I've been spending a lot more time in the kitchen since the beginning of the year. Sick of slacker dinners (also known as pizza over and over) and tired of unhealthy choices, food is a big focus for us lately. We are trying to make meals consistently, eat fruits and vegetables multiple times per day, limit our intake of bad-for-us foods and just be more aware of what we're putting into our bodies. The good news is that we've been largely successful. We are eating apples for breakfast, and we're sitting down for dinner most nights. Small victories count a lot in this space, and it's a nice change.
As I prepared Asparagus and Lemon Pasta with Shrimp tonight, I was thinking about how much easier kitchen work is with a kitchen island. John thought I was crazy when I said an island was one of the top things on my wish list when we were house hunting last year - he couldn't believe I ranked it so high on my priorities. We also prepared ourselves not to find a 1960s ranch house with a kitchen island - they are pretty rare. Somehow, though, we found one. It is actually this island that first sold me on our house. Nearly 12 months later, I am so glad this wish list item worked out. I enjoy being in the kitchen so much more with space to work and spread out. The island also facilitates gatherings with family and friends, and it gives us a place to land every night when we get home. Anything that makes healthy living - in whatever fashion - easier is something worth being thankful for in my book.
