Yall....

I have a confession....I'M BORED.

Seriously though. BORDOM has hit and that is not cool with me. What am I bored with you ask? My life. Ok ok Ok, so I am the busiest person you know, truth, but that doesn't mean that even a busy bee like me cant get bored of her life. I gotta say...the blog is my lifesaver. I can always type until I get a cramp and know that someone out there is in my shoes and likes to read the rambling words that my fingers give. Truth is...I need a change. I know what you are thinking...."Is she breaking up with us?" Hell no! I wouldn't do that! I am just sayin I am bored with the same Ole schedule and frankly the only one that can change it up, is me! So what do you do when you get in a funk?


Well I can tell you what I do...



Some people change their hair...Some buy new clothes....Some eat...Some whine and complain...Some wait for something to happen or change. Me....I shift my thoughts, my emotions to what I WANT and one way that helps me change is creating a VISION BOARD...I am notorious for these. You may not know this but over the past three years I have made A TON...I've made little ones and have made HUGE ones. When I moved though they all were thrown away for the sake of me not moving them. I don't have ANY vision boards laying around the office, my house or in my car. Nope, none. I decided since I am bored...I would create a new vision board for myself. You may think that this is weird, a little freaky maybe but I gotta let you in on a secret....THEY WORK. Try it some time. I have made vision boards in the past, threw them aside and found them a year later and couldn't believe my eyes. I have pasted the most outrageous things on my vision board and they have happened. Now....I am in no way saying that you can cut a mansion and get it in a week but hey....there is some power behind you. Your the only one that can achieve the things you want...if you believe.

If you were to tell me two years ago that I would have a amazing blog (with some pretty amazing readers mind you) tons of packages with the most amazing products dropped off at my doorstep and the chance to connect with people all over the world...I would have laughed at you....Just look at this vision board I made two years ago...I was at that time...living in a old store built in the 20's, no heat, no air, a broken down car, divorced, no computer, no nothing really. I wish that I would of had a camera at the time when I made the vision board...It's crazy but it had a new computer, a camera, a new house, it even had packages stacked on top of one another at a door!!! I am serious. It really did. At that time in my life I really really needed something positive to focus on and after reading "The Power of Now" (which I am reading right now!) I was obsessed shall we say for a while with the whole law of attraction thing. I have a balance now....No...I don't have a 1.00 dollar bill made into a 100,000 dollar bill stuck to my ceiling so that when I wake up the first thing that I see is wealth. I did do that once upon a time but I figured....I ain't gonna get a man if he comes over and sees vision boards, notes and things tacked up all over my place. These days...they are just a fun project to do when I am bored and tucked away for when I want to focus my energy on the things I want. I know better now! Besides...I am a pro now, I don't even need a vision board! It's all in my head, I can pull it out anytime I want. Oh and I do...You have herd it more than once from me....This time though I am talking not only about the law of attraction...but how to create your own vision board. Don't take things so seriously! Have fun with it!


THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE LAW OF ATTRACTION
What exactly is the law of attraction? The law of attraction states that we attract into our lives anything that we give attention to, regardless whether it be positive or negative. From a psychological view, the law of attraction can be best explained by the information filtering system of the brain known as the reticular activating system (RAS). Vision boards serve the role of programming the RAS to tune into external stimuli that can help us move closer towards our intentions.

