Lentils Anyone?

Curry Lentil Soup

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter (the real stuff)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large clove of garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin powder or seed
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander
6 cups water
1 cube vegetarian bouillon (or use vegetable stock instead of water)
1 pound lentils

Directions:
Sauté the onion and garlic in the oil and margarine in a large pot until tender.
Add the spices and sauté for 1 minute.
Add water, vegetarian bouillon cube, and lentils.
Cook until lentils are tender, about 1 hour.

How about cookies for Christmas?

http://sweetconstructions.com/


Mindi Canner and Kate Kuckro are the bakers behind Sweet Constructions. As upstairs and downstairs neighbors, they met on their front porch and discovered they had a lot in common, from their love of baking, canning, and eating sustainably to their ties to neighboring New England towns. In 2001, they began baking cookies and other treats for friends and family, school fundraisers and other events. Encouraged by the response to their treats, they decided to give their cookies the ultimate test: selling them. They started by selling to friends and co-workers for the winter holidays, and have since expanded to offering our cookies year-round online.


Order some for Christmas today - they also make great Christmas presents and can be ordered online!

Check out the flavors; http://sweetconstructions.com/flavors.html

A Great Kale Salad Recipe

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

8–10 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon minced shallot

1 small garlic clove, finely grated

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning

2 large bunches of Tuscan kale (about 1 1/2 lb. total), center stem discarded, leaves thinly sliced

12 ounces brussels sprouts, trimmed, finely grated or shredded with a knife

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1/3 cup almonds with skins, coarsely chopped

Preparation

Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend; set aside to let flavors meld. Mix thinly sliced kale and shredded brussels sprouts in a large bowl.

Measure 1/2 cup oil into a cup. Spoon 1 Tbsp. oil from cup into a small skillet; heat oil over medium-high heat. Add almonds to skillet and stir frequently until golden brown in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle almonds lightly with salt.

Slowly whisk remaining olive oil in cup into lemon-juice mixture. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Dressing, kale mixture, and toasted almonds can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover dressing and kale mixture separately and chill. Cover almonds and let stand at room temperature.

Add dressing and cheese to kale mixture; toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with almonds.

Check Out Kanto...

How about buying your friends and family some cool, locally designed T-shirts for Christmas this year?! Free shipping with orders over 50.00 if you enter the code SHIPFREEUS. Get shopping; www.kantno.com


Just a few examples;

An inexpensive spa bath...just for you!

Epsom salt and baking soda are both traditional remedies that have been used for generations to improve well-being. Taking a bath with these two natural compounds is said to cleanse and purify the body, leading to a range of health benefits, from relieving joint pain to slowing the aging process. Epsom salt provides the body with magnesium and baking soda neutralizes acids and promotes the elimination of toxins.

The Recipe:

YOU and twenty minutes

1 cup on baking soda

1 cup of epsom salt

20 drops of an essential oil of your choice

Pour the above ingredients into your bath and then begin to fill the tub. Soak and Enjoy!

HIKE4EMMETT! Pictures and Recap!

Hello Emmett Lovers,

Yesterday's hike was a huge success! We couldn't have asked for more with 22 beautiful hikers, intense wind and bright sunshine! Not to mention the grand total now at $3,940 and the donations still keep coming!

Enjoy these photos and be proud of yourself, you helped make a difference by participating in this incredible event.

https://picasaweb.google.com/102478107497108192594/HikeForEmmett?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3Pyb2lw-jWUw#

I am so glad I got to meet more friends of the Harringtons and be reunited with those I hadn't seen in a long time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, however you gave, with time, with donations, with well wishes, I am grateful and very touched!

Love,

Angela

A message from the Harrington Family...

Facebook hosted a contest among different charities, with the winning organization getting a quarter of a million dollars. FAST, an organization that does research for Angelman Syndrome was one of the competing charities. Thank you to everyone who voted for FAST because THEY WON!!! $250,000!!! In addition, over $40,000 was raised in donations matched by Vivint. A tremendous success that will go a long way toward finding a cure for Angelman Syndrome.

A presentation of the winners will be posted on Sept 6th at 2pm MST at http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject for those who are interested in watching.

Thanks again so much if you voted. This is huge.

Alan & Merewyn & Emmett & Wyatt

WE HAVE RAISED....

$3,450.00!!!!!!!!!!!!

Details for hikers - HIKE4EMMETT

We will beginning the hike at the bottom of the Railroad Grade Trail-head in Mill Valley. The trail-head is at the end of West Blithedale (map above)

We will be starting at 9AM sharp. We should be through with the hike by 10:30/45AM. Parking is limited so please be prepared to park on West Blithedale and walk to the trail head.

I ask that you all bring a reusable water bottle, good walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. I will be providing water, bananas and energy bars.

Everyone will have their photo taken at the summit. The photo will be sent to Emmett so if you want to make a sign with a personal message, please feel free.

Thank you ALL. And please email me with any further questions or comments! fitness@adventurehere.com

Love,
Angela

Update on RUN4EMMETT! - August 25th

A dear friend of ours, Marlene, managed to get 36 energy bars donated for our hikers! I am still working on bananas...

We are slowly getting ready for the big event-- which is in 16 days!

We love you, Emmett!!

HIKE4EMMETT Update!

Kelly Diaz, graphic designer and friend, donated her time and created a beautiful fundraising flier for Team AdventureHere . Our fundraising goal is $1000.00 which we have already EXCEEDED! As of today, 7/27/11-- which happens to be Emmett's 4th Birthday-- we are up to $1010.00!!

I am so thrilled! Thank you ALL!!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Emmett. Sending you love and hugs! XO

HIKE4EMMETT - Name change and secured location!

