All about David

Two years ago today I made the best decision of my life- I married David. I think anniversaries are so fun because they are a time where you get to intentionally look back and remember all the memories you’ve made together. This year David and I decided to skip the gifts because after Christmas, Valentine’s, his birthday, and my birthday gift giving starts to become exhausting. Today we are going to give each other the gift of quality time but I couldn't help but create this post as an extra little surprise for him.  Hopefully you’ll enjoy it too. I always like when bloggers I follow get a little personal once in awhile...

We've packed so, so, so much into these first two years of marriage! They are probably the most exciting, eventful, happy, emotional, stretching years of both our lives. About a month after getting married we went on a whirlwind honeymoon to Europe, a month after that we got pregnant with little Henri, went to Mexico, traveled to Monterrey and found out we were pregnant while we were there, a couple months later traveled to Europe again, I took a trip to North Carolina, we both took a trip to North Carolina, a month after that I had Henri at home, we became parents, David broke his back, David’s brother got married, my sister and best friend both got engaged, my grandfather passed away, some very good friends of ours were hit by a drunk driver while taking a walk, a few months after that David made a HUGE career change and now here we are. Did I miss anything honey? So much LIFE happened within those events. We learned new things about each other. We laughed together, we cried together, and sometimes even fought. After two crazy years all I can think is, “I am so blessed and honored to be married to this man” Here are just some of the reasons you rock my world, David:

1. You are the hardest worker I have ever met.

It’s really so true. Your work ethic is so admirable. Even on days when Henri kept us up half the night, when your alarm goes off in the morning you spring out of bed (okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration) ready to start a new day. This year has been particularly difficult with all the changes but instead of getting down and out you just got more motivated.

2. You are the best father in the world.

Just ask Henri! He’ll tell everyone all about his Daaaa DAA! When Dada leaves he cries, when Dada gets home he squeals with joy. I think you might understand Henri better than I do. You know how to make him laugh better than anybody and it makes my heart swell.

3. You stop to smell the roses

I didn't realize until I met you, but I’ve never been one to stop and smell the roses. You have taught me to be like this in all parts of life and I’m so thankful. Always telling me to, “Come to the window and see the beautiful sunset” or to notice the beauty of the view as we drive somewhere. You notice the beauty in nature and I love it.

4. You make me laugh and even when you don’t you make yourself laugh

Most of your jokes are funny but even when they aren’t you give yourself a good chuckle, which, in turn, gives me a good chuckle.  

5. You tell me when I’m wrong

While this isn’t always fun (okay, it’s never fun) I’m so thankful to be married to a man who isn’t afraid to set me straight.

Before this gets terribly mushy, I love you David and I can’t wait to spend the next 80 years together. And here are some pictures of all those happy memories....

Switzerland!

Henri at 6 months

San Marino

Rimini, Italy 

Napa

Carmel

Italy

Italy

San Marino 

Venice, San Marco Sq

MANGO SOFT SERVE

I first discovered banana soft serve at a local vegan restaurant that David and I like to go to for date night. No, no we definitely are not vegan but we enjoy the food because it’s delicious and more health conscious than most restaurants. I’ve been amazed how creamy, cold and delicious banana soft serve is since it’s only ingredient is frozen banana. One day I was sitting wondering what other frozen fruit I could throw into my food processor and yield the same amazing result. I scrolled through my lists of fruit looking for one most similar to banana. GOT IT! MANGOES!  And that’s how mango soft serve was born. I tried out a little concoction later that evening handed a bowl to david and he said “wow! You’ve got to put this on the blog.” So here it is! As you will see in the recipe I added heavy cream because it seriously takes the flavor over the top. You feel like you are eating a giant bowl of decadent ice cream. If you are dairy intolerant you can sub the cream out for coconut milk or cream for the same idea (I tested it out and it’s equally delicious).

Mango Soft Serve (yields 2-3 servings)

• 1 food processor (a vitamix or high speed blender would probably work too)
• 2 cups of frozen mango (I buy mine from traders joes)
• 2-4 Tablespoons of Organic Heavy Cream or Full Fat Coconut Milk
• 10 drops of liquid stevia (optional)

Add the mango to the food processor and let it go until it reaches a creamy consistency. Slowly add the heavy cream and continue to let it whip. I usually scrape the side once to push the mango back down towards the blade. And you are done! Scoop into bowls and enjoy! I like to sprinkle a little homemade granola or fresh strawberries on top.

I also tried adding lemon extract which was also delicious so play around with it. There are endless possibilities!