As the cooler days of Fall begin to approach in the Northeast, it's nice to look back and remember all the fun family memories that were made over the summer. Whether it was a visit to grandma's house, a week or two at the beach or maybe a cabin at the lake, summer always comes and goes far too quickly.
This summer, Primo ventured off for the first time to sleep away camp in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. All my friends who had been campers themselves back in the day said what an amazing "gift" we were giving to our child. A gift that he will treasure for years, decades even, to come.
Well I'm here to tell you, it's the gift that keeps on giving!
Oh Primo loved camp, I mean really loved. The first words spoken to us when we visited on parent's weekend was, "I'm coming all summer next year!" Um, no. Three and a half weeks is plenty. Followed shortly by, "Just so you know, I KNOW things." He said this with the biggest shit-eating grin I've ever seen.
"Really", I replied, trying to sound unimpressed. "Like what?"
"S-E-X!", Primo declared.
Mr. X and I had just been discussing on the car ride up to camp what kinds of juicy tidbits he would come home with. It took about ten minutes to find out.
"And," he said, "I can't believe you have done that!! TWICE!"
"I also know about all the bases. And I know that sometimes...you get a home run."
Well there you have it folks. The gift that keeps on giving.
Again, not wanting to make too big a deal out of it, and trying my hardest to keep from bursting out laughing, I simply said, "Well, just so YOU know, what you have learned may or may not be true. And it's also something that we don't discuss with friends or at school or on the bus. Got it?" He assured me that he would keep it to himself. I apologize in advance if any of your children come home with a "gift" from Primo.
In addition to his new found knowledge, he was also given the gift of pink eye, which followed us to the Cape and home again, lingering for about two and a half weeks. He also picked up some small trinkets like spitting and taking a "ten pacer" (peeing outside everywhere and anywhere, just as long as you take ten paces away from people and houses). It was an all boys camp.
Now, he didn't just come home with disgusting habits and new found knowledge, he also learned a lot of really great things too. He's a better eater than when he left, actually eating vegetables and salads! He's a much stronger swimmer. He's more confident and comfortable in new situations. He also has finally settled into the big brother role with Segundo, being more patient and teaching him new things (no, not that!).
Will I send him back next summer? You bet! It was an experience that you just can't have at home.
And since it was like Christmas this summer, I'm thinking, how bad could next year be???
Peace and love.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Summer Tip
Summer Tip #563: Never eat a 5 pound burrito while in your bathing suit sitting poolside.
I made this mistake earlier today. Okay, it wasn't quite 5 pounds but it was huge! I mean really huge. And I ate the whole thing. I was so hungry from working, taking a yoga class and not eating anything all day, that I literally ate every bite of said burrito. It sure tasted good going down but I felt like a huge lard-ass after I had eaten it. Buyers remorse.
To make matters worse, Mr. X had snuck in some beers that he had bought while out picking up the burritos. You know that stupid Toby Keith song, "Red Solo Cup"?? Enough said. We are a class act, Mr. X and I. Truth be told, I didn't even finish mine, it just felt wrong.
Now, let me just say, that we do not belong to a fancy pool. It's not like we were scarfing down burritos at the country club. That said, it's also not like we were hanging at a public pool in the Bronx (not that there's anything wrong with the Bronx. Don't go getting your knickers in a bunch!). Though I bet if we were in the Bronx, I wouldn't have felt so strange about eating a giant burrito!
I don't know what it is about summer. Most people eat really healthy in the summer because, in theory, you wear less clothes in the summer. Me, I eat more in the summer, who the heck knows why. In any event, the burrito is gone and my stomach feels like a swallowed a bowling ball.
Hope everyone is having a great summer so far. Please feel free to post any of your summertime tips in the comment section below!
Oh...here's one more. Tip # 564: Don't forget to remove your child's half eaten burrito from pool bag when you get home. I better go do that...
Peace and love.
I made this mistake earlier today. Okay, it wasn't quite 5 pounds but it was huge! I mean really huge. And I ate the whole thing. I was so hungry from working, taking a yoga class and not eating anything all day, that I literally ate every bite of said burrito. It sure tasted good going down but I felt like a huge lard-ass after I had eaten it. Buyers remorse.
To make matters worse, Mr. X had snuck in some beers that he had bought while out picking up the burritos. You know that stupid Toby Keith song, "Red Solo Cup"?? Enough said. We are a class act, Mr. X and I. Truth be told, I didn't even finish mine, it just felt wrong.
Now, let me just say, that we do not belong to a fancy pool. It's not like we were scarfing down burritos at the country club. That said, it's also not like we were hanging at a public pool in the Bronx (not that there's anything wrong with the Bronx. Don't go getting your knickers in a bunch!). Though I bet if we were in the Bronx, I wouldn't have felt so strange about eating a giant burrito!
I don't know what it is about summer. Most people eat really healthy in the summer because, in theory, you wear less clothes in the summer. Me, I eat more in the summer, who the heck knows why. In any event, the burrito is gone and my stomach feels like a swallowed a bowling ball.
Hope everyone is having a great summer so far. Please feel free to post any of your summertime tips in the comment section below!
Oh...here's one more. Tip # 564: Don't forget to remove your child's half eaten burrito from pool bag when you get home. I better go do that...
Peace and love.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Fork in the Road
I was recently told by my acupuncturist that I have to stop eating soy. Um, OK. You realize that I'm vegan and a good majority of my diet is soy, right? It's like telling a lion not to eat meat. Or a fireman not to use water to put out the fire. What the hell??
Apparently, soy makes your spleen "cry". And by cry I mean it produces too much mucus in the body and causes stuffiness and sinus problems, all of which I have had for as long as I can remember. It also messes with your estrogen levels and is generally bad for you. Which is why parents of little boys shouldn't let them drink more than 8oz. of soy milk a day, or their little boys will grow little boy boobs. Never a pretty sight on a boy (or grown man for that matter!).
Another thing I found out about soy is that in Asian countries, soy is used as a condiment, like we use ketchup here in the States. The Asian culture does not eat pounds of soy like we do here. Just like everything else in this country, we have take the use of soy and soy products to an extreme. Molding soy into shapes resembling real meat products. Case in point, Tofurkey! I made one at Thanksgiving (and I have to say, it was good).
So here I stand at a fork in the road. To the left is to remain on my current diet and just live with the congestion. To my right is to add back in some other protein sources. I mean look, there's only so many beans a person can eat. And too many nuts will just make you fat. So in the past two weeks I have been eating some shrimp and shellfish. I've also decided that if I eat a piece of cheese every now and then, it probably won't kill me. Though dairy has the same mucus producing properties as soy so it should be avoided anyway.
Why am I tell you all of this? I think because now I wonder if I can even call myself a vegan anymore. Probably not right?? I guess I'd say that I'm "vegan-ish". And I'll just have to live with that.
Now instead of being stuffed up, I'll get the gout!
Peace and love.
Apparently, soy makes your spleen "cry". And by cry I mean it produces too much mucus in the body and causes stuffiness and sinus problems, all of which I have had for as long as I can remember. It also messes with your estrogen levels and is generally bad for you. Which is why parents of little boys shouldn't let them drink more than 8oz. of soy milk a day, or their little boys will grow little boy boobs. Never a pretty sight on a boy (or grown man for that matter!).
Another thing I found out about soy is that in Asian countries, soy is used as a condiment, like we use ketchup here in the States. The Asian culture does not eat pounds of soy like we do here. Just like everything else in this country, we have take the use of soy and soy products to an extreme. Molding soy into shapes resembling real meat products. Case in point, Tofurkey! I made one at Thanksgiving (and I have to say, it was good).
So here I stand at a fork in the road. To the left is to remain on my current diet and just live with the congestion. To my right is to add back in some other protein sources. I mean look, there's only so many beans a person can eat. And too many nuts will just make you fat. So in the past two weeks I have been eating some shrimp and shellfish. I've also decided that if I eat a piece of cheese every now and then, it probably won't kill me. Though dairy has the same mucus producing properties as soy so it should be avoided anyway.
Why am I tell you all of this? I think because now I wonder if I can even call myself a vegan anymore. Probably not right?? I guess I'd say that I'm "vegan-ish". And I'll just have to live with that.
Now instead of being stuffed up, I'll get the gout!
Peace and love.
Monday, May 21, 2012
What's Your Liability?
I spent last weekend at my second of three yoga immersions. In addition to diving deeper into our physical practice, we began to study and talk more about yoga philosophy. This is something I know very little about, but am very interested in gaining greater knowledge. We learned about the seven chakras (pronounced with a hard "ch" sound, not a "sh" sound) and had a lesson about one of the most famous yogic texts called the Bhagavad Gita.
In the midst of our lessons, my amazingly wonderful and wise teacher said this:
"Our greatest asset is also our greatest liability."
Wait, WHAT?!?!? Pull the emergency break because I need to stop for a second! WOW! That statement completely blew me away. What an incredibly insightful and profound sentence that is. We got to thinking and discussing what that sentence meant to each one of us.
So I thought I'd take a few minutes to tell you what I think the greatest asset/liability is in my life.
I'm a giver, a doer, a pleaser. I am the friend that you want to have because I will always be there for you. I will stick up for you and defend you no matter what. I'll also help you if you are in need and go out of my way to make sure that you are OK. Sounds great, right? Who wouldn't want to be my friend? Here's the thing though, because I'm that way, I kind of expect my friends to be that way too. Which is a lot to expect of people. And most of the time I'm let down. Now that's not to say that I don't have friends who I feel like I can trust and know would have my back if I needed. I do. I really do. But there are also people that have been a bit of a let down.
So in my journey to be a good friend (not that it's an effort, I'm just that way), I've begun to realize that just because I am a pleaser, doesn't mean that everyone else is. And that's on me. I can't control how other people treat me and I can't expect everyone to like me. And that's OK.
