Author: Melissa

Melissa lives online at http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com where she blogs about her journey to a location independent life and how to make the perfect chocolate chip cookies. She is enthusiastic about all things entrepreneurial, having coffee with friends, helping creatives build a lifestyle around their art and sending snail mail.

Categories
Health

How to Continue On after a Tragedy

Walking around in the aftermath of yesterday’s tragedy I heard people say over and over, “I can’t believe this happened here in Boston.”

Most tragedies seem distant and removed.

Until tragedy lands on our front door.

For those of us who have ever considered Boston to be home, yesterday’s explosions shook many to the core. The normal reaction is shock, anger, even numbness. It feels surreal that terror of this magnitude came so close. As the American Psychological Association states, “shock and denial are normal protective actions” after a traumatic event.

Today Everything Feels Normal

Walking through Downtown Crossing and into the Financial District this morning, it was hard to imagine the horror of yesterday’s events in the regular activities occurring today.  It was business as usual.

Tourists clicked cameras and walked along the streets. Business people walked quickly down the streets. Phones were out, businesses were open. The usual suspects were on the corners asking for money. Students gathered to study and sip coffee. In Starbucks, a financial advisor counseled the woman sitting next to me on the best way to reallocate funds. I walked past a mailman, hands full of mail and packages. Checking my phone, I noted my landlord had emailed a request.

Life goes on. Part of the strength of the people in this country is our ability to be resilient, to cope, to go on.

As my own mentor told me recently; “Sometimes life is not about being successful at living. It’s about continuing on.” I was going through a personal trial, the kind that defines the rest of your life- how it’s lived out, what happens next.

As a city, Boston is also at the place of crisis: the explosions at the Boston Marathon will define every event that ever happens again. No marathon will ever go on in the same way, perhaps even with the same joy. Everything has changed.

When a crisis hits a city, such as yesterday’s explosions hit Boston, people stop. Yet while we stop momentarily, all of us tend to move on quickly if we are not directly touched by the tragedy.And I suppose the cynics among us, even in us, argue that trouble and tragedy is the common problem of modern humanity. Explosions in cities, shootings in towns, a shaky economy, earthquakes, floods, blizzards, and hurricanes are among the tumultuous events that hit us corporately.

Add to that personal trials of financial struggles, relational struggles, health crisis and the other difficulties and the only alternative to giving up in despair may be to continue on.

As I reflected on yesterday’s events – I was standing at the site of the explosion a mere 75 minutes before it occurred- I couldn’t get the phrase out of my head, how now shall I live? In the middle of the crazy times we are in, learning to live in response to these events rather than in spite of them seems to be a healthier, saner way to live.
So while we continue on in strength and resilience, let’s not forget to take time to reflect and heal.

Ideas on Healing and How to Continue on After a Tragedy

• Allow adequate time to feel and to heal.

It’s o.k. to be sad and grieve, even if we were not personally affected by the event.
We are in such a rush to get better and back to “life as normal” in the Western world. From insurance mandated hospital stays to treating illness with over the counter meds and powering through a cold, we are in a rush to get better.

There is no cookie cutter way of responding to traumatic events. According to the American Psychological Association, some people will respond right away and others will respond after time has passed. Some individuals grieve for an extended period of time and others move through grief quickly.
What is important is to be aware of ourselves and sensitive to others.

• Slow down, even for 5 minutes a day

Self-awareness and awareness of others can be difficult in the middle of noisy, busy life. But slowing down helps, even if beginning a “quiet time” for a mere 10 minutes a day. Turn off the electronics and breathe.

Be aware that extreme mood swings, increased irritability and feeling “off” may all be signals from the brain, body and heart that all is not well and restoration is needed.

• Don’t forget to remember

Remembering keeps us sane. Remembering is part of learning.

Remember those who have been injured. Don’t ignore the headlines. Don’t forget to remember those who suffer. Sometimes there is nothing we can physically do.  Perhaps, even if we were not directed affected by yesterday’s tragedy, we can do this: extend a bit of kindness to those around us today.

• Share a meal with people you care about.

People who sit down and share meals together live better. Schedules are crazy and even sharing a meal once a day may be hard for families. Do it as the schedules allow. For singles, is it feasible to prioritize cooking and eating with a group of friends once or twice a week? The healthy habit of breaking bread is so much more than the physical food. It’s about what happens in our hearts and minds and souls.

