Livin' The Life

Come To The Table 08

2008-07-20T11:06:00.002-05:00

On Labor Day this year and unprecedented event will take place in San Francisco. The first ever Slow Food Nation event. A weekend of food, talks, vendors all to bring awareness to the Slow Food and Local Food movement. Go to their website and sign up to get updates and keep up on their blog. And if you live on the West Coast think about trying to attend. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

"Slow Food - Food that is good, clean and fair"
Carlo Petrini - found of the Slow Food Movement

Just Like Granny Used to Make

2008-07-15T19:44:00.004-05:00

Grist.org has a great article this month about the joy of cooking.
I don't always like to use my blog just to post other people's thoughts on my favorite topics but this really is a great article.
Enjoy!

"Handling living food is so inspiring and energizing it makes you want to cook. You will never get tired of washing lettuce if it is beautiful to look at"
Alice Waters

Acne: let's face it

2008-07-03T20:42:00.004-05:00

Here is this month's article from Jill McLaughlin in Present Magazine about some great natural cures for acne. Enjoy...

http://presentmagazine.com/full_content.php?article_id=1263&full=yes&pbr=1

"Beauty is only skin deep"

Break Fast

2008-06-19T08:27:00.002-05:00

Until about a year ago I rarely ever ate breakfast. For some reason I could not get over the idea that eating breakfast meant wasting calories on a meal I really didn't like that much anyway. That was until I realized that skipping breakfast is never a good idea. Think about it this way. You finish your evening meal at 7:30 and barring any late night snack attack, you don't eat again until the next morning. In my case that can be about 13 hours in between meals. Literally when you eat in the morning you are breaking the fast your body has been in since dinner. And in addition eating in the morning not only helps break that fasting period but it also gets your metabolism going allowing you to start burning calories.

But as good as eating breakfast is eating a plate of fried hash browns, fatty meats and pancakes is not always the best recipe.

The ideal breakfast should be an balanced combination of protein, a fair amount of fiber (as low glycemic carbohydrates) and little fat. Here are some quick, healthful ideas:
A bowl of whole-grain cereal with calcium-fortified soy milk and some fruit. Add a tablespoon of freshly ground flaxseeds on top as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.

A soy shake (blend 1/2 cake silken tofu, 1/2 cup apple juice, 1 cup frozen organic strawberries and 1 banana).

Keep some hardboiled eggs (choose free-range, omega-3 fortified eggs) on hand to eat with

wholegrain toast. Include a glass of calcium-fortified orange juice and a container of nonfat plain yogurt. Add your own fruit or granola.

With these suggestions you'll be on your way to a great start to your morning.

"'When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,' said Piglet at last, 'what's the first thing you say to yourself?' 'What's for breakfast?' said Pooh. 'What do you say, Piglet?' 'I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?' said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully. 'It's the same thing,' he said."A. A. Milne, 'The House at Pooh Corner'

Guilt Free Relaxtion

2008-06-12T08:15:00.003-05:00

For months and months now life has been on overdrive. Selling our house, moving in with my folks, planning a move, getting ready for school, moving into a 2 bedroom apartment from a home, etc, etc.

There have been moments in these last few months I have felt as if there was no way my little brain could hold any more information or my mind could take any more emotional stress. But somehow our bodies kick in and compensate for the craziness while allowing us to forge ahead, amazing.

Now I sit, finally on vacation and realize that I am coming down from what feels like some sort of adrenaline high. Am I actually able to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee without tending to a list of to do's? Am I actually able to compose a blog post without feeling rushed in doing so?

It's amazing how often we don't allow ourselves to take time to relax and recharge isn't it? In our fast paced world it almost seems as if the message that is being sent is that you're lazy if you slow down. You must not be working hard enough. You must need something to do if you take that half hour in your day to sip that cup of tea, or take that much needed nap.

