Food for the Heart

Hello Every one,
My adorable seven year old niece did this picture for me. She said "The heart is full of colors".
When you stop to think about this, she's right. The heart is more than just a muscle that pumps blood in our veins. It beats with vibrancy that gives energy and nourishment through out the entire body. We can feel the vibrating energy pulsating in our bodies after we take a run or a brisk walk. The heart stores emotions as well. Positive emotions strengthen the muscles of the heart while negative ones weaken the muscles. When you can acknowledge this beautiful vibration in your heart, you give permission to your heart to become powerful and strong. We can't see the rainbow of colors that exist in our hearts. We can feel their vibrations. What a beautiful vibration it is. This vibration can take you to a higher level. The more the heart vibrates, the more meaning and purpose you have in your life. Just think of all the love, passion and fire that is available.
The month of February is dedicated to the heart. I found the top foods that are needed to support a healthy heart.

Olive Oil
This lowers you LDL cholesterol levels. Look for the extra-virgin olive oil that are made from ripe olive, cold presses, stone crushed or unfiltered.

Oats
Contain a soluble fiber and reduces the cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. I buy the organic steel cut oats and soak them overnight to eat.

Apples
Contains anti-inflammatory chemicals that will help prevent blood clots,

Almonds
Contain healthy oils and vitamin E that will keep cholesterol levels in check.

Tomatoes.
Are packed with Lycopene which helps reduce heart disease risk.

I'm in the mood for tomatoes. Here is a quick recipe from the "Raw Food Made Easy" by Jennifer Cornbleet.

CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP

3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 ripe avocado, chopped
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh dill weed or basil or 1/2 dried.

Place the tomatoes, water, garlic, onion powder and salt in a blender and process until smooth. Add the avocado and olive oil and blend again until smooth. Add the dill weed and blend briefly. Just to mix. Serve immediately.
Enjoy.

The Highest Joy

Hello Every One ,
When ever an obstacle appears in front of me, I ask myself "What is the highest joy I can feel right now". This question immediately brings me to a higher state of life. Being in a higher state of mind reduces the amount of stress, fear and tension. When you are in a good state of mind, the solution comes quickly.
For those of you who are out there looking for jobs....... DON'T GIVE UP AND DON'T LOOSE HOPE. I wanted to share my recent job experience. I was one of the 250 people hired for this new department store opening up. After the first five months, employees were being replaced one by one with new employees. The environment became a negative place to work . The constant conversion on the job was, " will I be next" or "when will it happen to me".
With that tension in the air, we found ways to keep positive. My co-workers were like an extended family. How heart breaking it was to see co-workers loose their jobs. Here's the sad thing, you were "let go" the same day you were told. The company gave no warning or an extension of time to look for another job. Most jobs will give a person at least one month . My time came when I was called in the manager's office, I knew what was happening. I asked myself the question.........."What is the highest joy I can feel right now".
I walked in the office with a smile. My manager couldn't get over my composure. I was given the " Nice person but we have to let you go speech". Personally, I feel these jobs are so afraid of loosing money that they will let an employee go after a certain time to avoid paying out any kind of insurance or benefits. This would explain why so many people are working without benefits or health insurance.
This was my answer to the "Highest Joy" question................... Now, I have the time to ask myself " What do I really want to do with my life".
The month of January was ending when this occurred . The next two weeks was an emotional roller coaster. One part of me was very appreciative that I was given the gift to be creative and the other part was scared and wanted to run out and job hunt immediately. My determination was to honor my creative gift and give up that conditioned belief that living a life as a creative artist was hard. This was a turning point in my life. I finally stop the inner battle and said enough is enough with taking on jobs that are not honoring who I am. Then I prayed a whole lot and wrote out my plan in my note book. The tittle for the page was "By the end of the second week I will be hired". Week number one: I worked night and day on my fashion portfolio until it was finished. Week number two: Made a list of all the dress manufactures in the city I was going to call. GUESS WHAT , I got hired on Tuesday.
Here I am in the below pictures. My job is working as an assistant to a designer by the name of Li Gioia. I asked if I could take pictures of her two surplice wrap dresses. She was very nice about it. I just wanted to share this experience to encourage those of you who might be looking for work and feeling down. It is up to you to create what you want in your life. GO FOR IT !!








Went to one of my favorite health food stores,"Bell Bates" and got a good sale on Portobello mushrooms. Tonight I'm preparing "sausage patties" for the next couple of days. It will take three hours in the dehydrator. Meanwhile, the "Falafel" dish is ready for dinner.
From the "Raw Food for Everyone" by Alissa Cohen.












