WARM MUSHROOM SALAD

You will need;

Oyster and brown mushrooms (or a selection of wild 'shrooms if you are feeling rich), curly lettuce leaves (red and green), olive oil, blue cheese or vegan cheese, hazel nuts, vinegar, mustard and olive oil.

What to do;

Bake nuts for around 10 minutes then coarsely chop. Tear lettuce leaves into bite size portions. Saute 'shrooms for 5 minutes in olive oil. Once 'shrooms are slightly cool stir in vinegar, olive oil and mustard. Arrange the salad greens on a plate, top with the 'shrooms and sprinkle blue cheese and hazel nuts over the top. Serve with fresh rye bread.

Navel Solar Plexus Chakra

The third chakra is known as the 'power centre', this is the area of assertiveness, intuition and inner drive. The Navel Solar Plexus Chakra processes energy and gives us the spark we need to overcome inertia and apathy. It allows us to follow our gut instincts, take risks and make decisions.

A balanced third chakra brings;

• a strong sense of identity and healthy self-respect



• a willingness to persevere



• an ability to trust one's instincts



• a sense of belonging

Beneficial activies;

Power yoga, swimming, power walking and hiking.

Colour - golden yellow

Element - fire

Associated body parts - stomach, liver gallbladder, spleen, adrenal glands

Gemstones and crystals - citrine, jasper and topaz

Food - whole grains, beans (complex carbs)

Common addictions - sugar, caffeine, food, compulsive cleaning

Do you know?


According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, over fifty two billion animals are killed for food worldwide ever year. If you visit http://www.abolitionistapproach.com/ you can see the number of individual animals killed in the world every second.

It is hard to know how many sea creatures are killed because they are not counted as individuals but by tonnage. It is important to understand that human beings do not eat all of the fish that is being caught most of it is force fed to animals for slaughter.

Today, enjoy a meat-free dinner, hug your pet and make a conscious effort to allocate one meat-free day a week.......

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv
xxx

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)



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

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.

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




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

FLAVOURSOME POTATO STACKS

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

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

SOME INTERESTING HERBS

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)



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!

PURPLE CABBAGE STIR-FRY

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

• 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

KEEPING BLOOD SUGAR STABLE

You can learn a lot about how nutrition and lifestyle actually affects the way you feel.

Look for answers to the following questions;

• is there a significant amount of sugar and/or refined foods in your diet?


• do you drink fruit juices?


• do you skip meals or are there periods where you go without eating for longer than four hours?
  
• are you shaky, irritable or weak at certain times of the day?

If you answered 'yes' to any one of the above questions, follow these suggestions for better blood sugar balance;

• do not skip meals, especially breakfast


• eat something every 3 to 4 hours (not large amounts of food, just snacks)


• it is important to have some protein at every meal


• the mineral chromium is helpful in maintaining blood sugar levels - found in nuts and wholegrains


• limit fruits in your diet and avoid dried fruit, as these are concentrated in sugar - have no more than two pieces of fruit a day
  
• include healthy fats in your diet - try coconut oil


• exercise - toned muscle is more metabolically active and enhances blood-sugar maintenance

"Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education." -Mark Twain

Grated Cauliflower with Indian spices

You will need;

Frozen peas, grated ginger 'n garlic, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, cardamom powder, salt, garam masala, coconut oil

What to do;

Grate the cauliflower. Heat the coconut oil and add the cumin seeds. When they pop add the ginger, garlic, cauliflower, peas, turmeric, salt and garam masala. Mix well, cover and cook for around 7 minutes. Mix in the cardamom powder and serve.

Remember, spices such as turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and are also said to benefit your skin - who doesn't want to remain youthful?

Get Potting

Do you know that certain plants are helpful in removing formaldehyde, benzine and carbon monoxide from the air? SO, add some of the following plants to your home;

Peace Lilly, Boston Fern, Dwarf Date Palm, Ficus Alii, Rubber Plant, Bamboo Palm, Lady Palm and Areca Palm

Today I am grateful for;

Clicks cash back vouchers, the rain in the Plett area - Yay!!!! for my friends, our own raindrops last night

Today, call your best friend and gab ....life hands us many things both good and bad. One of the greatest gifts we receive is the love of a good friend......

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

CHOOSING HEALTHY CARBOHYDRATES

There are loads of veggies which are good sources of carbohydrates. The most important thing is that for good health you should get your carbs from wholefoods. Refined carbs are those plant foods that have had a major part of their nutrition stripped through processing. So, remember the definition of WHOLEFOODS - even if something is wholegrain it does not necessarily mean that it is a wholefood eg boxed cereals, quick oats, etc have all been stripped of valuable nutrients through being heated and cooked under pressure. It is better to eat a bowl of brown rice or non-instant oatmeal. As far as veggies go, a general rule is that root veggies are higher in carbs.

