clutching urchins

Prom

2012-02-16T03:59:00.001-07:00

I have the sweetest, most thoughtful husband on the planet.

He planned and executed an 80's prom for Valentines Day!

I was told to get dressed for an 80s party in Chicago... that is all I knew.

We ended up going to dinner at a little diner in Valpo, that was apparently the place

to take your prom date "back in the day".

The 4 of us walked in decked out in our 80's outfits and were turning heads!

After dinner I thought we were headed to Chicago but....

we ended u stopping by the studio

where Jeremy had the entire place decorated and pumping 80's tunes!

It was absolutely the most fun I have had on Valentines Day ever!!

good for you

2012-02-15T03:44:00.000-07:00

Did u sweetheart get you something chocolate for Valentines day?

Good news! You may be able to thank them for contributing to your health!

The more the chocolate is processed, the fewer health benefits remain in the finished product. This is one reason why raw cacao products have become so popular. However, many health benefits remain in non-raw dark chocolate and cocoa, as long as there aren't too many added ingredients like high fructose corn syrup to counterbalance the benefits. The more basic the chocolate, the better! Like anything chocolate needs to be consumed in moderation and you should choose high quality chocolate. No.... Reese Peanut Butter cups and Snickers do not count!

Here are 5 health promoting qualities of chocolate:

1. High in Antioxidants
Cocoa contains flavanols, a type of flavanoid that is only found in cocoa and chocolate. Flavanoids are naturally-occurring compounds that occur in plant foods that act as antioxidants and help counteract free radicals in the body.

2. Lowered Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Dark chocolate has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure in people with elevated blood pressure. Studies have shown that the antioxidants in cacao work like brooms in sweeping plaque out of the arteries. Eating dark chocolate on a regular basis has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by as much as 10 percent.

3. Natural Anti-Depressant
Chocolate contains serotonin, a natural anti-depressant. Chocolate also stimulates endorphin production, which creates feelings of happiness and pleasure.

4. Cancer Fighter
Several studies have found chocolate to be one of the best cancer-fighting foods along with foods like red wine, blueberries, garlic, and tea. Two ways that chocolate works as a cancer fighter is by inhibiting cell division and reducing inflammation.

5. High in Magnesium
Cacao is higher in magnesium than any other plant. Magnesium is an important mineral that helps in the regulation of the digestive, neurological, and cardiovascular systems.

Here are two of my favorite healthy chocolate companies!!

Dagoba and Theo Chocolate

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ok who is this girl and why is she on my V-day post?

She is my makeup inspiration for the Valentines party in Chicago tonight.

My husband has planned a hilarious night of 80's fun

to celebrate Valentines Day.

I have no idea where we are going, all I know is the theme is

80's PROM... Oh it's going to be a riot!

I am so thankful that I married such a sweet, and FUN man!

Being gorgeous is just the icing on his cake!!

my love

2012-02-14T03:43:00.000-07:00

V-Day Cookies

2012-02-13T04:38:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I made Valentines day cookies with my neices

We had a blast but I ended up with a raging headache from all the sugar.

I shared my delicious cookies with friends who are now eager for the recipe.

These are the cookies that I have eaten for every holiday my entire life.

My Mom would make these and we would cut them into bats, hearts, trees... etc

They are SO good and even better a couple of days later.

I find Betty Crocker vanilla frosting to be the best compliment to them.

This was the perfect opportunity for me to try my squirrel cutters! So cute!

Mama's holiday cookies

1cup margarine/or butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup butter milk

4-5 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
1 tsp nutmeg- (I add cinnamon too)

I creamed the sugar and butter together first

then added the flower and added the wet ingredients last

1/2 cup of the flour can be used for rolling out and

adding more if dough sticks to rolling pin

These cookies work best of you make the dough ahead and chill overnight

Roll 1/2 inch thick Bake at 350 for 8-10 mins

Cookies will not get brown, except for on the bottom

Be careful not to overcook

Frost when cool and ENJOY =)

baby love

2012-02-12T03:22:00.000-07:00

Fantastic song written about the kind of love 

that explodes when a child comes into your life

Valentines

2012-02-11T02:05:00.000-07:00

Cute Valentines ideas over at Four Cards on ETSY!

between the sheets

2012-02-10T01:54:00.004-07:00

It's not just menopausal women who know what it's like to need a little help in the lubrication department. I have found since talking to my patients about their sexual health that many young women use lubrication. Condoms lubricated with the spermicide nonoxynol-9 have been associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infection and yeast infection. Many lubricants contain chemicals and now there is a natural option!! Aloe Cadabra is an organic, all natural food grade lubricant. It is not a spermicide and will not prevent STDs. Safe if ingested. Just in time for Valentines Day!!

you'll be happier

2012-02-09T04:37:00.001-07:00

adorable.

2012-02-08T04:16:00.001-07:00

Michelle showing off Valentine red lips. So adorable!

realization

2012-02-08T04:12:00.002-07:00

Valentines

2012-02-07T04:08:00.000-07:00

Get yourself some cute Valentines from ETSY. 

