Happy Holidays

As the holidays approach, I begin to see more and more stressed out and, often, depressed massage clients. People rush in for a "quick" massage between frantically running errands, grocery shopping, and picking up last minute gifts. The hustle and bustle of the season seems to take it's toll on a lot of people. People are anxious about family gatherings - some in a good way, others in a dreading sort of way. Some people are grieving the loss of loved ones and others simply depressed because they can not make it to their annual gathering this year. It's no wonder that Dr. Oz devoted one of his recent shows to the documented increase in heart attacks on December 25th and 26th of each year. The holidays are stressful! So, as you find yourself in a panic (shoulders shoved into your ears and the rest of your muscles converting to concrete under the stress of it all), remember to take several long, deep breaths. Take a few quiet moments to yourself. Pause to take a wonderful and delicious stretch or two to appease your aching muscles. Cat/Cow followed by a long, slow downward facing dog are some of my favorites. Take care of yourself this holiday season, take a moment of silence to show gratitude for all of your blessings, go with the flow, and everything else will fall into it's natural place.

"There is enough for every one's need. There is not enough for every one's greed." - Ghandi

Christmas Gumbo

For reasons I have forgotten, my East Texas family has a Tex Mex Christmas Eve filled with enchiladas and spicy sauce complete with rice, beans, and tortillas and a Cajun Christmas complete with simmering gumbo and pomegranate martinis. This is our annual Christmas Gumbo adapted and twisted over the years from Emeril's Gumbo Ya Ya. This recipe can be made with smoked sausage, chicken, quail, or seafood. If you would like a vegetarian or vegan version skip the meat and use seitan or add extra veggies. Feel free to play around. Our family has experimented with all sorts of things.



Christmas Gumbo



1 cup of oil

1 cup of flour

2 cups of chopped onion

1 cup of chopped celery

1 cup of chopped bell pepper

1/4 cup of chopped jalapeno (omit if you don't like it spicy)

6-8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

1-2 cups of chopped okra

1/2 lb of chopped cooked chicken/quail, or cooked shrimp, or prepared and chopped seitan

salt and pepper

parsley, chopped green onions, and file pepper for garnish



In a large, heavy pot, make a roux by combining the oil and flour. Stir over medium heat for 20 - 30 minutes until the roux is fragrant and a deep, chocolate brown. Don't rush this process! Pull a bar stool over to the stove and enjoy a martini while you stir. Add the onions, celery, and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the vegetable broth and add the okra. Simmer on low for at least an hour and a half. Add in any meat or seitan you plan to use and adjust the salt and pepper. If it is not spicy enough, throw in some red pepper flakes. Garnish with the parsley and onion. Serve the gumbo over rice and pass around file powder and tabasco at the table.

Adventures in Seitan and Tempeh

I have discovered Vegan cooking and it has forever changed my life. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a vegan and I don't have plans on becoming one any time soon. (I have a nasty cheese addiction). I'm just saying the discovery of cookbook authors Isa Chandra Moskowitz and
Terry Hope Romero has blasted open a new door in my culinary adventures.

You see, I had a boring summer and I found myself wandering the aisles of my local bookstore looking for a new cookbook. After years of attempting to master all of my favorite dishes from the series of Moosewood cookbooks - I was ready for something new. Enter Vegan with a Vengeance and Veganomicon.

I am in love. I find myself seeking out all sort of interesting ingredients I had never considered trying: nutritional yeast, vital wheat gluten, agar agar, agave nectar, the list goes on and on. A trip to Whole Foods is now like a trip to the amusement park. Any exotic sounding fruit, vegetable, or product now gets an exciting trip back to my kitchen. At the farmer's market, I have picked up brussel sprouts, cauliflower, acorn squash, dried ancho chili peppers, and seaweed. I'm still working up the nerve to attempt kale.... Baby steps, baby steps. I find myself eating and loving a larger variety of foods than I ever thought possible.

My last few months have been filled with making homemade vegetarian sushi with creamy avocado, learning the art of making seitan (also known as wheat meat) for jerk seitan and coconut rice, and devouring beer marinated tempeh tacos with a creamy cilantro sauce. Oh, and lets not forget roasted brussel sprout and cauliflower thin crust pizza. My family has loved black bean and corn empanadas dipped in homemade cilantro salsa, winter squash tamales smothered in mole, and an abundance of fresh stews and chilies as the winter months approach.

