A Peek At My Week 6/4

This week my husband and I "flew the coop" from our condo in South Florida to begin the 19 -hour ride home to Pennsylvania. Between the Coronavirus and the unrest in the cities right now, we were a little nervous, to say the least. In this post, I'm sharing a book review, movie reviews, and vegan Pad Thai and a fabulous cherry tomato, avocado, and chickpea salad.

A Peek At My Week 5/30

This magnificent rainbow, which was visible right outside my condo balcony, was the highlight of my week. I'm not sure that I've ever seen one as bold and striking. It wrapped from one side of the horizon to the other and was bright and clear. I was sure there was a pot of gold at the end of it! This week I'm sharing a book review, a Netflix review, 2 gluten-free/ vegan recipes, and some photos of a walk in the park in Florida.

Peek at My Week 2

Things are status quo here in South Florida. As of this weekend, our beaches are still closed, and most stores are closed. I have noticed some restaurants with outside seating beginning to opening up!

Sunset from our balcony on the 15th floor -
Ocean to the left;
Intracoastal to the right

I just heard that our mall and stores like Tj Maxx, Homegoods, etc are opening on Monday~but for some reason, not our beaches- Unfortunately, there seems to be no way to really enforce wearing masks or social distancing. I will still be staying at home!

This week I'm sharing a book review, a Netflix review, an exceptional salad and a vegan/gluten free soup recipe plus photos of my walks.

Nature's Mold Rx- Book Review

Book Review and Homemade Herbal tea and Green Smoothie :

Mold cannot be ignored. A mold infestation can ruin not only your home, but it can also adversely affect your health.  Nature's Rx , the Non-Toxic Solution to Toxic Mold- A Breakthrough Discovery By Edward R Close, PhD and Jacquelyn Close, RA. meticulously documents 30 case studies where mold was eliminated and controlled using only therapeutic grade essential oils.

read more

How to Chop Garlic for Greater Health Benefits

Garlic is good for you right? But did you know you have to cut it the right way to get the benefits!

I love to use garlic in my cooking and I appreciate the health benefits that fresh garlic offers, but I didn't know there was a correct way to prep garlic to get its full health benefits. Read what to do!

Powerful Anti Cancer Smoothie

This smoothie is based on the suggestions of Dr. Kristi Funk who is a cutting edge doctor/surgeon who has treated many celebrities including Angelina Jolie! Dr. Funk does extensive research on the effects of food and lifestyle on cancer!

She is convinced by research that she can reduce women's risks of getting cancer by diet and lifestyle.

New York City Candy Sculptures and Hot Chocolate

The 22 degree temperatures didn't stop me from strolling around Manhattan the day before Thanksgiving. The change in temperature encouraged a lot of coffee and hot chocolate drinking by both the locals and the tourists. I noticed organic coffee shops springing up throughout Manhattan.

My 40 minute walk began at Penn Station, progressed towards Bryant Park on 42nd Street and eventually towards Central Park. Along the way to my son's appartment, I passed all the newly decorated store fronts all ready for the holidays!

Macy's Window

Scroll down for additional photos!

Colors of Joy : A Woman's Guide for Self Discovery- Book Reveiw

A few years ago, I came across a blogger who shares many of my beliefs about healthy lifestyle. I've enjoyed reading her blog, interacting with comments, and becoming blog friends. Nancy is the author of the book Colors of Joy and the blog Colors 4 Health.

Beware of Organic Produce- Scary

Yesterday while shopping in the supermarket, I picked up the package of roasted chestnuts that I saw  was labeled USDA organic. As I continued to shop, I began to wonder which country my roasted chestnuts were from.- I was shocked when I read on the back that they were USDA organic from China. CHINA?????? 

Stopped Bleeding With Cayenne

This is my incredible story regarding home remedies!
I found out the hard way that Cayenne pepper or cayenne liquid extract  is a great way to stop bleeding !

It all started when I bought a new chopping knife that was razor sharp.

4 Hacks to Cool Off in Hot Weather

It's been over 95 everyday this week. Here are 4 hacks that help me get through the unbearable heat wave!!

Instant Pot Recall

I just opened an email from my good friend Jan that said Instant Pots are being recalled. Since I absolutely adore my Instant Pot, I freaked! In addition, my daughter in law Wendy just bought one yesterday and used it for the first time!