So much cuter than what you find at Target or Hallmark! 

lub-dub

2012-02-06T04:36:00.000-07:00

Your heart beats about 100,000 times in one day and about 35 million times in a year. During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times.
Give a tennis ball a good, hard squeeze. You're using about the same amount of force your heart uses to pump blood out to the body. Even at rest, the muscles of the heart work hard—twice as hard as the leg muscles of a person sprinting
The aorta, the largest artery in the body, is almost the diameter of a garden hose. Capillaries, on the other hand, are so small that it takes ten of them to equal the thickness of a human hair.
Your body has about 5.6 liters (6 quarts) of blood. This 5.6 liters of blood circulates through the body three times every minute. In one day, the blood travels a total of 19,000 km (12,000 miles)—that's four times the distance across the US from coast to coast.
The heart pumps about 1 million barrels of blood during an average lifetime—that's enough to fill more than 3 super tankers

love birds

2012-02-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

Some beautiful love bird art on ETSY 

Boob Tube

2012-02-04T02:18:00.000-07:00

New research from Harvard shows that watching 2 hours of television

puts you at a 20% greater risk for diabetes, heart disease and death!

You can reverse this! Get out and be ACTIVE!!

Exercising for 30 minutes a day (5 days a week)

lowers your heart disease risk by 14%!!

mugs

2012-02-03T03:40:00.000-07:00

Check out these adorable painted, ceramic reusable mugs I found on Etsy!

They are non toxic and made in Brooklyn!

I love them!!

No pulse.

2012-02-02T04:31:00.000-07:00

This is mind blowing to me.

This is technology that will potentially replace the human heart.

I am in awe.

Heart Stop Beating | Jeremiah Zagar from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.

February

2012-02-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

February is here already... The month of love.

I am planning to focus a lot of the topics in the blog
on love and heart health this month.

Being in love and finding your soul mate if the most wonderful thing in the world.

When you find that someone you want to grow old together.

Here are the recent life expectancy stats:

White men live 75.4 yrs
Black men 69.2 years
White women 80.5 years
Black women 76.1 years

What these stats show is that many women go on to live life without their men. This is a sad fact and is attributable to many things. Last week I was at the clinic and when looking over the schedule I realized that out of 25 patients we would be seeing that day 2 were men. This is common... men do not like to see doctors and typically are less concerned about their health. I wish I could find a way to change this. So the point to my blog is take care of the one you love! Encourage them to eat better, exercise, stress less and see their doctor yearly! We have to take care of each other!

Totes

2012-01-31T05:05:00.004-07:00

Check out these adorable totes I found on Etsy.

They are perfect for a trip to the Farmers Market.

In 2012 use less plastic and more canvas! 

Mmmmm

2012-01-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

Sweet Potato, spinach and lentil Dahl

Ingredients

100g red lentils
450ml vegetable stock
1 small onion, grated or finely chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
1 red chilli , finely chopped
1 large sweet potato cut into small pieces
2 handfuls young leaf spinach , shredded
2 naan bread , warmed, to serve

Put all the ingredients except the sweet potato, spinach and naans in a pan, bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Add the sweet potato and cook until tender, another 10-12 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook for a minute until wilted.
Serve with naans.

Per serving

350 kcalories, protein 16.4g, carbohydrate 68.5g, fat 3.1 g, saturated fat 0.3g, fibre 8.3g, salt 2.66 g

Find more yummy recipes here

Taylor

2012-01-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

Miss Swift landed herself on the cover of Vogue

Good for her. She deserves it!! 

adorable

2012-01-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

How adorable is she?

I hope I am this cute when I'm pregnant

apothecary

2012-01-29T05:02:00.004-07:00

fabulous packaging.

I would love to try these products.
Not only for the adorable bottles but because they are paraben free!
Parabens are chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic industry which include methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl. They are endocrine disruptors that have been linked to cancer as well as an environmental contaminant.

Go here to order yours.

soak

2012-01-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

I need a good soak in a deep tub.

There's nothing like coming home from a long 12 hour shift

and sinking into a hot tub with lavender bubbles.

THIS is my favorite bath product right now

like u mean it

2012-01-28T03:35:00.000-07:00

Save some face, you know you've only got one...

revelation

2012-01-27T04:58:00.000-07:00

"I was brought up in a Christian movement where, because God had to be given pre-eminence, nothing else was allowed to be important. I have broken through to the position that because God exists everything else has significance."

Irish poet, Evangeline Paterson

benjamins

2012-01-26T04:38:00.000-07:00

wise.

Kale

2012-01-26T03:57:00.001-07:00

Kale with Tomato, garlic and thyme

Ingredients

1 tablespoons plus two teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 pound boiled, chopped kale leaves
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium. Add garlic cloves, thinly sliced, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes, quartered, and fresh thyme leaves. Cook until tomatoes begin to break down, 2 minutes. Add kale and cook until heated through, 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons oil. Enjoy with friends =)

DIY

2012-01-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

Exciting news!!