At the base of the human brain stem, in between the medulla oblongata and the mesencephalon, there is a small finger-sized control center called the reticular activating system (RAS) that sorts and evaluates incoming data. Your RAS is responsible for filtering all the incoming information that your brain receives and it also acts as receiver for information that is tagged as important.
A simple way to conceptualize the RAS is to think of it like a radio. You are surrounded by radio waves from various stations and your portable radio can pick up those channels, but only one at a time. You have to tune your radio to a specific frequency of your favorite radio station in order to receive it properly. Your RAS is not much different in this regard. Imagine you are in a meeting room talking to several people and out in the distant corner of the room you hear your name. All your focus gets diverted in the direction that you heard your name because that bit of information is tagged by the RAS as important to you. Your RAS is responsible for having the ability to sleep through the noise of traffic outside your room, but waking up suddenly at the smallest cry from your infant child. Another example of the RAS at work is when you go and buy a brand new car and then suddenly you notice many more people around your city have that exact same car.
According to Hans Morvec, the principal research scientist at the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, the human brain can handle up to 100 trillion bits of information at any given time. With all that information coming in, how does your RAS know what to filter? Your RAS is naturally programmed to prioritize information that is necessary for survival, like listening for a the particular sound of an oncoming vehicle when walking close to a street. The RAS can’t distinguish between a real event and a contrived reality, however, and we can exploit this weakness to program it to seek out stimuli in our environment that resonate with our goals. The process of creating a vision board is one of the best ways to program the RAS. It programs the RASto pay attention to certain things in your environment that are in frequency with your goal or vision, in much the same way as you are able to pick up your name being mentioned in a conversation on the other side of a room while talking to others. This selective attention filter makes you aware of daily things that can help you achieve your goal and it’s your job to take action on those opportunities when they present themselves.
HOW TO MAKE AND USE YOUR VISION BOARD
Your personal vision board is only limited by the extent of your own creativity. Some of my students have produced simple vision boards and others have made vision boards that could probably sell at an art show for hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Having artistic ability is not a prerequisite for creating a functional vision board however and the procedures I’ve outlined below can be used by anyone.
The general elements that a well-designed vision board should include are:
Visual. Your subconscious mind works in pictures and images, so make your vision board as visual as possible with as many pictures as you can. You can supplement your pictures with words and phrases to increase the emotional response you get from it.
Emotional. Each picture on your vision board should evoke a positive emotional response from you. The mere sight of your vision board should make you happy and fuel your passion to achieve it every time you look at it.
Strategically-placed. Your vision board should be strategically placed in a location that gives you maximum exposure to it. You need to constantly bath your subconscious mind with it’s energy in order to manifest your desires quicker than you hope. Negative feelings, self-doubt, and criticism can damage the delicate energy that your vision board emits. If you fear criticism or justification of your vision board from others, then place it in a private location so it can only be seen by yourself.
Supplies Needed:Foam core board (recommended) or poster board
A large assortment of magazines. You want to make sure that these are in color. You can go to various businesses or hospitals to ask for their old issues. Glue. I prefer the dispenser type tape rollers, commonly used to mount photos because they are clean and won’t damage your pictures and some scissors.
Step 1—Compile your pictures.Start by going through your magazines and compiling all the pictures that you can find that are relevant to your goal. Don’t evaluate the pictures or start pasting them onto your board. Just stack them into a pile. If you are Internet savvy, then a much quicker method that I do myself is to use an internet search engine to find good pictures that I can use for my board. You can either print the pictures out on paper and then glue it to the board, or print the pictures out onto a self-adhesive label so that it becomes a sticker. This is the preferred method because it is takes much less time to do and you can pinpoint your pictures using very good technology at your hands. Make sure that each image that you put on your board resonates with your heart and makes you excited at the mere look of it. It’s also important when selecting pictures to include anything that is congruent with your goal, such as any changes in your life that might result from obtaining your goal. So if your goal is to have a six figure income, then select pictures of a lifestyle that is congruent with your six figure income. Asking yourself the following questions might help you design a congruent vision board:
What would you do differently when you realize your goal?
Where would you travel?
Where would you live?
What would you wear?
What things would you own?
What kind of vehicle would you drive?
What would you do for work?…Or would you work?
Who would you help?
Step 2—Sort and Cut. Go through your pile of pictures and select the ones that impact you the most emotionally. Cut the extraneous material away from the image.
Step 3—Arrange and glue. Start arranging your pictures creatively on your board. Don’t worry about being artistic—that’s not the point. The point is that your board should resonate with your emotions. Arrange your pictures in a way that gives you an emotional connection to your vision board. After you are satisfied with the arrangement, glue all your pictures in place. Additionally, you might want to add writing or drawing on your vision board if you feel that it would better resonate with your emotions. A feature unique to my vision boards is that I also put two labels on the bottom of board that read: “Date created: [today’s date]” and “Date Manifested: [blank]” This lets me know how long my vision has been gestating since its creation and also every time I look at my vision board, not only am I emotionally charged with the pictures, but I also feel an overwhelming sense to see it manifested to completion.
Step 4—Strategic positioning. The most important part of having a vision board is having it in a strategic location that gives you as much visual exposure to it throughout the day. For most of us, this is in the office, but if that is not possible or appropriate, then try your living room or your bedroom. Some people I know mount their vision boards on the ceiling above their bed so that it is the first thing they see when they wake up and the last thing they see when they go to sleep. If you are sensitive to what others might say of your vision board, then be sure to keep it in a safe area where only you will see it. Negative criticism or justification of your dreams can kill the energy that your vision board releases. As Brian Tracy states, “What they don’t know, can’t hurt you."
Step 5— Update your vision board.Your vision board has to inspire you. It has to charge you with renewed passion every time you look at it and over time and as you progress closer towards your vision, you might find that some of the images or pictures on your vision board don’t really carry as much emotional impact on you as they did before. When this happens, you’ll want to update your vision board with new fresh images that do inspire you. You’re vision board is not a finished piece of art after its initial creation. It’s a dynamic piece of art that shifts and changes as your vision shifts and changes. Therefore, if you find your level of passion that your vision board gives you is growing weaker, then update it to bring fresh new emotions to it.

