Thursday, August 27, 2009

Fiesta Breakfast Burrito

If you have time to scramble some eggs - you have time to make this quick and easy dish!!!


Whip up 2-4 hormone and cage free eggs in a bowl.
I add a drop of organic milk to make the eggs nice and fluffy.
Add whatever toppings you like in your egg mix - spinach, veggies, cheese, onion, peppers, sausage, potatoes etc 
You can use only 1 ingredient or go wild - whatever your preference.


Heat a skillet over med heat.  Coat pan with Olive oil spray.
Pour egg mixture in pan and scramble your egg until light and fluffy.


Lightly Heat tortilla shell in oven or toaster oven.  
Place egg mix on tortilla and wrap up burrito.
Top with black beans, avocado and salsa.
+ sour cream if you like


Simply Delicious!!! and so good for you!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within. 

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. 

May you not forget the infinite possibilities 
that are born of faith.. 

May you use those gifts that you have received, 
and pass on the love that has been given to you. 

May you be confident knowing you are a child of 
God. Let this presence settle into your bones, 
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, 
praise and love. 

It is there for each and every one of us.. 


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My Mother's Celebration of Life Speech

Recently I came across the speech I gave at my mother's "Celebration of Life" party August 2001.  Every time I read it, it brings tears to my eyes.  I don't have any idea where the strength came from to write it or speak it in front of the large group in attendance but I love every single word.
Sorry it's a bit long and yes .... it will probably make you cry.

Here goes.....

I wanted to thank you all for joining us this evening.  It means so much to us that you all could spend this evening with us.  I also wanted to especially thank Kelly and Dawn for stocking Dawn's condo with all the junk food that I never usually eat, Bentley and Angie for throwing this thing together for us in such short notice and doing such a fantastic job, Shackleford's for contributing food and being practically my second family for the past 8 years..... and Dawn for giving us her condo for the entire week to have our privacy and be together as a family - Katy and all of our friends and family for traveling all the way from New York and to Frasia, Kelley, Aimee who happened to be in Florida with me by the grace of god and spent the evening with me the night my mom passed ..... I don't know what I would do without you .... you have been such incredible friends through all of this.  Shelley and Nathan who have been with us every step of the way .... Shelley, Becky and Sue ... I think of you as my second mothers and hope we can still have our long talks in the years to come.  Allison - my mom's partner who I think of as a sister .... and to everyone that is here with us tonight ... Thank you for your love and support and all the lovely contributions you have given to this party.  Mom would be very proud.

