Re-purpose Your Coffee Grounds

Re-purpose Your Coffee Grounds 

We are a coffee loving family!  We mostly have used a single-serve coffee machine over the years.  On occasion we used a French Press or a pour over for something different. The issue is, for the best tasting coffee a French Press can't be beat.  We recently purchased  a Smeg Kettle and a French Press. While it takes a little longer to brew than a K-cup, the wait is worth it. The flavor of the brew is phenomenal and so much more rewarding.

But wait, what do we do with the coffee grounds? We can just throw away the used K-cup, but it ends up in the landfill.  Rather than just dumping the grounds into the trash where they also end up in the landfill or down your kitchen drain which can cause plumbing issues, there are better ways to dispose of them. 

  A couple of ways to re-purpose your grounds are:

*  Turn them into a healthy and earth conscious fertilizer.  This will improve the ability of the plants to retain nutrients and supply additional nitrogen for improved growth. You can also spread them on your lawn or throw them in your compost pile if you are lucky enough to have one.

* Homemade hair and face products. A coffee body scrub can exfoliate and stimulate dry skin.

*Deodorize your fridge. Place a bowl of dried coffee grounds to eliminate unwanted odors.

Thank you for reading!

Be kind.

Judd

Breathe-Increase Your Prana

 

Take a deep breath right now. Are your shoulders raising?

If your shoulders are raising when breathing instead of your belly, you are probably shallow breathing or thoracic breathing.  Being a shallow breather can lead to a long list of health issues.  Stress leads to shallow breath, shallow breath leads to a constant state of stress.  Not good!  It deprives your muscles and joints of oxygen, which leads to tightness, chronic pain and stiffness.  It can also lead to sleep apnea, insomnia and restlessness.  In other words, a crappy sleeper.

We must reteach our bodies to breathe.  Belly breathing or diaphragmatically is the most beneficial way to go.  Watch how a baby breathes, its belly rises and falls.  Try drawing air in through your nose into your lungs and expand your belly, like a baby.  You will be getting more well needed oxygen that your body can use.

Meditation requires intentional breath work.  The more you focus on how your mind and body feel when breathing, the more it will become naturally.  You will feel better and know how to calm yourself in stressful situations.

In yoga, the Sanskrit word for breath or life force is "Prana"

In living beings, Prana is considered to be responsible for the body's life, heat, health and maintenance.  Prana is the force behind life itself.  Increase your Prana through the Five Elements.

Start practicing to belly breath and feel the difference.

Go deep!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Please get your vaccination and wear a mask.

Judd 

Vitamin N

 

All vitamins and minerals are very important and essential for proper health.  Vitamin N is one that is probably overlooked more than any other.  Vitamin N is essentially a prescription to spend more time in nature. Vitamin "Nature" makes us feel great.  It is why when the sun comes out everyone jumps for joy and heads outside.  Did you know Nature can heal your over-stressed brain, but just how much Vitamin N do we need?  Spending just 10 minutes 2-3 times per week in nature can really make a difference in how you feel.

Here's 5 ways nature can help you be a better you:

*Nature clears your head: A 90 minute walk in a natural environment has a positive impact with lower levels of anxiety and obsessive worry.

*It improves your mood and lowers stress: All types of green exercise activities improve self-esteem and combats negative moods like anger, tension and depression.   

*It spurs creativity: Are you stressing about a big project or exam, take a walk in the woods.  Problem solving skills are thought to originate in the same area of the brain as we use for selective attention and threat detection.  Researchers are concerned that our ability to think creatively is being overwhelmed by the constant stimulus of digital and indoor life.

*It improves your immune system: Sick of getting sick?  Walking in nature has been found to increase our natural killer cell activity.  Natural killer cells are our bodies weapons against invading bacteria and viruses. 

*You're less likely to snack on unhealthy foods: Being more active means decreased likelihood of overeating while being sedentary.

Have you ever heard of "Forest Bathing"?  

