Monday, March 29, 2010

HASH BROWNS

Close-up of hash browns
So easy and DELISH. All you need is grated potatoes, grated sweet potatoes, chopped onion, paprika, garlic powder, 2 teaspoons wheat flour, salt, pepper, a little olive oil.

What to do;

Combine all the above ingredients except the olive oil. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan and fry the mixture on both sides. If you have vegan cheese - it's a delish addition.

This is very nice as a main meal with a fresh green salad.

The Sacral Chakra
(The Second Chakra)

Six Chakras representing

The Sacral Chakra is the focal point of our emotions and creativity. It governs our sense of self-worth, how we relate to others and the confidence we have in our own creativity. The essence of the Sacral Chakra is that of water, always flowing, never static. It represents grace and acceptance, an ability to 'go with the flow'.

Colour - burnt orange

Element - water

Location - lower abdomen, lower back

Associated body parts - hips, lower back, bladder, kidneys, stomach

Gemstones and crystals - moonstone, orange tourmaline, tiger eye

Essential oils - jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang

Food - liquids (water, juices, teas)

When the sacral Chakra is balanced, we feel confident and able to relate to others in an open, friendly manner.

Beneficial activities that promote and maintain a balanced Sacral Chakra - getting a massage, enjoying favourite pieces of music, taking a warm bubble bath, yoga.

Common addictions - work, relationships and sugar.



Positive thought for today;

When you recognize that you're a human being who sometimes makes mistakes, you won't get caught up in the illusion of self-importance. - Deepak Chopra

Today, make sure that whatever tomorrow brings you will be there with an open heart and mind.

And have a purrrrrrfect day .................................


Peace 'n whirlpools of luv
xxx

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

HAPPY TUESDAY

Asian Pears

I came across this yummy fruit recently. It's a pear but shaped like an apple. This super-crunchy pear is lovely in a salad or added to your smoothie.
Close-up of an Asian pear
Asian Pear Slaw with Chillies

You will need;

celery - sliced, lemon juice, ginger root, rice vinegar Asian pears - sliced, onions - sliced, dhania leaves, fresh chillies.

What to do;

whisk together lemon juice, rice vinegar and ginger. Stir in celery and remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for around 15mins before serving.

These pears apparently last for around three months if kept in the fridge. They are quite juicy, slightly sweet and a little tart near the core.

To prevent discoloration when cut, just dip into some lemon juice.

The Root Chakra

Six Chakras representing


This is the first chakra and is associated with our basic instincts such as survival and self-preservation; food, shelter, health and security.

Located at the base of the spine, this chakra relates to the principle of gravity, connecting us to our bodies, to the physical world around us, and to the ground below. It's essence is that of a rock.

Major issues of an unbalanced root chakra are feelings of isolation, abandonment and lack of trust. Fear may take control of our emotional and psychological health. We may feel uncomfortable or not present in the body, a sense of not being heard or noticed.

Signs of an unbalanced chakra : fear, anxiety, insecurity, vulnerability, worry, grief, depression, self-centredness, disconnection, numbness, distrust, low self-esteem, greed

Physical issues : lower back pain, sciatica, obesity, anorexia, constipation, hemorrhoids, prostrate problems, varicose veins

Common additions : food and alcohol

When the root chakra is balanced, the vital connection to life is strong and supported. Our foundation is secure. We feel safe, grounded, alive and peaceful.

A balanced first chakra brings;

a sense of safety, a feeling of belonging and connection to others, an ability to trust and a sense of acceptance, a sense of fulfillment - of being home in one's body and on the earth

Beneficial activities that promote and maintain a balanced root chakra;

yoga, walking, hiking, running, biking and gardening

Colour - deep red

Location - base of the spine (perineum)

Essential oils - bergamot, sandalwood

Food - protein eg soy, tofu, nuts and legumes

Positive thought for today

Care for your body. Self-love and self-acceptance are the ultimate acts of self-care. - Cheryl Richardson

Today, remember there are people, wonderful people lining up to burst into your fab life - be open and give them the 'nod' .....................

