Three Sisters and a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!  

For those of you who do not live in the United States, you may be asking yourself, “What is this girl talking about?  What is Thanksgiving?!”

Thanksgiving is a tradition steeped in myth and legend and meant to be a celebration of the Pilgrim’s first Thanksgiving in 1621.  Legend has it that on this day, Native Americans and Pilgrims hunted and gathered and feasted together to celebrate the harvest season. Click here to learn more.

Many of the traditions we enjoy today were more than likely not even accessible to Native Americans or Pilgrims in 1621.  For example, potatoes and sweet potatoes had not made it to America yet (those are on every table at Thanksgiving today).

One thing that has kept tradition is the meaning behind the celebration; being thankful for all the abundance on the table, for friends and family, and for life in general. To me, it is important to bring back some of the history that may have been lost through the years.  Although not all the accounts of the 1621 Thanksgiving can be backed up with fact, we do know that the Native American tribes on the East Coast shared their land (and on some occasions their homes) to the foreign Pilgrims.  To respect and honor Native American culture, I have found a wonderful legend to share with you.  It is called the Legend of the Three Sisters.  Click here to read the Legend.  Then join me in making a Three Sister’s Stew this Thanksgiving!  Recipe below:  

Most Comforting Cuppa!

Hi friends!!

Just a quick post today.  Since I posted on Monday, my week has been a bit thrown off (which is why I am posting this one later than usual).  Either way, I am coming to you with a yummy recipe!!

Besides pumpkin, chai is another popular flavor blend this time of year.  More than likely, it is because the spices used in chai are very warm and comforting.  With it's blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and more, it is the perfect spice blend to add a bit of comfort to any recipe!

Comforting Chai Tea:  Serves 1-2

• 2 tsp (or 2 bags) plain black tea
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 T sugar or maple syrup
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 pod star anise
• ½ tsp cardamom
• In a medium sized pot, pour in the milk and water.  Heat on medium and add the sugar.  Mix until dissolved.
• Once the sugar is dissolved, add the spices and bring the whole mixture to a simmer.
• When you can see tiny bubbles around the edge of the pot, turn off the heat and add in the tea.
• Let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes.  Then, strain out the tea and spices and enjoy!!
• Note: If you do not have all of these spices and do not feel like investing in them, feel free to just use cinnamon and cloves, or use pumpkin pie spice!  The more variety of spices you have, the better the result.
• Second note: You can use this same spice blend in baked goods too! Simply drop all the spices in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind until powdery. Then, add 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture to your next batch of muffins, pancakes, or really anything you'd like!!

What is your favorite flavor during the holidays?! Let me know in the comments below!

2 things very close to my heart!!

Hello there my beautiful friend!

I am going to share two topics that are very close to my heart.  Each one plays a very important role in my own life and I want to help you to understand why.  With the weather getting cooler, the leaves falling off trees, and mother nature preparing for her winter coat of snow, it is still very important to be outside.

Disclaimer:  this topic and resource was originally posted on Nutrition Stripped.  I found her post inspiring, so I read the article she posted about and am posting my own responses here.  Check out her original post to find out more.

Link to original article

From my own experience, getting outside on a daily basis helps me to keep my sleep rhythm in check, breathe some fresh air, and unwind from the oh-so-hectic days that fill this season.  Feeling the chilled air on my skin and forcing my body to acclimate also helps me to feel content no matter the temperature.

I've actually done a little unofficial experiment with my husband.  He really does not like the cold (to put it in a nice way...)  So, one day, I challenged him.  I asked him to leave the heat off in the car (unless it was needed to un-fog the windows), wear a lighter jacket, and just deal with the cold.  It may sound harsh and it can feel torturous at first, but after a few days of this, he noticed a difference!  He no longer felt as cold when he got out of his car to walk into work or home.  He could handle the wind tunnel by our condo better.  He even bought snow shoes for us to go hiking this winter!!!  That one was from left-field...I really did not see that one coming!!

 

 Now, in the article linked above, several studies were discussed.  Each one had found a health benefit ranging from reducing symptoms of ADHD to diabetes and helping substance addicts.  The one thing that all the studies had in common, though was the fact that people were going out into nature to play.  It makes so much sense to me that simply being in nature and enjoying the vastness of life can induce a sense of awe and happiness.  Read the article yourself, then take a walk in a local park.  Stop to look at the trees and the birds, feel the wind on your face and the sun on your back, breathe in the air, notice how you feel when you are surrounded by nature.  Breathe deep.  Try this on several occasions; maybe take your exercise or meditation outside (even if it is cold!).  Notice how you feel compared to when you do those same activities inside.  Then, leave a comment on this post to let me know your thoughts.