For more reading: Why we need Nature

Grab some hydration and go take a walk.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Vitamin A

 

Vitamin A

Pre-formed vitamin A exists only in animal products.  What does a plant-based eater need to do?  There are about 50 carotenoids from plants that the body can convert into Vitamin A, the most common being beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene is an anti-oxidant which fights free radicals, especially in the brain which is mostly fat.  Studies have shown that anti-oxidants through diet helps people's immune systems protect against free radicals and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Vitamin A deficiency begins with night blindness and can progress to more serious complications.  I guess that is why our parents wanted us to eat those carrots!   Also this deficiency reduces the ability to fight off infections and why it is important in building good red blood cell formation.   Animal products like beef, lamb and goose liver are very high in Vitamin A.  The problem is Vitamin A is fat-soluble and is stored in our liver which can be toxic.  The body limits the amount of beta-carotene converted to Vitamin A and only uses what is needed.  So, if  the body has too much beta-carotene in its system and doesn't need it as A, it will store it as beta-carotene until needed.  This will help keep the liver from becoming toxic.  Plants to the rescue!  Our body needs approximately 700-900 RAE(retinol activity equivalent) each day for optimal nutrition.  

Some Plants High in Beta-carotene:

Sweet potato...1/2 cup baked...961  RAE

Pumpkin...1/2 cup canned...953 RAE

Carrots...1/2 cup boiled...665 RAE

Butternut Squash...1/2 cup baked cubes...572 RAE

Carrot juice...1/4 cup...564 RAE

Spinach...1/2 cup cooked...472 RAE

Collard greens...1/2 cup cooked...386 RAE

Broccoli... 1/2 cup boiled...120 RAE

By adding a source of healthy fat such as avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds with these foods help your body to absorb the beta-carotene.   Try blending carrot juice with full-fat coconut milk(canned) and ginger!

Have  great week.

Be kind.

WEAR YOUR MASK!

Judd

Recommended Reading 12/06/20

 

It's time for the final 2020 reading recommendations.  2020 has been quite the year, to say the least.  Please just remember all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you.  Many have been through loss and suffering, but hopefully there will be healing and prosperity ahead for all of us.  

Let's get started with the obvious, the pandemic.  We all know that this outgoing administration has not been implementing the best practices to deal with this crisis.  We all need to look at the big picture and sacrifice our personal freedoms and start wearing a MASK! Stay 6 feet from each other and quit bitching about our freedoms are being taken away.

Life is Almost Back to Normal in Melbourne Australia

Denmark and Sweden Responded Differently

Health and Wellness

5 Mental Health Mantras for the Holidays

Just in time for the New Year: How To Form Healthy Habits That Stick

With the Holiday feasts coming up, besides stopping when you are 80% full, here's how to: Banish the Bloat,  

Crazy Shit

Does your poop float?

What is the purpose of this decision? Climate Denier to Pick Medal of Science Winner

Environment

Build Back Better a Climate Plan

Every Major Bank Says No to Funding Arctic Drilling

Bye Exxon!

A Step in the Right Direction for the Unsustainable Factory Farming Industry 

Have a great week

WEAR YOUR MASK

Judd

Vegan Irish Soda Bread

For a dense and hearty bread to enjoy by the slice or with a soup try this Vegan Irish Soda Bread.

This recipe is from the Thug Kitchen:

1-1/2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk ( I used Homemade Oat Milk)

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

2 cups oat flour ( just grind up whole oats in a food processor)

2 cups whole wheat flour.

2 tsps baking soda.

1/2 tsp salt

2 tb olive oil

Preheat oven to 400'

Mix together the milk and vinegar and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda and salt. 

Pour in the milk mixture and oil.

Stir until you've got a dough ball going, adding milk or flour if needed.

Form the dough into a loafish shape and put it in a greased or parchment lined loaf pan.

Bake for 45 minutes, until crust looks golden.

Take it out and let it cool.