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

FLAVOURSOME POTATO STACKS

Crate of potatoes on kitchen counter
Potato Towers
You will need;
Potatoes - washed, unpeeled and thinly sliced, olive oil, garlic cloves - crushed, salt and finely chopped rosemary or thyme.

What to do;

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly so that each slice of potato is covered in the herb/oil mixture.

Make 'towers' of sliced potatoes in a greased dish, making sure the larger slices are at the bottom. Bake until brown and crisp. The REAL treat is at the bottom of each tower - crispy 'n chewy.
Kitchen Thoughts by Tenzo Kyokun
USA, California, San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, Buddha Statue in a park
Don't leave the preparation of food to someone else, for the practice of the Buddha way is realized by rolling up your sleeves. When you have finished washing the rice, put it into the cooking pot. Take special care lest a mouse falls accidentally into it. Under no circumstances allow anyone who happens to be drifting through the kitchen to poke his fingers in the pot.

Non-violence is the supreme law of life. - Indian Proverb.

Today's Wisdom Card

I have unlimited potential. Loving myself and thinking joyful, happy thoughts is the quickest way to create a wonderful life.

Today, if you are waiting on tangible proof and can't see the evidence yet know that the Universe is working behind the scenes to help you, you will see results. So, put a Buddha smile on your face and celebrate ..............................

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

Monday, March 15, 2010

HIGH VS LOW GI

close-up of colored uncooked pasta
Imagine eating a slice of ordinary white bread (high GI). Because it is refined and contains very little fibre, it will be digested very quickly. This will give you a quick boost of energy, but because all the energy is released at once, you may feel hungry and tired fairly soon after eating.

Eating a slice of seed bread (low GI) will take much longer to eat and digest as it is high in fibre. This will give you the same amount of energy as the white bread, but the energy will last for a longer period of time and will keep your energy levels constant. In other words, this will prevent mid-afternoon slump.
Interesting Fact
Only carbohydrate containing goods have a GI Value eg. breads, pasta, grains, cereals, fruit, veggies and legumes.
Examples of low GI foods
Corn, seed bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, grapes, mango, orange, strawberrries, watermelon, peas, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, soya mince, etc
Examples of intermediate GI foods
Bran flakes, brown bread, oats, potatoes, Basmati rice, paw-paw, carrots, sugar, orange juice, etc


Glucose has the highest GI value of 100.

Vegetable Briyani (the speedy variety)
Did you know;
  • there are over 26 varieties of Briyani made in India
  • Briyani originated in Persia and means "fried before cooking"
    Mid section view of a woman holding a bowl of rice

You will need;

Basmati rice, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, lentils, olive oil, onion - chopped, garlic, ginger, tomato - chopped, garam marsala, turmeric, salt, pepper, carrots, cauliflower and peas - chopped, fresh Coriander.

What to do;

Boil rice together with cinnamon stick and cardomom pods. Drain and mix in the cooked lentils, set aside.

Heat the olive oil and cook onion until lightly browned. Mix in garlic, ginger, tomatoes and stir until tomatoes are soft. Add garam marsala, turmeric, salt and pepper and add the veggies except for the peas. Cover and simmer until veggies are tender. Add the peas and rice/lentil mixture and mix thoroughly. Garnish with fresh coriander.

Today's positive thought

Do the right thing ..... especially when no one is watching. -Cherie Carter-Scott

Message for my little Shinga, who is in puppy hospital with a broken jaw.

I never realized I would miss you this much. But, I guess you've been my best buddy for 15 years and that's a long time. Toff also misses you and keeps running around looking for you. The only time he is happy is when he gets your snack as well. So, at the moment he is getting double treats. I know you will recover and hurry home soon. Nose kisses x

Today, remember real beauty is forgetting past mistakes and letting go of grudges..........

Have a nice Monday and a swooshilicious week.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

SOME INTERESTING HERBS


Jar of Medicinal Herb
Foti - in China, Foti is known as Ho Shou Wu and has a reputation for enhancing longevity and energy and serving as a tonic to increase overall vitality.