Here are three examples of famous people who have used the techniques of visualization to activate the law of attraction in their lives. Although not all of them specifically used vision boards to get what they wanted, the applications that they used were similar in function.John Assaraf’s Vision Board.Successful entrepreneur and author, John Assaraf, brought the age-old concept of a vision board to the mainstream public by relating his story of it in the motivational documentary, The Secret. In May of 2000, John was working in his home office inside his beautiful new home in Southern California when his five-year old son came in and asked him what were in the dusty boxes in the corner of his home office. John told him that it contained his vision boards. His son didn’t understand what they were, so John opened one of the boxes to show him. When John pulled out the second board from the box, he began to cry. On it was a picture of a 7000 square foot house on top of six acres of spectacular land that he had seen and cut out from Dream Homes magazine in 1995. It was the exact house that he had just purchased several weeks prior—A sure testament to the law of attraction at work.
Bruce Lee’s Letter. The late martial arts legend and my own personal role-model, Bruce Lee, understood the power of the law of attraction. As a struggling entrepreneur and actor, Bruce sat down one day and wrote the following letter to himself: “By 1980, I will be the best known oriental movie star in the United States and will have secured $10 million dollars… And in return, I will give the very best acting I could possibly give every single time I am in front of the camera and I will live in peace and harmony.” In 1973, months after Bruce’s untimely death, the blockbuster movie Enter the Dragon was released in both the United States and China, elevating Bruce to the level of an international star. According to Jack Canfield, that very letter that Bruce wrote to himself is hanging up on one of the walls at Planet Hollywood in New York City.
Jim Carrey’s Check.As a struggling young comedian trying to make it in the make or break city of Hollywood, Jim Carreywasjust about ready to give up his dream of becoming a professional actor and comedian. He had just performed at an open mic session at one of the nightclubs in Los Angeles and had been booed off the stage by his audience. He sat by himself at the top of Mulholand Drive and looked out at the city below him—the city that held his future success or failure. He then pulled out his check book and wrote himself a check for $10 million dollars and made a note on it: “for acting services rendered.” He then carried that check with him in his wallet everywhere he went from that day forward. By 1995, after the success of his blockbuster movies: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Dumb and Dumber, and The Mask, his contract price had risen to the price of $20 million dollars.

Conclusion
Vision boards are an important tool in your success tool box. They are cheap to make and their potential value to you is immeasurable. Figure out what you want in your life and then commit yourself 100% towards making that first step of creating your vision board and activating the law of attraction to pull your dreams into reality.

I always try to make it a fun evening thing and just take a hour or two and really think about the things that I want to attract into my life. You might be surprised at the outcome if you give it a try and have a open heart about it. Here are a few more examples of some pretty awesome vision boards. Thanks for sending me your vision boards! I asked a while back if anyone had any vision boards of their own and wow, I was impressed! These really made my day! I love this one because it is on a board that you can change what you put on it! I am totally stealing this idea for my little office area!

Thanks so much you guys...looking at YOUR vision boards makes me feel like I am not the only one that WANTS a change and do these things. I always knew that I wasnt the only one making myself a visual effort, now I know that you do it too! Whether you want the body you always wanted, the love of your life, the home of your dreams, a savings account or just plain ol happiness, vision boards can keep you focused! Try it, what do you have to loose?

See you Monday! We made it to the weekend! =)
-Heather

Weeks end

Good morning! This is a different post than usual! I am just wanting to connect with you and let you know why the posts are a little Spiratic these days...I can tell you one thing, I am so ready for this darn week to be over! I gotta say. This week (and next week) has been/will be hectic. I am house sitting and so basically I am running back and forth from house to house. It is a pain, but I am glad that it came up! I have a huge garden to tend to and this is making me a little nervous but a great challenge... The women that I am house sitting for is not only particular but VERY "green". I pride myself on being super aware of what I use as far as water, electric, cleaning products and household items but she goes above anyone I have ever met. When watering the plants I use the rain barrels that are on either side of the house...There are three different composts in the yard and that is only the beginning. When I entered the house I got a 6 page detailed pack of just about anything and everything that you would need to know. I got "hooked up" with this job from a friend and she told this women about how great of house sitter/pet sitter I am...When I was asked to house sit and take care of her kitty and dog I was all about it....Now, it's another story...The women is a writer (currently in Cuba) and so she is home all day everyday. She wants me to spend the night at the house and come by three times a day. I walk the dog 3 miles (I mapped it, naturally) and make sure that the kitty gets hairball treatment, love and care. Between keeping her fur babies happy, the house kept to par and my own busy life...I am running non-stop. I find that my schedule is looking like this and will be for the next TWO weeks. Yes, TWO weeks of this.

7:00 am-Let pup out, yawn and get ready for work

7:30-feed both fur balls, continue to get my butt in gear

7:45- Let the dog out for one last chance to go and hope in the car

8:00 am-Open the business I work for, get my COFFEE and start the day

12:30-gym time or walk time (lately I have been walking from my work to the house that I sit for, get the dog and walk her, take her back and walk back to work. This comes to 3.5 miles there and back. The pup gets about 1/2 mile of walking time.

4:45- Back at the house, walk the put 3 miles and feed both.

6:30-shower, eat and relax for a little while.