FALAFEL
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons Nama Shoyu
Juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups almond flour

1. Put the parsley, cilantro, and mint in a food processor. Blend to chop coarsely. Add the cumin, Nama Shoyu, lemon juice, garlic and salt and pepper and process to combine. The mixture should be wet.
2 Turn on the food processor and slowly add the almond flour. Stop the machine frequently to scrape down the sides. Drizzle in 1/4 to 1/2 cup water until a dough forms with the consistency of wet sand.
3 Divide the mixture into 6 portions using an ice cream scoop. Place falafel balls on a Teflex-lined dehydrator rack and dehydrate for 10 to 12 hours. Flip and dehydrate on the other side for an additional 2 t0 4 hours, until crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days.
(I made a Cashew Dill Sauce to go over the Falafel)
Enjoy!

Thank You for Reading
Peace and Light to You.

Green Peppers and Green Tea

Hello Every one,

Today I had the taste for green peppers. They can be prepared to taste like the roasted peppers on the grill. You can marinate them in olive oil, herbs and garlic and place them in the dehydrator for 3 to 5 hours until they are soft and tender. They made a great side dish with my squash spaghetti with tomato sauce.


Note : A friend of mine was buying green tea and I want to make sure she knew the difference between organic and process. The reason why organic is the best, because the process brands are fermented. You want to make sure that the active ingredients remain unaltered in the herb.
Green tea contains numerous cancer fighting polyphenol compounds. Green tea is also being studied on how it can boost cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the tendency of blood platelets sticking together. If you are going to pay money for Green tea, buy a product that is organic.

Thank You for Reading
Peace and Light to You.

BuckWheaties

Hello Everyone,

Hope your Valentine's Day was lovely.

When work hours are long, I still find a way to prepare the meals I need to eat for the week. The Buckwheat sprouts that have been sitting on my counter top are almost ready. Then, I can dehydrate them for a crunchy treat in the morning. I made enough to last for two weeks. I can add fresh or dried fruit with almond milk.

Here is the Buckwheat recipe from "Raw Food For Every One" by Alissa Cohen.

4 CUPS SPROUTED BUCKWHEAT

1. Spread the sprouted buckwheat on Teflex-lined Dehydrator racks. Dehydrate for 12 hours, or until crunchy.
2. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Enjoy.

Note: To sprout buckwheat, it takes 1 cup to soak for 8 to 15 hours, then sprouting time is 1 to 2 days and it yields 2 cups.
Don't give up if the spouting fails. It took me twice to get it right. The important thing to remember is - rinse the sprouts.

keep warm !

Thank You For Reading
Peace and Light to You.

What can you say?

Hello Everyone,

My friend was hosting a personal victory celebration on Saturday, when we heard the news of Whitney Houston's death. No one could think of a thing to say.
Today I'm Feeling, Whitney made a comeback to early before she gave herself time to heal. Also, there was the problem with her voice. Perhaps it was frustrating or depressing not being able to reach the notes. The public was not kind at times. I felt for her when she was going through crisis. I will pray for her daughter, Bobbi Kristina.
Whitney Houston will always be an inspiration. What a gift she gave to the world. I have appreciation for her music and talent.

This morning I wanted to experiment with a Fig Crust and strawberries. I made a small amount just in case I didn't like it.



I took one cup of raw pecans and 1 cup of Black Mission Figs. I place the mixture in a food processor and found a small dish to mold the crust in. The color of the crust and counter top is the same.







Then I did the mixture of Strawberries, Banana , vanilla and two dates. I added a teaspoon of Psyllium husk as a thickener.













I made a determination not to buy any more clothes. I am using my talents to create my own clothes again. I added this vintage crochet top with a self made high waist denim pants.

I added this beautiful vintage tapestry clutch from "Dandelion Vintage". The color combination of olive green, orange , brown, rose and gold.



Thank You for Reading
Peace and Light to You.

Lasagne Day

Hello Everyone,

When you open up your refrigerator only see mushrooms, spinach, two avocados, one tomato, a half of red bell pepper and a large zucchini in the refrigerator.
I found this nice Lasagne recipe from the "Raw Food Made Easy" book by Jennifer Cornbleet.


LASAGNE

1/2 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoon tamari
1/2 zucchini, peeled
2 cups spinach leaves, tightly packed
1/2 cup Marinara sauce
1/2 avocado, sliced

Place the mushroom, olive oil and tamari in a mixing bowl and toss well. Marinate for 10 minutes. Then drain off any excess liquid.
Thinly slice the zucchini lengthwise into long, wide noodles using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Place the spinach in a food processor fitted with the S blade and pulse or process until finely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl.
Coat the bottom of a small square container with 2 tablespoons of the Marinara Sauce and arrange a third of the zucchini noodles in a layer over it. Top with 2 tablespoons of the Marinara Sauce and half of the marinated mushrooms. Press the mushrooms with a rubber spatula. Add a layer of half of the avocado. Top with half of the spinach and press with the rubber spatula. Repeat this layering process. A third of the zucchini and 2 tablespoons of the Marinated Sauce should remain . Layer the zucchini on top and cover with the Marinara.
Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Lasagne will keep for two days.

MARINARA SAUCE

1 ripe tomato, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked or oil-packed
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic (1 clove)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash black pepper (optional)
Dash cayenne

Place all the ingredients in a food processor fitted with the S blade and process until smooth. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Marinara Sauce will keep for three days.
Enjoy.

See the layering process below.




This was the first layer. Another layer will go on top. This will take one night for the vegetables to marinate into a soft texture. This is the third time I've made this dish. The zucchini will cut like a noodle and the avocado takes the place of cheese.







I found this lovely hand-crocheted jacket at flea market. Best bargain to fine a piece that is lined and warm. I'm still trying to master "the loop and hook and another loop is pulled through this one" technique. I'm teaching myself how to crochet from a book. Eventually, I will register for a class. Hats and scarfs are all I can make.

crochet jacket - outdoor flea market - Avenue A
leopard scarf - HSN
orange acrylic sweater- Made in America Outlet
vintage denim skirt - "No Relations " vintage store

Thank You for Reading
Peace and Light to You.

SUPER BOWL XLVI

Hello Everyone,

Have a great time watching the game with your family or friends. I'm a True New Yorker - GO GIANTS !!
Who will win? The team that has the most determination and will power. Similar to how life is. Determination goes a long way. There is a saying " Suffering is the mother of all great accomplishments". Nothing great can be achieved in life without the struggles and hardships. How can we develop character or have appreciation if everything we wanted was handed to us.

I made some California Rolls to bring along to watch the game at a neighbor's house. I make these Rolls when I'm too lazy to prepare raw food meals that require more time. All I have to do is cut celery, carrots and cucumber into long strips and marinate them. Storing them in a glass jar in the refrigerator is the best way to keep them crisp. I just lay one sheet of Raw Nori on the bamboo sushi mat, using a spoon I spread 1 teaspoon of the miso in a horizontal strip at the bottom. This will help seal the Roll. On the opposite side I add layers of sprouts, avocado, one strip of carrot, celery and cucumber. Use the Bamboo sushi mat to roll and I'm done.




Today I wanted to wear my animal prints.

animal print blouse - self made
asymmetrical animal print skirt - SYMS clothing store.
grey wool dress - Land's end.
patent leather belt - thrifted
boots - John Fleuvog

Thank You for Reading
Peace and Light To You

Hello Every one,

I wanted to make a chocolate mousse with vanilla creme sauce but the avocado that I had sitting out on the counter was not ripe. I had a taste for chocolate. I thought of compromising and making a chocolate shake instead. No, I can't compromise - I want my mousse. So out to the store I went to find a ripe avocado.


This Chocolate Mousse with Vanilla Creme Sauce is very good. From 'Raw Food Made Easy" by Jennifer Cornbleet.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

1/4 cup pitted medjool dates, soaked
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped avocados (1 1/4 avocad0)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa or carob powder

Place the dates, 1/4 cup of the eater, maple syrup and vanilla in a food processor fitted with S blade and process until smooth. Add the avocado and cocoa powder and process until creamy. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of water and process briefly. Stored in a sealed container, Chocolate Mousse will keep for three days in the refrigerator or two weeks in the freezer.

VANILLA CREME SAUCE

1 cup
1/4 cup plus tablespoons water
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or raw honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or seeds of 1 vanilla bean

Place all the ingredients in a blender and process on high speed until smooth. Chill for a least 2 hours before serving. Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Vanilla Creme Sauce will keep for five days.
Enjoy.

NOTE: You may wonder why Raw Food emphasizes on sweet desserts first when you start this life style. The reason is , so many people eat so much commercial sugar that their taste buds are full of toxins. People who eat this way can only taste sugar or salt. Getting a person to eat raw meals made of vegetables for the first time can be punishment. They really can't taste the natural flavors. If the raw food life style is going to be a success, then is must support what a person has been used to eating for long period of time. I speak from my own transformation. I hated avocados with a passion. Having taken a class where avocados were made into a dessert fascinated me. I was surprised how delicious and sweet it was. I was hooked.


I want to say Congrats to Carol of Dandelion Vintage. Over 40 pieces from her web site store was purchased by the new ABC series "Pan Am". (www.dandelionvintage.com) I've been buying from her for the past two years. The vintage Panel from the early 50's behind me is from Dandelion vintage. I got a vintage 40's pattern from the site and made a mustard color wool skirt, below in the picture. The vintage sweater was from a outdoor flea market. The blue boots are John Fleuvog.


Thank for Reading
Peace and Light to You.