taylor godber

.quote of the day.

2012-02-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

"To eat is a necessity but, to eat intelligently is an art."

-La Rochefoucauld

.words.100 ways to uncomplicate you life.

2012-01-24T22:17:00.000-08:00

100 ways to uncomplicate your life

1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds

2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so that you don’t rush/get a ticket while driving too fast/have to explain why you’re late/get fired

3. Get 8 hours of sleep per night, so that you think more clearly

4. Stick to your budget

5. Start saving and investing every week, no matter how little you can spare

6. Balance your checkbook

7. Don’t try to be friends with everyone. Cultivate closer relationships with fewer people.

8. Don’t try to do business with everyone. Identify your target client and take very good care of them.

9. Before getting angry, ask yourself if it will really matter in 20 years

10. Focus on being a good person, not on pleasing others

11. Stay home this Saturday and finish off that nagging chore

12. Kiss and make up

13. Make a weekly menu, and shop for only those items at the market

14. Ask your grandparents the best way to uncomplicate life, and try it for a month

15. Fill up your gas tank when it’s half full

16. Don’t drink alcohol when you’re tired, sad, or mad

17. Pay your bills on time

18. Get an annual physical examination

19. Say “I love you” to your significant other and to your children. Studies show that more marriages last, and fewer kids use drugs, when these words are spoken every day.

20. For just one day, imagine everyone’s intentions are good because most people’s are

21. Give away clothes that haven’t been worn in two years

22. Throw out clothes that are in disrepair and that can’t be mended

23. When you have a conflict with someone, talk it out. Don’t let it turn into more than it is.

24. Know what your priorities are in life, and act as if they are your priorities

25. Tell the truth

26. Don’t cheat

27. Don’t steal

28. If you’re holding on to a ridiculous grudge, let it go

29. Clean your house weekly, so that it doesn’t become too large a chore

30. Do your best at work, or at school

31. Don’t eat when you aren’t hungry

32. Eat when you are hungry

33. Be yourself

34. Say no unapologetically

35. Cook simple meals

36. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses

37. Pay off your car before buying a new one

38. Organise your desk at the office

39. Change your smoke alarm batteries when the clocks spring forward, and again when they fall back

40. Organise your important paperwork

41. Take only half the clothes that you planned to take with you on holiday

42. Help your children with their homework every night, and have an open dialogue with their teachers

43. Have white sheets and white towels in children’s rooms/bathrooms, because they’re easily bleached

44. Spend your time with nice people

45. Avoid drama

46. Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving

47. Turn off the television/video games/computer; they’re time consumers

48. Don’t engage in office politics

49. Refuse to gossip, or talk behind other people’s backs

50. Do the dishes right after dinner

51. Never go to sleep angry

52. Ask nicely for what you need and want

53. Walk 10,000 steps per day to help your heart

54. Do 20 push-ups before speaking in anger

55. Leave work at work

56. Don’t befriend anyone that isn’t trustworthy

57. Don’t envy others

58. Have your oil changed

59. Take vitamin C BEFORE you catch a cold

60. Don’t work more than 8 hours per day

61. Weed your garden weekly

62. Wash your car weekly

63. Have a spring cleaning month every year, and do one room at a time

64. You don’t need to be best friends with work colleagues, but build respectful partnerships

65. Don’t drink and drive

66. Don’t look for reasons to be angry or sad, look for reasons to be happy. You’ll always be able to find plenty of each.