10:00 pm-back at the house, let the pup out, give a treat or two and get ready for bed. I try to be in bed by 11:30. Then I wake up and do it all over again! Ahhhh! I have no problem with doing this really it is just that I am not getting any real rest time (unless you count the hours that I am sitting at my desk working). The one thing that I am not looking forward to is the weekend and getting up at the crack of dawn to let them out. I told the women that I would be happy to stay there during the week but that my weekends are MINE! I want to have some time at my place too. The thing that I didn't factor in was that I would have to get in the car and drive over there at 8:00 in the morning. I am thinking now that I just may stay over there. It is just hard when you don't have your food and or coffee to start the day. No worries, been there, done that! I can handle it for two weeks. No problem. Don't think that I am complaining! I am not, it actually makes me feel good that people pass my name to others when they need someone to care for there place and pets. It makes me know that I am trusted! After all...I am a pet lover and when you go out of town there is nothing worse then worrying about whether or not your fur babies are ok. That is why I do these things! I thought that it would be useful for some of you to know a few little tricks to do to make your home/pet owner happy and ask you to house$it again. These are a few things that I always do (because I am a freak of course) to put them at ease and it always is appreciated. Don't worry...I do have some FOOD to show you but you have to wait til the end!

One thing that I always try to do is send a picture...A picture??!?? Yep. It takes just a second but I can tell you that when the owner gets it it will automatically make them love you.

*If they have a phone that allows to receive pictures I just snap a pic every day or so and send one their way...Actually showing that their pets are taken care of and happy. Since this lady is out of the country I just snapped a photo and e-mailed it to her with a short message saying "everything is A-Ok!" This will be sure to A:make the person know that I am a awesome person and B:feel much better about leaving their pets at home and allow them to relax and have a great time where ever they are. I know what your thinking but think about it. What if you were gone for two weeks with someone you have never met (I didn't know this women before being asked to house sit and met her for the first time the day before she left). WOW...I know! Anyway, it takes a few minutes and it means alot to the owners. Don't think that as the week goes on...the pictures will be getting funnier and funnier. Sorry but if you leave me with your pets you betta believe that they are wearing a hat for a second.

Sorry, but it had to be done...

*The other thing that is important is to make sure that you leave the house in the exact manner it was given to you. I know that this sounds like a no brainer but seriously, after a couple of weeks of "make yourself at home" things can get disarrayed. If there is one thing that I always do...it is clean my house when I go on vacation. I HATE coming home to a messy house after taking a trip and so when I house sit I try to leave things the way that they were when I got there. One thing that you can do to make sure that things stay somewhat in order is when you enter the house take a moment and look around....I always do a "walk through" of sorts and make a mental note of where things are. When I use a dish or glass, I clean it and out it right back where it is. Same goes for just about everything else. Right before the owner comes home I usually sweep and tidy up. I really never truly "make myself at home", I always laugh when they say that. I cant "make myself at home" when it is not my home.

*Lastly take out the trash and get the mail. Sounds easy but I am amazed at how many people dont tell me to do this. You want me to stay at your house but not collect the mail??? Just know that they want this. I always take out the trash/recycling and bring in the mail each day. If you sleep in the guest room why not just go ahead and wash the bedding and return it to the bed. You know that they are going to do it anyway so why not just throw it in the washer and get it done. Dont think that an extra load is not done when I am there...I have no washer and dryer so after I wash the bedding I just do a load for my self and everyone is happy.

This way the owner comes home and

A: the house is clean

B: less work for them to get things back on track

C: you seem awesome and they feel like it is money well spent

One last thing that I do is always leave a note telling them if anything went wrong (fingers crossed) and THANK YOU. It is important thank the person for the opportunity to make some extra cash! I always leave the porch light on if they are returning in the evening and leave the key for them (tell them in the note where it is). This way, you don't even have to see them again. It will allow them more time to get settled in and your job is done! Sounds like a lot, I know but it really isn't. It is just what I would want if someone was at my place. I am not saying go in and scrub the place or anything but a little tidying up can go a long way. These tips have gotten me so many house sitting jobs I cant even count. My name has been given to tons of people and if I can squeeze it in, I do it. It makes things a little crazy but hey, some extra money (especially when you do things like break your new computer) is always helpful.

Let me know if there is anything that YOU do that is not in the post that makes for a perfect house sitter. Is there something that you wish your house sitter would do when your gone?

Ok on to the eats. I was waiting for it, I know you were too. Something that I love more than anything is OATS! I love me some oatmeal and you know (if you have been a reader of mine for a while) that I have oatmeal for breakfast everyday September through February pretty much. There is just something that rubs me the wrong way about hot oatmeal in the Spring and Summer though....Well, I have fixed that! This morning I give you:

OVERNIGHT OATS! Oh my how they are goooooood, better than regular hot oatmeal if I dare say... This is PERFECT for when you are on the go and have no time for breakfast. I am telling you people....no excuses. My client said to me the other morning "Heather, I just dont have time to make breakfast so I just either dont eat or go to the drive through." GASP! Dude....you have time and lettme tell you why....

You make it the night before, grab n go! Overnight oats, I love you. This is great for me when I am house sitting because I use my own container, my own food and it takes no time for me at all! It allows me more time to tend to the animals, garden and get myself beautified for the day =)

Overnight Oats!