Cat's Claw - a miracle herb from the rain forests of Peru. Its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties enhance the immune system and gastro-intestinal tract.

Taheebo - one of the world's most powerful herbs. Also called Pau d'Arco, it has strong anti-fungal and antibiotic properties.

Sceletium - revered shrub of the San People. Elevates the mood and decreases anxiety, stress and tension, as well as being an effective anti-depressant.

Astragalus - used in traditional Chinese medicine to support and enhance the immune system.

Ginseng - has a powerful ability to restore vigour, increase longevity, enhance overall health, and stimulate both a healthy appetite and a good memory.

Ashwagandha - perhaps the most famous Ayurvedic herb, it boosts the immune system and reduces stress.

This is a fabulous 'cheese' sauce recipe.

Raw Zucchini 'cheese' sauce (makes around one and a half cups)

Cheese

You will need;
1 cup sliced Zucchini,half a red pepper, one and a half tablespoons of Chia seeds, one third cup of nutritional yeast, two and a half tablespoons of Bragg's Liquid Aminos, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, half a teaspoon turmeric

What to do;

Blend all ingredients in a blender till very smooth. You may need to add a touch of water and adjust seasoning

Today's positive thought;

Honour your top priorities. If it's not an absolute yes then it's a no. -Cheryl Richardson

Today, remember the world needs your brilliance and grace - celebrate YOU ............

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

Enjoy the rain all you Capetonians!

Monday, March 8, 2010

HOW MUCH FOOD SHOULD WE EAT?

Bowl of Salad at a Place Setting
Portion control is obviously very important. It's all about calories in, calories out. So, it seems to make sense that if you eat less and exercise more, you will loose weight. But, I believe there is more to it than this - we need to develop a healthy lifestyle and not follow weird and wonderful diets.

Our bodies need regular intakes of the RIGHT foods. Counting calories is not the whole story to weight loss - do not skip meals and do not severely restrict calories.
Rather than measuring and counting calories make sure your plate contains good proportions of the right foods.

An ideal plate of food would contain;
  • a variety of low carbohydrate veggies such as leafy greens and green beans
  • a smaller portion of high carbohydrate veggies such as potatoes
  • some protein such as avo's, olives, pulses, etc
  • dressing, which should include olive oil and lemon juice
Alternatively, steam some veggies and drizzle a tablespoon of coconut oil over the veggies.

Or, a huge helping of mixed stir-fry, a bowl of soup or stew with the above-mentioned proportions.

Low carbohydrate veggies are very low in calories - so you can virtually eat as much as you like, as long as you do not smother them in cheese or other sauces.

If we follow the above rules, the calories will automatically take care of themselves.

Potato, Pumpkin (Butternut will also work) and Pea Curry
high angle view of a dish with a ring of rice and curry served in the center
You will need,

diced potatoes, diced pumpkin, frozen peas, olive oil, garlic, chilli, coriander, fennel and mustard seeds, curry powder, tumeric powder, curry leaves, salt, pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, tomatoes, fresh coriander, lemon juice

what to do;

heat oil in a pot and add all the seeds and curry leaves, in the meantime make a paste using water, curry powder, tumeric, salt and pepper, garlic - once the seeds pop add chopped chilli and the paste - stir for a minute or two, add potatoes and water to cover the potatoes - also add bay leaf and cinnamon stick and cook for around 10minutes, add pumpkin and cook until both potatoes and pumpkin are almost done then add peas and chopped tomatoes, simmer for another 5 minutes, garnish with fresh coriander and add the juice of half a lemon.

Serve with Basmati rice or roti's.

Potato Facts

Potatoes were first cultivated in Peru nearly 7000 years ago. The potato is the fourth most important crop in the world after wheat, rice and corn.

The potato produces more food per acre than any other crop - 39 100 pounds per acre.

Potatoes are grown in all 50 states of the USA and in about 125 countries throughout the world.

The average American eats around 140 pounds of potatoes each year.