But when I come back to the statement, "our greatest asset is our greatest liability," I get it. It's pretty eye-opening and has made me reflect on myself and who I consider my friends, really truly my friends.
Take a moment. Ask yourself that question. Really think about it. You may surprise yourself with your answer. It may shed a little light into your heart. And open your eyes just a little wider.
Peace and love.
In the midst of our lessons, my amazingly wonderful and wise teacher said this:
"Our greatest asset is also our greatest liability."
Wait, WHAT?!?!? Pull the emergency break because I need to stop for a second! WOW! That statement completely blew me away. What an incredibly insightful and profound sentence that is. We got to thinking and discussing what that sentence meant to each one of us.
So I thought I'd take a few minutes to tell you what I think the greatest asset/liability is in my life.
I'm a giver, a doer, a pleaser. I am the friend that you want to have because I will always be there for you. I will stick up for you and defend you no matter what. I'll also help you if you are in need and go out of my way to make sure that you are OK. Sounds great, right? Who wouldn't want to be my friend? Here's the thing though, because I'm that way, I kind of expect my friends to be that way too. Which is a lot to expect of people. And most of the time I'm let down. Now that's not to say that I don't have friends who I feel like I can trust and know would have my back if I needed. I do. I really do. But there are also people that have been a bit of a let down.
So in my journey to be a good friend (not that it's an effort, I'm just that way), I've begun to realize that just because I am a pleaser, doesn't mean that everyone else is. And that's on me. I can't control how other people treat me and I can't expect everyone to like me. And that's OK.
But when I come back to the statement, "our greatest asset is our greatest liability," I get it. It's pretty eye-opening and has made me reflect on myself and who I consider my friends, really truly my friends.
Take a moment. Ask yourself that question. Really think about it. You may surprise yourself with your answer. It may shed a little light into your heart. And open your eyes just a little wider.
Peace and love.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Where Did The Time Go?
As I sit here and write this, I'm in the process of ordering all the necessary things that Primo needs for sleep away camp this summer. In between the sleeping bags, water bottles, head lamps and backpacks, I just can't help thinking...where did the time go? How is it that my first born is old enough to go to sleep away camp? And why is it me that's going to be so sad to wave him goodbye when he will go running off and not even look back.
We've all heard the saying, the days go slow but the years fly by, when we think about our children. It seems like yesterday that Primo came into this world weighing a whopping 9lbs./1oz. And now he's off to camp! When did this happen?
Primo is the type of kid that is fiercely independent. He's not afraid of walking into a classroom where he knows no one. He's able to figure it out. He may be a little quiet at first until he feels comfortable but once he does, he shines. He's very smart (aren't they all??) and is wise beyond his years. He thinks he's already in high school (he's in 2nd). He knows how to use the computer and every Apple device better than me. I go to him when something isn't working on my iPhone! He's very current with music and pop culture. Though admittedly, his taste could be better. He would prefer to watch Access Hollywood than Power Rangers. He is truly a unique child. And he is the love of my life.
Don't get me wrong, Segundo is pretty awesome too, but Segundo is your average 6 year old. He has the attention span of a gnat, would wear his pajamas to school if I didn't remind him (a thousand times!) and would prefer to sit on my lap and snuggle than do anything else. (Which is a mother's dream really.) Segundo is kind, sweet, thoughtful and silly. He's a six year old. But I'll be lucky if I can ever get him out of the house! He doesn't like team sports, he's too shy. If I sign him up for a class, the first thing he says is "will I know anybody there?" And when I told him that Primo would be away for 3 1/2 weeks this summer, he said, "then I get you all to myself"! He really is a love.
I know there will come a time in the not too distant future when they'll stop giving me so many hugs and think I'm totally embarrassing. There's a time when they'll want me to drop them a block away and walk to where they're going so they don't have to be seen with me. But I hope that time doesn't come too soon.
These boys are growing up so fast. I wish I could slow down the clock just a little. Keep them 8 and 6 for a few more years. They are amazing. They are wonderful. And they are mine.
Happy Mother's Day everyone.
Peace and love.
We've all heard the saying, the days go slow but the years fly by, when we think about our children. It seems like yesterday that Primo came into this world weighing a whopping 9lbs./1oz. And now he's off to camp! When did this happen?
Primo is the type of kid that is fiercely independent. He's not afraid of walking into a classroom where he knows no one. He's able to figure it out. He may be a little quiet at first until he feels comfortable but once he does, he shines. He's very smart (aren't they all??) and is wise beyond his years. He thinks he's already in high school (he's in 2nd). He knows how to use the computer and every Apple device better than me. I go to him when something isn't working on my iPhone! He's very current with music and pop culture. Though admittedly, his taste could be better. He would prefer to watch Access Hollywood than Power Rangers. He is truly a unique child. And he is the love of my life.
Don't get me wrong, Segundo is pretty awesome too, but Segundo is your average 6 year old. He has the attention span of a gnat, would wear his pajamas to school if I didn't remind him (a thousand times!) and would prefer to sit on my lap and snuggle than do anything else. (Which is a mother's dream really.) Segundo is kind, sweet, thoughtful and silly. He's a six year old. But I'll be lucky if I can ever get him out of the house! He doesn't like team sports, he's too shy. If I sign him up for a class, the first thing he says is "will I know anybody there?" And when I told him that Primo would be away for 3 1/2 weeks this summer, he said, "then I get you all to myself"! He really is a love.
I know there will come a time in the not too distant future when they'll stop giving me so many hugs and think I'm totally embarrassing. There's a time when they'll want me to drop them a block away and walk to where they're going so they don't have to be seen with me. But I hope that time doesn't come too soon.
These boys are growing up so fast. I wish I could slow down the clock just a little. Keep them 8 and 6 for a few more years. They are amazing. They are wonderful. And they are mine.
Happy Mother's Day everyone.
Peace and love.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Uninspired
For the last few weeks I've been completely uninspired by everything. Cooking, friends, workouts, the works. I think part of it is the weather. I am not a gray, rainy weathered type of girl. I'd shrivel up and die in Seattle. I love the sun, it makes me happy, puts me in a good mood and makes me want to go out and get things done. But for some reason, for the last two weeks, Anytown has been under a big, gray rain cloud. Blah.
I've been getting by on my usual boring meals, veggie burgers, hummus, salads, boring. So today I pulled out a recipe that I love and haven't made in a while. It's a bright sunny dish filled with lots of colorful veggies and is quite delicious to boot. So I thought I'd share because I haven't posted a recipe in a while and this one will brighten up your plate. For you meat lovers, you could add chicken or chorizo, but it is really great just the way it is. Enjoy!
Vegetarian Paella
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
1/4 tsp. saffron strands
1 (140z) can of diced tomatoes, drained
2 small peppers, any color you like
1 cup lima beans (I use edamame instead)
2 cups veggie broth
1 cup frozen peas
Lemon wedges for garnish
Method
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions and garlic and cook for three minutes. Add rice and saffron and continue to cook, stirring constantly for one minute. Add tomatoes and stir. Add peppers and edamame and cook for a minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Check and see if you need more liquid, if so, add some more broth. Then cover and cook another 5 minutes.
Stir in peas and cook until just tender and liquid is absorbed. Don't overcook the rice. Serve with a lemon wedge for garnish.
YUMMY!!
Peace and love.
I've been getting by on my usual boring meals, veggie burgers, hummus, salads, boring. So today I pulled out a recipe that I love and haven't made in a while. It's a bright sunny dish filled with lots of colorful veggies and is quite delicious to boot. So I thought I'd share because I haven't posted a recipe in a while and this one will brighten up your plate. For you meat lovers, you could add chicken or chorizo, but it is really great just the way it is. Enjoy!
Vegetarian Paella
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
1/4 tsp. saffron strands
1 (140z) can of diced tomatoes, drained
2 small peppers, any color you like
1 cup lima beans (I use edamame instead)
2 cups veggie broth
1 cup frozen peas
Lemon wedges for garnish
Method
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions and garlic and cook for three minutes. Add rice and saffron and continue to cook, stirring constantly for one minute. Add tomatoes and stir. Add peppers and edamame and cook for a minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Check and see if you need more liquid, if so, add some more broth. Then cover and cook another 5 minutes.
Stir in peas and cook until just tender and liquid is absorbed. Don't overcook the rice. Serve with a lemon wedge for garnish.
YUMMY!!
Peace and love.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Home again, home again...
It's been a while since I've been home to Pittsburgh. I usually make it home once a year, sometimes twice. So in the words of my favorite fictional character, Bridget Jones, I've decided to take a "mini-break" this weekend. No kids, no husband, no dogs, just me, my mom and a few close friends. I'm looking forward to not feeding anyone except myself and sleeping in. Selfish? Maybe. But in my world of always putting myself last, I think it will be nice for a change.
So I'll report back on my many adventures in the Burgh next week.
Peace and love.
So I'll report back on my many adventures in the Burgh next week.
Peace and love.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Change is Good
Except when it's not. I'm not a fan of change, never have been. I'm good with the status quo. I like knowing what to expect, what's coming next. Which in life, I guess, is rather ridiculous because of course, we never know what's coming next.
I'm a girl that likes lists. And schedules. And I follow them to a tee. I make lists for everything and I put a little check box next to the item on my list and when it's completed I actually put a check mark in the box. I'm that girl. My calendar is organized to perfection. If it's not on my calendar, then it never happened or will never happen. So if you need me for any reason, please make sure you get on my calendar.
