Strolling Through Coral Gables- A Charming South Florida Escape

Last week we went to Coral Gables in Miami. Coral Gables is 45 minutes South of where we live in North Miami, if there is no traffic. With traffic (which there usually is) it can take more like 1 hour and 15 minutes. Consequently, we don't go very often. 

Scrambled Tofu (Better Than Scrambled Eggs?)

You say scrambled eggs, I say scrambled tofu! 

The resemblance is almost uncanny—both in taste and texture—making this plant-based version a satisfying swap for a classic breakfast favorite.

Norwegian Aqua Review: Spa, Food, Balcony Room

Norwegian Aqua Cruise Review: Spa Experience, Dining, and Balcony Stateroom

I’m back from a relaxing 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Norwegian Aqua—but honestly, we barely left the ship. This trip was all about unwinding in the spa. It was our first time sailing on the Norwegian Aqua, and I had promised I’d share a full review.

5 Day Spa Cruise

We’re heading off on a five-day spa cruise to the Bahamas—leaving Sunday and back by Thursday—and I'm excited.

Mega Ship

We chose Norwegian Cruise Line, mainly for one very specific reason: the spa. Their newer mega ships—especially the Norwegian Aqua—have incredible thermal pools with waterfalls and massage jets in beautifully designed spa areas, as well as salt rooms, saunas, etc. that you can access all week. That’s really the heart of this trip for us… a chance to use the spa, relax, unwind, and fully enjoy those massage jets in the thermal pools.

The ship (Norwegian Aqua) itself is fairly new and has been getting solid reviews, so we thought it would be fun to try it- I'll report how it is when we get back. Taking Norwegian Lines is new for us; we usually go on Celebrity. 

No Hassle- 45 minutes to the port in the morning

Living in the Miami area makes it all so easy—no flights, no hassle, just a quick trip to the Miami port and we’re off. It also means we can take advantage of those last-minute cruise deals, which makes it even better.

Easy Fast Packing: 

I packed very simply for the 4 nights : white pants and two different tops, black dress, 1 skirt and top. For during the day I have a pair of workout pants and t-shirts, a skort and top, 2 bathing suits and cover up and of course underwear and pj - wearing my sneakers and packed flip flops and 1 pair of flats for dinner- and I'm off. All in a carry on.

I posted a plant-based simple recipe yesterday for an easy cauliflower-rice and chickpea bowl . If you missed it. click here

Looking forward to the spa, the shows, and the sit down dinners. 

See you on Thursday. 

A Vegan Chickpea and Cauliflower-Rice Bowl that I Make Again and Again

If you’re looking for an easy, healthy vegan meal that comes together in minutes, this simple chickpea and cauliflower bowl may become one of your new favorites. Made with protein-rich chickpeas, cauliflower rice, fresh arugula, and a few simple seasonings, it’s a light yet satisfying plant-based meal I make again and again. Of course, it's naturally gluten-free as well.

People often ask me what I actually eat as a vegan, and I always laugh a little because I think many expect the answer to be something complicated, wierd, or unusual. The truth is, a lot of what I eat is incredibly simple—basic, wholesome foods put together in ways that are nourishing, satisfying, and delicious.

Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms- With Falafel and Creamy Tahini Sauce

Have you ever tasted falafel?  It looks like a meatball, but is plant-based and made with chickpeas.

These falafel-stuffed artichoke bottoms with a creamy tahini dressing were the star appetizer of my last dinner party. 

The Tradition Behind Decorating Easter Eggs

When did the tradition of dying and decorating Easter eggs begin? 

Lent
The tradition behind decorating eggs for Easter actually started in a practical way. During Lent, many people gave up rich foods such as eggs. However, they didn’t want the eggs they had to go to waste—so they would boil and preserve the eggs instead. By the time Easter arrived and the fasting period ended, there were plenty of eggs ready to be eaten. People began decorating them to make the celebration feel a little more special and festive.

IN My Kitchen April 2026

It's the beginning of a new month, and I'm joining Sherry at Sherry's Pickings for her monthly blog share of IN MY KITCHEN where anyone can join in the fun and share what's doing in their kitchen. 

I have 2 new decorative plates for display in my kitchen and probably use them for serving at parties.