Breakfast in Bed: Nutty for You Rice Porridge

Ingredients:
½ cup long-grain brown rice
1 cup almond milk
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
½ Fuji apple, chopped (Fuji apples are best for their texture and sweet taste, but you may use any type)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Directions:
Place rice, milk and nutmeg in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cover pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer for approximately 45 minutes. Top with chopped nuts, ground flaxseed, and apple. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve hot.
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Light & Easy Late Lunch: Grilled Salmon Salad with Be-My-Honey Lime Dressing

Ingredients:
4 wild salmon fillets (4 to 6 ounces each)
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 cup radicchio
2 cups endive or romaine lettuce
1 cup fresh pineapple slices
1 cup fresh mango slices
½ cup red onion, sliced
2 leek bulbs, sliced (peel off and discard outer leaves; wash leeks thoroughly)
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Cooking spray
Dressing Ingredients:
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp. honey
1 tbsp. chopped fresh mint
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions:
Preheat grill to high heat. Make a tray out of heavy-duty foil large enough for the salmon fillet. Spray entire inside of foil tray liberally with cooking spray. Drizzle fillet with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place salmon on hot grill and cook (covered) for 10 minutes per 1 inch thickness (turning is not necessary). Salmon is done when it turns a light pink color throughout and feels firm when pressed gently with the back of a fork. Remove salmon from grill and cover to keep warm. Clean grill.
Place vegetables and fruit on grill (or you may use a sauté pan). Heat on both sides for about 2 minutes, just so they are slightly limp. Place all ingredients on a platter or in individual bowls, drizzle with dressing (directions follow) and top with grilled salmon.
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Be-My-Honey Lime Dressing
Combine lime juice, honey, mint, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add olive oil in a slow stream, whisking until blended. Store in a glass container in the refrigerator with a tight-fitting lid for up to 1 week.
Indulgent Dessert: It Takes Two to Mango Sorbet

Ingredients:
¼ cup natural sweetener (SweetLIFE™)
¾ cup water
2 ripe mangoes (about ½ pound each)
Juice of 1 lime
Directions:
Combine sweetener and water in a small saucepan and place on stove over low heat. Stir until sweetener dissolves completely and syrup is clear. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Peel mangoes and cut away from pit. Combine mangoes, lime juice and syrup in a blender or food processor; blend until completely smooth (about 30 seconds). Cover and refrigerate until cold or overnight. Remove from refrigerator; stir chilled mixture and freeze in an ice cream freezer. (Follow manufacturer’s instructions.) Serve and enjoy.

Love is intelligent
“Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Love is intelligent? I never thought of it that way before. The word love is over used and misunderstood in our society. I was told I must love and respect others but nobody told me I needed to love myself too. The notions that were enforced in my upbringing and my education were, listen to your elders, obey your teachers, respect your parents, mind your manners, and watch your peas and ques. The list goes on and nowhere along the way did anyone explain what love was or what it meant. The reason for this is you can’t give something that you don’t have yourself. The quote from the bible “love thy neighbour as thy self” was thrown around. The neighbour part was the part of that you had better listen too! Or else! In school we were taught about mathematics, social studies which consisted of learning where a place was in the world by coloring each country a different color. You could not use the same color twice and heaven help you if you strayed out of the lines. We were taught about all the wars that were fought for us and we had to memorize all the names of the Presidents and Prime Ministers and the times and dates of all said “wars”. But love was never mentioned. The word “respect “was thrown around but never shown. You were always reminded when being disrespectful usually in the form of corporal punishment, a slap, the strap, dragged down the hall to the office to get the strap from the dreaded “head of all that he or she surveys” by the ear ,(which really hurts,)by teachers, who were determined to teach said student, all about respect. After being dragged and strapped you were “respectfully” reminded what a terrible person you were for not following all (written in stone) rules.
Love, what does it mean? I am 52 years old and still trying to figure it out. Love is intelligence! In this New Year I set out to learn about love and use my intelligence not my lower base instincts to pursue that goal. I’ve tried many, many times to live my best life, I’ve frustrated myself, hated myself, force fed myself, punished myself but not once did I love myself. These next 12 months are dedicated to doing just that.

“Love Dedication”
Before you dedicate your life to a person, a marriage, a family; to a corporation, a political party, a peace campaign; to a religion, a revolution, a spiritual path; make one other dedication first.
First dedicate yourself to LOVE. Decide to let love be your intention, your purpose, and your point. And let love inspire you, support you, and guide you in every other dedication you make thereafter.
~Robert Holden

How Your Energies Impact Others

High-energy people can counterbalance the negative effects of low-energy people. Research done by Dr. Hawkins is from his second book The Eye of the I. Here are some fascinating figures from Dr. Hawkins research for you to contemplate as you review the impact you can have on humanity simply by being and living at a higher levels of energy vibration.

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of optimism and a willingness to be nonjudgmental of others will counterbalance the negativity of 90,000 individuals who calibrate at the lower weakening levels.

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of pure love and reverence for all of life will counterbalance the negativity of 750,000 individuals who calibrate at the lower weakening levels.

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of illumination, bliss and infinite peace will counterbalance the negativity of 10 million people who calibrate at the lower weakening levels (approximately 22 such sages are alive today).

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of grace, pure spirit beyond the body, in a world of nonduality or complete oneness, will counterbalance the negativity of 70 million people who calibrate at the lower weakening levels (approximately 10 such sages are alive today).

Here are two compelling statistics offered by Dr. Hawkins in his 29 year study on the hidden determinants of human behaviour:

1. One single avatar living at the highest level of consciousness in this period of history to whom the title Lord is appropriate, such as Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha, and Lord Jesus Christ, would counterbalance the collective negativity of all of mankind in today’s world.

2. The negativity of the entire human population would self-destruct were it not for the counteracting effects of these higher energy fields.

By raising your own frequency of vibration only slightly to a place where you regularly practice kindness, love, and receptivity, and where you see beauty and the endless potential of good in others as well as yourself, you counterbalance 90,000 people somewhere on this planet who are living in the low-energy levels of shame, anger, hatred, guilt, despair, depression and so on.

The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer

Container Gardening

Container gardening is an easy way to garden, especially when you lack yard space.

In addition to providing 5 hours or more of full sun, you must give attention to choosing the proper container, using a good soil mix, observing planting and space requirements, fertilizing, watering, and selecting appropriate varieties.

Here are our recommendations on which vegetable varieties are container-friendly—and which container types are most suitable for each veggie.

Beans, snap
Container: 5-gallon window box
Varieties: Bush 'Blue Lake', Bush 'Romano', 'Tender Crop'

Broccoli
Container: 1 plant/5 gallon pot, 3 plants/15-gallon tub
Varieties: 'DeCicco', 'Green Comet'

Carrots
Container: 5-gallon window box at least 12 inches deep
Varieties: 'Danvers Half Long', 'Short 'n Sweet', 'Tiny Sweet'

Cucumbers
Container: 1 plant/1-gallon pot
Varieties: 'Patio Pik', 'Pot Luck', 'Spacemaster'

Eggplant
Container: 5-gallon pot
Varieties: 'Black Beauty', 'Ichiban', 'Slim Jim'

Lettuce
Container: 5-gallon window box
Varieties: 'Ruby', 'Salad Bowl'

Onions
Container: 5-gallon window box
Varieties: 'White Sweet Spanish', 'Yellow Sweet Spanish'

Peppers
Container: 1 plant/2-gallon pot, 5 plants/15-gallon tub
Varieties: 'Cayenne', 'Long Red', 'Sweet Banana', 'Wonder', 'Yolo'

Radishes
Container: 5-gallon window box
Varieties: 'Cherry Belle', 'Icicle'

Tomatoes
Container: Bushel basket
Varieties: 'Early Girl', 'Patio', 'Small Fry', 'Sweet 100', 'Tiny Tim'

Tips for Growing in Containers
Clay pots are usually more attractive than plastic ones, but plastic pots retain moisture better. To get the best of both, slip a plastic pot into a slightly larger clay pot.
Avoid small containers. They often can't store enough water to get through hot days.
Add about 1 inch of course gravel in the bottom of the container to improve drainage.
Vegetables that can be easily transplanted are best suited for containers. Transplants can be purchased from local nurseries or started at home.
Feed container plants at least twice a month with liquid fertilizer, following the instructions on the label.
An occasional application of fish emulsion or compost will add trace elements to container soil.
Place containers where they will receive maximum sunlight and good ventilation. Watch for and control insect pests.

Instructions For Planting Tomatoes

How to Plant Tomatoes


By Susan M. Keenan
Tomatoes, available in over 25,000 varieties and several colors, are easy to plant and grow. Typically, the varieties that grow best in your area will be sold in your area. You can always consult a garden book, website, or seed catalog for more information on various varieties of tomatoes.

Step by Step Instructions for Planting Tomatoes:


1.After the potential danger of frost in your area has passed, purchase your tomato plants. If you are growing your plants from seed, start at least six to eight weeks before the last frost is expected.


2.Adjust your tomato plants to the outdoors before planting them. Place them outside during the day once the weather warms up and the temperature consistently reaches 50°F. Once the nighttime temperatures consistently reach 50°F, place the plants outside fro the entire day and night.


3.Select the planting location. Tomatoes need lots of sun. Therefore, you need to select an area that receives full sun. Ideally, the soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.


4.Prepare the soil by adding fertilizer or compost since tomatoes prefer soil that is rich in organic matter.


5.Plants should be spaced about 12 to 18 inches from each other. Check the information that came with your plants or seed packet to determine the exact spacing required for your variety of tomato.


6.Dig a hole for the plant. The hole should be about the size of a full size soccer ball.


7.Once the plants begin to bear flowers, they are ready to be planted in the outside plot. Place the tomato plant in the hole and gently fill the remaining area with a mixture of soil and compost or fertilizer. Firm the soil around the base of the plant. If you plant the tomato plant deeply, you will encourage the growth of the roots. It is okay to cover the branches of your plant as long as you allow the top four branches to remain above the surface of the ground.


8.Precautionary measures can be taken as well to protect your plant. Place a paper collar at the base of each tomato plant to deter cutworms.


9.Place a stake, tomato cage, or small trellis next to each plant. As the tomato plant grows, secure it loosely with soft twine. Check the ties periodically as the plant grows and adjust them accordingly. If the tie becomes too restrictive, loosen it.


10.Water your plants on a regular basis. Pick the fruits as they ripen.

Growing Great Tomatoes

Growing Great Tomatoes

By Celeste Stewart
Nothing quite compares to biting into a fresh tomato. The ones you buy at the supermarket may look red and delicious but often lack the full-bodied flavor and juiciness that only a homegrown tomato can deliver. That's because store bought tomatoes are picked well before their prime. In addition, numerous measures are used to ripen the tomato or make it look more appealing. The usual result - bland, flavorless, and pink.

There's no mistaking a ripe, fresh, homegrown tomato. Abundant flavors, a rich color, and the perfect juicy texture that yields to your bite with a burst of seeds and flesh are second to none. Today's garden tomatoes come in heirloom varieties reminiscent of days gone by as well as easy-growing varieties. And just because the stores don't know how to, or aren't willing to, deliver perfection in a tomato, it doesn't mean you can't achieve tomato perfection on your own.

Guidelines for Growing Perfect Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes is easier than you may think when you know the basics of tomato planting. First, tomatoes love heat. With the right tools, even cooler areas can make use of heat to grow these hearty plants. If you live in USDA zone 3 or warmer, growing tomatoes during the warmer months is possible. Buy your tomato plants at a good quality nursery after the frost danger has passed, or start seedlings in your home or greenhouse about six to eight weeks before you expect the last frost.

Harden the plants or seedlings before you plan on planting them. You can do this by placing them outdoors in the garden area when nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

You'll want to take heat into account when choosing the area where you will plant your seedlings or young tomato plants. Find a sunny location that is sheltered from cooling breezes and wind. If needed, you can create your own wind break with a vine-covered trellis or plant alongside a sheltering garden wall.

Soil plays a role in tomato growth. Tomatoes prefer soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and soil that is rich in organic matter. Use plenty of compost including crushed eggshells.

Dig a large hole (about the size of a basketball) for each plant and plant the young tomato plants deeply - as deep as up to the fourth set of leaves from the top. This encourages new root development which will serve your tomato plants well as they grow. Plant each plant about a foot to a foot and a half apart.

Cooler climates can take advantage of special products designed to reflect warmth and insulate the plants such as "walls of water."

Protect your plants from insects and cool temperatures by using a garden weed cloth. When the weather warms up, you can remove the cloth and replace it with mulch. This is a good time to install supports such as tomato cages that will be used to support the plants as they grow.

Water your tomato plants regularly and deeply, between one and two inches of water per week. Pick your tomatoes once the color has ripened to an even, glossy color and when the fruit feels somewhere between soft and firm. You'll love the true, tomato flavors and the luscious texture of a homegrown tomato.

No matter where you live, chances are you can find one out of over 25,000 varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes that will meet your climate's specific growing conditions.

Ghee

Making Ghee

What you will need:
Heavy bottomed stainless steel pot
Strainer and flour sack kitchen towel (or a piece of cheesecloth)
Clear glass container with tight-fitting lid
1 pound organic unsalted butter

Place your butter in the pot. Bring the butter to a boil, then reduce the heat to a slow, steady simmer. The butter will begin to produce foam. Don’t remove this foam; it will begin to be absorbed into the butter and you will hear the crackling sound of moisture and liquid being evaporated.

Let the butter simmer for up to one hour. Keep an eye on it and keep the flame on your stove as low as possible. The ghee is done when you see browned butterfat caramelized on the bottom of the pan and the top portion of the ghee is clear.

Cool down slightly and strain the ghee through a piece of cheesecloth or a kitchen towel to remove all the caramelized and browned butterfat. You can also use the same recipe to make ghee in a crock-pot or slow cooker without having to worry about it burning – it works very well and takes 6 hours on low heat.

Place the ghee in jars and store. Ghee can be stored at room temperature for about one month, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Enjoy!