Photo taken in my vegetable garden

Love in the past is only a memory. Love in the future is a fantasy.

Only here and now can we truly love.

Buddha

When wishes are few, the heart is happy.

When desire ends, there is peace.

Buddha

Good Intentions

It is nice to believe that another's actions towards us are done with the best of  their intentions.

Don't be afraid to stand out.

Be vivid.

Be bold.

No matter how difficult the past, you can always begin again today.

Getting Outdoors

Even though the weather is cooler and the days are shorter, we can still benefit from getting outdoors, even for just a half hour a day.

Vitamin D

Since the weather has become colder and daylight savings time has ended, the time most of us spend outdoors has lessened considerably.

The sunlight is a great source of vitamin D. We only need is 15 minutes outside with our arms and faces exposed to get our daily amount.

It's wise to take a multi vitamin containing vitamin D when the days become shorter. This way we're assured a healthy amount all year long.

Grilled Tofu

Ingredients;

2 tbs grapeseed oil

2 tbs balsamic vinegar

1 tbs coriander powder

1 tbs cumin

1 tbs honey

sea salt and pepper to taste

1 garlic clove, chopped

Extra firm tofu, cubed

2 large portabella mushrooms, whole

2 large sweet red peppers, sliced lengthwise

Prepare marinade by whisking all the wet ingredients and the spices together.

place whole mushroom caps, tofu, and sweet peppers in a bowl toss the marinade with the vegetables and season with sea salt and pepper.

Let vegetables marinade for 30 minutes. Once marinated, grill or broil for 3 to 4 minutes then flip and grill another 3 to four minutes.

recipe from "the spice goddess"

Autumn Detox

Photo by me

Autumn is a great time to detox yourself spiritually, mentally and physically.

Here's some great tips on how to follow an easy 3 day detox.

Eat only natural foods such as whole grains, vegetables, brown rice, beans, tofu, and fresh fruits.  Flavor with sea salt, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, lemon or lime juice and herbs, either dried or fresh.

Load up on fresh fruits and veggies for snacks.

Drink plenty of water with a twist of lemon though out the day.

A great tea to drink during this 3 day detox is, "Everyday Detox" by "Traditional Medicinals. 2 or three cups of this tea a day during detox is good.

Spend as much free time as you can by yourself  inside and out in nature. Do the things you enjoy to do when your alone.

Journal your feelings every night or morning.

Do easy exercises that not only benefit your body but also your mind and soul, such as yoga.

Pumpkin With White Beans

Ingredients;

4 tbs extra virgin olive oil

1 large minced onion

1 tbs minced garlic

1 sliced serrano chile

 1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp paprika

1 tbs tomato paste

3 cups vegetable stock or water

15 sprigs cilantro

1/2 small sugar pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks

1 1/3 cup of cooked white beans

In a stockpot over medium high heat, warm olive oil. Add onions, garlic, serrano chile and salt to oil. Saute until onions are translucent.

Stir in paprika and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.

Add 3 cups vegetable stock and 15 sprigs of cilantro to the pan. Bring to a boil. Once boiled lower the heat and simmer partially covered for 35 min.

Add pumpkin and beans, plus additional water, or stock to pan. continue simmering partially covered for another 25 minutes or more, until tender.

Remove and discard cilantro. Serve immediately.

Recipe from whole living magazine.