So, with seitan simmering on my stove top, I beg of you - run to your local bookstore and check out Isa's and Terry's masterpieces. Do a little vegan baking, rediscover brunch vegan style, or drown your sorrows in a vegan margarita cupcake......

Namaste!

How are you breathing?

Yogic philosophy teaches that the manner in which we breathe reflects our inner well being. A person who takes long, complete, deep breaths is a person who is content, relaxed, and self assured. A person who takes shallow, tight, constricted breaths reflects a body that is tense, discontent, and fatigued.

In order for one to fully expand the chest when breathing, the muscles must be soft and flexible in order to allow the ribs to expand. I can't count the times that I have been working at the computer to realize I have been there for hours, my shoulders are rounded forward, my chest is tight, and I am taking short, shallow breaths. In order to remedy this, a nice long break and simple stretches are just the thing. Inhale as you clasp the hands tightly behind the back, exhale roll the shoulders down your back and tilt your chin toward the ceiling to elongate the neck. Take several deep breaths here. If it feels nice, slowly tip forward from the hip crease taking the arms up toward the ceiling. AAAAHHHHH!!!!

Strawberry Mint Hand and Foot Scrub

Renew your hands or feet with this natural exfoliant!

Strawberry Mint Salt Scrub

10 Strawberries chopped fine

2-3 Tbs chopped mint

2 Tablespoons Dead Sea Salt

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil



Mix together and apply to hands and/or feet liberally in a scrubbing motion. Rinse and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of shea butter or jojoba oil to seal in the moisture.

Lemon and Brown Sugar Scrub

Get Bikini ready with a sugar scrub!

Lemon and Brown Sugar Scrub

What you will need:

1/2 cup coarse brown sugar

1/2 cup dead sea salt

juice of one lemon

1 tsp. grated lemon peel

2 - 3 Tablespoons jojoba oil



Combine the above ingredients, mixing well. Apply to the body (avoiding the face) in a circular motion. Pay extra attention to heels, knees, and elbows. Rinse off in the shower and towel dry. Apply a thin layer of jojoba oil to seal in the moisture.

Smoked Mozzarella and Penne Salad from Whole Foods

This is my favorite thing on the salad bar at Whole Foods! I don't think I can survive a week without it....

Smoked Mozzarella Salad with Penne

Ingredients
THE PARMESAN DRESSING
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 and 1/2 tsp.)
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine in food processor and pulse until smooth.

THE SALAD
1/2 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente
2 cups packed baby spinach, washed and stemmed
2 small jarred roasted red pepper, diced
1/2 pound smoked mozzarella cheese, dicedDirections

TO PREPARE THE SALAD
Combine the cooked pasta, spinach, roasted red peppers, and smoked mozzarella. Toss with the dressing.

Vegan Pimento Cheese

Vegan Pimento Cheese

Careful this stuff is addictive when spread on Ciabbata bread with a little cucumber, onion, tomato, and spinach leaves.

80z vegan cream cheese or real cream cheese

70z roasted red bell peppers

1-2 cloves of garlic minced

1/4 cup chopped red onion

dash of hot sauce

salt and pepper

Place in food processor and mix well. Chill in fridge for at least 30 mins for flavors to mingle. Enjoy!

Blueberry Oatmeal Face Mask

OATMEAL BLUEBERRY MASK
This easy mask, used once or twice monthly, will both deep clean and exfoliate your face. It's particularly beneficial for oily skin, as it drying and pulling effect.
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup blueberries
1 tablespoon honey
5-6 almonds, whole
Puree all ingredients in a blender until finely blended. Spread mixture over your face, and allow to set and dry (10-15 minutes). Rinse with warm water, and splash your skin with cool water or toner. This mask be may stored in your refrigerator for up to one week, covered tightly.

Spinach Manicotti

Here's a great beginner recipe for tofu. This recipe is heart healthy and good for you. Don't be scared - give it a try!

Spinach Manicotti

Ingredients:

1 jar prepared Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce (I use Classico)

12 Pasta Shells - cooked all dente

1 bag of Organic Baby Spinach

1 package of firm tofu (can substitute Ricotta cheese)

1/2 cup chopped onion

2-3 chopped garlic cloves

1 egg

1/4 cup of fresh basil

1 cup of mozzarella cheese

red pepper flakes

salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Microwave the spinach until wilted and squeeze out any excess moisture. Saute the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until soft - add in red pepper flakes. In a food processor, put in the tofu, onion mixture, egg, and basil. Pulse until well blended. Pour half of the marinara sauce into a baking pan. Scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of tofu filling into each shell and line the shells up in the baking pan. Cover with remaining sauce and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly. Serve with a simple side salad.

