Fluid for Thought

National water day was March 22^nd, and on that day I was surprised to learn that over 1 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water. Learn more at www.waterday.org.

J and I use 2 glass, gallon jugs for drinking water that we end up having to refill almost daily- no wonder I pee so much. I am making it my mission to “walk for water” by filling my water jugs and carrying them home on foot, as opposed to taking my much loved gas-guzzling Defender90. Understandably not everyone has time for this- but I choose not to have time for the gym. Walking for water equals cardio, weightlifting, plus hydration; I can already feel myself treading the earth lightly- in more ways than one!

PLEASE think about alternatives to plastic water bottles if you are still in that habit.

I drink a gallon a day without having to tote it around with me everywhere, it can be done.

As important as ‘saving the earth’ by making ‘green decisions’ and progress through action, is changing the way we view, and our relationship with, the earth. Rather than a me-versus-it situation, can we put right our reality to realize that we are nature? Where does the earth end and we begin? Meditate on that.

Simply sit still and listen to the sounds around you. Are they man-made, or straight from mother earth? How do they make you feel? Which noises soothe you and which cause you to tense up? What noise do you resonate with the most?

Realizing that we are children of the earth can be freeing and enlivening. It can appease our endless wants, needs, and desires and slow us down.

Also, the orange shirt this doodle is wearing is a Threads 4 Thought (click) sustainable apparel Tee that comes in a variety of colors at Whole Foods Market for $10.50. So comfy, I’ll definitely be purchasing more the next time I pop in.

Have you checked out the Life series on Discovery Channel? (Sunday evenings, narrated by Oprah!)

I do

Feeling unable to make a break in a certain direction I decided to turn to the pros and here are some words of wisdom that are driving me to move forth.

Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting over lost days... What you can do or think you can do, begin it. For boldness has magic, power, and genius in it.

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Indecisiveness is debilitating, and from what I have noticed habit-forming. It’s contagious; it’s downright, dangerous! Lately, I am trying to decide the when/where, which eventually leads to the what/who of my wedding.

I dream- of a large field, a big tent, people barefoot, glowing string lights, long tables, basically the most glamorous picnic you ever saw, with pink flowers everywhere. All I really need is the where and the when.

Stay committed to your decisions; but stay flexible in your approach.

-Tony Robbins

I have been told by many a former bride these words of wisdom (not in so many words.)

Please all, and you will please none.

-Aesop

The most important thing is always to know: What do I want?

William James went so far as to say:

There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.

We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.

-Kahlil Gibran

(Kahlil Gibran is a genius, if you have not yet read his work, do so.)

Lean Mean Green Machine

minus the mean part.

Consuming green smoothies can do us wonders and we don’t have to change the rest of our diets (although it is likely to be a side effect.) Blend any fresh greens with juice- I recommend classic apple or orange, unpasteurized please, with spinach or soft leaf lettuces, but the possibilities are endless so be brave and play around. Just add them into your routine, preferably first thing before breakfast or even before every meal and see how you feel. Do it for one week and notice any changes. I dare you.

Even if we don’t undergo a pants-dropping makeovers we are likely to at least reduce our cravings for sugar, white flower, caffeine, or alcohol, and that’s enough reason for me. I like to blend a large handful of fresh spinach, 1 banana, almond milk and agave for my easy green smoothie that I enjoy every few days. Small, simple tweaks that last will gently create the most profound transformations, naturally.

Another face of green:

Madeleine’s Crispy kale!!!

Ingredients (3): desired amount of kale leaves, EVOO, sea salt

Cut leaves of kale off of stem and into bite size pieces. Wash. Dry.

Spread onto parchment paper lined baking sheet, sprinkle with olive oil and salt.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until edges are brown (not burnt) and leaves are crispy.

Be prepared to share this recipe as you surprise and shock those you serve it to: J remarked, “Where did you learn to do this?” in man-speak that's "You find the most amazing ways to surprise me, I love you."

My favorite greens book: The Live Food Factor by Susan E. Schenck and Victoria BidWell

Let's get physical!