Ready to slice.

THIS IS A VERY HEAVY DENSE BREAD.

For a great topping, why not homemade jam.

For a quick delicious jam, try this Raspberry Chia Jam from Blue Zones:

1-1/2 cups Organic Raspberries or Blackberries

2 tbs honey

2 tbs Chia seeds

In a small sauce pan, cook down the berries on medium heat until they break down. About 5 minutes, remove from heat and mash the berries. Add the honey, stir in the chia seeds. Let set for about 5 minutes to thicken.  Transfer to a glass jar and refrigerate.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

WASH YOUR HANDS.

Judd

Recommended Reading 03/08/20

Let's get started with the:

Environment

These articles are all from Globalcitizen.org:

Why the heck is Los Angeles dumping 96 million black balls into a reservoir?  Sounds pretty interesting.

This article is a couple of years old, but still relevant today as it is very important.  We seriously need to do something about our plastic problem:  10 Plastic Pollution Facts 

Ditch the plastic bottles and Save the Environment and drink tap water.  Tap water may not be the healthiest choice, but tap water is 3500 times less expensive than bottled water.  My choice is 1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan Salt , 1 "Zinger" tea bag added to 1 gallon of distilled water.

On the environmental technology side introducing "Tidal" , from the "X" Company.  Humanity is pushing the ocean past its breaking point and soon there will more plastic than fish.

Health and Wellness

Our liver is critical for healthy functioning of our body.  Do you need a liver cleanse?

For your health and the world's: 9 Reasons to Eat More Plant-based Foods in 2020.

This is the only type of seafood I consume, Kelp:The Oceanic Plant with Skin, Health & Thyroid Benefits

Beans, beans are good for your heart, the more you eat...the longer you live! From Blue Zones: A Cup of Beans Every Day.

The foods you choose for breakfast are crucial for giving your muscles and brain what they need to perform at optimal level:  2 Perfect Breakfasts for Blood Sugar Balance.

From the Center for Nutrition Studies: Living a Whole Food Plant-Based Life

Videos

The Amazing Way Bicycles Can Change You

Vegan Bacon Double Cheeseburger!!

LIVE LIKE A PLANT

Fresh air & sunshine

Strong Support Systems

Minimize Weeds & Toxins

Keep Moving & Reaching

You Don't Have To Get There Fast

Have a great week.

Be Kind.

Judd

The Power of Cumin

 Cumin is an age-old seed and spice which originated in India but is used in culinaries around the world.  It is mentioned in the Bible, the Koran and in Sanskrit.  In ancient Egypt, it was used medicinally in the process of preserving mummies.  Cumin is a low-growing leafy plant in the same family as carrots and parsley. Commonly grown in China and India, it is found in Egypt, Eastern Mediterranean and Mexico.  You can find it in many colors in ground and whole seed form at most all grocery stores.  Besides being a very strong flavoring in foods, it has many healthy benefits including:

*May improve digestion: by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes, speeding the digestion process, it increases the releasing of bile in the gut.  By just adding a half teaspoon of ground cumin to organic yogurt helps the gut biome.

*Blood sugar management: supports healthy blood sugar levels and helps in decreasing glucose for diabetics.

*Lowers risk of Iron-deficiency Anemia: 1 tsp has 1.4 mg of iron, a great way to help acquiring your RDA of 17-20 mg.

*Lowers cholesterol: Cumin has lipid lowering agents which maintains healthy levels of cholesterol.  To achieve better results add cumin with lime to supercharge it(homemade Guacamole) 

*Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral: food borne illnesses are becoming more prevalent and the properties of cumin help in fighting infections, acting as a disinfectant.

*Boosts immunity: high in Vitamin C and A, (antioxidants)it stimulates the function of and activity of white blood cells.  All of which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Cumin is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals:

Iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, potassium and phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, A,C,E,K and B6.

For a healthy drink and a great way to flush out toxins, start your day with a glass of Jeera water.