I was able to stop worrying- my Instant Pot is Safe

I immediately googled it and found out that the recall is not for the Instant Pot that most people are using and loving. 

The recall is for a product that is made exclusively for Walmart by the Instant Pot company. In fact, I believe it does not even have a pressure cooker feature. 

As of today, according to the NY Times article, The recall is only for the model called Gem- which 

which is not a pressure cooker at all- and is made exclusively for Walmart- it only roasts, stews, bakes, steams, saute's , cooks rice and warms- 

The five models of the Gem series that are being recalled of that appliance ( according to the NY Times article below)- is models 1728,1730,1731,1734,1746- you can check the bottom of the appliance and look for a silver label with the numbers. 

For more information , read the NY Times Article , Stop Worrying! Your Instant Pot is Safe

Whew!- What was your reaction when you first heard? -

Disclaimer: This website is for educational purposes only -

Inexpensive Self Care Ideas for 2018

This year I gave myself a very special birthday gift- Self Care!
 I decided to get,  a massage, but if you look below I've listed 13  inexpensive ways you can indulge in self care to relax, rejuvenate, nourish and de-stress for pennies in your own home with simple food additions, simple increase in movement, and some relaxation reminders.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Star

My Wordless Wednesday Selection

Opposite Rockefeller Center in NYC is a Swarovski display with the information about the huge  Swarovksi crystal star the tops the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree each year

Quite interesting and spectacular

Hate to Peel and Chop Garlic and Ginger? Try This

Do you hate to peel and chop garlic and ginger? 

Do you ever reach for a piece of garlic or ginger for a recipe only to find out that it has completely dried out? I hate when that happens.

It's frustrating to need to stop your recipe and run to the store to get more or not make the recipe. Or perhaps your recipe just calls for a little bit of herb and you just don't want to buy a full bulb or bunch.

Whether you do not like to chop or peel,  your garlic or ginger dries out, or you just don't have any in the house, I have found a really easy way to always make sure I have some fresh ginger, garlic, basil, parsley, and cilantro available for any recipe!

I have found an easier way that I love!!

I buy freshly frozen cube packages of herbs that keep in my freezer for at least 6 months. They are easy to use, take up very little room in the freezer, and are very convenient.
There is no peeling, grating, chopping, etc.
The frozen cubes are made up of 100% fresh herbs that have been blended and frozen.

I buy these convenient packages at Trader Joe's or most supermarkets.

The brand I have found ( I think there are other brands too) is called Dorot. The price of the cubes ranges from $1.99 -$3.99 depending where you purchase. I have found Trader Joe's is the most reasonable.

The frozen herb cubes are available in ginger , parsley, garlic, basil, cilantro, etc.  If you turn the package over, it looks like 20 little ice cubes. You can pop one or two out to use in a recipe and then return to the package to freezer for future use!

I love the ease and taste of this 100 % no additive pure product. It can be used in almost any recipe that calls for fresh garlic, ginger, cilantro or basil. I love it..and what a time saver!!!Note: you must keep it frozen at all times for the cubes to pop out.

I love to use these cubes in my easy Asian Broccoli Crowd Pleaser Recipe

Buy the garlic and ginger cubes ready made for ease or

How to make your own basil, parsley, or cilantro cubes

You will have to use a mini ice cube tray -
I've used this one Silicone Ice Cube Trays BPA Free  or
this one Mini Ice Cube Trays with Flexible Silicone Bottom For Easy Release Pop out | Set Of 3 Ice Molds BPA Free

The object is you want the cubes to be small and pop out easily- both of these are BPA free.

During the season when herbs are prolific , parsley, cilantro, chives and basil are economical to freeze in this manner.  You want the consistency to come out like pesto or actually you can freeze your favorite pesto recipe for a delicious use for basil in other recipes.

Ingredients: 
2 cups of basil, parsley,  or cilantro
4 Tablespoons of water ( or a little more if needed- you want it to be thick)

Directions: 
Blend to thick consistency like a pesto
Freeze in cube tray
Pop out as needed in recipes - no need to defrost to use in recipes

Garlic and ginger are similar but you need quite a quantity of each. 
That is why I just buy the garlic and ginger - it is easier and I believe ends up costing much less.