I am happy to say that we have most of the details in place!

WHEN: 9.10.11 at 9AM

WHERE: Railroad Grade Trail to Blithedale Ridge to Upland-- ending at the redwood grove and creek area on West Blithedale

WHAT: a hike in honor of an angel named Emmett Harrington

WHY: Because AdventureHere wants to make AS more known and understood...and because the Harrington Family is such an INSPIRATION to others and we want to honor them!

HOW: by gathering donations, creating awareness AND encouraging people to come out and participate in HIKE4EMMETT!

I just reached out to some graphic designers and asked if one of them would be willing to design and donate a flyer. Once we have the flyer ready our plan is to circulate it and start contacting large organizations to ask for donations. If you have any ideas please share them!

Stay tuned for more!

Update on RUN4EMMETT!

I have contacted the Marin Municipal Water District to ask permission to hold the Fundraiser at Lake Laginitas. I am anxiously waiting to hear back from them! In the mean time, I have decided to call the Fundraiser "RUN4EMMETT" and I'm hoping to hold it on 9/10/11 from 9-11AM.  Fingers crossed!!  Love you, Emmett xo

Day 9 and Feelin' Fine!

Today is day 9 of the Paleo Diet. I feel great and I've lost 7lbs and a few inches.  While my energy has increased my appetite has slowed.  I'm not as hungry nor do I find myself needing to eat as much (as I use to). I've been having a mid afternoon smoothie and wanted to share this recipe with you:

1 handful chopped pineapple
1 handful chopped cantelope
1 handful green grapes
1/2 mango
2 TBS shredded coconut
2 TBS coconut butter
Ice and water

Delicious and nutritious!!

Going Back to My Roots!

What exactly is a Paleo diet? Paleolithic eating is the way our hunter-gatherer ancestors ate; lean proteins, fruits, veggies and good fats. With a very simple shift you remove grains, legumes, and dairy (which may be at odds with our health according to some scientists and nutritionists) and increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

My girlfriend, and nutritionist, Jen Meredith turned me onto Robb Wolf, a former research biochemist. He is one of the world’s leading experts in Paleolithic nutrition and author of The Paleo Solution – The Original Human Diet. A student of Prof. Loren Cordain, author of The Paleo Diet, Robb has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people around the world. To learn more about Robb Wolf's visit: www.robbwolf.com

It's day 5 and I've lost 5lbs. I feel fantastic. Obviously, that's not 5 lbs of fat-- but a clear indication that I was not fully digesting the foods I was eating prior to beginning this challenge. It's a complete change for me to cut out grains, legumes and dairy but I'm finding my new diet exciting and the results are fueling me forward. I do miss bread though :)

Stay tuned...

AdventureHere Honors an "Angel"

http://www.angelman.org/AdventureHere/

RUN 4 EMMETT!

I am in the process of creating a fundraiser for Emmett Harrington.  Emmet has Angelman Syndrome(AS) and is the son of my dear friends, Merewyn and Alan Harrington.

RUN 4 EMMETT will be a held on September 10th, 2011-- location TBD. We will spend the next few months raising money for the event.  All donation will go through the fundraising page I have created on the AS Foundation website, which is above. Please take a moment to check it out and learn more about AS.

I'll keep you posted as the details unfold.  I'll need as much help as possible to spread the word and make RUN 4 EMMETT the most memorable fundraiser yet!

Add Some Fiber to Your Tuna Salad!

Here's a great alternative to the basic tuna sandwich!

1 Whole Wheat Tortilla - high in fiber (5+ grams or more)
1/2 can of Garbanzo Beans - which are high in fiber
1 can of tuna - drained
1 TBS Low Fat Mayo - or Olive Oil if  you aren't a Mayo Fan
1 handful of chopped Cilantro
1 handful of chopped white onion
1 TBS of relish

Makes 2 servings. Mash together in a bowl.  Heat tortilla over medium heat for a few minutes, add half of mixture and it's "a wrap!!"

Chair Exercises for the Office

All you need is a chair...

1. Chair Squat: 

While sitting, lift up until your hips are just hovering over the chair, arms out for balance.  Hold for 5-10 seconds, stand all the way up and repeat for 15 reps. 

2. Dips: Make sure chair is stable and place hands next to hips. Move hips in front of chair and bend the elbows, lowering the body until the elbows are at 90 degrees. Push back up and repeat for 15 reps.

3. Elevated Plank:  Make sure the chair is stable and kneel in front of the chair. Place your forearms on the seat of the chair and lift your knees off the ground.  You are now supporting yourself with your feet.  Hold for 30 seconds and repeat two to three times.

Get your neighbors to join you! 

Spring Has Sprung...Get Outside!

Be Resourceful!

• Workout at your local park, build a routine around the equipment there. Warm-up with a 10 minute jog of power walk. Then do some push-ups by placing your hands on top of a picnic table. Sit on the bench with your back to the table. Place the palms of your hands on the bench and move your body forward so your arms are now supporting you. Dip down to make the top of your arms parallel with the ground. Then lift your body back up. Repeat these exercise 15 times. Take a break, then do them again.

Mix it Up!

• Working out doesn't have to consist of mundane exercise routines. Go for a hike or run up a hill. Get even more motivation to work out by finding someone to sweat with. Many communities offer soccer clubs, running clubs, and more. Check out the opportunities in your town, or check out the website "Meetup.com," which lists events and workouts in your area.

Have a Goal!

• Exercise daily with a goal in mind. Already reached your goal?  Exceed it!! Sign up for a local race to keep your plan in check. Many races also benefit local and national charities, so your workouts not only keep you healthy but also help others by funding organizations that find cures for diseases. Check with local parks to see if they are hosting any future races you can register for.