67. Be friendly with your neighbours

68. Return emails and phone messages promptly

69. Schedule in free time

70. Don’t procrastinate

71. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it

72. Be more flexible when you’re able to be

73. Forgive and forget. End of story.

74. Break the consumerism habit…put a three month moratorium in place on buying anything not deemed a necessity

75. Start your diet on September 1, rather than January 1, so that you won’t also have holiday pounds to lose

76. Take care of any health issues or concerns

77. Have your tires rotated

78. Have your brakes checked

79. Have your eyes checked

80. Don’t let your imagination run away with you

81. Let go of perfection in others

82. Let go of perfection in yourself

83. Don’t try to help those that refuse to help themselves

84. Find a way to reduce your commute to work

85. Have an alloted amount of worry time per day/week, that you strictly abide by

86. Drink more water

87. Eat more salmon

88. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill

89. Wear your hair in a classic, easy to care for style

90. Finish what you start

91. Wear classic clothes and shoes that never go out of style

92. Create a daily routine

93. Have a 1, 5, 10 and 20 year plan for your financial and life goals

94. Slow down

95. Eat out less often

96. When you ask your husband which outfit looks best, thank him for his answer and wear the one he liked rather than focusing on why he didn’t like the other one

97. Allow your children to grow up

98. Clean out your garage, and donate anything that hasn’t been used in the past year

99. Stretch every day

100. If a relationship is over, let it go

http://livethecharmedlife.com/2010/08/100-ways-to-uncomplicate-your-life/

.thanks http://livethecharmedlife.com/ for the good words.

.on the menu. pomegranate glazed salmon salad with lemon ginger dressing.

2012-01-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

.Tis the season for pomegranates. Around Christmas time and about a month after the red, ripe, tart fruit is easily found in all grocery stores in heaping piles. What to do with them though? I decided to change-up the conventional way of simply eating the crimson red seeds and pairing them with salmon fillets. Not only are they delicious, pretty on a plate, and tasty, but they are extremely healthy for you too!

.These tree fruits were originally native to Middle East and Northern India, but now are found in the Mediterranean, California, and Asia. They are low-calorie, low-fat source of fiber, and pack a punch with healthy minerals and vitamins.

.HOW TO PREPARE A POMEGRANATE.

.I like to cut the whole fruit in half. Over top of a glass bowl that is 1/2 full of water, try to turn the half inside out. With the flat side of the sliced fruit facing downwards over top of the bowl and your thumbs on the top, push your thumbs downwards while pulling back the flesh of the pomegranate. Then carefully pick out the seeds, dropping them into the water. The seeds will sink to the bottom, while any pieces that are attached to the pith (white part) will float.

.WHY POMEGRANATES ARE GOOD FOR YOU?.

.Poly-phenol Antioxidants.

.They help the body fight against "free radicals". Free radicals are organic molecules that are responsible for aging, tissue damage, and some diseases. Some examples include: tobacco smoke, the natural chemicals found in our food, the poisonous wastes of our own metabolism, and man-made toxins like air pollution and pesticides.

.Asorbic acid.

.Helps maintain muscle tissue and blood vessels. It assists in the development of collagen, helping the body take in iron.

.Vitamin K.

.The "K" stands for the Danish word "koegulation", which means clotting. It is responsible for making the specialized proteins that are found in the clear fluid of the blood (blood plasma). One of the proteins it assists in the producing is prothromin. Prothromin is responsible for the clotting of blood. If you did not have any vitamin K in your system, any cut, bruise, or scrape would not stop bleeding.

.It also assits in bone growth and maintenace. It works with Vitamin D to produce proteins necessary for bone growth.

.Vitamin C.

.This vitamin is necessary for immune function, collagen formation, and neurotransmitter function, and also acts as an antioxidant.

.Iron.

.Poms are plant based form of iron. Iron is responsible for red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and cell growth.

.Fiber.

.The seeds are very high in fiber. One serving of pomegranates provides 50% of R.D.I. (recommended daily intake) of fiber for adults. It has been shown that diets high in fiber may reduce the risk of particular kinds of cancer and heart disease.

.shopping list.

.pomegranates.

.butter lettuce.

.radicchio.

.organic 100% honey.

.brown sugar.

.broccoli.

.walnuts.

.basil.

.celery.

.cucumber.

.alfalfa sprouts.

.mango.

.tamarin.

.balsamic vinegar.