Disclaimer: I was not asked to evaluate Dorot frozen herb cubes- I use them, like them, and just wanted to share. I have no affiliation to Dorot company.

This post does contain Amazon affiliate links. If you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, I will receive a very small compensation at no cost to you. Like most bloggers these Amazon links help to defray the cost of running a blog. Thank you for your support.

Bad Cold: Good Hack

I've had a Bad cold for the past 6 days and have been going through tissues like crazy. BUT I found a great hack on Pinterest.

I stationed myself in my personal "office" at home to keep the germs confined to one area as much as possible.

The room is entirely mine and houses my computer in front of two bright windows,  a large comfy sofa, a cozy upholstered chair near the window, my supply of essential oils, and my essential oil diffuser. 

To date, I've gone through 2 and half boxes of tissues, taken my temperature excessively, drank liters of herbal teas, applied Thieves Essential oil to my feet , chest, and diffuser and been combing Pinterest mindlessly and obsessively and eaten lots of homemade broths and soup. 

I made this soup in 10 minutes

 I was on Pinterest early this morning and found a good hack for when you have a bad cold

Here is The Hack I Learned From Pinterest

This is a cool hack for disposing dirty tissues when sick. It helps stop the spread of germs and is economical and planet conscious.

 Use an empty tissue box for your dirty tissues instead of a plastic bag or garbage can. No one including yourself will have to empty the germ-y garbage. When the empty tissue box is full of dirty tissues- just discard! AND if you grab a tissue- you know just where to dispose of it!!

What do you do when you have a cold? Do you stay in one room or do you go about business?
I like to confine myself and my germs; my husband doesn't.. It's a big problem..
What do you do ?/

Don't forget to leave me a comment...

More Ways To Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

"The scientific evidence today demonstrates that cell phones cause cancer — namely, glioblastoma or acoustic neuroma brain tumor and a host of other biological effects." taken from The Cell Phone Radiation Lawyers website- 

photos  from Wikimedia Commons

Cancer study of cell phone use and radio-frequency energy effect on human body (Brain). © Wikimedia Commons

More and more studies are indicating that cell phone, Wifi, and cordless phone do increase the risk factor when it comes to cancer. 

Don't Be Casual About Cell Phone and Cordless Phone Use

Because we are not being warned on a continuous basis and the affects are long term, we treat cell phone use casually when we should be concerned about their use.

Meanwhile the use of cell phones and exposure to WIFI just keeps increasing in both adults and children. Do we need to wait for more and more research to catch up to inform us of the indicated dangers like we did with cigarettes? 

It's best to reduce your exposure to any kind of radiation now. 

Consumer Reports are suggesting these simple things you can do to reduce your exposure: 

Suggestions from Consumer Reports:

1. Do not keep phone near head and body. Distance makes a difference.

2. When phone signals are weak , phone may need to increase their power to adjust- this puts the consumer at higher risk- This can happen in moving vehicles when you are moving closer and farther from towers like in a moving car or train. 

3. Text instead of talking whenever possible

4. Use speaker phone or hands free headset

5. Do not store the phone in pants, shirt or bra- better to keep it in a bag or off your body.  

Chris Wark from Chris Beat Cancer suggests: 

1. Turn off your Wifi when you sleep at night otherwise it is in continuous interaction with the towers and so are you!

2. Do not keep your cell phone near your head when you sleep ( nightstand) 

3. Put your electronics on airplane mode when on your body or purse during the day and at night when you sleep.

Know any good articles, have comments or suggestions? 

Post them in the comments!

Wordless Wednesday- Butterflies

My CSA farm has fields of flowers as well a vegetables and berries that all seem to attract butterflies. I like to take a little extra time to stroll around the grounds when I pick up my produce. It is so peaceful and grounding to bond with nature.

The last time I went, I saw these beautiful butterflies in the fields of flowers.

I choose to share my buttered noodle and cabbage recipe with this post of these beautiful butterflies

Haluski- Buttered Noodles and Cabbage - 

with vegan and low carb alternatives 

Love to hear your comments

Participating in the following Wordless Wednesday link carnivals 

Shared on Wordless Wednesday at Beth Fish Reads, Wordless Wed on Tuesdays, image in ing, ClaireJustine linky  and Saturday snapshot hosted by West Metro Mommy. Create with Joy

Should I keep my Instant Pot or Return it ?

