Saturday, December 26, 2009

 
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RESOLUTIONS FOR A GOOD YEAR, SANE AND SENSIBLE CHOICES

RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR.

When the calendar changes and a new year is heralded in , we look back and think about the year that has ended. Of course, each one of us, has had a varied experience, re acted differently to emotional and personal changes. We have had success, failure, challenges and generally only want the New Year to be better…………………

Look at your life and review what is good, of value and makes you a whole person. The little things you do that make a difference to another human being, are of value.
The hand you put out to help some one who is in pain, is time worth spent, and the love you shower on those you cherish, is giving and loving unconditionally.

What we do , what we eat, drink and spend time on, is what will make a difference to our health, well being and attitude each day. People can be busy, but selective in choices of good food or eat careless junk. Sane and sensible eating should be a priority and a resolution for 2010. We know where the mistakes are. Jamie Oliver found it in the school lunches, and with effort he has revolutionized eating habits of all the kids. They feel better and their work has improved. A kid loaded with sugar, trash and heaps of additives and chemicals, has not got a chance to be alert, bright and enthusiastic. You must make the change in your home, in the school lunch box for kids and members of the family. Snacks can be sane and tasty too….not salty prepackaged nibbles that lie on a shelf. They have all that "stuff" in it, to last for months and years in the store. That does not mean you have to store it…. Eat fresh, simple foods that are well prepared. Eat at regular hours. Drink water, caffeine free drinks and fresh milk. Forget about packaged instant pop up miracles in the micro, instant recreated pastas, purees , spicy smoked meats and salty snacks. LESS FATS, LESS SALTY EATS. LESS SMOKED FOOD. LESS SUGAR AND MORE TIME CARING ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU.

EXERCISE DAILY, GET UP OFF THE COUCH. BREATHE DEEPLY. YOGA, SPORTS AND SWIMMING WILL HELP YOU TO IMPROVE THE BREATHING.
SLEEP REGULAR HOURS AND LESS PLAYING WITH LAPTOPS, TV AND GIMMICKS, LATE AT NIGHT.
BATHE AND EXFOLIATE THE SKIN. USE PREPARATIONS AND TOILETRIES THAT ARE NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS.
TAKE TIME TO HELP OTHERS, WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE THAN YOU.
REMEMBER, RESPECT YOUR PARENTS, TEACHERS AND PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE PLEASANT. THE WORK PLACE IS FOR YOU TO EARN A LIVING. YOU ARE THERE FOR HOURS. BE MINDFULL OF OTHERS. BE KIND, FOR EVERY ONE IS FIGHTING A BATTLE OF THEIR OWN DAILY..
BE IN TOUCH WITH EARTH AND SKY, TREES AND ANIMALS AND APPRECIATE THEIR ROLE IN OUR UNIVERSE.

Make up your mind to trash the junk from the fridge and pantry and re create a home of good choices.
Skip fats and oils, Use a little olive oil, techina and fresh vegetable and fruit sauces. Create them in the blender and use for cooking and smoothies.
Have good nuts and raisins, dried fruits and health snacks. The best are apples, carrots, celery and good fruits.
Toss all fancy condiments, ready sauces and make your own.
Skip cereals that have been popped and created for shelf life for years. Cook oats, rice, granolas, grains and beans. You can make granolas easily. Muffins are great and healthy cookies are simple tp make. Look at previous blogs for muffins and crunchies.
Make fresh soups often. Stews and casseroles are easy to do the night before and have with rice, couscous and grains for a meal.
Check the breads you buy Be aware of the salt and fats in your breads, rolls and crackers.
HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR …LOVE AND LIGHT ….RONA

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

 
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HOLIDAY FEVER....GIFTS..PLANNING

HOLIDAY FEVER,,,,,,,,,,,,,GIFTS,,,,,,,,,ENTERTAINING AND LOTS TO DO.

The end of the year is nearly here and we all get into the swing of busy days, invites and lots of gifts and get togethers. I love festivals , as they remind us of the joy there is, in every day life. Be mindful of the way you can make an ordinary day good, make a little moment special and create memories that will remain beautiful.

SHOPPING.
We all know that the last minute is when the stores are crowded, queues are long, and patience and time wear thin. Do no go there . Plan now. Start with a list of who you will invite, who you will visit, and who will be stay over guests at your home.
Buy the dry goods now, ingredients for favorite dishes, check if you have adequate serviettes, clean cloths, candles and dish cloths. Plan the tables in your mind and make a menu list for your events. Then plan to cook and bake ahead, where you can. Cookies, cakes and quiches, can be made ahead. Make sure that you have cookie cups, baking containers and plastic containers to store in and to give to the family to take food home. Whatever is left over from large meals, will be tossed in three days from the fridge. My daughter, SEL, says, ''DO NOT BRING THE ENEMY HOME" she reminds me that I do not need a shelf for cookies, ice cream in the freezer and corners of chocolates for desperate housewives and women with weak moments. I buy good chocolates, when I entertain. When the guests leave I put them back into the container and seal well with tape. The fear of breaking my nails DISCOURAGES me ,even in a weak moment, to open them, for instant gratification. It works to have a date, dried fruit, banana or a few spoons of yogurt.
The same applies to cream, fancy creamy cheeses and puddings. Leave them in the store for some one else. Buy SANELY and SENSIBLY, it is the only way to be in control.

GIFTS.
I love to buy gifts, especially the kind I would like to receive. Books and book vouchers, are a welcome gift. The music world offers super discs, I received the Susan Boyle disc for Chanukah It is a sheer delight to listen to her singing. Kids love a voucher to a store that has computer soft ware and music they like. A gift of a massage, a gourmet cookery class, a week end away, a concert or a tour in the city, is lovely to give.
Start a Chanukah tradition that the kids receive a bit of Chanuhak Gelt and they can save it. You might need to remind them what SAVING is, no one remembers this any more. The banks offer a give away money box, if you open an account for kids……………………this is what the world is made of, the planning ahead for rainy days,
Original gifts unclude,flowers that arrive once a month for a year, pizza that is delivered twice a month,what fun. I gave my kids a voucher for a coffee emporium and that was handy for a quick coffee and something to eat when there is no time to skip home.
A visit to UTOPIA, the Orchid garden in Bachan , is a terrific outing. Walking shoes, a camera and you can browse for a few hours and enjoy a light meal there.
I will post some easy ideas in a day or two to start the holiday season. Have a great week and let it be filled with LOVE and LIGHT RONA
 
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Saturday, December 12, 2009

 
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CHALLENGES AND COURAGE ..MINDFULLNESS

PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME…..COURAGE AND DETERMINATION

We are all aware that our society has people with different challenges daily. There are those of us who have so much, good health and are able to cope physically and mentally. We are able to create our thoughts and plan our lives. My daughters, both studied special education, and are aware of how much, we are able to change the lives of people who need special attention and help. I feel we need to have a sensitivity to others problems and being mindful of others is vital to ourselves. Your mindfulness is what makes you aware of yourself and people around you

A week ago, I went to see an amazing and unforgettable performance. It is held at the theatre complex in Jaffe, Tel Aviv. The "NALAGA'AT CENTRE" . This means DO TOUCH.
The Theatre complex has a restaurant where the waiters are deaf or hearing impaired. The theatre performance that I saw was "NOT BY BREAD ALONE" I recommend you to see this and take family and friends. The actors have overcome so much to perfect this show. Your emotions are fully engaged as you watch the brilliance of each performer. Adina Tal, the founder and artistic director, has done miracles with the members and helpers of this show. Once will not be enough . Phone 03.6330808 You can arrange group bookings and tourists will find this a highlight of their trip to Israel. They will be delighted with the unique performance and translation into ENGLISH. The venue is known to any cab driver and you can enjoy the show and have a meal there.

Being mindful also means caring for people who have special needs when they are in your home. Prepare menus for kids that are suitable. Make soups and basic foods for them. Skip the exotics and unknown Kids like food they know and recognize.
Older folks are similar. Give them basics, let the hot be hot and make the desserts simple.

When you serve a large group at the table, remember that the dishes should be duplicated. People get lax about passing the butters, dips and salads. Prepare two of each and it is easier for everyone.

I make larger quantities of soups, casseroles and quiches. Then they can be carefully packed and shared with an older friend or a person who is not well enough to cook. There are good containers that make it simple to do Being mindful of others, enriches your life.