In a container goes:

1/2 cup of oats (any will do)

hand full of dried berries (I like cranberries or raisins)

hand full of nuts or seeds (I used raw sunflower seeds)

1 table spoon of apple butter

Mix and then fill the container with almond milk, milk or water just to where it covers the oats. Give it another good stir and your done! Cover and wait for the goodness in the morning...I topped mine with some strawberry granola and pb and you have the most chewy, creamy goodness you ever thought possible. You can go crazy...add in what you want, it will only make this better. DO. IT. NOW. You will thank me later! If you really wanted to you could make a huge batch and have breakfast for the week! If you use almond milk you have no worries of it going bad. Add in some cottage cheese, egg whites or protein powder and you have yourself a POWER breakfast! Just try it.

Gotta run....I will tell you all about the computer thing another time!

See you soon!
-Heather

comfort with a breeze.

Happy Monday (if that exists!)

Alice from http://www.breezecomfort.com/ was sweet enough to allow me to pick a product! I was siked because a girl like myself can not have too many workout pieces. Especially when it comes to sports bras! I looked at the site and knew exactly which one I was going to pick. This company is extra special and I will tell you why!

Breeze Comfort was founded by a team of women’s wear experts with over 40 years of experience in the designing, manufacturing and distributing of both national and private branded women’s intimate apparel for leading retailers in the United States, Canada and Europe. Their desire is to provide for the needs of female customers. This desire led them to create the worlds first revolutionary ventilated padded bras and sports bra. Drawing on extensive experience, they were able to design a garment which offers a combination of appearance, comfort, breath ability and support; which they believe are the most essential qualities women look for in sports and daily wear. Their goal: to provide women with a product that offers the ultimate comfort and support for their active lifestyles.

I was more than ready to try this bra out when I read this above! Here is the science behind the bra.

The sports bra that I picked was Sports Bra Silver/Black Mountain View. $39.99.

A sports bra with supportive racer-back, keyhole opening back and adjustable hook closure on both sides for customized fit. 100% more breathable than any other padded sports bras.Our patented ventilated bra pads not only provide additional support, but also ultimate breath ability that will keep you cool and well-ventilated during your workout.92% polyester / 8% spandex.

I first noticed that it fit perfectly! When I looked at the size chart I thought "there is a lot of different sizes in the small category". Sure enough, it fit! Having the hook closure on both sides made for a customized fit. I was very pleased. So, I decided to put this baby to the test! I was not about to just give it a 10 until I put it through one of my workouts.

I could tell a difference in about 10 minutes. When I workout I am usually dripping with sweat by the end. To be honest (and I know this sounds weird from me) but I HATE sweating. I do it but only because I have to. My motto is if your not sweating, your not working. You gotta sweat if you want results. Therefore...I SWEAT. I also drink enormous amounts of water so it is easier for me to sweat that others I think. That is what I tell myself anyway. I mean LOOK at the shirt...Ummmmm, yeah...I think the bra qualifies!

Ok so now I want to try the others out!!! I totally give them a 10! SERIOUSLY...if you are looking for a bra that will make working out so much better this is the place to go. They don't just have sports bras. They have regular bras, sports bras AND tankini's! Amazing products!

Thanks Alice for allowing me to try this sports bra out! You guys rock and I am telling everyone about you guys! I am so glad that I found a sports bra with support, a great fit and the added bonus of keeping me dry.

Please visit their site!

www.breezecomfort.com

you wont be sorry you did!

Have a great day and I will see you tomorrow!

-Heather

ramps

Ramps....herd of em?


Well I didnt and Chef Hugh brought me some the other day to try out! I was delighted to have a bag of them sitting at my desk when I got back from errands (I swear the poor guy must think that I run when I know he's coming....It seems that I am never there when he stops in.) Anyway, I was excited and ready to ramp it up when I got home Friday but because of the hell week that I had...I had to use the ramps for Saturday's dinner instead. Hugh gave me enough ramps to not only use for his recipe (amazing!) but to use in another as well. I am always glad to get more than enough to really put the new to me veggie to the test. I got to use ramps two ways....You'll have to read on to see how!



First though let me tell you about this Springy veggie and what it's all about. You know I how I do....

The ramp, sometimes called wild leek, is a wild onion native to North America. Though the bulb resembles that of a scallion, the beautiful flat, broad leaves set it apart. According to John Mariani, author of "The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink," the word ramp comes from "rams," or "ramson," an Elizabethan dialect rendering of the wild garlic. The word is first mentioned in English print in 1530, but was used earlier by English immigrants of the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Ramps grow from South Carolina to Canada, and in many areas they're considered a spring delicacy and even a reason for celebration. West Virginia is well-known for their many festivals and events in celebration of the ramp. The flavor and odor of ramps is usually compared to a combination of onions and garlic, and the garlic odor is particularly strong. Strong enough, in fact, that even ramp-lovers will advise caution. If you sit down to a big meal of ramps, don't be surprised if people continue to keep their distance after a few days have passed! (seriously....I tried them raw and grilled and I am not talking to anyone for two more days!) These little guys are very strong!