Which brings me to a devastating email I got this week. The yoga studio that I work and practice at is sadly closing next month. The problem is that all my regular classes are on my calendar, which means that this change cannot be true. I schedule my weeks around which classes I will attend and when I have to be there for work. I look forward to seeing my teachers, who I have come to love. I look forward to seeing the other people in the classes. What am I going to do when Janice is not on the mat right behind me? Or when Ed, who is probably in his seventies, rocks a handstand? The thought of changing studios makes my head spin. It's like being the new girl in sixth grade all over again.
Obviously, the biggest change in all this chaos, is for the studios' wonderful owner, who I have come to know and truly adore. She is amazing and fearless and from the moment I took my first class from her, I thought, wow, I want to be like her. She's just cool. She has awesome tattoos and a vibe about her that I am jealous of. So as selfish as I am being about how this change will affect me, I am equally concerned about how this will be for her.
When life throws you lemons make lemonade, right? Wrong. I hate that saying. Sometimes you just have to bite into that sour lemon and feel the bitterness on your tongue before you can turn your attention to something sweeter. Sometimes you just have to wallow in the sadness for a bit. Sometimes you have to let the walls crumble down on top of you before you can begin to dig your way out.
I hate change. But I guess if I'm going to live in this world I better get used to it.
Maybe tomorrow I'll get really crazy and NOT put the check boxes next to my to do list. That'll really shake things up.
Peace and love.
I'm a girl that likes lists. And schedules. And I follow them to a tee. I make lists for everything and I put a little check box next to the item on my list and when it's completed I actually put a check mark in the box. I'm that girl. My calendar is organized to perfection. If it's not on my calendar, then it never happened or will never happen. So if you need me for any reason, please make sure you get on my calendar.
Which brings me to a devastating email I got this week. The yoga studio that I work and practice at is sadly closing next month. The problem is that all my regular classes are on my calendar, which means that this change cannot be true. I schedule my weeks around which classes I will attend and when I have to be there for work. I look forward to seeing my teachers, who I have come to love. I look forward to seeing the other people in the classes. What am I going to do when Janice is not on the mat right behind me? Or when Ed, who is probably in his seventies, rocks a handstand? The thought of changing studios makes my head spin. It's like being the new girl in sixth grade all over again.
Obviously, the biggest change in all this chaos, is for the studios' wonderful owner, who I have come to know and truly adore. She is amazing and fearless and from the moment I took my first class from her, I thought, wow, I want to be like her. She's just cool. She has awesome tattoos and a vibe about her that I am jealous of. So as selfish as I am being about how this change will affect me, I am equally concerned about how this will be for her.
When life throws you lemons make lemonade, right? Wrong. I hate that saying. Sometimes you just have to bite into that sour lemon and feel the bitterness on your tongue before you can turn your attention to something sweeter. Sometimes you just have to wallow in the sadness for a bit. Sometimes you have to let the walls crumble down on top of you before you can begin to dig your way out.
I hate change. But I guess if I'm going to live in this world I better get used to it.
Maybe tomorrow I'll get really crazy and NOT put the check boxes next to my to do list. That'll really shake things up.
Peace and love.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
'Tis the Season
Spring has sprung in Anytown. How do I know? Because spring sports have officially begun. And with spring sports comes all the parents who temporarily lose their minds over elementary school aged children playing baseball and soccer.
Now what I'm about to say may be controversial. Some of you may be appalled. Angry even. So I'll whisper it in your ear. Come closer. Closer. A little closer, I won't bite.
"Parents of Anytown! None of your children will grow up to be professional athletes!!"
There, I said it. I feel better now.
I know many of you think your child is an 8 year old soccer prodigy. That he'll be the next David Beckham. Or that 3rd grade Johnny will play for the Yankees or Red Sox. But he won't!
I don't mean to sound like Debbie Downer but I think it's time we get a little more realistic and a lot less worked up over kids sports. Believe it or not, there was a time not so long ago when sports were supposed to be...wait for it...FUN!!! (Gasp!)
Last Saturday at Primo's baseball game I had been cheering for a little boy who had hit the ball and was running to first base. I think I said something like, "Good job, great hustle!" That's when I overheard this boy's mother say to someone, "Well, I didn't think that was great hustle. I think he could have hustled a lot more." WHAT!?!? Seriously now people, what happened to being proud of a child's effort?
I have heard some crazy stories of parents around Anytown. Things like hiring private soccer coaches and forming secret teams to get children ahead. I've seen kids crying on the sidelines because they feel like they're not good enough. They're little kids for goodness sakes, they shouldn't be this stressed out over sports!
Then of course there's this whole business of Red Shirt-ing. Holding your child back in school so he/she will be bigger, stronger, older than his classmates to have an advantage in sports. Believe me, if you think this only happens in Anytown, you need to open your eyes.
Now, that said, of course, as parents we all want our children to succeed in anything they do, whether it's school, music, sports. But at what expense? I often wonder if some of these parents are trying to live out a failed sports career through their children. Got injured playing college baseball? Well then I'll make sure my son plays and gosh darn it, he'll like it!!
Listen, my kids play sports too. Do I want them to play well? Sure, as well as they are able. Do I think they'll be the next Derek Jeter or Roger Federer? Probably not.
I think next Saturday when we're at the sports fields, we all need to just breathe. Cheer for their efforts, smile through their strike outs and missed goals. Comfort them if it's upsetting. But most important, just let them have fun.
Peace and love.
Now what I'm about to say may be controversial. Some of you may be appalled. Angry even. So I'll whisper it in your ear. Come closer. Closer. A little closer, I won't bite.
"Parents of Anytown! None of your children will grow up to be professional athletes!!"
There, I said it. I feel better now.
I know many of you think your child is an 8 year old soccer prodigy. That he'll be the next David Beckham. Or that 3rd grade Johnny will play for the Yankees or Red Sox. But he won't!
I don't mean to sound like Debbie Downer but I think it's time we get a little more realistic and a lot less worked up over kids sports. Believe it or not, there was a time not so long ago when sports were supposed to be...wait for it...FUN!!! (Gasp!)
Last Saturday at Primo's baseball game I had been cheering for a little boy who had hit the ball and was running to first base. I think I said something like, "Good job, great hustle!" That's when I overheard this boy's mother say to someone, "Well, I didn't think that was great hustle. I think he could have hustled a lot more." WHAT!?!? Seriously now people, what happened to being proud of a child's effort?
I have heard some crazy stories of parents around Anytown. Things like hiring private soccer coaches and forming secret teams to get children ahead. I've seen kids crying on the sidelines because they feel like they're not good enough. They're little kids for goodness sakes, they shouldn't be this stressed out over sports!
Then of course there's this whole business of Red Shirt-ing. Holding your child back in school so he/she will be bigger, stronger, older than his classmates to have an advantage in sports. Believe me, if you think this only happens in Anytown, you need to open your eyes.
Now, that said, of course, as parents we all want our children to succeed in anything they do, whether it's school, music, sports. But at what expense? I often wonder if some of these parents are trying to live out a failed sports career through their children. Got injured playing college baseball? Well then I'll make sure my son plays and gosh darn it, he'll like it!!
Listen, my kids play sports too. Do I want them to play well? Sure, as well as they are able. Do I think they'll be the next Derek Jeter or Roger Federer? Probably not.
I think next Saturday when we're at the sports fields, we all need to just breathe. Cheer for their efforts, smile through their strike outs and missed goals. Comfort them if it's upsetting. But most important, just let them have fun.
Peace and love.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Do You Want to Split That??
I have never been good at sharing. Admittedly, I'm a bit of a brat that way. I'm sure it comes from growing up an only child. I never had to share toys, a bath tub, my Easter candy, clothes, etc. The attention was always on me and not a pesky little brother or sister. People always ask me, "didn't you want a sibling to play with when you were little?" And my answer is always the same. No. Not really. You can't miss what you never had, right?
So it goes without saying that when I'm at a restaurant and my dining companion asks if I want to split a meal, I cringe just ever so slightly. Here's the deal, I do not want to split anything with you.
Do not take it personally, it has nothing to do with you. I don't like sharing and I don't want to share a salad with you. Get your own! Who cares if it's big and you can't finish it. Bring it home or just throw it out. You won't die and you can't send it to Ethiopia. Just get your own.
I'm telling you this because of two very funny things that happened this past week while we were on vacation in Florida.
Mr. X.'s 95 year-old grandma was visiting from Des Moines. We haven't seen her in two years so we were all very excited to spend some time with her. She is a wonderful woman, who at 95 is in amazing shape, less a bit of hearing. She still has a very funny sense of humor and just adores Primo and Segundo.
The only problem is that Gigi (that's what we call her) never wants to order her own meal, she only wants to split one. But it's not just meals, she wants to split beverages too! My poor mother-in-law will spend the next week starving because she's only eating half a meal three times a day!
We took her to brunch on Sunday for her birthday and she wanted to split the eggs Benedict with my MIL. Then she thought she was splitting a Bloody Mary (virgin) with me! So when the drinks came and we each got one, she said, "I didn't order this, I thought we were splitting it!" How do you split a Bloody Mary? Mind you, she drank half of it, then asked my father-in-law if he was going to drink the other half of his orange juice. He kindly gave it to her and she promptly finished it off, leaving him juice less.
The meal arrived and Gigi and my MIL each had one egg, half a potato home-fry type thing and half a strawberry on their plates. It looked like something out of a Dr. Seuss book! Gigi ate her meal and then proceeded to also eat the other half of my arugula salad. We were all just giving each other a look and laughing because the whole thing was so funny.
Of course when the dessert came, a sample of four different cakes, do you think she wanted to split that with anyone???
The next night we all went out to dinner where she promptly split a Caesar salad with my MIL. She didn't want chicken or shrimp on it and did not want my MIL to get it on her half either. We still can't figure out why. She ate her half, then also ate a chicken tender of Segundo's and some of Primo's chicken wings (remember, she didn't want chicken on her salad!) She also had a few french fries!