Mom was such a special person and when I look out at all of you .... I can see how much she touched so many people in so many ways.  I don't think that there as a single person that met mom that didn't remember her in some way.  She just had that kind of effect on people.  Hearing all of the stories about her recently and how she has touched so many lives makes me realize how very special she was to so many people.  When I think about mom ... I think of this incredibly strong woman so full of life and laughter.  So many people have told me that that is the thing they remember the most about her ... her laugh.  She was just so "real".  You never had to wonder what she was thinking or how she was feeling because she would either burst out and tell you or you could feel it as soon as you walked in the room.  (Which means to say that she wasn't always in the best of moods but at least she didn't hide it!)  She taught me the art of being bluntly honest ..... with her I could and did share everything.... I don't think there was anything ever that I felt I couldn't say to her or that I had to hide from her.  She was not only my mother but also my best friend.  She was the most unselfish person I ever knew ... she would have and really did do anything for Nick and I.  I can't think of a single time that I needed her that she wasn't there for me - whether it was just to talk me through a problem, get me through a fashion crisis or bail me out of a financial dilemma.  She was always there.  When you hear the saying "I would give the shirt off my back" well she literally did.  Since practically middle school she would share all of her expensive stylish clothes and jewelry with me.  I guess I was lucky enough to inherit her petite figure.  I would go to her house and she would show me a brand new outfit she just bought and was so excited about and say .... hey try it on .. why don't you wear it tonight .... you look great in it. And it would still have the tags hanging off of it.  No offense ladies ... but I don't know many of my friends .... more less mothers that would do that..... but she did it all of the time.  She always had a way of making any bad situation I was having into a positive one. I would be at her house complaining about money, a job or a boyfriend about ready to have a nervous breakdown and by the time I left she would have explained some simple thing about the world that made so much sense and gave me so much confidence that I would leave floating on air knowing everything would be alright and it always was.  Mom used to tell me to practice "gratitude" daily.  Every day I still wake up and try and think of 5 things that I am grateful for and somehow it can always put a smile on my face.  In all of the days in the past year since we found out mom had cancer ... especially when I was in Florida over the past month and things were getting pretty grim ... I would be walking my dog down this beautifully landscaped path mad, confused, hurt, lonely and I kept asking myself .... WHY?  Why me, why mom?  And I would think of what mom used to say that everything in life happens for a reason and has a purpose and that every step in our life makes us the person we are supposed to be and makes us grow stronger.  And that you have to go through the bad times so that the good times feel that much better.  And I kept trying to figure out what my lesson in all of this was .. what am I supposed to learn from all of this and how in the world is this going to make me stronger or a better person?  I was mad!!!  So I started trying to think of the positive things that have happened because of all of this ... and I thought of my brother ... what an incredible guy he has turned out to be ... he moved us all the way down to this beautiful paradise.  He was so nurturing and caring to mom.  He was there every morning bursting with energy in how to make mom well again ... taking charge and taking care of every situation that came up ... and him and Alicia, his wife, have such an incredible relationship... so much love, respect and support for one another.  I couldn't believe sometimes that this was really my brother ... we haven't really spent a whole lot of time together over the past several years and it made me realize that I am closer to my brother now than I have ever been and probably would have ever been if this had not happened.  It also made me realize that I have the sister that I have always wanted and the love and support from friends and family that I never dreamed of having.  This whole situation had really made us all so much closer.  What greater gifts can anyone imagine having all at once??  It really made me realize how incredible my life was.  I mentioned vacation the other day and someone said that my life is a permanent vacation.  I have the job I have always dreamed of having, freedom and freewill to travel wherever and whenever I want to, the most incredible friends anyone could ever imagine and the confidence to have anything I put my mind to.  And all of these gifts are because of my mom.  Mom told me recently ... that some people are angels in our life ... that they are there to help us through a difficult time, point us in the right direction or teach us some sort of lesson that we need to know for our future..... so when I think about mom ... I think that mom was this incredible angel in my life and I just feel so lucky and so very special to have had her in my life for as long as I did.  And when I think about my life ... I realize that I would not have any of these wonderful things without her and that she has given me the strength and confidence and courage that even surprises me ... to fulfill my dreams and make life exactly what I want it to be.  So now that she is no longer with us ... I don't think about mom as no longer living or gone from my life ... when I hear all of the stories of how she touched so many lives ... I think of her as such a strong spirit that is still living in each and every one of us and her memories are what is keeping me and my dreams alive.  So I ask of you .... to share this celebration of life ... to laugh and dance like she wanted us to and share some wonderful memories in our memory book so that we can look back and remember her for the beautiful angle she is.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Basil Vodka Lemonade

Great Refreshing Summer Time Drink
We made this down at the beach in Pawley's Island and it was simply delicious.


Simple Syrup:
1/2 cup water
3/4 cups sugar (I use Xylosweet brand of Xylitol - natural, nonsugar sweetner made from birch trees)
1 bunch Fresh Basil leaves


Lemonade:
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 8-9 lemons)
1 cup Premium Vodka
1 cup ice
1 cup + 1 tablespoon basil syrup
Lemon wedges, for garnish


To make Syrup:  In a small saucepan, over med-high heat, cook sugar and water, stirring well, until dissolved, about 5 minutes.  Turn off heat & add basil leaves, let steep until cool.  Meanwhile, add fresh lemon juice, water, vodka, ice cubes and cooled basil syrup to pitcher and stir well.  Serve over ice in highball glasses with lemon wedge for garnish.