Cautions aside, ramps add wonderful and uniquely pungent flavor to soups, egg dishes, casseroles, rice dishes and potato dishes. Use them raw or cooked in any recipe calling for scallions or leeks, or cook them in a more traditional way, scrambled with eggs or fried with potatoes. Since ramps aren't cultivated in the way leeks are, they're much easier to clean. Just cut off roots, rinse thoroughly, and scrub off any excess dirt on the bulbs.
Ramps aren't available for long, but you can chop and freeze them for cooked dishes. The green tops are milder in flavor and are usually used along with the bulbs. I chop about half of the green leaves separately, air-dry them for a few hours then freeze them in an air-tight container for future use as a seasoning.


Here are my ramps blanched for a few minutes before placing on the grill!

mmmmmm, if you know ramps....you know my house smelled like garlic and onions. It still smells of garlic and onion actually.

Here they are grilled! I must admit...Ramps dont really like their photo's taken. I tried! I LOVE that you can eat the whole thing! Just like beets, I eat the greens and the bulbs. After Saturday's side dish I knew that I needed to try the ramps in a different mannor. I will say that I had two chopped in my omlete and it was divine! I also used this recipe from food and wine to make something super special!

White Cheese Pizza with Ramps (Food & Wine)
For the Dough
1 cup all-purpose flour1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon sugar1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
For the Topping
10 ramps or medium scallionsExtra-virgin olive oil, for brushing1 cup coarsely grated fresh mozzarella cheese (4 ounces); see NoteSalt and freshly ground black pepper1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk the flour together with the yeast, salt and sugar. Pour in the water and stir well with a wooden spoon to form a dough. Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth. Transfer the pizza dough to a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let stand in a warm place until the pizza dough has doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
Set a pizza stone on the bottom or on the bottom shelf of the oven and preheat to 500° for at least 30 minutes.
Make the topping: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Blanch the ramps until they are bright green but still al dente, about 1 minute. Drain, pat dry and cut into 1-inch lengths.
Punch down the pizza dough and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Roll out the dough to a 12-inch round, about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle on the grated mozzarella in an even layer. Scatter the blanched ramps over the mozzarella and season lightly with salt and pepper. Top the pizza with the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Slide the pizza from the peel onto the hot stone. Bake for about 8 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the pizza crust is browned and crisp on the bottom. Transfer the pizza to a work surface, cut into wedges and serve right away.


All in all. Ramps are awesome! You can use them anywhere you would shallots, onions or garlic. I am so glad that Hugh introduced me to yet again another amazing food. Even though they have a strong smell and they stick with you far beyond what you would think, I love em. If you love garlic or onions....you'll LOVE ramps. Next time you see them in your local grocery store, grab a bunch, they are worth it!

See you tomorrow!

-Heather

Fun Sundays!

My weekend was a fun filled one for sure! I played a benefit for my neighborhood!

There was a silent auction.

We played a local resturant called The White Tiger. They sell amazing BBQ and homemade truffles. mmmm....
Here's a shot of the whole band live and in action. I really can't think of too many other things that I would rather be doing. I mean, food, friends, music and kids....that's a good time ;)

Everyone loved the nusic and I really enjoyed talking with people that I had never met. Its hard for me to meet a stranger anyway.

This is a quick recap but I wanted to show you guys the Sunday fun I had!

-Heather

The world of Acai lies before me.

I will admit....when there is a fad diet, pill, workout or product I usually just smirk about it and move on. There has been in my lifetime a few things that have come into my life from a "fad" appearance but in fact has been around for ages...I just didnt know about it. Kombucha for example is one of them. All of a sudden I was hearing "kombucha this and kombucha that". I went to the co op and there it was. I got a bottle and tried it. I was hooked and the "fad" kombucha craze came and went in my small town. Yes, the co op still sells it and yes it is still a talked about item but not like before. I now make it myself and wouldn't go a week without my fizzy friend. Acai was the same for me. The first time I herd about the Acai berry was on Oprah. She was raving about the benefits and I was intrigued. Acai seemed to be right next to the Hoodia craze. I remember when they both seemed to be in almost everything (Acai more so than hoodia). I was amazed to see just how many people were excited about this purple berry and what it had to offer. Unlike other diet crazes and fad products this one was actually healthy for you so I decided I would try it out. I then set out to find the best company with the best Acai berries and products to offer. So what is Acai anyway? Well, I will tell you!

Açaí is a Brazilian berry original from the Amazon Region that is considered to be one of nature's most complete and healthy foods. The açaí berry is loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and proteins. Some of the health benefits associated with the acai berry are: increase in sustained energy, healthy cholesterol support, improvement of digestive system, strengthening immune system, among others. Oprah's website described acai as "one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world...", while the book, The Perricone Promise, calls it the "nature's perfect energy fruit."

