MY HEARTBEATS AT MY FEET

HAVE A CHA-CHA-CHA WEEKEND

Quote

"If one offers me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it. - Bhagavad-gita (9.26)

Artichoke Salad


You will need;

black olives, can of artichoke hearts (drained) tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, salt, pepper and a pinch of hing.

What to do;

Sooooo simple - just combine all the above ingredients in a sexy bowl and refrigerate for an hour before serving. If you eat cheese, Parmesan shavings would do the trick. This makes a good meal with garlic bread.

Cholesterol kicking artichokes - are an excellent source of magnesium, dietary fibre, trace minerals, vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin A. Artichokes help to increase the excretion of cholesterol and decrease the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver.

Today I am grateful for;

• my 50th birthday on Sunday - Yahooooo! I made it.



• the celebrations that start late this pm


• today's veggie shopping - huge white pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, salad greens, 'shrooms, tomatoes, cukes, 'nanas, pears, colourful peppers, chillies, red onions - need to get creative with recipes for next week :)


• being healthy and filled with 'superpower' energy.
  
• my 2010 vision board - a work in progress.
  

Today - remember it's not what you do, it's who you are AND whoohoooo, you're alive ..........................

AND

have some bubbly champagne for me this weekend, be merry and dance life's dance.....

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

A COMMUNITY SERVICE REMINDER FROM THE UNIVERSE

YOU RULE.

Your gifts are innumerable.

Your insights are profound.

Your choices are endless.

Your touch is healing.

Your thoughts become things.

Your power is indescribable.

And you are loved and adored,

on a moment-to-moment basis more

than you can now understand.

YOU RULE.

- Mike Dooley


Soulful Burger (adapted from someone's recipe - just can't remember whose)



You will need;

• chickpeas
  
• onions


• baby tomatoes
  
• olive oil


• cumin


• fresh herbs such as coriander, basil, thyme or oregano


• turmeric powder


• chilli


• garlic


• salt, pepper
  

What to do;

Cook onion, garlic and chilli in a little olive oil. Once softened add chickpeas (either canned or pre-cooked). Then add chopped tomatoes. Add seasoning except fresh herbs and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Add fresh herb of your choice, mash chickpeas slightly (the mixture needs to look rustic, not ultra-smooth). Shape into burgers.

Serve wrapped in either lettuce leaves, rice wraps or lightly steamed cabbage leaves. Add chopped cuke and peppers for garnish.

Quote

Don't develop a disdainful attitude when you prepare a broth of wild grasses; don't experience glee when preparing a fine cream soup. - Dogen

Today, experience paradise - it's right there beyond your fears ........

Have a sizzly-wizzly day

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MOTHER EARTH

• Thou shall love and honour the earth for it blesses thy life and governs thy survival.
• Thou shall keep each day sacred to the earth and celebrate the turning of its seasons.
• Thou shall not hold thyself above other living things nor drive them to extinction.
• Thou shall give thanks for thy food, to the creatures and plants that nourish thee.
• Thou shall educate thy offspring for multitudes of people are blessings unto the earth when we live in harmony.
• Thou shall not kill, nor waste earth's riches upon weapons of war.
• Thou shall not pursue profit at the earth's expense but strive to restore its damaged majesty.
• Thou shall not hide from thyself or others the consequences of thy actions upon the earth.
• Thou shall not steal from future generations by impoverishing or poisoning the earth.
• Thous shall consume material goods in moderation so all may share the earth's bounty. -Ernest Callenbach

Oo-la-la Oranges



Oranges are a great source of iron and they help keep your cholesterol low. In addition to this they are a good source of calcium, which is great for your bones. And, of course, vitamin C to help fight off bacteria and prevent colds and flu. Vitamin C is a great way to fight off airborne germs during the winter months.

Studies have also determined that citrus Limonoids assist in fighting certain cancers such as mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon cancer.

Other health benefits are;

• Beta Carotene - a powerful antioxidant guarding the health of our cells.
• Folic Acid - for brain development.
• Magnesium to assist keeping blood pressure in balance
• Potassium to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and to maintain the electrolyte balance of cells.
• The food we eat is converted into energy by Thiamin found in oranges.

