Saturday, February 16, 2013

Manic


I have many interests. Ask anyone who knows me well. I'm not that artist who is oober passionate about one thing and excels at it. I am that oober creative person who - tries, experiments with and has many - creative outlets. These include such things as photography, interior decorating and design, crafts, sewing, fashion, hair and makeup, fitness, nutrition, food, sustainability, environmental stuff, DIY projects and music. I kind of move around between all of them.


 I played the piano almost every day for a very long time, wrote a whole bunch of songs and even performed some of them and then one day just stopped. I've hardly done this for months now. Except for the random time here and there. I've done this with many things many times. It's allowed me to try a lot of different things and gain skills in multiple areas. I'm learning to roll with it.

Anyways, I've been thinking about this blog, what it has been so far, what I want it to eventually be, and what needs to change etc... and I've decided I want to start blogging about all of my interests. Not just food. This way, I won't feel pressured to always be cooking awesome things or exploring this all the time (which I pretty much stopped doing for a good long while). It will allow me to always have material for my blog of varying topics which will help to keep me focused, not bore me (or you) and require me to be creative everyday. It gives me a reason and a motivation to explore all of my interests and enhance my knowledge and skill in each area. Which I really need to do.

 I've been having a hard time for some time now just feeling happy and dealing with my own insecurities, emotional stress and confusion (which I realize I'm not alone in). I've been working on it and I recently told my Mom that I sometimes feel manic. She replied by saying that all creative people are slightly manic. Hahaha! It was the perfect thing to hear at that moment. It hit me. I'm not crazy, I'm not depressed, I'm not mentally ill or unstable. Yes, I have some weak areas I need to work on like everyone else but my difficulties are simply a natural by-product of an intensely creative person whose creativity and passion has been starved for some time.

 
The answer is quite simple. I am a person who needs to be, to move, to do, to create. A LOT. Working at jobs that have not fulfilled me to make ends meet, losing jobs, looking for jobs, constant stress about finances, moving (which I've done 6 or 7 times in less than 2 years), being in survival mode, concerns about family members, adjusting to a new stage of life (being married), being separated from my husband etc.... In short: change after change after change in a very short period of time has been very taxing on my body and my spirit. I didn't take great care of my health according to my standards, I didn't do much creatively and felt I had to focus solely on survival. I've learned a ton from this and my Heavenly Father has carried me through. Did I manage it perfectly? No. Did I do everything wrong? No! Some of how I handled it was great and some of it wasn't. Sounds like life doesn't it? I've learned more about who I want to be. Good and wonderful things came into my life during this time. I learned more about my limits, more about myself, more about who I really am. I weakened in some areas and strengthened in others. I drew closer to my husband but it wasn't a smooth transition. It's not over yet but now that I have this chance to be still for a while before I plunge myself into the next stage, I am doing a lot of reflecting. I feel like something that finally stopped running after being chased for miles by huge waves of the ocean. They are washing over me.

                                

 I'm finding it very painful, awkward and emotional. Like peeling off a band aid (only more wet ;). But probably necessary in His plan. So, I move through it. I'm glad to know and be reminded that the atonement of Jesus Christ works and because of that I don't have to move through it like a well schooled ballet dancer. I can be an awkward dancer. All I have to do is move and that is enough. Enough for Him to work with. He will make my movement look like a perfect and beautiful ballet. If I let Him.


 
                                                                            

So! Part of this movement will be to blog almost everyday for as long as I feel necessary. Or until I change tracks again. Haha. I'm looking at it as creative expression and something necessary for my soul and my sanity right now. I'm going to finish this post and do another one on scarves in your hair! I'll tell you why in that post :) Thanks for reading. It felt good to share that. I hope it soothed a soul, validated someone and inspired someone. If you struggle with similar things here are a couple things I suggest:

1. Read and study your scriptures everyday no matter what.



2. Pray. Like the Dickens.














3. Do something(s) everyday that is good for your soul.














4. Keep a gratitude journal.




      









5. NEVER compromise your health. There is nothing more important.













6. SERVE and stay close to your loved ones (they kinda go hand in hand).



Thanks!