My friends Jessie and Vincent are in DIY magazine this month!

Check out more of their lovely work in their ETSY shop!

Books

2012-01-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

Three books I want in my kitchen in 2012

jewels

2012-01-24T04:37:00.001-07:00

I am wanting so many things in THIS Etsy shop!! 
I LOVE the colors and the stones they  use! 

hoooot

2012-01-24T04:07:00.001-07:00

I adore owls. It is actually a goal of 2012 to meet one in the wild.

Whenever Flint and I are exploring the woods together

I am scanning the forest for big owl eyes.

This has to be the cutest birthday cake ever!

It's also semi-good for you. Look at all those almonds!!

WINTER

2012-01-23T04:25:00.001-07:00

Sarah Burke, the pioneering Canadian freestyler, who helped get superpipe accepted into the Olympics, died on Jan. 10 after a fatal crash during a training run in Utah.

Sarah lived near Whistler, in British Columbia was only 29 years old. This is a tragic story and one that has been on my mind for days. It's never easy to see such a young life end so tragically. I am not a huge ski fan and didn't know a lot about Sarah but after I saw this video about her and her husband I realized what an amazing, talented, loved women was lost. This video is a beautiful tribute to their love as well as their talent. I plan to watch WINTER when it is released. I was so happy to read that all of her fans kicked in to help her family pay for the more than $200,000 that was owed in her medical bills in Utah.

Her quote in this clip stands out “It’s what our lives are, being on the hill and there’s a reason for that, it’s amazing, it’s where we met, where we live, have fun …. And hopefully where we die”

HERE is another beautiful tribute to her life with a lot more ski clips.

HOPE

2012-01-22T04:36:00.001-07:00

Take a few moments from your busy day and get to know MaMa Hope.

Mama Hope works in close partnership with local African organizations to connect them with the resources required to transform their own communities.

The inspiration behind the “Stop the Pity” Movement

Take the word AFRICA… without thinking, what images immediately come to mind?

War? AIDS? Genocide? Or maybe the vision of a small child with a swollen belly, surrounded by flies? … Too many non-profits ask for your pity by depicting poor, helpless Africans. But like any stereotype, this portrayal has more exceptions than truth.

Mama Hope feels it is time to re-humanize Africa and look to the positive change that is happening. Through a series of videos Mama Hope wants to show the light of the people we serve in Africa. We aspire to introduce our partner communities to you with the integrity and brilliance that we witness everyday. In these videos we feature the shared traits that make us all human—the dancing, the singing, the laughter and bring the compelling truth of their lives to your living room. This is a campaign to build awareness of the simple fact that we are more similar than different. It’s time for us to change the way we see people across the world and start to see other communities for the people they are instead of the stereotypes we’ve been trained to expect. It is time to stop the pity and unlock the potential!

groove

2012-01-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

Some Santigold to get your weekend started

do good anyway

2012-01-21T05:18:00.002-07:00

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway.

- Blessed Mother Teresa

Soup

2012-01-20T04:22:00.002-07:00

Sweet & Spicy Carrot Bisque

Ingredients

1 Tbs. canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced (1 cup)
1 tsp. plus 1 pinch salt
2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
1 Tbs. curry powder
1 pinch cayenne pepper
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds (4 cups)
1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
1 13.5-oz. can light coconut milk, divided
2 1/2 Tbs. lime juice

Directions

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and pinch of salt, and sauté 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Stir in ginger, and cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add curry powder, cayenne, and 1/4 cup water. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to coat onion and ginger with curry mixture.

2. Add carrots, banana, 1 tsp. salt, and 4 cups water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, 25 minutes, or until carrots are soft enough to be pierced with fork.

3. Purée soup in batches in blender or food processor. Return soup to pot, and stir in 1 cup coconut milk and lime juice.

4. Simmer remaining 3/4 cup coconut milk in small saucepan over medium-high heat 10 minutes, or until reduced by half.

5. Ladle soup in bowls, and swirl 11/2 Tbs. coconut milk reduction into each serving.

Nutritional Information

Per 1 1/2-cup serving:

Calories	225
Protein	3g
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbs	27g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	716mg
Fiber	6g
Sugar	12g

pantaloons

2012-01-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

Some fabulous pants to inspire you this year

Take a risk and get out of those jeans

create

2012-01-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

Some great advice for this new year of life. 

Stop wasting time and making excuses

This is the year you need to really live

Globes

2012-01-17T04:08:00.002-07:00

More fashion that I loved from Sunday night's Golden Globes 

I personally think that Salma Hyek look STUNNING. 

Her hair is beyond beautiful!! 

Golden

2012-01-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Michelle Williams wearing a blue velvet dress by Jason Wu 

at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards. She is a gem. 

Perfect style every time...

Get some

2012-01-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

Women who eat nuts five times a week are 27% less likely

to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don't

In 2000 and twelve

2012-01-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

It's 2012. What does the earth look like?

It's been 12 years since we all welcomed the year 2000.

What has changed?