Here's the thing though, it's just so nice to still have a grandma around, mine passed away the year after I graduated college. I love spending time with Gigi and I'm so happy that she knows and loves my children. She is truly a special lady and I'd split a Bloody Mary with her any day!
Peace and love.
So it goes without saying that when I'm at a restaurant and my dining companion asks if I want to split a meal, I cringe just ever so slightly. Here's the deal, I do not want to split anything with you.
Do not take it personally, it has nothing to do with you. I don't like sharing and I don't want to share a salad with you. Get your own! Who cares if it's big and you can't finish it. Bring it home or just throw it out. You won't die and you can't send it to Ethiopia. Just get your own.
I'm telling you this because of two very funny things that happened this past week while we were on vacation in Florida.
Mr. X.'s 95 year-old grandma was visiting from Des Moines. We haven't seen her in two years so we were all very excited to spend some time with her. She is a wonderful woman, who at 95 is in amazing shape, less a bit of hearing. She still has a very funny sense of humor and just adores Primo and Segundo.
The only problem is that Gigi (that's what we call her) never wants to order her own meal, she only wants to split one. But it's not just meals, she wants to split beverages too! My poor mother-in-law will spend the next week starving because she's only eating half a meal three times a day!
We took her to brunch on Sunday for her birthday and she wanted to split the eggs Benedict with my MIL. Then she thought she was splitting a Bloody Mary (virgin) with me! So when the drinks came and we each got one, she said, "I didn't order this, I thought we were splitting it!" How do you split a Bloody Mary? Mind you, she drank half of it, then asked my father-in-law if he was going to drink the other half of his orange juice. He kindly gave it to her and she promptly finished it off, leaving him juice less.
The meal arrived and Gigi and my MIL each had one egg, half a potato home-fry type thing and half a strawberry on their plates. It looked like something out of a Dr. Seuss book! Gigi ate her meal and then proceeded to also eat the other half of my arugula salad. We were all just giving each other a look and laughing because the whole thing was so funny.
Of course when the dessert came, a sample of four different cakes, do you think she wanted to split that with anyone???
The next night we all went out to dinner where she promptly split a Caesar salad with my MIL. She didn't want chicken or shrimp on it and did not want my MIL to get it on her half either. We still can't figure out why. She ate her half, then also ate a chicken tender of Segundo's and some of Primo's chicken wings (remember, she didn't want chicken on her salad!) She also had a few french fries!
Here's the thing though, it's just so nice to still have a grandma around, mine passed away the year after I graduated college. I love spending time with Gigi and I'm so happy that she knows and loves my children. She is truly a special lady and I'd split a Bloody Mary with her any day!
Peace and love.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
I Can See the Finish Line!
As I type, I am sipping my last juice of the 3 day cleanse. This time it's a beet, carrot, celery and cuke combo and it's quite delicious! (There's actually one more, but I simply cannot stomach the kale, avocado, garlic, kelp and hemp oil mixture. It's too much to bear. I'll give it to Mr. X.)
This time around was much better than the maiden voyage. I think just the fact that I didn't have to make the juices was psychologically a relief. There was nothing worse than being so hungry and having to wash, cut and make the juices myself, followed cleaning that darn juicer. Not to mention, I'm sure the juices I got from juice bar were more balanced with the vitamins and minerals that I needed at different times throughout the day. There were also some smoothies in the mix which provided a heartier, more filling drink around dinner time.
The first day was the most difficult. Around dinner time, I started sweating and shaking and thought I might pass out. I kept saying to the boys, "Mommy just needs to lie down for a little while. Please don't do anything that will cause me to freak out on you." They complied, thank goodness.
I took a yoga class on day two and felt great. I had energy to hold steady my most favorite balance pose, ardha chandrasana, with a little left over for an end of class urdhva dhanurasana. So all in all a very good day.
So as I was packing my bathing suits today I was feeling better about having to put one on next week. The past three days have definitely been worth the brief sacrifice and occasional grumpiness. Though I'm pretty sure my kids will tell you they're looking forward to me eating something tomorrow. Ahhh, the things we (I) do for the sake of beauty or whatever you want to call it.
Enjoy your week. I'll think of you fondly as I lay in the sun with my toes in the sand. Actually, I probably won't. Talk soon.
Peace and love.
This time around was much better than the maiden voyage. I think just the fact that I didn't have to make the juices was psychologically a relief. There was nothing worse than being so hungry and having to wash, cut and make the juices myself, followed cleaning that darn juicer. Not to mention, I'm sure the juices I got from juice bar were more balanced with the vitamins and minerals that I needed at different times throughout the day. There were also some smoothies in the mix which provided a heartier, more filling drink around dinner time.
The first day was the most difficult. Around dinner time, I started sweating and shaking and thought I might pass out. I kept saying to the boys, "Mommy just needs to lie down for a little while. Please don't do anything that will cause me to freak out on you." They complied, thank goodness.
I took a yoga class on day two and felt great. I had energy to hold steady my most favorite balance pose, ardha chandrasana, with a little left over for an end of class urdhva dhanurasana. So all in all a very good day.
So as I was packing my bathing suits today I was feeling better about having to put one on next week. The past three days have definitely been worth the brief sacrifice and occasional grumpiness. Though I'm pretty sure my kids will tell you they're looking forward to me eating something tomorrow. Ahhh, the things we (I) do for the sake of beauty or whatever you want to call it.
Enjoy your week. I'll think of you fondly as I lay in the sun with my toes in the sand. Actually, I probably won't. Talk soon.
Peace and love.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Here I Go Again!
For those that have been reading the blog since its inception (thank you!), you know the reason the whole thing started was to document a juice cleanse that Mr. X and I were doing. You also know how miserable I was during the cleansing process, particularly on day two and three.
Why am I doing this again you may be asking yourselves? Well, in my never ending battle to lose 5lbs., coupled with a much anticipated trip next week which will require me to be in a bathing suit, it seemed like a good time. Nothing flattens the stomach better than a few days without carbs, gluten, alcohol and sugar. So in that respect, I am looking forward to it.
Inevitably I will be grumpy, will most likely have a headache and may snap at you if you see me. Please don't hold it against me. I will be in an altered state. I promise to be back to my cheerful self by Monday.
In the meantime, I wonder what I should eat for lunch?
Peace and love.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Ole!
I've heard from some of you in the last few days wondering where the heck I've been. Things have been so crazy around here in the last week that my head is spinning. Between appointments during the day, to working, to after school activities, to yoga immersions, I just can't keep up. I've felt a bit like I'm drowning actually.
I also realized that I haven't posted a recipe in a while. So for all of you that have been trying out my recipes, here is a delicious one that my friend, D., made while we were on a ski trip in New Hampshire not long ago. D.is also vegan and a really good cook to boot. So in honor of St. Patrick's Day (my second most hated holiday after New Years), here is a great kale and potato enchilada recipe. Ole!
Potato and Kale Enchiladas with Roasted Chile Sauce
(Veganomicon)
Serves 4 – 6
Ingredients:
Enchilada Chile Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 large green chilies, roasted, peeled, seeded and chopped (or be lazy like me and use canned ones!)
2 - 3 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. marjoram or Mexican oregano
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
1 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
Potato and Kale Filling
1 lb. waxy potatoes
1/2 lb. kale, washed and chopped finely
3 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 cup veggie broth or water
3 Tbsp/ lime juice
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 tsp. salt
12 - 14 corm tortillas
Method:
Preheat the oven to 375 and have a shallow baking dish ready to use. You may need two.
Prepare the enchilada sauce first:
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, saute the onions in oil for 4 - 7 minutes, until softened. Add the remaining sauce ingredients, bring to a simmer and remove from heat. Puree with a blender until the mixture is smooth and even.
Prepare the filling:
Peel and dice the potatoes, then boil until tender. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil and garlic over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until the garlic is slightly browned. Add the kale, sprinkle with salt and raise the heat to medium stirring constantly to cover the kale with oil and garlic.
Partially cover the pot to steam the kale until it has wilted – 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the lid and mix in the potatoes, vegetable stock, lime juice, pumpkin seeds and salt. Use the back of a wooden spoon to mash some of the potatoes. Cook for another 3 – 4 minutes.
Ladle a small amount of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish. Heat a corn tortilla (30 seconds in a fry pan) dip the tortilla in the enchilada sauce so that it is covered in the sauce.
Place the soaked tortilla on a plate and place some potato mixture inside. Roll it up and put it in the casserole dish.
Repeat with each of the enchiladas until you have lined them all up in the dish. Cover with enchilada sauce (saving some for topping) and cover with foil, place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for a further 10 minutes. Top individual servings with the remainder of the enchilada sauce once cooked.
I am telling you this dish is absolutely amazing. It takes a little time to prepared but totally worth it! Even the carnivores in your house will love it!
Happy cooking everyone!
Peace and love!
I also realized that I haven't posted a recipe in a while. So for all of you that have been trying out my recipes, here is a delicious one that my friend, D., made while we were on a ski trip in New Hampshire not long ago. D.is also vegan and a really good cook to boot. So in honor of St. Patrick's Day (my second most hated holiday after New Years), here is a great kale and potato enchilada recipe. Ole!
Potato and Kale Enchiladas with Roasted Chile Sauce
(Veganomicon)
Serves 4 – 6
Ingredients:
Enchilada Chile Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 large green chilies, roasted, peeled, seeded and chopped (or be lazy like me and use canned ones!)
2 - 3 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. marjoram or Mexican oregano
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
1 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
Potato and Kale Filling
1 lb. waxy potatoes
1/2 lb. kale, washed and chopped finely
3 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 cup veggie broth or water
3 Tbsp/ lime juice
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 tsp. salt
12 - 14 corm tortillas
Method:
Preheat the oven to 375 and have a shallow baking dish ready to use. You may need two.
