WEDNESDAY IN THE KITCHEN

One of my serious passions is nutrition. So, for today a quick 'n easy recipe with enough cancer fighting ooooomph to kick cancer right off our rockin' planet.

A scrummy-yummy dish for all you creative Goddesses out there.

Caullie in Tomatoeeee Sauce
one whole cauliflower with the leaves
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
tomato paste
crushed garlic
chopped onion
handful of black olives
capers (optional)
dash of cayenne pepper or chillies
black pepper
salt

- saute onion till translucent
- add tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, cayenne pepper or chillies, salt and black pepper.

Simmer the above until the sauce has reached a thickish consistency. Around 1/2 an hour normally does the trick.

- add olives and the whole cauliflower

and simmer until the cauliflower is cooked. This dish keeps really well and can be warmed up without creating too much damage.

It is important to use a pot that is just slightly bigger than the cauliflower so that it stands in the sauce. The sauce should not cover more than the bottom half of the cauliflower. In other words the top of the cauliflower steams in the pot and is not covered by the sauce.

This is megalicious as a side dish or a main with a green salad.

Exploring Raw Foods and their Healing Properties
Another thing I love doing is reading about the success seriously ill people have had in reversing their illnesses through a mostly raw food diet.

I love books by Natalia Rose BUT my current favourite is Rawlicious by Peter and Beryn Daniel. It is hugely informative, the recipes are simple and there is plenty of advice regarding equipment required and how to incorporate raw food into your life. It's simple, down to earth and basic. What could be more natural!

There's an easy way to start............ substitute dinner party snacks (chips, peanuts, etc) with this Superfood Trail Mix - courtesy of Peter and Beryn's book.

Walk to your local health shop and purchase the following;

- goji berries
- cacao nibs
- raisins
- brazil nuts
- sunflower seeds
- pumpkin seeds

Measure one cup of each and mix well. Store in a glass container and enjoy a handful when you feel nibbly - you will be surprised how good it tastes.

The above power-house ingredients are good for the immune system, give you energy, a good source of Vitamin E, Omega oils and the brazil nuts reduce cancer risk.

Enjoy!

Today I am grateful for;

- my job
- Toffee 'n Shinga
- the sun rising earlier each day
- my friends
- candlelight
- my hair
- jasmine infused green tea

A magic message I received from the Universe (TUT) some time ago;

You know what makes the darkest times bearable, Anita?

Remembering that it's all an illusion - in a dreamed up world - where angels earn their wings - thoughts dress up as things and that 'somewhere back home' you lie safely in bed - in the palm of my hand - snuggled up tight with some big, fluffy stuffed animal.

Nice wings
The Universe

Wisdom card reading (Louise Hay)

I love being me.
I no longer judge or criticize myself.
I am free to love who I am.

May your day be wicked!

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv
xxx

TOTEM TUESDAY

My blog is one day old and definitely a work in progress. I am still trying to figure out how to download/upload/import photos (the lingo escapes me). I guess it will be fun to see how this project develops over time.

BUT, today is all about Totems. Do you have a Totem?
I have always resonated with giraffes. This could have something to do with the fact that our mum loved giraffes. Therefore I am convinced that my Totem is a giraffe. I find that in periods of my life when I soak up nature animals speak to me, they guide me and even assist in decisions I need to make. By soaking up nature I simply mean being in the outdoors whether it's as simple as being in the garden or walks in the country or at the sea. The animal that most often appears to me is the giraffe. Interestingly the giraffe has horns unlike any other animal. The third horn is actually a lump under the skin located just above the eyes - this is associated with the third or inner eye. The seat of higher intuition. This also ties in with the brow chakra - Indigo. The third eye chakra helps towards understanding, perception, knowledge and mental organization. Chakras are vortex centres, which allow energy to enter and exit our bodies.

The giraffe is a browser and a vegetarian just like moi!

Are you aware of your Totem/s? Our society tends to scoff at Totems. However, many moons ago Gods and Goddesses were often shown as animals. This tends to indicate that there is a power in animal Totems and we can use them to learn about ourselves, broaden our knowledge about our animal brothers and sisters and also to assist us through difficult times.

Take some time to just be aware. You will instinctively know which animal resonates with you. Then read up about it, study its habits and allow it into your life.

"If men had wings and bore black feathers, few

of them would be clever enough to be crows."

-Henry Ward Beecher

Today I am grateful for;

* the snail who left a record of its journey on my window

* last nights raindrops

* one day closer to my extended weekend away

* Virginia - how would I ever cope without you

Wisdom card reading (Louise Hay)

All of my relationships are enveloped in a circle of love.

We are all students and teachers. I often ask myself,

"what did I come here to learn and what did I come to teach?"

A super special mega-delicious email I received last night

Dearest Anita,
My work is done for the day.
And then I saw your BLOG. Never understood what that creature looks like on the planet. Because it was yours, and because you put yourself out there -literally - I browsed it, late as it is. And then wrote my comment as follows:

Darling Cousin Anita, You have given my 65-year old eyes their first taste of what a blog ISSSSSSSSSSSSS, which sizzles my ears with its tantalising promise of plant joy.And all this on the very day when my peasant-gutsy mother would have been walking on this crazy-speed planet as a 102-year-old, had she not travelled into other spheres 39 years ago. Karin

BUT I lost my nerve when I didn't know how to POST it without incurring accounts, viruses and porno, and notifications of having won millions if I could just collect my prize after giving my credit cards.
I can see how square I am compared to your coolness - and it's just 15 years which separate our births.
See you tomorrow. Probably around 10.30.
Love
Karin

And, lastly

remember to always treat our animal friends with love and respect.

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx

MONDAY MUSINGS

Today is my very first post - excited and nervous - but I bet it will provide oodles of fun and a HUGE learning experience.

My other first for October 2009 is learning to use my camera - my cuz Karin very aptly calls this "seeing the world through God's Sony eyes".

- Firstly, a much needed explanation regarding the name of my blog.

PEACE : This relates to my love of John Lennon's tunes and Yoko Ono's style. I'm a closet hippie-chick, plaits, tie-dye mini skirts, ankle chains, bell-bottoms, The Beatles and Woodstock make me swoon! World peace is something we can all contribute to by living, promoting and teaching a peaceful existence in our own little corner of the world. And most importantly peace is good for the soul.

VEGGIES : I love God's gift of plant food and am a strict vegetarian and a struggling vegan. I intend to share interesting recipes, health tips (after all it's sexy to be healthy) and my struggles to avoid all things dairy, especially cheese.

HEARTBEATS AT MY FEET : My two pups Toffee 'n Shinga. Well, they can't exactly be called pups anymore, as they are definitely in the twilight of their lives. They are my ever faithful friends, partners and teachers who have guided me through dark times. Thank you for sharing your bouncy and inquisitive lives with me - this blog is dedicated to both of you.

- My daily ritual - wisdom reading card. Do you have a daily ritual?

"It is only a thought and a thought can be changed.

The thoughts I choose to think and believe right now

are creating my future. These thoughts form my

experiences tomorrow, next week and next year."

Louise Hay

- What are you grateful for on this fun-loving Monday?

- Here's my gratitude list;

* my health

* wispy clouds and juicy rays of sunshine

* my Papsti

* yummy cauliflower in my fridge

* my neighbour's kitties frolicking in my garden

* a new week with new opportunities

* being alive

* thinking about turning 50 in 4 months time - Yay!!!!

* my brother Manf and darlingest sister-in-law Kathy

* kindness

* my home

* my new camera (lovingly selected by my big brother)

* yesterday's wonderful pic of Morgan (my itsy-bitsy fashionista)

Wow! I could go on and on ...............

- Monday's Veg Inspirations : Courtesy of The World Peace Diet

Of itself, veganism is not a panacea, but it effectively removes a basic hindrance to our happiness, freedom and unfoldment. As a living and ongoing expression of non-violence, it is an enormously powerful agent of transformation in our individual lives, especially since our culture opposes it so vehemently.

- Wise words to remember : The worst mistake you can make is to think you are alive when really, you are asleep in life's waiting room. (author unknown)

Peace 'n whirlpools of luv

xxx