March 4th, 2010 jeniii
Ahhh, the beginning of Spring. This time of season is so wonderfully refreshing! Everything and everyone starts to come out of hibernation; leaves start to grow on trees, flowers bloom and people start gardening. March usually marks the beginning of the gardening season. The weather is starting to warm up and the days are getting longer, which means more sunlight; perfect for planting. Gardening is a great way to know exactly where your fruits and vegetables are coming from, because let’s face it, who knows what kinds of chemicals and bacteria are on things these days. Plus, it’s a great hobby and stress reliever. There’s always a great fulfillment knowing that what you’re eating is what you just harvested from your own garden.
As fun as gardening in March is, not every vegetable or fruit should be planted now. Some should be planted as the weather gets warmer, depending on your location. March friendly vegetables and fruits consist mainly of; asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce (many types), onions, peppers, radishes, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries and tomatoes… just to name a few.
Now, I don’t know about you, but my thumb isn’t exactly green. In fact it’s at the total opposite spectrum. The only thing I can actually suggest is to go completely organic and start your own compost pile. Now that’s what I call knowing EXACTLY where your produce comes from!
Posted in environment, garden, general, organic, real food | No Comments »
October 15th, 2009 jeniii
Seriously, Sun Gold tomatoes are freaking delish! Each individual tomato has its own beautiful and vibrant orangey-yellowish-greenish color that just screams, “EAT ME!” The first time I tried Sun Gold tomatoes was about two weeks ago and I fell in love. There were so many of these sweet delicious goodies in the backyard; I decided to make my own spaghetti sauce with all of them. I googled many different recipes and just combined a few. It’s a simple recipe, not much thrill because I wanted to keep the natural sweetness of the Sun Golds.
2-3 – 32oz. of fresh Sun Gold Tomatoes (or you can use my measurements, 2 large bowls HA!)
1 large white onion, chopped
2 sprigs of fresh oregano, de-spriged and chopped
5 or 6 or 7 or 8! cloves of fresh garlic, sliced or chopped (I LOVE garlic!)
a pinch of salt and pepper
2 tbsp. of EVOO
fresh parmigiano reggiano
4 qt. of water
2 qt. of ice cold water
your choice of pasta
Cook pasta according to the directions on the package, then drain. Bring 4 qt of water to a boil, add all tomatoes to the boiling water for a only couple minutes. Drain and immediately give them an ice cold water bath, then peel. The ice water helps the skins to peel off easier. Next, sauté the chopped onions in the EVOO. Cook until they are translucent and have a hint of brown. Combine the peeled tomatoes, garlic, onions, oregano, salt and pepper to the cooked onions and let simmer for 25-35 mins. During this time the Sun Golds will start to break down to a saucier consistancy. Serve hot with freshly grated parmigiano reggiano or any of your favorite type of cheese. Enjoy!
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December 19th, 2008 cate
For those of you interested in staying healthy and happy, here’s a must-read book, the super-bestselling book that’s enhancing America’s health. It’s a book that will help increase the longevity of anyone who reads it.
While some unfortunately uninformed people do not relate health to what they eat, the more informed and educated people know better. By eating the 14 super foods highlighted in Dr. Steven Pratt’s instant bestseller, you can actually stop the incremental deteriorations that lead to common ailments and diseases. Really. Don’t believe me? Try it and find out. What harm could it possibly do to give it a try? Here are the super foods to focus on and why:
* Beans — reduce obesity
* Blueberries — lower risk for cardiovascular disease
* Broccoli — lowers the incidence of cataracts and fights birth defects
* Oats — reduce the risk of type II diabetes
* Oranges — prevent strokes
* Pumpkin — lowers the risk of various cancers
* Wild salmon — lowers the risk of heart disease
* Soy — lowers cholesterol
* Spinach — decreases the chance of cardiovascular disease and age-related macular degeneration
* Tea — helps prevent osteoporosis
* Tomatoes — raise the skin’s sun protection factor
* Turkey — helps build a strong immune system
* Walnuts — reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
* Yogurt-promotes strong bones and a healthy heart
SuperFoods includes recipes created by Chef Michel Stroot of the Golden Door Spa and teaches you how to incorporate SuperFoods and their sidekicks into your diet. SuperFoods Rx is an indispensable guide to a healthy, long, and energetic life.
Read SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life
Posted in body, books, diet, education, fitness, garden, general, health, healthy recipes, lifestyle, news, online self help, organic, popular, real food, recommendations and favorites, safe products, self improvement, setting goals | 2 Comments »
December 17th, 2008 cate
Who says you have have to wait until Spring to start your garden? Not me. Invest in this awesome greenhouse and you will be able to grow veggies and fruit during the colder months.
Extend the growing season! A heavy gauge extruded aluminum construction means optimal durability. Includes shelving from the left and right as you walk in, there’s plenty of room for vertical gardening, which means more floor space for larger plants. Vents on the sides and roof keep air flowing for optimal vegetable, flower, or herb yields throughout this spacious 8 by 12-foot vegetable paradise. Patented, push-and-click connectors offer super easy assembly in 2 to 4 hours, so you’ll be setup by lunch and potting plants under the greenhouse’s 7-foot-6-inch glass roof that afternoon. Double barn style doors ensure easy access for hauling plants in and out via wheelbarrow if necessary. The hinged doors require only a Philips head screwdriver and pliers for assembly Walls constructed with 4 mm twin polycarbonate panels ensure optimal durability. A powder-coated frame stands up to decades of rain, sun, and snow. Grow your own vegetables and plants 1 auto roof vent opener. The greenhouse requires no base or foundation for quick and easy setup on any level surface. The unit is covered by a manufacturer lifetime warranty on frame and a 12-year on warranty on the polycarbonate walls and roof. Find out more below.
Backyard Hobby Greenhouse, Green, 8 By 12 Feet
Posted in body, eco living, garden, general, lifestyle, organic, real food, recommendations and favorites, you should know | 1 Comment »
December 1st, 2008 cate
It’s Cyber Monday, which is when online retailers offer awesome prices. This is the best time to stock up on your organic supplies that have a bit of a shelf life. For example, coconut oil and other stable oils for your kitchen or toiletries. Other things are dry goods like brown rice, whole wheat pasta and organic flours. I would also stock up on organic jams and jellies, spices, protein bars, vitamins – even things like toothpaste and other supplies you’ll need to take good care of yourself.
Don’t forget your self-help books, garden supplies and books, meditation/yoga DVDs, music and books, exercise equipment and kitchen appliances such as juicers, food processors and more. I’m sure you’ll find SOMETHING you need at a great price.
During this Cyber Monday, most online merchants offer free shipping too! Yay. Check out the deals by clicking below:
Organic and Health Related Products on Sale
Posted in garden, general, healing, health, news, online self help, organic, recommendations and favorites, self improvement, you should know | No Comments »