Quinoa Salad

Greetings all! 

As I was making a grocery list for my next store run, I was also looking for recipe inspiration – and found this quinoa salad in my bookmarks! Then, I also remembered my friend MK's super easy quinoa salad – and voila, you now have 2 recipes! 

Recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/quinoa-salad-22955988

Photo: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Brett Regot/Kitchn

MK Salad

• Quinoa, cooked and cooled
• Arugula
• Beets
• Red onion
• Mushrooms
• Feta cheese
• Creamy Balsamic dressing 

The Kitchn Salad:

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 large English cucumber, chopped into rough 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
• 4 ounces garlic and herb goat cheese, crumbled

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

Instructions:

Combine dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk. Add cucumber, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, and quinoa to the bowl and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and goat cheese. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Bon Appetit! Let me know which version is your favorite!

How to Spend Less

Greetings all!

Do you want to be more intentional and thoughtful about your spending? 

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/time-is-money-money-calms-down-sleep-1339781/

If your answer is YES, try this lifehack from financial advisor Suze Orman.

Every time you are about to buy something, whether it costs $10 or $1,000, stop and ask yourself:

Is this a need or a want?

If It’s a Want
If you are really serious about reining in your spending, forego spending on wants. Or build in guardrails: I will spend only $X a week on wants. Either way, by stopping and identifying a potential purchase as a “want,” you are elevating it as a potential source of saving - either by forgoing the purchase entirely or by opting for a less expensive option.

If It’s a Need
Even with needs, you might be able to reduce your spending. The less expensive brand - whether it be food or clothing - meets your needs and can save you money. And it’s even more in play for huge expenses, such as buying a car or a home (or the place you decide to rent). A car to get to work is a need. As is shelter. But what you choose to spend on both is up to you. Asking yourself if you might be able to fulfill the need and spend 10%, 15%, or 20% less can transform your finances.

I really like how simple this Need vs Want test is to help us pay more attention to how and when we choose to spend money.

Monthly Oracle Forecast for September-2026

Greetings all! 

Did you know that some astrologers call September a “wiggly” month, with a calmer start before the energy begins building again?

 “The dust may not have fully settled yet, but it's settled enough for us to start seeing what really matters. What feels sacred to you? What do you value? What is actually true for you?

September asks us to get very present with our own lives instead of waiting for the outer world, or anyone else, to tell us what to think, feel, or do. That's where discernment comes in.

Independence is key now as you step into your journey today. Others may not have the vision or resources that you need. Recognize that all the wisdom you’ve acquired along the way makes you particularly competent, capable of moving forward with assurance. Self-reliance is important.

Another aspect to consider is creating and maintaining clear boundaries between you and another. Be discerning about your partnerships at this time. When you know who you are, and have a healthy sense of where you end and others begin, you’re able to enter into the best kind of relationships and will attract people who mirror back your wholeness. Interdependent relationships are always mutually supportive, stimulating, and transformative. You can achieve anything at this time.

All manner of opportunities are presented to you at this time. You’re able to truly manifest your dreams, and your goals are in sight. Don’t remain small and contracted. Instead, expand your horizons beyond what you believe to be your limitations. You have a unique voice that needs to be expressed in the world. The universe is supportive of new ideas and approaches at this time, so speak up and speak out.

Allow for a greater vision to replace old ideas as you dream a grander dream.

And there's encouragement here too. Whatever you're being asked to release may be making room for something better, even if it doesn't feel that way in the short term.

You’re being gently encouraged to step into your power, into the dream of your life. New things are out there to be explored, and the nurturing power of the universe is giving you a nudge in the right direction. You will get the help you need and won’t be alone in your quest. Every step you take right now is supported by the wisdom of the universe!

You are on the right path . . . keep going.”

The Essential Message is: You are capable and competent! 

What you might want to reflect on: What dream, goal, or possibility are you being encouraged to take one more step toward today? 

Source: https://www.colettebaronreid.com/ / Image: https://www.facebook.com/colettebaronreid/posts