Positive thought for today

Do something new- or at least different- everyday. Know that life is never stuck, stagnant or stale, for each moment is ever-new and fresh. - Louise L Hay

How about watching a sunset ......

Today, seeing Oscar fever is prevalent, give thanks to all the great Artists and Muso's whose work entertains us and lifts our spirits ..................

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv
xxx

Saturday, March 6, 2010

SALAD GREENS AND OTHER GOODIES

Greek salad
There are now so many green leafies available for salads. It's easy to get creative with some of the following seasonal salad leaves and herbs, tossed with lemon juice and olive oil to create a delishus blend of complementary flavours and textures;

Bok Choy a Chinese type of cabbage with white stalks and deep green leaves. Lovely for salads or lightly steamed.
Butter Lettuce soft leaves with a mild flavour.
Cabbage crunchy and full of goodness when eaten raw. There are quite a few varieties such as savoy, plain green, cabbage with crinkly leaves, Chinese cabbage and the wonderful purply/red cabbage.
Cos also known as Romaine, is a large, elongated lettuce with crispy leaves.
English Spinach dark green leaves with a long thinnish stem.
Radicchio is part of the Chicory family. It has ruby red leaves and a slightly bitter flavour.
Rocket also known as Arugula or Italian Cress, has a distinct tangy and peppery taste. The more mature the leaves the stronger the flavour - my fave:)
Basil has a unique scent and flavour. There are a few varieties such as sweet basil, purple basil, bush basil and aniseed basil.
Fennel a creamy-white bulbous plant with feathery-like leaves with an aniseed flavour. Can be added to salads or cooked.
Marjoram a smallish green herb closely related to Oregano but with a less peppery flavour.
Mustard Cress use only the leaves as needed. Adds a peppery flavour to salads.
Parsley universally used as a garnish, but has so much goodness should be eated daily - Italian or curly leaf.
Watercress consists of small, round delicate leaves on edible stems. Also peppery in flavour.
Sorrel closely resembles young English spinach. Slightly sour and lemoney in flavour.
Coriander also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, has a very distinctive aroma and fresh, peppery flavour. The whole plant is edible ie root, stem and leaves.
And then there are edible flowers
Nasturtiums
these include geraniums, nasturtiums, rose petals, marigolds, chive flowers, borage flowers and pansies. Always choose unsprayed blossoms preferably from your own garden. These are a really pretty addition to salad leaves.
And of course - drum roll- sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts
add flavour and texture to salads. Grow your own. There are loads of varieties such as alfalfa, mung bean, snow pea, bean and chickpea, etc
Asparagus and Red Pepper Salad
asparagus
You will need;
Fresh asparagus, red peppers, black olives, olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, chopped basil and pine nuts add a nice crunch, but not essential.

What to do;
Place red pepper under grill until skin blackens and blisters - be brave with this. Once cooled remove the skin and dice. Plunge asparagus into boiling water and cook for around 3 minutes, drain and plunge into a bowl of ice cold water.

Arrange the asparagus on a large serving platter, add the red pepper and olives and combine the olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice and chopped basil and drizzle over the salad. Sprinkle pine nuts and serve with lemon wedges.

Positive thought for the day
How can you eliminate three things from your lifelong 'to-do' list? Are you willing to shorten the list today? Release yourself from the obligation to do things that no longer hold any meaning for you. - Iyanla Vanzant

Today, think about why dolphins smile. The same reason you do because the things we all really want are ABSOLUTELY free - to be happy, to be loved, to be fulfilled. So, smile and be happy that you are alive in this world where the best things are free ......................
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv
xxx

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

PURPLE CABBAGE STIR-FRY

Young woman holding purple cabbage
You will need;

bright purple cabbage thinly sliced, frozen peas, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, olive oil, salt and pepper, lemon juice

What to do;

Heat the olive oil and throw in the seeds, once they 'pop' add the cabbage and stir fry for a couple of minutes. add the frozen peas, salt and pepper and stir fry for another minute or so, squeeze lemon juice and serve.