Prepare the enchilada sauce first:
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, saute the onions in oil for 4 - 7 minutes, until softened. Add the remaining sauce ingredients, bring to a simmer and remove from heat. Puree with a blender until the mixture is smooth and even.
Prepare the filling:
Peel and dice the potatoes, then boil until tender. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil and garlic over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until the garlic is slightly browned. Add the kale, sprinkle with salt and raise the heat to medium stirring constantly to cover the kale with oil and garlic.
Partially cover the pot to steam the kale until it has wilted – 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the lid and mix in the potatoes, vegetable stock, lime juice, pumpkin seeds and salt. Use the back of a wooden spoon to mash some of the potatoes. Cook for another 3 – 4 minutes.
Ladle a small amount of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish. Heat a corn tortilla (30 seconds in a fry pan) dip the tortilla in the enchilada sauce so that it is covered in the sauce.
Place the soaked tortilla on a plate and place some potato mixture inside. Roll it up and put it in the casserole dish.
Repeat with each of the enchiladas until you have lined them all up in the dish. Cover with enchilada sauce (saving some for topping) and cover with foil, place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for a further 10 minutes. Top individual servings with the remainder of the enchilada sauce once cooked.
I am telling you this dish is absolutely amazing. It takes a little time to prepared but totally worth it! Even the carnivores in your house will love it!
Happy cooking everyone!
Peace and love!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Keep it in your pants, yoga dude!
Where to begin, where to begin???
I have been hearing about Bikram yoga for years now but had never tried it. Until yesterday. I was looking forward to trying something new, I really was. I was mentally prepared for 90 minutes in the heat. I had my mat, my towels, my water, I was ready to go.
I stepped into the studio and BAM! the heat hit me like a ton of bricks. I placed my mat on the damp, carpeted floor (yuk). I put my towels on my mat, sat down and began breathing slowly in and out of my nose. One by one people came into the studio and placed their mats down.
As I glanced towards the waiting area, I noticed a shirtless guy in very, very small shorts. The shorts seemed to be made out of a bathing suit type of material. Oh lord, I thought to myself, if this guy is going to be practicing like this, I may just pass out right now. Sure enough, in struts Mr. Penis Pants, and plants himself in front of me and to the right. Now, let me just say, this guy was in OK shape, he wasn't fat and disgusting or anything, but he was strutting like a peacock around the studio in his penis pants. Barf.
Class began and all was going well, with the exception of the crazy drill sergeant instructor that kept shouting things like, "No smiling. No talking. No drinking water!" No drinking water?? WTF is this crazy b$%tch talking about? It's 105 degrees in this room and I will drink water when I darn well please thank you very much!
For those of you that are not familiar with Bikram yoga, the class is a series of 26 poses, done in a particular order and the order never changes. You can go to a Bikram class anywhere in the world and it will always be the same. Oh, and did I mention it's done in a 105 degree room?? Anyway, the poses are not difficult, what's difficult is managing the heat.
So it goes without saying that you sweat A LOT in a Bikram class. You sweat from places on your body that you've never sweat from before, like your shins and forearms. Sweat drips down your body and your clothes cling to you like saran wrap.
Which comes to my next observation...Mr. Penis Pants. Oh Lord almighty if those shorts were any more stuck to him he'd have been naked. It was so unbelievable and shocking that, like a train wreck, it's hard to look away. And this guy could have cared less, he was proud to be showing off his package in all its sweaty glory!! I had to refocus.
Thankfully I did and got through the rest of the class. But let me tell you, when it was over I bolted out of there like my house was on fire.
I'll chalk this one up to new experiences. But I can assure you, that is the last time I will be seeing Mr. Penis Pants.
Namaste.
Peace and love.
I have been hearing about Bikram yoga for years now but had never tried it. Until yesterday. I was looking forward to trying something new, I really was. I was mentally prepared for 90 minutes in the heat. I had my mat, my towels, my water, I was ready to go.
I stepped into the studio and BAM! the heat hit me like a ton of bricks. I placed my mat on the damp, carpeted floor (yuk). I put my towels on my mat, sat down and began breathing slowly in and out of my nose. One by one people came into the studio and placed their mats down.
As I glanced towards the waiting area, I noticed a shirtless guy in very, very small shorts. The shorts seemed to be made out of a bathing suit type of material. Oh lord, I thought to myself, if this guy is going to be practicing like this, I may just pass out right now. Sure enough, in struts Mr. Penis Pants, and plants himself in front of me and to the right. Now, let me just say, this guy was in OK shape, he wasn't fat and disgusting or anything, but he was strutting like a peacock around the studio in his penis pants. Barf.
Class began and all was going well, with the exception of the crazy drill sergeant instructor that kept shouting things like, "No smiling. No talking. No drinking water!" No drinking water?? WTF is this crazy b$%tch talking about? It's 105 degrees in this room and I will drink water when I darn well please thank you very much!
For those of you that are not familiar with Bikram yoga, the class is a series of 26 poses, done in a particular order and the order never changes. You can go to a Bikram class anywhere in the world and it will always be the same. Oh, and did I mention it's done in a 105 degree room?? Anyway, the poses are not difficult, what's difficult is managing the heat.
So it goes without saying that you sweat A LOT in a Bikram class. You sweat from places on your body that you've never sweat from before, like your shins and forearms. Sweat drips down your body and your clothes cling to you like saran wrap.
Which comes to my next observation...Mr. Penis Pants. Oh Lord almighty if those shorts were any more stuck to him he'd have been naked. It was so unbelievable and shocking that, like a train wreck, it's hard to look away. And this guy could have cared less, he was proud to be showing off his package in all its sweaty glory!! I had to refocus.
Thankfully I did and got through the rest of the class. But let me tell you, when it was over I bolted out of there like my house was on fire.
I'll chalk this one up to new experiences. But I can assure you, that is the last time I will be seeing Mr. Penis Pants.
Namaste.
Peace and love.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wait, what?!?!
My mom called me this morning to wish me a happy 42nd birthday. Wait. What? How old am I? 42? I asked her if she was sure she got that right. She told me she's pretty sure. The thing is, I just don't see how that's possible. The last time I checked I was 24, not 42! 42 sounds so...OLD!!
Now, I realize that age is just a number and it's more about how you feel, blah, blah, blah. And I feel great (I don't look so bad either if I do say so myself)! But I think I am officially in my mid-forties. Which is not possible.
I was in my car today and coincidentally the song, "Happy Birthday" by Altered Images came on. I distinctly remember loving that song when it was featured in the movie Sixteen Candles. In 1984!! So now I'm starting to do the math and I realize that if I was actually 24, I would not have been BORN yet when Sixteen Candles came out. That made me feel old. Remember this scene from the movie??
I remember being 14 years old in 1984 and thinking how dreamy Jake Ryan was. Come on, all you ladies remember that, don't pretend you don't.
I wonder what Jake Ryan looks like now? He's probably balding with a bit of a paunch belly and lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his three children. Hmmm. I think I'll just freeze his memory in 1984.
So since I won't be sitting on my dining room table tonight, gazing longingly over a lit birthday cake at my honey (he's working late), I might as well go over to a friends' house for a glass of wine.
That was something I couldn't do in 1984...
Here's to another year! Cheers.
Peace and love.
Now, I realize that age is just a number and it's more about how you feel, blah, blah, blah. And I feel great (I don't look so bad either if I do say so myself)! But I think I am officially in my mid-forties. Which is not possible.
I was in my car today and coincidentally the song, "Happy Birthday" by Altered Images came on. I distinctly remember loving that song when it was featured in the movie Sixteen Candles. In 1984!! So now I'm starting to do the math and I realize that if I was actually 24, I would not have been BORN yet when Sixteen Candles came out. That made me feel old. Remember this scene from the movie??
I remember being 14 years old in 1984 and thinking how dreamy Jake Ryan was. Come on, all you ladies remember that, don't pretend you don't.
I wonder what Jake Ryan looks like now? He's probably balding with a bit of a paunch belly and lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his three children. Hmmm. I think I'll just freeze his memory in 1984.
So since I won't be sitting on my dining room table tonight, gazing longingly over a lit birthday cake at my honey (he's working late), I might as well go over to a friends' house for a glass of wine.
That was something I couldn't do in 1984...
Here's to another year! Cheers.
Peace and love.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Growing Pains...
Tonight my boys were in the bathtub, when I heard Primo say to Segundo, "Look, Segundo, I'm becoming a man." I froze in my tracks. I took a deep breath and pondered whether I should go in to find out what he was talking about. Instead, I took the chicken way out. I did nothing. I just stood in the hallway and did nothing. Sometimes, it's just better not knowing. Right???
This came just a few hours after we were all playing with Play Dough. I was happily working on a blue octopus. Segundo was making Spongebob. And Primo, well, he was making a giant penis and testicles with his Play Dough! He was laughing and giggling and thought it was the funniest thing ever. (It was funny, but I held fast to my "that's not an appropriate thing to make with Play Dough" face.)
So now I'm kind of thinking we (Mr. X is not getting out of this one) need to sit down with Primo and have a 2nd grade version of "The Talk". This conversation is a bit stressful, I admit. But obviously his body is changing and he needs to know that the things that are happening and feeling are completely normal.
He knows bits and pieces. For instance, he found out recently, from a girl on the bus (thanks, J.), that not all babies come out of the mommy with an operation. She very cleverly told him that they can actually come out through...well you know, I don't have to explain it to you! To which he was visibly horrified. Understandably so. He also knows that babies are made when a mommy and a daddy give each other a "special hug". Of course now every time Mr. X gives me a hug, Primo asks if it's a "special hug" and if I'm going to have another baby. Oy!!
