It is a tough time when you draw a blank when it comes time to post. I’ve been so caught up in the house addition and remodel, AND most especially in ZEN-ING my house, that I haven’t had time for much thinking. Yes, you read that right – zen-ing. Making my home zen-like. Instead of this:
Work toward something like this:
Anyhoot, I am working on getting rid of excess – things I haven’t used in years, things that are new that I’ve never used (candles DO eventually lose their scent), and things that would be a blessing to someone else now, rather than sitting in boxes in my storage.
So while I’m doing that, I am going to share with you a few more of my favorite things, this time health-related! A few years ago, Alpha Hubby and I decided we wanted to LIVE the Winnie the Pooh quote:
“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day,
so I never have to live without you.”
To do that, we would have to make some serious lifestyle changes. About 8 years ago, we got off all white sugar and anything that had sugar added to it. Do you have ANY idea HOW many products out there have sugar added? Yep, even McD’s salads. Grrr. Then a little later, we got off all foods with chemicals in them, processed foods. We changed our sweetener to raw, unprocessed organic honey (local is best but we also get ours, especially alfalfa, from The Honey Jar). There were other changes
Delish nutrish olive oil. I have never liked extra virgin olive oil. It was such a strong taste – nawsty. But some of the best Mediterranean recipes call for extra virgin olive oil. What to do??
Then I discovered something wonderful. I learned that there are different varieties of olives (I know, I know but I didn’t know!) and I have fallen in love with Piantone di Mogliano which has tasting notes of buttery and mild. Think “dipping fresh, chewy French bread into it.” (And I just also discovered some Greek olive oils that are buttery!)
OH YEAH. It is so good. I discovered this when I adopted a tree in Italy a few years back from a collective of olive groves there. I did this through http://nudo-italia.com/. I liked that it supported local farmers and I knew where my olive oil is coming from. Over the year period I receive a package of olive oil (4 tins) from my tree and another package of three flavoured virgin olive oils. May I just say, YUM? I just re-signed up again and added another variety (mild, of course). I will visit my tree someday.
Then we have Alpha Hubby who loves habanero peppers. They are difficult to find here and I’ve had trouble growing them. So Ta Da! The next best thing and so handy – Habby Flakes! Been using them for years.
They have cute little sample sizes, too, along with some new things like Chipotle Flakes – (Morita) Smoked Red Ripened Jalepeno. Easy to cook with and take with you, and you control the heat!
Then we have this amazing stuff, three little cooking gems from Salt Works (they have so many types of Sea Salt, you might just go crazy [and right now it is free shipping!]):
Zen baby Zen…. I’m trying hard to find my Aloha!! I got some great things that hang off the side of my toilet! One holds extra rolls of toilet paper and the other one holds magazines. I got two roll holders for the girls bathroom and a magazine and a roll holder for ours. It’s the little things! LOL
I have so much left to do.
That ZEN-ING is great! And I love your your quote,too. You have mentioned the sugar-thing… You’re right I have a diabetes, so I could tell you, almost everything contains sugar, even french fries or kfc chicken as well…
Nan, when you’re done redecorating your home Zen style, can you come over and help me with mine? I’m afraid there are days my humble abode quite resembles the first picture! Sigh. I read your blog post to my sister, who is quite the Olive Oil connoisseur and she says she has heard of Nudo olive oil. I have to say I’m intrigued. And may I say you had me at “buttery.” I have added your Winnie the Pooh quotes to my “quotes” journal! So beautiful! Hugs to you from Roxy and me! 🙂
I had to laugh about the Zen room because I could see myself falling down those few steps and even up them! I’m very clumsy!
But we have been cutting out a lot of unhealthy stuff from our diets too and are seeing great results…..the Superhero’s blood pressure is way down and I’ll be so interested to see what my cholesterol is doing!
Oh I LOVE smokey robinson and that song Crusing. I haven’t heard that in years! Your music rocks Nan! I am going to check out the olive trees right now.
Ohhh, the ZEN LIVING photo is so very calm, soothing….
I want to be in the room w/ you, Nan, to discuss LIFE & GOD !
Xxxx
I had to give up sugar about a year ago and I am so glad I did! I have more energy and just feel all around less bloated!
I’ve had the same aversion to olive oil and everyone says it’s just the best thing for ya. My friend even uses it as a moisturizer:) I will definitely check out the kind you suggested. I think most of the olive oils sold in big stores are already expired. They kinda have that metal, stinky thing going on.
Awesome suggestions! It’s always fun to learn about yummy, unique flavors.
Today’s goal: LAUGH!
What, just food???? But thanks to you I feel better than I ever have. Thanks!
Too cute – Habby Flakes. All this looks good. I am going to see if I can adopt a tree also. I love smoked salt but never heart of some of those you mentioned. Oh goodie I get to try some different ones!