MOVIE 11 SIENA HOME COOKING.wmv

An Authentic Experience!

Anyone that knows me, knows that I hold a deep passion for Food--and an even greater passion for the life force that gets aroused by the adventure of finding food.

Throughout my studies with Nutrition, and experiencing different cultures by travelling... I've heard numerous tales of what is "healthy", what is "healing", and what is "tasty." Each place or country have their own take of what food means to them. I find it especially exciting when I travel to Europe, and see the distinct pride that is taken in each country's regional culinary experience--and the profound health giving properties of the love they possess for their food! One Country that particularly embodies this love--in my opinion-- is Italy!

We watch movies and read books of the experience of Italy, and the passion they hold for one strand of delicately made pasta. We see it, we read it, but to experience it is truly life changing.

I have a strong memory of last August, sitting in a Piazza in southern Italy, and watching all the people sit together and share their delicious food. I was taking notes for a Nutrition Thesis that I put together--on the "French Paradox", or in this case, "Italian Paradox".

The Italian Paradox holds the idea that Italians eat bread, pasta, and gelato on a daily basis and still have some of lowest rates of serious health issues. I saw shining examples of beauty that were obviously the product of complete nourishment. Attached to the glamorous face of a woman heartily savoring the last bite of her creamy pasta, was a body that was seemingly impossible. Ironically, I found no crinkling of the nose or deep frowns as she devoured her high calorie meal. There was no complaining to her nearby friends and family of how she would need to "work this off" later, or that she had "fallen off the wagon", as it were. Instead, I saw a table full of satiated individuals that truly loved every morsel that enter their mouth... and a deep laugh from their adoring belly's.

What was the secret?

The secret became clear in a matter of days. Among the simple fact that they sourced fresh, locally grown food, and they held pride for their meals. There was something that always stood out as the Italians sat down to eat. One: They always ate TOGETHER. Two: They cooked their food with passion and LOVE. Three: They fully appreciated the work and love that went into the food, and the people around them EVERY TIME they ate. Thus, creating a celebration in their bodies with each food experience. It wasn't just an moment of sitting down and eating. It was an Authentic Experience and celebration of people and food. Always and in All Ways!

I noticed that they didn't see eating as just an event or moment, but rather, the experience of life itself. They gathered the most important elements of health, healing, and tastiness into one experience. This was evident in the energy that was transferred around the table as they breathed in life, just by appreciating. Thus, true health! Fascinating Paradox!

Since being back in the States, I am always on the lookout for such cafe's or restaurants that capture the same essence as what I witnessed and experienced in Italy. One such place that captures this for me was a little cafe here in San Diego called, Pappalecco! Owners, Francesco and Lorenzo (brothers) opened their arms to us like family when we first came to sample their delicious gelato. From the first step in, to the last breathe out, we felt like we were family. The coffee itself draws you in, but then you get a glimpse of what can only be authentic panini's, Italian cookies, and other delicacies that you see everywhere in Italy. Instantly, I felt loved and healthier. Yes, I said, healthier.

It has now become a place I go to each Sunday morning. A tradition of passion. They have the fabulous cafe tables and chairs out on the sidewalk so that you can drink your cappuccino and watch everyone walk by--just like Italy. The baristas all have accents that make you feel Italian, and each one refers to you as family versus, just a customer.

It has become my favorite treat, one that I look forward to each week! Last Sunday I was reading the back of the Owner's shirt and it read: Authentic Italian Experience. I just giggled as I ate the last bite of my chocolate filled cookie. He had it all right! It wasn't just "Authentic Italian Food" that takes the adventure to healing. No, it is the "Authentic Italian Experience" that creates the full healing magic.

When you spend time enjoying food in this manner, you start to feel and understand an entirely unique relationship between appreciating food and wellness.

To experience Pappalecco, please go to: http://www.pappalecco.com/

If interested in seeing any videos of part of our adventures in Italy and FOOD, go to:

http://inspiringadventures.blogspot.com/

To Passion, Health, and Italy!