Mrs. Evans

Sunday, January 27, 2013

No eggs?!

Have you ever been about to bake something and then realized you don't have eggs? You know that feeling of dissapointment and of being stopped short when you are totally on a mission? When you have a plan, a vision, an idea, a drive to create something awesome? I do. That's why I am sharing this great tip with you: the egg substitute. It's healthy, easy and probably sitting in your kitchen right now if you are at all interested in healthy eating. It's called flaxseed. I came across this when looking for a healthier version of a baking recipe. It's genius! Often meant for vegetarians, vegans or anybody who just wants to cook less with animal products. I am none of those things but sometimes I don't have eggs and this solves my problem. Here is the recipe. I know there are others out there but this one works for me:

To replace 1 egg use 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds and 3 tbsp water or other liquid.

OR

1 tbsp whole flaxseeds and 4 tbsp water.

You want to stir this until it's very gelatinous and thick. 

I ALWAYS have flaxseeds in my kitchen so this is kind of awesome to know. Just sayin'.
So there you go! You are officially a smarter, healthier and more well rounded person in your kitchen. You're welcome. This post is great by the way: http://www.theppk.com/vegan-baking-the-post-punk-kitchen-shows-you-how/

P.S. I want to try this recipe! (see link below)

http://thesproutedlife.com/chia-almond-breakfast-shortcakes-with-strawberries-blackberries/

I have been using pinterest more for recipes etc... It rocks! I love it. Here are some of my favorites:





Here is the link to my pinterest section on food: http://pinterest.com/amberlekathryn/food/

Bon appetit!


On another note, I am moving this week. My husband got a job in Emonton, Alberta and starts orientation on Feb 4th - 7th. He flies out on Feb 2nd. I am moving home with my family in NB until he has things settled for me to go out there with him. I am not looking forward to our long absence from eachother but I can't wait to start this new life. The Maritimes has been a beautiful place to live but I am SO ready for another adventure and the freedom and independence this move will bring us. I'm excited for all of the challenges too. I will sometimes miss my ocean, the rolling hills, the market, all the neat houses I've come to love, the water front, the neat stores and art galleries I've discovered and the people, especially my family. But I will find and rediscover new loves and artistic enjoyments, make amazing friendships, explore a different beauty and enjoy a different energy and environment. I will be financially stable and free to pursue my career and interests more. I will finally get my full license and try and take up camping and hiking. I am also going to get back into/ get deeper into OOBER DOOBER SUPER HEALTHY eating and cooking. We will be free to really develop our family unit into something strong and unique, that is all it's very own, away from parents, family and family-like influences. We need to do this. For the first time in my life I am going to only do what I am passionate about and what I love. I am going to fully exercise the spirit of independence and fire inside me. I'm already starting to blossom and change. This is quite possibly going to be the best time in my life. I can feel it. It is my turn to truly dance in the sun, the way I was born to. So look out world! And please Maritimes, understand and be happy for me. I love you and you will always be a home to me. I will not look back but I will fondly remember and cherish extensive visits and vacations. I have a gypsy soul and you cannot hold me down. I know we may never fully understand each others differences; you who loves to stay and I who loves to roam. You took me in for a time and now you must share me with somewhere else. My HOME is my one-true-love and that means home can be anywhere. Love me for who I am and let me fly, for fly I must. 
This adventure will bring out the best in both of us, my husband and I, and we can't wait to start! 



Monday, December 31, 2012

A New Year!

Hello! I'm back to blogging now. I promise! Life and my humanity meant that blogging wasn't a priority for a while but I am back now with a smile and excitement for this new year ahead of me! Life has been very interesting indeed this past year. Taking a look back I dated, fell in love with, became engaged to and married the most wonderful man for time and all eternity in the house of the Lord. It was a beautiful day and these past 6 months (on Jan 4th) have been amazingly wonderful and amazingly challenging. Get married if you aren't, it's a great thing. Here are some pictures from the day:



It was magical and fairy-like, fun and wild! I loved it. I got to dance to live fiddle music, be with my family  and friends and be surrounded by beauty. It was great! My family was amazing and helped pull everything together beautifully. There was pretty lights, good food, good company, entertainment, music, dancing, bunting, creative bottle displays on the tables, flowers, garland and oh so much more. It was perfect. Tee hee. So! I am Mrs. Evans now.

