Tuesday, March 31, 2015

SEASONAL LIVING and TIMELESS TRADITIONS APRIL 2015

APRIL musings... My heart always does a happy dance this lovely month...first of all... because my wonderful daughter Aurora was born the first week of April...and secondly because everywhere I look there are beautiful flowers and green things growing in every nook and cranny upon the land. The dazzling colors...and lush greens...remind me of a beautiful quilt...and as always...I am amazed of the natural beauty of Mother Earth...in her process of renewal and rebirth each Spring.

The Spring season offers you too...the perfect cycle to spread your wings...and to renew and rebirth your own life...no matter what that renewal or rebirth is for you. Let the energy of this season of hope...and new beginnings... gently guide you to a better you...or to begin a new project or goal you have in your heart.

And please remember to live in present time...and not fuss or worry about the past...or the mistakes or fears you experienced then...when you are deciding to begin something new...it will just keep you stuck in negative memories and prevent you from moving on and going forward.

Renewal and rebirth take time...planning...and thoughtful consideration too...move forward only when you feel confident...have done your research...and feel intuitively...that you are on the right path for you...and then you must take the action steps you need to take to make your rebirth a reality for your life. It is so easy to create a fantasy life...with all the false information and hype these days about living your dream.Set goals for yourself that are "real"...in other words...you need to have the skills... or get them...a plan...  the desire...and know how to achieve what you want. You can't want to be rich and famous...without the venue to do so.

And do not forget that you might have obstacles...setbacks and detours...so if what you desire is right for you...and you are headed in the direction that is best for you...learn to weather the not so good storms...and adjust by being flexible and adapting to the situation.

Your living environment deserves a process of renewal too...so put Spring cleaning at the top of your list...and freshen up your home...and clear out items and unused "stuff". Add to your Spring cleaning list... laundering your  curtains...with a mild...organic detergent...and clean blinds and windows too...using vinegar...instead of harsh chemicals. Open your windows...and allow the sweet breezes of Spring to blow out stagnant air from your home...that have accumulated during the Winter months...believe me.,. this will make such a big difference.

In your April kitchen...local and seasonal foods are always the healthiest and most cost effective means to shop for and prepare tasty meals for you and your family. This month offers you artichokes...asparagus...beets...peas...water cress...turnips...and sweet onions. And who can resist fresh organic strawberries...oranges... and limes from your local farmers market? You will find all these delectable treats this month...so be sure to plan your meals around these seasonal foods.

Be sure to take some time this Spring cycle...to renew your inner self. Write down ways you want to grow and change...and then find the tools you need to help you do this. Try different things...explore new places...dress in a new style...and find ways to nurture yourself and practice self care. You will feel and have such a more positive attitude when  you really learn to care for your body...mind and spirit first. For those of you wanting to connect with your spiritual self...learn to meditate...take yoga classes...or begin to set aside time each day...to journal...pray...or read spiritual material.

Above all...enjoy this season...for the Spring is such a lovely and special time of the year. Spend as much time as you can...embracing being outside...and allowing nature to nurture your soul...encourage your renewal...and personal creativity. Go on nature dates...exploring parks...garden centers and hiking trails...and try your hand at gardening...planting herbs...tomatoes...or flowers. Nature is life-affirming...and teaches you how to honor and care for all life...and once you really understand the healing power of nature...and this valuable insight...your whole attitude about your own life will improve for the better...and those you care about.

I support you in your Spring cycle of deep renewal...rebirth...and new beginnings...and wish for you the very best this season has to offer. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this Spring season.

Blessings,
Victoria


WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR APRIL
April 3rd...Good Friday...April 4th...Passover begins...April 5th Easter...April 7th...My daughters birthday...April 11th...Passover ends...April 22nd...Earth Day


FULL MOON...April 4th

LUNAR ECLIPSE...April 4th

FLOWERS FOR APRIL...daisy...sweetpea

STONES OR GEMS...ruby...garnet

ENERGY OF APRIL...creativity...change...new opportunities

FOLKLORE OF APRIL...Good luck will come your way if you first see the new moon outside over your right shoulder



Sowing the seed,
my hand is one with the earth.

Wanting the seed to grow,
my mind is one with the light.

Hoeing the crop,
my hands are one with the rain.

Having cared for the plants,
my mind is one with the air.

Hungry and trusting,
my mind is one with the earth.

Eating the fruit,
my body is one with earth.

by Wendell Berry



EASTER EGGS WITH ATTITUDE

This is just plain fun to do...but also is a subtle way to motivate those you care about. This Easter...start a new tradition by first coloring your Easter eggs...then writing on them with a magic marker or paint...positive statements...such as " you are so wonderful"..."you can do it"..."I believe in you" etc. etc. Be sure to make some of these affirmation eggs for yourself too! You will see such smiling faces when your loved ones... find and read...the positive affirmations... you have written on the eggs just for them.



EARTH DAY TRADITION

This April 22nd on Earth Day...start a new tradition...by picking up trash in your neighborhood...or nearby park...then treating yourself and your family to a really good lunch or dinner at an organic...local restaurant.


SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS


...FOR YOUR HOME

Spring clean this month...mopping your floors with pure Lemon Grass essential oil...your home will smell so wonderful...and pure essential oils are chemical free and clean really well.


,,,FOR YOUR HEARTH

I am a huge fan of honey...and as a family we do eat quite a bit of this sweet gift from nature...instead of white sugar. There are many different types of honey for purchase...all with unique flavors... and one of my favorite...Orange Blossom...is the honey used in this recipe.


HONEY POPCORN
serves 2

10 oz salted butter
2 tablespoons Orange Blossom honey
1  tablespoon soft brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 3/4 oz. popping corn

Melt the butter in a small saucepan with the honey...sugar...and cinnamon over a low heat...stirring often until sugar completely dissolves. Allow to come to a bubble for about 30 seconds to thicken slightly. Take off heat and set aside.

Put the oil into a large saucepan and place over a medium heat for about 30 seconds...to get hot. Add the corn and cover with a lid.Leave until you start to hear popping sounds.Shake the pan...with the lid on...and shake every few seconds until the corn stops popping. Turn off heat...and allow to sit with the lid on...for a few seconds to make sure the popcorn is done popping.

Pour your honey mixture directly on popcorn...stirring so all pieces are covered with the honey mixture.Pour into a large bowl and enjoy!


...FOR YOUR HEART

Bring more love and caring into everything you do...including your relationships.

Thank your body each and everyday for all your body does for you each moment.

Monday, March 16, 2015

SEASONAL LIVING and TIMELESS TRADITIONS A ST. PATRICK'S DAY RECIPE

March 17th...

Now I am not Irish by blood...but I have visited Ireland on a family vacation...and I must say...I love Ireland and her people...so anything Irish...is now cursing through my blood and gets my heart doing a dance.

Besides just falling head over heels with Ireland...I also fell in love with the food...you must know that the Irish grow the best tasting potatoes on the planet...believe me. Because of the incredible taste I made sure I ordered potatoes with every meal...and if I could of...I would of stashed a bushel or two in my luggage to bring home.So in honor of Ireland and her over the top good potatoes...here is a potato recipe for you to cook up this St. Patrick's Day!

This recipe comes from the book The Food and Cooking of Ireland by Biddy White Lennon and Georgina Campbell.

GRIDDLE POTATOES
serves 4-6

2 onions...peeled and chopped
1 1/2 whole cooked potatoes...boiled in their skins
a mixture of Irish butter...and oil for shallow frying
salt and ground pepper

Boil your potatoes until fork tender...please do not over cook. When cooked...drain and place on a plate to cool.Put the onions in a large pan and scald them briefly in boiling water.Drain the onions well from the boiling water...and then rinse onions under cold water. Drain well again. Peel and slice your boiled potatoes...set aside. Put a mixture of the butter...and oil into a large heavy frying pan and heat until hot. When the butter and oil are hot...fry the onion until tender.Add the sliced potato slices and brown the onions and potatoes together...turning to brown evenly. Transfer to a warmed serving dish and season with salt and pepper. Serve very hot.

Eat with gusto this dish on St. Patrick's Day.

Blessings,
Victoria

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