Tip:  If premixing, don't add ice until ready to serve, so it doesn't water down the mixture.  Freeze some lemonade (minus vodka) in ice cube trays and serve with the drink for an even tangier concoction.


Recipe found in Charlotte Home and Garden Magazine - Gourmet on the Go

Food & Mood Solutions * B-Vitamins




Don't forget to take your B Vitamins!!!!  or your mood could suffer!


Ok.   So I am reading my Food-Mood Solution book and EVERY SINGLE one of these symptoms says to increase your B-Complex.


When you need a little boost for:
Distractibility:  High-potency B-complex + Omega Fish Oils + GABA
Down days:  Vitamin B-12 plus tyrosine
Fatigue: High-potency B-complex + extra vitamin B1 
Fuzzy Thinking & Spaciness:  High-potency B-complex + Vitamin B1 + B12 + Omega Fish Oils
and on goes the list......
Impatience
Impulsiveness
Irritability, Anger, Agressiveness
Moodiness
Premenstral Moodiness
Stress


Take a B's Everybody!
Where to find Great B Vitamins?  I get mine at www.getsuperb.net/13238020

The Super B-12 are Awesome  If you want even more energy & good mood!
Try the ENERGY NOW vitamins and you will be buzzing naturally all day long! :)


Today's Salad ... Romaine w/ toasted Almonds, Gouda & Mandarin Oranges

2 sm organic heads of Romaine lettuce
sliced Almonds (you can purchase these already sliced)
block of Gouda cheese
small can mandarin oranges
Brianna's Poppy Seed Dressing

So Easy!
Cut Romaine lettuce into small pieces (leaving top green leafy part to the side)
Slice Gouda cheese into 1/2 inch chunks
Place almond slices in toaster over tray - toast until lightly brown
Drain mandarin oranges over sink

Place all contents into large salad bowl
Toss and Top with Brianna's Poppy Seed Dressing

Healthy, Sweet and Simply Delicious!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Rasberry Banana Smoothie

1 med banana (place banana in freezer for 10 mins or until slightly firm) 
3/4 cup fresh rasberries 
2 packets stevia 
3/4 cup 1% low fat milk (almond milk, soy milk) 
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract


Posted via email from livingwellclt's posterous

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

EASY Snack ... Black Bean Corn salsa w/ Organic Corn Chips

I love to eat a snack while I am cooking dinner.
I smell the food cooking & I just get hungry.
Instead of reaching for something unhealthy like processed crackers or bread, I like to nosh on fresh vegetables & dips.
Eating your food slowly helps keep constant, even blood sugar flowing through your body, promotes good mood feelings, less irritability and gives you consistent healthy energy throughout the day.

 Organic corn chips and salsa is a delicious snack.
Beans provide great protein & fiber.

 Add 1 can black bean and 1 can corn in a bowl.

 Add salt and pepper to taste & snack away while you cook.

 SUPER EASY. SUPER DELICIOUS.

Posted via email from livingwellclt's posterous

Climbing Into Empowerment: Women's Retreat


September 18-20, 2009 / $350 all inclusive
Brevard, NC

This will be a women’s weekend infused with experiences of both adventurous energy and calm spirit. Bring a journal and be ready for some nurturing through meditation, yoga, nature, yummy meals and expansive conversation. But don’t forget to come prepared with a sense of adventure as we’ll be exploring the topics of fear and courage while hitting the climbing ropes!
Click here for more information

Posted via email from livingwellclt's posterous

Love this Quote from The Daily Love Today.....

"Do not go where the path may lead,
go instead to where there is no path and leave a trail." - Emerson

Recently Ordered from Amazon:

EASY Ginger Soy Salmon Recipe - Bill's Favorite

2 Fresh Wild Alaskan Salmon Filets
1/2 cup Soy Sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup Agave Nectar or Honey
Minced Garlic
1/2 cup Orange Juice
Fresh Lemon

Place Salmon Filets in a glass baking dish.
Mix soy, ginger, agave, garlic, & orange juice in large glass measuring cup.
Pour mixture over Salmon Filets.
Turn to coat evenly.
Let stand, covered for about an hour.