One of my favorite phrases is, “Be kind. Everyone is facing a battle.” Indeed. The battle may be tangible, palpable, and able to be described in words- as in the betrayal of a friend or the diagnosis of cancer. Or it may be more subtle, yet just as potent- increasing fear and anxiety, a shorter tolerance, an inability to cope with today’s problems.

You can continue on. I can continue on. As I watch families laugh together and businesses set up shop, I am once again admirable of the American people who continue on despite the fact a terrorist(s) attempted to stop us from doing so yesterday.

As we continue on, may it be with greater care for one another- and ourselves.  

Categories
Food And Recipes Recipe

How to Create the (Almost) Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie

Most of us love to indulge in a little of the anti-oxidant rich chocolate (yes, I shamelessly cling to every study promoting the benefits of my favorite food) a few times during the week.

Working on a new bake book, my obsession with creating the almost-perfect recipe for chocolate chip cookies probably goes a bit deeper than most people. Some people even consider it a bit odd.  Nonetheless, my efforts benefit my roommates, family and friends with tried-and-true recipes and a plateful of cookies. I have been recipe testing the “ultimate home chef’s chocolate chip cookie” recipe for the past few weeks. I think I’m close to calling this one my favorite recipe.

Being a home chef is not only about creating something delicious from raw ingredients. The home cook knows there is more that happens in the kitchen. Something happens to me.  Something happens to the other people who share the space and the food.  The art and science of food preparation builds not only good food, but wonderful memories and relationships.

Magic happens when people come together in the kitchen and mix laughter with chopping nuts and chocolate, talking about the day with measuring flour and vanilla.  How does one create the almost perfect chocolate chip cookie?  Just follow this recipe:  people + good recipe + working in the kitchen = the almost-perfect cookie and a near-perfect experience.

Whether you are cooking something savory or baking something sweet, I hope you take the chance to pull someone into the kitchen with you and enjoy the beauty of delicious food and nurturing relationships this weekend.

Melissa’s Ultimate Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup dark brown sugar
1 cup (2 cubes) butter, softened
2 eggs at room temperature (pull out eggs about 40 minutes before putting together the batter)
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 ½ cups of flour
1 bag (12 oz.) of chocolate chips – pick your personal favorite: semi sweet; dark chocolate

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Mix the sugars and the butter together until they are creamed together. Add the eggs and vanilla and stir until blended. (You can use a beater too. It does make everything a bit faster!)
Add in the salt, baking powder and baking soda and stir. Add in the flour one cup at a time and mix until the flour is completely dissolved into the batter. Fold in ¾ of the bag of chocolate chips.

You can use a variety of things to scoop the dough onto the cookie sheets. I like my cookies to look very pretty and round so I roll the dough in my hands – about the shape of walnuts. You can use a teaspoon for a similar size.

Take some of the leftover chocolate chips and smoosh them gently into the top of the cookies. This is a completely “let’s make these cookies prettier” step. If you don’t want to do this, simply add all the chips to the batter. I like to have chips sticking up out of my cookies.

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. If you like your chocolate chip cookies on the chewy side, take them out at 9 minutes. If a crispier cookie is your preference, leave them in for 11 minutes. Be careful if you like them crispier. It is easy to go from crispy to burnt in less than a minute!

Let the cookies sit on the cookie sheet for one minute before moving them to the cooling rack. Removing the cookies off the cookie sheet too soon will cause them to fall apart. If the cookie rack has gone MIA or is being used as a landing pad for the Lego tower, foil or paper towels work well.

Enjoy the cookies warm or keep them in an airtight container to eat over the weekend. Chocolate chip cookies freeze beautifully. The literature tells me frozen cookies retain their freshness for up to 6 weeks. I will have to take the experts at their word because cookies never last that long in my freezer.

Melissa is a freelance writer, blogger and enthusiastic home chef. You can follow her on Twitter @melissauclair or find her at http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com where she writes about working towards the location independent lifestyle.

Categories
Food And Recipes

Paleo 101: A Need-to-Know Guide to the Paleo Diet

Scrolling down the list of Amazon best-selling cookbooks & food books I was amazed at the amount of Paleo-related cookbooks and info.

As a foodie, I’ve heard a lot about the Paleo diet but I really didn’t know what defined it- or why its followers are so passionate about it.  At a glance it sounds like Atkins.

And it doesn’t seem to include my favorite foods:  chocolate and coffee.

