Ch-ch-ch-chia!

Last time I visited my friend Jen, I got her started on the habit of drinking Green Machine from Naked Juice.  This is someone who refuses to eat anything that makes it’s own hair.  Or avocados.  Or fish.  Much less a drink of spinach and blue green algae and apples and kiwi puree and spirulina.  This was big.

This time around, it’s Raspberry Kombucha with Chia seeds.  Proud of you, Jen!

Chia seeds pack a punch.  Rich in Omega-3s, these little seeds are high in protein and fiber and when taken regularly, they are a great way to start your day… and your digestion!  Kombucha is fermented yeast and is an excellent source of probiotic health. Just don’t shake the bottle before opening or you’ll wear more Kombucha than you’ll get in your mouth!

Zuppa di Cavolo Nero, Cannellini, e Salsicce

Soup with Kale, Cannellini Beans and Sausage

Reading “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes is just as yummy as tasting the recipes from the book.  And the crisp morning and evening weather in Long Beach has put me in the perfect soup mood!  This zuppa is hearty and good for the spirit. A very unique taste, it’s brothy and filling.  Frances recommends using soaked and cooked cannellini beans over the canned ones.

Serves 12 to 14

2 Italian sausages, skins removed and meat crumbled (I used pork sausage from the store)

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 quarts chicken stock

1 cup white wine

6 thyme sprigs

1 bunch of kale, washed and chopped

4 cups cooked cannellini beans

Sauté the crumbled sausage in the oil until browned, and reserve. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Add to the chicken stock in a big pot. Add the wine and cook until the alcohol has evaporated, then add the thyme and kale. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the cooked sausage and the beans and simmer another 15 minutes.

Excerpted from Every Day in Tuscany by Frances Mayes. Copyright © 2010.

possible.

“All the woulda-coulda-shouldas, layin’ in the sun, Talkin’ bout the things, They woulda-coulda-shoulda-done… But all those woulda-coulda-shouldas, ran away and hid, from one little Did.” – Shel Silverstein

Living through uncertainty

After spending the last month and a half on a campaign for Arnold Palmer Hospital, I finally started reading through the Illuminate blog we are helping to promote.  This blog is a reliable source of information for parents and families to count on when they face difficult or day to day questions about keeping their children healthy.  Mommy Amanda Kern wrote a heart-warming blog about her son, Chance, who was born with spina bifida.

After facing a total of 11 surgeries so far, and countless hours being supported by his family and their friends at the hospital, little Chance is smiling and strong.  Prayers for this amazing little boy!  He reminds me to take life and all its gifts to heart and to give thanks where it is due.

goin’ back to Cali…

Ciao, y’all!

pickies :)

Before you travel, make sure you have the right snacks….

things are really looking up…

I’m heading back “home” to Long Beach tomorrow!