The second thing I wanted to share with you is a Chai Tea Recipe!!!  I love sipping this tea in the evening or while on nature walks.  All the earthy spices make me feel even more connected to Earth.  Make it ahead of time and bring it with on you nature outing!!

Chai tea recipe (serves 1 or 2):

2 tsp (or 2 bags) plain black tea
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup water
1-2 T sugar or maple syrup
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole cloves
1 pod star anise
½ tsp cardamom
If you do not have all of these spices and do not feel like investing in them, feel free to just use cinnamon and cloves, or use pumpkin pie spice!  The more variety of spices you have, the better the result.

1. Place the almond milk and water in a small sauce pan and turn the heat on low.
2. Add the sugar or maple syrup, stirring until dissolved.
3. Add the spices and bring the mixture up to a light simmer.
4. Once small bubbles have formed around the edge of the pan, add the tea and turn off the heat.  Let the tea brew for 3-5 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and spices, pour into a thermos and you are ready to take on the world!

 
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter to hang out with me every day!!

Murderer Mystery Party Recap

Hi friends!

If you follow me in Instagram, you may know that Andrew and I hosted a Harry Potter themed murder mystery dinner party this past weekend!

We rented a historic farmhouse from the 1830's and everyone came in character!  Not everyone is pictured here, but starting from the top right, we have Mad Eye Moody, Bellatrix Lestrange (Me), Narcissa Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley (Kristin), Tonks, and Hermione Granger!

So, besides sharing a whole lot of fun pictures, I am going to let you in on a little secret...How I planned this whole event!  (Hint:  it was quite extensive, much like a small wedding, but you definitely don't have to go as big as I did, but you can definitely do more if you are so inclined as well!!)

Step 1:  Choose your theme and create characters.  I did a Harry Potter themed party, so if you would like to see my characters and their background story, email me and I can send it your way.

Step 2:  Figure out how in depth you want to go with decorations.  Do you want to go all out?  Or would you rather keep it simple?  Once you decide, gather your ideas and get creative!

Step 3: Create your invites.  Depending on your personal style/preference, this may be the most complicated part; well at least it was for me.  I wanted the card to read as though Bellatrix herself were writing the invitation, so I had to get into character in order to do so.  Then, I created the card using Lucidpress on Google.  On the invite, I included the following:

• Itinerary and address for the evening
• A picture and description of the character assigned
• A themed dish to bring
• A few paragraphs for the invite in which I explained the rules and expectations of the evening

Bellatrix and Luna Lovegood

Bellatrix and Mrs. Weasley

Now, you don’t have to go quite as in-depth as I did, but you definitely want to give your guests an idea of what they are getting themselves into.  I also gave them plenty of time so they can get or make a costume and/or change character if for some reason they did not like the character chosen for them.  Lucky for me, everyone was happy with their character.  Although, some didn’t want to dress up.  In this situation, I simply said that they had to have a costume, but it did not have to be elaborate.  For example, someone portraying a witch could wear a black t-shirt, yoga pants, and a witch hat headband.  Simple, inexpensive, and most people have something they can throw together easily.

Step 4: Party like you're at Hogwarts!!

9 layer cake, that is actually good for you!

Hi friends!
I am feeling very festive this month, and since it is mine and Andrew's 5th (dating, we've been married for 5 months) anniversary tomorrow, I wanted to share with you a family recipe.

     *Note: I posted this recipe 2 years ago, but have changed it around to meet my personal nutrition preferences.

I have a wonderful down-home recipe to share with you all this afternoon.  My grandma (aka Mamaw) has shared this stack cake with me and our whole family for generations (literally!  This cake has been in our family since I don't even know when!).  It was truly an honor to be able to learn how to make it, especially because that is where most of the fun is. But the taste, texture, and love you get while eating this cake is pretty awesome too!

I am going to give you the recipe that I created from the one she gave me she gave me (because her's used eggs and cow's milk).  This cake can also be made gluten free by substituting gluten-free flours for the wheat.   The most important part of this cake is to take the time to make it with a loved one and share memories through food together!

This link takes you to some history of Stack Cake!  What a history this cake has!