I decided to investigate and see what the fuss is all about.  If you are experienced in the Paleo diet, no need to read further (you won’t find anything new).  However, as a newbie, I discovered some interesting facts, absorbed some history and got a few ideas how I could be a bit of a Paleo fan- without going all in.

  1.  The Paleo diet is based on food our ancestors really ate.

First, a bit of history:  Unlike many fad diets recently developed by doctors, researchers and marketers, the Paleo diet was brought to light by Dr. Loren Cordain in the 1970’s but was followed thousands of years ago by our ancestors. It’s made a lot of headlines recently as more people seek different eating styles and habits.  The diet is thought to be a close replica of what people ate in the Paleolithic age.  The Paleolithic age ended about 10,000 years ago.

1.  There are multiple names for the Paleo Diet.

The diet is also referred to by the following names:  Stone Age diet, Caveman diet and hunter-gatherer diet.  Personally, I prefer Paleo.  It sounds kinda classy.

2.  What’s In for the Paleo diet:

Foods that the Paleo Diet include:  meat, roots, herbs, vegetables, nuts, eggs and fruit.

3.  What’s OUT of the Paleo plate:

Just about all other foods are out of the Paleo diet including dairy, legumes, pasta, refined sugar, potatoes and any processed foods.

4.  Main Health Benefit:  a diet free from “diseases of affluence.”

Dr. Cordain and the proponents of the Paleo diet state that many human diseases came about when humans started eating grains and processed foods.   Their argument is that before humans began to eat these foods, humans lived healthier lives.  The health benefits of following a Paleo diet include: more energy, a decreased propensity to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

5.  The Cons of the Diet

The biggest cons of the diet are twofold:  it takes a lot of discipline to follow and is rather limited in foods.  (Eggs every morning for breakfast can get a little tiring.)  In today’s time sensitive society, this diet does not lend itself to convenience.  One approach would be to eat a lot of raw fruits, veggies and trail mix.

6.  What does science say?

There are conflicting studies.  Dr. Cordain’s site, www.thepaleodiet.com has studies (mostly his) on the problems of the Western diet and the benefits of the Paleolithic diet.  It’s pretty easy to find the critics of the Paleo diet online.  Google “paleo critics” and a myriad of entries are quickly found.

The Paleo diet is a highly structured diet but appeals to many people who are looking for a lifestyle approach to their health.  Any lifestyle change is easier when implemented with other people.  With the increased attention the Paleo diet is receiving, there are many resources to draw support from, making it easier to make a dramatic change in lifestyle.

To reflect a bit of the popularity of the Paleo Diet:  as of this reading, there are four books in the Kindle Top Twenty category of Food & Cookbooks.  In the Kindle Top Twenty for Health, Fitness & Dieting, there are two titles on Paleonic eating.   That is healthy interest (no pun intended) in a very niche diet.

The Danger with all Trend Diets

The critics of the Paleo diet are concerned with the lack of studies done on the long term effects of the Paleo diet.  Health giving foods such as legumes, low fat dairy and whole grains are eliminated in the diet- and we get many vital nutrients from these foods, like calcium and vitamin D.

The other danger with extreme diets is sustainability.  Typically, when humans deprive themselves of certain foods, it lasts for a while, than the will to stay away gives out.  It’s easy to binge on a massive plate of pasta or eat half a container of ice cream when it’s been months since the last indulgence.

Moderation seems to be the rule many middle-of-the-road dieticians and doctors preach when it comes to diets of any kind.  Few people in the health community argue with the benefit of eliminating processed foods, refine sugar and adding more vegetables and fish to the diet.  The problem lies in the rigidity of the diet.

Most of us view food as more than simply fuel for life.  Food holds a special place, a way to enjoy relationships, bond with other people and celebrate special events.  Food adds specialness to life.  More than completely abandoning food groups, moderation is a better bet to life-long health and weight stability.

Therein lies the challenge.

Melissa AuClair is a freelance writer, author and blogger.  Before she made the decision to pursue a completely location independent lifestyle, she worked for 8 years as a RN in a variety of medical-surgical hospital units. Follow Melissa on Twitter @melissauclair or http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com 

Categories
Health

Sleep or Die?

Trying to do more, be more and achieve more has always been an American trait.

If we can do more with less, we have achieved the accolade of all accolades.  Many people talk of how they don’t sleep enough but “they are getting a lot done.”  Startup businesses talk about sleepless nights.  College students have all night study sessions.