Should I keep my Instant Pot or return it?

My Instant Pot was delivered more than 2 weeks ago ( bought it on the Amazon Prime Special), and it has been sitting in the garage unopened ever since. 

I think I have regrets that I ordered it

.  

I've had vacillating thoughts racing running through my mind everytime I look at the box still sitting in the garage. 

Con Thoughts

1. Do I need ANOTHER appliance in the kitchen. After all, I have a slow cooker and I am a vegetarian. Do I really need it to boil eggs and make yogurt in an Instant Pot? 

2. Do I want to return it and be bothered making a label, taking it to the post office, paying for postage??

3. Can I give it as a gift? Surely someone other than me would be thrilled with it? 

4. I'm not in the mood to learn how to use it. I understand there is  learning curve, so I keep putting off using it. 

5. Where the heck am I going to keep it. It's big!! I got the 8 qt size ( of course) and really have no room for it. 

6. Blah Blah Blah

On the other hand: Pro Thoughts

1. I got a good deal on it

2. My mother always used an old fashioned pressure cooker and loved it! ( even though I was scared of it as a little girl) 

3. Many bloggers and friends are raving about it.. My friend Noreen said it makes the best hb eggs ever and the peels just slide off.

4. I can make my own yogurt. I buy raw milk organic yogurt , it's expensive. If I made my own yogurt, I could just buy the raw organic milk and make my own which will make 4 times as much for the money. 

5. I could make beans, soups, and chili - maybe I'll use it more in the winter months

6. The Instant Pot is also a slow cooker , so I could consolidate

UPDATE: I KEPT MY INSTANT POT AND LOVE IT!!! BEST APPLIANCE I EVER INVESTED IN...NOT ONE MINUTE OF REGRET!!! GO FOR IT!!

What would I make in the Instant Pot? ????

Well there you have it- should I open the box or return it? 

Do you have an Instant Pot? Do you love it ? What are your suggestions? Help! 
What are your favorite GF vegetarian/vegan recipes to make in it?

Alert: GMO Free Cheerios Test Positive for Round Up Weed Killer

GMO-Free Cheerios Test Positive for Monsanto’s Roundup Herbicide 

Do your kids eat cheerios? Can you believe this?
If things were not upsetting enough with Monsanto and our food supply, recent testing found that Cheerios-

a children's breakfast GMO free cereal had the highest amounts of weed killer of the products tested.

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream indicated too: 

In addition, the NY Times published an article a few days ago about Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Ten of their flavors were found to have residues of Monsanto's weedkiller  in 10 samples of their ice cream. 

There were other products too that showed residues of the weed killer that has now being questioned in California EPA because of its known cancer causing effects. 

Goldfish Crackers also tested positive: 

• Original Goldfish crackers  – 18.40 parts per billion
• Goldfish crackers colors – 8.02 parts per billion
• Goldfish crackers whole grain – 24.58 parts per billion

Whole Foods 365 Round Crackers had residue as well:

The greatest concentrations seemed to be in cereal, crackers, and cookies. Mostly in wheat, oat, and grain products- even GMO free products.
see article "Dangerous Levels" posted below for more info 

Is residue of weed killer harmful in our food products?

California is the first state to take a stand !
California EPA Moves to Label Round Up ( weed Killer)  as Carcinogenic

"An FDA-registered food safety lab recently conducted testing on common foods and their results were nothing short of alarming. The lab found high levels of a chemical known as glyphosate in several popular foods. If glyphosate sounds familiar, it may be because you know this chemical as Monsanto’s Roundup weed-killer. Test results indicated that these foods have over 1,000 times the glyphosate levels that are considered to be harmful."
Quoted from the article: Dangerous Levels Of Glyphosate Found In These 9 Food Brands!

Articles: 

• Dangerous Levels Of Glyphosate Found In These 9 Food Brands!
• 
  
• 13 Healthy Cereal Choices Instead of (Herbicide Contaminated) Cheerios

Are you aware of these findings? What type of cereal and grains are you eating? Even organic has had traces.Please leave a comment

http://www.fooddemocracynow.org/blog/2016/dec/27