There are seven BILLION people on the planet right now
One billion of those people are hungry everyday
1/3 of the world's crops are used for livestock, biofuels and non food products
40% of the Earth's land has been cleared for agriculture
Global meat consumption has increased by 20% in the past 10 years

We need to increase food production by 70% to feed the world's population. This is a scary fact.

Wild

2012-01-14T04:54:00.000-07:00

This feature length documentary tells the story of photographer Roberto Dutesco and his passion for the incredible wild horses of Sable Island. I received his gorgeous book as a gift from my mother this Christmas. It is a dream of mine to someday visit Sable Island and to watch these gorgeous creatures run wild and free.

Chasing Wild Horses - Clip 1 of 4 from Roberto Dutesco on Vimeo.

Chasing Wild Horses - Clip 2 of 4 from Roberto Dutesco on Vimeo.

urge

2012-01-14T03:47:00.002-07:00

If you feel the urge to be critical

be sure the urge is coming from a place of kindness

January cleanse

2012-01-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

So I arrived home from a fabulous vacation at home in Canada earlier this week. It was wonderful to breathe fresh salt air, eat my mom's cooking and relax everyday. I ate WAY too much sugar and indulged in way too much alcohol on my little vacation. Isn't that what happens on vacation? I am now feeling sluggish, tired and in need of cleansing. I've majorly upped my water (with lemon) intake and have been drinking 3 cups of green tea a day. I believe in cleansing safely and realistically. I think the water, lemon, cayenne and maple syrup cleanse is ridiculous. It's simply not enough to sustain anyone's brain. I like to be active everyday and to do that a person needs whole foods. This month I will focus on eating whole foods, many raw foods and avoiding these things:

Processed foods
Sugar
Dairy
Caffeine
Alcohol

I plan to juice everyday and also add some important supplements. A great way to start the day is with a healthy, delicious green smoothie.

Green Machine Smoothie

Combine 6 chopped romaine leaves, 4 chopped kale leaves, 1/2 cup fresh parsley sprigs, 1/2 cup chopped pineapple, 1/2 cup chopped mango, 1 inch of fresh ginger, and 1.5 cups of water.

Blend until smooth. I also like to add ground flax and a dash of cinnamon to mine.

Winter stew

2012-01-12T05:25:00.000-07:00

Butternut Stew with Tofu, Corn and Pine Nuts
This stew may be served alone in a bowl like chili often is, or you may serve it on a plate with brown rice and black beans
Ingredient List
SERVES 8

4 cups frozen Silver Queen or other sweet corn kernels, thawed
4 cups peeled and diced butternut squash
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. white pepper
4 cups water
2 Tbs. chicken-flavored broth powder
4 Tbs. olive oil
1 lb. firm tofu, diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 scallions, minced, for garnish
Directions

1. Place corn in blender or food processor, and purée until coarse. Transfer corn to heavy saucepan, and add squash, garlic, salt, pepper, water and broth powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and cook until squash is tender.

2. Meanwhile, heat large skillet over medium heat, and add oil. Toss diced tofu in flour, and sauté until browned on all sides. Add pine nuts, and sauté 1 minute more. When squash is tender, add tofu and pine nuts, stir and continue cooking 5 minutes. Remove from heat, garnish with scallions and serve.

Nutritional Information

Per SERVING: Calories: 260, Protein: 10g, Total fat: 14g, Saturated fat: 2g, Carbs: 29g, Cholesterol: mg, Sodium: 580mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 4g

grains

2012-01-11T03:39:00.000-07:00

Why not make 2012 the year that you experiment with grains? Brown rice is fine but there are so many other delicious options. One of my new favorite grains is wheat berry. There is a cafe in a town nearby that serves a yummy wheat berry salad that is full of nuts, cranberries and fruit. Here are a few grain ideas to get you started.

Wheat Berry: A great grain for those who can handle gluten. These grains are an excellent source of fiber and iron. The texture is a bit chewy and the flavor is slightly nutty. It is excellent as a cold grain salad.

Farro: This is sometimes called emmer wheat. It is a bit lower in calories than wheat berries (100 cals/ half cup). This grain has twice the fiber of brown rice. The flavor is complex and earthy and the texture is creamy. It is an excellent grain for risotto.

Amaranth: This tiny grain packs 5 grams of protein per half cup. This grain also contains lysine, an amino acid needed by the body for tissue repair and growth. Lysine also helps the body absorb calcium. This grain is gluten free. When cooked with another grain, such as brown rice, amaranth doesn't overwhelm with its sticky consistency but adds a nutty sweetness. Use a ratio of 1/4 cup amaranth to 3/4 cup other grain and cook as usual. I love it as a hot cereal in the morning with bananas, cinnamon and coconut milk on top.

elderly animals

2012-01-10T04:10:00.000-07:00

This is such a beautiful video. This project is brilliant.

Animals evoke so much emotion in me and I found myself choked up watching this.

Isa Leshko is a brave and beautiful person.

9 ways

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here are 9 ways to get healthier this year. It's January...

That means it's time to make changes and get serious about your health.

Thank you to Kris Carr for these!