MAGICAL TITHING!

As the Holiday lights go up, and the festive music starts playing... I can't help but drift into a state of Holiday bliss. It's almost impossible not to be swept up by the cheerful energy that surrounds you as you smell the sweet aroma of baked goods, and see the colorful lights as everyone prepares for the festivities.

I can remember the giddiness and uncontrollable giggles that I felt as a child... without an ounce of patience, for Christmas Day--which ultimately meant loads of gifts.

As I get older, I have started embracing that same giddiness by giving abundantly. That feeling of being a child, and the heart-pounding excitement has returned, even greater than before.

I have decided to start a new tradition of prosperous giving. It has forever changed my life! The best part: it takes almost no money... and it involves an adventure and true childlike-giddiness.

The act has yet to have a proper name put to it, but for the time being, I've been calling it "Magical Tithing!" Why? The rewards feel like magic!

HERE'S HOW YOU DO IT:

STEP 1: Look in your purse (or couch) for any extra dollars. This could be a single dollar, or maybe even a five dollar bill (we usually spend that much on coffee anyway, so why not?)

You may ask, "what constitutes an "extra dollar"?" Most of us don't feel we have these "extra dollars". However, if you think about it, you usually have that extra dollar--or dollars--that are folded or scrunched into your wallet. If you don't have any extra dollars in your purse, than be brave a get a couple of dollars out of your account. It will be worth it!

Step 2: Write an affirmation on your dollar(s). I usually write it in pencil, so that it can be seen, but erased if need be. The affirmation will need to be one that is heartfelt and has energy behind it. Essentially, you will be blessing another with what you wish for yourself. This works well since we're all extensions of each other.

Here are some examples:

"You attract large sums of money just for being you"

"Money flows to and from you freely"

"You are beautiful and prosperous"

"You are rich in so many ways"

"I believe in you"

Be creative, and use whatever inspires you!

Step 3: Place the dollar(s) in between your palms and send it love. The key here is to start to shift the way we see money. Instead of working for money, we are allowing the money to work with and for us. Adding loving energy and intention, converts a small piece of green paper into something much greater. We can start to free our fear and death grip around money, and instead start to open our hearts and hands to giving and receiving it freely. To me, the exercise truly put a spin on my own perspective of money. It made me realized just how much I had been attached to it, or tried to control it.

It's simple, take a couple spare dollars and give it away to someone who may need to hear that affirmation. Suddenly, that one dollar carries an energy with it... an energy of prosperity, versus fear. Poof, the magic!

Step 4: Stick tape on the back of the dollar(s).

Step 5: (My favorite part) Go to your nearest store, or to a place that inspires you. Stealthily stick the dollar(s) on the back of whatever inspires you. For instance, it can be placed on the back or in a good book that you love. You can place it on the back of your favorite cereal box. Place it on the very item that you wish you could buy, or are asking for, for Christmas. I even like to stick it in the produce isle, on the back of my favorite fruits. Mango's are always fun!

Whatever you do, HAVE FUN, and try to not have anyone see you.

Here's the important part: It's important not to look back, after you place the dollars, to see who discovered it. The whole point is to give freely, and stay unattached to the outcome. Give and receive it freely!

Step 6: Walk away and SMILE. You are already receiving before you know if anyone got the dollars. The excitement is in giving it. You have already increased the quantum field of prosperity and abundant thinking by taking this action.

Step 7: See your life change abundantly! Since I started doing this five years ago, I have yet to feel or be poor. So many great rewards are felt and received from it.

*Note: There are other ways you can do this, of course, but I find this way works very well. You can also choose to "pay it forward". For example, while in line for coffee, choose to pay for the whole line of people behind you. (remember to keep yourself anonymous.)

Another one I like to do is pay for someone's parking ticket if you see it on their car. Just take the parking ticket and send in the payment anonymously.

Other times, I give 10% of what I make each week--or month--to a PERSON that feeds me, whether emotionally or spiritually. This one is so fun and feels so great for both of you!

In a society where many of us grow up fearing money and what it represents; I think it's high time we change that way of thinking. Let's start seeing money as empowering and over flowing.

We can have and be anything we want! I grew up saying, "I don't need any money!" That was the product of seeing what it could do to some people. The truth is, we DO NEED money... and I have truly enjoyed spreading love everywhere money flows. Try it, it might just change your life as well.

Since, I started "Magically Tithing", I have felt a new awareness around money. I feel it has a positive energy around it now. It just keeps on flowing, and I give and receive it lovingly.

When you give this Holiday Season, are you also truly receiving?

To a Prosperous Year~

Don't Be Fooled!

Are you scared of the Swine Flu (H1N1)? Don't be scared, just stay informed!

Doctor's have been saving lives for years now, and for that I am deeply thankful! Although I subscribe to more alternatives ways of healing ourselves. I would certainly run to a Doctor for a broken leg, rather than an acupuncturist, for instance. This is why I believe Integrative Medicine is so important. There is a place for all types of healing modalities.

However, I have some deep concerns with Western Medicine's take on Vaccines. Yes, perhaps some can be useful. We have certainly heard stories of how they save lives! Or do they?

What exactly is involved in vaccines? Have you ever wondered what the vaccines contain? Who performs the studies and research for these vaccines? Who profits from administering or mandating vaccinations?

In a time when we know how our cars work better than our own bodies. It might be important to ask a few questions regarding what goes into our bodies. Most of the time, the effects of vaccines don't show up for many years down the road. Here's a little secret: you probably didn't need a vaccine in the first place. If you disagree, at least do yourself a favor and research the different types of vaccines to find out the whole story. You owe yourself and your health at least that!

Please stay informed!

If you are interested in more details about the H1N1 Vaccines, there is a wonderful article below by Dr. Russell Blaylock:

Vaccine May Be More Dangerous Than Swine Flu

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 9:54 AM

By: Dr. Russell Blaylock

An outbreak of swine flu occurred in Mexico this spring that eventually affected 4,910 Mexican citizens and resulted in 85 deaths. By the time it spread to the United States , the virus caused only mild cases of flu-like illness.

Thanks to air travel and the failure of public health officials to control travel from Mexico , the virus spread worldwide. Despite predictions of massive numbers of deaths and the arrival of doomsday, the virus has remained a relatively mild disease, something we know happens each year with flu epidemics.

Worldwide, there have only been 311 deaths out of 70,893 cases of swine flu. In the United States , 27,717 cases have resulted in 127 deaths. Every death is a tragedy, but such a low death rate should not be the basis of a draconian government policy.

It is helpful to recall that the Centers for Disease Control with the collusion of the media, constantly tell us that 36,000 people die from the flu each year, a figure that has been shown to be a lie. In this case, we are talking about 300 plus deaths for the entire world.

This virus continues to be an enigma for virologists. In the April 30, 2009 issue of Nature, a virologist was quoted as saying,"Where the hell it got all these genes from we don't know." Extensive analysis of the virus found that it contained the original 1918 H1N1 flu virus, the avian flu virus (bird flu), and two new H3N2 virus genes from Eurasia . Debate continues over the possibility that swine flu is a genetically engineered virus.

Naturally, vaccine manufacturers have been in a competitive battle to produce the first vaccine. The main contenders have been Baxter Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the latter of which recently acquired the scandal-ridden Chiron vaccine company. Both of these companies have had agreements with the World Health Organization to produce a pandemic vaccine.

The Baxter vaccine, called Celvapan, has had fast track approval. It uses a new vero cell technology, which utilizes cultured cells from the African green monkey. This same animal tissue transmits a number of vaccine-contaminating viruses, including the HIV virus.

The Baxter company has been associated with two deadly scandals. The first event occurred in 2006 when hemophiliac components were contaminated with HIV virus and injected in tens of thousands of people, including thousands of children. Baxter continued to release the HIV contaminated vaccine even after the contamination was known.

The second event occurred recently when it was discovered that Baxter had released a seasonal flu vaccine containing the bird flu virus, which would have produced a real world pandemic, to 18 countries. Fortunately, astute lab workers in the Czech Republic discovered the deadly combination and blew the whistle before a worldwide disaster was unleashed.

Despite these two deadly events, WHO maintains an agreement with Baxter Pharmaceuticals to produce the world's pandemic vaccine.

Novartis, the second contender, also has an agreement with WHO for a pandemic vaccine. Novartis appears to have won the contract, since their vaccine is near completion. What is terrifying is that these pandemic vaccines contain ingredients, called immune adjuvants that a number of studies have shown cause devastating autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus.

Animal studies using this adjuvant have found them to be deadly. A study using 14 guinea pigs found that when they were injected with the special adjuvant, only one animal survived. A repeat of the study found the same deadly outcome.

So, what is this deadly ingredient? It is called squalene, a type of oil. The Chiron company, maker of the deadly anthrax vaccine, makes an adjuvant called MF-59 which contains two main ingredients of concernqualene and gp120. A number of studies have shown that squalene can trigger all of the above-mentioned autoimmune diseases when injected.

The MF-59 adjuvant has been used in several vaccines. These vaccines, including tetanus and diphtheria, are the same vaccines frequently associated with adverse reactions.

I reviewed a number of studies on this adjuvant and found something quite interesting. Several studies done on human test subjects found MF-59 to be a very safe immune adjuvant. But when I checked to see who did these studies, I foundo no surprisehat they were done by the Novartis Pharmaceutical Company and Chiron Pharmaceutical Company, which have merged. They were all published in "prestigious" medical journals. Also, to no surprise, a great number of studies done by independent laboratories and research institutions all found a strong link between MF-59 and autoimmune diseases.

Squalene in vaccines has been strongly linked to the Gulf War Syndrome. On August 1991, Anthony Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs admitted that soldiers vaccinated with the anthrax vaccine from 1990 to 1991 had an increased risk of 200 percent in developing the deadly disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease. The soldiers also suffered from a number of debilitating and life-shortening diseases, such as polyarteritis nodosa, multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, transverse myelitis (a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord), endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's inner lining), optic neuritis with blindness and glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disease).

Because squalene, the main ingredient in MF-59, can induce hyperimmune responses and induce autoimmunity, a real danger exists for prolonged activation of the brain's immune cells, the microglia. This type of prolonged activation has been strongly associated with such diseases as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS and possibly vaccine-related encephalitis. It has been shown that activation of the systemic immune system, as occurs with vaccination, rapidly activates the brain's microglia at the same time, and this brain inflammation can persist for long periods.

So, how would the gp120 get into the brain? Studies of other immune adjuvants using careful tracer techniques have shown that they routinely enter the brain following vaccination. What most people do not know, even the doctors who recommend the vaccines, is that most such studies by pharmaceutical companies observe the patients for only one to two weeks following vaccinationhese types of reactions may take months or even years to manifest.

It is obvious that the vaccine manufacturers stand to make billions of dollars in profits from this WHO/government-promoted pandemic. Novartis, the maker of the new pandemic vaccine, recently announced that they would not give free vaccines to impoverished nationsverybody pays.

One must keep in mind that once the vaccine is injected, there is little you can do to protect yourselft least by conventional medicine. It will mean a lifetime of crippling illness and early death.

There are much safer ways to protect oneself from this flu virus, such as higher doses of vitamin D3, selective immune enhancement using supplements, and a good diet.

2009 Newsmax.

Christy's Note: A great way to supplement with Vitamin D3 is in the form of High Grade Fish Oils. Two brands that I recommend are: Carlson's and Nordic Naturals. Also, keep your immune system strong by limiting refined foods, and supplementing with immune boosting herbs. Virus's don't stand a chance in a healthy body!!

