last updated on October 30, 2026

I’ve read a lot of incredible books recently. Books that have impacted me a lot and really changed the way I think. One that I am currently reading and loving is called One Hundred Birds Taught me to Fly, by Ashley Mae Hoiland. Its a beautifully written, artistic description of her path of discovering herself and finding God in the every day aspects of life. She talks about moments with her friends, family and random people she meets, reflecting on the lessons she learned and how they touched her life. She also has artwork dispersed throughout the book that add to the stories she tells. I’m only half way through the book, but I love it. It is unique, fresh, and inspiring. One part that really stood out to me is powerful whether you believe in God or not. Ashley is describing how there is a lot expected of each of us and sometimes we wish we could make exceptions, just for us. Or have life a little easier, just for us. But then she says, “while I do believe we are loved even when we do not make the sacrifices we could make, I think part of this life is learning to love what we are capable of.” This couldn’t be more true. We are loved – by friends, family and God – even when we fall short or do not do our best, but we learn the most about life and about ourselves when we give a little more. When we struggle through life. When we are stretched thin and still some how make it through. That is beautiful and is such an essential part of life.

Do you want to know what else is beautiful? This smoked salmon salad. Plus it tastes beautiful. Is that a thing? I think so. When most people think of smoked salmon they think of the kind that is often eaten on bagels, which is cold smoked, but this salmon was hot smoked. So it is fully cooked but still has that smokey flavor. This salad also has fresh snap peas, mint, parmesan cheese, pine nuts and a honey sesame dressing. It is a perfect combination. The mint gives it a fresh taste and the pine nuts round it out with a nutty flavor. It makes a great main dish, or could be used as a side dish. It is delish, simple and needs to be apart of your meal plan this week.

Smoked Salmon & Snap Pea Salad

serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

salad:

• 1/2 pound smoked salmon (about 1 cup)
• 2 large handfuls of mixed greens (about 4 loosely packed cups)
• 1/2 cup snap peas, sliced in 1/2-inch chunks
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mint, chopped
• 3 tbsp pine nuts

honey sesame dressing:

• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• sea salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Combine mixed greens, snap peas, parmesan cheese and mint in a large bowl. Flake or slice smoked salmon into bite sized pieces and add to the bowl.

To make the dressing combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, mustard and sea salt in a small bowl. Whisk until well mixed. Add more salt if needed.

Toss the salad with the dressing and top with pine nuts.

ENJOY.