Why Açaí Roots?Acai Roots is a full line of delicious and healthy acai berry products, formulated to exacting standards by local Brazilians from Rio de Janeiro, who were born and raised on Açaí. Our Açaí is considered the "cream of the crop" of açaí in Brazil. Our wild harvested açaí comes from the State of Para, where Brazil produces its darkest purple, and highest quality of açaí. Açai Roots ™ is simply the best 100% Natural açaí available anywhere! The sustainable harvesting of the acai berry helps protect the Amazon Forest and support local communities. Acai is loaded with antioxidants (considerably more than pomegranate, blueberries and grapes). Antioxidants are molecules that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Acai also carries lots of fibers, healthy monounsaturated fats, iron and amino acids.Acai is considered by many doctors and specialists the most powerful fruit on earth due to its great concentration of antioxidants, essential omegas, proteins, dietary fiber and other vitamins and enzymes. Combined with proper diet and exercise the acai berry can be an outstanding weight loss aid. Acai works very well to help your body function better, process food easier, and burn fat more efficiently. At Acai Roots they promote a whole lifestyle change including regular physical activities (sports), balanced diet with lots of acai in order to obtain significant better health and weight loss. Acai is loaded with antioxidants, about 20 times more than red wine, which helps fight aging. I mean....what more could I ask for?!? I knew when I found Acai Roots I knew that they would be the company to go to for the purest form of Acai. I am just so glad that I did my research!

They are Extremely professional people. Friendly and Fun,very committed to results. There approach is "Whatever it takes" attitude which is the right kinda attitude to have! Their Core Values are * Integrity* Honesty* Persistence* Service* Quality* Results.

Deal! So first up:Organic Acai powder, which made my regular smoothies....spectacular!

Packed with natural potent antioxidants and healthy omegas from the Amazon Rain forest, our pure acai powder pouches are a great way to take your daily antioxidants, and boost your energy naturally. Unlike other acai berry extracts (4:1), Acai Roots Pure freeze dried acai powder is extracted from the acai berry using cutting edge low temperature technology, which preserves the majority of antioxidants and nutrients found in the acai berry. Other extracts are not as effective because they utilize heat (spray drying) along with additional carriers, causing the elimination of most health benefits of the acai berry. Our organic freeze dried powder is the ideal to make smoothies, mix with your favorite juice or even water. Also available in capsules and energy concentrate.
Benefits
Antioxidants
Natural Energy
Polyphenols
Omegas (3,6,9)
Trace Minerals
Vitamins
Essential Amino Acids
Suggested Uses
Smoothies
Shakes
Yogurt
Granola
Desserts
Coffee Applications
Tea Applications

It was awesome and made my smoothie dream worthy!

1/2 cup Almond Milk (vanilla)

1 table spoon of Acai powder

1 cup of blueberries

1 handful of spinach

1/2 cup of greek yogurt

ice and a dash of cinnamon

That easy but oh so good!

Next up was the Acai pills! I have been totally spoiled by Acai Roots and they have given me some GREAT things. I LOVED the Acai in pill form!

Pure Acai Powder in pills - made with the highest quality Pure Freeze Dried Acai Powder, our Açaí Capsules are on the most convenient ways to take your antioxidants. Packed with natural potent antioxidants and healthy omegas from the Amazon Rainforest, our pure acai capsules are a great and convenient way to take your daily antioxidants, and boost your energy naturally. Unlike other acai berry extracts (4:1), Acai Roots Pure freeze dried acai is extracted from the acai berry using cutting edge low temperature technology, which preserves the majority of antioxidants and nutrients found in the acai berry. Other extracts are not as effective because they utilize heat (spray drying) along with additional carriers, causing the elimination of most health benefits of the acai berry.
Benefits
Antioxidants
Natural Energy
Polyphenols
Omegas (3,6,9)
Trace Minerals
Essential Amino Acids
Features
Convenient Tablets
High concentration of antioxidants
Supports Weight Loss
No Caffeine or Sugar
No Carriers or Preservatives
Pure Freeze Dried Acai Powder in Caps

I started taking these right away and could tell a difference in about three days. It's no joke...great energy and a great product. Especially if you are on the go and don't have time to make a smoothie or Acai bowl.

Last but certainly not least they have these handy little guys. Acai Roots™ nex4 Acai Energy Shot is a refreshing and naturally energetic combination of some of the most powerful and exotic Super Foods on Earth: Açaí + Acerola + Green Tea + Guaraná. Packed with antioxidants, natural energy and vitamins, nex4™ provides sustained natural energy.Take your nex4™ hours to the nex4™ level!
Why?
Antioxidants
Natural Energy
Polyphenols
Omegas (3,6,9)
Essential Amino Acids
Trace Minerals
Vitamins
When?
Take a shot Before Work
Take a shot Before Workout
Take a shot Before Class
Take a shot Before Party
Take a shot On the GO
Take a shot Next day
Take your day to nex4Lev