After all these months of full speed ahead I realize what a dis-service I have done myself by not taking more of those moments. Thankfully I am looking ahead to a week on a beach with nothing to do but I fear that the moment my feet hit the white sand I will fall into a state of complete and utter exhaustion. I wonder, how would I be feeling if I had taken more time for me? Dr Andrew Weil of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine states that "Relaxation is perhaps the single most important key to health and well-being. It is the antidote to stress which is known to contribute to the development of disease. When we relax our body has an opportunity to unwind". The benefits of relaxation have been well researched and include a slowing of the heart rate which in turn reduces blood pressures. Help in lowering the rate of breathing, which reduces the need for oxygen and increases blood flow to the muscles and decreases muscle tension
As a result, many people experience more energy better sleep, enhanced immunity, increased concentration ,better problem-solving abilities, greater efficiency, smoother emotions -- less anger, crying, anxiety, frustration, less headaches and pain.

Wow! All of that from a little relaxation??? I say bring it on then!

Let's stop the feeling of guilt for taking a few moments everyday for ourselves by focusing on all of the benefits that come from it. I guarantee if will have a ripple effect on those around you and your mind and body will thank you.

"There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them" ~Sylvia Plath

Alive and bloggin

2008-06-07T09:03:00.002-05:00

Thank you everyone for your patience in waiting for my return. We are settling into beautiful Central New York and I have a ton of post ideas coming soon.

I'm leavin on a jet plane.....

2008-05-27T20:51:00.004-05:00

Ok not leavin on a jet plane per se, but I am leaving in a Toyota Prius!

I'm going to be offline for awhile as we set out on our move to Syracuse next Monday. The rest of this week and weekend will be filled with packing and family time.

I hope to be back blogging by late next week sometime. Until then, be well!

Attention MALE Blog Readers...this one's for you

2008-05-21T18:42:00.002-05:00

I believe I have posted many times about my love for beauty products. This love extends to forcing that same sort of love to my husband and the kinds of products he uses as well. When we met I believe he used discounted shampoo and shaved with $.99 Barbasol shaving cream, wore very cheap cologne, if any and had his hair done at the barber. Oh how times have changed. But since forcing him to buy salon quality hair styling products and getting his hair done at an actual hair stylist, I have also helped him switch all of those products to organic and natural ones. It's important not to forget that the junk they put into women's cosmetics and beauty products, they also put into guy's products. It's quite disgusting and the level of toxicity in some of the conventional products is astounding.

So I was pleased to come across this article on grist.org about men's natural shaving products.

The writer does a great review of about 12 different brands and rates them all. Take a look and consider switching out those nasty products. Your face will thank you for it.

Blogger are you there???

2008-05-15T15:54:00.010-05:00

Yes yes I am still alive here and apologize for the lack of posts this week. I have been busy with phone interviews, preparing for our move, working overtime and attempting to see my husband in between.
So until I can get a fabulous post up, please take the time to read this month's article in Present Magazine by my friend Jill. It's a great article as we charge full speed ahead into the season of grillin' and chillin'.

"Grilling takes the formality out of entertaining. Everyone wants to get involved"
Bobby Flay

Time to till the soil

2008-05-08T18:37:00.015-05:00

Last year at this time my sister, husband and I embarked on our first cleanse. None of us had done one before, had heard the benefits of cleanses but were timid to do one ourselves. But decided to go for it. We spent one week doing a pre cleanse, basically cutting way back on things like processed foods, dairy and caffeine so that our bodies did not go into complete shock the first morning they were fed green tea instead of our beloved coffees. Then we dove into our first week of cleansing. I won't speak for my family members but for me it was a week that changed my life. I know it sounds a bit dramatic right, I mean don't people do cleanses to basically get some junk out and lose some pounds?? That's what I thought but I was oh so wrong.

Think of your body as a massive garden which during certain times of life or certain times of the year, i.e. winter, needs tending too. You wouldn't imagine coming out of the winter months and not preparing your garden for spring would you? Clearing out the mud, dirt, rocks, raking, watering, fertilizing, it takes a lot of work to get a garden ready for the growing season. Yet most of us don't take that same care with our own bodies. Our bodies are beautifully designed to work with the seasons so naturally as winter ends and spring rolls in, our bodies need the same preparation for Spring and Summer as a garden. Insert cleansing.

Cleansing is an amazing way to not only clear our the physical junk in our bodies but even more importantly as far as I am concerned the emotional junk. How fertile is our soil for new growth? Have we had experiences through the year that need to be weeded out? Have we spent time planting the type of emotional and spiritual seeds that will sustain and grow us? These are all the types of questions you embark on during a cleanse. I have never spent more of a concentrated time learning more about myself than when I cleansed. Never have I spent more time taking care of myself, being patient with myself as I cleared out the junk to make way for new growth.

So I've decided to do it again. Next week again, my sister, husband and I will start our pre - cleanse week and I have to say I am so eager for it to come. This garden has a whole lotta weeds and rocks that need some clearin. I am eager to allow the sunshine of my spring cleanse to bring about change and growth for 2008.

If you are interested in cleansing or just want more information please feel free to contact me. I can send you in the right direction to get started or can help you start your own cleanse.

"Blossom into your greatness, nature will show you the way"

They tried to make me go to rehab...I said no, no no

2008-05-07T19:30:00.004-05:00

I have a confession to make...I am a blog junkie. In fact if there was some sort of rehab for people like me..I'd be the first admitted. I realized that tonight while I sit at work and browse around some of my must read daily favorite blogs. Some of them I don't even know how I found but I'm addicted to them none the less. Sometimes I worry that I could spend hours in front of a computer, looking for new blogs to add to my faves. I love the idea that people put their lives out there into cyberspace for everyone to see. I love that people share their food, their recipes, their pictures to anyone and everyone. I love the idea that I have and hopefully will continue to meet people through my own blog and through others, simply by posting a comment. I love it all and have decided to pass along some of my favorites for others to enjoy. These are just a few of them but surely you'll find one you can tuck away.

See you on the blogs!

http://arcticglass.blogspot.com/

http://urbanvegan.blogspot.com/

http://embers.typepad.com/e/

http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/

http://happyfoody.com/

http://jbbsyracuse.typepad.com/cookin_in_the_cuse/

http://wherestherevolution.blogspot.com/

http://freshcrackedpepper.com/

"A weblog is a coffeehouse conversation in text, with references as required"

Makin A Change

2008-05-01T21:11:00.004-05:00

So tonight I got the most lovely email from a reader about a non for profit she works for called Changing The Present. An online site offering a "different" more fulfilling type of wedding registry. Basically it allows you to register for charitable gifts from tons and tons of non profits, from protecting wilderness areas to giving new books to children, the options are endless.

So I browsed around the site for about an hour thoroughly impressed with the work they are doing, I only wished I had known about it 3 years ago when Tim & I got married. I do however have a brother in law getting married and will be passing this on to him asap.

I encourage you to go browse the site and spread the word! It really does take so little time and money to make a change.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world"

Opening night of Friday Farmers Market

2008-04-30T16:16:00.004-05:00

BADSEED FARMER'S MARKET

Season Opening! Friday May 2nd, 4:30 - 9:00 pm

Support one of our spectacular Crossroads farmers, Brooke Salvaggio, at her KC farm storefront BADSEED, located at 1909 McGee, KCMO.

Enjoy local organic delights including succulent and exotic greens, herbs, transplants, flowers, goat cheese, free-range meats and eggs, delicious baked goods, and herbal soaps and beauty products. Season opening night will feature live music, art, and delectable prepared dishes by Eden Alley

Earth Day 2008!