1. Get clear.
Want to see the most marvelous waterfall at sunset? Let’s go! Wait – where are we going?
You can’t find it without directions, right?
To transform your health, energy, and body, you need to take stock of where you are now, what you’re eating, and what you want to change. Write down everything – how you feel when you wake up, what cravings you have, what your diet is like, your exercise routine (if any), and what you would like to feel and look like.
Got it written down? Good. Now let’s begin.
2. Get support.
Now you’re ready to climb the mountain to see the waterfall, and you’ve even timed it so you can get there right at sunset to catch the most spectacular view.
But what supplies do you need? There are twelve paths to choose from – which one is safe, fast and will get you to the best spot?
That’s where expert support comes into play. Talk with someone who has been there before – read the blogs of experts, watch inspiring movies online or listen to radio shows on the area of health that interests you the most. Find a tribe of people who are dedicated to making the same changes you want to accomplish.
There is power in joining forces – they’ll pull you along, and you’ll help them at the same time.
3. Make a plan.
Once you have the map, the expert guide and the support, look at the goals you’ve created.
Do you want to eat more vegetables? Less sugar? Kick your caffeine habit completely? Do you want to lose 20 pounds or clear up your skin? Great!
What is the first step towards your goal? If it’s eating less sugar, maybe it’s time to learn about natural foods that give you the sweet sensation you’re looking for without robbing your energy (more on that in a minute). Or maybe you need to throw away the bags of candy or chocolate lingering from Halloween. Or maybe there’s something in your lifestyle that triggers your sugar cravings that you can address in a non-food-way.
Whatever the issue is, there are steps you can take to make it a non-issue: Start brainstorming on what to do first, then what you can do tomorrow, and in no time you’ll be free and clear!
4. Be Seasonal.
Use seasonal, local produce as much as possible.
When you eat veggies from a nearby farm, they offer you the energy and nutrients that support you where you are and when you are. Here’s what I mean:
Eating iceberg lettuce and watermelon north of the 45th parallel in winter does not support your body in the cold, sunless months. Instead, choose winter squash, cabbage, other hearty winter greens and apples and pears. These fruits and veggies give you great, fresh nutrition rather than arriving depleted from half way across the world.
5. Sleep More
The human body is built to follow natural rhythms. Our inner body clock, called circadian rhythm, triggers the natural impulses to wake up with the sun, sleep when it’s dark, as well as a host of other natural body processes.
When your natural circadian rhythm is thrown off, due to jet lag or just staying up too late night after night, your body and brain work at half-speed, and your body feels off balance. Years of staying up late and not getting enough sleep during the darker, winter months, makes caffeine necessary and cravings for sugar more intense.
This winter, try an experiment: Go to bed early and wake up early. Get into bed by 9 P.M. and wake up at 4 or 5 A.M. Even a few days a week of this pattern will help you feel more refreshed, healthier, and those intense food cravings will release their hold on you just a bit more.
6. Make breakfast a priority.
Now that you’re sleeping better, you can wake up earlier and get a good breakfast in your body. Still everyone is different and you might need something that your partner or child doesn’t like or desire. Experiment with different types of food for your morning meal, alternating savory, sweet, liquid or combination breakfasts.
You might notice that a protein-rich meal keeps you filled longer. Or perhaps you find that a light meal of fruit and herbal tea is perfect.
Try it out – notice what happens for the rest of the day with your cravings. Your first meal can determine your energy for the rest of the day.
7. Skip the white foods.
Any white, refined food is going to steal nutrients and energy from your body.
White flour, white sugar, white table salt.
All of these foods are stripped of nutrition, vitamins and minerals, and offer only the jolt of carbohydrate or sodium. Without any supportive nutrients, your body must draw on its own precious stores to metabolize the refined food, leading to depleted energy over time.
8. Sweeten the deal.
Use more naturally sweet foods instead of relying on white foods, candy, and soda for energy. Give up processed sugars!
Include sweet root veggies, fruits and even whole grains to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Sweet potatoes offer carotenoid antioxidants, and help your body respond to insulin better. Parsnips are high in silicon and fiber, and are high in calcium. Beets are high in boron, a mineral critical for the production of human sex hormones.
Adding daily doses of sweet veggies, you’ll crave less sugary treats, and you’ll be giving your body necessary nutrients for long-term health.
9. Move your body like your life depends on it – because it does!
It doesn't matter what you do – you can run, walk, swim, bike, dance, lift, jump or even get jiggy between the sheets more often – just move. Daily. As if it were your last day on earth.

Oragami

2012-01-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

Pretty amazing oragami money 

THIS book will teach you how

music

2012-01-06T04:15:00.000-07:00

Wow. This is beautiful.

I could listen to Ryan Adams and Laura Marling all day.

suit

2012-01-05T03:26:00.000-07:00

I know it's December... but in the winter I dream of the beach

I am dreaming of myself stretched out with a good book rockin this awesome suit.

groove

2012-01-04T04:18:00.000-07:00

Break dancing and yoga combo?