Whatever the cost, we get it done.

That is what counts, right?  Getting stuff done?

In the last five years, one research study after another is revealing a different philosophy.  As Tony Schwartz, author, speaker and founder of The Energy Project says, “Sleep or Die.”

It may sound extreme but Mr. Schwartz might be making a valid point.  For anyone who considers themselves to be a creative – and who isn’t a creative in some aspect in our information and digital age – a lack of sleep dramatically decreases not only one’s ability to get their best work done; they may not even live to enjoy it.

Consider some of the results of sleep deprivation from these studies, all done in the last 5 years:

  • Poor memory (2012 study from UCLA in the journal Child Development)
  • Increased blood pressure (2009 study by Dr. Fujikawa, Clinical & Experimental Hypertension)
  • Increased risk of cardiac disease and heart attack (2011, University of Warwick)
  • Increased risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s (multiple studies)
  • Lower ability to focus (Schwartz, The Energy Project, various studies)
  • Decreased creativity and ability to learn new things (2011, University College of London, published in Sleep Journal).

What a bummer.

In his book The Way We’re Working isn’t Working, Schwartz emphasizes the importance of sleep to the point that he recently made the infamous statement noted in the opening paragraph, “Sleep or die.”

Studies show more than 95% of the population needs at least 7 hours of sleep to be at their optimal level but most people never get that much sleep.  In a blog post about how sleep deprived we are, Schwarz states, “ We’ve literally lost touch with what it means to be fully awake.”

Sigh.  I feel the need for a nap.

My curiosity is also alerted about what Schwarz means by being “fully awake.”  I wonder how I would live differently, write differently, and think differently if I was sleeping more than 7 hours every night.

But in this activity driven, over-stimulated world can I make the choice to eliminate stuff and activities in order to sleep more and think better?  After all, I’m uber-guilty of reading “just one more blog post,” writing one more chapter, creating one more piece of art, answering one more email all into the late hours of the night.  To get enough sleep, the sleep Schwartz claims (and studies show) would help me write, work and live better, I would have to make significant changes in my life.

At my worst sleeping habits a few years back, I was getting 3-4 hours of sleep a night.   I commuted four hours in addition to working up to a 12 hour day. I was also working on a side writing project.  To say I was tired is an understatement.  Some of you are doing exactly what I did.  I know the pain of trying to make stuff happen, be a good employee and try to stay connected with family and friends.   I was exhausted, but trying to pretend I was fine.  It worked for about 6 months.

Looking back, the decisions I was making were not good.  I was very reactive and there was no sense of vision in my life.  I don’t want to return to that:  either the lifestyle or the mentality.

I’m back in a place where my sleep times are irregular and inconsistent.  It’s not at the extreme deficit I was in, but I know better than to think I’m immune to slipping back to my old ways.

I’m going to try an experiment for the next month.  I’m going to prioritize sleep and work on getting 7 hours of sleep every night.  I’m going to track my progress and my productivity during my waking hours.  The goal would be to experience the feeling of “fully awake.”

How about you?  How important do you think sleep is to your ability to think clearly, create brilliantly and live with more energy?   What changes would you be willing to make in order to get more sleep?

I am curious to hear your thoughts on the power of sleep and its effect on creativity.  Leave a comment.

Melissa is a blogger and artist, pursuing the location independent lifestyle at http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com  Follow Melissa on Twitter @melissauclair.

Categories
Food And Recipes Recipe

Laid Back Friday Night Cooking: Easy Stir Fry

It’s Friday.  You’re tired (me too).  Going to the store for dinner fixings sounds as appealing as doing laundry, right?

What to do when you want to make a good dinner that doesn’t require a) going to the store b) buying pizza and c) not breaking the financial or health budget for the week?

Try a Friday Night Stir Fry.

Stir fry is one of my favorite dishes to make.  The name is vague because it is variable dish (I love that); it’s easy and budget friendly.

Plus, a stir fry is a great way to start experimenting in the kitchen (if you are a newbie to the kitchen).  Stir fry is also a great way to consume vegetables that are one day away from questionable.  As Grandma used to tell me, “Waste not, want not.”

Basic stir fry is made of three things:  meat, vegetables, spices.  I make a side of rice to go with it for a complete, healthy, tasty meal.  Some people like to add noodles. You’re the chef.  You get to make the decisions.  Let’s go!