Kitchen Remedies

Now that Fall is upon us, do you find yourself in sync with the season; or frustrated with the onset of cold and flu symptoms?

As the weather and surroundings change around us, we may find that our bodies internally mimic what Nature does best: Detoxify! Just as the leaves are falling from the trees, and releasing what they no longer need. Ideally, our bodies are doing the same. If we have over indulged in the Summer months, than our bodies will be detoxifying that much more.

The days get shorter and the nights longer. The weather turns colder, and innately we know that we should be hibernating inside more and going outside less. The hibernation process gives our bodies a chance to detoxify naturally and to "recharge" from the Summer months. If we don't follow the seasons of Fall and Winter well, we may find that the detoxification process is kicked up even more. Our immune system may get challenged, and we may find ourselves sick! The good news is that there are natural things we can do to help that process along.

It's important to note that although we don't like the feeling of getting sick, it is one of the greatest powers our bodies possess. Nothing makes you rest like being sick! We push and push ourselves, and then the body is smart enough to say, "ENOUGH!" Instead of being frustrated that you're sick, be grateful that you have the opportunity get sick. In other words, if you didn't go through the stage of being sick... you'd probably just feel fine one day and then skip right over to the death stage.

Also, this detoxification process is HEALTHY, AND--guess what--PART OF THE CYCLE OF LIFE! You skip one cycle, and you will find many more problems in the future. If we just mask the symptoms by taking over-the-counter drugs and medications, than we stunt this process.

GASP!! "You mean, I should actually go through the symptoms?"
The answer is, YES!! It is actually imperative to experience the symptoms and allow your body to heal and cleanse on its own. Otherwise, no detoxification occurs, and you are that much more susceptible to getting sick again.
You wouldn't take a pill to prevent going to the bathroom, would you? Then why would you take something that prevents you from fully healing?


Over the years I have come up with a few recipes that you can make in your own kitchen to help prevent getting sick , or help speed up the healing process; Naturally! Natural remedies assist the bodies immune system, whereas medications and drugs weaken it.
The good news, they are pretty cheap... and you can usually find them in your kitchen! (Plus, they are fun to make... and kids love helping!)


Onion-Thyme Syrup: (Particularly good for cold and sore throats)

Ingredients:
1 Mason Jar (with a lid)
2 Organic Lemons
Raw Honey

Fresh Organic Thyme
1-2 Organic Sweet Onion (Vidalia is great)

*Note: It is imperative to get Organic whenever possible, especially when you are sick! Otherwise you will be adding pesticides to the syrup, which act as hormone disrupter's and weaken the immune system. This would be counter-productive.

Directions:
Slice the onion into circles, 1 inch thick. Place one slice of onion on the bottom of the mason jar. Top with a sprig of Thyme, and 1 Tbsp. of raw honey. Repeat process until you reach the top of the jar (leave about 3 inches from top so you can shake the syrup.) Top with the juice of the lemons. Shake and place in your fridge.

Dosage: (shake syrup before each use)
On the onset of cold symptoms or a sore throat, add 1-2 Tbsp of syrup to 4 oz of hot water. Sip slowly and allow the syrup to penetrate the throat.
You may also just make a tea of it. Add 5-6 Tbsp. to a cup of hot water, and sip slowly.

Medicinal Properties:
Onion: Has an affinity to the lungs and acts as a mild expectorant--releases mucous.
Contains a powerful antioxidant called, Quercitin, and is beneficial in any
bronchial conditions; such as allergies and asthma. Onions are also
Antiseptic, Antibacterial, and Antiviral.


Raw Honey: Raw Honey has been used for thousands of years for its healing
properties. Used primarily for its antibacterial properties.
Making it great for killing the bacteria that cause sore throats.
Honey also acts as a mild preservative for this syrup!

Lemon: Potent source of Vitamin C and bioflavanoids which assists immunity and
attacks harmful bacteria. The scent of citrus awakens the senses and
uplifts our mood.

