Don't Mess with My Martini!

I receive many newsletters via email, assisting me with healthy living ideas, recipes, etc.  I received one today that went too far.  It touted a recipe for a vegan chocolate martini....

Now, I'm all about health, but when I saw the martini ingredients, I was shocked and dismayed:

-Organic vodka, vegan hot chocolate mix and soy milk...come on now!

From time to time, I believe that one should splurge just a little and a chocolate martini should not contain soy milk.  So, to be fair, I've included a real chocolate martini recipe to enjoy for the holidays.  Enjoy and savor it well!

Ingredients

• 4 fluid ounces chocolate liqueur
• 3 fluid ounces vodka
• 1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate, grated

Directions

1. In a cocktail mixer full of ice, combine chocolate liqueur and vodka. Shake vigorously and strain into 2 chilled martini glasses. Garnish with chocolate shavings. 

"Quinoa??!!?? Oh good, I thought it was rice"...

This was a phrase uttered recently by my husband (a big carnivore).  How delighted I was to hear those words!

When one spouse is a vegetarian and the other eats meat, it's sometimes hard to please all the palates in the house.  It's a daily challenge to make the vegetarian meals taste great so that my meat-eatin' hubby will partake.


Quinoa is one of those "miracle" foods that is a protein which also contains balanced amino acids.  So, it tastes great and is good for you!

For those of you who want to try a great recipe, I've included my favorite:

Zucchini Quinoa Lasagne - serves 6

• 2 large zucchini, cut lengthwise  into 12 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 2 Tbs. nondairy cream cheese, such as Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese, optional
• 1 25-oz. jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded nondairy cheese, such as Daiya Mozzarella, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place zucchini slices on bed of paper towels. Sprinkle with salt, cover with paper towels, and let stand to release moisture while preparing quinoa.

2. Bring broth, quinoa, tomato sauce, onion, and oregano to a boil in saucepan. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 25 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, and stir in basil, parsley, and cream cheese, if using.

3. Spoon 1/3 cup marinara sauce over bottom of 8-inch square baking dish. Blot remaining moisture and salt from zucchini slices, and lay 4 zucchini slices over marinara sauce in pan. Spoon half of quinoa over zucchini, and cover with 1/3 cup marinara. Repeat with 4 more zucchini slices, remaining quinoa, and 1/3 cup marinara. Top with remaining 4 zucchini slices, remaining marinara, and shredded cheese, if using. Bake lasagna 30 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and top is bubbly.

Nutritional Information

Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 213, Protein: 8g, Total fat: 4g, Saturated fat: <1g, Carbs: 39g, Cholesterol: mg, Sodium: 735mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugars: 15g

What do you with do your time?

My occupation is "housewife".  Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would not always have a career.  Instead, I stay at home right now.

I worked for the same company for 25 years.  When I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, I traded that in to stay at home.  Of course, I've experienced 7 surgeries, chemotherapy and fully deserve some time off for good behavior.  But what will my future bring?

Many still ask me:  "What do you do with your time?"
"I'm busy!" is my response.  It takes time to "take your time" living, being well and taking care of oneself.  It's something I never did when I worked.

I think that everyone could learn from staying home, eating well, cooking healthy meals, exercising when you want and taking that cat nap from time to time.

Slowing down is not always a bad thing in our fast paced world.  I enjoy my time right now and cherish everything I can do for myself, husband and dogs.

What's next for me?  I'll think about it after I'm done with my baking....

MissB

When it's all new

Today, we picked up a rescue dog to add to our home.  Her name is Lea and she is a white whippet.  She is a little afraid of her new surroundings, but slowly, you can see how she begins to trust us.

I imagine that dogs, like people, adapt to their surroundings.  But watching Lea sniff around, hesitate about jumping on the couch and generally wonder what she was supposed to do next, is akin to how humans adapt in situations.

It's hard to jump right into a situation and just give pure love like a dog.  But watching her made me wish that us humans were more amenable to new situations and wish they too, could act friendly and loving to new people.  I suppose it's the old adage of "why can't humans be more like dogs?"

I admire Lea's ability to love us up without hardly knowing us.  She seems appreciative of her toys and her soft bed.  She may be a little shy, but she sure knows how to settle into a cuddly comforter.

I think I will try to learn to trust myself a little more and thereby, trust others.  Thank you Lea, for the rich lesson today.

MissB

Potatoes...yams...who knew?

I love yams.  But I woke up this morning to startling news.  I've confused sweet potatoes and yams.  Oh no!  Sweet potatoes are rich in anti-angiogenic (anti cancer fighting agents) while yams are not. (For more information on anti-angiogenic foods, see the "video bar")

Sweet potatoes originally came from Central America, from a genus of morning glory.  They come in various shades and are rich in beta carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin c and fiber.

Here is an easy and healthy sweet potato recipe, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Sweet Potato Leek Casserole

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
3 medium leeks
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons minced, fresh rosemary
salt and pepper to taste
2 medium size Sweet Potatoes (peeled/sliced to 1/8" thick)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 vegetable broth

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Coat a medium casserole dish with the olive oil.
Heat a skillet with the grapeseed oil over medium heat.  Cut the dark green tops off the leeks, and discard.  Have the leeks lengthwise.  Make sure to thoroughly wash dirt off leeks.  Chop the leeks and saute with the garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper until soft.
Arrange one-third of the sweet potatoes across the bottom of the casserole dish.  Spread one-half of the leek mixture on top of the sweet potatoes.  Then arrange another third of the sweet potatoes across the leeks.  Repeat, ending with a layer of potatoes.  Sprinkle breadcrumbs over top.  Pour the vegetable broth over the casserole.  Cover and bake 30 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of "Skinny Bitch Ultimate Everyday Cookbook" by Kim Barnouin

Break your heart wide open

A friend recently told me that she recently learned more about life while dealing with the death of her father.  A birth, a death...some things in life are meant break your heart wide open.

Sometimes life seems so difficult with work, people, stuff.  But when you stop and take a look at what is happening in a limited scope, then you can really see through things and come to a deeper understanding.  I call this "mini-mouse" vision. 

It may sound trite, however, if you take just a few moments in silence to experience one thing (a friend's conversation, a cherished photo) then perhaps, you will truly feel everything about that moment.

I hope it breaks your heart.  Then it will be wide open.

MissB

Eat your chocolate too!

Eat to Defeat Cancer

(Click on link above)

I'm always on the lookout for simple, healthy tips for cancer-fighting/healthy foods.  So when

I stumbled across the "Eat to Defeat Cancer" site from a friend's Facebook post, I was thrilled!  A list that tells you what to eat and includes wine and chocolate (in moderation, of course)!

As a cancer "thriver", I strive to eat foods that fight the Big C, but are exciting to my palate.  So, to help me keep on track, I tacked the list to my fridge.  So easy to use, especially when you follow a vegetarian diet.

I love this site because it provides evidence as to why certain foods are good for you.  They also include recipes.  Dr. William Li's is the foundation's leader and when I sent a donation, he wrote me a thank you note!

I urge everyone to take a peak at the list and give some of the items a try.   By the way, persimmons are in season....try one!

MissB

A Story That Doesn't Need to Happen

Do you ever have times when your mind just runs and runs, like a "hamster on a wheel"?  Before you know it, you are worrying about something that has not even happened yet!


I was reminded that you don't have to worry.  It sounds so simple, right?  But when I thought about it more, it makes so much sense.    As our circular world spins around us and difficulties crop up, it's hard to halt that inner voice and whirl of worry.  It's especially true as we deal with work, media, family and friends and the hardships that just happen, no matter what we do.

An old African proverb tells to stop worrying about a "a story that does not need to happen".  The story goes that if you are walking through the savanna, and you think a lion is hiding behind a tree, you are only imagining this.  It is a story that doesn't need to happen that way.

So simple.  Perhaps it may help you find comfort in difficulties that happen you.

MissB

On Death & Dying, Pain & Suffering. Wow.

Eulogy for Steve Jobs (click to read)

Like many people, I've read the eulogy from Steve Jobs' sister.  His last words were "Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow".  I was wondering why so many people were fascinated with his death.  I understand why they followed his life, but death is often a taboo subject in our American psyche. No one likes to talk about it.

When I went to a cancer retreat last year (I like to think of it as a 'cancer camp for adults'), one of our discussions was about our own death.  I could tell that I was in denial of my subsequent demise and how strong my will to live was and is.  So many questions about death arise....what is beyond, what will happen?

While it's very much a mystery to us all, I'm very grateful that Mr. Jobs' sister shared her story with us.  I would also like to hope that there is something "wow" waiting for us on our next journey.  In the meantime, it reminded me to find the "wow" in my present time and enjoy every second I can.  I hope you can too.

MissB

My Fitness Pal...My Diet Story

(Before Cancer - BC)








                                                      (After Cancer - AC)




Let's get straight to the point.  When I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 2009 (BC),  I was very heavy.  I'm talking 200+ pounds heavy and the most I've ever weighed.  It didn't feel good.

Now, two years later, and AC (after cancer), I weigh 37 pounds less.  Many people asked me "how did you do it?".  Here are some simple tips that I employed on my journey to become fit and healthy:

1)  Became a vegetarian.  I used to eat lots of meat and I love food.  But once I turned to a plant based diet, I started to lose weight.  It's been one year now and I consider myself a vegetable guru.

2)  Nutritionist.  One word.  I saw a professional who really analyzed everything I put into my mouth for 3 days.  I was shocked at the amount of sugar I was consuming.  So, she set me straight and told me to knock it off!  I also read a lot of books, like "The Kind Diet" by Alicia Silverstone.

3)  Exercise.  I walk and do yoga.  I don't do yoga well, but it's enough to enjoy it.  On days when I don't go to a class, I use DVDs at home and choose a workout that suits my energy level for the day.

4)  Super Saturday.  I "pig out" once a week and typically on Saturday and I enjoy some naughty foods like copious amounts of chocolate, cheese, or bread.

5)  My Fitness Pal.  I have an application on my iPhone which tracks my weight, activity and most importantly, what I eat and my progress.  I don't really like having to do this, but it helps me stay in check.

Yes, I've lost 37 pounds (with 11 more to go!), and I hate the Fitness Pal and sometimes I dislike watching what I eat.  But it beats the alternative, which was a unhealthy lifestyle and possible death for me.

Now, AC, I guess you could say that I'm my own best "fitness pal".

MissB

What would you do for chocolate?

I love chocolate.  Mostly the dark variety.  On a recent "Goddess" retreat to Costa Rica, one of the evening activities was "Chocolate tasting".


If you have read a bit of my blog ("No Drama Mama") then you will have learned that I bailed out on most of the Goddess activities.  But I showed up for this one!


I understand that chocolate cocoa or dark chocolate may positively affect the circulatory system.  Other possible effects under research include anticancer, brain stimulator and more.  An aphrodisiac effect is yet unproven....

So our Goddess retreat leader led us to a patio area (also with the promise of wine) and there we found cushions, candles and....blindfolds!  Apparently, this was to be a sensual chocolate tasting.

Having traveled with my female friend (emphasis on friend), we were a little reluctant.  However, we put the blindfolds on, fed each other chocolate and had a lovely night in Costa Rica.

It's not something I'd typically do, but "when in Costa Rica", I'd do pretty much anything for some yummy chocolate!

So the next time you and your friend/significant other are bored, get out the chocolate, and a blindfold.  You might just benefit from that chocolate tasting, in more ways than one!

Miss B

Orange is the new black....

Recently, I visited a spa and received a great treatment.  It included a carrot oil serum.  At first I thought, "yeah, right, whatever".  However, after several days, my skin glowed!

Point being, add some orange to your face and your diet.  What you eat also affects your skin so stock up on orange:  carrots, oranges, persimmons.

Carrot Seed Oil is one of the premier essentials oils for aging skin!


 Here are some products that I've used and just love (and available on Amazon.com):

-Aura Cacia Essential Carrot Seed Oil  (Essential Oil Carrot Seed - .5 oz. - EssOil)
-Naturopathica Carrot Seed Soothing Serum:  Naturopathica

And as a bonus for your skin, try the carrot soup recipe I've included.  It's practical, comfortable and beautiful.  Just like a little black dress.

MissB

Silence is Grueling

New adventures are always terrific, no matter if they don't turn out the way you wish.  I recently visited a Zen Buddhist center for three days.  Hasn't everyone always wondered what it would be like to practice Zen, be at one, learn about peaceful living?

The first thing I learned is that I don't enjoy a "silent" adventure.

I know that the purpose of Zen practice is to turn inward.  One does that without TV, wireless access, radio or solid walls.  I get it.  However, I didn't realize that silence!  The accommodations were beautiful and peaceful, but I didn't research the fact that one must be silent in your guest room because others are practicing their silence and have to get up at 4:30am to be at their temple meditation (needless to say, I declined their kind invitation to join in).

I read some of the Zen doctrines while I was silently waiting for my friend to attempt to gain Internet access in the lounge (didn't happen).  The first sentence dealt with "suffering".  While I also understand that much of life if suffering, I don't need to be reminded.

As we trucked off to our first breakfast with the practitioners, my eyes cast upon on breakfast.   A big bowl of gruel.  I say that because it tasted like gruel in a pasty-way.  Apparently, the meals are somewhat spartan too.

As I ate my gruel in silence, I realized that I'm not cut out to be a Zen Buddhist!  

Fragile

As I returned to yoga for the first time after multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, my yoga teacher said a few words before class.  "Life is fragile/love is strong".  I thought, yeah, okay.  But as the class progressed and I struggled with the asanas, I thought - how right she is.

Two days ago, my dog, Daisy (photo below) passed away unexpectedly.  Granted, she was 11 years old, but we love her so.  Even as her life faded before our eyes, our love for her never waned.  We still love her even though she is gone.

With our hearts saddened, we muddle through the days and realize how fragile our lives are.  But our love for each other will remain.  It has to in order to sustain us through the days.

MissB

My Diet, Myself

About a year ago, I became a pescatarian (I eat no meat, but do enjoy fish).  For years, I
struggled with my diet.  I either ate too much, ate the wrong things, ate on the run.


All that changed when I sent myself to a health retreat where only vegetarian food was served.  I didn't think I could keep to the diet for a week, but I did.  While at the retreat, I met the author of a great cookbook:  "The Cancer Fighting Kitchen", Rebecca Katz.  Her cookbook provided great insight into my taste buds and how to make simple, healthy meals.   Ms. Katz is also a dog lover, so she shared a great story about her dog with me.  Instead of talking about my "cancer" diet, we talked about dog nutrition!

Even if you don't have cancer, maybe give your body a chance to discover eating differently.  By sticking to it, everyone can allow themselves to change their diet and help you, help yourself.

Miss B

Now I've heard it all....

Yes, I'm a dog lover.  Most people would consider me a overly avid dog aficionado.  At right is a photo of my dog, Daisy.  She is a whippet, 11 years old and was recently diagnosed with doggy asthma and allergies.  Since I have the same thing (like mommy, like doggy), I completely understand her discomfort.

My husband and I took her to a few vet visits and she recommended a special diet of chicken, rice, carrots and pumpkin (along with doggy vitamins).  I do cook often for our dogs, but now I guess I'll be at it quite a bit.

My overall interest in nutrition is growing rapidly so I recently found a Macrobiotic Food meet up group in Palo Alto, CA.  They meet every Monday for a vegan dinner.  I went for the first time last week and met people with names like "Mango" and "Beautiful Song" (there was also someone named Susan).   Should I come up with an alternate name too?  Maybe I could be "Wonderful Woman" or "Fancy Bea"?

In any event, I was researching dog diets on line and I found a link to an online course to be at "Holistic Dog Chef".  Of course I clicked into the site.  But once I saw that the price is $2,080.00, I quickly went away and thought to myself:  Now I've heard it all.

However, I did think for just a moment....could I be a "private dog chef"??  I think not.  I'll stick with my name and to my day job, taking care of Daisy.

Miss B

Clean out the closet

Initially, I was very hesitant about starting this blog.

