All posts filed under: healthy habits

What Are Your Plans This Weekend

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Not a week goes by where I am simply existing. There is lots to do, and plan and think about and since I do most of it over the week, the weekend, is where I want to let loose. This week is one of my favorite co-worker’s last week and that’s made me sad. Since she lives across the country,  it’s not like we can maintain a girls night out type of relationship. We spoke for an hour on the phone this morning, and promised we would Zoom with cocktails sometime in the near future. Like so many of us do, but somehow life gets in the way and then, we end up only wishing one another a happy birthday on Facebook. The other tidbit – since I live in San Francisco, in a home built on not so solid ground, I’ve seen a shift in the structure for a year or so now, and it got me reaching out to get a quote from an engineering firm or two. I discovered, it would be …

Food: Side Dish 101

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I live for side dishes – and with each meal plan them carefully so to use up the freshest of ingredients I purchased from the grocers. Which is what led me to this list of side dishes to consider adding the perfect to the simply meal. I normally shift between roasted tomatoes, cabbage slaw, roasted peppers, roasted potatoes and sometimes rice. {featured image and source full credit}

Food: Eggplant Pasta

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Here’s how my Wednesday mornings go – at 5:30 a.m. I start with a larger chain grocery store to purchase all the essentials – which include meat. But for some reason the abundant amount of chicken is no longer the case, nor the free-range and organic versions. Quality beef is scarce and seafood is now more prepackaged.  Which might be an indication that I need to slowly get my family used to eating more plant-based, and less meat or just keep on freaking out until the refrigerator sections are filled again. So an hour ago, I announced to my mother that we are not having meet this coming week and all recipes will be mostly veggie based. She batted her eyes at me, and said – whatever you think is best. Here’s what’s for dinner tonight: Eggplant pasta with not so much spice for the little old lady I refer to as MOM 😉  and lots of Parmesan cheese  – trust me. 2 medium eggplants 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more as needed 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon freshly ground black …

Lifestyle: Self Reflection and Some Form of Exercise

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In my efforts to remain positive, I find myself veering towards topics about lifestyle changes or if not for changes, then to learn to cope with all the things life has thrown in our direction. Do you believe self-reflection gives you a happier and a more successful life? If so, then here’s how you proceed. Consider tapping into your creative side, when feeling anxious during a period of isolation to effort a speedy recovery of any sort. How to recognize that you need a lifestyle change? Some helpful tips to consider while out and about during these worrying times – to completely adapt – even beyond today’s concerns. How to deal with anxiety in a nutshell – sheds some light on topics you may otherwise feel you cannot discuss with loved ones or friends for fear of being dismissed.

Food: Dinner Tonight – White Bean and Kale Soup

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I took a tumble, and landed on my right hand, while walking through Golden Gate Park the other day and I must say, typing is a b****. Hence the minimal in posts. But since cooking is one of my favorite topics, and dinner is around the corner, I had to share what it is we are – as a unit – aiming to prep for dinner tonight – wish me luck and wish my fam luck for putting up with my demands across the kitchen. At least it’s an easy recipe, but I still won’t use a crockpot 😉 INGREDIENTS 6 cups low-sodium chicken or veggie stock 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa 1 small sweet onion, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1/4 cup basil pesto 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 4 sage leaves kosher salt and pepper 1 parmesan rind 3 tablespoons lemons juice + 1 tablespoon lemon zest 2 cups roughly torn Tuscan kale 2 cans (14 ounces) cans cannelloni beans, drained grated parmesan, for serving {more} On another note – you know what’s the coolest? When you stumble upon your toddler grankid’s Netflix account and want to watch everything. Cause you miss …

Lifestyle: I Answered A Few Questions Just Because

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I’ve been binge watching Grace and Frankie on Netflix for a week now, and have made it to season 2 episode 8. I have to say, it is one of the best shows for those worried about getting old-er or worried so much about being alone while older. This is of course, past the grown-up kids, and grand kids who stay in touch or visit often. The show resonated with me on so many levels and I just can’t stop myself from watching one episode after another. Kind of like the Golden Girls – except its not  four women struggling to get through old age, it’s unisex and the topics are a more modern take on what was shunned upon during the Golden Girls reign. Disclaimer – As you may know, I am doing much questioning about my landmark birthday coming up, so these days, veering towards topics about aging has become part of the norm  – like this one about a very sexy 74 year old fashion designer and her attitude towards a healthy …

Lifestyle: Do You Ever Ask Yourself?

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I bought a book a while ago at a small boutique store in Burlingame, California titled Celebrating You, by M.H. Clark – which by the way is now on sale on Amazon. The book was published in 2012, with the most lovable illustrations by Jill Labieniec .   At the time I really needed someone to tell me that I was okay, that I was appreciated for all the things that I do, and that I am. But I didn’t know that I needed to hear it. It was when I found the book in the store, and thumbed through the witty reminders  on each page, when I recognized the importance of being appreciated.  The book, which helped me through the darkest of days and nights, now sits on the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf,  I use as my headboard, in my studio apartment. It is the closest to my reach, and each night I glance at the cover before turning in. Call me a funny-girl, but this little book is my beacon of hope. This year, I will …

No Plans But To Ponder This Saturday Morning

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It’s the year of the rat, I discovered while ‘still jet-lagged’ laying in bed at 2:30 in the morning in England, with my eyes wide-open, thumbing through Instagram, searching for inspiration. I was born in the year of the rat, so naturally I had to revisit understanding the characteristics of this creature, not for any particular reason but for mere curiosity.  The below are the exurbs from here and here  Rats are clever, quick thinkers; successful, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life – was a lead to the description here, which of course resonated with me 😉 Optimistic and energetic, people born in the Rat year are likable by all. They are sensitive to other’s emotions but are stubborn with your opinion. Their personality is kind, but due to weak communication skills, their words may seem impolite and rude. – naturally I need to tweak ‘weak’ and insert ‘straight-forwardness’  Women born in the Rat year are the traditional women. They love keeping things organized and place great value on the family. Everything is …

England Travel Continues

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One of the things I miss the most while on the road, is making a home cooked meal. Even though that’s the case,  I still am intrigued by the many helpful hints or suggestions for cooking and recipes. Do you have cooking secrets you wish to share? Are you more of a traditional cook or one who prefers a slow-cooker {featured image – recipe to the lemoniest roast chicken}

Food: Holiday Series – Thanksgiving Main Course

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I am not a fan of Turkey, never have been and I doubt I’ll ever be. So this year, while searching for a main dish recipe I can live with, I stumbled upon this one, while reading an article on ‘how to have a sustainable Thanksgiving.’  And guess what? We are having A butternut Squash Vegducken! INGREDIENTS 1 cup pecans 1 (7 1/2″-long) zucchini 1 (9 1/2″-long) globe eggplant 1 (11 1/2″-long) butternut squash 2 scallions 2 garlic cloves, divided 1 shallot, coarsely chopped 1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, trimmed, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 9 sprigs thyme, divided 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 2 large eggs 1 cup finely grated Parmesan 1/2 cup fine plain breadcrumbs 6 tablespoons coarsely chopped parsley, divided Kosher salt 2 tablespoons mint, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Special equipment: Kitchen twine  {follow recipe here} And in case you are curious about the sustainable Thanksgiving suggestions, I have included the article here.    {featured image credit}