Thyme: Acts synergistically with lemon and honey to powerfully combat bacteria.
I chose thyme because it has a special affinity to aiding in chest and
respiratory issues. Also antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral.
It also helps dissolve mucous from both the lungs and the intestines (where
immunity begins.)
This is an herb I always use for any cold or flu symptoms!

Don't be scared that is has an onion in it! The honey and lemon over power the onion flavor, and I find that kids even like it!



Sore Throat Tea:

Ingredients: 4 bags of herbal tea infused with fruit and citrus (I used Red Zinger)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 1/2 tsp of RAW honey (please make sure it is raw and unfiltered)
1/4 tsp of cayenne

Take a sauce pan and boil water (enough for 4-5 cups.) Take the sauce pan off the heat and add the tea bags, and steep for about 8 minutes-or longer if you prefer a stronger taste-with the lid on. Remove the tea bags and stir in the additional ingredients! Enjoy HOT!

The key here is drinking it while it's still pretty hot (not too hot to burn your mouth) but hot enough to help kill the bacteria.


Prevention Pasta

Ingredients:
6-10 cloves chopped garlic
1 T. chopped fresh Thyme
1 T. chopped fresh Oregano
1 T. chopped fresh Rosemary
1 tsp chopped fresh Sage
5 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 pinch of chili flakes
6-7 Organic Tomatoes diced (this is the key to the taste... so get good tomatoes!)
1 Tbsp Raw Honey
1-2 tsp Balsamic or Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Large handful of Fresh Parsley
Sea Salt
Pepper
Organic Spaghetti Pasta

Directions:
Add the first 7 ingredients into a saucepan, and heat slowly on medium heat (you don't want the garlic to burn.) Stir the herbs all together in the pan with a pinch of salt and pepper, until the garlic becomes translucent and you can smell the herbs.
Once the oil has been infused with the herbs and garlic, add the diced tomatoes and stir together. Simmer on medium-low heat for 30 min-1 hour, uncovered. The tomato sauce should be slightly bubbling. Turn the heat to low and stir in the vinegar, honey, and salt and pepper to taste (if you like a sweeter sauce, add more honey.)
Meanwhile, bring a big pot of water to a boil for the spaghetti pasta. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the bag.
Once pasta is cooked, add to the sauce. You will want more sauce to pasta, so make sure that you add a small amount of pasta to the sauce. Top with parsley and raw Parmesan cheese (omit if you are sensitive to dairy or already have a cold.)
Enjoy! The herb taste will be strong, but it will prevent any form of cold or flu!


I hope these recipes assist and empower you! Feeling sick doesn't have to be so unbearable when you understand your body better, AND you find ways to prevent sickness naturally!
There's something exciting about knowing that you hold the ingredients to healing yourself, and assisting your bodies own process of cleansing.
The next time you feel under the weather, get into the kitchen!

Divine Appointments and Three "Divine" Recipes

My body has arrived home, but the adventure in my heart continues...
My journey to Europe for 4 weeks was, to the say the very least, heart opening and soul filling (my satiated taste buds held no complaints either.)

Now that the dust has settled and the grounding effects of home catch up to me, I feel a tremendous pull of memories. It seems as though I can remember every taste, every detail, and the very essence of each person we met along the way.

Have you ever experienced those moments where your control of events are suddenly relinquished, and a so called "divine appointment" shows up in the place of your desired event? For instance, you plan to go to the beach on vacation; but suddenly the rain is pouring down... and you arrive at a coffee shop only to meet an individual that changes your life. This trip was a divine appointment.

I mentioned in my last blog that I went to Spain to connect with my Father, with whom I have been distant to for awhile. The divine appointment was sitting with him for 2 hours as he shared stories and held my hand with sincere love. It's incredible to observe the way that 2 hours can change 31 years. A simple shift in perspective, an open heart, and a strong will to be in the present was all it took to receive and give love fully. A single moment of healing that flows through my veins even now.


"If they can live with it, I can live without it."
My Grandfather used to say this when he felt someone had "wronged" him. Whether it was somebody who stole from him, someone who lied, or even a dear friend who had betrayed him. It was this saying that allowed him to easily release it and find the peace within it.
"If they can live with their choice, than I can live WITHOUT the pain."
I was reminded of this saying on this trip, and it has brought with it incredible peace. In one single moment, POOF: A healing treat.
When we traveled through each country--Spain, Italy, and Greece--I kept this reminder with me, and my life felt perfectly light.
I felt a divine appointment with this saying. I wasn't necessarily looking for it; but it found me when my ears and heart could hear--and use it--fully!


I had numerous divine appointments with food! Anyone that knows me, knows that I savor the abundance and pleasure from eating and talking about food! Food is life! We cannot live without it (nor would I want to!) Desire for our food is analogous to our desire for life. The hunger sensation that comes from the stomach is the same sensation we feel in our center, when we are desiring growth and movement in our lives. We satiate the pleasure centers in our body when we satiate our taste buds, and we go even further by nourishing our cells when we eat food that is both incredibly tasty AND healthy. It's not enough to simply fill our stomaches; we must also fill our hearts with the pleasure that only delicious and nourishing food can deliver. Then, we can call it a healthy meal.
One of the easiest way of making a meal healthier is by eating it with people you love! Greatest medicine around: Vitamin L (love)!

In each of the 3 countries we visited, I observed the cuisine of the locals. I also observed the love that was used in making certain dishes. I had certain love affairs with the regional meals and distinct flavors along the journey. However, there were three recipes that I brought back in my heart's memory. They embody both taste AND nutrients; and they are simply divine!

SPAIN: Boquerones--small fried fish (usually fresh Sardines or Anchovies)
ITALY: Zuppa di Ceci (Chickpea and Rosemary soup)
GREECE: Horta (Mountain Greens with Garlic)

Boquerones:
(I usually use Sardines because I find they work better in the States. If you can find fresh Sardines, that's even better.)

Ingredients:
1 can of Sardines (in water)--I use Crown Prince
4-5 T. olive oil
1/4 cup of Cornstarch (non GMO)
Sea Salt
Pepper
1 lemon

Directions:
Heat olive oil in a Skillet on medium-high heat. Dry the sardines off with a paper towel so the skin is dry to touch. Pour cornstarch on a small plate and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Coat the Sardines with cornstarch.
Once the oil is heated (test it by flicking water in the oil... it should bubble up when hot). Add the sardines carefully one at a time to the hot oil in the skillet.
Pan fry on both sides until crispy brown on the outside (it doesn't take long.)
Remove from pan and lay on a plate that is coated with paper towels (to soak up the excess oil). Immediately season the hot sardines with sea salt and pepper, and top with the squeeze of half a lemon. Enjoy hot!



Zuppa Di Ceci (Chickpea and Rosemary soup)

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups finely chopped onion
8 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups water
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 (15 1/2-ounce) cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese (raw is best)

Preparation
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the water and the next 5 ingredients, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes.

Place 2 cups soup in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Pour the pureed soup into a bowl. Repeat procedure with 2 cups soup. Return all pureed soup to pan. Stir in the vinegar, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Spoon 1 1/2 cups soup into each of 6 bowls; sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese... and drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil or rosemary infused Olive Oil.


Horta: (Mountain Greens with Garlic)
*In Greece they use Wild Mountain Greens for this recipe but I can't find the same greens here, so I use the ones listed below.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of chopped dark leafy greens (I use collards, dandelion, kale, nettles, or wild spinach)--with the thick stems cut away.
Water
1-2 lemons
Olive Oil
2 cloves of garlic
sea salt