This parenting thing is hard work. I just want to make sure that what I'm telling him is age appropriate. I'd rather he hear it from me, than little Suzie on the bus.
What I need is a book. An age appropriate book, for 8 year olds. If anyone reading this knows of one, please let me know.
In the meantime, I suppose I'll just wing it and pray for the best. Wish me luck.
Peace and love.
This came just a few hours after we were all playing with Play Dough. I was happily working on a blue octopus. Segundo was making Spongebob. And Primo, well, he was making a giant penis and testicles with his Play Dough! He was laughing and giggling and thought it was the funniest thing ever. (It was funny, but I held fast to my "that's not an appropriate thing to make with Play Dough" face.)
So now I'm kind of thinking we (Mr. X is not getting out of this one) need to sit down with Primo and have a 2nd grade version of "The Talk". This conversation is a bit stressful, I admit. But obviously his body is changing and he needs to know that the things that are happening and feeling are completely normal.
He knows bits and pieces. For instance, he found out recently, from a girl on the bus (thanks, J.), that not all babies come out of the mommy with an operation. She very cleverly told him that they can actually come out through...well you know, I don't have to explain it to you! To which he was visibly horrified. Understandably so. He also knows that babies are made when a mommy and a daddy give each other a "special hug". Of course now every time Mr. X gives me a hug, Primo asks if it's a "special hug" and if I'm going to have another baby. Oy!!
This parenting thing is hard work. I just want to make sure that what I'm telling him is age appropriate. I'd rather he hear it from me, than little Suzie on the bus.
What I need is a book. An age appropriate book, for 8 year olds. If anyone reading this knows of one, please let me know.
In the meantime, I suppose I'll just wing it and pray for the best. Wish me luck.
Peace and love.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Secret Ingredient Amazing Chili
OK. So you guys know how much I love veggie chili. Well, my mom gave me this amazing chili recipe that has a top secret ingredient in it. You may scratch your head and say, "Hmmm, really?? I don't know about this." I did when I first made it, but believe me, it makes it amazing!!
Here goes:
Vegan Mamarama's Mama's Top Secret Veggie Chili
1 green, yellow or red pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 celery rib, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 can black beans
1 can red beans
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce (I used vegetable broth instead)
1/4 cup chili powder
1 Tbsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
TOP SECRET INGREDIENT: 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Special Dark!!) Shhhhh!!
Salt/pepper to taste
1 cup Boca crumbles or 1/2 cup TVP
In a heavy saucepan, saute all the veggies until tender in olive oil. Then add your tomatoes, sauce and/or broth, spices and beans. Simmer for about an hour or until all the veggies are cooked. Add Boca crumbles or TVP and cook another 45 minutes or so. If the chili is too thick, just add some more veggie broth.
This meal is full of vitamins and protein and is great on a cold winter day. I like to serve it with some rice. Try it out and let me know what you think of the secret ingredient!!
YUM!
Peace and love.
Here goes:
Vegan Mamarama's Mama's Top Secret Veggie Chili
1 green, yellow or red pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 celery rib, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 can black beans
1 can red beans
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce (I used vegetable broth instead)
1/4 cup chili powder
1 Tbsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
TOP SECRET INGREDIENT: 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Special Dark!!) Shhhhh!!
Salt/pepper to taste
1 cup Boca crumbles or 1/2 cup TVP
In a heavy saucepan, saute all the veggies until tender in olive oil. Then add your tomatoes, sauce and/or broth, spices and beans. Simmer for about an hour or until all the veggies are cooked. Add Boca crumbles or TVP and cook another 45 minutes or so. If the chili is too thick, just add some more veggie broth.
This meal is full of vitamins and protein and is great on a cold winter day. I like to serve it with some rice. Try it out and let me know what you think of the secret ingredient!!
YUM!
Peace and love.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Boundaries
I've been thinking a lot about boundaries lately. Boundaries are a very interesting concept to me. They can be good and they can be bad. They can be limiting or freeing depending on how and when we need them. They can harm us or keep us safe. There are physical boundaries and emotional ones. They are quite a paradox.
As parents, we give our children boundaries, rules if you will, so they can grow up to be functioning adults later in life. But if we put too many boundaries on them, then we risk sheltering them or worse, having them act out in dangerous ways as they grow.
As yogis, we try and see the good in everyone. In the practice of Anusara yoga in particular, we learn to open our hearts to grace. To let them shine from the inside out. I realize that this may sound a little "out there" to some of you, but if you really look inward and try to be the best person you can be today, then you are able to see the goodness in others as well.
In a recent discussion about boundaries, a yoga teacher of mine said something that really connected with me. She said, just because we try and see the good in others, doesn't mean that we will allow ourselves to be walked all over like doormats. We can still be good yogis while allowing ourselves to have boundaries from the things that don't serve us well. It's OK to let someone know, as kindly as possible, that what they are doing or saying is not OK with you.
We've all had friendships, relationships that have not served us well. And depending on where you are in your life on that day, you may have allowed this toxic relationship to continue. Sometimes we do it because we feel guilty speaking our truth. Sometimes it just takes a while to realize that someone has invaded our space in a way that we don't like.
So it's our job to set the boundaries within our own lives. Even if it means going through your mental Rolodex and cleaning house. Ridding ourselves of relationships that no longer bring happiness, but rather cause us angst and anxiety.
It doesn't mean we're not good yogis. It simply means that we will not let the unwanted enter the boundaries that we have set for ourselves. It means that we are strong and that we love ourselves.
Take a minute today to really think about what your boundaries are. Where do you draw the line? Is there someone who's invading your space? If so, how will you handle it?
Peace and love.
As parents, we give our children boundaries, rules if you will, so they can grow up to be functioning adults later in life. But if we put too many boundaries on them, then we risk sheltering them or worse, having them act out in dangerous ways as they grow.
As yogis, we try and see the good in everyone. In the practice of Anusara yoga in particular, we learn to open our hearts to grace. To let them shine from the inside out. I realize that this may sound a little "out there" to some of you, but if you really look inward and try to be the best person you can be today, then you are able to see the goodness in others as well.
In a recent discussion about boundaries, a yoga teacher of mine said something that really connected with me. She said, just because we try and see the good in others, doesn't mean that we will allow ourselves to be walked all over like doormats. We can still be good yogis while allowing ourselves to have boundaries from the things that don't serve us well. It's OK to let someone know, as kindly as possible, that what they are doing or saying is not OK with you.
We've all had friendships, relationships that have not served us well. And depending on where you are in your life on that day, you may have allowed this toxic relationship to continue. Sometimes we do it because we feel guilty speaking our truth. Sometimes it just takes a while to realize that someone has invaded our space in a way that we don't like.
So it's our job to set the boundaries within our own lives. Even if it means going through your mental Rolodex and cleaning house. Ridding ourselves of relationships that no longer bring happiness, but rather cause us angst and anxiety.
It doesn't mean we're not good yogis. It simply means that we will not let the unwanted enter the boundaries that we have set for ourselves. It means that we are strong and that we love ourselves.
Take a minute today to really think about what your boundaries are. Where do you draw the line? Is there someone who's invading your space? If so, how will you handle it?
Peace and love.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Real Vegans Do Eat Quiche
I've been looking for a vegan quiche recipe for a while now. I kept going back and forth in my head wondering if I really wanted to venture into what is traditionally a quintessential egg dish. The thought of making quiche without eggs and lots of gooey cheese just didn't seem right. I grew up with both my grandmother and mother making delicious quiche so I was a little skeptical.
I found the recipe below on allrecipes.com, a website that I peruse quite a bit. So I decided to make the leap and try it out. The results were much better than I had imagined. In fact, I liked it even better on day two! I brought a slice to my vegan friend, D., to get an unbiased opinion and she thought it was great. So here it is...
Tofu Quiche with Broccoli
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
1 pound broccoli, chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 an onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 leek, white part chopped
2 - 3 white button mushrooms
1 pound firm tofu, drained and pressed for a little while
1/2 cup soy milk
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (I didn't use the nutmeg)
1/2 tsp. ground red pepper
black pepper to taste
1 Tbsp. dried parsley
2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese (I used Nutritional yeast instead)
Preheat oven to 400. Bake pie crust for 10-12 minutes. You could also make this recipe crustless for fewer calories.
Steam broccoli until tender but still firm. Drain.
Heat oil in a large skillet. Saute onion, mushrooms, leeks and garlic until tender. Stir in the broccoli and heat through.
In a food processor, combine tofu, soy milk, mustard, salt, nutmeg, red pepper, black pepper, parsley and Parm; process until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine tofu mixture and broccoli mixture. Pour into pie crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until quiche is set. Allow to stand 5 minutes before cutting.
Here is what it looks like when it's done:
If you find that the edges of the pie crust are getting too dark, simply cover the edges with foil and continue baking.
This quiche makes a great lunch with a salad or a fantastic brunch dish. The texture of the tofu is exactly like eggs, it's really quite amazing. Also, you could make this with any kind of vegetable. Next time, I think I'm going to add spinach and some red pepper. The skies the limit really!
Enjoy!
Peace and love.
P.S. Stay tuned, tomorrow's recipe is really a good one...
I found the recipe below on allrecipes.com, a website that I peruse quite a bit. So I decided to make the leap and try it out. The results were much better than I had imagined. In fact, I liked it even better on day two! I brought a slice to my vegan friend, D., to get an unbiased opinion and she thought it was great. So here it is...