These are some plausible daily activities of mine and the calories I burn doing them per hour. Your numbers will be a little different, depending on your weight- but what I find interesting is the comparison. Thank goodness all this housework is coming to good use!

sleeping 50

sitting/resting 57

reading 57

writing 57

studying 100

standing misc. 114

shopping 129

walking (2 mph) 151

housework 158

stretching 215

sex 230

walking (4 mph) 280

hiking 323

tennis (singles) 331

skiing (downhill) 475

Vinyasa yoga 475

climbing stairs 488

and some i don't do so much... but have been known to dabble in!

aerobics 381

bikram/hot yoga 381

running 6mph 547

elliptical 619

www.healthstatus.com

I like to live more like a 'french woman who doesn't get fat' and simply move a little more all the time (with bouts of tennis, walking, and yoga) rather than hitting the gym. I don't have a membership and I don't plan on getting one. Walking is the best way to get to know a city/neighborhood and to clear our minds or get our errands done. I mean, I'll take three hours of shopping over an aerobics class any day! I do like my occasional at-home video, though, and in case you haven't been reading- I'm a Yogini!

I do admit these numbers sure make the elliptical look tempting. I'll put it on my to-buy-when-I-own-a-house list. It's amazing how we all have these lists and then the day comes and we are like a deer in headlights. (Think wedding, packing for a big trip...) Today I am going to get a binder for all the magazine clippings for my future palace. There will also have to be lots of stairs! Did you see those numbers?

One of my favorite yoga instructors, Julie, with a rockin-hard body at ripe but undeterminable age said she stayed a mini bitty by using the stairclimber. Her husband considered the squat the grandfather of all exercises. And he didn't look so bad either.

I also know I could stand to sweat a little more. (Sooo good for the pores!)

Sweating flushes out toxins and disease, it is the body's natural way to heal. I notice much clearer skin the more I sweat. A Sauna session (about 30 minutes) burns about as many calories as a walk or jog- but don't get too excited it doesn't tone muscles or shed fat. I'm not going to lie, I'll be adding it to my regimen.

You must watch, and then grab two friends and do, this work-out video.

Amaze-balls.

'When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,' said Piglet at last, 'what's the first thing you say to yourself?' 'What's for breakfast?' said Pooh. 'What do you say, Piglet?' 'I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?' said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully. 'It's the same thing,' he said.”
A. A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

Home is where my honey is

As I noted in my last post- spring sprang just four days ago and that often means temperature-change provoked colds and seasonal allergies- especially for my busy bee friends in NYC! And though I always extol the benefits of yoga, this is one case when going into a warm, sticky studio with 30+ heavy breathers might not be the answer (but don’t be naughty and roll out your mat at home!) More importantly, here’s where the honey comes in- I love the kind with the bee pollen mixed in, it’s creamy and divine, and make sure to buy local (as local as possible) because it’s the gametophyte (pollen) from the flora near you that will aid with your sensitivity to those plants. This is similar to Homeopathy, which attempts to treat patients with heavily diluted preparations that are claimed to cause effects similar to the symptoms presented (wikipedia, duh.) Basically, you get a teeny bit of poison under your tongue so you can react and adapt to internal and external causes of the disturbance.

Hot water with 1 squeezed lemon and a tablespoon of honey will cure your cough (I am not a doctor, but it will.) It worked on J!

Honey makes a great facemask that will reduce pore size and moisturize. Honey is antibacterial and may help with small abrasions. It’s also full of antioxidants. Simply slather all over face, leave on 15-30 minutes, wash off with warm water. I’ve done it, I like it.

Plus, honey is just so darn good. Try a few – see what you like best (the darker, the less processed, the creamier the yummier, on the comb- so much fun.) It might be pricey, but it keeps forever, so don’t be cheap.

I enjoy it just as I do my peanut butter: straight off the spoon.

“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”

The TAO of Pooh

'When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,' said Piglet at last, 'what's the first thing you say to yourself?'

'What's for breakfast?' said Pooh. 'What do you say, Piglet?'

'I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?' said Piglet.

Pooh nodded thoughtfully. 'It's the same thing,' he said.


-A. A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

Home is where my honey is

As I noted in my last post- spring sprang just four days ago and that often means temperature-change provoked colds and seasonal allergies- especially for my busy bee friends in NYC! And though I always extol the benefits of yoga, this is one case when going into a warm, sweaty studio with 30+ heavy breathers might not be the answer (but don’t be naughty- do roll out your mat at home!)