Directions:
Fill a medium sized sauce pan with 2 inches of salted water. Bring water to a boil, and immediately add the chopped greens. Put the lid on the pan and allow to simmer on a low-medium heat for 5-7 minutes (or when you see the greens wilted and bright green.) Drain off the water (I keep it to drink later). Squeeze the excess water from the greens so that they are dry. Allow to cool on the serving plate.
Meanwhile, finely chop the garlic. Add to a mortar and pestle (if you don't have one then just add to a bowl), and grind the garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt, until the garlic is smooth. Drizzle the garlic and oil mixture over the greens and finish by squeezing the juice of 1/2 lemon over the greens. Toss all together. Usually you allow the greens to sit in the fridge for an hour to get chilled and pick up all the flavors. However, you can eat them as soon as it's put together.
Enjoy! They eats these greens daily in Greece and profit from great health!


I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I do! I also hope that there are many divine appointments throughout your day as a special reminder of the internal guidance that is alive in all of us. Perhaps, this is why we are led to the people and places that we need the most!

A world of love sent your way~

The Ultimate Blood Cleanser

In two days I will be on a plane to Spain! (I just love when sentences rhyme without trying!)

My Father lives in Valencia, Spain; and it has been over five years since I've seen him or the rest of his family. In the last few years of working with clients on serious health issues; I have found one curious thread that pushes me to further investigate my connection to my family.

The Thread: I have found the most fascinating connection between blood disorders (Blood pressure, Anemia, Leukemia, other Cancers, etc...) and the emotional distress that comes from being estranged to our blood relations.

Could our Blood Dis-orders be related to our Family Discords?

I find it uncanny how many clients with blood disorders tell stories of their estrangement to a Mother or their Father, or even separation from their own children. Most of my clients are taking many medications for their ailments or disorders. My usual protocol is to recommend an array of healing foods or herbs to alkalize the blood, and to bring the body back to homeostasis (alongside their Doctor's Recommendations.)

I started to see the emotional link when one client (on his own accord) decided to call up his estranged Mother and tell her that he loved her. I remember finding it refreshing that he never mentioned what she said in return. He just focused on the peace that was felt from saying those three throat-aching words. He told me that "being sick had put his ego to rest", and his vulnerable state had allowed him to feel what was truly poisoning his blood. I then started to see similar correlations in many of my other clients. So, it made me think; "there really could be a correlation here that is truly exciting and empowering"--IF we could only heal from it!

We Are Our Most Powerful Medicine, or Our Own Greatest Poison:

I started to look back at my life and think about the Blood "disconnections" that I might have--and not even know about. The one that kept sneaking up was my distance with my own Father. He lived in Spain; I lived here. I talked with him every few years but we really didn't have a relationship. I had no ill will towards him, if anything; I felt an apathy towards him (which can be almost worse than feeling contempt for him because it generally means that you are repressing something.)
However, I made very little attempts to really have him in my life. He had shown so little interest in my life... and it seemed that I could feel okay with that. However, when I really checked in with my feelings; I felt very sad that I knew so little about my own flesh and blood.
I promptly told my husband, Sage, that we should take a little journey to Europe to cleanse the blood! (I don't really need an excuse to go to Europe, but this certainly felt like a GREAT one!)

I know now that with any true healing comes great accountability. It will never be what I receive from him, because I may never receive anything from him. I won't be able to ever control his actions or his feelings; but I can and I do control my own. There is already an incredible resonance of peace from feeling and knowing this. The healing begins when you extend yourself. I don't have to see him to know that my blood is clearing and healing... but I CHOOSE to see him to relish the moments I didn't choose with him before. Also, if I can extend an ounce of health to him by reconnecting... than I have helped two people, and both of us can rejoice with cleaner blood!

Simple?
Do you let your family members "off the hook" from all their mistakes in order to help yourself heal? Or, is it more accurate to say that we are lifting OURSELVES "off the hook" that inevitably strangles us--and them--in the end? The only obstacle is your own pride, ego, and the satisfaction of watching others suffer for what "they've done to us."
Is it worth a lifetime of sticky blood?


In two days I will be on a plane to Spain, with an open heart and some true medicine in my blood!

I love you, Dad!

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