Calming the Mind

Well, it seems like with the upcoming election nerves are running high and people are butting heads left and right. I figured that a few tips for helping to calm the mind might be an order:

1) Pause and Think before reacting
If someone says something that you don't agree with, take a moment to pause and take a deep breath before expressing yourself.

2) Try to refrain from television or emailing a half hour before bed.
These activities can excite our brains leading to sleep disturbances. Try to give your mind about a half hour to unwnind before hitting the hay.

3) A hot bath does wonders!
This can help ease both your muscles and your brain. Add a few drops os essential oil or epsom salts for a boost. I recommend a bath before bed. Baths not your thing? A shower will do the job too.

4) Exercise
Exercise can jump start your blood flow and your thoughts. Even a leisurely walk can help you sort through issues on your mind.

When in doubt, 3 deep breaths does the body good!

Does anyone eat turnips anymore?

The other day I was out walking in our garden, and I noticed a crazy abundance of huge turnips. My husband does all the work in our garden, so I wasn't even aware they had been planted. I couldn't ever remember eating turnips, but had the assumption that I didn't like them. Well, after cooking them up I've discovered they're great! I decided to dedicate a blog entry to these lost vegetables...

Did you know?

A Turnip is:
* Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
*High in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Potassium and Copper

Turnips are a good low calorie source of vitamin C and fiber. Turnip greens contain large amounts of vitamin A and especially large amounts of lutein, which has been shown to help prevent cataracts and cardiovascular disease.

Turnips have been unfairly singled out as an unpleasant vegetable, when in reality their taste is similar to radishes when raw, and very mild once cooked.

You can use turnip roots anytime you would use a potato, and then some. Try them mashed, baked, boiled, in stews, soups and stir-fries, or lightly steamed with some butter, salt or lemon juice for flavor.

You will often find turnips sold with their greens attached, so take advantage of them! Turnip greens are delicious sautéed or steamed as a side dish with garlic, onion, olive oil and lemon, or as an addition to soups, stews and pasta.

This is how I have been preparing the turnips:
Once diced toss with Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Pepper & fresh copped herbs
Place in a single layer on cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven
Stir or flip with a spatula every so often & cook about 25 minutes or until golden brown

Yum! I guess you never know until you try...

Do you have a bucket list?

We tend to live in a to do-oriented society, and making lists helps us to organize our time effeciently. How about making a life list of goals and dreams? The list is not designed to put stress on you, but rather to help you define what you really want out of life. The goals can be related to your business, physical or emotional wellbeing. Have fun with it!

Here's a few tips:
1) Ask questions like: How do I want to be remembered?, How do I want to live my life?

2) Think about what already makes you happpy. ...Like to read? Make it a goal to join a book club.

3) Make sure your goals are things you're doing for yourself (and not for anyone else!)

4) Concentrate more on doing, rather than having.

5) Re-read your list & see how it makes you feel

Have fun with it!
Think: In the next 3 months I would like to...
Think: In the next 5 years I would like to...
Think: Before I die I would like to...