 

Old Fashioned Stack Cake:

• 3/4 c vegan butter or solid coconut oil (if you have liquefied coconut oil, measure it out and stick it in the freezer until it is firm)
• 3 "flax eggs" or other egg replacement (1 T flax meal and 2 T water per "egg")
• 1/2 c sugar
• 4 c flour
• 1t ground cinnamon
• 1t ground ginger or allspice
• 1/2 t ground cloves
• 2 large jars unsweetened apple sauce (sweeten to taste and add the same spices as above to taste)
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Cream together the eggs, butter, and sugar.  Mix together the flour and spices, then slowly add to egg mixture, alternating with milk.  
• Once mixed, knead it really well with lots of flour to form a stiff, roll-able dough.  (Note:  the dough will be really sticky and runny before kneading, so make sure to have plenty of extra flour)
• Roll out 10-14 paper thin rounds.  Bake in 9" pizza pans, or any pan with shallow sides, for 8-10 minutes or until they are light brown and dried out.
• Once all the rounds are baked and cooled, mix the apple sauce and spices until a desired taste is met.  Place one round on a cake plate and generously spread with applesauce.  Top it with another round and continue by layering with apple sauce and rounds.
• When finished layering, cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the apple sauce to soak in and make the cake super moist and delicious!

Stack cake in all its applesauce-covered glory!!

If you were wondering, yes this recipe makes a HUGE cake!  Feel free to make smaller rounds or even halve the recipe if you don't think you can finish the whole thing.  This cake lasts about a week if you keep it refrigerated and covered, but after that it starts to become too soggy and mushy.

This recipe is wonderful for family gatherings and celebrations.   Half the fun is actually making the cake with your kids, grand-kids, and all loved ones.  Share some baking memories this holiday season with those you love.

What are some of your favorite old family recipes?  Let me know in the comments, I love traditions that revolve around food!!

September Yoga Challenge

Hi friends!

The first day of fall is on Wednesday September 23rd this year and I had this idea to challenge myself and you guys to a 30 day yoga challenge to kick off the fall season!  During this challenge, I will be posting both here and on my instagram page

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter with #SummerYoga

Here is a list of the first 5 postures we will be practicing, but make sure to warm up before attempting.  As always, be mindful of how you feel, each posture should feel good so if there is any pain either back out or skip that asana:

September 1st: Chair pose (Utkatasana)

     Start in a tall standing posture, arms resting at your sides.  On an inhale, slowly reach your arms up to the sky while keeping your shoulders drawing down and away from your ears.  Inhale, grow tall through your spine.  As you exhale, bend your knees, dropping your hips, and keep the belly pulled in strong.  Take 5-10 breaths.

September 2nd: Revolved chair pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)

     From Utkatasana (chair), inhale as you lift your chest and twist to the right.  Bring your left elbow towards your right knee.  Gaze at your knees to make sure they are in alignment.  As you take your next exhale, press the elbow into the knee and gently deepen your twist.  Take 5 to 10 breaths and repeat on the other side.

September 3rd: Star pose (Trikonasana)

     From a standing position, widen your stance past hip distance apart.  On an inhale reach the arms out and up towards the sky.  Draw the belly in and move your gaze up.  Take 5-10 deep breaths.

September 4th: Bow pose (Dhanurasana)

     Lie down on your belly (if you are pregnant, skip this posture as it is not safe for the little one).  Reach your arms forward.  On an inhale, bend your knees and reach behind you to find your toes.  If you can not reach your toes, use a strap or towel to hook around your feet for some extra length.  Exhale here. On your next inhale, press your feet up to the sky, roll your shoulders back and away from your ears, opening your chest.  Take 5-10 breaths here.

September 5th: Camel pose (Ustrasana)

    From a kneeling position, knees hip distance apart, inhale and reach your arms up to the sky.  Exhale and place your palms on your lower back with your fingers pointing down to the earth. In hale and squeeze your shoulder blades together and open your chest.  As you exhale, slowly lean back, pressing your hips forward.  Take any variation you'd like as long as it feels good.  Stay here for 5-10 breaths, then tuck your chin to your chest and slowly return to kneeling.

Now,gently lower yourself to child's pose and rest for a few minutes.

Make sure to comment on your favorite asana so far and tag me on Instagram with your daily postures!!

I will be posting weekly pictures with the sanskrit and english names along with guidelines of getting into and out of the postures.

Again, I can not stress enough to be patient with yourself even if you are a seasoned yogi.  Sometimes asanas are easy and sometimes they are not.  The most important part of the posture is a comfortable breath.  Be sure to take slow, deep breaths and there should be no pain.

Follow me on Instagram for daily picture uploads!