2008-04-22T13:36:00.004-05:00

Today is Earth Day 2008! I'm sure this day will pass by many people without any acknowledgment but I could not be one of them. Not when you're married to someone actually studying Environmental Conservation! For many years now I've been sort of a quiet, lead by example environmentalist, quietly keeping my desire to be a good steward to myself. But, that is starting to change, especially with our big move to Syracuse so my husband can become a fancy environmental scientist. More and more I am becoming convinced that NOT doing anything to take care of our environment is just plain wrong. It's nearly impossible to escape news of the huge impact we are having on this earth and ways in which we can help. It used to be recycling and eating organic were the typical things people thought of when they thought of being environmentally conscious but those tides are changing. There are tons and tons of ways you can contribute, most won't cost you much, some even save you money! To me it's a win-win situation. I've even seen people like my parents get on board the tree hugging wagon, if they can do it believe me anyone can. So I thought I'd compile an easy twelve step program for you to start becoming green. We don't have to do them all but we all need to do something. If you are curious about more ways to get green feel free to email me!

Let's Get Green - 12 easy steps

1. Recycle - easiest one everyone should be doing by now

2. Buy organic anything whenever possible

3. Buy and Eat as many locally grown and produced foods and products as possible

4. Replace your regular light bulbs with CFL's - you won't believe how much you save on your electric bil/

5. Ditch the plastic and paper bags and replace with your own canvas bags, they are everywhere now

6. Buy used - used clothes, used furniture, buying new uses soooo many natural resources

7. Buy eco friendly home supplies - conventional cleaning products are not only harmful to the environment but also toxic for your family

8. Ditch the car and get walkin or ridin

9. Use refillable drink bottles

10. Buy a water efficient shower head

11. Use cloth napkins

12. Use natural or organic personal care products

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children"

~Native American Proverb

Eat well, eat local, eat from the farm

2008-04-16T16:13:00.003-05:00

One thing Tim & I are very passionate about is local and organic foods. Last growing season we joined a CSA, community supported agriculture and loved it. At the beginning of the growing season you pay for a share of the farm’s bounty and every week get a box full of yummy fruit and veggies to enjoy. We decided before we arrive in Syracuse in June we want to have joined a CSA and we found a great one, Stones Throw Farm.

A lot of people think joining a CSA is costly but when you run the numbers you realize you are paying about $12/week for fresh fresh fresh fruit and veggies. Believe me you think you've eaten fresh produce but you haven't until you've eaten something picked literally hours before you consume it. For me, it was a great feeling knowing I was feeding my body such nutrient rich foods while in turn supporting local farmers that after many months became good friends.

We encourage you if you don’t know about CSA’s to research them further and possibly find one in your are to join. They are a great way to keep your produce budget down while in turn support local farmers.

"At home I serve the kind of food I know the story behind"
Michael Pollan

You Butter Believe It

2008-04-14T21:13:00.004-05:00

I'm posting a link to this month's article by my friend Jill McLaughlin on the benefits...yes benefits of eating butter! You'll never eat that toast dry again!

"Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.” James Beard (1903-1985)

To Market, To Market

2008-04-09T15:26:00.003-05:00

So it's that time of year again, time for farmers markets all over the country to open up! I have to say I can hardly contain my excitement. It's amazing to me how much if we tune our dial in to nature's cycles, how well we respond. By this time of year I am tired of potatoes, worn out with squash and ready for some yummy spring vegetables. During winter because we are eating such hearty and insulating foods we often pack on a few comfort pounds or end the season feeling more weighed down and sluggish. Spring is the time of awakening, not just for nature but for our bodies. Time to leave behind the comfort of winter and embrace the freshness and lightness of Spring and Spring food.
My favorite market here in Kansas City opens this Saturday. If you live in KC be sure to check out the Brookside Market this Saturday!
If you are new to shopping at Farmers Markets and want to find one in your area, Local Harvest is a great resource and will allow you to search by your city.
Either way, make it a point to do something great for you, your family, your local farmers and the environment this year by making a weekly trip to your farmers markets. You'll likely be the happier and healthier for it.