It's difficult to "put yourself out there".  I've lived a mostly private life and my most public moment was online dating.

Recently, I cleaned out my closet.  My mother (Anita - photo shown), always "ensures" that my clothes are organized.  Also, she's a firm believer in always having "nice panties".  We all have old knickers with holes but my mother insists that living well includes wearing good drawers.  When I think about it she's right.

How you feel on the inside is just as important as what your outside is feeling.  Looking good can equate to feeling good.

When I finished refreshing my closet, I put my old stuff outside on the sidewalk (minus the panties) because people in my neighborhood pick up anything.  It is sometimes hard to put your stuff out in the open air, but eventually, someone picks it up.  And anything that can be taken away by others, even if it's a small thing, is okay.

So, don't be afraid to reach out, ask, clean out your mind and put your stuff out there!

MissB

No Drama Mama

Photo:  me (at least my feet) poolside in Costa Rica, where the happiest people on Earth live.

I took a trip with a great friend to try out some clean living.  No booze, no cheese, no TV.  Only fresh air, yoga, vegetarian food and a seminar on how to be a 'Goddess'.

When my friend and I arrived, we met our 'Goddess Leader' straight away.  She kindly offered to read our 'Goddess cards' (like a Tarot reading).  The card which showed itself to me was the 'Detach from Drama' Goddess.  What could that mean?  Would my friend go haywire and have a dramatic moment?  Was I a drama queen?  I just wasn't sure, but the "Detach from Drama" goddess sure looked happy.

When the rest of the guests showed up to the retreat house, we quickly became aware that there was plenty of drama to go around.  One woman was upset with her boyfriend, another person came for a week and ended up staying for 6 (quit his job and all), and the most dramatic person was a woman who peppered us with her multiple problems, including drinking, bulimia and a failed marriage. While I have empathy for those with troubles, we had come to relax, unwind, yoga-fy, become one with nature.  Om....

Most of all, our 'Goddess Leader' was quite young, and it was her first seminar!  (Note to self:  check further into 'retreat leaders' before signing up).  While reading my cards, she quickly launched into her story of a difficult relationship, indecision about her career and where did I think she should live?  Atlanta with her deadbeat boyfriend or in Costa Rica with her tantric sex partner?  Hmmmm......

Turns out she was the drama that I needed to stay away from.

So after one 'un-Goddess' like session, my friend and I high-tailed to the chaise lounges at the pool and kicked back.  We never returned to the Goddess classes that week (except for the 'sensual chocolate tasting' which is another story).

But we did learn that the most important thing about being a goddess is to do what feels right.

We detached from drama.  I hope you can too.

Miss B

Are you (overly) aware yet?

Are you all tired of the pink ribbons yet?  I know that we are overloaded with breast cancer awareness.   The images come in all forms:  in retail offerings, in the grocery store, at the football game.  Even I get weary.  Does it really help "regular" people?

When I was first diagnosed in 1997, I had some options.  When my recurrence happened in 2009, I found that real progress was made!

In basic and non-scientific terms, the care from my doctors and the options for mastectomy were improved, the anti-nausea drugs were better, the tests were more specific so I didn't have as much discomfort.  There are more books written to help you and your family cope.  Most importantly my oncologist actually took classes to learn what patients might be thinking! What a concept!

So, please suffer through 28 more days in October and support whatever cause floats your boat.  And know that it does help regular people, like me.

My first day....

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with my second round of breast cancer.  It was just 3 weeks before my wedding and I was devastated.  I was overweight, overworked and stressed out.  Two years later, I'm cancer free, married, 35 pounds lighter and learning to live life differently.  One of my surgeons inspired me to share my story.  Here are (3) things which I recommend and believe that are essential to living well:

1.  Take care of yourself first!
(no one else loves you like you do)

2.  Move your body
(find something...anything to help you exercise, even if you put on some tunes and dance around the house...yes, I do this to Latin music)

3.  Learn and follow healthy eating habits
(read a book about nutrition or check out the cookbooks on "My Favorite Things" list)

Make it your FIRST DAY to a healthier YOU!  Devotedly, MissB