High carb veggies

• squash, sweet potatoes, potatoes, parsnips, pumpkins, turnips, beets, corn, peas, carrots, swedes

Low carb veggies

• bean sprouts, cucumbers, asparagus, leafy greens, cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, chillies, mushrooms, aubergines, radishes, celery, onions, leeks, brussels sprouts, herbs

Include these healthy carbs in your diet

• beans, legumes, leafy greens - raw and cooked, veggies of different colours every day, whole fruits instead of fruit juice, sea veggies such as wakame and kombu and naturally cultured veggies such as sauerkraut

Remember, carbs are your body's preferred source of energy so it is important to include in your daily meals.

Garden Green Soup

You will need;

• spring onions, cucumber, potato, salt, veggie broth (homemade), spinach leaves, lemon juice, maple syrup, rice milk (or cream if you eat dairy)

What to do;

• heat oil add spring onions and cook till wilted, add chopped cuke, potato and salt -cook for 5 minutes, add veggie broth and simmer until veggies are soft, add spinach, lemon juice and maple syrup.


• blend until the soup is smooth - pour the blended soup back into a pot and add rice milk (or cream), season with more salt and pepper if required.

This soup is also good served cold

Today I am grateful for;

• The Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing Book


• KFM radio playing in the background


• walking barefoot


• reading while lying on my couch


• strawberry and mango tea


• filtered water

Todays Wisdom Card reading

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

Remember, as per Mahatma Gandhi

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed."

Today, brew some of your fave healthy tea, take off your shoes, wear a huge floppy hat with flowers on it, find a shady spot and get grounded ......................

Have a lovely day - it's purrrrfect today.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

HEALTH BOOSTING ROOIBOS TEA

Rooibos tea was traditionally brewed by the Khoi people of the Cederberg mountains, who believed that it had health benefits.

Rooibos 'punch' facts;

• an excellent source of antioxidants


• can fight allergies


• acts as a digestive aid therefore relieving cramps and colic in babies


• soothes skin irritation when applied directly to the affected area


• boosts the immune system


• has a low tannin count, which means it does not inhibit the absorption of iron


• contains no caffeine


• is virtually kilojoule-free


• contains no colourants, additives or preservatives


• slows down the ageing process


• may assist in the fight against certain cancers

Tea is instant wisdom, just add water. -Astrid Alauda

RED PEPPER AND TOMATO SOUP (RAWLICIOUS)

You will need;

• 5 tomatoes, 2 red peppers, 1/4 red onion, handful of fresh basil leaves, 1 handful of cashews, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, 1 small handful of goji berries, 1/2 cup warm water and cayenne pepper

What to do;

• Blend all ingredients together. Add more water if needed.

This is a fabulous and very healthy raw soup.

Wisdom card reading

I am at the centre of peace. It is safe for me to look within. Each time I look deeper into myself, I will find incredibly beautiful treasures within me.

Today, LUV YOUR LIFE

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

THE SKINNY ON GREEN BEANS

• The presence of vitamin K in green beans makes them very good for maintaining bone health.
• Green beans help the body to reduce the amount of free radicals and thus, prevents cholesterol from becoming oxidized and cause blocked arteries.
• The green bean is also good for cardiovascular health, as it is rich in folate, potassium, magnesium and riboflavin.
• The high amount of fibre found in green beans helps in lowering blood pressure.
• Green beans help to lower the risk of colon cancer as they are high in vitamin C and beta-carotene.
• Having anti-inflammatory properties, green beans are beneficial for those suffering from asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Studies have revealed that green beans help to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
• Green beans are rich in iron and therefore serve as a good source of energy.
• Regular consumption of green beans has been associated with strengthening the immune system.

So, buy some green beans and try this easy recipe;


What you need;

Green beans, onion - chopped, sun-dried tomatoes chopped, garlic - chopped and olive oil, salt and pepper.

Simply saute onion and garlic in olive oil, add green beans, sun-dried tomatoes and salt and pepper. Add enough water (or stock) to cover the bottom of the pan. Cook until still crunchy. Delish served with boiled baby potatoes.

Quote

"Vegetarianism preserves life, health, peace, the ecology, creates more equitable distribution of resources,helps to feed the hungry, encourages non-violence for the animal and human members of the planet, and is a powerful aid for the spiritual transformation of the body, emotions, mind and spirit."
-Gabriel Cousins, Conscious Eating

Remember to

Today, celebrate all the gifts you have received from Life and the Universe and remind yourself that you would not want to be anyone else but you................