As for the sticky stuff- I love the kind with the bee pollen mixed in, it’s creamy and divine, and make sure to buy local (as local as possible) because it’s the gametophyte (pollen) from the flora near you that will aid with your sensitivity to those plants. This is similar to Homeopathy, which attempts to treat patients with heavily diluted preparations that are claimed to cause effects similar to the symptoms presented (wikipedia, duh.) Basically, you get a teeny bit of the problematic poison under your tongue so you can react and adapt to internal and external causes of the disturbance.

Hot water with 1 squeezed lemon and a tablespoon of honey will cure your cough (I am not a doctor, but it will.) It worked on J!

Honey makes a great facemask that will reduce pore size and moisturize. Honey is antibacterial and may help with small abrasions. It’s also full of antioxidants. Simply slather all over face, leave on 15-30 minutes, wash off with warm water. I’ve done it, I like it.

Plus, honey is just so darn good. Try a few – see what you like best (the darker, the less processed; the creamier, the yummier; on the comb, so much fun.) It might be pricey, but it keeps forever, so don’t be cheap. Sunflower Organics is local San Diego and to die for!!!! You can order it online (click!) seriously. I enjoy it just as I do my peanut butter: straight off the spoon. Click for more benefits of honey and bee pollen

“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”

-Pooh

How you do one thing is how you do every thing

How you do one thing is how you do every thing

Neurologists have proven that the human brain does not have the capability to multi-task, instead the mind goes back-and-forth at lightening speed from one focus to another, giving us yet another reason to BE PRESENT. Putting our full attention and doing with intention the task at hand can be a meditative practice in any undertaking. Brushing your teeth becomes an invigorating mouth massage, folding clothes a tender origami, and the dishes a nightly baptism. By proving that we are unable to multi-task, one can deduct that when we are doing many things at once we are, in fact, doing nothing. No more multi-tasking! How freeing!

A practice in being present:

We all know how important it is to treat all living beings with respect- though we sometimes need a little reminder, but what about non-living beings? How do we treat our inanimate objects? And how do we think that translates into the rest of our lives? Everything, not just everyone, serves its purpose and the fun part is that, like people, when treated with appreciation our material objects are sure to give back in spades.

(Inspired by Aadil B. Palkhivala)

Hot Cocoa Meditation

I personally never 'warmed up' to coffee, but give me a steamy cup of melted chocolate and simmering milk (NOT powder and water) with full-fat whipped cream and I will sit still and sip slow. Add a little coconut, chili powder, or liqueur depending on the location/occasion, and with that my friends I have meditated my way through fall in Paris and winter in Aspen. In fact, this past weekend I was just in Aspen giving the mug what's likely to be its last use until next year. March 20th was the first day of spring!

If it's cold where you are:

Please have/make some real hot cocoa and review the recipe for me! I have yet to make my own... (which is very unlike me, I'm the DIY experimenter type) and I bet you are too.

How's your Aspen?

(J and I)

Real Housewife of San Diego

Nice French Mani.

Ok, so I’m not technically a housewife (fingers crossed, though- haha) but lately I’ve been leading the life of one; an expert grocery shopping, baking, table setting, home-making little lady. The only missing element is the primping and pampering, so today I set out to change that. I went to my Mecca- Massage Envy and followed it up with a long-lost lover, the Asian nail ‘spa’. I feel loose as a goose from the rubdown and so joyous and downright hot from looking down on those little French toes! No self- produced pedicure can compare (and I have a steady hand.)

My blonde mane is getting it’s annual Sun-In induced accents (you heard me right, that little bottle of diluted hydrogen peroxide from the 90’s can still be found at the very bottom corner of the hair coloring aisle in your local CVS. Not recommended for anyone but the towheads! Don’t come running to me if your pony goes orange.) That and the glow of 80-degree Cali sun on my skin means I’m T.V. ready. And I don’t even need to be. How lucky am I? So here’s to putting in a little effort for a lotta of wowza.

My mantra: “a little effort”. Slow and steady wins the proverbial race of no-destination.

Isn’t it amazing what your body will give back when you pay it a tiny bit of attention? And what about your work , reaching out to a friend, or just resting.