.extra-virgin olive oil.

.fresh ginger.

.fresh garlic.

.salt and pepper.

.lemons.

.salmon.

.cinnamon.

directions.

.pomegranate glaze.

.In a small pot combine pomegranate seeds, honey, and brown sugar. Gently bring to a boil and continue to stir, making sure that the glaze does not burn at the bottom of the pot. Remove from heat and let sit while you prepare the salmon and green for the salad.

.salmon.

.Rinse and pat dry salmon fillets. Line a deep baking dish with tin-foil, large enough that you can fold up the sides to make a 1/2 inch wall. Place salmon on tin foil. Drizzle with olive oil. Pour on pomegranate glaze and season generously with fresh cracked pepper and lightly with Himalayan sea salt. Using a fine grater, zest the skin of one lemon on the salmon and squeeze the juice onto the salmon. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.

.Pre-heat oven to 500 F.

.Cook on middle rack for 8 minutes for medium-rare and 10 minutes to medium.

.salad greens and goodies.

.Using a peeler, peel cucumber into long strips. Chop mango and celery into large chunks. Thinly chop radicchio and butter lettuce. Hand toss in pea shoots(chopped into 3rds) and alfalfa sprouts with above ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop walnuts and put aside.

.dressing.

.Combine; olive oil, tamarin, balsamic vinegar, freshly grated ginger, finely chopped garlic, fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste.

.bringing it all together.

.Plate greens and drizzle with dressings. Sprinkle walnuts on top. Place salmon on salad and spoon 2 tbsp of warm marinade on salmon. Top with freshly chopped basil.

.enjoy.

.on repeat. acoustic album. 11 songs to learn on the guitar.

2012-01-21T18:14:00.000-08:00

.11 songs to add to the list to learn on the guitar.

.angel-jack johnson.

.the girl-city and colour.

.free fallin-john mayer.

.paper weight-joshua radin & schulyer fisk.

.stop this train-john mayer.

.northern wind-city and colour.

.skinny love-bon iver.

.a rush of blood to the head-coldplay.

.i will follow you into the dark-death cab for cutie.

.green eyes-coldplay.

http://8tracks.com/rebeccaishappy/acoustic-necessities

.on the menu. brown rice sushi .

2012-01-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

.shopping list.

.short grain brown rice.

.soy sauce.

.water.

.rice vinegar.

.nori sheets.

.fresh sushi grade tuna and salmon.

.raw veggies of your choice.

.wasabi.

.mango.

.fresh ginger.

.directions.

.rice.

.99% of the time I use recipes as a general guideline, I am terrible at following them. This could quite possibly be the reason why I struggle with baking. When making sushi rice it is important and incredibly necessary to follow the recipe. Here is the link to the recipe that I used;

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Vegetarian-Brown-Rice-Sushi-Rolls-109641

.Benefits of Brown Rice.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=128

.inside goodies.

.Slice your veggies and fruit lengthwise. This helps when rolling them and makes it easier to spread them out easily throughout the roll.

.how to roll it.

http://www.wikihow.com/Roll-Sushi

.what I put in my rolls.

.Sundried tomato and veggie roll; sundried tomatoes, mango avocado, organic mixed greens, and cucumber.

.Tuna ginger roll and Tuna Nigiri; tuna, fresh grated ginger, drizzle of soy sauce, avocado, mango, and sprouts.

.enjoy.

.on repeat. matt costa-sunshine.

2012-01-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

.The latest song that I have been working on learning on my guitar.

.enjoy.

.get fit. sbc article-keep up on the pow days.

2012-01-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

A new hobby and the beginning of a new passion; writing. A medium in which I can help others live happy and healthier lives through sharing recipes, exercise programs, and any fitness and nutrition tidbits. It also serves as a channel for my thoughts, opinions, and interests.

Below is a link to my fourth article for www.sbcwomen.com . I will be contributing to their online mag every two weeks. With articles wrapped around nutrition and fitness.