Tofu Quiche with Broccoli
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
1 pound broccoli, chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 an onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 leek, white part chopped
2 - 3 white button mushrooms
1 pound firm tofu, drained and pressed for a little while
1/2 cup soy milk
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (I didn't use the nutmeg)
1/2 tsp. ground red pepper
black pepper to taste
1 Tbsp. dried parsley
2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese (I used Nutritional yeast instead)
Preheat oven to 400. Bake pie crust for 10-12 minutes. You could also make this recipe crustless for fewer calories.
Steam broccoli until tender but still firm. Drain.
Heat oil in a large skillet. Saute onion, mushrooms, leeks and garlic until tender. Stir in the broccoli and heat through.
In a food processor, combine tofu, soy milk, mustard, salt, nutmeg, red pepper, black pepper, parsley and Parm; process until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine tofu mixture and broccoli mixture. Pour into pie crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until quiche is set. Allow to stand 5 minutes before cutting.
Here is what it looks like when it's done:
If you find that the edges of the pie crust are getting too dark, simply cover the edges with foil and continue baking.
This quiche makes a great lunch with a salad or a fantastic brunch dish. The texture of the tofu is exactly like eggs, it's really quite amazing. Also, you could make this with any kind of vegetable. Next time, I think I'm going to add spinach and some red pepper. The skies the limit really!
Enjoy!
Peace and love.
P.S. Stay tuned, tomorrow's recipe is really a good one...
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Holy Sh@&!t!!!
I literally just spent the last 15 minutes outside picking up dog shit! I was quite a sight. Decked out in my green wellies, plastic grocery store bag in one hand, another bag over my other hand like some sort of protective shield, bent over like a crazy person tiptoeing around my front yard. I was actually tempted to bring the bag inside and weigh it afterwards because I really think it was about 10lbs.! Seriously. ( I didn't.)
Anyone who knows me fairly well, knows how much I love my dogs. Particularly Cooper, who I sense is really a person trapped in a dogs body. He has very wise eyes and I really think will one day speak to me in a human voice. Crazy, right?!? I live for this dog, he is my first baby and I love him as much as my kids. Don't get me wrong, I love Coco too, but Coco really is just a dog. She has no human qualities. She begs for every morsel of food, barks at every squirrel she sees and will lick her ass at any moment she sees fit. She has no shame. Cooper would NEVER do anything that disgusting! It's far too beneath him. Look at him, isn't he the sweetest thing you've ever seen?!?
That said, Cooper can poop like no other. We should all be as regular as this dog. Every single time I let him out, he goes. Where it all comes from is beyond me because he doesn't eat that much.
So here I sit, with a poop-free front yard, at least for a few minutes.
Uh-oh, Cooper's standing by the door.
Peace and love.
Anyone who knows me fairly well, knows how much I love my dogs. Particularly Cooper, who I sense is really a person trapped in a dogs body. He has very wise eyes and I really think will one day speak to me in a human voice. Crazy, right?!? I live for this dog, he is my first baby and I love him as much as my kids. Don't get me wrong, I love Coco too, but Coco really is just a dog. She has no human qualities. She begs for every morsel of food, barks at every squirrel she sees and will lick her ass at any moment she sees fit. She has no shame. Cooper would NEVER do anything that disgusting! It's far too beneath him. Look at him, isn't he the sweetest thing you've ever seen?!?
That said, Cooper can poop like no other. We should all be as regular as this dog. Every single time I let him out, he goes. Where it all comes from is beyond me because he doesn't eat that much.
So here I sit, with a poop-free front yard, at least for a few minutes.
Uh-oh, Cooper's standing by the door.
Peace and love.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Soup IS Good Food!
I was midway through my run this morning when I remembered that I forgot to pass on this amazing mushroom soup recipe that I made this weekend. (I love when I remember that I forgot something! Is there a word for that?? Anagram?? No. Oxymoron? No. Oh well, whatever...)
Anyway, this recipe was super easy and so flavorful. Mr. X loved it. Primo and Segundo said, "Ewwww, mushrooms are disgusting!" I happen to be a big fan of the fungi so here goes, without further ado:
Wild Mushroom and Rice Soup
1 onion, finely chopped
1 white part of leek, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 celery rib (I hate that term, it grosses me out), chopped
1 lb. fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced (I buy the ones already sliced, it's the lazy way!)
1 oz. dried porcini mushrooms
1/4 tsp. dried rosemary
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 can chopped tomatoes
6 cups vegetable stock
1/2 c. wild rice
1/4 c. red wine (plus 1 glass for yourself!!)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2-3 tsp. olive oil
Basically add olive oil to a heavy stock pot and saute all the veggies until they soften. Add garlic last so it doesn't burn. Throw in the spices and the canned tomatoes for a minute or two. Add the stock, wine, rice and dried mushrooms and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour, until the rice is soft.
Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!
It was so good, I was eating it cold the next day. Gross right?? It was really good. I always eat cold leftovers: stir-fry, spaghetti, pad thai, who cares!?! I'm even eating some cold, leftover sauteed kale as I type. Yum!
Peace and love.
Anyway, this recipe was super easy and so flavorful. Mr. X loved it. Primo and Segundo said, "Ewwww, mushrooms are disgusting!" I happen to be a big fan of the fungi so here goes, without further ado:
Wild Mushroom and Rice Soup
1 onion, finely chopped
1 white part of leek, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 celery rib (I hate that term, it grosses me out), chopped
1 lb. fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced (I buy the ones already sliced, it's the lazy way!)
1 oz. dried porcini mushrooms
1/4 tsp. dried rosemary
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 can chopped tomatoes
6 cups vegetable stock
1/2 c. wild rice
1/4 c. red wine (plus 1 glass for yourself!!)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2-3 tsp. olive oil
Basically add olive oil to a heavy stock pot and saute all the veggies until they soften. Add garlic last so it doesn't burn. Throw in the spices and the canned tomatoes for a minute or two. Add the stock, wine, rice and dried mushrooms and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour, until the rice is soft.
Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!
It was so good, I was eating it cold the next day. Gross right?? It was really good. I always eat cold leftovers: stir-fry, spaghetti, pad thai, who cares!?! I'm even eating some cold, leftover sauteed kale as I type. Yum!
Peace and love.
Monday, January 16, 2012
I Love the British
My wonderfully British friend, E., had me over for lunch last week. She had made a delicious vegetarian meal for her parents while she was on holiday (had to sneak in my best British colloquialism) over Christmas. Our lunch was so amazing that I had to get the recipe from her and I will now share it with you! Fortunately, she translated everything out of grams and mls. so us American folk could understand.
Aubergine & Chickpea Tagine
1 small aubergine, cubed (eggplant)
2 courgettes, sliced (zucchini)
4 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 cups mushrooms, halved
1 tbsp ground coriander
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground turmeric
8oz new potatoes, quartered
1 pint passata (diced tomatoes, I used canned)
1 tbsp tomato puree
1 tbsp chili sauce
1/3 cup sliced, dried apricots
3 cups canned chickpeas, drained
salt & pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish
Roast eggplant and zucchini with 2tbsp of olive oil, 20 mins until tender and golden, turning regularly. Heat remaining oil in saucepan, cook onion and garlic for 5 mins until soft, turning occasionally. Add mushrooms and saute for 3 mins until tender. Add spices and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to mingle flavours. Add potatoes and cook for 3 mins, stirring. Pour in passata and tomato puree and 2/3 cup of water. Cover and cook for 10 mins, until sauce begins to thicken. Add eggplant, zucchini, chili sauce, apricots and chickpeas. Cook, partially covered for 10-15 mins until potatoes are tender. Add a little extra water or vegetable broth if tagine becomes too dry. Garnish with chopped, fresh coriander and serve with cous-cous and crusty bread.
This dish is so aromatic and fantastic! Really, truly delicious! It is cooking away on my stove top as I type this. I can't wait for dinner tonight and leftovers tomorrow.
Thanks again, E. for this great recipe! I will always think of you when I make it!
Peace and love.
Aubergine & Chickpea Tagine
1 small aubergine, cubed (eggplant)
2 courgettes, sliced (zucchini)
4 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 cups mushrooms, halved
1 tbsp ground coriander
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground turmeric
8oz new potatoes, quartered
1 pint passata (diced tomatoes, I used canned)
1 tbsp tomato puree
1 tbsp chili sauce
1/3 cup sliced, dried apricots
3 cups canned chickpeas, drained
salt & pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish
Roast eggplant and zucchini with 2tbsp of olive oil, 20 mins until tender and golden, turning regularly. Heat remaining oil in saucepan, cook onion and garlic for 5 mins until soft, turning occasionally. Add mushrooms and saute for 3 mins until tender. Add spices and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to mingle flavours. Add potatoes and cook for 3 mins, stirring. Pour in passata and tomato puree and 2/3 cup of water. Cover and cook for 10 mins, until sauce begins to thicken. Add eggplant, zucchini, chili sauce, apricots and chickpeas. Cook, partially covered for 10-15 mins until potatoes are tender. Add a little extra water or vegetable broth if tagine becomes too dry. Garnish with chopped, fresh coriander and serve with cous-cous and crusty bread.
This dish is so aromatic and fantastic! Really, truly delicious! It is cooking away on my stove top as I type this. I can't wait for dinner tonight and leftovers tomorrow.
Thanks again, E. for this great recipe! I will always think of you when I make it!
Peace and love.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Mmmmm tofu!
I've heard from some of you recently asking when I'm going to post some new recipes. To be honest, I've been in a bit of a food rut lately. I think with all the craziness of the holidays I just haven't felt much like cooking.
I did get a new cookbook for Christmas from Mr. X so I have promised myself that I will try out some new and tasty meals. The cookbook is called Clean Start by Terry Walters. What I like about it is that she divides the chapters up by seasons. So each recipe contains ingredients that will be fresh and plentiful for that time of year.