Ingredients

  • Chicken

In a large pot, boil the chicken for approximately 40 minutes.  Chicken creates a pleasant meaty aroma when it is close to being done.  However, to ensure “doneness,” spear a piece of chicken with a fork and bring it up out of the water.

One of two things should happen.  First, there should be no redness around the part of the chicken where the meat hits the bone.  If there is, boil it for a few more minutes.  The second confirmation of a done chicken is when it comes off the bone as the fork pulls it up out of the boiling water.

Note:  It’s important to eat chicken that has been cooked all the way through.

  • Rice

In a medium sized pot, boil 4 cups of water.  When the water is boiling, add in two cups of rice and place the lid on.  I use the broth from the chicken as the water for the rice.  This makes the rice very tasty. Set the timer for 20 minutes.

  • Vegetables:  whatever is in the refrigerator:

Red onions, yellow onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, squash, green onions, asparagus, snow peas, peppers (any and every color), broccoli, white sprouts, eggplant, summer squash, water chestnuts.

  • Spices:  pepper, salt, soy sauce, oyster sauce
  • Optional spices:  red pepper flakes, white pepper, chili paste
  • Oil- 4 Tbs. for a large stir fry (4 people eating), 2 Tbs. for a 1-2 person sized stir fry

While the chicken is boiling, I begin to wash and chop all the vegetables.  I pile them separately.

About the time the chicken is done (about 40 minutes), I put on the water to boil for the rice.   After boiling the chicken, chop it up and set it aside.

I use a wok or a large, shallow pan over medium heat and put in 4 Tbs. of olive oil.  I add in the onions and let them sauté for about 7 minutes.

Next, I add in the rest of the vegetables.  The pepper and other spices go in too.  I add about ¼ cup of the chicken broth to create a nice broth.

I let the vegetables stir fry for about 15 minutes.  The timing can depend on the ratio of pan space to the amount of vegetables.  Fewer vegetables in a large pan will heat up quickly while lots of vegetables will take a few extra minutes.  The vegetables are close to being done when they begin to fill the kitchen with a very fragrant, rich smell.  The onions will have browned and so will the edges of the other vegies.

Spicing stir fry:  I keep my spices mild- a bit of soy sauce, teriyaki sauce and pepper.  If you want to add a bit of a kick, mix the red pepper flakes into a 1 Tbs. of soy sauce or oyster sauce.  Pour on and mix in the spices.

If the stir fry looks too juicy, mix 1 Tbs. of cornstarch in 2 Tbs. of water and mix into the stir fry.  This will thicken the broth up slightly.  (Don’t worry- it won’t turn to gravy!)

Be like Julia Child when you cook!  Spoon out a bit of the stir fry and taste for seasoning.

My rule of thumb is to start mild in the amount of seasonings and then add more as they are needed.  It is a lot easier to add in spices than try to dilute too much soy sauce or red pepper flakes.

Other fun options for stir fry:  Add nuts or pineapple for a fun topping.  Noodles are a fun addition, especially if the kids in the family are big noodle fans.

This is the beauty of the Friday Stir fry:  I can add and create the stir fry regardless of what I have.  And stir fry turns out good every time.

Happy Friday!

Melissa AuClair blogs about her experiment in moving from a day job to a lifestyle business at http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com  When she isn’t planning her move from a day job to a lifestyle design business -and encouraging women in their pursuit of their dreams- she is baking  and dabbling in watercolors(and that gets onto the blog too). 

 

Categories
exercise Health Politics

Why I Want to Stay Fit

We all want to look our best.

And while a lot of people start going to the gym for swimsuit season, looking good in a swim suit is not my motivation behind setting the alarm clock early and hitting the street for an early run.

For me, staying strong and fit isn’t just about today.  Staying healthy is an integral part of the vision for my life.

I want to stay fit for the person I will be in three decades.  It’s about being in the best shape possible so I can participate in life.

It’s hard to enjoy life to the max when we aren’t feeling our physical best.

That’s why taking the steady route to fitness and good health is better than working out in fits and spurts.  Because health isn’t about getting fit for a season.  Good health is about being fit for life.

It’s about our kids and our families and friends.  It’s making sure we are here for the important events in life like watching sunsets in June and shoveling snow in February.

Staying fit is about being able to throw my nephews up in the air and chasing my youngest sister around the park.

It’s about walking all over Boson and participating in community activities- now and in thirty years.

In the near future, I want to backpack through Italy and coast of La Cinque Terre.  I want to hike all over Bali and Manila.