We also moved into a new apartment in Halifax which is adorable. I love it. I've also managed to make it look smashing. Simply smashing! Pictures to come.

I'm inspired to be REALLY HEALTHY again. My New Years resolution this year is to focus on taking very good care of myself, spiritually, physically and emotionally. Not that I eat junk food all the time, am a couch potato, and need to lose weight. Haha I'm not too bad but I just want to be as healthy as I deserve to be and truly live up to the knowledge I have. Change is good! Go listen to the song Changes by David Bowie. It's great. The thing that really got me excited about this goal is this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XI4ZEs_WN9g

This women has an amazing blog called mynewroots.org that is my most favoritest food blog ever. It is chock full of amazing recipes. It is one of my inspirations and proof that healthy can be tastier, more beautiful and desirable than unhealthy. So there! Check out her recipe for hot chocolate here: http://mynewroots.blogspot.ca/2012/12/superfood-haute-chocolate.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+My-New-Roots+%28My+New+Roots%29

Here is to a new year! I wish you all the best with it!

Mrs. Evans

Friday, March 2, 2012

Two things: Breakfast and Dinner

Well, to say it's been a while would be a slight understatement. Much has happened in the three months since my last post. I'm engaged for one thing! Yep, I'm getting married. Pretty crazy hey? Bbbbuuuuutttt that is a story for another day. I've also had a few opportunities and ideas come my way for my career. Time will tell what happens with that. For now I am going to share some awesome ideas I have had lately. One for breakfast and one for dinner.

Breakfast:

I love pancakes. Seriously, they are one of my favorite things to cook. I could probably write a cook book just on pancakes. Hmmm that's not a bad idea. Maybe I will! Anyways, I pulled out some old ideas and put a new spin on them. One is banana pancakes and the other is orange pancakes. They are seriously good!


                       


Banana Pancakes

1 cup Buckwheat flour
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp xantham gum
1/4 cup ground pumpkin, sunflower and flax seeds
1/2 - 1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 banana
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup water (add as needed)

Combine and mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Combine and mix wet ingredients in smaller bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix. Should get thick but pour-able batter. Add 1 tbsp of oil to a frying pan,  and turn to medium heat. Cook for 2-5 min on each side, or until golden brown.

Yay! So delish! Seriously. You will see.

Orange Pancakes

1 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp xantham gum
1 tbsp olive oil
Grated orange zest (grate the outer orange part of an entire large orange)
Freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 tbsp)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup water (add as needed)

Combine and mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Combine and mix wet ingredients in smaller bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix. Should get thick but pour-able batter. Add 1 tbsp of oil to a frying pan,  and turn to medium heat. Cook for 2-5 min on each side, or until golden brown.

It's hard to say but I think this one was my favorite for the day. :) Yay for pancakes!

Now onto #2:

Dinner:

                                            


See that? See how beautiful it is? See the color and vibrance? I do. It's as good as it looks. I promise. 
I dreamed this up in a flash last night, and it turned out great! I love it when that happens. I received many lovely compliments on it. I love those. I decided to call this Red and White Quinoa Delight. Mainly because it rhymes but also because it contains red and white quinoa and is utterly delightful. Just so you know quinoa is a complete protein. That means that it contains all of the essential amino acids. It's also highly nutritious, delicious, easy to cook and easy to digest. Just don't eat it every day. From what I have learned its best not to have it more than 4 times in a week and to rotate weeks. Quinoa is great if you are a vegetarian or vegan looking for good plant proteins. So without any further ado, I introduce to you my recipe using quinoa. Enjoy!

Red and White Quinoa Delight     

1 cup red quinoa
1 cup white quinoa
1 head of broccoli
2 heads of cauliflower
1 cup of sliced chinese cabbage
3 large carrots
Juice from 1 whole lemon
2 - 3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup organic wheat free tamari soy sauce
3 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp dill
3 tsp celery seed
3 tsp curry powder

Cook quinoa on stove-top with water about an inch above. Turn to medium-high heat. Once it boils let it do so for about a minute or two. Then turn the head down to medium-low. Turn to low after about 8 minutes. Let it soak up the water. Once the quinoa seeds are the same color all over and the middle of them looks cooked. Remove from the heat. At the same time lightly steam the vegetable in a little bit of water on medium - high heat. Add the carrots first, then the cauliflower, then broccoli and lastly the cabbage. Don't simmer for more than 8-10 minutes over all. The broccoli only needs about 2 minutes and the cabbage 1. Remember that you don't want to heat all those nutritious live enzymes, vitamins and minerals to death. Combine the veggies and quinoa in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir well, leave for a few minutes to let the flavors mix and then serve! 

Hope these recipes made your life a little better. 

Bon appetit!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

"Every day’s act of eating is an act of creating freedom” – Dr. Vandana Shiva


                 I just watched these three videos on you tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi1FTCzDSckhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVlJqwft9I8&feature=relmfuhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQDqEUd53YQ&feature=relmfu It's a three-part series of videos interviewing Dr. Vandana Shiva who is a physicist from India and the founder of Navdanya International which is "...an organization that focuses on saving and distributing native seeds to local farmers." (see http://www.vandanashiva.org/?p=700 for more information on Dr. Vandana Shiva and Navdanya International). I've watched these videos a couple times before and they always get me fired up. In these videos, Dr. Shiva summarizes and perfectly expresses everything I've learned, come to realize, think and feel regarding nutrition, organic farming, food industry, globalization, local and global economy, trade, politics etc... Her focus is on the issue of genetically modified seeds and the company Monsanto (they sell genetically modified seeds) wanting to put a patent on seeds; but through that, and with a background of actual experience and scientific know-how, she manages to cover how this, and what it represents, connects to all levels of human life. It's extremely interesting, illuminating and instructive! I believe that everyone needs to have an understanding and awareness of what she covers in this video and realize the importance of what she is saying and the role they have to play in it. "Be the the change you wish to see in the world" as Gandhi once said and Dr. Shiva makes it very clear what needs to change.

       I will let you watch the videos for yourself but let me quote something from it to summarize the point, or at least one if the main points I want you to get from watching these. In talking about what we can do about these issues she discusses the need to know how real food is grown and put the effort into supporting those who grow it (or grow it ourselves). She connects making this conscious decision and effort to "security overall". As she puts it: "Careless walking down a Wal-Mart aisle where you don't know where the food is coming from, what's in it, is going to condemn you to all kinds of health problems, disease problems; but most of all it's going to rob you of fundamental freedom. Before you know it you won't be able to make the choice."

      So, let me ask you a question. Are you willing to give your right to life itself up to companies and motives that do not have your best interests at heart? We are at a point where we need to take personal responsibility for what we put into our mouths; not just because of how it will effect our health and our children's health but because of it's effect on the economy, the community, the environment, the rest of the world and what kind of security and freedoms we (and those who come after us) will or will not have in the future. PLEASE watch the videos. It won't take long. It's a crash course in what I am going to spend my career trying to help people understand. At least on a nutritional level.

   
      I watched the movie WALL.E last night and it's so interesting how it connects so well to Dr. Shiva's point about the seed being the symbol of our very life and existence and ability to perpetuate it. On all levels. If you haven't watched this movie you should. It's made by Pixar and its for kids and adults. I love it because not only is it funny and cute but it makes a GREAT point.

Lastly, here is a recipe. Of course. This was ridiculously good. Just sayin'. Enjoy!




Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

1 Amber squash
1 Butternut squash
1 Large sweet potato
Goats milk
Fresh basil
Rosemary
Thyme
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt and pepper
1-2 tbsp Flaxseed
1 tbsp butter or oil
*Onion
*Sunflower seeds

Slice, cube and peal the squash and sweet potatoes. Cook in a large pot on the stove-top until tender and a little squishy. Blend in a food processor with a little goats milk to help it mix better. Return the blended substance to the big pot and stove-top. Add as much goats milk (other types of milk such as nut, coconut, rice etc...would work too) as you need to get it to the desired consistency. Mine was thick but pour-able. Add fresh basil, thyme and rosemary. I used equal and generous amounts of each. It all depends on which flavor you like best as to your proportions. If you love the taste of basil, put more in. Then add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. You want this to be the underlying flavor so don't put too much in. You need more than a tsp of each as this is a large batch, but no more than 2-4 tbsp. Add the butter or oil (coconut oil would go great if you were using coconut milk instead of goats milk) and stir. Then add a little sea salt and pepper to taste. Make sure you have the soup on medium-low and are stirring whilst adding all of the seasonings.Simmer for 5-10 minutes (stir regularly though). Add the ground flaxseed and mix well. Check the flavor and add any of the seasonings as needed. You can add white onion and/or sunflower seeds if you like that idea. You should have a huge pot of soup that you can serve to a whole lunch/dinner party or separate and refrigerate/freeze for the rest of the week. Even two weeks! Serve with some sliced quinoa bread and butter on it and sprinkle a little goat cheese feta on the top of the soup for that extra dash of awesomeness.
Enjoy! I really liked it.




Saturday, November 26, 2011

Here's Something Genius!


         I LOVE smoothies. Why do I love smoothies? Many reasons. First of all they are sooo easy and quick to make. Second, you can put anything you want in them and make them as healthy or unhealthy as you like. I don't know how many times I've added flaxseed, hempseed, greens powder, even powdered glucosamine sulfate! to some fruit, maybe even some leafy greens, and almond, hazelnut, coconut, rice or goats milk (sometimes just water!), and had the results be delicious, sustaining and satisfying. It's one of my favorite breakfast choices and while I could sing about my love and appreciation for smoothies from the rooftops; over the years I have discovered one major flaw with them. What is this flaw you may ask? Well, I'll tell ya. 

        Smoothies are a great option during the warmer months of the year but when it comes time to turn up the heat, warm up your car a few minutes before you leave and start bundling up and wearing more layers, they become less appealing. Not because they don't taste as good, but because they aren't conducive to keeping warm. They can make you stinking cold! and who wants to walk out their door in the morning cold? I know I don't. That's why I never eat them in the winter. I found it a shame though that a breakfast option that has served one so well the rest of the year, should have to be discontinued for that reason alone. So, I decided it was time to make a change. The result? A genius discovery which I would like to call a hot smoothie! My apologies if you are the official inventor or are a personal friend of theirs. The idea is to make a smoothie like normal - place ingredients in blender and press blend – then add a step by heating the blended substance in a small pot on the stove. Be sure to stir continuously and not heat too high or too long so you can keep as many of the enzymes alive as possible. Let me share photos and a couple variations of my version of the hot smoothie.






Hot smoothie #1 Ugly Betty: (Doesn’t look pretty but tastes good.)

1 banana
¼ cup blueberries
½ pomegranate
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp greens powder
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
½ cup Liberte coconut yogurt
¼ - ½ cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend. Pour the result into a small pot and heat it over medium low heat on the stove-top to your desired temperature. Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Hot smoothie #2Apple Cinnamon Joy!

1 apples
4 dates
1 – 2 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp greens powder
1 tbsp grounds flaxseed
1 tbsp liquid honey
1 tsp ground cloves
½ cup goats milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:
1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
Walnuts

Blend all ingredients (excluding the topping) in a blender or food processor. Heat on stove-top and sprinkle the topping on top! Serve in a Christmas-style mug (this step is essential) and enjoy! Merry Christmas! Unless you’re in the states, and you just had Thanksgiving.

* A note about greens powder. The first link will take you to the greens powder I use. The second is another brand and just further explains what it is good for.  I consider a greens powder to be like a whole-food multi-vitamin. It's good insurance to add to an already healthy diet and exercise regime. It is particularly high in B vitamins which is the main reason I use it. http://public.naturallynovascotia.com/products/viewproduct.asp?productid=182http://www.greenspowder.net/ 


Friday, November 11, 2011

I remember!

               It's Remembrance Day so I am going to remember to write a blog post. I know it has been an infinity since last I wrote. My excuses include looking for a new place to live and moving. Soooo let me get you all caught up! First of all I am now, officially, an R.H.N. I received my certificate in the mail in October. When it came through the slot I suddenly became very nervous and couldn't open it alone. So I called my Dad and opened it with him over skype. It was a magical moment. Here is a snapshot of me with my official certificate.


        Yes, I am a nerd. For those of you who don't know, I got food poisoning the eve of my final exam and was quite ill. My roommate had to type for me for a while as I tried to finish the pile of 14 case studies I had to have finished for the next day. I was up until 4 in the morning and had to get up at 7. I have no idea how I made it through that day, but I did. Yes, I broke all of the laws of health to do so but unfortunately it had to be done. My brother commented on the irony of getting food poisoning before a final exam for natural nutrition. I felt the irony. Quite keenly. However, it feels very good to be done school and to have something to show for all the blood, sweat and tears. You know?

Anyways, on to food. I awoke to a very rainy, and very windy Hailfax this morning. So, I decided to make pancakes. Of course. The process went wonderfully until I went to cook them on the stove top. I wanted to make them totally vegan so I used coconut oil on the pan to go underneath the pancakes. However, what I didn't consider is that coconut oil has a low melting point and dissipates quickly. That, plus pans that are not non-stick ones, equals a very frustrating mess and me resorting to butter in the end. Lets just say that one of my pans is in the sink right now soaking with 3 half pancakes on it, and no pictures were taken. I promise they are delicious! You can ask my roommate. You'll just have to use your imagination as to how beautiful they can look. You should send me your pictures! Just don't use coconut oil in the pan. Here is the recipe:

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Wet ingredients:
4 small Dox-Orange apples peeled and sliced
4 tbsp raw almond butter
1 1/2 cups almond milk
1/4 cup olive oil

Dry Ingredients:
1 cup dark buckwheat flour
1tsp xantham gum
2-3 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1tsp baking powder
Small handful of ground flaxseed

Mix wet ingredients together in a food processor. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add wet ingredients. You want a thick but pour-able batter. 

Top with honey, maple syrup, jam, nut butter or yogurt and enjoy! Seriously good. 

The last recipe I want to share is something I decided to call "Curried Kale Casserole." 



Ingredients:
Small bunch of curly kale, sliced.
2 or 3 small organic carrots, chopped.
1 small onion, chopped.
1 cup of green lentils, soaked.  
1 cup of long-grain brown rice
1 -2 tbsp of curry powder
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
1 large handful of fresh dill
1 tsp black pepper
Goat feta cheese

Soak lentils over night. Cook rice. Lightly steam carrots in a separate pot. 3 min. Drain rice and add lentils, herbs and spices with a little water. (You want to keep it moist). Add veggies to the combination and stir periodically to allow the kale to soften and the flavors to soak through. Add seasonings to taste. Serve and enjoy! Sprinkle some feta cheese on top for added flavor and texture. 

Cooking time is approximately a 1/2 hour. 

Some of the herbs and spices in this recipe not only have a strong flavor but are also beneficial to  circulation, which makes this recipe great for the colder months of the year. See the following links for more information about herbs and warming and cooling foods: 



I would suggest never heating any oils except olive oil, coconut oil and 'real' butter. Olive oil should never be heated past a medium-low temperature and coconut oil never past medium-high. The reason for this is because a higher temperature can hydrogenate the oil which then makes it detrimental to your health as opposed to beneficial. A good tip is to add a little water to your oil when cooking so that the heat will evaporate the water first, extending your cooking time. I would also suggest avoiding canola oil altogether. Here's why: 


That's all for now folks!