Archive for October, 2009
Benefits of Massage
I have a massage appointment booked for Saturday and I can’t wait, it’s long over due. A massage is such a good thing to get done to yourself, not just for the pampering reasons. If you are someone who hasn’t treated themselves to a massage or feel they aren’t sore enough for one, here’s an article that may change your mind. Five Surprising Benefits of Massage.
Weekend of rain
It was a lovely weekend of rain out here on the coast. Giving me lots of guilt-free time in the kitchen, baking. I was inspired to try a new recipe for pumpkin cookies. Pink Stripes, a blog I follow, was having pumpkin week, last week and shared a recipe for Pumpkin Nut and Chip cookies. This recipe reminds me of my mom’s good old chocolate chip cookies (minus the pumpkin, cinnamon and nuts) I knew I’d like them. I found they mixed up just the same, I couldn’t wait to try one right out of the oven.
I wasn’t able to find pumpkin pie spice, so I used all spice instead (hope that was a proper substitute). If you know where to get pumpkin pie spice please let me know. Also, I found pecans per-chopped in the bulk section, I want with them instead of walnuts.
Pumpkin Nut and Chip Cookies
1/2 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 t vanilla extract
2 1/2 C flour
2 t pumpkin pie spice
1 t cinnamon
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 C milk chocolate chips
3/4 C walnuts, finely chopped
• Preheat oven to 350ºF
• Mix butter and sugar until creamy; add pumpkin, egg and vanilla, beating well after each addition
• Sift dry ingredients into a separate bowl; gradually add to pumpkin mixture until well-blended
• Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts
• Drop batter by heaping teaspoons onto lightly buttered cookie sheets
• Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until edges are golden brown
• Cool on wire racks and store in airtight container
Recipe courtesy of the California Milk Advisory Board
Mothers and Daughters
Today was also a first for me. I taught my first Mother and Daughter yoga class. A totally different dynamic than an adult class, the learning curve was steep tonight. I had a great time and some silly giggles too. It’s great to see children in Happy Baby, they don’t have to be told to move and explore the pose, I had happy babies rollin’ around the room enjoying themselves. Thanks to all the ladies coming out to the class.
rootdown ringtone
I wanted to share with you the ringtone I’m using on my phone, but there isn’t enough space on my blog site to host the mp3… so, I thought of the next best thing. The full length video. Enjoy Root Down by The Beastie Boys and enjoy your weekend.
Clever promotional item
You can get this bendy straw from the juice bar next door to Y-Plus Yoga Center in Shanghai. Great idea.
On my nightstand
Okay, I know the title isn’t at all yogic and I normally wouldn’t pick up a diet book. I first heard of Skinny Bitch in the tabloids a few years ago…someone (famous) was photographed reading it outside a cafe and sales went through the roof. I came across a copy at a garage sale two weeks ago and paid 10 cents for it. The price was right to find out what all the hype was about. Turns out it’s a GREAT BOOK. Funny, no mention of mini-skirts or platform shoes, I wouldn’t call it a diet book either, even though they do map out a meal plan towards the end of the book, it’s a lifestyle. If you were thinking of becoming a vegetarian this is a must read.
Once I got over the colourful language and “tough-love” talk I found the book very informative. These ladies did their research and tell you like it is. The picture they paint of mass food production and treatment of animals we eat is not appealing. They investigate how government agencies in the United States allow the food industry to lower their standards for profit. After reading the first few chapters I felt more educated about food and empowered to make more healthy choices.
It’s empowering to know that what I choose to put into my body, I get out. Or more simply, you are what you eat. I truly believe when I shop I’m casting a vote; paying a little more for organic, natural and locally grown foods will benefit everyone in the long run, if only myself for the time being.
Get it, read it. You’ll love shopping, eating and yourself more then ever.
Fall Sunset :: Photo of the week
Photo taken by Tyson, My Love
This is how our days come to a close, one reason why living in Powell River is so relaxing.
Sunday Baking
Today I baked scones. I have a soft spot for and from raisin tea biscuits. The recipe I use tastes very close to those you can buy in the store. The difference being, I know exactly what I’m putting into mine. These scones only have 2.5g of fat and I love that they don’t have egg in them.
1 C whole wheat flour
1 C all-purpose flour
1/3 C brown sugar
2 t baking powder
3/4 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 C + 2 T buttermilk
1/3 C raisins
2 T melted butter
2 t grated orange zest
1/2 t vanilla
1 egg (for a wash) most times I skip the wash
Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray cookie sheet.
Combine all dry ingredients is a large bowl. In a smaller bowl combine the wet ingredients, including the orange zest. Add wet mixer to dry and stir till a soft dough is formed.
Using a large ice cream scoop, place scoops on the cookie sheet, side by side and nearly touching. I find three columns by two rows works best x2. You should be able to fit all 12 scones on one sheet. Brush a lightly beaten egg over the tops. (There will be more the half of the egg left over)
Bake of 15 to 17 minutes or golden.
Clever logo design
This is for all those who appreciate graphic design and art. What a clever use of negative space. Things like this excite and inspire me to come up with that really smart design, the kind that make you giggle. Well, they make me giggle… is that weird?
If you like identity/logo design as much as I do, click here to see more.
Yoga Australia Logo by Roy Smith Design
Thanksgiving leftovers
I’ve had a whirl-wind month so far and it doesn’t look like I’ll be slowing down any time soon. Renos are in full force, we’ve made it to the climax, now it’s just putting everything back together. The main floor is nearly complete and we can stop wearing our shoes in, Yay. Last weekend my parents came out from Alberta and had Thanksgiving turkey with all the trimmings. Thanksgiving to me is a time to reflect on what I have and be grateful for all the wonderful people and moments we share together. I’d have to say this was one of the best Thanksgivings in some time, I had great friends and family to share it with. I am truly grateful for all I have.
The weather sure has changed and I can really feel the dampness already. My favourite days are rainy ones, with hot drinks and warm sweaters. I’d rather be wearing layers in the cold and be cozy then in next-to-nothing and too hot. I’m going to add more ginger to my diet this fall and winter. Ginger is warming and helps to settle the fire in the belly and gets the blood flowing. An easy way to include ginger is to add it to a morning tea of hot lemon water. The lemon helps to wake up your metabolism first thing in the morning. Have the tea 30 minutes before you enjoy your breakfast.
What have you done with all those leftovers? We had nachos with turkey tonight.
Recent Comments