Important tip;

The pith of the orange has as much vitamin C as the orange, so try to eat as much of the pith as you can.

Get adventurous with oranges and try this yummy colourful salad with a difference.

ORANGE

AND BEETROOT SALAD



You will need;

• beetroot
• oranges
• 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
• olive oil
• balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper

What to do;

• scrub beetroot until clean, rub with olive oil and wrap in foil.
• bake until tender.
• peel and section oranges.
• slice beetroot into half an inch cubes
• make a vinaigrette with the vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• toss beetroot and orange with vinaigrette. Just before serving garnish, with chives.

Quote

"And everyday when I've been good I get an orange after food." - Robert Louis Stevenson

Today, run - dive 'n jump into your gorgeous life ......................

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

KENT'S FIRST HORSERIDING LESSON

So proud of you Kent - have loads of fun!
Hugs, squeezez, tickles 'n kisses from Aunt Nita
xxx

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT : R-BST HORMONE FREE COTTAGE CHEESE!!!

Thank you Pick 'n Pay for stocking r-bst hormone free cottage cheese - this is SUCH good news for so many people who suffer from hormone related illnesses. Best news so far in 2010!

An interesting article on Dis-ease (Hazel Raven)

• Dis-ease is a state that results from physical, emotional, mental or spiritual imbalances that cause you to be ill at ease with some aspect of yourself. It is your spirit's way of communicating with you through your physical body, your thoughts, emotions and feelings.
• Dis-ease should not be viewed as a negative experience, it is just your spirit's way of attracting your attention. When we are healthy we tend to take life for granted, we become complacent and fall into the trap of deluding ourselves that we are physically immortal. This delusion is stagnating to the soul and the death of spiritual growth.
• When dis-ease happens and you are not longer able to make sense of your life, you have the opportunity to step into the magic of living holistically. Each dis-ease and the crisis it brings as the instigator of change within your live creates a sacred space for your spirit to teach you about yourself.
• Your dis-ease is unique to you. The birth of your dis-ease is your own creation. If you grasp the opportunity of working with your soul to heal your imbalance you free yourself from a place of stagnation and move towards a more spiritual and harmonious life.
  
  Two minute mixed veggie 'n bean bowl
  
  
  You can throw this healthy dish together in two minutes - great for lunch.

You will need;

• frozen mixed veggies
• beans - any kind, kidney beans, lentils, etc
• onion, chopped
• chillie, chopped
• cayenne pepper - a couple of shakes
• garlic, chopped
• fresh parsley, chopped
• flax seeds (about a tablespoon)
• lemon juice
• salt

What to do;

• boil the kettle and soak frozen veggies in boiling water for around 1 minute.
• mix all the other ingredients together and combine with the veggies.

Chow and enjoy this healthy lunch with a cup of green tea!

Congrats are in order

Kent, you look so cool riding your bike - just like a pro. Just promise me no wheelies!!! :)

Today,keep in touch with your loftiest dreams and keep your eye on 'the finish line' and remember it takes so very, very little to be happy.........

Have a lovely week everybody.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

HAVE A SIZZLING WEEKEND!!!

Lemon Pasta Sauce
what you will need;

• olive oil
• chilli flakes
• garlic
• lemons
• parsley
• white wine
• basil
• olives
• zucchini
• onion
• tomatoes, chopped or sun dried

what to do;

• Saute minced garlic, onion and a handful of chopped parsley in olive oil. When the parsley changes to a deep green colour add olives and zucchini plus some white wine. Simmer until zucchini is cooked. Add loads of lemon juice, basil and chopped tomato (do not cook the tomato just warm it) - toss with freshly made pasta.

This is delish served hot or cold.

Satya (means 'truthfulness') - John Robbins

If people knew the truth about how badly animals are treated in today's factory farms, if people knew how completely confined and immobilized these creatures are for their entire lives, if people knew how severe and unrelenting is the cruelty these animals are forced to endure, there would be change. If people knew, but many of us choose to look the other way, to keep the veil in place, to remain unconscious and caught in the cultural trance. That way we are more comfortable. That way is convenient. That way, we don't have to risk too much. This is how we keep ourselves asleep.

