up and live! Just need to square away PayPal for online ordering of Nutty 'Nola)
www.leafandloaf.com

* Presented myself for the Top Chef Casting Call in Atlanta which required a lot of work- I completed a 3.5 minute video about myself and a very long application to present in person today.

There are no coincidences, but here's one, anyway. The Top Chef application says to get your passport ready. I had already sent mine in for renewal, and when I got home from the Top Chef Casting Call today, guess what was in the mailbox?? YUP!!!! My passport!!!

The "Better You" Project

I am being interviewed by The "Better You" Project on A2Zen.fm on Wednesday, February 22nd at 1pm ET. I will be discussing my career change and how it has affected my life. If you cannot make my LIVE interview, that’s ok, simply listen or download the interview, in the Host & Archive section on the http://www.sqr.fm site (Look under host The "Better You" Project) or from www.thebetteryouproject.com website.

The "Better You" Project

I am being interviewed by The "Better You" Project on A2Zen.fm on Wednesday, February 22nd at 1pm ET. I will be discussing my career change and how it has affected my life. If you cannot make my LIVE interview, that’s ok, simply listen or download the interview, in the Host & Archive section on the http://www.sqr.fm site (Look under host The "Better You" Project) or from www.thebetteryouproject.com website.

Guest Speaker

Once in a while when both of our church rectors are out at a conference together, we have a Guest Rector come in and preach. Chris is amazing and I always enjoy when he visits us. I always love his messages because they are so easily digestible. Maybe that's because he's the resident "guy" at Georgia State and Georgia Tech. Today I actually took notes during his sermon. I wanted to write them down and share them. Paraphrased...

* All we need to do is show up
* Street Grace- the gospel comes to us on its way to someone else.
* Blessed are those who are the peacemakers. (Denomination and beliefs are not important, it's the same peaceful goal that is!)

Thank you, Chris!!!

Guest Speaker

Once in a while when both of our church rectors are out at a conference together, we have a Guest Rector come in and preach. Chris is amazing and I always enjoy when he visits us. I always love his messages because they are so easily digestible. Maybe that's because he's the resident "guy" at Georgia State and Georgia Tech. Today I actually took notes during his sermon. I wanted to write them down and share them. Paraphrased...

* All we need to do is show up
* Street Grace- the gospel comes to us on its way to someone else.
* Blessed are those who are the peacemakers. (Denomination and beliefs are not important, it's the same peaceful goal that is!)

Thank you, Chris!!!

A Reminder

It's been a long time since I've posted regularly. I think about a lot of different posts, almost daily, and just can't seem to make or take the time to write it down. This morning I was cleaning out some bags and found a piece of paper that reminded me about a good friend who is watching over me. A reminder that was more than worth posting today. A reminder from my friend Sharon:

Psalm 30

I will praise You, O my Beloved, for You have raised me up, and have not let my fears overwhelm me.

O compassionate One, I cried for help and You comforted me. You, Love, released my soul from despair, restored me to life from among those who live in fear.

Sing praises to the Beloved, O you saints, and give thanks to Love's holy Name.

Love withdraws when we close our hearts, yet ever awaits an open door. In the evening we may wee, yet joy comes with the morning.

In my prosperity, I had lost sight of Love, I found power in my wealth. In your mercy, O Beloved, my foundations You shook, And, in recognizing my separation from You, I was dismayed. I cried to You for help; to You, I pleaded for forgiveness; "What profit in my riches if I am separated from Love? Will emptiness praise You? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O my beloved, and be gracious to me! O Love, come to my assistance!"

And YOU turned my mourning into dancing;
YOU set me free and clothed me with gladness. Now my soul ma Praise You and not be silent. O my Beloved, I will be grateful to You forever and ever.

AMEN.

Sharon, I will be grateful to you forever and ever.

A Reminder

It's been a long time since I've posted regularly. I think about a lot of different posts, almost daily, and just can't seem to make or take the time to write it down. This morning I was cleaning out some bags and found a piece of paper that reminded me about a good friend who is watching over me. A reminder that was more than worth posting today. A reminder from my friend Sharon:

Psalm 30

I will praise You, O my Beloved, for You have raised me up, and have not let my fears overwhelm me.

O compassionate One, I cried for help and You comforted me. You, Love, released my soul from despair, restored me to life from among those who live in fear.

Sing praises to the Beloved, O you saints, and give thanks to Love's holy Name.

Love withdraws when we close our hearts, yet ever awaits an open door. In the evening we may wee, yet joy comes with the morning.

In my prosperity, I had lost sight of Love, I found power in my wealth. In your mercy, O Beloved, my foundations You shook, And, in recognizing my separation from You, I was dismayed. I cried to You for help; to You, I pleaded for forgiveness; "What profit in my riches if I am separated from Love? Will emptiness praise You? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O my beloved, and be gracious to me! O Love, come to my assistance!"

And YOU turned my mourning into dancing;
YOU set me free and clothed me with gladness. Now my soul ma Praise You and not be silent. O my Beloved, I will be grateful to You forever and ever.

AMEN.

Sharon, I will be grateful to you forever and ever.