Pretty cards, Bisky! That's very cool you are going to be selling them. Another trip to Italy sounds like so much fun. That's one of the few places I'd like to visit. I'm not much of a traveler. I would give anything for a week at home! LOL

Nanc, do you have a sushi mat? I make vegan sushi and the mat is a must have for me. Glad you got a good sleep.

I was able to get a few things done today. I am just frustrated, seems like no matter how much or how hard I work, things are piling up.

Off for dinner and an early bedtime. I'm going to the office all day Saturday, but I'm taking Sunday off completely. I won't even check my emails. I swear.

Beautiful cards, Donna. That sounds like a great opportunity. I hope you guys have a fabulous time in Italy. The perks of living in San Antonio seem significant to say the least. At least you know that you have one good option, and it doesn't even require moving!

Mihani, I hope things get better with work. 1 day off is hardly enough to recharge, but I guess you take what you can get! I had jackfruit gumbo from Plantage the other day for dinner. I don't like preparing jackfruit but it really adds something to a dish when done well.

Glad the weather is improving for you, Nanc! I'm sure Lulu is happy about it, too. How was your sleep after round 2 of sushi?

Today we're meeting with my parents in B.C. to have an early dinner at an Indian restaurant we found online. It is funny because both Canada and the US have a great selection of international cuisines, but in BC there are hardly any Mexican restaurants...I had never been to one before coming to the US!...and in the US, at least here in NW WA, there are very few Indian restaurants. Obviously due to the population living in the area. Anyway, this Indian place has a TON of vegetarian options and most of them can be made vegan on request.

The basket making continues. I made one that I like enough to repeat, so I calculated all of the supplies, lengths amounts, etc. The basket has an 8 inch base and flares out to 10 inches across at the top. It is 3 inches high. Somehow, the costs alone for this basket work out to $23. Yikes. Then I put around 2 hours to put it all together.

I've been really struggling with my food choices. Our dinner is taken care of, but the rest of it is a problem. Especially with these dinners that are very tasty, but I know they have to be higher in calories than what we make for ourselves. That's fine if I can adjust everything else. We'll see. Yesterday I didn't eat anything until 2:30 pm, and then stopped by around 5 pm.

Thanks for all of the positive basket feedback
Here are two more, the dark one being the one I calculated costs for. Pic isn't great. Shadows and perspective.

Bisky, definitely sounds like it might be worth it to stay in San Antonio. And since you travel often it's not like you're stuck there all the time. Maybe you could go somewhere cooler for the hottest months.

Carla, the baskets are beautiful. You sure do have a lot of talent. Hope you enjoy your visit with your parents.

Yeah, I've never tried to cook jackfruit myself, but this place makes some amazing stuff with it.

I am finding that the more I rely on the foods from the grab and go, the better I feel. Everything is sugar, gluten and soy free, and while I've never had an issue with gluten, I wonder if that is part of what makes me feel so much better.

I'm going to make Dreena's mac oh geez tonight though, since tomorrow is my birthday and I'm treating myself to one of my favorite recipes. Plus I have half a vegan birthday cake left that my boss got at work yesterday. I'll have to slice and freeze most of the cake before it goes stale.

Heading to the office today and plan to work most of the day, then do a quick grocery stop and come home to make the mac. Handyman guy is coming today to do the last few little chores that I need to have done so I have to wait for him to show up before I can leave.

Morning, all! Thank you, Nanc!

So far I've gone back to bed for a couple hours, and now I've finished coffee and getting ready to start laundry. Thinking about running to the new wholesale club today. I got a free membership and haven't checked it out yet. Having a gathering here next Saturday... first party I've hosted in probably 10 years. Might be a good place to stock up on the sodas, TP, snack foods.

I'm taking next Friday off to shop and prep food, but other people are bringing stuff since I won't prepare anything with meat. Also need to pick up beer and wine and stop at the liquor store on Friday. Cleaning crew is coming tomorrow so everything will be all ready for the party. My handyman came yesterday morning and finished off the last few little chores so the house is ready other than a deep clean.

Okay off to get busy!

I am here just not posting much as I am dealing with some health issues that are draining me. Making more changes to my food, what I drink and exercise. Two weeks in a row I have lost (total of 2.8 pounds in 2 weeks) and am working on a pound a week in order to me my goal each month