Monthly Archives: February 2012

Day 40: A Reflection of Myself

Sometimes I feel like I see a wavering reflection of who I am laughing (or crying) back at me through the ordinary objects in my life– like my murky car windows.  Ergh.  Here’s one of those days in which priorities of life overtake the little things, like taking a photo

Day 39: Obsessed with Greens

In case you haven’t noticed, I have this thing for cooking and eating healthy.  I’m a gluten free woman (for the past four years) and as a result love encouraging everyone to eat more fruits and vegetables!  In fact, I want to carve out a part of my life to good nutrition.  Check out my website for healthy eating at http://www.livingwaterartsjuiceplus.com!  Since continual photos of food can get redundant, I thought I’d add a model for today’s photo of tuna and salmon salad!

Day 38: Maui Black Bean Soup

Once again, a Tosca Reno recipe for clean eating!  In a large pot, heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat.  Add 2 ribs celery chopped, 1-2 large carrots chopped, 1 small purple onion chopped, 1 red and 1 green bell pepper chopped (I used one large green only) and saute together until onion becomes translucent.  Add 2 garlic cloves, pressed and 1 tsp. dried cumin, 1 tsp. dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil (I used freshly chopped), and 1 tsp chili powder; cook another 2 minutes.  Add 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (I used homemade chicken broth), 2 15oz. cans black beans, and 1 15oz. canned diced tomatoes.  Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat. Cover and let simmer about 20 minutes.  Using a hand-held blender, puree soup to desired consistency (allow some of the ingredients to remain coarse).  Add 1 cup corn kernels (I didn’t) and let simmer for 5 mins.  Season with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.  I also added chopped cilantro.

Day 37: Keeping Time

It has nothing to do with a clock and everything to do with music.  I’m noticing a theme in my posts this year– food and music! Tonight (Monday) I was alternating between playing a new song on my guitar and recording a video of it with my camera, then playing it back and plucking along on my banjo.  The metronome served as percussion.  Oh dear, I need a band.

Day 36: Surprised by A Stranger

While sipping on java this fantastic afternoon, a young Portlander who looked like he just crawled out of bed, walked through the door, sat down at the piano with his cup of coffee, and produced the most beautiful music that can be played on the ivories.  It was several minutes of enrapturing music, then he stood up, and sauntered back out the door. I love being surprised by people.

 

Day 35: Chinese Chicken to Die For

There’s a first time for everything, and today that was cooking with water chestnuts.  Yes, I’ve eaten them, just never cooked with them.  From the Eat Clean Diet Cookbook by Tosca Reno: Chinese Chicken and Rice.  Make a marinade with 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp minced ginger root (I used about 1 tsp. ground ginger), 2 tsp. soy sauce (I used gluten free Tamari), a chopped clove of garlic, and a dash of hot pepper sauce.  Place 1 lb. sliced chicken breasts (or cubed tofu) in marinade and refrigerate for an hour.  Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees; prepare a 6 qt. casserole dish with cooking spray and add 1 cup brown rice, 2 cups water, and 1/2 tsp. sea salt.  Also meanwhile, saute 2 minced cloves garlic until just fragrant.  Add sliced chicken and saute until no longer pink.  Add 1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli florets, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/2 sliced water chestnuts, 1 cup penny sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced green onions and cook until just soft.  Serve over cooked rice!  YUM.

Day 34: A Bite of Heaven

I am convinced that when I get to Heaven I will be able to eat wheat again. If not, there will be gluten free cinnamon raisin bagels that can be toasted with cream cheese, smoked Guyere cheese, spinach, and salsa. Oh wait…

Day 33: Groundhog Day?

So if the groundhog sees his shadow on Feb 2, it means there will be 6 more weeks of winter.  Somewhere.  If I see my shadow, it means the sun is out.  That makes me happy even though Punxatawney Phil saw his shadow and forecasts more winter doldrums.  However, the “Inner Circle” predetermines what P.Phil will see and evidently, Woodstock Willie, another groundhog, didn’t see his shadow.  Who will you believe?