Stay tuned for previous and current articles.

"Here are some exercises to prepare you for the deep days, the peak to creeks, and to keep you riding open to close. Don’t get left behind and don’t punch out early."

http://www.sbcwomen.com/features_article?news_id=807

.enjoy.

.on the menu.zucchini noodle pad thai.

2012-01-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

.shopping list.

.zucchini.

.carrots.

.cilantro.

.spinach.

.snap peas.

.raw or un-salted peanuts.

.extra-firm organic tofu.

.green onions.

.cucumber.

.peanut butter.

.soy sauce.

.fresh limes.

.garlic.

.rice vinegar.

.water.

.sambal.

.ginger.

.directions.

.zucchini pasta.

.peel zucchini lengthwise into long thing ribbons.

.place in large bowl.

.vegetarian peanut thai sauce.

.combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic (minced), rice vinegar, and water in a saucepan.

.once all melted together, remove from heat.

.tofu.

.add 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil to a cast-iron pan.

.grill tofu until golden brown on both sides.

.combining all ingredients.

.grate the carrot and chop all remaning ingredients.

.mix all together with sauce.

.squeeze the juice of one lime on top.

.add sambal to add some spice.

.enjoy.

.your journey is yours.

2012-01-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks Mila! Check out her site!

http://www.thestylegloss.com/

.on the menu.pho bo beef.

2012-01-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

.shopping list.
.sprouts.
.lime.
.hunan peppers.
.green onions.
.white onion.
.beef tenderloin.
.cilantro.
.beef stock.
.fish sauce.
.thai basil.
.jalapeno.
.fresh ginger.
.fresh garlic.
.garlic siracha.
.hoisin.
.tamarin.
.rice noodles.
.directions.
.beef stock.
.heat the stock, garlic, ginger, and white onion until boiling.
.remove from heat and let infuse for 10 minutes.
.stir in hoisin, soy sauce, and garlic siracha.
.rice noodles.
.cook rice noodles in boiling water until just tender.
.divide between 4 deep bowls.
.beef and green onion.
.slice raw beef into extra thin slices.
.slice up green onions.
.place both on top of rice noodles.
.combining all ingredients.
.bring stock back to a boil.
.pour stock on top of noodles through a fine strainer.
.top with 1/2 tsp of fish sauce into liquid of each bowl.
.sprinkle basil and cilantro on top.
.add sprouts in the middle of the bowl, as well as any additional vegetables.
.add jalapeno (sliced) and hunan pepers (finely chopped) to add some heat.
.add more soy sauce, siracha, and/or hoisin to taste.

.enjoy.

.on repeat. Adventure Galley - Weekend Lovers

2012-01-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

.on repeat. Marvin Gaye-Sunny (mercury edit II)

2011-12-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

http://hypem.com/item/1gphj/Marvin+Gaye+-+Sunny+(Mercury+Edit+II)

2011-12-16T11:08:00.000-08:00

.on the menu.

.vegetarian spaghetti squash and meatballs.

*veggies, spaghetti squash, black bean meatballs.

.shopping list.

.spaghetti squash.

.mixed bell peppers.

.can of whole tomatoes.

.zucchini.

.green onions.

.garlic.

.oregano/greek spice/dried peppers/cumin seeds/S&P.

.kale.

.black beans.

.worcestershire.

.fresh cilantro.

.olive oil.

.whole wheat bread.

.egg.

.goats cheese.

.extra old cheddar.

.directions.

.SPAGHETTI SQUASH.

.Preheat oven to 375f.Cut med-large spaghetti squash lengthwise. Remove all seeds with a large spoon. Drizzle inside of squash with olive oil. Place rind size up on a baking sheet. Cook for 45 minutes on the middle rack of the oven.

.VEGGIE TOMATO SAUCE.