This is also a great new skill to learn in 2012

Scarf

2012-01-03T04:24:00.001-07:00

It's January... you know what that means. 

Get out your favorite scarf and prepare to spend a lot of time with it this month. Maybe you need some inspiration to get a new, fancy one. If so go HERE, you are sure to find one you will love. 

Angie

2012-01-02T04:14:00.000-07:00

Angie is on the cover of Marie Claire this month. 

It seems she's come out of hiding.

Probably has a lot to do with promoting her new movie

What are u doing?

2011-12-31T06:10:00.001-07:00

Resolutions

2011-12-30T05:34:00.007-07:00

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back. It's a new year soon... 2012. What are you vowing to stop doing this new year??
Here are some ideas to get you started:

Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.
Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.
Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves.
Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.
Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.
Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.
Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.
Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.
Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else.
Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.
Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.
Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.
Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.
Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.
Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”
Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.
Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.
Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.
Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.
Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.
Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.
Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done.
Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.
Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.
Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.
Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.
Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.
Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.
Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

Autism

2011-12-29T03:15:00.000-07:00

According to the CDC it is estimated that between 1 in 80 and 1 in 240 with an average of 1 in 110 children in the United States have an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
There are three main types of ASDs:

Autistic disorder (also called classic autism): Affected individuals often have severe speech, social and behavioral problems. Sometimes individuals also have intellectual disability.
Asperger syndrome: Affected individuals have milder social and behavioral problems than individuals with autistic disorder. They usually have normal speech and intellectual abilities.
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (also called atypical autism): Affected individuals have some symptoms, often including speech and social problems, but not enough to be diagnosed with classic autism.

I find it very interesting that antidepressant use in the US doubled from 1995 to 2005. For more on this fact go HERE. As antidepressant use has been rising so has the rate of autism. Several studies in 2011 revealed that children whose mothers take Zoloft, Prozac, or similar antidepressants during pregnancy are twice as likely as other children to have a diagnosis of autism or a related disorder. One study even showed a link with mothers who took these medications up to a year prior to getting pregnant. How can we be overlooking this critical LINK? When will people stop blaming vaccines and start looking for the real cause? Medications that effect brain development may be doing much more damage than we realized.

Twins are often studied to learn more about diseases like autism. Identical twins share 100 percent of their genes; fraternal twins share 50 percent of their genes. So comparing autism rates in both types of twins can enable researchers to measure the importance of genes versus shared environment. Recent twin studies have proven that environmental factors as just as important as genetic factors when determining autism risk in children. Something to think about....
To learn more go HERE or HERE

home

2011-12-28T04:48:00.000-07:00

Today I will spend the entire day on a mission.

Make it home... to the island I grew up on

The place where iIcan't help but be me

The place where I spend my life running from and running to

I cannot wait to smell the ocean

babies

2011-12-27T04:41:00.001-07:00

It seems like I am the only one of my friends who is not a mother...

I know that's not true but there were a lot of babies born this year.

I am a fan of more traditional and even old school names.

Here is a list of the top baby names of 2011

Happy Boxing day!!

2011-12-26T05:02:00.000-07:00

Boxing Day, also known as St. Stephen's Day, is celebrated on December 26 - the day after Christmas. It was a way for people to make contributions of cash or goods to those less fortunate. Some say it began with the opening of alms boxes in churches during Christmas season and the contributions were distributed the day after Christmas to the needy.

Boxing Day is celebrated in Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand. Today many families and businesses donate time, money or services to those individuals or charities who are in need.

It was also the day when the master/mistress would distribute the Christmas Box (a gift or money) to the servants. Once upon a time people like the postman (mailman), refuse collector and milkman would call at the houses they serviced for a Christmas "Box" and woe betide the person who didn't give one. Nowadays we just "tip" the people when we see them.

Boxing Day originated during the Victorian era. Family households would celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day but this meant that their servants had to continue with their normal work and so, in effect, missed out on the celebration. To compensate for this, families would set aside December 26 as the time for their servants' Christmas. Work duties would be dropped to a minimum, with family members assuming some of the responsibilities of the servants, such as keeping the fireplace stocked with coal, greeting visitors themselves and supplying the servants with a good Christmas dinner. The term "Boxing Day" refers to the gift that the family gave to each servant - wrapped in box. Despite the good-will shown to their servants there was no mixed lunch or partying the night away together. Decent families still kept a reasonable distance from their servants.

Christ the KING

2011-12-25T01:48:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!

Christmas magic

2011-12-24T03:50:00.000-07:00

I have vivid memories of opening my advent calender on December 24th.

It was the longest day of the year...

The anticipation was overwhelming as a child.

Going to sleep seemed impossible this night.

The magic of Christmas is so amazing when you are a child.

In my 30's I have discovered a new magic in Christmas.

It's the wonderful feeling you get when you give of yourself.

I love that I am at the place in my life when I have realized

that all of the commercial chaos in this season is pointless.

Shopping and wrapping and buying... it adds no magic

What is magical is the story of Christmas

The Christ who came in human form to give all life

The ultimate gift and the ultimate sacrifice.

