Happiness to me is being surrounded by loved ones and enjoying simple pleasures.  And of course good food is usually involved in there somewhere.

When I examine my life it really does seem to be the simple things that I enjoy and cherish the most.

I don’t need to go out for fancy dinners too often.  I don’t need to purchase the latest gadget or have the trendiest wardrobe to be happy.  Almost the opposite really… I much prefer home-made meals.  I only purchase things when we can afford them and when I do, I try to invest in items that will last a long time.  I don’t keep up with the latest trends in fashion as the stress of seeing all that money leave my wallet each season would be too much for me!  Also, I just don’t get bored with things that fast I guess.

What are some things that make me happy?

Long summer walks with no real destination in mind.  Drawn out weekend breakfasts with coffee refills and good conversation… Sitting as a family while my husband reads to us… Doing my little girl’s hair in braids and bobby pins…  Watching my son laugh hysterically while my husband makes jokes that seemingly make no sense.

My little girl’s “Fairy Princess” hairstyle 

I can’t forget one of my all time favourite loves – food.  Obviously right?  I mean I did start a whole blog on it after all…  I use it to heal my body, keep me grounded to the earth and to remind me of how blessed I am.  And not to mention, it tastes really good so that’s a contributing factor as well.  Oh how I love real food.

An ideal date night would include preparing a late dinner with my husband beside me.  Hands down the best date night.  I love finding or creating a new recipe together over wine and good music.  Such fun!

Because I love to live a simple and uncluttered life,  I’m big on simple meals.  A recipe doesn’t require 50 different ingredients to be good. Sometimes a vegetable should just taste like a vegetable.  That’s my take on it anyway.

I also love when a recipe has room to improvise and be creative.  If you don’t have time to get the measuring spoons out, no biggie, just wing it.  Using a recipe as a guide and not a strict blueprint is a great idea and leaves room for your own creativity to shine through.

I was in Whole Foods the other day and had some of the Chili Sweet Potatoes from their hot bar.  They were so delicious I had to try to make something similar.  Here is the simple recipe that I love.  It’s very quick and there is room to adjust depending on your taste buds.

Chili Rubbed Sweet Potatoes 

Chili Rub Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon chili
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)

Other ingredients:

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 3 teaspoons of chili rub*
• 3 teaspoons olive oil or coconut oil (melted)
• Sea salt to taste

*Save the rest of the rub to use another time!

Method:

• Pre-heat oven to 400F
• Prepare the sweet potatoes and place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Combine the chili rub and oil in a small bowl
• Using a brush or hands rub the spice/oil mixture on the sweet potatoes ensuring all the sweet potatoes are covered well
• Make sure all the sweet potatoes are laying flat and not overlapping
• Place the sweet potatoes in the oven and cook uncovered for 45 minutes or until desired softness, stirring occasionally
• Enjoy!

Do the simple things in life make you happy as well? I’d love to hear what happiness is to you!

Until next time,

-Simply Hollie