I want to throw my own kids up in the air one day.  I want to run over (medium sized) mountains and through nature trails.  It’d be nice to beat my brother in arm wrestling (probably just a fantasy).

I won’t be able to do what I want to do, to live the life I want to live, if I’m lugging around a lot of extra pounds or if I don’t keep my bones and muscles strong .

I worked for more than 8 years as a RN in acute care hospitals.  I saw what happened to people who spent years doing all sorts of activities but neglected to care for their own bodies.

Watching a grown man- a big, tough guy- break down crying sitting on the side of the hospital bed was heart wrenching.

He was significantly overweight and was recently diagnosed with diabetes.  To top it all off, the knee operation after an accident was going to require a lot of physical therapy and his pain was intense.  He had a lot going against him in his battle to regain his health.  Now he couldn’t take care of his young family like he wanted to.  They were going to take care of him.

I wish I could tell you he was an isolated story.

Unfortunately, I witness hundreds if not thousands of people whose current physical situations were being exacerbated by lifestyle choices:  overweight, weak muscles, years of smoking and basic inattention to their own health.

Before I make it sound like I’m a marine about working out…I’m not.  I love to bake.  I love to eat.  I love to cook.  I am convinced that what goes on in the kitchen is a lot more than onions and mushrooms sautéing on the stove.  I’m working on a book about the joy of baking and building relationship in the kitchen.  Working in the kitchen has changed my life.

But at the same time I’m careful that what I love doesn’t interfere with my ability to live.

I don’t eat out at fast food.  I watch the salt intake.  I’ve eliminated certain foods from my diet.  I believe in moderation in all things.  I walk every day.

Some days I mess up and have a few too many just-out-of-the-oven warm, chocolate chip cookies.  But I get back on track.

I’ve got a future that compels me to.

I think you do too.

 

 

 

Categories
Beauty

7 Essential Fruits & Vegetables for Beautiful Skin

Ever wondered if you could eat your way to beautiful skin?

I’ve worked in skin care and cosmetics for enough years to see many products go through the market.  Today cosmetic and skin care research is fueled by plant science.  Scientists and researchers pull nutrients from plants, fruits and vegetables, infusing skin products with their essential oils, vitamins and nutrients to create creams and serums to aid people in their quest for beautiful skin.

However, a person will be hard pressed to have beautiful skin simply by schlepping a bunch of cream on.

A lot of people want products to give them beautiful skin but they don’t realize there are other components.  For example, our diet plays a big part in creating beautiful or not so beautiful skin.

What we eat has the potential to show up on our faces.  And beauty isn’t just about the products applied on the face.  Beauty is also about what is kept off.  High levels exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun and buildup of bacteria and dirt in the pores are two things you definitely want away from your skin.

And what you has the potential to heavily impact the condition of your skin.  According to the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology many vegetables and fruits contain specific vitamins that not only protect our skin. They can reverse age as well.

If having beautiful skin is on your priority list for healthy living, make sure to pick up the following produce next time you are at the grocery store or farmers market.

7 Essential Fruits and Vegetables for Beautiful Skin

1.  Asparagus

Asparagus has a high alkaline content that balances the pH levels of the skin. Maintaining a balanced pH level in your skin is critical to clean, clear skin.  If the pH level goes too low or high, conditions such as dryness and acne can occur.

2.  Strawberries

The high amount of vitamin C and antioxidants in strawberries makes them a key contributor to good health.  Additionally, in a 2007 study the Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports strawberries play a part in the synthesis of collagen (the substance in our skin that keeps it firm).

3.  Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain Vitamin C and they also have properties that protect the skin from harmful sun rays.  A study states that people who ate an equivalent of 5 Tablespoons of tomato paste every day had 33% more protection from the sun than people who didn’t.  Spaghetti anyone?

4.  Pink Grapefruit

In 2008, a study in European Journal of Pharmaceutics found that people who ate diets high in lycopene in pink grapefruit had smoother skin than people who did not.  Lycopene’s ability to prevent free radicals from ravaging the skin is the secret behind how lycopene keeps the skin smooth.  Additionally, lycopene is thought to prevent blocked pores and protect the harmful rays of light.  Tomatoes and papayas also have significant levels of lycopene.

5.  Avocado

Fans of avocados credit the green fruit with all sorts of health benefits including keeping the skin soft and supple.  Avocados have high levels of vitamin E and essential oils which help keep skin looking and feeling smooth and healthy.