Have a fun day/evening.......

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

YUMMY BASIL TRIVIA

Although basil is grown almost everywhere, Egypt is the principal source followed by the USA.

Basil is Greek for 'royal' or 'kingly'. Ancient Greek and Roman doctors believed that basil would grow only if its cultivators sowed the seeds while screaming wild curses and shouting unintelligibly.

The Greeks believed that only the sovereign himself, armed with his golden sickle, should be allowed to cut the basil.

In Italy, basil has always been seen as a token of love.

In Romania, when a boy accepts a sprig of basil from his girl, he is engaged.

In India the basil plant is sacred to both Krishna and Vishnu, and is cherished in every Hindu house. Every good Hindu goes to his rest with a basil leaf on his breast - the passport to paradise!

Basil is normally used to combat;

• colds and influenza
• poor digestion
• nausea
• abdominal cramps
• migraines
• insomnia
• anxiety and
• exhaustion

Basil essential oil is used with great success for headaches and helps to reduce allergies.

Quote

'A man taking basil from a woman will love her forever.' - Sir Thomas Moor

Thai-Style Eggplant and Basil Recipe

You will need;

• olive oil, garlic, eggplant-chopped, red pepper flakes, soya sauce and loads of chopped basil

What to do;

• fry garlic, add chopped eggplant, soya sauce and red pepper flakes and cook until eggplant is almost done - add the chopped basil and cook for another minute or so. Excellent on a slice of rye.

Magical Mermaid and Dolphin Oracle Card Reading

Play time! "The dolphins know the importance of playing, as joy creates miracles and manifestation."

Today, make a point of only surrounding yourself with positive people and situations and avoid negativity ............ here's my wish for you

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY IS 'MADLY IN LOVE WITH ME DAY'

Yes, a day just for YOU and it falls on a Saturday - so no excuses. YOU the awesome person, the gorgeous, clever, witty, needed, successful, loved, crazy person....the list goes on and on. I dare you to fall madly in love with YOURSELF - make a collage of words that describe the wonderful YOU and keep it on your desk to remind you of your wonderfulness.

Remember;

• take care of YOURSELF not just everyone else
• create relationships full of unconditional love
• de-friend people who stress you
• design a life that supports you, not depletes you
• focus on all the magic things YOU have done and not those you haven't
• express instead of repress - YOUR temple(body), mind and spirit

On this fabulous 'madly in love with ME' day experience life and remember the best things in life are free;

• look at the clouds and find shapes
• collect sea shells and stones
• teach your children how to cook
• visit your botanical gardens and smell the flowers
• explore rock pools
• watch the sun rise
• swim
• sit at the ocean and marvel at nature's beauty
• watch the sun set
• walk in the mountains
• take your children to the local playground and SWING
• visit the library
• go bird watching
• take photographs of magical moments
• play bat and ball on the beach
• watch the stars
• walk in the rain
• go into the country and photograph the wild flowers
• sit in your garden and read
• swing in a hammock
• play with your pups ..............

Some interesting fruit 'n veggie facts;

apples - protect your heart, prevent constipation, improves lung capacity and cushions joints

broccoli - strengthens bones, saves eyesight, combats cancer, protects your heart and controls blood pressure

avos - battles diabetes, lowers cholesterol, helps stop strokes, controls blood pressure and smooths skin

chilli peppers - aids digestion, soothes sore throat, clears sinuses, combats cancer and boosts the immune system

onions - reduce risk of heart attack, combats cancer, kills bacteria, lowers cholesterol and fights fungus

sweet potatoes - saves your eyesight, lifts mood, combats cancer and strengthens bones

cauliflower - protects against prostrate cancer, combats breast cancer, strengthens bones, banishes bruises and guards against heart disease

Tostadas - you will need;

• corn tortillas, beans eg pinto, black eyed, etc, hing, chilli powder, cumin powder, shredded lettuce, tomato, black olives, grated cheese (also very good sans cheese), olive oil

what to do;

• add hing and chilli powder to heated olive oil then stir in beans and cumin powder, and mash to a thick paste (add a bit of water if too thick)
• Spread the refried beans onto the tortilla and tomp with lettuce, tomato, olives and grated cheese

A fab meal for a lazy Sunday evening.

Magical mermaid and dolphin oracle card reading

Worthiness - know that you deserve to receive good in all ways.

Today I am grateful for;

• the wonderful fresh veggies I bought today
• Friday
• my fabulous bedroom
• yoga
• my peaceful life
• ocean breeze fragrance oil
• earl grey tea
• slip slops - the le cheap rubber ones
• The Lighthouse Family Greatest Hits CD
• my papsti
• my giant green 'n blue paper clip

Today, celebrate who you are now not who you may be later............ and ENJOY 'madly in love with me' day on Saturday.............

