Let’s laugh together
Smile. Pass it on…
Greetings!
While searching for inspiration on this November’s newsletter topic, I came across this article about laughing (click to read) and realized our collective community as a planet is in need of a some smiles and a big hug. So, this November’s newsletter is full of love and some of my favorite things from the past month in hopes to share some joy.
Some things that have been taking the edge off lately
Living Libations Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn Oil: For oil cleansing in the morning and moisturizing in the evening. The absolute best blend of oils including seabuckthorn, jojoba, tamanu, and others. Making a relaxing ritual around morning and evening self-care has been helpful. Also, it’s been fun and informative looking for new skincare products online and sharing with friends.
EAT GUD Falafel: Only 10 ingredients, nothing weird. And, they’ve been on sale for $6 at Whole Foods (find them in the freezer aisle). There’s enough for six healthy size meals, score! Because of how many come in the package and how good the ingredients are, I’d buy them at full price, too. We’ve been pairing them with chopped tomato and cucumber mixed with tahini, lemon, salt, and pepper. So good in a rice bowl for dinner or as a wrap at lunch.
Dr. Bronners Lavender Hand Sanitizer: The best hand sani on the market, period. The scent stops people in their tracks.
Going for walks. Solo or with people, it’s one of the best parts of the day. I love catching my shadow in a cool position on the ground!
Weekend Update with Colin Jost & Michael Che. Their chemistry is flawless. 10/31/20 edition is linked and worth the watch for multiple laughs and Obama hitting a nothing-but-net b-ball shot at the end.
Having fun designing and sharing content on my Instagram account. Check it out and follow if you haven’t already.
What are you stoked on lately that’s been making you laugh or relieve stress? I’d love to hear!
One means of sanity is to retain a hold on the natural world, to remain, insofar as we can, good animals.
Excerpt from Wallace Stegner’s ‘Wilderness Letter’.
A page from my sister’s childhood copy of Cross Your Fingers, Spit In Your Hat, a book of playful superstitions written by Alvin Schwartz.
Lastly, on the list of warm-feeling things to share, two of my all-time favorite recipes
Autumn classics. What is better to soothe the soul than to make and eat delicious food? Both of these recipes will leave you with leftovers and snacks for days, too. One hot topic during health coaching sessions has to do with meal prep for the day or week. These are great dishes to make on Sunday and have throughout the week.
Purple Sweet Potato Hummus via Mark Hyman
1 purple sweet potato, baked and preferably cooled before blending
1-3 garlic cloves, depending on taste
1 can organic chick peas plus about 1/3 of the liquid from the can
3 heaping tablespoons tahini
Juice from half a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 ice cubes - a trick to making it creamy while blending
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and mix until creamy. Enjoy with crackers, tortilla chips, veggies or as a sauce for a rice bowl.
Chili Curry — a play on the Ciaccio family chili
Olive oil, a few tablespoons
Yellow onion diced, half or whole, depending on your taste
Garlic, chopped small, a few cloves, depending on your taste
2 cans of diced tomatoes, fire roasted or unseasoned
1 small can of tomato paste
Salt, pepper, chili powder and curry powder (to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 green pepper, 1 red pepper, diced
1 head broccoli, cut into small pieces, you can include the stalk chopped up if you’re into that
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can chick peas beans
Add any other veggies you’re feeling - sweet potato or corn would be awesome.
Add all ingredients in this order to a large pot over high-medium heat. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for up to 1 hour. Feel free to add veggie broth if you would like it more soupy. Let sit and cool before eating. Chili is always better when reheated, and this recipe will leave you with about 6-10 servings. I love chopping green onion, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes to put on top right before eating.
When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.
Excerpt from The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho.