.Chop 3 peppers, 1/2 zucchini, 4 green onions, 4 gloves of garlic, and 1 bunch of kale (stems removed). Add all desired spices to taste. Saute veggies at a low heat for 10 minutes, chop canned tomatoes roughly, and add liquid from can and tomatoes to veggies. Reduce heat to lowest setting, cover, and let simmer.

.BREADCRUMBS.

.Place 2 pieces of bread or one whole wheat pita on the bottom shelve in your oven, while you cook your spaghetti squash. Once bread is very toasted, but not burnt take it out of the oven and let it cool off. Once cooled off and firm, place bread into a food processor until it turns into bread crumbs.

.BLACK BEAN MEATBALLS.

.Empty one large can of black beans into a colander, rinse well with cool water. Combine 5 cloves of fresh garlic, 5 green onions, 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp of cumin, 1 tsp of salt, 3/4 tbsp of pepper, all finely chopped into a mixing bowl. Add breadcrumbs to mixture. In a food processor combine, 3 tbsp of worcestershire, 2 tsp. of olive oil and 3/4 of the black beans. Stir only until the beans are half mashed up. Add mashed been mixture to spices and breadcrumbs. Stir in 1 egg. Add remaining black beans. Heat a skillet to med heat with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Using your hands make round meatballs and place into pan. Move meatballs around to ensure that all sides are browned. Reduce heat to a minimum and let heat slowly until your other parts of the recipe are complete.

.top with large chunks of peppered goat cheese and shredded extra old cheddar cheese.

.enjoy.

.ON THE MENU.buddah bowls.

2011-12-13T20:14:00.000-08:00

.on the menu.

.buddah bowls.

*raw veggies, falafel, tofu, mixed greens, and kale chips.

.the shopping list.

.shredded raw carrots and beets.

.cilantro.

.green onions.

.extra firm tofu.

.greek yogurt.

.falafel mix.

.mixed greens.

.black quinoa.

.kale.

.garlic cloves.

.ginger.

.soy sauce.

.olive oil.

.lemon.

.sambal olek.

.directions.

FALAFEL

.follow directions. Usually have to combine dry ingredients with cold water and let sit for 10 minutes. Cook patties in 2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil instead of a large amount of oil (even if its olive oil). Cook until browned. I like to cook them on a mid-high heat for the first 1 minute on each side and then on low for 5-7 minutes each to cook through.

BLACK QUINOA

.Bring quinoa and water(1.25c water : 0.5c grain) to a boil. Keep the pot lid on while cooking. Reduce heat down to mid-low. Cook for roughly 20 minutes. Grain will be fluffy when ready.

KALE CHIPS

.Tear kale off stems, toss with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spread out on a baking sheet. Put on bottom rack of oven. Heat oven to 450F. Cook for 10 minutes. Turn off oven and keep chips in without opening the oven door 10 minutes. Chips should be crispy and melt in your mouth.

TOFU

.Chop block into cubes. Put in a bowl with 4 tbsp of soy sauce, tbsp of Sambal Olek, 1 tbsp of fresh grated or chopped ginger, and 2 garlic cloves. Heat pan at medium heat. Add 1 tsp to pan and add tofu and sauce. Cook until tofu is browned and all liquids have disappeared.

VEGGIES

.Using a cheese grater shred 1 large raw red beet and 1 large raw carrot. Chop green onion and cilantro. Add all chopped veggies to large bowl and add mixed greens. Drizzle with the juice of 1 lemon and 1 tbsp. of soy sauce.

Combined all above cooked ingredients. Top with a dollop of greek yogurt and extra sambal olek for some extra spice.

.enjoy.

.on repeat.rhianna we found love ft. calvin harris.

2011-12-10T14:45:00.001-08:00

.on repeat.

.Rihanna.We Found Love ft. Calvin Harris.

.on repeat.

2011-12-04T08:33:00.001-08:00

.on repeat.

.Neon Indian - Polish Girl.

.quote of the day.

2011-11-13T21:53:00.001-08:00

"Life is lived out on the wire. The rest is just waiting."

-Papa Wallenda

.quote of the day.

2011-11-13T02:59:00.001-08:00

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult."

-Seneca

.quote of the day.

2011-11-11T22:51:00.001-08:00

"Common sense is anything but common."

-Voltaire

.quote of the day.

2011-11-11T01:48:00.001-08:00

"Youth is not a time; it is a state of mind. People grow old only by deserting their ideals and by outgrowing the consciousness of youth. Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul....You are as old as your doubt, your fear, your despair. The way to keep young is to keep your faith young. Keep your self-confidence young. Keep your hope young."

-L. F. Phelan

.on repeat.

2011-11-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

.on repeat.

.I Can Talk-Two Door Cinema Club.

2011-10-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

.it's a world not an empire.

http://www.insight51.com/womens/

.quote of the day.

2011-10-28T06:57:00.001-07:00

"What really separates people who are habitually upbeat and optimistic from those who are consistently miserable is how the circumstances of life are interpreted and processed."

from the novel...
"The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari"

2011-10-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

.greek yogurt hummus dressing.

.ingredients.

-strawberries

-spinach

-avocado

-sun dried tomatoes

-red onion

-homemade hummus

-greek yogurt

-fresh lemon

.A great protein option when you do not have much in the fridge is this yogurt hummus dressing. I always try to have some hummus made up in the fridge as well as a container of greek yogurt. By combining a bean based hummus (homemade preferably) and greek yogurt you can bring in 20g+ of healthy protein in just a dressing. Plain and simple. Mix 2-3 tbsp of hummus and 1/2 c of non-fat greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice to make the consistency of the mixture more liquidy.

.You can also replace the hummus with pesto, oil and vinegar, and fruit juices.

.on repeat.

2011-10-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

.the beautiful girls-la mar.

.quote of the day.

2011-10-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

"All I'm gonna do is just go on and do what I feel.

Jimi Hendrix

2011-09-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

.smoothie on a mission.

.green smoothie packed with an energy booster, lots of protein, and antioxidants.

*RECIPE BELOW*

.this smoothie contains the following;

.fresh raspberries.

.fresh B.C. peach.

.organic soy milk.

.fresh organic spinach.

.organic no sugar added honey.

.hemp seed hearts.

.improves heart health/lowers blood pressure.

.improves digestions.

.appetite suppressant.

.improves energy.

.lowers cholesterol.

info from: http://hempheart.net/

.instant greens smoothie mix.

1 SERVING (8.5g) CONTAINS:
Phosphatide complex
(26% phosphatidly choline from 97% oil-free lecithin) 2171mg
Organic barley, alfalfa and wheat grass, and red beet powders 1543mg
Spirulina 1450mg
Apple fiber powder 1033mg
Japanese chlorella (cracked cell) 383mg
Soy sprout powder 383mg
Organic whole brown rice powder 383mg
Stevia leaf powder 225mg
Eight non-dairy bacterial cultures containing
Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (2.5 billion per serving)
in a special base of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) 200mg
Royal Jelly 150mg
Bee pollen powder 150mg
Licorice root extract (stnd. to 10% glycyrrhizin) 116mg
Acerola berry extract (stnd. to 18% Vitamin C) 115mg
Siberian ginseng extract (stnd. to 0.8% eleutherosides) 60mg
Milk thistle extract (stnd. to 80% silymarin) 60mg
Organic Atlantic dulse powder 33mg
Ginkgo biloba extract (stnd. to 24% ginkgo
flavonglycosides and 6% terpene lactones) 20mg
Japanese green tea extract (stnd to 90% polyphenols) 15mg
European Bilberry extract (stnd. to 25% anthocyanidins) 10mg
Full Spectrum Grape extract (stnd. to 95% proanthocyanidins
and 500ppm Resveratrol) 5mg
Additional Ingredients:
Whey protein concentrate 15.25g
Natural flavour blend with stevia 2305mg
Guar gum (a natural thickener) 700mg
Lactic acid (a natural preservative) 400mg

.provides a full serving of research proven greens+.