Have a cha-cha-cha weekend

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

MY SERPENTINE NECKLACE

The name Serpentine derives from the ancient belief that the stone was a remedy against snake bites. This probably stems from the snaky pattern on the stone.

Magic - this stone has the power to avert harm, allay fears and develop psychic skills.

Healing function - enables absorption and use of life-energy (prana) throughout the body, calms and stabilizes the mind, heightens perception, good for meditation and the harmonious integration of new states of awareness.

Practical ideas - use Serpentine when anxieties and fears prevent proper relaxation and rest. Nightmares, insomnia, paranoia and fear of the unknown can be eased by wearing or holding the stone. This stone is comforting, flowing and enlightening.

Quote

'How wonderful is it that nobody needs wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.' - Anne Frank

Lemon and couscous stuffed tomatoes

You will need;

• tomatoes, couscous, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh mint, salt and pepper.

What to do;

• Cut tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds.


• Cook the couscous, once cooked stir in lemon juice and mint and season with salt and pepper.


• Spoon the couscous mixture into the tomato shells and garnish with mint leaves.


• Tastes best served at room temperature.

Give yourself a 2 minute recharge

Tired of sitting at your desk - do some yoga stretches - you will notice it immediately lifts your mood. So easy to do, no equipment needed. Try it.

Iceberg beliefs are often formed in childhood and are often passed down from generation to generation like an ugly heirloom.

Here are some typical ones;

• Boys do not cry
• If you don't do it right, it isn't worth doing
• Never show you are hurting
• Women must never show anger
• Marriage is important
• You must have children
• Never use the pretty underwear
• Good bed linen is only for the cupboard, etc

Today, use your 'big-girl/boy' mind to re-evaluate your iceberg beliefs and MELT them ........................

Have a lovely day/evening.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

TOMORROW IS INTERNATIONAL 'THANK YOU' DAY

Go on - pick someone special who has made a difference in your life during the last year. This should be a person who simply made a comment and shifted your viewpoint or direction. It could even be someone who did not even know they helped you - Wham!!! it just happened.
Share this with your friends and tell people that they have made a difference, however big or small.
Write a thank you note in your journal or paste a thank you note on your vision board.
Make February the 9th a GREAT thank you day.

Quote

'How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world' - William Shakespeare.

Cauliflower and spinach stir fry

Here's what to do ........

Today's wisdom card reading

Whenever I encounter a challenge in my life, I use the experience to learn and grow.

Today I am grateful for;

• the Obs holistic lifestyle fair (first Sunday of every month)
• Sunday lunch and giggles with friends
• Monday - this week will ROCK!

Today, remember to celebrate International Give Thanks Day tomorrow, wear your designer jeans and let your mystical wisdom inspire you ........

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

TIBETAN PRAYER FLAGS

I just love the sight of colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind - sometimes they just wave gently and other times they flap and dance crazily.

They seem to speak blessings to nature, which dissolve in the wind and bless all sentient beings.

Prayer flags have a long history and date back to ancient Tibet, China, Persia and India. The meanings of the symbols and texts are based on the concepts of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.

The Tibetan word for prayer flag is Dar Cho. "Dar" means to increase life, fortune, health and wealth, "Cho" means all sentient beings.

Such simple bits of colourful cloth, together with the natural energy of the wind, quietly harmonize the environment - increasing happiness and all things good.

And now for a yummy pumpkin recipe - I bought this HUGE white pumpkin, so need to get creative with recipes. Here goes ............

You will need;

onion, garlic, chilli (of course), salt, pepper tin of tomatoes, olive oil, pumpkin - diced and beans (I used the big white ones - forget what they are called)

what to do;

• saute onion, chilli and garlic till softened


• add pumpkin and tin of tomato - cook until almost done


• add beans


• salt and pepper
  

Serve together with basmati rice and a crunchy green salad.

Here's the finished product waiting to be chowed.

Today I am grateful for;

• Tibetan prayer flags
• hats
• water-lilies
• Johnny Cash Personal File CD
• My 1960's jeans

Wisdom Card Reading

I rise above all limitations. Whenever I encounter a challenge in my life, I use the experience to learn and grow.

Some 'Aristotle' wisdom to chow on

"We live in deeds, not years, in thoughts not breaths, in feelings not figures or dials. We should count time by hearth throbs. He most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest and acts the best."

Today, put all your energy into the present and enjoy the ebb and flow of your life ......

Have a 'wild banshee' weekend.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

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