A little walk.

A little time to blog.

A little phone call.

A little hair and makeup.

It all adds up so beautifully. And I (you) will always be camera ready ;)

Real Housewife of San Diego

Nice French Mani.

Ok, so I’m not technically a housewife (fingers crossed, though- haha) but lately I’ve been leading the life of one; an expert grocery shopping, baking, table setting, home-making little lady. The only missing element is the primping and pampering, so today I set out to change that. I went to my Mecca- Massage Envy and followed it up with a long-lost lover, the Asian nail ‘spa’. I feel loose as a goose from the rubdown and so joyous and downright hot from looking down on those little French toes! No self- produced pedicure can compare (and I have a steady hand.)

My blonde mane is getting it’s annual Sun-In induced accents (you heard me right, that little bottle of diluted hydrogen peroxide from the 90’s can still be found at the very bottom corner of the hair coloring isle in your local CVS. Not recommended for anyone but the towheads! Don’t come running to me if your pony goes orange.) That and the glow of 80-degree Cali sun on my skin means I’m T.V. ready. And I don’t even need to be. How lucky am I? So here’s to putting in a little effort for a lotta of wowza.

And there is my mantra “a little effort”. Slow and steady wins the proverbial race of no-destination.

Isn’t it amazing what your body will give back when you pay it a tiny bit of attention? And what about your work , reaching out to a friend, or just resting.

A little walk.

A little time to blog.

A little phone call.

A little hair and makeup.

It all adds up so beautifully. And I (you) will always be camera ready ;)

A Cookie a Day

I love these. I made them for J to take with him to school as they are healthy-on-the-go food, but it turns out I’m the one noshing like a law-school kid.

I feel smarter already.

Disclaimer: I don’t do “replacements”. These are not Paradise-Bakery-style-confections, not the amazing chewy, chunky, chippy cookie you die for. If I wanted that I would make/get that. And I do all the time. These have a slight, tart yogurt flavor- a personality all their own. Just so you know.

Chocolate-chip Cookies for the Student

Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup applesauce

1 cup brown sugar (I use about 3/4 cup)

1/4 cup butter, softened, not melted

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I love the larger disk 60% Ghirardellis!)

Cooking spray or parchment paper

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl; stir well with a whisk.

Pour applesauce (with minimal water) into a large bowl. Add sugar and butter; beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy (an immersion blender worked as it’s all I had, brownie points for using your own elbow grease.) Beat in vanilla and egg. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed until well blended. Fold in chips.

Drop by level tablespoons 2 inches apart onto baking sheets coated with cooking spray. (I use parchment paper for puffiness.) Bake at 375° for 10 minutes or until almost set. Cool on pan 2 to 3 minutes or until firm. Remove cookies from pan; cool on wire racks.

Nutritional Information

Calories per cookie (assuming you actually made 3 dozen): 78 ~ ridonculous!!!

Thank you Cooking Light for this recipe and so many others...

Yoga for life

Yoga for weight loss.*

Stimulate the thyroid with Shoulder Stand. Hold three minutes.

Yoga for emotional release. (and hence, probably more weight loss, right?*)

Open the hips with pigeon pose. Fold forward and relax your jaw!!! (so important)

Bert: "I love pigeon more than anything else in this world! Besides oatmeal." (yogadork.com)

I love it too. So does J. Get it on.

*To all the boys and girls who want to look good (and that's the number one reason students first find themselves in a yoga class.) Here is the Truth:

*Yoga makes you loooooooove yourself and that's why you lose weight if you need or want to, and/or get fit, not because of how many calories you burn. How lovely is that?

Functional Immortality

Uttanasana, standing forward fold, stretches the hamstrings, calves, and hips, strengthens the knees and quadriceps, relieves stress, stimulates the liver and kidneys, improves digestion, increases blood flow to the head, and, most importantly, puts your perspective upside-down.

Live as though you have all the time in the world

~Make your bed every morning

~Don’t skip breakfast

~Arrive everywhere fifteen minutes early

Bringing order to your outer life brings order to your inner life. Address the simple things that clutter your awareness first, and then tackle the deeper psychological issues.

