A Change

Good Morning Ladies,

I hope everyone is having a beautiful day so far. I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be moving this blog to it's new address and name. I hope you will join me for inspiration, weight loss tips and ways to reduce stress. Please click on the link below.

Chocolate and Cauliflower

Early Morning Journaling

This morning I awakened early and discovered a glorious sight; snow cascading from the skies, blanketing the ground with its soft powder. A wave of inspiration and serenity washed over me. I found a pen and my notebook, sat by the window and starting writing in my morning journal. A practice I have long since abandoned.

Early morning journaling is a stream of consciousness, a time when we can access the deeper part of our souls. Each morning there is a space of time when we are half asleep and half awake, a time when we are not fully conscious. During these moments, we have access to our subconscious mind, our inner thoughts. But like snow on the ground, this precious moment will soon melt away. Listening to our tender morning musings allows us to tap into our subconscious, the complex part of ourselves that encourages us to transform into the beautiful beings we are meant to become.

I start my morning by writing down any recollection I have of  my dreams. This exercise helps us develop a deeper understanding of our inner selves.

Then I move on to writing five things I am grateful for from yesterday. Usually our minds tend to focus on everything that is not going well. By taking the time to appreciate what is going good in our lives, brings a sense of clarity to our souls.

Next, I write a page or two of whatever comes to mind. Don't be discouraged if what you are writing sounds negative, remember this is your private journal and nobody else will be reading it. When we write down our negative emotions, we are releasing repressed feelings that would otherwise stand in our way to bringing out the best part of ourselves. By doing this we are moving towards becoming the person we are meant to be, living the life we are truly meant to live.

To your Health & Happiness,
Elle

 

Banana Oat Pancakes

This heavenly recipe is simply divine.

Ingredients:

3 small bananas (9.5 ounces), mashed

2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter, melted

1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1 small lemon, juiced)

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

2 eggs

1 cup oat flour*

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a smedium bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, coconut oil (or butter), lemon juice and honey (or maple syrup).
2. Beat in the eggs. If your coconut oil goes back to its solid state like mine did at this point, just warm the mixture for short 30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each, until it is melted again.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking soda, salt and spices.
4. Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. With a big spoon, stir just until the dry ingredients are thoroughly moistened. Do not overmix or you’ll run the risk of getting tough pancakes!
5. Let the batter sit for 10 minutes.
6. Heat a pan over medium-low heat. If necessary, lightly oil the surface with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
7. Once the surface of the pan is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on it, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan. Let the pancake cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until bubbles begin to form around the edges of the cake.
8. When the pan is just beginning to set, flip it with a spatula and cook for another 90 seconds or so, until golden brown on both sides. You may need to adjust the heat up or down at this point.
9. Serve the pancakes immediately or keep warm in a 200 degree oven.
10. I love to serve these pancakes with banana and strawberry slices. For an special touch, use a small heart shaped cookie-cutter on the banana slices.

Bon Appetit,
Elle

Fresh Herbs Ice Cubes

I love this idea, fresh herbs are expensive and I never seem to use them up before they go bad.


To make your own Fresh Herb Ice Cubes, simply chop up your herbs, put them in an ice cube tray, cover with olive oil and freeze.



Toss a cube or two in your pan whenever you're in need and presto, fresh herbs.


To Your Health & Happiness,
Elle

I wish everyone a happy and healthy weekend. I'd like to leave you with a thought for the day..

Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that change your life forever.

To Your Health & Happiness,
Elle

Love Yourself

Happy 2013 Everyone!

#1 New Year's Resolution

This will make the other ones a whole lot easier. Because you do more for someone you love than someone you don't.
To Your Health & Happiness,
Elle

Vegan Latkes

I love latkes, they are so good and this recipe is delicious. I served this with some applesauce and sour cream. This recipe is courtesy of The Kind Life

1 1/2 pound(s) of russet potatoes, peeled and grated

1 small yellow onion, peeled and grated

1 tbsp. of fresh parsley, minced

1/4 cup(s) of all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. of baking powder

1 tsp. of salt

1/4 tsp. of freshly ground black pepper

5 tbsp. of canola oil, for frying

Steps

1. In a colander set over a large bowl, place potatoes.
2. Using your hands, squeeze out the excess liquid from the potatoes.
3. Pour off the liquid and place potatoes in the bowl.
4. Add onion to potatoes along with parsley, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
5. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
6. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a thin layer of oil.
7. Take a heaping tablespoon of batter and flatten it before gently placing it in the hot oil. Make three or four more potato pancakes this way, and add to skillet without crowding pan. Fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once, about 8 minutes total.
8. Repeat with remaining potato mixture, adding more oil as necessary. Remove the cooked potato pancakes to paper towels to drain, then transfer to an ovenproof platter and keep warm in the oven until all pancakes are cooked.

Bon Appetit,
Elle