Smashing the Past with Smashed Avocado

Celebrating new beginnings in Savannah at my favorite brunch spot. Recipe included… and more pictures of this adorable travel companion!

‘When you’re finished changing, you’re finished’- Benjamin Franklin. In a matter of a month, we completely uprooted our lives for a 3 year Air Force assignment to Germany with a  1 year old. I left my wine career of 8 years and we said goodbye to the most idyllic place to reside… Berkeley, California. I transitioned from full time Product/Sales Manager for Regal Wine Imports to full time mom. Our monthly income was sliced in half. 2015 could be considered the most dynamic year of our lives. It was beautiful, painful, invigorating, and more than anything… humbling. As the year wrapped up, we felt called to recenter our marriage, our family, and our daily purpose.  We will explore Europe and renew our love.

While the major shifts in our lives appear to be centered around this drastic move, my change is actually happening within. I’ve always been a forward thinker and planner…almost to a fault. I succeed in business because I am a people pleaser, strategist, professional fix-it master. At times, I struggle with being content in the moment as I’m working toward accomplishing tasks for the future. At the end of 2015, my husband and I spontaneously went out for tattoos as a bonding experience. On the inside of my wrist, I had one simple word drawn in cursive. As I put my hair up every morning to wash my face and look in the mirror, I want to see this mark and be reminded that God has blessed me with ‘enough’ in the present moment. I am worthy of his love and capable of transmitting this spirit onto others in my life.

We are in Savannah for a month while Scott goes through training. I spent the first few weeks coming to peace with not having an agenda every day. I’ve worked since I was about 10 years old. I’ve never not had a job. Some might say that being a mom is my full time job. I see it as a full time blessing and opportunity to be with my daughter. When we are with ones we love, it doesn’t feel like a ‘job’. In all honesty, it’s more like constant exercise. Yesterday I sat across from Quinn (pictured here) at a café for lunch. I ate a brunch that mirrors what I’ve prepared as my morning fuel for the last year. ‘Smashed Avocado’ from Collins Quarter in downtown Savannah with recipe included below. As I sat across from her, I felt a burst of energy. With a few constants in my life, I can take on any variables. I have the two loves of my life by my side. This circle completes me and also inspires me to redefine my own unique identity. As I encourage Quinn to explore the nuances of this world and support Scott with his surfing/flying excursions, they are also happy when K- Babes is taking care of K-Babes. I am and always have been passionate about food… how it energizes our spirits, nourishes our soul, and connects cultures. I’m ready to write again and reflect on our traveling adventures. Here’s to smashing a mindset of the past… for now, I will just be. A job will happen when a job is ready to happen. In the meantime, I’ll reflect on our wonderful adventures and fabulous meals!

Sidenote… for anyone visiting Savannah, I highly recommend this spot for grub. Collins Quarter is centered in the downtown historic district. The coffee is phenomenal and food is fantastic.  I loved sitting outdoors people watching and waving as the horses/ carriages went by. Located on a corner next to a quiet town square with Spanish Moss hanging as a canopy over the trees.

Smashed Avocado

• 2 pieces sourdough toast
• 2 eggs poached or hard boiled
• 1 avocado
• Garnishes include (lemon squeeze, sliced radish, feta, grape tomato, mixed greens)
• Season with salt and pepper

Toast the bread in oven. Poach, hard boil, or pan fry two eggs. Slice open avocado and smash on toasted bread. Gently squeeze lemon on avocado. Layer poached eggs on toast/avocado mixture. Garnish with sliced radish, feta, grape tomato, mixed greens… optional.