(and read Reinventing the body, Resurrecting the Soul: How to Create a New Self by Deepak Chopra)

dharma, artha, kama, moksha

duty, prosperity, pleasure, liberation

In a new city with every opportunity available and all the choices in the world, I am told the best way to find your path is not knowing the answers, but the questions:

What do I love?

What are my dreams?

If I could do anything what would I do?

What matters to me?

What do I believe in?

What brings me joy?

What do I find beautiful?

Who am I?

How do I want to spend my day?

Where do I want to live?

Who do I want to be around?

(Sandra Magsamen, click for more)

Find a mentor, change careers, launch your business, get connected, realize your dreams:

Ladies Who Launch is a favorite resource of mine for any woman in any field who simply wants to live and work better. It's a support group, a workshop, a wealth of information... founded by a dear friend, Victoria Colligan. There is an in-person community in San Diego and cities all over the country and Canada, or available from anywhere online. Check it out, you will not regret it.

and then comment with your experience!

Today is J's birthday

With a CAVS theme.

J will be getting a homemade Paula Deen southern style red-velvet cake as requested. In World War II the red-velvet cake came about as bakers used boiled beets to enhance the color of their confections when provisions were rationed.

SHARK ATTACK!!!

In numerous instances (one right here in California) dolphins have been recorded as protecting humans from shark bites by way of encircling the victim. Very little research has been done on the mysterious and fascinating relationship between sharks and dolphins.

Fear not, Wikipedia advises this as a precaution for avoiding an attack:

“Don't swim alone, always be near a group of people, and if possible, avoid being at the edge of the group.” haha

Please note as I was baking and decorating I didn’t do much drawing, these little mangas I just whipped up with the aid of a tutorial. Great Practice!

Two-piece

This is a picture for my friend Nikster, who makes creamy, soft, earth-friendly bikinis you’ll want to parade around in all day. (click nikster!)

So often I feel as though I am dieting or exercising for that bikini-body. Or should I say THINKING about dieting and exercising. But how often am I ever really in one, let alone seen by others and/or photographed? I think at some point its time to admit I’m not a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and start focusing on more pertinent issues. What a relief!

Oh, I can’t help it, I’m still obsessed. First day of Spring is March 20th, and in San Diego that may as well be the first day of Summer. Rather than focus on boring diet and exercise I am going to search for a proper bathing suit that I can adore… I personally love Sauvage in La Jolla on Prospect. Bling and glitz are my thing.

Any other bikini haunts I should know about?

I also think a one-piece can be super sexy (demure, classic,) your thoughts?

Two-piece

Bush League

What I wore Today

the most comfortable cowboy boots: Jeffrey Campbell. I am a fan.

I have just begun scratching the surface of this whole online shopping universe and to my surprise and fear- so far, so successful. Amazon made my apartment complete, Zappos saved my freezing feet (it's cold in San Diego at night- who knew?!,) VictoriasSecret.com is a loyal standby for those obligatory unnecessaries, and itunes made it a breeze to give money to Haiti (and finish season 6 Top Chef and read the "skinnygirl rules" and do free 20-min yoga workouts).

Amazon, zappos, itunes: I'm such a novice! HELP ME! I know this is a HUGE topic, but...

What are your favorite online shopping sites and tips?

(Only the best, I haven't had a mishap yet and you don't want to be the cause for my first.)

Green Tea KitKats OH MY

In a fashion or food rut? Get thee to an Asian market!

Yesterday I went to Japan via Mitsuwa Marketplace in Kearny Mesa – what an experience. I couldn’t help but get some insane fashion magazines that “like the torah” J pointed out, “open on the left side,” and are complete all-out Japanese fun-style with exclamation points (the only character I recognize besides the occasional “D&G”,) and collages of fashion filled to the edges. What’s next in Japanafashion? Definitely girly ruffles and flowery cutsiness: Sky-high eggshell-blue hidden platforms with seersucker baby doll onesies, university sweatshirts, Chanel chain purses and bow-tied head-scarves here I come!

J and I also came home with squishy pink jelly filled strawberry marshmallow candies and, much to J’s dismay, left behind the mini, sesame-seed caked crispy crab treats for “party-time!!!”

Kitto Katsu ! “you will surely win”

(click it for cool blog)