“The fight to save family farms isn't just about farmers. It's about making sure that there is a safe and healthy food supply for all of us. It's about jobs, from Main Street to Wall Street. It's about a better America"
Willie Nelson

No New Nothin!

2008-04-01T15:21:00.004-05:00

So for the past year or so I've been on a crusade..if only in my mind...to simplify my life. In a few short months I will be doing that. We'll be moving from the Midwest to the East Coast, from a 2 bedroom house with a garage, basement, yard, etc...to a 2 bedroom 720 sq foot apartment while my husband goes back to school. Not sure about him but man...I am totally excited! I am excited to get to a place for the 1st time in my life where I might only have the things around me that I need. Where I won't have the income to be buying buying buying all the time things well...I don't need. With that said I've been trying to practice this...NOW! And wouldn't you know it I am not alone. Lots of people are wanting to simplify these days, in fact I have found whole websites, blogs and even retreats for people wanting to do just this.

In my blog surfing tonight, I came across a great challenge from Crunchy Chicken, the same lady who brought us the freeze your buns off challenge. For the month of April she is challenging folks to buy nothing new. Now that doesn't meet food, gas, etc....mainly the non essential wants of life, especially if they are new. If you have to buy something, buy used!

I'm joining the challenge and I challenge you to try it too. There is something very freeing and peaceful when you just take time to live with what you only have and need.

"Learn to live with less. Appreciate what you have. If you have less, you will appreciate what you have more"

Mini Post....

2008-03-25T18:34:00.004-05:00

We are in the midst of selling our house so posting is at a minimum this week BUT....here's a recipe to get you by.

I love smoothies. When Tim or I are in a rush, craving something sweet, or wanting to get our greens some way besides sauteed in a pan we go for smoothies. You can cram as many great ingredients in your juicer, blender or vitamix as you want. They are amazingly fun for kiddos and if you want to get really sneaky on them, you can get in their greens by making them a green smoothie. They'll never know they are eating yummy kale or spinach or collards!
Here is one of my favorite recipes for when I want something sweet like a chocolate milk shake. It's super easy and will rock your world I promise.

Chocolate Bliss Shake
3 cups frozen bananas
2 cups almond milk (it’s amazing with FRESH almond milk, but any milk will work)
2T raw carob powder or cocoa powder (adjust to taste…cocoa tends to have a stronger flavor than carob)
1 t vanilla (non-alcohol)
1/4 cup agave nectar or 2 packets stevia
Pinch of sea salt
(For an extra kick, you can add a bit of cinnamon)
Put all ingredients into your blender.
Blend.
Drink
Enjoy

Feel Good Shopping

2008-03-17T20:48:00.003-05:00

Ever think about how much we consume? I mean how much we shop, buy new things..how much time corporations put into marketing campaigns just to get us to spend more money on things they have convinced us we need?

I do and have been thinking about it more over the past several months. What do I really need and what are ways I can decrease my spending habits.

Recently I came across a great site called Etsy. It's a great little online store for all things recycled, reused, and handmade. I love it! Most of the products are handmade, many by artists. It is such a great place to buy thoughtful, unique gifts for other, or just a little something for yourself. They have everything, believe me. Plus it is such a great way to buy things that are home made by someone, or something recycled and turned into something fantastic, all ways to decrease our impact on using natural resources and an amazing way to support some seriously talented folks out there!

"Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.”

The skinny on soft drinks

2008-03-10T21:01:00.003-05:00

I'm posting a link to an article on soft drinks written by my friend Jill McLaughlin. It's a great article about our addiction to soft drinks and the damage they can cause, read it at your own risk!

"The United States ranks first among countries in soft drink consumption. The per-capita consumption of soft drinks is in excess of 150 quarts per year, or about three quarts per week."