My apologies to our fellow animal earthlings - forgive me for my ignorance in the past, which caused hurt and suffering to factory farmed animals. I will continue with my 'veggie-activism' and through my blog try to influence people to start being mindful, spiritual, healthful, harmless, peaceful and practice a life-affirming diet.

Today, spot the magic in everything and everyone everyday, be a maker of moments of peace and luv and sizzle .............................

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

WHAT DOES WELLNESS MEAN TO YOU

You have probably heard of the term 'wellness', but what does it mean to you? In my mind it's a 'package' made up of spiritual well-being, mental and general health of the body. It is not just the absence of a disease, but a decision to daily adopt positive lifestyle choices to eliminate health risks. Step-by-step is the only way to reap enormous benefits. Try to think about this on a daily basis and it will become second nature. Have fun experimenting and learning.

Wise words from 365 Prescriptions for the Soul - Bernie Siegal

"Life is a series of beginnings,

the changes, losses, illnesses and

afflictions are not endings, but beginnings. We are changed

and have to start a new life each time."

Tomato Cilantro Soup

What you will need;

• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 ripe avo
• 1 humongous handful of cilantro and another handful of parsley
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• dash of pepper
• 3 slices of cuke
• three quarter cup of water
• chopped celery

What to do;

• Blend all the ingredients, except the celery, until smooth and creamy.
• Transfer to a pot, heat slightly.
• Top with chopped celery.

FABULICIOUS on a hot Cape Town summer day with a slice of rye topped with hummus! I also added some chopped chillies to the soup.

Today I am grateful for;

• chillies - just luv adding them to everything I eat
• the new season of The Mentalist
• pencils - I find it so comforting to write with an old fashioned HB pencil (Weirdo!!!)
• My 15 minute walk to get rid of 'computer fatigue' and collect my dosage of Vitamin D

Today, laugh, order pudding, love life, have no regrets and make a conscious effort to choose health behaviours that contribute positively to your 'wellness' .........

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

YOGA PRACTICE TIPS

• Wait at least two hours after a meal before practicing yoga. Early mornings work best for me either outside next to the pool or in my quiet, peaceful bedroom.
• Allocate a set time each day.
• Practice regularly to gain maximum benefit.
• Create a peaceful environment by lighting candles and incense.
• Turn off phones, televisions, radio etc.
• Wear loose clothing, no shoes, no jewellery, no watch.
• Make sure you work on a non slip surface - it's worthwhile to invest in a yoga mat.
• Build up your practice slowly - your body will guide you.
• Use breath as a guide - if you are breathing quickly, you are probably trying too hard.
• Most importantly HAVE FUN!!!

Inspiration - Sanskrit Poem "The Salutation of the Dawn" (5th century CE)

Our yesterdays are but dreams

our tomorrows merely visions

but today lived well makes

every yesterday a dream of joy,

and each tomorrow a vision of promise ......

Last night's Cabbage Casserole

You will need;

• cabbage, shredded
• carrots, diced
• onions, diced
• garlic
• chilli flakes
• tin of chopped tomatoes
• salt, pepper
• bread crumbs
• cooked rice

What to do;

• Saute the first five ingredients, add tomatoes and salt and pepper.
• Create layers of rice, and the cabbage mixture - ensuring the last layer is a layer of rice
• Top with bread crumbs for some crunch
• Bake for around 25 minutes

Today I am grateful for;

• the surprise birthday card I received (very early)
• ginger and lemon tea
• sun, sun, sun .........

Today, rock your own style and dance to your own beat ..........

Peace 'n whirlpools of love

xxx

SPARKLY TUESDAY THOUGHT

THE GOODS ON WATERMELON

Did you know that watermelon belongs to the same family as pumpkin and squash.

Watermelons are native to the Kalahari Desert. The earliest recorded watermelon crop was recorded in hieroglyphics in Egypt, about 5000 years ago. The Egyptians revered the watermelon and left it in the graves of their dead so it could be eaten in the afterlife.

This crunchy, pinkish delight is made up of over 90% water. It is truly a great food for people wanting to loose weight, as the body actually uses more calories to digest the watermelon than it provides.

As a result of its high water content the watermelon offers more nutrients per calorie than many other fruits. It is a very good source of vitamin C, beta carotene, several B vitamins including B3, B5 and B6 as well as the minerals biotin, potassium and magnesium. In addition to this it provides a good amount of dietary fibre.