***Energy Saving tip: Don't won't to heat up your kitchen - use a crock pot instead. Layer the ingredients in your crock pot and cook on high until bubbly. If possible, place your crockpot outdoors while your manicotti bakes.

***For an exta nutritional boost: Puree steamed veggies and stir into the sauce before use.

Yogi Tea! Create your very own tea time.

Grab a cup of this tea and get ready to settle into a blissful Om moment. Perfect for an after yoga indulgence or simply as a stress tamer through out the day. Take a moment to settle into your favorite chair, relax your mind, and inhale the fragrant aroma of this spicy Indian tea.

Om Tea

2 quarts water
10 whole cloves
20 black peppercorns
3 - 4 sticks of cinnamon
20 whole cardamon pods
8 - 10 ginger slices - no need to peel

1 teaspoon black tea leaves (or 3 - 4 tea bags)
Milk and Honey to taste



My favorite way to make this tea is to place everything (except for the tea, milk, and honey) in a large crockpot and then simmer on low for 4-5 hours. The aroma fills the yoga studio or your house and lifts the spirit. When ready to use, immerse the tea in the hot liquid and allow it to cool. Remove the tea before serving. Add milk and honey, if desired. If you don't have a crockpot, simply place the first 6 ingredients in a large pot and simmer on the stove for 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Add the tea as you allow the liquid to cool.



Drink this healing elixir often! It can even be served on ice during the hotter months. Chai Latte anyone?

Grapefruit Salt Scrub

Keep your skin looking great and indulge your senses with this aromatic salt glow. All ingredients can be found at your local health food store.

Grapefruit Glow

1 cup of fine dead sea salts

8 oz jojoba oil

40 drops of ruby red grapefruit essential oil

20 drops lemon essential oil

10 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Tips to getting the same great spa results at home - at a fraction of the cost.

1. 
   
   Find some quiet time when you will not be disturbed. Light a few candles, dim the lights, and turn on soft, soothing music.


2. 
   
   Use a loofah or bath mitt to exfoliate your skin pre salt scrub - this is called dry brushing. Move your loofah in circular motions across clean, dry skin. Pay careful attention to the heels, knees, and elbows. Dry brushing has a stimulating effect and can be done every day before stepping into the shower or bath.


3. 
   
   While standing in shower or bathtub, apply the salt scrub to the entire body - avoiding the face.


4. 
   
   Rinse the scrub off using warm water. Take time to breathe deeply. The smell of citrus brings about a sense of happiness and contentment.


5. 
   
   Towel dry the skin and finish the treatment with a generous application of jojoba oil.

Sinus Tamer At Home Spa Treatment

Spring has sprung and the trees and flowers are in full bloom. Tame your allergies with this invigorating spa trick.

Sinus Tamer At Home Treatment

Supplies:

1 to 2 face towels

warm water

5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

5 drops of peppermint essential oil

5 drops of grapefruit essential oil

Heat the water just until warm and add the essential oils. Dip the towels into the water until completely saturated. Using one towel at a time, wring out the excess liquid and drape the towel over the face (leaving space around the nostrils). Breathe deeply. As the towel cools, repeat above with the extra towel.

Beat the afternoon blahs with some Lemon - Aide!

Give yourself a caffeine free jump start with this tangy and refreshing lemonade. Feel free to use different fruits and herbs to come up with your own signature blend. Watermelon is especially good as the summer progresses.

Strawberry Mint Lemonade

Serves 4

1 cup of fresh lemon juice (juice from about 4 lemons)

1/2 cup organic sugar

2 1/2 cups strawberries (tops removed)

4 cups cold water

4 Tablespoons organic mint leaves

Ice Cubes (as desired)

Combine the lemon juice, sugar, fruit, herbs, and half of the water in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a pitcher and combine with remaining water and fill the rest of the pitcher with ice cubes. Enjoy!

An Om moment......

When was the last time you actually took a moment to take a deep breath? How did it feel? Was your chest and shoulders tight and constricted making the breathe forced? Or did the breath move soft and freely through your body? I can't count the times lately that I have paused to discover my shoulders shoved into my ears and my breath shallow from the constriction of the muscules in my chest and rib cage. Here's to that quick pause in life where we stop for just a second to take a deep breath, relax our shoulders, and reflect on a peaceful aaaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmm..................