Winter Recipe

2008-03-05T20:27:00.005-06:00

The end of winter is approaching, but man the cold weather and chilly mornings don't seem to be leaving anytime soon. So, give yourself a treat and some extra time in the morning by whipping up a batch of tasty, hearty muffins. They will be a great breakfast for several mornings and a yummy snack too!

Oatmeal Muffins
DRY:2 cups quick cooking oats

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

¼ cup chopped dried apricots

¼ cup chopped dates

½ cup chopped almonds or walnuts

2 Tb ground flax seeds or flax meal

1 Tb baking powder

½ tsp cinnamon
WET:

2/3 cup water, soy or rice milk

½ cup canola oil

4 oz silken tofu

¼ tsp sea salt

½ cup agave syrup, brown rice syrup or maple syrup
Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to combine. Combine all wet ingredients in a blender and blend until well combined. Stir wet ingredients into the dry, and stir until just combined. Oil a muffin tin and fill 2/3 full. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

"Food should be fun"

Thomas Keller

Panic If It Aint Organic!

2008-02-28T14:35:00.003-06:00

I get people asking me often "I'd like to eat more organic foods but don't know where to start, it's all so overwhelming". I can understand this for sure. There is a lot of information floating around about organic, local, natural.....it can be quite confusing. So I've linked below a list of what organic folks call the dirty dozen. It's basically a list of the most commonly contaminated foods from pesticides and chemicals. It's extremely helpful and a great place to start if you are wanting to change what you eat. Remember we all can't do everything but...everyone can do something.

the "dirty dozen"

Top Foods to Choose Organic

The "dirty dozen" are the most commonly and highly contaminated foods with pesticides and chemicals, even after washing and peeling. The research used to compile this list is from extensive independent tests run by the FDA and the USDA from over 100,000 samples of food. The chemical pesticides detected in these studies are known to cause cancer, birth defects, nervous system and brain damage, and development problems in children. Panic if it aint organic.

1. Meat: beef, pork, and poultry

The EPA reports that meat is contaminated with higher levels of pesticides than any plant food. Many chemical pesticides are fat-soluble and accumulate in fatty tissue of animals.

2. Dairy: milk, cheese and butter

For similar reasons to meat, the fat in dairy products pose a high risk for contamination of pesticides as animals concentrate pesticides and chemicals in their milk and meat. Growth hormones and antibiotics are also a serious concern and invariably found in commercial milk, cheese and butter.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are the most heavily dosed crops with pesticides in America. On average, 300 pounds of pesticides are applied to every acre of strawberries (compared to an average of 25 pounds per acre for other foods).

4. Apples

With 36 different chemicals detected in FDA testing, half of which are neurotoxins (meaning they cause brain damage), apples are almost as contaminated as strawberries. Peeling non-organic apples reduces but does not eliminate the danger of ingesting these chemicals. Go organic, especially for children.

5. Tomatoes

More than 30 pesticides are standard regimen to spray on conventionally grown tomatoes. The thin skin does not protect chemicals from infiltrating the whole tomato. Bummer.

6. Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in America and rank among the most laden with pesticides. Fungicides added to soil where potatoes are grown is another story and reason to go organic.

7. Spinach (and other greens including lettuce)The FDA found spinach to be one of the most frequently contaminated crops with some of the most potent pesticides used on food.

8. Coffee

Most coffee is grown is countries where there are little to no standards to regulate the use of chemicals and pesticides on food. Purchasing "Fair Trade" coffee is further assurance that the premium price paid for this treasured beverage supports farms and workers with more equanimity and reward.

9. Peaches and Nectarines

45 different pesticides are regularly applied to succulent, delicious peaches and nectarines in conventional orchards. The thin skin does not protect the fruit from the dangers of these poisons.

10. Grapes (especially imported grapes)

Because grapes are a delicate fruit, they are sprayed multiple times during different stages of growth. The thin skin does not offer much protection to the 35 different pesticides used as a standard in conventional vineyards. Imported grapes are even more heavily treated that domestically grown grapes. Several of the most poisonous pesticides banned in the U.S. are still used on grapes grown abroad.