This is what keeps me awake, wide eyed and teary on Christmas eve.

mastery

2011-12-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

last minute shopping?

Ease your own stress:

Learn to master the ART of waiting.

reality

2011-12-23T03:31:00.000-07:00

breakfast

2011-12-22T04:33:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm step by step healthy breakfast smoothie.

I am obsessed with dates right now.

art

2011-12-21T03:58:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool art work by Brock Davis.

brock davis is an artist based in minneapolis.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

2011-12-20T03:44:00.000-07:00

Today is my sweet mother's birthday. 

I wish so badly I could be there to celebrate with her today.

The exciting thing is NEXT week I will be!!!

Today I am sending you love, joy, peace and happiness my beautiful mother. 

May you be celebrated and spoiled today. 

We ALL know you deserve it. 

I love you to the moon and back.

I love this pic of my parents "back in the day". 

Not sure the exact date but I think it was in the late 60's.

waiting

2011-12-19T04:12:00.000-07:00

I love this!! The anticipation of Christmas.

prayer

2011-12-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

 "Our  Father, who has set a restlessness in our hearts and made us all  seekers after that which we can never fully find, forbid us to be  satisfied with what we make of life. Draw us from base content and set  our eyes on far-off goals. Keep us at tasks too hard for us that we may  be driven to Thee for strength. Deliver us from fretfulness and  self-pitying: make us sure of the good we cannot see and of the hidden  good in the world. Open our eyes to the simple beauty all around us and  our hearts to the loveliness men hide from us because we do not try to  understand them. Save us from ourselves and show us a vision of a world  made new." 

-Eleanor Roosevelt's nightly prayer

grains

2011-12-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

This salad would be a delicious addition to any holiday party!

Apple, Pecan, & Cranberry Quinoa Salad

1 package of plain quinoa (cooked, as per the instructions on the box)
1 cup of dried cranberries
1 green apple
1 handful of pecan pieces
1/2 or 1 cup of red onions (depending on your taste)
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (I used a little less)
1 tablespoon of maple syrup

Chop up all the ingredients into small pieces and add to cooked quinoa. Stir ingredients while adding the olive oil, vinegar and syrup. Let cool slightly before covering and placing in the fridge. Serve chilled. Enjoy!
Found HERE

H2-ooooh

2011-12-17T03:46:00.000-07:00

The average person uses 70 gallons of water

in their 10 minute shower.

That's 1,120 8-oz bottles worth!! YIKES

snowy ones

2011-12-16T04:03:00.000-07:00

Santa please

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this shearling coat from Need Supply.

One of my favorite stores!

Club Monaco

2011-12-15T04:11:00.001-07:00

peek at spring collection. I adore CM

Gaga for Vanity Fair

2011-12-14T04:51:00.000-07:00

holiday muffin

2011-12-14T04:48:00.000-07:00

Christmas Cashew Cranberry Muffins

Makes 12

Ingredients:

1 cup white whole wheat flour
1 cup spelt flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground flax
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 cup cashew butter
1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise or sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup chopped roasted, salted cashews

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a muffin pan with cooking spray.
Whisk together flours, sugar, flaxseed meal, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in bowl.
Whisk together almond milk and vinegar in a separate bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to make “buttermilk”.
Whisk in cashew butter, mayonnaise, and vanilla. Stir almond milk mixture into flour mixture.
Fold in cranberries and cashews. Divide batter among muffin cups.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then invert onto a wire rack to cool. Serve warm.

naughty

2011-12-13T03:45:00.000-07:00

Cheers! Festive and a little feisty, this Spiked and Spiced Holiday Soy Nog Shake makes the perfect sippable dessert… a decadent treat that’s more naughty than nice.

Ingredients: (serves 4)
3 cups vegan ice cream (vanilla, soy nog or cinnamon)
1 cup Organic Soy Nog
1/2 cup ice cubes
4 oz. (1/2 cup) brandy, rum or bourbon, to taste
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground or freshly grated nutmeg
Vegan whipped cream
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg for garnish
Wafer cookie rolls or chocolate candy sticks for garnish

1. Place first seven ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Divide between four festive glasses, top with vegan whipped cream and garnish with spices, cookies and/or chocolate. Enjoy by the fire =)

melodies

2011-12-12T04:41:00.001-07:00

Beautiful song from the She and Him Christmas album

It's putting me in the holiday spirit!

What's your favorite holiday song?

ornaments

2011-12-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous blown glass ornaments that make me miss home

I would love to have a tree covered in whales!

Check out this adorable ETSY shop.

GM foods...

2011-12-11T04:18:00.000-07:00

holiday party

2011-12-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for a holiday party with our friends in Michigan tonight!

They are fabulous hosts and always throw amazing parties!

The holiday spirit is in full swing!!

I hope you are enjoying this weekend with friends and family!