6.  Corn & Leafy Greens

Both corn and leafy green vegetables have high levels of lutein.  Lutein acts as a barrier against the sun’s most harmful rays.  The CDC reports that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer.  More than 67,000 people in 2009 were diagnosed with skin cancer- a good reason to keep on the SPF and increase our consumption of vegetables that protect us against the UV rays.

7.  Edamame

If you needed a good reason to get sushi tonight, here you are:   Edamame contains two fabulous health benefits for skin.

First, it absorbs the harmful free radicals caused by exposure to the sun.   Second, edamame helps to maintain collagen levels, thus keeping our skin firmer and younger looking for longer.

Final Thought on Eating Our Way to Beauty

An interesting final note:  the fruits and vegetables listed here are a variety of colors and types.  Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is the key to a diet that will help skin improve and stay beautiful.  Eat lots of them.   Cut back on processed foods that pull fluid and moisture from the skin.  Drink lots of water.

What we eat really does show up on our skin.

Categories
Food And Recipes

3 Steps to Throw a Spring Fling this Weekend

We’re upon another holiday weekend.

Whether you celebrate the holiday of Easter or not, chances are you’ll be doing this for sure: eating.

The weekends are a chance to relax, eat a leisurely meal (do we know what that is anymore?) and talk, laugh and hang out with friends and family.

Instead of going out to eat this weekend, why not invite other people over to your place?

I’ll admit, if you look for entertaining advice in popular magazines, it can be disheartening. Many gurus teach decorating tips and meals that are not only for the culinary super-person, they include a lot of expensive ingredients. After a long week, spending hours preparing for a big dinner party is not on most people’s to-do list. It’s just not realistic.

However, sharing meals in your home with family and friends can be one of life’s most life-giving experiences. Making food for people is an extension of your heart- it’s an act of love.

And you don’t have to have a super fancy or chic décor living space to throw a great party. (When did you last hear: “We had such a great time because their apartment was SO gorgeous,” never, ever!)

Great entertaining comes from two things: good food and engaging conversation with people.
Both of these things are easily achieved. Here are a few tips on how to throw a spring fling this weekend.

1. Try a spring brunch instead of a dinner.

Brunches are typically a little less costly to put on. Plus, a brunch is less time intensive in the kitchen. Omelets, potatoes, French toast, coffee, juice, fresh fruit. Choose a few things and you’re set. Ask your guests to bring juice or fresh fruit. If you are not a morning person, do the prep for an easy peasy recipe like Baked French Toast the night before (see recipe below). In the morning, make coffee and throw together a fruit plate. Tada! You’re done!

2. Do the 15 minute Quick Clean

Close the doors of rooms you don’t want people to go into (have a “mess room” where the laundry, unopened mail, shoes, etc. can be put it). Do a quick spray and dry on the bathroom mirror, sink and counter top. Put out fresh towels.

3. Décor on a dime.

Spring is here. (Officially, even if the skies are bit gray still). Grab a bouquet of tulips, daffodils and put them in a vase. Farmers markets have them from $2.50 to $7.00 for a bouquet. The splash of spring will brighten the room.

4. Remember, the host sets the tone.

As a host, I set the temperature for the conversation. If I’m relaxed, laughing and conversing, everyone else is too. If I’m stressed over the food, others pick up on it and feel uncomfortable. Be like Julia Child: if anything goes awry, just laugh and keep going.

In the end, the experience is what makes a memory. Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

Recipe for Baked French Toast
I love this recipe because I can make it the night before AND this is very budget friendly.
Ingredients:
A loaf of bread: I’ve used wheat, white and French bread.
8 eggs
2 cups milk
½ cup ½ and ½
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Streusel Topping:
6 Tbs. butter (chopped into pieces)
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ cup flour
Dash of nutmeg
¼ tsp. of salt

Spread a bit of butter or your favorite stick-free spray onto a 9×13 pan. Tear the bread into pieces.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add in the milk, ½ and ½, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Pour mixture over the bread and wrap tightly. Place in refrigerator overnight.

The streusel topping can be made at the same time or in the morning. Make sure the butter is chopped into a lot of small pieces so it spreads better. With a fork, crumble the butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon salt, and dash of nutmeg.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the wrapping and spread the streusel over the French toast. Bake for 45 minutes.

Serve with warm syrup and seasonal fruit for a beautiful and delicious spring brunch!

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