11. Celery

At least 29 different chemicals are applied directly to conventionally grown celery as it grows, which cannot be washed off because celery does not have any protective skin.

12. Bell Peppers (Red & Green)

Bell peppers are one of the most heavily sprayed foods, with standard use of 39 pesticides. The thin skin of peppers does not offer much protection from spraying.

"Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon"

Dalai Lama

Milk...does a body good.

2008-02-25T20:15:00.007-06:00

My husband Tim and I love milk. With cookies, in cereal or just a big cold glass. Tim has been drinking milk his whole life and when we got married we switched to buying only locally produced milk without all of the hormones and antibiotics conventional cows are subjected too. But unfortunately there was a problem. Tim and I both had severe allergies, I have asthma and it seemed for awhile we were suffering from yucky mucus issues all day long. I had known for quite some time that milk is a mucus maker. The milk protein, casein, can also irritate the immune system and stimulate mucus production in many people, especially children. So I went in pursuit of an alternative for us. We tried soy for awhile which was enjoyable but I had seen some research done that women need to watch their intake as it raises estrogen levels. That is when we stumbled across nut milks. We decided to try them out and started with almond milk. The process of making these milks is quite amazing, nuts, water and a little vanilla for added flavor, blend it up and you have a creamy white consistency similar to that of traditional milk. We now buy vanilla almond and hazelnut from Pacific brand foods. Nut milks are packed with good protein and vitamins from natural vegetable sources. They do take some getting used to but after awhile you get over it, especially if you have trouble with dairy products, you are feeling too good to notice.

So if you are looking for a tasty alternative to milk or just want to incorporate something new in addition give nut milk a try. I will attach a recipe for homemade nut milk which is even better if you feel adventurous. It's super easy, tasty and extra creamy!

Homemade Vanilla Almond Milk

Makes 4 cups.

1 cup soaked raw almonds (soaked 4-8 hours)

4 cups filtered water

1T vanilla or 3 T raw honey or maple syrup

In a blender, at medium, then high speed, blend soaked almonds, water, and sea salt until smooth. Pour through a strainer (or use a cheese cloth) to separate pulp. Pour liquid back in the the blender and blend in vanilla extract or sweetener until smooth

“I said to the almond tree, ''Friend, speak to me of God,'' and the almond tree blossomed.”
Nikos Kazantzakis

Feeling stressed? Head for the Hills....

2008-02-20T12:26:00.005-06:00

It seems like everyone I know these days is stressed out. Working too much, too many activities with your kids, not enough free time, no vacations, not enough sleep, the list goes on and on. I admit I become easily stressed myself, it seems like a natural thing to do in our culture. Did you know that Americans spend OVER 11 billion dollars on spa services every year? Now that's a lot of manicures my friend. This got me thinking about ways to relieve myself of some of life's stresses. How can I find ways to manage it without breaking the bank. Ironically this came as my husband and I set out for a weekend getaway to Arcadia Valley, Missouri. I know not a hoopin hollerin type of getaway but we wanted quiet and relaxation. We stayed at an amazing Bed and Breakfast that allowed us to take full advantage of some much needed reading and just spending time together. But one other activity we did was take some winter hikes. Now before I met Tim I was not an outdoor person AT ALL but I have become one and have become someone that loves it. While we were on one of our hikes I snapped the picture above of these beautiful snow covered trees. I stood there in amazement of how beautiful they were and how beautiful the trail we were on and the sound of....nothing in the air. It got me thinking, we spend so much on massages and manicures when some of the best relaxing activities can be found right outside our door. They are in nature. It's all around us and it's free! So the next time you are feeling stressed out, open your front door and take a walk around your block. Or grab a friend or spouse or no one at all and find some woods or trails to hop on. Stop and enjoy the beauty and the calmness that nature provides and most of all...the quiet!

'In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks'
John Muir