Bring a quart of filtered water and 2 tsps of whole organic cumin seeds to a boil, let boil for 15-20 minutes.  Strain seeds and let set to room temperature. Enjoy.

Amsterdam Rice

Amsterdam Rice

While in Amsterdam this past May, we were blessed with awesome daily food choices from the Marriott's  "M" lounge.   This is our take on a dish we call "Amsterdam Rice".

  

You will need:

1- 16 oz Extra Firm Tofu

Soyaki or Teriyaki Sauce for marinating.

1- Vegetable bouillon cube.

3-combo of yellow squash and zucchini.

1-sweet onion.

2-3 colorful combo bell peppers.

olive oil.

salt and pepper.

Cut tofu into 3/4" cubes and marinate in teriyaki sauce, flipping several times for 30 minutes,

Bake at 350' for 45 minutes, flipping every 15 minutes.

Largely dice squash, zucchini, bell peppers and onions.

Once tofu is done (unless you have 2 ovens) toss veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake at 450' for 30 minutes, flipping a few times.

Prepare 1 cup of rinsed Jasmine rice according to direction,  using 1 cube of vegetable bouillon for flavoring.  When rice is done, stir in 1 tsp turmeric.  

In a large serving bowl mix all ingredients together.

This makes approximately 6 servings.

ENJOY

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-

to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love"

Marcus Aurelius

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Go green.

Judd

Recommended Reading 06/01/19

I recently finished reading a book by New York Times bestselling author Bill McKibben, who founded 350.org, the first global citizens movement to combat climate change. The book: "Falter" is the latest of his writings, his call to arms to save our faltering planet and possibly humankind,  While it may seem depressing of what we have done to our beautiful planet, it gives hope that we can at least slow down the destruction process and still have hope for a great future.  There is no "Planet b", we must change the way we are headed.

"We're the only creature who can decide not to do something we're capable of doing.  That's are superpower, even if we exercise it so rarely.  Because we can destroy, but also because we can decide not to destroy.

This is a must read.

This month, the post will be all about Climate Emergency.   Recommended articles, podcasts, etc. pertaining to our environment, food production and how are choices are either helping or hurting our lives and our planet.

It is hard for me to comprehend that there are those who don't believe in "climate change".  Most of those who don't are either burying their heads in the sand or get misguided information from those like: The Top 10 Climate Deniers.  Here are "12 Excuses for Climate Inaction and How to Refute Them".  

The easiest way to help in combating climate change is moving to a plant-based diet.  Change Your Diet to Combat Climate Change in 2019.   Animal agriculture is not a sustainable industry and is the second largest contributor to greenhouse emissions.  Industrial animal agriculture is at the heart of our environmental crisis.  5 Ways to Eating More Plant-Based Foods  Benefits The Environment .  To feed the ever increasing population we must first change the way we farm our lands.  Without efforts to rebuild soil health, we could lose our ability to grow enough nutritious food to feed the planet's population.

I understand that this some disheartening information to read about.  What is our other options?  We have the power to change the way we live our lives.  We are capable of doing great things together.  The human project has long been a group effort.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Earth Day 2019

Earth Day should be a National Holiday

Sign the petition here

Our planet and the life we know environmentally is under attack.  There is no denying that climate change is a REAL thing.  We as the human species are in the midst of the 6th mass extinction and we are the cause.  It is said we have 12 Years to Make the Change, and even though the United States opted out of the Paris Climate Agreement, many states and companies are still targeting to do what they can in the fight to curb climate change.  New ideas to address the issue are happening every day and in more States, like Minnesota and even NYC.

We must all do our part: 

*Change to a plant-based diet, how much water is involved in your 1/4 lb burger?

*Drive less, consolidate your errands.  Take public transportation if available.

Ditch the single use plastic bags! USE RECYCLED GROCERY BAGS, not only do they hold more items they come in so many different designs.  And very reasonable in price, starting at 99 cents.

