If you saw me on FOX 8 News in Greensboro, NC this morning with Cindy and Brad, you learned two new terrific recipes using the super food, kale. But what you don’t know is that when traveling for media appearances for BJ’s Wholesale Clubs I love stopping at the Cracker Barrel. I love getting breakfast there, and it’s so nice to be around friendly folks when traveling alone!

In addition to the yummy food and pleasant staff, it is the gift store that I love the most. This morning I found the most adorable collection of rooster accessories for the home. Did you know that the rooster is the national symbol of Portugal? Being 100% Portuguese and a lover of all things rooster, I had to restrain myself. If you look at the cover of my cookbook, You Never Cook Alone (cookbook image found on the right side of this post) you will see the pretty rooster sitting on the counter. See him?

I did walk away with a few favorites. Don’t you just love that apron? Me, too, but that’s not what I bought.

If you’ve read this blog for a while you probably have figured out that I have an obsession with dish towels. I have no idea why, but I would be willing to bet that I am not alone out there. Please tell me I’m not.

I especially loved these dish towels that said “Strut Your Stuff” and “Who Needs a Spring Chicken When You Can Have a Seasoned Bird?” Had to have them because they not only made me smile – BIG, but because, well I guess I’ll tell you…

I went to the doctors this week, and was told that at my age “I need to be taking calcium supplements daily.”  Really? I was not okay with this. I replied, “Oh really, at the age of twenty-nine?” My doctor (who I adore) looked at me, smiled and said, “Yes Elise and I’m eighteen.” Come to think of it, I should have purchased a set for him as well. I should bring him some kale chips, too!

I also purchased two other things before leaving Cracker Barrel.

Loved this plate. Didn’t need it. Just wanted it. My friend Becca gave me the prettiest rooster which although you can’t see it in this picture is set right beside this plate and he looked a lot happier to have a friend near him. We all need a good friend right? Either that or he thought he was admiring himself in the mirror. Roosters are handsome after all.

And last, but certainly not least, my second favorite purchase (dish cloths would have to be the first of course) was this adorable sheep which reminds me of my dearest friend Anne. Anne loves sheep. I love and miss Anne.

This sheep had a dual purpose. It reminded me of Anne and I ask God to bless our family each day. My mom also asks God to bless us daily and so I figured one more person (or in this case sheep) asking God for blessings certainly wouldn’t hurt.

May God continue to bless your home, too!

Sending love to you,

EJ