Cabbage Trivia

Kitchen Utensils In China Cabbage Jar


  • Babe Ruth used to wear a cabbage leaf under his hat during games. He would switch it for a fresh leaf halfway through each game.

  • Because cabbage only requires three months of growing time, one acre of cabbage will yield more edible vegetables than any other plant.

  • Cabbage is considered Russia's national food. Russians eat about seven times as much cabbage as the average North American.

  • There is a legend told to children that babies come from cabbage patches.

  • The world's largest cabbage is credited to William Collingwood of County Durham in England. His prized cabbage weighed 123 pounds - in 1865.

Prayer for Peace over Water

The Cape Town 'Prayer over Water' is being held at Zeekoevlei on 6 March 2010. This is a unique event, which is being held in several countries across the globe. The Cape Town event is linked to the first 'Water and Peace' Global Forum being held at Lake Biwa, Japan from 20 - 22 March 2010. This even is being led by Dr Masaru Emoto and is focused on creating unity and peace through water.

The water from the Cape Town ceremony will be taken to Japan to join water collected from all over the world, brought together in one place, connecting in peace.

In the words of John Lennon;

Imagine there's no countries,

It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for,

And no religion too

Imagine all the people,

Living life in peace.....

Imagine no possessions,

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger,

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people,

Sharing all the world ....

You may say I'm a dreamer,

But I'm not the only one

I hope that someday you'll join us,

And the world will be as one

Today's positive thought;

Recognise that when you're in balance, you possess a level of strength and flexibility that allows you to meet any challenge effortlessly. -Deepak Chopra M.D.

Today, toss all pretensions and the need for appearances and just do your own funky-wunky thing ..................

I'm just loving the corsage giveaway over at beingbrazen.com

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

Monday, March 1, 2010

HERBAL TEA REMEDIES, CHINESE CABBAGE AND ROSES

Mint Tea
Pick-me-ups

Spearmint - use one tablespoon of fresh leaves per cup

Ginger - infuse freshly grated root ginger in tonic water for a natural energy boost

Early morning wakeners

Peppermint - use one sprig of this fresh herb per cupful

Disturbed sleep

Chamomile - make with 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile per cup and add a pinch of lavender for extra relaxation zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Headaches, anxiety and depression

Rosemary - one or two small sprigs per cup

Lemon balm - a couple of fresh leaves per cup

Borage - use a couple of flowers, fresh or dried, per cup

Coughs and colds

Thyme - one teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh per cup

Digestive troubles

Fennel Seed - crush the seeds and simmer in a pan for 10 minutes and strain. Caraway seeds can be prepared in the same way.

Cinnamon - infuse a cinnamon stick in boiling water for three to four minutes. Leave to cool and drink.

You don't have to feel ill to enjoy the benefits of herbal teas, use these herbs to make a refreshing tea at any time of the day.

Chinese Cabbage and Sugar Bean Stir Fry
close-up of the leaf of Chinese cabbage

You will need;

Chinese cabbage - sliced, onions - sliced, chilli, cooked sugar beans, tomatoes - chopped, red pepper - chopped, olive oil, salt and pepper

What to do;

Stir fry onions, chilli, red pepper and chinese cabbage in olive oil then add tomatoes and sugar beans and stir fry for another 2 minutes or so. This is delishus with oven baked sweet potato chips - cut sweet potatoes into chip shapes and stir in olive oil and cayenne pepper, bake until done.

Cabbage and Rose Poem - Anonymous
Red rose in vase at desert
I wonder if the cabbage knows
he is less lovely than the rose;

or does he squat in smug content,

a source of noble nourishment;

or if he pities for her sins

the rose who has no vitamins;

or if the one thing his green heart knows ---

that self-same fire that warms the rose?

Positive Thought for Today

'Feel the pain of others. Understand their struggles and disappointments, their hardships and inadequacies, and open your heart to them. Realize that everyone is doing the best they possibly can. Judge no one. But rather, cradle all of humanity in your heart.' - Daniel Levin

Today, remember to take time out to play and make a conscious effort to diarize a fun day .....................................

Have a lovely 1st of March everyone.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx