Man Cave Defined
I just sold a home in the Lower Highlands in Boise, Idaho that has a detached man cave, similar to one of the photos in this article from houzz.com. Funny thing is, a man cave is indeed important to any couple. After all, us ladies love the pampering at day spa, so why wouldn’t our guys like the pampering of their own space? And, for me locally, that means their own private Idaho. Insert Smirk here.
Summer Salad Battle!
Well, I’m trying the wheat free gig after reading the Wheat Belly Cookbook and giving up certain foods is not as difficult as you may think. It is a matter of making a commitment to your health and discovering numerous websites to rely on for ideas and recipes.
In my quest for summer salads, brown rice and corn are not on the list of foods to consume. But, I am taking steps to change. After reading up on these as well as quinoa, by limiting serving portions I can limit the “non-wheat carbohydrates” by counting the carbohydrate grams. So, I am using these with loads of vegetables and home made dressings.
Dr. Davis of the #WheatBellyCookbook states: Beyond limiting portion size, there are two ways to better manage your carbohydrate sensitivity to ensure that metabolic distortions, such as high blood sugar, glycation, and small LDL particles, are not triggered….By using smaller portions….checking blood sugars.
Still researching. In the meantime, here are two summer salads until I figure out an ingredient to substitute. Suggestions are welcome!
Thai Green Curry Orzo Salad
Ingredients
2 oz package of gluten free orzo pasta
3 cups julienned spinach, wilted
2 cups steamed broccoli, bite sized pieces
1 cup chopped green onions
Other green ingredients can be Chinese pea pods, basil, zucchini
Dressing
Juice of 2 limes
Hot chili sesame oil, I recommend only 1 teaspoon
2 minced garlic cloves
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon ginger juice, I have The Ginger People juice on hand at all times
2 tablespoons basil paste*
Cook pasta according to directions, set aside to cool. Do not drain in cold water! If anything toss in a neutral oil such as canola. Steam or cook the vegetables. Mix dressing ingredients well. Toss and serve!
*Basil Paste – my summer harvest goes through my Cuisinart with enough olive oil to form a paste. I do add garlic, but in small portions. I store in small mason jars with an olive oil float on the top or in frozen cubes.
Greek Brown Rice Salad
Ingredients
2 cups cooked brown rice
3 cups julienned spinach, wilted
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced very thin
1 small red onion, sliced very thin
1 cup golden raisins
Dressing:
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
Juice from one large or two small fresh lemons
½ cup quality olive oil
Grated lemon rind from the lemon, about 1-2 tablespoons (you decide)
Fresh ground pepper
Add vegetables to the cooked rice in a large bowl. Mix dressing ingredients and toss salad. Enjoy!
Bon Appétit!
I would be remiss to not post this wonderful piece from houzz.com of Judith Balis’ work. I am, admittedly, an ardent admirer of her impeccable taste, her amazing talent and design skills! Enjoy!
“hey universe…™”
I was in a Keller Williams Realty Boise sales meeting about a month ago, and the person speaking was talking about writing manifestations of what you want in life and posting them in your house. Of course, he centered the topic around business. I remember thinking to myself, gee whiz, I need to remember to post manifestations and affirmations all around my house. After all, a picture of a set of Caphalon pots & pans I want is pretty awesome but surely I could post more around the house!
Then, much to my delight, I discovered a new app for my iPhone today and I must admit, I am speechless for the right word to describe how I LOVE this app. It is called “hey universe…™” and it is all about manifestations and affirmations. Who on earth would not want help with that?
“hey universe…™” is an app that literally empowers you to just go ahead and write an affirmation or manifestation, then send it out to the Universe. Not only that, but you can set reminders so that your affirmation is an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly reminder, including a Thank You to help you remember to be grateful, too.
And it does not stop there. The clever owner has customized journals, Post Its™, jewelry and candles. I would be remiss to fail to disclose the clever owner is a very good friend of mine.
But, if you had a friend who thought of something so incredible, you would do the same and help her/he out by blogging about it, now wouldn’t you??
Sometimes all you have to do is ask!™
Zucchini Love
I have a love affair with zucchini. Ok. I said it. I grate my zucchs on the largest hole on my grater and use the zucchini on everything I possibly can. Toss over a salad instead of cheese. Toss on a quesadilla to add to the mix. Add to soups. The list is endless.
So, the other night I did the grate thing. Looking at what else I had on hand, I added chopped green onions and red bell peppers. Then, I thought what would that mix taste like in enchiladas? And, what if I saved some calories and put the cheese only on the top?
Well, I am here to tell you that these were great! I warmed up each corn tortilla for about ten seconds before filling and rolling them. All neat and tidy into a greased baking dish, poured my favorite sauce over the chiladas (new word) and topped with the cheese I had in my fridge. Don’t ask me what kind, I have been experimenting with sheep and goat’s milk cheeses and I have a variety right now.
Anyway, I did not miss the cheese overload at all. You won’t either!
11 Items to Remember for Your Remodel
Remodel. I love this particular word, but for some it can be quite daunting. Tips:
1. Interview your contractor, get references
2. Get all bids in writing.
3. Stick to your budget when possible,
4. Be prepared for the hidden challenges
More in this article from houzz.com
Front Porch Allure
Ah, the front porch. We all want one! I don’t have a front porch but I do have a front patio area. One evening last Spring, I opened up a bottle of French red wine and went to work decorating my “space”. Actually what I was really doing was celebrating my new singleness. New life! New space! Yes….
my new space
There really is something to be said for outdoor living space. My area is thankfully covered, and I thoroughly enjoy sitting outside during a heavy rainstorm. Listening to the sound of nature, as loud as it gets, is relaxing for me. Then, as the storm passes, the new found noises of the world moving about again. Birds, cars, kids, dogs, skate boards, bicycles. Passersby.
So, today I found this article from houzz.com. Sharing a front porch with you.