Great for summer - it keeps the body well hydrated, is an excellent diuretic and helps to prevent fluid build up. Watermelon also contains lycopene, which is an antioxidant and the plant pigment that gives tomatoes, watermelon and grapefruit their red colour. Lycopene provides many health benefits and can aid in heart disease prevention and reduce the risk of certain cancers such as hormone related cancers and digestive tract cancers.

What to do with watermelon;

• good in smoothies (include pips) or juice
• yummy as a salad with feta
• eat as is - wearing a bib
• add to fruit salad

Reflections

Peace in the Wilderness - Aranna Sutta

Standing to one side of him, a deva said to the Buddha:

These people who dwell in wild places,

living a life so peaceful and simple,

eating just one meal a day,

how is it that they look so serene?

The Buddha said:

They are not sorrowing about the past,

or longing for the future.

They are living in the present.

That's why they look so serene.

It is by sorrowing about the past

and longing for the future

that foolish people wither away,

like green reeds drying in the sun.

Scrumptious Recipe

Double Broccoli Quinoa

You will need;

3 cups cooked quinoa, 5 cups raw broccoli, cut into small florets and stems, 3 garlic cloves, slivered almonds - toasted, grated parmesan, salt, lemon juice, olive oil

What to do;

Cook broccoli just long enough to take the edge off - set aside

To make the broccoli pesto puree two cups of the cooked broccoli, garlic, almonds, Parmesan, salt and lemon juice. Drizzle in the olive oil.

Just before serving, toss the quinoa and remaining broccoli florets with the pesto. Drizzle with chilli oil top with sliced avocado and some slivered almonds.

Today I am grateful for the wonderful weekend I had;

• long, lazy vegetarian breakfast @ Arnolds on Sunday
• sunshine, pizza and spritzers on Saturday afternoon lingering into the early evening hours - bliss!
• my garden mole - he just won't move on

Spiritual Activism

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

Today, trust in our Universe -however or whomever you believe created you. Trust that you are on the right path, that things will work out for you. You deserve to enjoy your awesome life. Most importantly trust yourself, your family and your friends and your anxiety levels will drop ........................

AVOCADO OIL

The benefits of avo oil far outweigh those of extra virgin olive oil, but the use of the oil is more limited. It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E.

Monounsaturated fatty acids are usually found in plant products such as avocados and olives in their oils. These fatty acids lower the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and protects cells in the body and is a defence against life-threatening diseases.

Don't think of avo oil as a replacement for extra virgin olive oil, but rather as a new oil, a new exciting flavour to introduce to food. Use it in place of other oils, or as a blend with olive oil. To most appreciate this wonderful flavour I find it is best used on its own, and not together with vinegar.

Some easy uses for avocado oil;

• Stir it into avo dips, guacamole and any dish that features avo's - it heightens the flavour
• drizzle over a salad of lettuce, goats cheese, chives and serve with crispy chunky garlic bread
• make a tapas of fat green Spanish olives with a few cloves of smashed garlic, a sprig of oregano or marjoram and freshly ground black pepper and drizzle with avo oil
• lovely over steamed artichokes together with lemon juice, salt, pepper, crushed garlic and crushed mint leaves

Quote

SMILE. Have you ever noticed how easily puppies make human friends? Yet all they do is wag their tails and fall over. - The Confidence Course, 1997

Today, I am luving the fluffy clouds highlighted by juicy rays of sunshine, the slight breeze and the thought of an evening swim.

It' s easier to be happy than you think.... like anything in life it needs a little work. What you put in you shall reap. Find a quiet space and be really honest with yourself, write down all the things that make your heart soar and then see how much time you are dedicating to those things in your life.

Today, treat your life experiences as 'happiness food' and you will automatically make others around you happy. BONUS, by doing this you will be releasing unwanted stress......

Enjoy this special day

peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

TIME TO DETOX

Yes everybody, it's time to detox. We need to give our 'temples' a well-deserved break after over-indulging during the fabulous, frisky festive season. To detox naturally is easy. This need not be difficult, here are a few simple tips you can incorporate into your daily life.

watercress : add to salads, soups and sandwiches. These peppery little gems have a diuretic effect that helps move stuff through your system. Added bonus - rich in minerals.
garlic : a blood cleanser and natural antibiotic, it also reduces blood fats thinning the blood and lowering blood pressure. Also activates liver enzymes that help filter out the junk. Eat raw for max benefits. If we all eat it we won't notice the smell.
sesami seeds : protect liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals - WOWZA!!!
green tea : speeds up liver activity. Remember, if your liver is healthy your immune system is strong.
coriander : accelerates the excretion of mercury, lead and aluminium from the body - a super duper contributor in the detox process.
cayenne pepper : purifies the blood, increases fluid elimination. Add to your morning lemon water.
ginger : stimulates blood circulation.
parsley : flushes the kidneys. Chew on parsley throughout the day.
cabbage : dive into coleslaw sans the mayo - cabbage activates the two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver.
green leafies : protect the liver and help to wipe out environmental toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals. Beetroot is also recommended.
lemons : a powerhouse detox vitamin as it helps to convert toxins into a water-soluble form that is easily flushed away. Add to water for an all day refreshing drink.

Together with the above..... take a deep breath and slow down, lighten up, learn to laugh at yourself and be happy.

Do you know???
It takes five of today's apples to get the equivalent amount of nutrition as one apple from 1965 ( Healing our World - Hippocrates Health Institute). Where do you see the nutritional situation 50 years from now???? Our soil is dying!

Morning Detox Smoothie
banana, apple, watermelon (including pips), goji berries, flax and sesami seeds, wheatgrass powder,lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Whizzzzzzzz in a blender and glug!

Try to drink/eat only juice or smoothies until supper.

Nelson Mandela turned to this poem for support during his dark times on Robben Island.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
for my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
my head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
looms but the horror of the shade,
and yet the menace of the years
finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
how charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul. - William Ernest Henley

Today, remember to accept the good with the bad. Each one is there to teach us - good or bad would not exist without each other. Notice the blessings around you and you will notice all the things that make your life exquisite. And, most importantly, our thoughts create our future. Have fun and dream ..........

Have a nice day everyone.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv
xxx

BACK IN THE LAND OF RESPONSIBILITIES

2010 is here and begging for us all to kick unhealthy and bad habits right off this rockin' planet.

My motto for 2010 is;

• start the year the way I intend to finish it - on a high
• work really hard - achieve and be successful
• make time for short holidays
• more time away from TV and the internet
• capture moments with my camera on a daily basis
• make a 2010 vision board
• be grateful, on a daily basis, for this wonderful world we live in
• remind myself continuously how much I have and how lucky I am
• never be judgemental
• laugh often
• hug the peeps I love
• develop more patience
• ensure my 'to do' list is tackled weekly
• read lots of interesting books
• long walks and time at the ocean
• continue with my quest of ' it's sexy to be healthy'
• spend more quality time with my Papsti
• stress less

If I can achieve all of the above I will be very proud of mwah!

Today I am grateful for my holiday memories;

giant proteas, Buffels Baai, Jubilee Creek, historic buildings in Rheenendal, eagle encounters, no tv or internet, new years eve with Lyndle, Tom 'n friends at their wonderful home in the 'woods', central beach, smiley sunlight, sundowners at viewpoint, the moon peeking through the trees, stars, G+T's @ Cool Bananas, the pub, organic veggies @ The Heath, Kurland Organic Market, Kurland goats 'n baby goats, new years day @ Asti, long scenic forest and beach walks, The Market on Main, stalls @ central beach, Robberg, braai's, Timberland Organic Village, The Fairy Garden, Sunset cheese'nwine overlooking the ocean, frogs, raindrops, champagne, Brenton on Sea, whale tail lights, organic olives 'n feta, carved trees, Dalene Matthee memorial tree, old buildings in George, Village Bookshop, second hand book shop, fun games on new year's eve, long lazy brunches, coffee @ Europa and SO MUCH more ......................

Quote

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." - Unknown

Remember, 2010 can be all you wish for. Make a list of all you would like to achieve, attend to it systematically and it WILL happen. Be proud of your 'sparkly' achievements - if you put your mind to it ANYTHING is possible ......

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx