~ FISH ~

Being a conscious consumer matters. It matters a WHOLE lot! We are fortunate enough to live in an area that takes sustainable, local, eco-conscious living to an important level of awareness, and my hope is that this awareness continues to spread like wildfire across the continents.

Food is an essential element in all of our lives, yet we must make a valiant effort of mindful consumption. Our existence, as well as millions of other species, on Earth relies upon it.

One of our favorite local restaurants is FISH. Not only is the food off-the-charts incredible (best tuna melt sandwich ever, warm the cockles of your heart chowders, and the most amazing fish and chips to touch a plate), but their commitment to the ocean and its inhabitants speaks volumes. It matters to them where the fish comes from and how and when they are caught.

The words written upon the chalkboard in this restaurant should become the adopted slogan for each and every one of us. Conscious sustainable living taken to a whole new level!

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Dream Dress

Ever since the divinely talented fashionista Dustjacket Attic posted this image on her fabulous blog, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it!

I'm in LOVE! Seriously, I would wear this dress (and shoes) every. single. day! Even to the market because that's how much I adore it.

[image Dustjacket Attic via Vogue Nippon '05]

Chocolate Ricotta Mousse

This year, we celebrated Valentine's Day by having dinner with our lovely friends. Each of us played a part in cupid's meal - mine was dessert! Of course, I had to come up with something decadent but healthy, so I decided upon Chocolate Ricotta Mousse. Let's just say, it didn't disappoint (and shhhh, it is SO easy)!

Chocolate Ricotta Mousse

4-6 individual servings

3 ounces of raw organic dark chocolate
1 pound organic ricotta cheese

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon of organic honey

Melt the chocolate in a double broiler. Stir the chocolate until it is fully melted.

Combine the melted chocolate, ricotta, vanilla, and honey in the food processor (or mix with mixer).

Process or mix until it is smooth.

If you prefer smoother consistency, add a few tablespoons of heavy whipping cream

and continue to process until desired smoothness.

***Also, I added ricotta cold from refrigerator,

this caused some of the melted chocolate to harden into tiny chunks,

I let it stay this way for an added 'nib' effect.***

Topping:

1 cup organic heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla OR 1 teaspoon of maple syrup

Organic Strawberries (or any seasonal fruit) cut into pieces

Beat the heavy cream with the vanilla or maple syrup until soft peaks form.

Add fruit to mousse and top with whipped cream (mint garnish optional).

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Les Voyageuses

Whimsical, dreamy, fairy-tale worthy ... these are just a few words that come to mind when I look at the extraordinary illustrations by Maia of Verlicht Studio. She brings the magical essence of a child's imagination to life with her artistic flair!

A few months ago, I was the lucky giveaway winner of the Pirate's Daughter (on the left). You can only imagine my sheer delight to be a proud recipient of this incredible piece of art! I couldn't wait to get it framed and hung in the crumb's room. And then, I discovered Candace and the Clocks ... both of these smile-inducing, carry-me-away-to-another-world prints have become cherished works of art upon our walls. Shhhh....it's a secret, but I'm saving up for a custom heirloom portrait of the crumb because I just know Maia will capture her sweet, joyful, beautiful spirit in all its glory.

Maia's artistic soul shines through in everything she does. Her blogs, Les Voyageuses and Une Envie de Sel are filled with eloquent words, current works, and the delightful happenings of her adorable little Q! Bring a little bit of whimsical magic to your walls here.

One Sweet Little Crumb, Two Spectacular Years

To dance, to play, to enjoy every day....

This is how our beloved crumb adds

magic and sparkles in every way.

With her deep love for tutus, water,

animals, balloons and beads,
She always leaves behind a trail of smiles and joyful seeds.

She is the most spectacular fairy in all the land,

and together we will enjoy life's journey hand-n-hand.

~ Happy 2nd Birthday Gaia Miette ~

[photographs by Reverie-Daydream]