.100 calories.

.15.25 g of whey protein concentrate.

.aids in detoxification.

.increases energy.

.green super foods.

info from: http://www.nationalnutrition.ca/detail.aspx?ID=2956

.recipe.

.1/2 c of fresh raspberries.

.1 sml/med peach.

.1/2 c soy milk.

.1c fresh spinach.

.1tbsp of organic hemp seed hearts.

.1tbsp of unsweetened/no additives honey.

.1/2 scoop of Instant Smoothie greens mix.

.add all ingredients into a blender or magic bullet.

.blend until smooth.

.put in the freezer for 10 minutes if you prefer it cold.

.enjoy.

*add a little water to the smoothie to the blender after transfering the smoothie to get all the good stuff that you may have left behind and add it to your glass*

2011-09-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

"When the power of love, overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."

-Sri Chinmoy Ghose

2011-09-27T09:25:00.001-07:00

"The real revolution is the revolution of consciousness and each one of us first needs to eliminate the divisionary, materialistic noise we have been conditioned to think is true; while discovering, amplifying, and aligning with the signal coming from our true empirical oneness. It is up to you. "

-Zeitgeist

.quote of the day.

2011-09-25T01:10:00.001-07:00

"What would our world be like if we ceased to worry about "right" and "wrong," or "good" and "evil," and simply acted so as to maximize well-being, our own and that of others? Would we lose anything important?"

- Sam Harris

2011-09-25T01:06:00.000-07:00

.good night music.

.on repeat.

.angus and julia stone.

.mango tree.

2011-09-22T23:46:00.000-07:00

.angus and julia stone.

.babylon.

.mellow sleepytime music.

.quote of the day.

2011-09-22T23:39:00.001-07:00

"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. "

-Elbert Hubbard

2011-09-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

.oatmeal smorgasbord cookies.

.these cookies can be adapted to have whatever nut, type of chocolate, or dried fruit that you please.

Follow the recipe below and when adding the 2 cups of goodies fill a bulk food bag at the grocery store with whatever tasty treats you desire. In this recipe I used; walnut pieces, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, coconut, and dark chocolate chips.

.grocery list.

1cup butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
3 cups quick-cooking oats
2 cups of goodies
.directions.
.cream together butter, sugars, and vanilla.
.add 1 egg at a time to the creamed mixture.
.combine in a seperate bowl flour, baking soda, salt (if desired), and oats.
.fold in goodies.
.pre-heat oven to 325 degress.
.place heaping spoon size balls of dough on an ungreased pan.
.cook for 15 mins (depending on oven strength).
.for chewy cookies remove from heat when they still look undercooked.
.let cool on drying rack for 5 mins.
.serve with a cup of organic 1% milk.
.enjoy.

.pumpkin pie.

2011-09-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

.homemade pumpkin pie.

.welcome fall with yummy fresh out of the oven pumpkin pie.

.how to make it healthier;

.use milk vs.heavy cream

.use organic un bleached sugar vs. generic white sugar.

.go crustless!

.make your own crust using butter vs. lard.

.make your own crust and do not add sugar or salt.

.for more flavor do not follow a recipe with respect to spices; extra cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

.top with plain vanilla ice cream; preferably with few ingredients and zero additives.

.health benefits of pumpkin.

"The yellow-orange colour is a clear proof of the fact that pumpkin is full with antioxidants and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a provitamin which is converted by the body into vitamin A. The pumpkin pulp contains vitamins, especially provitamin A, vitamin E and C, mineral salts, carbohydrates, protide and the seeds contain oil, protide, lecithin , resin and enzymes with anthelmintic properties"

.info from Live and Free. http://www.liveandfeel.com/vegetables/Pumpkin.html

breakfast stirfry

2011-09-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

.breakfast stirfry.