Ok, so I dont really need to take energy shots. Anyone that knows me knows that I am a energy freak! I have enough energy for two people! I did however try these and it gave me a different type of energy. I was very scared honestly. I had the bottle in my hand and thought "what if I drink this and it has me jacked up for hours." Flashes of truck stops and "5 hour energy shots" while on tour with my rock band was going through my head. Back in the day I would guzzle one of those to get through weeks (literally) of no sleep and to drive though the night or get through a show. Dude...so glad those days are over. Fun, yes but never again. Needless to say this was not trucker speed. This was a vitamin that had some great living elements. I felt really good all day and also felt as though I could concentrate better. This is just me though :)

Acai Roots Rocks! If you are lookin to add some Acai into your life and dont know where to go for the purest form, this is it! Go to:

www.acairoots.com

They have so much information on their site! It is loaded with info, recipes, products and links. You will not have one question un answered once you go to the site. They worked with me very well. The customer service was outstanding and Rodrigo was awesome. I got my box in the mail quickly and I know that if I needed him I would get a response in no time. Let me know if you have tried Acai before and what company you like...If you haven't already tried Acai Roots...you should! I am turning purple as we speak! It's not just a berry...it's a lifestyle.

-Heather

Gettin Beach Ready!

This week is flying by! I am so glad too. I am ready for it to be over really. I have a show this weekend that I am looking forward to and after that I will be house sitting for two whole weeks. I am going to pack it up and move in to a wonderful house on the other side of town to take care of a pup and a kitty. Since I don't have a pet anymore :(

I will be able to pretty much spend all my time at the new place for the next two weeks. My schedule will be a bit different for the time being but it will be worth it because I could use the extra cash! I am always the one that people turn to when they need a house sitter. That makes me feel good because that means that they trust that I will take care of their home and fur babies. I am house sitting for someone that I never even met before! Today I will go to the house and get the low down. The lady that I am house sitting for is a writer so she spends most of her time at home. This is why it is important for me to basically live there. She wants her pets to get the same amount of attention. I have no problem with this. As long as she has Internet connection, I am fine. I have been watching too much t.v. lately anyway. I am going to try and treat this time as a vacation of sorts! I love house sitting so this will be fun. She has a huge garden that I will be in charge of as well as the two animals. My days will be pretty packed going back and forth to two homes and trying to do everything else. The goal....May 29th, done with house sitting and enough money to pay for the hotel for my upcoming beach trip!!! That's right! I am going to the beach! I go to the beach at least once a year. Last year however wasn't really a beach vacation trip. I did get to go to the beach but it was for a wedding and I was in charge of a lot so I didn't get the relaxing beachy fun that I am use to. This year will be special...Because it is going to be a GIRLS trip!!! Karen and I are going to the beach! Watch out, were coming.

Of course having a beach trip planned in less than a month makes me happy and it also makes me nervous. Since K and I will be going on our first trip together you better believe that I will be taking pictures! LOTS of them! I know that there will be many beach photos and well bathing suit season is NOW. This gives the two of us a goal (30 days) and something to not only look forward to but work for. I have been kinda not feeling the gym lately but that is because usually I have a goal or some sort of challenge that I am doing. So far this Spring, no challenge and no goal. That has left me feeling like my work outs are pointless. I know that this is silly but some of us need something to work towards. I have been working out and health and fitness has been a priority for years now. I almost always have something that I am trying to do in the gym. Whether that be beating my personal best, loosing 5 pounds or gaining muscle, I always have a plan. Not so this time around. Now that I have a beach trip planned you better believe I have no problem turning up the workouts and getting ready for that bathing suit. Do you ever worry about wearing a bathing suit? Even if you are a "normal" weight/size? My friends and family always pick at me and say things like "Why are you worried about a bathing suit!?!" Well, it just goes to show that we all have our insecurities and we all have to get threw them. Yes, the idea of putting on a bikini does kinda freak me out but that doesn't mean that I will not go to the beach or wear one. That just means in order for me to feel good in one I have to work for it. That paired with knowing that vacations usually involve drinking and eating galore (dont think I wont be splurging!) The great thing about the weather getting warmer is that it is so much easier for me to stick to a healthy fruit and veggie rich diet. There is nothing better to me than fresh in season fruits and veggies! So what have I been enjoying lately other than the fantastic products you have herd me raving about? Well...I will show you!

Breakfast:

Greek yogurt, granola and berries! Blackberries are oh so good right now!

Snacks:

Apple and PB2

or hummus and celery or Pure raw food bars.

I usually have all three of these spread out throughout the day. I have been trying to have some good carbs before and after my workouts.

Lunches: Mary's gone Crackers and some kind of toppings. This is fresh radishes from Shelly's garden and a "cream cheese" dill spread made with tofu. I will be posting this recipe later this week!

Dinner: Kale Salads curried no-egg salads.

I posted the recipe yesterday and this just goes to show you that you really can load up the simple recipe that I gave you with almost anything. This version chopped apple, walnuts, chives and curry powder. It is the perfect match in my book for my sesame kale salad.

Now that you have seen what is on my summer menu this week, what are you eating? Is there a food or food group that you tend to only eat during the warmer months?

I gotta run but will see you for FRIDAY! I cant wait!

-Heather