WINTER IDEAS FOR QUICK MEALS.
Winter means warm dishes, ample goodies for an indoor week end and all you need to do is PLAN WELL.
I find that a careful list, early shopping and a little cooking ahead , work well. Always have a large pot of soup. Rolls, Bagels, French loaves and good breads are essentials. Have cheeses, butter and some spreads to create sandwiches, sauces or pastas and cucumbers and olives for tasty relishes.
I buy lots of fresh vegetables. Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, carrots and spring onions, can create salads and fillings for good snacks. Eggs are great to boil, mash and serve as sandwich spreads. I use techina, salt and pepper with the egg, chopped parsley and herbs. I skip mayonnaise and fancy preserved dressings.
Make a lasagna or pasta dish ahead of time. Quiches are good too.
For really nourishing meals serve soup, baked potatoes and some fillings for them.
Desserts can be baked apples, just core and fill them. Serve with custard or ice cream.
Make vegetarian lentil burgers and serve in a bun with pickles…….potato chips and tomato slices. You simply need to make the list carefully and shop ahead.
Finally, winter is a good time to enjoy being together, so drag everyone into the kitchen and they will be part of the preparations. Nothing like peeling heaps of potatoes, cutting them and making great chips with the kids….… ……… LOVE AND LIGHT FOR A FESTIVE AND MAGICAL WEEK OF CHANUKAH. RONA

Saturday, December 5, 2009

 
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CHANUKAH TREATS, GIFTS , IDEAS.

CHANUKAH - FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AND MIRACLES.

We all love holidays and Chanukah time is full of stories, miracles, traditions and many doughnuts. Families gather together, sing, light the candles and enjoy eating all the festive doughnuts. We exchange gifts and kids receive "Chanukah Gelt". These lovely ways of celebrating are wonderful. We look forward to the event with a new magic each year.
Take time a few days ahead and make sure you know the safety rules for working with hot oil. {See the blog of Chanukah 13th December 2008}
Have lovely blue, white, silver and gold decorations, candles, many different Chanukahs for the kids to light and an abundance of gifts to make all the kids happy.
The same blog of 13th December , 2008 features many different recipes, and I will give you a few more ideas to create a lovely warm evening.

CHEESE LATKES.

Beat the following: 2 large eggs, 3 tablespoons flour, three tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoons sugar and 1 cup of grated ricotta and cottage cheese mixed together.
I flavor with a grated onion and a large tablespoon of chopped parsley. Beat this all and add a bit of black pepper and vegetable salt.
Fry in hot oil and drain well on a serviette or paper towel. I serve these with apple sauce, or yogurt with a teaspoon of honey and cinnamon in it. They can be made a day ahead and warmed up.

OVEN BAKED LATKES.

These can be made a day ahead. My Mom used to serve these with a few side dishes, like cinnamon mixed with sugar and raisins, custard, apple sauce and whipped cream mixed with fresh chopped fruits.
Use half a cup of flour, 1/2 a teaspoon of baking powder and 1/3 a teaspoon of salt. 3 eggs. 1/4 cup of water.
6 medium potatoes, and one medium onion.1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika. 3 tablespoons oil.
Mix flour, baking powder, salt , eggs and water.
Grate the potatoes and squeeze out the water. Grate the onion and add with the spices. Mix well.
Oil a baking dish and pour in the mixture Bake 230c or 450f , for 25 minutes.
Cut into squares. Serve hot with a little bowl of cinnamon, mixed with brown sugar


DESSERT AND TEA TRAY.
Have these ready on a table or on trays. Let everyone help themselves and you can have time with the guests.
HOT DRINKS.
KIDS. Have Milo, Ovaltine, Carob Powder, Cocoa, and a large thermos of hot milk. The kids can spoon out what they want and add sugar or honey with the ready hot milk.
HOT treats. Cook up a large pot of apple cider drinks with cinnamon sticks and a few bits of mint in it and a grated bit of apple.

Hot green tea with herbs and flavors. Use a few bags of green tea and the appropriate amount of boiling water , a few sliced kumquats, some sliced oranges or peeled mandarins ,lemon slices with four or five cloves, a little cinnamon powder and a teaspoon of agave syrup or honey. Mix well and let it brew. Serve in a coffe mug or large glasses with a long spoon.

Have a camera ready to take pictures next to the Chanukah candles and with the family. You can purchase a lovely Chanukah gift at the local post office for the kids. The set of stamps to celebrate the Festival of light comes with a disc of music of the Chanukah songs.
Have a great week of light and I send you all love and light, joy and happiness.

RONA