It seems the idea of ritual isn’t just on my mind, it’s a topic of discussion in the New York yoga scene this week. But just what is ritual?
Mirriam-Webster defines ritual as “a formal ceremony or series of acts that is always performed in the same way.” And Yoga City NYC calls it “thoughtful repetition.” READ MORE
I haven’t eaten a vegetable in a week. Yes, you read that right. Or, more accurately I tried. I ate a salad on Saturday. It did not go well. But if you can learn from my mistakes it will be worth the pain. READ MORE
I have a taste for some of the finer things in life. Especially when it comes to food. Though I don’t care what my car represents as a status symbol, I do care what my plate looks like! You won’t catch me throwing together rice and beans and calling it a night. And even when I just serve salad I top it with something interesting and arrange the colors “just so”.
What in the world does this have to do with wine?
Well, for me it’s all about being present.
There was a time when I didn’t drink at all. I felt sure this was the way to be fully awake, fully present, fully yogi. But in the end, I’m not sure that hard and fast “rule” was actually working the way I’d intended. READ MORE
Someone once asked me why I put so much effort into making my meals look and taste so fancy. I believe Mouth Watering Recipes fuel our resolve. They turn on the senses and help us tune in. READ MORE
In these over-processed, over stimulated, disconnected times, I think a little bit of old-school home-grown kitsch can go a long way. But that doesn’t mean it has to be low-brow or boring. I say, infuse your home-grown efforts with a touch of yuppie fanciness. READ MORE
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a big fan of rigid rules and restrictive protocols. Diets are never really sustainable. They’re endured…for a time. Cleanses can be useful resets or jumpstarts, tools that can help you tune in and find your hull speed, but they aren’t meant to be a lifestyle. Rules and formulas can’t hold up forever because they’re not organic. You may have resolved to be healthier but you can’t fuel that resolve with will power and nothing else. At least, I’ve found I can’t. READ MORE
From as early as I can remember, I’ve always loved boating. It was my parents’ main passion, and every sunny day off in the summer, we’d find ourselves motoring off somewhere. Often, my mother wanted to go faster than my dad. She’d get a little bored with the puttering and ask him to “let it out a little.” And often he’d indulge her, taking us on a short but fun, super speedy ride.
Dad, on the other hand, wanted to go even slower than he usually did. He had always wanted a trawler, a boat that’s meant to go that slow (but my Mom wouldn’t give in on that point). When I asked him why not just go slower if that’s what he wanted, he explained about ‘hull speed’. READ MORE
It’s fall. Yep, I mean, there are still summery days, but fall is in the air. I refuse to wear socks, or boots, yet. But I admit it. I love fall. It’s so awesome to be able to throw on a scarf and walk in the crisp air, it really makes my heart sing. But it’s always a little sad to say goodbye to the easy breezy summer lifestyle. Salads with fresh tomatoes. No need to turn on the stove. Flip flops and a sun dress.
This soup will ease the blow. It’s creamy and comforting and about as fast as a home-cooked meal could be. It may be the easiest soup of all time, and it’s about as delicious as any I can think of. READ MORE
Here it is, Labor Day. How did that happen? Last time I looked it was March and 22 degrees and now summer is just about officially over. I will say this though, I’ve loved this summer. It hasn’t been too hot, and so I’ve been able to keep up with my cooking experiments. I’m saving some to bring to you in a new way soon, but couldn’t resist sharing this one right away. It’s just too perfect. If you don’t make it for Labor Day brunch tomorrow, well, you are totally missing out.
The great thing about this is you just put it in the oven, pull it out and serve. It’s like eating pancakes without all that flipping and paying attention business. And those late summer local berries are perfect on top. I dare you not to love it!
Not only that, but it’s not heavy and floury like your normal pancake breakfast. You won’t need a big nap. but it’s ok if you take one anyway…after all, it’s a holiday.
Thanks Noelle Smith for these amazing photos! (she and her daughter loved this by the way and said it was super easy to make which made brunch a breeze). Noelle is an amazing food photographer/stylist. Find her at noellebeesmith.blogspot.ca
Banana Pecan Skillet Cake
Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free Optional
Serves 4 (or 3 if one of them is my big hungry husband)
Well, here I am in the middle of celebrating my birthday. And while I would love to document it for you, I’m a more “in the moment” person than “write about the moment” person it seems. I’ll have to give you a little recap later.
Meanwhile, a friend wrote and asked what to do about the CSA deliveries that are drowning her right now, and even in the middle of princess-like birthday celebrations, I love nothing more than to share delicious ideas with friends. So, since I suspect loads of you are in the same boat, here are some suggestions. Not recipes, just ideas of what to do. If you have questions, ask me in the comments and I will help! READ MORE
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