Turn the A/C off when possible and let clean fresh air cleanse your house of stale, stagnant oxygen.

Just get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of Mother Earth.

Let's celebrate Earth Day all the time.

Have a great week.

Be kind. 

Judd

Just The Flax

What if there was a nutrient-packed super food which costs pennies a day that greatly reduce the risks of death by heart disease, cancer and many other life threatening conditions?  Would you take it?

The good news is there is! Welcome to the amazing, nutritional/medicinal potential of flax seeds

Flax seeds have been consumed for at least 6000 years, making them one of the first cultivated super foods.  It is one of the richest source of ALA omega 3 fatty acids and also seven times the amount of lignans than sesame seeds.  Both of these benefit the body by improving digestion(high fiber), skin and cardiovascular health, cholesterol and hormone balance and fighting cancer.  Just a tablespoon of ground flax per day is all you need to reap the wonderful benefits. Some ways to consume flax is sprinkling a couple of tablespoons on morning oatmeal and fruit, add some to your whole grain baking and even use a flax "egg" as a egg replacement  in your Vegan Lentil Loaf,  

Here's a great article from "Worlds Healthiest Foods:  Health Benefits

Have a great week.

Judd

Recommended Reading 02/03/19

Lizzie says;  It's recommended reading time!

I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I do.

The first recommendation reminds me of when were living in Lexington, Ky.  We had a mobile auto detailing service which meant in the cold winter(salt and slush on the roads) months we still worked, outside in the elements.  I was known around town as the crazy guy that wore shorts all winter long, as far being interviewed on a local television station.  We Salute You Guy Wearing Shorts All Winter

While we are on the subject of extreme weather, here's a short video from Jimmy Kimmel show where two young kids "break down climate change for Donald Trump"   One more from Outside Online: The Difference Between Weather and Climate.  Sixteen year old Swede GretaThunberg tells it like it is in this TEDx talk,

On to nutrition:

 the FDA is having an issue with what exactly is milk. The Smithsonian has a great article on: Nut Milks are Milk, Says Almost Every Culture Across The Globe,  also here's my take on Milk DOESN'T Do A Body Good.  Call it "dairy crack", dairy producers have found a way to keep you coming back for more: Why Its So Hard To Give Up Cheese.  If you are plant-based, here is a healthier alternative to bone broth: Vegetable Mineral Broth.  Animal food production is not sustainable,  The Way We Eat Could Doom Us As Species.

On to exercise:

Training starts when you throw your laziness in the trash.  David Goggins: The Cure To Laziness

You don't need to go to the gym to get strong: Seven Underrated Body Moves.

Or at least get a Kettlebell: Master The Turkish Get-Up

"Forget everything else. Keep hold of this alone and remember it;  Each of us lives only now, this brief instant. The rest has been lived already, or is impossible to see"  Marcus Aurelius

BELIEVE IN 

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

"The Sanctum" Vegan Cafe

I am happy to announce this weeks guest post will be from our daughter Briana.

You can follow her for all things "Lifestyle" at The Young Sophisticate

Last weekend, we made our usual monthly trip to Winter Park to shop for groceries at Trader Joe’s but this time, we first stopped at The Sanctum Café. The Sanctum is one of several vegan restaurants that have popped up in the Orlando area which is super exciting.

THE ATMOSPHERE

Right when we arrived, there was a jazz quartet playing music outside on the patio but it was a little too windy to sit outside, so we waited a few minutes for seats at one of the long, communal tables. I love sitting at communal tables, which are an especially common thing in New York City but something I haven’t seen much of in other states. I’m happy to see this trend is catching on because it makes you feel a lot more connected to your surroundings and the other people at the restaurant, who clearly share a love for good vegan food.

The decor vibe was a little bit like a subdued, industrial farmhouse. They have a big decorative wall lined in various burlap sacks and a cute little bar area with pretty tile. 

