A pizza without ranch dressing just isn't a pizza.

Now don't get me wrong, a thin crust pizza with black olives, feta cheese and green peppers is perfect as it is...BUT, when you are talking about a plain cheese pizza... you need ranch.

It just isn't the same without dipping it into ranch dressing.

My two favorite ranch dressings are from Kraft, and when I order a side of ranch at Red Robin to go with my fries.

But who wouldn't like ranch? It's a delicious combination of milk, sour cream, yogurt and mayo! Of course there was a time when we couldn't have the beloved dressing when Julius was allergic to dairy and eggs.

But then I discovered vegan ranch... but it wasn't the same :( I tried, really I did... but I ended up giving up salads and dips for awhile.

I just came across this recipe for beer battered tofu sticks with ranch dressing, and I am completely intrigued. And I even am curious to try it with the homemade vegan ranch dressing (perhaps it will taste better than the store bought one I had purchased years ago?)

http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=40981.0

I may have to give this a try!!

Just a few more days!!

Just a few more days until we drive off to Quebec for our family vacation.
I can't wait to just get in the car and DRIVE.

It will be great to see Josh's family again and to wake up to the mountains and lake.

We haven't been to Mont Tremblant since 2007.







Julius had a great time the last time we were there. I know Isabella will love it this summer too!

update!

Last week I had my echocardiogram. I knew I had improved since last year... I've been feeling better! The biggest test for me was being able to walk to my son's school and back... and when I was able to do that without thinking I was going to drop to the ground and need an ambulance, then I knew I was okay.

Well today I received the result of last week's echocardiogram... and the results are...



normal.

My cardiomyopathy is GONE.

I have completely recovered.

Needless to say, I feel incredibly relieved. When I had first gotten sick I refused to think about the terrible thought of leaving my children behind. And maybe that refusal is what helped me? Who knows, all I know is that I am incredibly lucky and incredibly thankful. I know there are many people who were in my same shoes, who shared the same passion, but didn't make it. It makes each moment even more thankful.

It's painful however to know that my father-in-law, who has also been experiencing health issues, has not recovered. It's a strange and uncomfortable feeling. I know how he feels and at the same time, I can't help but feel that it's just not fair that I am better and he is not. How wonderful it would be if we both recovered!

This summer will be full of celebrations and moments to make memories.




Loves to all.

-Julieta