SUGAR

2011-12-10T03:15:00.002-07:00

"One  cup of any of 44 children’s cereals – including Honey Nut Cheerios,  Apple Jacks, and Cap’n Crunch – contains more sugar than 3 Chips Ahoy!  cookies."
 

lemon

2011-12-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

Why do I start my day with lemon water? Bursting its citrusy seams with Vitamin C, the lemon is more than just a juicy accessory for your iced tea or homemade hot flu remedy—it also contains cancer-fighting compounds such as limonin and promotes a healthy heart.

Lemon water flushes your kidneys and bladder and it’s very cleansing to your body. Lemons lower histamine levels, fight inflammation, help arthritis, neutralize free radicals, enhance your immune system, and even give your skin that overall healthy glow! To learn more about why you should drink lemon water read this great blog post! and go get yourself some lemons!!

Club Monaco

2011-12-09T03:13:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek at Club Monaco's spring collection

i love u PoPPY

2011-12-08T03:45:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous looks from Poppy.

I drool and dream of shopping here. Someday.

jewels

2011-12-07T04:42:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous jewelry gift ideas. You can get yours HERE

Free People

2011-12-06T04:14:00.001-07:00

Oooooh look at the holiday looks form Free People.

So lovely.

sea veggies. YUM

2011-12-05T04:11:00.000-07:00

I grew up eating sea vegetables. Dulse is a favorite snack food on the island where I grew up. I crave it so much and only get to eat it a few times a year now. I stock up on it when i go hoe and my suitcase stinks like seaweed for days when I get back!

Sea vegetables (seaweed) are considered to be a superfood. They are an excellent source for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other elements needed to maintain a healthy body, especially for vegetarians & vegans who do not get their daily requirements from animal products.

Sea vegetables are very low in calories and are practically fat-free. They can help prevent or alleviate many common ailments and diseases, and are even being researched in the fight against cancer. They also can protect against the effects of radiation and help remove radioactive substances from the body.

Some of the many reasons sea veggies are so good for you:

Calcium -Vegans do not consume dairy products but can easily bridge the calcium gap with seaweeds, many of which are very high in calcium. The wakame variety provides up to 63mg of calcium per half cup.

Protein -You might be surprised to learn that sea vegetables can contain a significant amount of protein. Nori, often referred to as a food of longevity in Japan, contains as much protein as soybeans!

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) -Many sea vegetables can provide a significant amount of EFA's. Dulse has a healthy balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.

Iodine -Iodine is needed for healthy thyroid function. An excellent source of iodine is Kelp.

Vitamin C -Nori, Kombu and Dulse all contain significant amounts of vitamin C. It is said that Nori has twice the vitamin C as the same amount of tangerines.

These are just a few of the many benefits of provided by sea vegetables. Below are some easy ways to incorporate them into your diet.

Dulse- is great toasted to a crisp or eaten raw as a snack. Use it as a topping on salads, soups or noodles & pastas.

Nori- is the seaweed wrap used in making sushi rolls. It's great eaten on its own as a snack, chopped up and sprinkled over stir-frys or toasted and wrapped around rice.

Wakame- the dried variety will turn soft and leafy when rehydrated. It makes for an excellent addition to miso soup or crumbled up and used as a seasoning.

gift ideas

2011-12-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

Throughout the month of December I will post some of my favorite gift ideas. This necklace is simply adorable!! I love a gift you can personalize.

it's gonna be me and you

2011-12-03T04:11:00.000-07:00

Holiday sparkle

2011-12-02T04:29:00.000-07:00

Some twinkly holiday fashion ideas.

I'm in search of the perfect holiday skirt. 

We have our first holiday party this weekend.  

December

2011-12-01T04:45:00.002-07:00

Hello December. Hello mittens and hats and scarves and twinkling lights. Hello family time and relaxation time in front of the fire. I am excited for December, every last minute of it.

S.N.O.W.

2011-12-01T04:22:00.001-07:00

It's coming.... I can feel it.

I'm actually looking forward to it. a little...

Grains

2011-11-30T05:42:00.001-07:00

Five Grain Salad

Ingredients

1/2 cup red quinoa

1/2 cup white quinoa

1/2 cup semi-pearl farro

1/2 cup pearl barley

1/2 cup purple (black) barley

10 ounces red pearl onions

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup apple cider

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (2 ounces)

1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves only

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

1 small Fuji apple, cored and thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cook grains; mix them in a large serving bowl.

Cover onions with hot water, and soak for 2 minutes. Peel and halve onions. Place on a rimmed baking sheet, and toss with 1 teaspoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Roast until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Pour cider over onions, and roast until liquid reduces by half, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Gently toss grains with onions, vinegar, feta, parsley, lemon zest, and the remaining oil, salt, and pepper. Stir in apple, and serve immediately.

fashion

2011-11-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

Adorable video for Charlotte Taylor's Spring/Summer 2012 collection

vintage

2011-11-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

gift idea

2011-11-29T03:06:00.001-07:00

How gorgeous are these ink blot mugs? What a great Christmas present.

I always enjoy getting a fancy mug, especially if it's made of clay.

you can find these HERE... along with many other awesome gifts!

lovely knits

2011-11-28T03:59:00.001-07:00

Ganni Fall &Winter 2011