Preheat oven to Broil.
Place baking dish in oven on broil and bake for 4-6 minutes depending on how you like your salmon.
Salmon should be raw or opaque in the middle - slightly brown on top.

Cut fresh lemon in half and squeeze fresh juice over salmon.

Serve with Brown or Wild Rice and fresh vegetables or over a salad.

Good For you and delicious!!!


Greek Nachos

One of my favorite treats:
Sprinkle Whole Feta Cheese over Organic Corn Chips.
Bake until cheese is lightly melted.
Top with Fresh Salsa & Guacamole.
Add black beans, pulled chicken or banana peppers too!

Check out my fresh Guacamole recipe on my blog at http://livingwell-clt.blogspot.com/

Posted via email from livingwellclt's posterous

Simple & Fresh Guacamole

2-3 Ripe avocados
1 fresh lime
1 bunch fresh cilantro - chopped
salt n pepper
garlic - minced

chopped tomato & peppers if desired
(some people like tomato - I prefer to keep it simple)

Cut avocado lengthwise. Remove pit.
Scoop out avocado flesh into bowl.
Add chopped fresh cilantro.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over avocado.
Add 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic (or more to taste).
Add salt n pepper to taste.
Mixed to desired texture - chunky or smooth.

SIMPLY DELICIOUS!!!!!

If desired - add peppers and/or chopped tomato.


Monday, August 17, 2009

Organic Food Delivery in Charlotte

If you want to eat organic but just don't have the time to shop?
Looking for an inexpensive way to get your fresh organic fruits & veggies?

Check out http://www.absoluteorganics.com/

They will delivery to your door either weekly or bi-weekly for an affordable price!!!

DETOX Mineral Spa Bath

A great way to detox you skin and soothe your soul:

Add.....
2 cups Lavender Epsom Salts (You can find these at Rite Aid)
1 cup Baking Soda
.... to a hot, steamy bath before bedtime.

Benefits:
Soothes achey muscles and reduces stiffness and soreness in joints.
Helps sooth away stress.
Deep cleans your skin and pores.
Helps promote restful sleep.

CARDIO FUNKYTOWN

Check out Andre Hairston CardioFunk class in Charlotte! Have the MOST fun ever working out + burn up to 1000 calories w/ Andre! www.andrehairston.com

Check out his schedule found on his website under Cardio Funkytown for a class near you.
He offers classes at the YMCA and Peak!!!

Healthy Snacks to Keep your Energy and Mood Up during the day....

Did you know that WHAT you EAT controls not only your weight & fat but also your moods and energy? Are you tired, cranky, irritable, out of focus or stressed frequently throughout the day?

I find that I am so busy sometimes that I forget to eat and then I am sooooo hungry that I end up grabbing something that is NOT so healthy or I wolf down an entire meal because I am starving to death. This creates an unhealthy fluctuation in blood sugar and makes me extremely fuzzy, crabby and cranky - and then all I want to do is take a big nap.

So now - I try and keep healthy snacks close by - I keep Raw almonds & kashi bars in the car. I always have some baby carrots, cucumbers, salsa and apples in the fridge and keep a few cans of either white beans or black beans and organic corn chips in the pantry. Quick and Easy treats that make me feel great!

Here is a list of healthy snacks to keep you body fueled and your mind sharp and happy:


Apple slices
+ peanut butter

Small serving of fruit
+ Grapefruit, nectarine, peach, mixed berries

Carrot sticks
Cucumbers
Celery
+ Hummus
+ Asian Ginger Dressing

Handful of Almonds or sunflower seeds or Walnuts

Fruit yogurt parfait
+ granola or almonds

Black Beans + Salsa
+ Organic Corn Chips

Hardboiled egg (Trader Joe's has a bag of already hardboiled eggs)

