Transitional Recipe: Pear Lemon Infused Water

Transitional Recipe: Pear Lemon Infused Water

Sunday, March 29, 2015

 I'm not sure if this can really be called a "recipe" with such simple ingredients but I'm calling it that anyway. With the transitional period in full force (I'm talking freezing in the am and sweating in the pm), I am finding myself with both winter and spring ingredients on hand. I try my hardest stay hydrated year round, but sometimes that can be pretty hard. With the extra pep in my step I find myself carrying my dancing feet outside. Sadly, this often means forgetting to hydrate - something I definitely don't want to carry over into the summer!

It's no secret that I love infused water. It's that crisp, slightly sweet flavor that makes me feel like I am walking in a dream that keeps me coming back for more. I hope you find the same simple pleasure.

Pear and Lemon Infused Water

Ingredients

• 1 Small Pear
• 1/2 a lemon
• 2-3 sprigs of dill
• fresh water

Sliver the pear and slice the lemon into circles. Lightly drop them into a glass container and fill to the brim with water. Add the dill and chill for at least 4 hours. Enjoy!

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Still Life Done Simply

Still Life Done Simply

Thursday, January 15, 2015

There are times when even the tiniest tidbits of beauty make me pause, holding my breath as I gaze at a lovely form entrenched in my brain. Exhaling, I understand how the most miniscule moments can make me feel euphoric. Saturated with life's little offerings, if you will.

Yes, I am the woman who will stand outside of Whole Foods photographing eggs on a rainy Christmas Eve. No, I will not be ashamed to find people staring. I will smile when you smile and smile when you don't.

My quest for simple pleasures knows no limits.

Anything in life can be beautiful.

Have you ever stopped to admire something as simple as eggs purely for beauty? What was it? Did people stare or go about their business?

Now that we are thinking about eggs: What Kids Around the World Eat for Breakfast

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Friday DO: Take Time To Rest

Friday DO: Take Time To Rest

Friday, November 14, 2014

As mentioned in my previous post, taking time to rest is essential for us as human beings. Without sufficient rest, we often end up irritable, and frequently take it out on those we love most. We lash out, snapping, being hurtful, and end up feeling even worse for our negative attitudes. Sometimes, everyone needs a little time in which to do nothing. That little bit of nothing can be an unexpected day off, a relaxing afternoon, or even an opportunity to sleep an extra hour.

This weekend, find some time to lounge. Wake up when you feel good and ready, take a hot bath, slowly enjoy a simple breakfast and coffee. If you have plans and are too tired, consider cancelling them, or minimizing the stress by not staying as long at that meetup. Maybe even change the plan - have an at home spa day or Netflix binge with a pajama pal! I find that with holiday stress just around the corner, it is more important than ever to just wedge a little bit of rest in your week for what is to come. Refreshed with a new life, you may find the holidays are even more enjoyable than ever before!

Do the best that you can, even if it's just a few hours at home of silence. Sit on the floor and feel your breath rattle through your bones. Let the weight fall off and a beam of light shine pierce through your chest. Know that you are doing this for your physical and mental health. Know that your health is important. You are important.

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Friday DO: Eat Something Fresh

Friday DO: Eat Something Fresh

Friday, October 17, 2014

Most of the time when we think of fresh, clean eating, we think of running out to the local farmer's market or Whole Foods. While these are both wonderful choices that always give my meals an extra special touch, nothing compares to picking something fresh off the plant from which it came. Not only is eating something within a few hours of picking the best way to get the most nutrients possible, there is something so... clean about eating an apple fresh off the tree or making pesto from basil leaves just pulled from the plant. And the taste! Oh, the taste of freshly picked anything is enough for me to crave returning to an apple orchard soon....

This weekend, I hope to pick more fall apples, or maybe even some pie pumpkins to make something unique and new. What fresh eating options do you have lined up for the weekend?

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Vanilla Lattes

Vanilla Lattes

Thursday, September 11, 2014

There is something so sacred about morning coffee. It's not just the caffeine either. There is that special warmth the seeps into your bones. The scent of new life each day. However, as much as I love my cup of Jo each morning, I do enjoy changing it up a little. That is where this recipe comes in handy. It's not just a traditional latte, the hint of vanilla and the tiny amount of sweetness leaking through can be perfect for that morning you need an extra boost to transform your morning. Please note that you can certainly use standard brewed coffee and still get a delicious drink. I prefer to brew espresso in my Bialetti, but regular coffee is still sensational. 

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso
• steamed milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Firstly, brew your espresso and heat your milk over a low flame, whisking frequently until hot and frothy. How much to use depends on your tastes, but I used roughly 1 cup. Then add a tablespoon (or what you like) of sugar to your mug.

Then pour the coffee into the mug.

  Then add a spoonful of vanilla and stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

Now it is time to pour the delicious, hot milk into your cup. Don't be stingy!

Next up, serve with a healthy breakfast. My favorite recently has been strawberries and cottage cheese. Heavenly.

tl;dr: Brew some espresso, heat some milk, dump some sugar and vanilla extract into that mug and mix it all together for an extra kickstart to Monday.

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