Some of my Enhanced Sun Paintings

I just downloaded a neat app on my cell phone.
It's been fun creating different looks to some of my paintings.
This is how they now look.

Grapes

Wine has the magical power to take the edge off. Researchers suggest that grapes also do the same trick.
Oxidative stress in the body may contribute to anxiety, and grapes have a protective effect.
So the good news is, snacking on grapes when you can't pop the cork, is perfect during those tense days.

Sneaky Fat Attack

You may have heard that the chemical BPA is linked to a bunch of health issues, including heart problems and infertility. Another concern has surfaced: BPA is likely a breakdown product of another, more potent chemical, BADGE, which contributes to weight gain. Researchers found that stem cells exposed to low amounts of BADGE turned into fat cells.
Since BADGE can be found many bottles, aluminum cans, and lined cardboard boxes, it is recommended that one buys and stores food in glass, or stainless steel containers, and limiting the use of plastics.

Painters Pens

How neat! I just bought myself some painters pens and a wood canvas.
Since I'm use to painting with a brush, I figured this would just be a practice painting.
It turned out pretty good, so I hung it in my Hallway.
It only took about an hour to paint.

Fruit Natchos

Ingredients;
Sliced apples
Chopped strawberries
Granola
Raisins
Walnuts
Shredded coconut
Honey
Slice apples and arrange on plate.
Scatter all ingredients on top of apples and drizzle with honey.

Wishing Everyone a Happy Autumn Equinox!

Rutgers Tomatoes

Rutgers tomatoes are large, very juicy and deep red in color.
They're the perfect tomato for a sandwich and great for tomato salads.
I only planted one plant of this variety this season, and I plan on planting at least 5 Rutgers plants next year. It's sad to say, I can only enjoying the last of these juicy tomatoes this week.
This heirloom variety is easy to find at any garden center.

Rose In My Yard

The rose opens the feminine  channels of receptivity and graciousness. In homeopathy it is called "Rose Damascena". It helps people surrender to the struggle of life without ill effect.

Unbelievable Gardening Season

This gardening season has been incredible!
My garden is still producing veggies like crazy. I spent all morning harvesting tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplants, green beans, celery and my herbs. There's still a lot more growing .
Looks like I'll be preserving beans and jarring more salsa all day. My freezer and wine cellar are both  already full of preserved veggies, which I'm not complaining about.

Hey Mambo Red Wine

Hey Mambo's "Sultry red" is a nice choice for wine. It goes along with many red dishes and has a fruity taste. This red is great for dinner parties, and gatherings.
A perfect drink to have with family and friends, on crisp autumn weekends.

Plants that Bloom at the tail end of summer

There are these very invasive plants called " Jerusalem Artichokes" growing all around my property line.
You can actually eat the tubers in salad, they're there rather pricey to buy at the grocery store. These interesting vegetables get very tall, and at the very end of summer they all bloom.
Earlier today as I was in my garden, when I noticed they were all in bloom, which means autumn will be here shortly and so will garlic planting time.

Preserving Garden Fresh Salsa

Now is the perfect time of year to preserve Salsa.
Salsa is very easy to jar. If you don't have a veggie garden, you can pick up a large quantity of tomatoes at veggie stands and farmers markets very cheap.
Start by cleaning the jars and lids in the dish washer. Make your favorite salsa recipe and fill each jar. Cap the jars and place jars in large pan full of water that is at a low rolling boil, medium high heat. Make sure all the jars are fully underwater. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove from water and let cool fully on a dry towel, Then store.
All jars should be fully sealed before storing.

The One Pot

Yesterday we attended a party. Our close friend from St. Lucia did alot of the cooking and everything was delicious! The soup he made was very interesting.
The vegan soup was made in a tericotta pot called a "one pot". This rustic cooking pot comes with a terricotta bottom, where you place the coals. The spicy lentel, coconut  and exotic vegetable soup, was out of this world. Some of the veggies and fruits in this dish was  yucca, plantain, and  bananas. The fresh cilantro, hot peppers, coconut milk, curry and other spices topped it off nicely.
Guess I'll be getting a one pot this winter, when our friend goes to St. Lucia to visit his family. I'm looking forward to making some spicy soups in this awesome cooking pot.

Tangy Dip

Haven't tried this recipe yet, but I
look forward to tasting this brightly colored dip soon.
Directions;
Toss 2 cups finely chopped roasted beets and 4 cloves mashed roasted garlic, with 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp each ground cumin, salt, and pepper, and 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts.
Serve with pita chips

5 Ways to Get Kids Eating More Veggies &Fruits

Definitely going to try this with my kids!
1. Make snack-style fruits and veggies "easy".
Keep cherry tomatoes, already cleaned and cut broccoli florets, celery and baby carrots in the fridge.
Serve with hummus or salsa.
2. Sneak veggies into favorite meals ( like spaghetti and sauce)
3. Get them involved.
Help them prepare veggies to make a healthy veggies pizza.
4. Serve all colors of veggies and fruits. Make a check list of different colored fruits and veggies, then let the kids check the ones they ate.
5. Let kids get involved in a home garden, or let them help you harvest veggies and fruits from your yard.

Shell Art

An online friend of mine makes very unique and interesting seashell sculptures.
I was so excited to receive some of his talented work in the mail.
I've never seen such large scallop shells. They're painted in gorgeous vibrant colors. They'll look great in my livingroom, since I love decorating my home with nature and unique art.
I also received small scallop shell ornaments. They'll look pretty on my Christmas tree this year.

Wishing Everyone A Great Labor Day Weekend!

Benefits of Olive Oil

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that olive oil intake is linked to longer life expectancy.
A group of Spanish adults were followed for an average of 13 years. Those who consumed the most olive oil during that time, were less likely to die, particularly from cardiovascular disease.
This provides further evidence on the beneficial effects of eating a Mediterranean diet.