Slice of cheese w/ Kashi Vegetable crackers

Kashi or Nature's Path granola bars


Sunday, August 16, 2009

Almond Encrusted Chicken w/ Orzo

2 pkgs of thinly sliced chicken
bread crumbs
2 eggs
organic milk or rice milk
salt n pepper
sliced almonds
Jane's Crazy Mixed Up Salt
1 pkg of Orzo (rice shaped pasta)
Olive oil - olive oil spray
Fresh lemon
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Fresh vegetables - Trader Joe's brussels sprouts or asparagus

Almond Encrusted Chicken:
whisk together 2 eggs + splash of milk in a bowl
Add Jane's Crazy Mixed up salt (to taste)
Take a handful of sliced almonds and cut them up into tiny pieces on a cutting board
In separate bowl, add bread crumbs and almond pieces
Heat skillet to medium adding olive oil to pan (enough to coat the bottom of pan)
You can use Olive oil spray- just make sure pan is coated at all times so chicken do not stick to pan

Place chicken slices in egg mixture, coat well, then coat with almond breadcrumbs on both sides and place in olive oil coated saute pan. (Pan should be lightly coated - not swimming in grease)
Place lid on top of pan and let it saute for approx. 4 min per side (or until lightly browned)
Remove chicken, squeeze fresh lemon juice and add a dash of salt + pepper and fresh parmesan.

Asparagus and/or Brussels Sprouts (this will work for either):
In a large pot, boil 6 cups water. Add dash of olive oil and salt.
Pre-heat oven to Broil.
Cut bottom of spears off of asparagus
Cut Brussels Sprouts in half.
Add vegetables into boiling water and blanch for approx. 2 minutes.
With a slotted spoon, place vegetables into glass pyrex dish.
Sprinkle with olive oil, + Crazy Jane's seasoning salt.
Place in oven on Broil for about 3-5 min. until lightly browned.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over veggie, sprinkle with salt a pepper to taste and serve.

Orzo:
Boil 6 cups boiling water in large pot. (you can use same water as blanched veggies)
Add olive oil and salt.
Add Orzo rice shaped pasta to boiling water.
Cook until lightly opaque or al dente. (approx. 4-5 min)
Drain.
Sprinkle with olive oil, fresh lemon juice and fresh parmesan.
Add salt and pepper to taste.

ENJOY!!!





Veggie Scramble Recipe

Cut up your favorite veggies in small lengthwise pieces (about a 1/2 inch):
mushrooms, onions, zuccini, squash, spinach

Heat sauteed pan on medium with a little olive oil and garlic.
Add veggies and saute lightly.

Whisk 2-4 eggs in a bowl.
Add a splash of organic milk (rice milk will do also).
Add salt and pepper.

Pour egg mix over vegetables in saute pan.

Scramble until eggs are light and fluffy.

Serve with Whole Grain or Rye Toast and a side of fresh fruit.



Peaches N' Cream Smoothie Recipe

1 cup Stoneyfield Farms Plain Yogurt
1 1/2 cup orange juice
2 freshly sliced peaches
1 cup ice
1/2 cup mixed frozen berries
1 cup Vanilla Silk Soy Milk

Put all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth.
Serve with a straw and enjoy!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Facing Fear With Fierce Courage

August 28, 2009 / 5:30-8:00 p.m. / Sangati Yoga / Cost: $45
Registration deadline: August 21, 2009

Mark your calendars for an inspiring and transformational evening combining coaching
and yoga to break through fear barriers and embrace your fierce, courageous spirit! Join Professional Life Coaches Laura Neff and Katie Mattson as well as Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor Brooks Haislip as we lead you through a gentle, inquisitive, and expansive experience of coaching exercises combined with a yoga practice that perfectly compliments and deepens your learning.

You'll leave this workshop with:
• Identification of what really drives fear, especially as you strive for greater authenticity
• Deeper knowledge of your own courageous core
• Coaching steps to move through fear
• A tenacity to embrace life’s challenges

Please wear comfortable clothes suitable for yoga and bring a water bottle and a journal as well as your own yoga mat if you have one. Yoga will be suitable for all levels of experience.

Register through Sangati Yoga by mailing a check (preferred method of payment) to: 2201 Park Rd / Suite D / Charlotte, NC 28203
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