My menu for this evening was pan-seared tofu with a ginger lime glaze, sauteed swiss chard with ginger and tamari and brown basmati rice. See tofu recipe below:
Pan Seared Tofu with Ginger Lime Glaze
1lb. fresh firm tofu, drained
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
2 Tbsp. tamari
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. maple syrup (I used agave nectar because I prefer the taste)
A note about tofu: I like to drain and then press the tofu for an hour or two before I marinate it. Take a clean dish towel or several paper towels, place the block of tofu on it , cover with more towels and put something heavy on top to press out the excess water. I use a heavy pot usually. I find that pressed tofu has a nicer consistency than when it's not pressed, but that's just me.
Once the tofu has been pressed, make the marinade, pour over the tofu in an air-tight container and let it chill out in the fridge for at least an hour. The longer you marinate it, the better it will taste.
Heat a saute pan over medium heat. Pour a little of the marinade from the container in the pan and let it heat up. Slice the tofu into fillets or cubes. Place in pan and saute evenly both sides until the glaze starts to make the tofu a little crispy. Keep adding marinade so it doesn't burn or stick. I used all the marinade little by little. Remove from heat and serve.
SOOOO good! And easy.
While I was cooking the tofu, I threw a little ginger and olive oil in another pan and cooked up the swiss chard. I added a little tamari for taste. You could also add a little ume plum vinegar or whatever you have handy. Again, yum!
I'm actually looking forward to leftovers tomorrow, the tofu will be great stuffed in a pita with some field greens and some Japanese ginger dressing. Mmmmm.
Happy eating!
Peace and love.
I did get a new cookbook for Christmas from Mr. X so I have promised myself that I will try out some new and tasty meals. The cookbook is called Clean Start by Terry Walters. What I like about it is that she divides the chapters up by seasons. So each recipe contains ingredients that will be fresh and plentiful for that time of year.
My menu for this evening was pan-seared tofu with a ginger lime glaze, sauteed swiss chard with ginger and tamari and brown basmati rice. See tofu recipe below:
Pan Seared Tofu with Ginger Lime Glaze
1lb. fresh firm tofu, drained
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
2 Tbsp. tamari
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. maple syrup (I used agave nectar because I prefer the taste)
A note about tofu: I like to drain and then press the tofu for an hour or two before I marinate it. Take a clean dish towel or several paper towels, place the block of tofu on it , cover with more towels and put something heavy on top to press out the excess water. I use a heavy pot usually. I find that pressed tofu has a nicer consistency than when it's not pressed, but that's just me.
Once the tofu has been pressed, make the marinade, pour over the tofu in an air-tight container and let it chill out in the fridge for at least an hour. The longer you marinate it, the better it will taste.
Heat a saute pan over medium heat. Pour a little of the marinade from the container in the pan and let it heat up. Slice the tofu into fillets or cubes. Place in pan and saute evenly both sides until the glaze starts to make the tofu a little crispy. Keep adding marinade so it doesn't burn or stick. I used all the marinade little by little. Remove from heat and serve.
SOOOO good! And easy.
While I was cooking the tofu, I threw a little ginger and olive oil in another pan and cooked up the swiss chard. I added a little tamari for taste. You could also add a little ume plum vinegar or whatever you have handy. Again, yum!
I'm actually looking forward to leftovers tomorrow, the tofu will be great stuffed in a pita with some field greens and some Japanese ginger dressing. Mmmmm.
Happy eating!
Peace and love.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Just Say...YES!!!
Tonight my boys took baths with their underwear and socks on. Why? Because they asked. Were they surprised that I said yes? Well...yes. Were they really excited that I did? Ummm...yeah. Primo said to me, "Mom, did you take a yoga class today?" He knows me so well.
I have no idea why they wanted to do this, but it made them happier than expected. They didn't fight, all they did was laugh and play. Together. Did I mention there was no fighting?? All because I let them wear their socks and underwear in the tub. Was I happy that there was no fighting? You bet.
I think I'm just sick of saying "no" all the time. Now, understand, that I say no all the time because they ask to do the most ridiculous, inappropriate things. "Mom, can we watch Poltergeist?" No. "Can we listen to Snoop Dogg?" Um, no. "Can I fart on my brothers head?" "Can we eat ice cream for dinner?" No. And no.
So tonight I just thought, well, I guess if they really want to wear socks and underwear in the tub, why the heck not??
Generally I think of myself as an upbeat, positive person. But lately I feel like I've been saying "no" a lot. And I'd like to start saying "yes" more.
So tomorrow if they want to wear all their clothes in the bathtub, I think I'll let them.
But I still won't let them watch Poltergeist!
Peace and love.
I have no idea why they wanted to do this, but it made them happier than expected. They didn't fight, all they did was laugh and play. Together. Did I mention there was no fighting?? All because I let them wear their socks and underwear in the tub. Was I happy that there was no fighting? You bet.
I think I'm just sick of saying "no" all the time. Now, understand, that I say no all the time because they ask to do the most ridiculous, inappropriate things. "Mom, can we watch Poltergeist?" No. "Can we listen to Snoop Dogg?" Um, no. "Can I fart on my brothers head?" "Can we eat ice cream for dinner?" No. And no.
So tonight I just thought, well, I guess if they really want to wear socks and underwear in the tub, why the heck not??
Generally I think of myself as an upbeat, positive person. But lately I feel like I've been saying "no" a lot. And I'd like to start saying "yes" more.
So tomorrow if they want to wear all their clothes in the bathtub, I think I'll let them.
But I still won't let them watch Poltergeist!
Peace and love.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
What's my What???
I hate New Years Eve. I always have. Even in college. So I was more than happy to have no plans this year on December 31st. To me, New Years is like St. Patrick's Day (another "holiday" I hate), an excuse to drink too much and act like a complete idiot, only to wake up the next day and pray no one remembers what an idiot you made of yourself the night before.
So it goes without saying, I do not make New Years resolutions. Oh I've made many in my years, only to break them within a month and feel horrible about myself. When you make New Years resolutions, you're just setting yourself up to fail. "I'll never eat another piece of chocolate again." Bullshit. "I'll lose ten pounds by the end of the month." Sure you will. "I'll never yell at the kids again." Only if you're popping Xanax.
This year, instead of a resolution, I've decided to set an intention. Which oddly enough, our yoga teacher was talking about this week in class. To me, an intention is much more forgiving. If you wobble or waver, an intention is something you can always go back to, refocus and start again. A resolution, to me, seems so restrictive, structured and unforgiving.
My intention for the year ahead is strength, both physically, mentally and emotionally. Physically I'd like to get stronger so I can improve my yoga practice (arm balances are not for weaklings!). Mentally and emotionally I'd like to get stronger so I can navigate life in a balanced and calm way. Little did I know that at 5:30 this morning, I'd be testing my intention for the first time.
My sweet, little Segundo came into my room crying and in a panic. I got up to meet him and noticed that both his hands and whole face were covered in blood. He was coughing and choking on his tears and standing there looking at me with such fear in his eyes. I immediately went into "mommy mode". The rational side of me knew it was just a bloody nose from the dry air in the house (though he does sleep with a humidifier on). But the amount of blood that was pouring out of his nose was quite alarming. Mr. X leaped out of bed and we immediately starting cleaning him off, calming him down and trying to stop the bleeding. It was running down the back of his throat, making him gag and throw up blood (even more scary!). After about 25 minutes we were able to stop the bleeding and get him resting comfortably in our bed. And by 7:00, he was his normal, silly self, eating breakfast and getting ready for school.
My intention of strength hit me on day three of 2012, just as I am sure it will hit me, knock me down and throw me around a whole lot this year. But each time it does, I know that I'll get back up and keep going, keep moving forward, keep getting stronger. Because strength is something we can just keep getting better at, and it will never make us feel bad about ourselves.
Peace and love in 2012!
So it goes without saying, I do not make New Years resolutions. Oh I've made many in my years, only to break them within a month and feel horrible about myself. When you make New Years resolutions, you're just setting yourself up to fail. "I'll never eat another piece of chocolate again." Bullshit. "I'll lose ten pounds by the end of the month." Sure you will. "I'll never yell at the kids again." Only if you're popping Xanax.
This year, instead of a resolution, I've decided to set an intention. Which oddly enough, our yoga teacher was talking about this week in class. To me, an intention is much more forgiving. If you wobble or waver, an intention is something you can always go back to, refocus and start again. A resolution, to me, seems so restrictive, structured and unforgiving.
My intention for the year ahead is strength, both physically, mentally and emotionally. Physically I'd like to get stronger so I can improve my yoga practice (arm balances are not for weaklings!). Mentally and emotionally I'd like to get stronger so I can navigate life in a balanced and calm way. Little did I know that at 5:30 this morning, I'd be testing my intention for the first time.
My sweet, little Segundo came into my room crying and in a panic. I got up to meet him and noticed that both his hands and whole face were covered in blood. He was coughing and choking on his tears and standing there looking at me with such fear in his eyes. I immediately went into "mommy mode". The rational side of me knew it was just a bloody nose from the dry air in the house (though he does sleep with a humidifier on). But the amount of blood that was pouring out of his nose was quite alarming. Mr. X leaped out of bed and we immediately starting cleaning him off, calming him down and trying to stop the bleeding. It was running down the back of his throat, making him gag and throw up blood (even more scary!). After about 25 minutes we were able to stop the bleeding and get him resting comfortably in our bed. And by 7:00, he was his normal, silly self, eating breakfast and getting ready for school.
My intention of strength hit me on day three of 2012, just as I am sure it will hit me, knock me down and throw me around a whole lot this year. But each time it does, I know that I'll get back up and keep going, keep moving forward, keep getting stronger. Because strength is something we can just keep getting better at, and it will never make us feel bad about ourselves.
Peace and love in 2012!
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