THE FOOD

Since we went on Sunday, we ordered from the brunch menu, but want to go back and try lunch or dinner or even their “Zen Hour” which is like Happy Hour but with healthier bites. We ordered two buffalo burritos (our take on the recipe below) and an open-faced ‘egg salad’ sandwich made with tofu as well as fresh squeezed orange juice and a ginger kombucha from the tap. We ended the meal by splitting a brownie dubbed “the best damn vegan brownie”. I have to say it was a really good, fudgy brownie but I think my brownies are still the best damn vegan brownies 

THE RECIPE

Turmeric tofu scramble, organic potato, tempeh, carrot, celery, coconut bacon, buffalo sauce, avocado ranch dressing.

For the tofu scramble:

1-16 oz Extra Firm tofu.

3 large organic potatoes.

1-2 cups diced red,yellow, green bell peppers.

 1 small onion diced.

In a large skillet(cast iron preferably) slowly heat the diced onions in a small amount of  oil until softened.  Add the diced bell peppers. Let simmer, while you cut the potatoes into 1/2 -3/4 inch sized cubes.  Add the potatoes to skillet, turning up the heat to medium/high and let cook until they are tender.  Add salt and pepper. Cover to cook more evenly.  In another skillet, on medium heat, add oil and crumble the tofu block into chunks.  Sprinkle with turmeric, smoked paprika, salt and pepper,  Mix together until tofu is consistently the color of scrambled eggs. Heat for a few minutes and add together with the potatoes and bell peppers.  Sprinkle a several large tablespoons of Nutritional Yeast on top for a wonderful healthy cheesy flavor.

For the coconut bacon:

3 cups Organic Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

2 Tb. Maple syrup

2 Tb. Raw Coconut Aminos*

or

Bragg's Amino Acids*

1 Tb. Sesame Oil

1 Tb. Liquid Smoke

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. smoked paprika

Preheat oven to 350'

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until coconut flakes are well coated.

Spread flakes on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Stir and cook for 10-15 more minutes making sure they don't burn.

Remove from oven and let cool to get crispy.

For the tempeh:

Cut the tempeh into 1/2 inch cubes. Bring a few inches of water(enough to cover tempeh) to a boil in a pot.  Add the cubed tempeh and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.  Drain all the water.  Heat two tbsp of  olive or coconut oil over medium heat in a large skillet and brown the tempeh on all sides.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Combine the cooled tempeh in a large bowl with the vegan mayonnaise/ chipolte seasoning making sure it is evenly coated.

Combine the tofu scramble, coconut bacon and tempeh and wrap it up in a large tortilla of your choice!

Buffalo Tofu Burrito and Open-Faced "Tofu-Egg" salad sammie

Fresh juices and kombucha on tap!

If you are in the Orlando or Winter Park area, check out The Sanctum Cafe. You will be happy you did. 

BELIEVE IN
KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Year End Quotes

"Change in the world comes from individuals,  from the inner peace in individual hearts.  Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects"  Dalai Lama

2018 is slipping away and a New Year is on the horizon.  I am striving that my actions will make meaningful changes in my life.  Those actions will become the hope of a better life and relationship with those I love.  By being a better "me", possibly I can contribute to creating a better world.

Motivational quotes are great, but we need to put those thoughts into action.  Motivation only lasts until we do something about it.   By putting those words into "action" is when they became beneficial.

Not in any given order here are some of my favorite quotes:  

Enjoy

"Remember that time complaining got you somewhere? Yeah, me neither.  Nothing beats planning, persistance and hard work.  Joe DeSena

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks"  John Muir

"Before you heal someone, ask him if he's willing to give up the things that made him sick" Hippocrates

"Only those who risks going to far can possibly find out how far they can go" T.S.Lewis

"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver" Mahatma Gandhi

"The only real stumbling block is the fear of failure.  In cooking you've got to have a what the-the-hell attitude"  Julia Child

"Just keep in mind: the more we value things outside our control, the less control we have"  Epictetus

"It's not about being perfect.  It's about being the best you at this moment."