A good way to use up any leftovers or "clean out the fridge" meal. Add any cooked or raw veggies from dinner the night before. Sautee lightly with extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs (anything...basil, cilantro, rosemary etc.), salt and pepper to taste. Pair with some sprouts for a kick of fresh out of the garden feel. Poach or fry a couple of eggs to keep it "breakfast" and for a good source of iron and protein. Sprinkle with cheese of your choice. I always add a little sambaolec...

"Sambal is a chili based sauce which is normally used as a condiment. Sambals are popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the southern Philippines and Sri Lanka, as well as in the Netherlands and in Suriname through Javanese influence. It is typically made from a variety of chili peppers and is sometimes a substitute for fresh chilis. It can be extremely spicy for the uninitiated. Some ready-made sambals are available at exotic food markets or gourmet departments in supermarkets in many countries."

Info from Wikipedia-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambal

2011-09-15T00:11:00.001-07:00

"Remember that there is a blessing in our every action. It may not be the blessings or reward you were looking for, but it will be the one that you need. Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life. Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way. Continue Searching..Continue Learning..Know Thyself."

-Mark Stoddart

2011-09-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

"It's fear of the unknown. The unknown is what it is. And to be frightened of it is what sends everybody scurrying around chasing dreams, illusions, wars, peace, love, hate, all that--it's all illusion. Unknown is what it is. Accept that it's unknown and it's plain sailing. Everything is unknown--then you're ahead of the game. That's what it is. Right?"

-John Lennon

spaghetti squash recipe

2011-09-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

.spaghetti squash.

.spaghetti squash with asparagus, spinach, tomato and garlic sauce.

.ingredients.

*all fresh and organic if possible*

-1 sml-med spaghetti squash

-4c spinach

-1/2 bunch of asparagus

-3 vine ripen tomatos

-fresh garlic

-extra virgin olive oil

-s&p to taste

1.cut squash in half and remove seeds

2.bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a pot that will fit both halfs flat side up

3.cover to allow them to steam (approx.10mins) until centers are tender

4.remove from heat and let cool

5. with 3 tbsp of remaining water from squash pot

6.add asparagus, spinach, onion, tomato, and garlic (no heat, only the heat remaining in the pot)

7.using a fork scrape the inside of the squash, it should look like spaghetti

8. combine all veggies and squash

9.drizzle with olive oil

10.add any fresh herbs and s&p to taste

.enjoy.

2011-09-10T09:26:00.001-07:00

"People don't know anything about themselves because they're all worried about everybody else."

-Jack Johnson

2011-09-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

.pimp your water.

Having a hard time getting your 8 glasses a day? Cool off in the summer and pimp your water with;

.cucumber.

.frozen watermelon or berries.

.fresh lemon.

.frozen grapes.

quote of the day

2011-09-09T13:27:00.001-07:00

"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live!"

-Bob Marley

quote of the day

2011-09-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

"You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result"
-Mahatma Gandhi

5 benefits of dark chocolate

2011-09-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

.feel good about eating chocolate.

.dark chocolate is usually considered anything 65% cacao and above.

.ANTIOXIDANT. A source of polyphenols (a type of antioxidant aka. disease ass kicker).
.LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE. Reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff).
.CLEAR SKIN. Cocoa butter does not cause acne in contrast to sugar filled milk chocolate and other altered chocolates. Increases blood flow and hydration of skin.
.PLEASURE. Contains phenethylamine; a chemical released when people "fall in love" or become infatuated.
.PROZAC. Boosts brain levels of serotonin. (the happy hormone).

2011-09-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

Here it is, my very first blog. A place for me to put my thoughts down on "paper". A space to be filled with recipes, travel experiences, music, photos, nutrition and fitness articles, random thoughts, inspirational quotes, opinions, blurbs, and anything else I feel like sharing. Enjoy.