I discovered Ellie Krieger one Saturday morning (back when I had cable) on The Food Network. I liked her right away; she cooks clean because she is a nutritionist, she teaches about the food while she cooks – I like that. She is not hyper; she is mellow and calm, so it’s nice to watch her.  She’s simple to follow but very creative and her foods are very flavorful.

Now that I don’t have cable I have Ellie Krieger as my personal chef via this link Food Network – Ellie Krieger – Voilà! Check it out!

Four Cheese Baked Penne – OMG!

• 1 pound whole-wheat penne
• 1 1/2 cups small-curd low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 1/4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (15oz) can low-sodium crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8oz) can low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (3/4 ounces)

 Directions - Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

1. Combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella and parsley in a bowl and stir with a fork to incorporate and set aside.
2. Cook pasta until tender but still firm, a minute or 2 less than the package directs. Drain.
3. Heat the oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, rosemary, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Return pasta to pot with sauce and turn off heat. Add cottage cheese mixture.
4. Spray a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray then transfer pasta mixture to pan. Top with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella and the parmesan. Bake until heated through and cheese is melted, 30 minutes

The more technology we have at our fingertips, the more we seem to pack into our lives. We talk on the phone while we walk, and we answer email while we talk on the phone. We schedule appointments while we wait in line, and when we finally get to be with our families, our smart phones get OUR attention.

WOW, just writing it all made me stress out!

There is no need for me to reference an academic study or quote an M.D. to say that “enjoying the simple things in life brings happiness”.  You already know that!

 A few simple things:

• Take a morning walk on the beach (no headphones) and enjoy the sounds, the sun kissing your skin and the smiles you will receive.
• Not a morning person? Then go have a date with yourself and a sunset...breathe it ALL in...in silence
• Spend the day with friends and/or family BUT with no plans, just go with whatever happens BUT you are NOT ALLOWED to look at your smart phone. Just you and other humans – can you handle that?
• Go to the park and feed the ducks, walk barefoot on the grass, or look at the clouds in the sky.

You get the picture, slow down and enjoy life, find a moment of joy and happiness – stop technology for a bit. No need to spend money, all the things listed above are free!

Who cares if this sounds mushy, silly or whatever! It works – so more power to you. You’ll be a new happier person. I URGE you to STOP for a moment and enjoy the simplicity of life – for YOUR wellbeing and those who you love.

 Cheers!

 PS – I’ll get back to the sarcasm soon – don’t worry :)

Now that a few weeks have passed, I can finally confess to something I did. To some, it “might” be perceived as forbidden…

I did something fun, pleasurable, seductive and when it was ALL done - very relaxing - BUT I must admit it felt somewhat forbidden – it was in the middle of day, on a week day. Of course, that is what made it much more exciting – not to mention it was my “first time” right at noon. Hmm, seductive, pleasurable, forbidden, first time at noon….what could this activity be?

No, no, no – not a “quickie” (but it was fun to take your mind there right?) ;-)

In the middle of a work week, during my lunch time a few weeks back I had a “Deluxe Spa Pedicure” – OMG! Hold on – it’s a better story than it sounds – give it a minute. A friend had to cancel lunch and I was in much need of pampering due to the crazed mood swings I am living in right now (peri-menopause fury). So, off I went to make my feet happy, along with the rest of me.

 It was the best $ ever spent, every penny was worth it. The reflexology, the bubbly warm water, the soft and delicious aromas of the lotions took me to another place... (insert sigh here)  The best part was that everyone spoke Vietnamese to each other, I did not understand ONE word and I LOVED it.  No forced small talk with the woman who worked on me, just a polite smile now and then to each other – I don’t need a new BFF and neither does she.  I was in my own magical world of pleasure in the middle of a work day – it felt like “hooky” but NOT.  PLUS, on the way out I got a tip on a good Vietnamese restaurant – how cool is that?

It was one of the best lunch breaks I’d had in a really long time! I was extremely productive the rest of day.

I had a secret and told NO ONE, it was MINE.  I did finally share it when I got home and showed off my perfect toes to my husband, who smiled at me as I did my happy dance.

The pleasure of it all stayed with me for days.  It was that simple escape from the everyday that gave me the enjoyment that I really needed.  I recommend you do something that makes YOU happy (whether you have peri-menopausal symptoms or not).

Come on now – what can you do for YOU? A silent meditative walk on the beach?  Reading a book on a comfy couch with your favorite tea? Calling up a friend you have not talked with in a while, as you enjoy a perfect glass a wine?  OR have wild crazy sex with your better half?  (Made you smile huh?!) Good, now go on, do something for YOU! You won’t regret it ;-)
Cheers!

I feel, like I’ve “discovered fire”, (something a dear friend says when you discover the OBVIOUS - lol) – I have discovered that “oven roasted onions, tomatoes and garlic” make life MORE delicious! To this basic combination, you add such simple things as; pasilla chilles, tomatillos or eggplant (or all of it) and watch WHATEVER you cook become happiness in your mouth!

Why is this such a BIG deal? As long as I can remember I’ve HATED ONIONS! The crunchy sound they make when they are not fully cooked. The raw  smell that is so strong it makes me RUN the other direction AND let’s not even talk about when they TOUCH any portion of my food! 

My husband loves onions, but since I don’t like them, I don’t cook with them.  When HE cooks, he manages to include them in the food, giving it an amazing flavor - I don’t question it and enjoy his delectable meals.  He always tells me with a big smile “Onions make food taste better!” and I smile back (not believing him), while savoring the meal. LOL

Photo thanks www.clovesandcream.com - who has a really cool blog 

Fast forward to early this week … I was making red beans from scratch and my normal recipe seemed BORING.  I don’t know what came over me, but I started hearing “Onions make food taste better!” thing he says… I don’t know HOW, but I got a large onion, garlic, tomatoes and tomatillos – rough chopped and roasted them in a lightly oiled (canola oil) baking sheet at 350 for about 30 min or so, until I saw the onions get soft - very soft.  The aroma was UNREAL! I kept opening the oven to stir it, just so I could breathe it in.  I took them out and I waited for them to cool. I then blended and added water from the beans as needed.  I took out about ½ cup of beans and mashed them, then I added them back with the blended mixture and I let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

OMG!  When I tasted it, the flavor was just heaven!  I discovered FIRE!

Being the exaggerated and obsessive person I am, the only obvious thing I could do was to roast the veggie mix ALL week and add it to EVERYTHING – with a few variations, or course.  Split soup had the base of garlic, tomato and onion PLUS yellow chilies and the meat sauce for the pasta had the base PLUS pasilla chilies  – you get the picture – right? Add it to EVERYTHING!
This is an economical, vegetarian  and healthy meal.  For this reason it made me HAPPY so I just HAD to post.  I am, of course, writing this as I wait to blend a new combination for dinner - HA!  This is definitely a “wellbeing” moment to be savored.
I hope you give it a try and then tell me all about it!

Cheers!

Last week Hulu.com made the announcement that they will charge $9.99 for an upgraded HD version to view on your computer and mobile devices (you can also see full season shows, etc.).  But the OLD familiar shows are still there, for FREE - so go enjoy them!

Besides my obsessive watching of “House”, “Top Chef” and “HGTV Design Star” I have also been taking advantage of the “Health & Wellness Channel” at Hulu.com. We have an old tower hooked to our TV and the internet – love, love, love it! (Click on What is Hulu? post  in case you need a refresher)

I just started to practice “beginning yoga” for 45 minutes once a week.  You can search for “Fusion Yoga” in Hulu.com, “play” and you are on your way. It's NOT the crazy “pretzel yoga"; it is “normal people yoga". They also have “Yoga & Pilates” if you want a bit more intense.

What intensified my Hulu.com loyalty? A few months back, I gave up the monthly gym fee and  decided to exercise at home – we got a nice treadmill via Craigslist, dusted off the weights and exercise books, cleaned my exercise DVDs, filled the exercise ball with air and "instant gym"! You probably have some of these things at home too – huh? Thought so!

Ok, BUT am I REALLY going to have the discipline?  Well, it has been, let’s call it “interesting but good” LOL.  What helps me is that I am in an ETERNAL PURSUIT OF COMFORT!  How can life get any better that waking up, having some tea, looking at the morning sun and then - I get to enjoy MY “choices”?  Do I run on the treadmill with my shuffle? Do I do yoga fusion on Hulu? Do I work out with Jillian Michaels’ “30 Day Shred” DVD?  Or do I work on a fitness routine from one of the books? I so, LOVE choices – don’t you?! Some days I chose to NOT do anything and I love that too!

I’ve discovered some very informational and FUN health related podcasts that I REALLY like. I listen to them while I run or go on a long walk – super motivating!  (Post about this soon to come).

I encourage you to add these simple choices in your life – it’s all about “comfort” – and in this case YOURS. Just to make it very clear, my beloved Zumba with Janel Gauger is still one of MY choices - it makes HAPPY!

Cheers!

Last weekend inspired me to share a HUGE "wellbeing" moment that resonated in our lives.

My husband and I had the honor of attending an intimate 50 year anniversary celebration of an adorable and amazing couple that holds a special place in our hearts.  It felt humbling to be at such a triumphant event.

I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when the children (one of them a dear friend) got up to share life learning experiences next to this loving and strong couple; there were cute funny stories and a few emotional glimpses of their lives.

Photo thanks to NOLDZ Digital Photography's photostream on Flickr

This event MADE me STOP and really think about MARRIAGE, 50 years of MARRIAGE – can you even imagine, visualize and comprehend that amount of time? 

That afternoon, as we saw them look at each other’s eyes and smile while dancing, we all became witnesses of a lifelong romance only they understood.

I always get so emotional when I meet couples that have been together for half of their lives (or more).  Take a peek when they think that no one is watching and.... you will become a spectator, as they laugh at an inside joke you absolutely know is ONLY theirs...sigh..

Stop some time and chat with one of these couples - you will be inspired!  I do this every chance I get  ;-)

Out of this event we came up with a word - persistence. If we sprinkle this along the journey of anything we really want, and in this case, a loving life partner, we all might have a chance...

Did you know I was such a romantic fool? Give me a romantic movie or lovestory to read and I will become an emotional kaleidoscope - every time!   Don’t get me started on sentimental mushy TV commercials LOL! 

I invite you to listen to this short (1:50min) chat of a couple married for more than 60 and years - he has Alzheimer's and they are chating about their marriage…sigh… click here and then click on the little side triangle (play button).

ENJOY!

One of my most memorable and  FUN celebrations was when I worked at Proflowers.com and a co-worker, who also had an April birthday and was a believer in the Birthday Season  (must be an Aries thing) decided to put together a birthday PARADE for me at the office – yes a PARADE for ME.  We worked at Proflowers during the dot.com era, so the environment was filled with creativity and fun – therefore, a lot of people participated --  walked/danced by my desk singing, making noise and taking advantage of the opportunity to not work a little ;-) ... and it was just perfect! 

April has usually been a great month for change in my life, I have changed jobs, homes, thought  up new fun ideas - (I met my NOW husband  in April) -  it generally is a good time in my life.  Maybe it’s all the positive vibe I’ve got going during this SEASON.  This year, I am a bit more low key than usual with the birthday fuss but I am grateful and I am truly happy for the life I have and the people in it!

To end this post, I will tell you that I turned 45 today (cannot believe it WOW!). One of my neighbors told me that she ran her 1st half marathon when she turned 45 and I felt great admiration for her.  Dare I say here that I want that to be a goal this year? I think so, since I have a WHOLE year to do it.  I want to do the Disney Half Marathon (how bad can running be at the happiest place on earth?) but I will not be ready in Sept…or will I? Gulp! For sure I can run the Disney 5K this year!

Think about YOUR birthday  season, it really is a lot of fun! 

 Cheers!

Vacations, long weekends, get-aways or just a break from “the everyday” is something I live for.  I love the leisure time, stopping the world to do something different - the many naps and wine!  I also like how recharged I feel afterwards and how ready I am to be productive again - yes!

One of my favorite vacations was our trip to Patagonia, Argentina – not just because it was our honeymoon, but because it was such an amazing disconnect from our everyday life. Icebergs, glaciers, open pit lamb cookouts, lake tours, etc. We went six years ago and it has stayed with me so much and I am itching to go back.  I will soon post about that trip and include pictures.

Last Summer, I remember NPR did a story on the evidence that a sound mind and body require taking time away from work and investing in leisure.  Can you believe that  the US is the only country in the industrial world where paid vacations are NOT required by law? Germany and the United Kingdom get 20 days by law. And in France it’s 30 days! C'est la vie..
A Netherlands researcher (Radboud University) analyzed 7 vacation studies done in Europe, the U.S. and Israel. They all measured the effects of vacations before, during and afterwards. (The findings were published in the Journal of Occupational Health).

Here is a bit of the NPR interview:

BLOOM (Radboud University):People felt healthier during vacation. They had a better mood. They were less tense, and they had a higher level of energy and they were more satisfied with their life.
NPR: And how long did that last? Do you know?
BLOOM: It was gone immediately when you return home.
NPR: A day or two later upon return, energy levels had dropped, for example. But de Bloom says the benefits of vacation should not be discounted, because the obvious effects quickly disappear.
BLOOM: It would be a bit like asking why should we sleep, despite the fact that we get tired again. We think that health deteriorates across time if we would not go on vacation.  Click here to read the whole thing  

I like being right and I have always thought that relaxing, leisure activities at home and/or away are the best for our well being in general.  I also like that just like "sleep" I have to go do it again! How can you not??

Coming soon – Our trip to Patagonia, Argentina in 2004.

Cheers!

I am always on the lookout for fun kid gift ideas.  Why? I never have a clue what in the world is the latest trendy cool thing.  I figure, most kids like activities and if I give them a book (yes a book) along with matching fun things to go with it, I’ll be a hit!  
I am thrilled that I found 2 fun books by Janet Stevens, and they are about food AND kids – how can that NOT be fun? Just the names themselves and book covers make you giggle!  
I found these on the fantastic “Splendid Table” webpage – I love their podcasts :) I literary took this right of their webpage – enjoy! 

Cook-a-Doodle-Doo!

Take an old family recipe, add four funny friends, mix in some hilarious cooking confusion, and you have a delicious picture-book treat for children of all ages!

Mice And Beans

Mix 1 birthday party, 1 delicious Mexican meal, and lots of children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, and surprise guests into a fun romp. Add comic illustrations, jaunty rhythms, and playful refrains. Spice with mystery, and stir everything into a book!

I’ve read the reviews for each and they sound so entertaining.  I am getting these and keeping them for later. This way, I am not caught off guard when the next bday comes along; I just go buy all the fun things that can accompany the book to make it an “activity”.
Maybe this is an obvious present , BUT for me it wasn’t and when I discovered it I thought I was pure genius, and I kind of want to keep thinking that – it’s working for me!
I am ALWAYS searching out fun presents for kid – do you have any cool, fun ideas? PLEASE share..

Cheers!

I was so EXCITED after reading an article written by Tess Marshall;  it’s in Forbes Woman, called Born to Run.  A runner friend posted it on Facebook – thank you Kristy, you are inspiring.

I loved Tess' phrase "Like life, running takes courage--everyday kind of courage"   I immediately shared the article on Facebook and Twitter.  It reminded me of the time I ran a 5K. Yep, I ran a 5K once – HA! 

More than a year ago I ran/walked the Susan Komen 5K race in Newport Beach.  Kristy had recommended this amazing site and this article - “Couch Potato to 5K” (don’t you just love the title?? LOL) - one day at the beach, I started the simple program.  The next day I had things hurting that I did not know existed!  But I loaded up my Latin tunes and I was ready!

Another thing I REALLY liked, was how when I ran, it was “all about me”-  which you know I love – MY thoughts, MY health, MY space outdoors, MY strength.

Also, what an amazing stress reliever - we were in the midst of buying our 1st home; packing, signing checks with lots of zeros, reviewing 1 inch paperwork that seemed to be in a foreign language, etc.  

 Running was a parallel world where I could

find freedom and peace.

That’s it - I’ve just sold myself on running again! Kristy, thanks! Many thanks!

Ok, so who has a treadmill collecting dust? Either use it or let me have it – I’m serious, I’ll go pick it up! REALLY!

Click here for songs I bought via Amazon to put on my Shuffle.

Cheers!