"We're here on this planet for a short time.  Let's get some shit done while we're here."  Joe DeSena

"If it is not right, do not do it.  If it is not true, do not say it"  Marcus Aurelius

"Let each thing you would do, say or intend, be like that of a dying person"  Marcus Aurelius

"It's not what happens to somebody, it's what they do as a result of it"  John Joseph

"The mind is everything..what you think you become"  Buddha

"Obstacles don't block the path.  They are the path"  Spartan Creed

"Let not your mind run on what you lack as much as on what you have already"  Marcus Aurelius

"Your mind as an obstacle is harder to overcome than any physical challenge.  It's not possible to outrun it.  But you can exhaust it into submission."  Spartan Creed

"Sure you can dream of success.  Or you can get your ass up and go make it happen."  Joe DeSena

"Since the Universe has no center, you can't be the center of it."

"We don't abandon our pursuits because we despair of ever perfecting them"  Epictetus

"The best revenge is not to be like your enemy"  Marcus Aurelius

"Looking backwards fucks with your neck" Gary Vanyerchuk

"Each morning we are born again.  What we do today is what matters most"  Buddha

"Ask yourself at every moment, Is this necessary?"  Marcus Aurelius

"Never cease to act because you fear you may fail"  Queen Lili'uokalani

"The mind is a fertile garden that will grow what you choose, weeds or flowers."  Bruce Lee 

For every stranger you see, imagine this person is carrying their own struggles, griefs, losses, triumphs and sense of adventure as a child.  

When you see them say, "just like me"  Notice what happens.

What's past is past, nothing can change that.  But the future can be different if we choose to make it so.  We have to cultivate a vision of a happier, more peaceful future and make the effort now to bring it about.  This is no time for complacency, hope lies in the actions we take.

May 2019 be a new beginning for how I can be a better "me" so we can be a better "us.

Peace

Have a Happy New Year

Judd

Recommended Reading 12/02/18

The year is almost over and here is the latest list of recommendations.

Lets get started with wellness

Here's another reason to change to a plant-based diet: Superbugs Found in More Then 3/4 of Supermarkets Meat. 

If you are not a coffee lover you might want to give this a try.  (I like both!);Better than coffee? Yerba Matte

A great article from Forks Over Knives on how a woman battling MS changed her diet and her life.

For a quick healthy dessert: Berry Chocolate Chia Pudding.

We all need this: Secrets To Cultivating a Happier Life by Kris Carr.

Next up environmental news

What's going on with all the fires out west: 6 Trends to Know About Fire Season in The Western U.S.

Spread the word: protecting mangroves has never been more important: Share The Facts About Mangroves

More corporations need to follow Patagonia's example: Our Urgent Gift to the Planet

For the long reads:

Racing Across Antarctica

Explorers of The Underground,NYC

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

Crock Pot Bread

This has got to be the easiest bread to make.  It just might be on the Thanksgiving dinner table!

Crock Pot Bread

* 2.25 teaspoon or 1 envelope active dry yeast.

* 1 tb sugar( I used coconut palm sugar).

* 1.5 cup of lukewarm water.

*3.75 cups of all-purpose or whole wheat flour.

1 tb olive or melted coconut oil.

1 tsp sea salt.

Line a large crock pot/slow cooker with parchment paper.  Set on high temperature.

Combine yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Add water and continue to stir until combined.

Add flour, oil and salt.

Hand mix until dough begins to form.

Put dough on working surface and knead for least 5 minutes, until dough is soft and smooth.

IF dough is sticky, add a bit of flour at a time, continue to knead.

Place the dough ball in heated crock pot. 

Cover and cook for 2 hours or until golden brown.

Remove bread and parchment paper, place on baking sheet.

Put in oven on "broil" for 2 minutes for a golden brown top.

Remove from oven and let cool for 20-30 minutes.

Cut and serve.

BELIEVE IN 

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd