Monday, February 8, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day

Want to make something delicious for Valentine's Day?

How about White Chocolate and Raspberry Rose Petal Cheesecake?

You can find the recipe and many others by Chef Susan S. Bradley at The Luna Cafe, one of the best food blogs I've found.

Want something more simple and family friendly?
How about White Chocolate Rice Krispie/Strawberry Pop Treats?

This is a pretty and appropriate version for Valentine's Day by Mandy Mortimer, a blogger in Ireland. You can find the recipes on her blog, What The Fruitcake along with other wonderful treats.

Feel like something bubbly?
Champagne Philipponat - a 1009 Clos de Goissses Brut at $240 a bottle....yikes!


Check out Novus Vinum to see the top 10 Champagnes and find something in your price range.

Want something non-alcoholic?
Try a punch recipe from All Recipes - numerous non-alcoholic punches to choose from and you can be creative with this and make it to your family's taste preferences. Go ahead....take a peak....

Personally, I think Valentine's Day is incomplete without chocolate so here is a link to my absolute favorite chocolate shop ever......Cocoa Bella. This wonderful purveyor of fine chocolates has two locations in San Francisco. You can build a box of 20 online, or a box of 40.

You can select one of their pre-boxed holiday selections such as the 5 pc. Valentines set above. They have bars, bags, and below you will see two individual pieces I think are sublime. They are named first by the chocolatier and then the description.

Michel Cluizel Cappuccino - Not your ordinary cappuccino, this dark chocolate espresso infused ganache is poured into a dark chocolate cup and swirled with milk chocolate hazelnut "foam."
Yes, it is a miniature cup of cappuccino to pop in your mouth, delicious......


Recchiuti Ginger Heart - Rich Dark Chocolate Infused with Ginger. Cast in White Chocolate and Gold Leaf.

Or, for something less intense and completely eco-friendly but just as good from Sweet Earth Chocolates


Adorable Valentines Bags of Hearts$2.50 - A really nice price for a bit of yummy....

Something for the kids? Try the Family Fun (Disney) for interesting cards to make and other family projects.

So enjoy Valentine's Day and make someone happy including yourself!
Namaste'

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The Flu and You

Apparently flu season is nearly over. I don't follow it so I don't really know but this is what I've heard. And I don't follow flu season because I don't often have a flu or cold....so far.

I have two wonderful sisters-in-law. I had a conversation with one today during which we discussed the fact that she felt as though she was getting a cold, maybe a flu. So I'm making a suggestion, not medical advice of course, but just a suggestion on what to do when you feel a cold or flu coming on. This is what I do when I feel those annoying things such as aching, runny nose, feverish feelings.......remember, its just a suggestion on how to help yourself feel better when you feel as though you're getting a cold, nothing official and, of course, positive feelings always help along with some love and tea with honey (and maybe some Scotch, or Bourbon, up to you). And, if you know someone who does energy work, get it done.


Oscillococcinum
(Oscillo...who?)

Oscillococcinum is an amazing homeopathic preparation which I've been using for several years. Check out the official website for information if you are not familiar with this product. It works! Even if you are in the middle of your cold, my experience and that of many other people has been that your symptoms are greatly reduced. You can purchase this over the counter at any pharmacy. Ask for "Oscillo" since no one seems to be able to pronounce it. Find it here.


Garlic and Red Peppers

Lightly saute' them in olive oil - yes, you want to taste the "bite"


Plenty of Sleep and a Few Good Books

Lots of Fluids




and anything else your mother taught you to do.........

Stay healthy,

Namaste'