Many times I’ve bypassed the Costco demos (oh, they’re demonstrating another blender – can’t be bothered) as I’m making my way towards the food section to get what I need and make my way out of there as quickly as possible.
They recently managed to grab my attention while announcing making sorbet in 30 seconds. What?? A healthy & delicious sorbet born out of frozen fruit, some crushed ice & a bit of agave syrup for sweetener. I was sold! I didn’t even care that you can make soups, dressings and sauces in 5 minutes or less. This machine makes it all so easy and clean up is so simple. The secret is the variable speed dial which allows you to control the blades and therefore provides versatility at various speeds for a multitude of recipes. It’s actually a high performance blender. It comes with a cookbook for getting started but you can do your own thing from there once you get used to it. You can blend, dry & wet chop, make frozen treats, heat, grind, knead, emulsity and purée – even make whole grain flour (not that I will ever – but never say never).
Soup – we made mushroom & cauliflower and cabbage.
It has replaced my juicer, blender & food processor. It’s like the netflix of kitchen appliances for convenience.
The best smoothies ever
Here is a Full Product Description – taken from their website.
The Brand Chosen By Leading Chefs Worldwide. Quite possibly the most versatile appliance ever built.
With variable speed control and precision crafted stainless steel blades, there is virtually nothing the Vitamix CIA Professional Series can’t handle. In fact, it does so many things so well; *it will leave you wondering how you ever got along without one. **I know!
Now, you can make recipes at home the way the Certified Master Chefs at the CIA create their signature dishes. Variable speed operation offers exceptional control.
Vitamix is in a class all its own. These self-cleaning machines allow you to chop, blend, cream, purée, and more—through every course of the meal—with a single appliance. With commercial quality and unsurpassed engineering, you can buy a Vitamix once and have it for life.
Coveted by restaurants and professional chefs worldwide
Able to make smoothies, soups, frozen desserts, and more
Renowned as the world’s most versatile, most durable blender
Natural, Nourishing, Moisturizing & Addictive Body Butters
If you like Scents…..
Pacifica’s Body Butter uses luxuriously smelling signature blends made with essential and natural oils – 100% vegan and gluten-free.
I received three of them as part of a Christmas package & now I need more. I love the Indian Coconut, Tuscan Blood Orange and Island Vanilla but there are several more exotic flavors.
Born out of a creative passion and a healthy, surfer lifestyle, Pacifica brings inspired fragrances together with the best natural ingredients to create perfect products to live with and love. With a deep respect for nature, culture, and life, Pacifica lead Perfumer and Founder, Brook Harvey-Taylor, believes that sublime fragrance and indulgent products are a right, not a privilege. This grassroots mission has lead Pacifica to develop distinctive fragrances & luxurious, eco-friendly products at a great value. Vegan and free of sulfates, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol, Pacifica is a brand you can feel good about indulging in every day.
Available at Sephora
For a beautifully silky & relaxing body lotion this is my all time FAVORITE:DREAMSILKCOMFORTCREAM from earththerapeutics.com
Especially for at night before bed as it slips on like a cozy pair of silk pajamas. Made with infusions of valerianroot and lavender which calms, comforts, soothes and relaxes for a deep restful sleep.
I first encountered this lotion in a yoga class when the instructor came around rubbing it into each and everyone’s temples during Shavasana. I was immediately hooked – sometimes it only takes one try.
I’ve always liked the look of wearing all one shade in either a neutral or color. It tends to elongate you and if you break it up a bit with a belt or jewellery it works very well & doesn’t seem over the top.
Hit all the right hues this summer. From head-to-heel sleek cobalt at Gucci to Stella McCartney’s green thumb and Carolina Herrera’s orange crush, these color-wonderful shades pack a major punch. Or go completely Black or White – but not together.
HermesFrom Spring 2013 – great look for petites
These tone on tone ensembles may seem intimidating to pull off, but by keeping a few tips in mind, achieving this look is a piece of cake.
If you’re a little nervous about trying this bold statement, wear a lighter shade of the hue either on top or bottom – to create more of a muted palette.
Stella McCartney
Keep accessories simple and in neutral colors – gold, black, silver, white, nude.
ITALIAN food is all about ingredients. It’s not fussy and it’s not fancy – Wolfgang Puck.
with spinach salad & leftover grilled salmon
Those words were never truer than in this recipe, which is really not even a recipe – which is in itself molto italiano!
I first tasted this very simple dish when a friend made it for us in Tuscany. She made it using fresh gnocchi and freshly crumbled gorgonzola and it tasted divine. Of course any type of fresh pasta & cheese would be amazing in Tuscany. Since then I’ve tried making it the same way and slightly different versions too. I can tell you that none is as good as the original in Tuscany but you can experiment and come up with something almost as good.
Basically all you do is toast the sage leaves in butter until crisp. Fresh is best but if you don’t have that, then buy it in the package from the herb section of your grocery store. I use either the whole package or a big handful of fresh herbs. Use a generous amount of butter – about half a stick. Coat the pasta (try gnocchi or orechiette – something with ridges to coat each piece) right in the pan with the sauce and then crumble either the freshest gorgonzola cheese you can find overtop or roughly grated best quality parmesan cheese which will melt right in. S+P to taste and some red chilli pepper if you like it slightly picante. Serve with a side salad & crusty bread.
TIP: Pasta like this makes a great side for chicken and fish dishes as well.
A tavola non si invecchia – Italian proverb.
Which means: At the table with good friends and family you do not become old.
Sure, it can help you relax. But massage therapy can do much more than that. Here are six healthy reasons to book an appointment.
1) IT COUNTERACTS ALL THAT SITTING YOU DO:
“Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress,” says Aaron Tanason, registered massage therapist, kinesiologist and owner at Paleolife Massage Therapy in Toronto. “More often than not [that stress] tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck.” Desk workers, beware. More advanced forms of postural stress “show up as pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals caused by prolonged periods of sitting.”
Luckily, massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting, which means you can keep your desk job – as long as you schedule a regular massage.
2) IT EASES MUSCLE PAIN:
Got sore muscles? Massage therapy can help. “Massage increases and improves circulation, in much the same way rubbing your elbow when you knock it on a table helps to relieve the pain,” says Tanason. A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain.
3) IT SOOTHES ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION:
“Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing,” says Tanason. Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed and less angry, according to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.
And, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage.
4) IT IMPROVES SLEEP:
Not only can massage encourage a restful sleep—it also helps those who can’t otherwise comfortably rest. “Massage promotes relaxation and sleep in those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy,” says Lisa Marie de Miranda, registered massage therapist and kinesiologist at Paleolife Massage Therapy.
Also, if you’re a new parent, you’ll be happy to know it can help infants sleep more, cry less and be less stressed, according to research from the University of Warwick.
5) IT BOOSTS IMMUNITY:
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients’ white blood cell count (which plays a large role in defending the body from disease). It also “improves immune function for individuals with HIV,” says de Miranda.
6) IT RELIEVES HEADACHES:
Next time a headache hits, try booking a last-minute massage. “Massage decreases frequency and severity of tension headaches,” says de Miranda.
Research from Granada University in Spain found that a single session of massage therapy has an immediate effect on perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.
By Katharine Watts for besthealthmag.ca.
Also – **Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.
I experienced my first Traditional Thai Massage the other day. Someone dropped a gift certificate in the mailbox for a complimentary half hour back & shoulder massage from somebody named Nok who is a professional masseuse & works/lives in my neighbourhood. There was no address only a phone number which seemed suspicious but nonetheless – free massage…let’s go for it.
From adroidpit.com
Turns out Nok (who is Thai and a certified Massage & Spa Practitioner) gave up her storefront to go back to Thailand for a year, and recently back in Vancouver, has decided to try working out of a home studio. I left details behind just in case I happened to become a casualty. You never know – been watching a lot of scary movies lately.
There’s nothing better than a relaxing massage! The ones I’ve had in the past mostly from Absolute Spa (at the Century Plaza Hotel) were a treat. I experienced a hotstonemassage once in Jamaica but one stone was left on a bit too long & so I got burned. But I’m feeling psyched & fortunate to take advantage of this new (to me) approach. So there I am being greeted by a very polite, pretty and tiny Thai girl who describes all the benefits I’ll be receiving and SOME HISTORY:
thaiodysseyblog.com
Thai Massage is an ancient form of body work originally developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a healing modality 2,500 years ago. The technique involves passive stretching and gently pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. It draws from acupressure, passive yoga therapy, and reflexology. It sounds amazing.
I’m asked to first fill out a form – like being at a doctor’s office. One question wants to know if you are here for a relaxation or therapeutic treatment. I tick the box that says relaxation of course – nothing is wrong with me. Then I lay face down on a typical massage table while she goes to work on me – and when I say work, I mean WORK. She’s little but she hurts. I ask if she understood which box I checked off and she explains that she’s only using her fingers and bit of elbow but in her usual massage she used her whole body weight. I’m almost crying. Apparently in typical Thai massage they don’t usually use oil although they will if you insist. But I’m putting up with it because I don’t want to seem like a sissy….plus when she takes her hands off me for a split second to go to some other area, the part she previously worked on feels so much better. I wouldn’t consider this a relaxation massage – and she swore she wasn’t even using that much pressure. Seems I have some blockage issues due to spending too much time at the computer lately working on my websites & this blog.
thai-massage.org
The half hour goes by pretty quickly (although not quickly enough) and I admit it was a relief when the time was up. But when it was over she asked me to sit up and then started to pound on my back. If she wanted me to pay she should have stated that on the certificate. I asked her how long I would feel the pain – maybe for 2 days at most. So that said, will I goback?
I did feel a lot looser afterwards. The amazing health benefits of Thai massage (from her brochure) encompassthe balancing of the mind, body and spirit, including reduce stress, stimulate circulation, energize the body, increase flexibility, improve range of motion (I am motionless right now), and centers the mind and body.
Okay, I’ll book another appointment – next time a full body treatment – just for the punishment fun of it. I need to be more centered – we’ll see. Plus I want to keep my day job.The new options on the brochure say that Nok is now qualified to offer Hot Stone Massage, Swedish Massage and even Deep Tissue Massage – wtf?
If you want to PERK UP your complexionin an instant then applying a swipe of blush will do the trick. With so many varieties on the market how do you decide which one works best? Powder, cream, liquid, shimmer, bouncy (yes there is one) or stick. The answer is there is no “one” that is “the best” – there are several so it comes down to personal preference and most woman have experimented with several sorts and brands. I’ve already done the homework.
Wearing blush should look subtle and simulate a natural glow. All of these shown here will do just that with the slightest application. Here are my picks:
by Terry
If you prefer LIQUID:
by Terry Rose de Rose Fluid is a sheer liquid formula so a very tiny dab on the finger goes a long way. It smells beautiful like crushed rose petals because it IS made of crushed rose petals. The only problem is that it’s not available in Canada. In the U.S. you can buy it only at Barney’s (New York, L.A., Las Vegas or online at byterry.com)
If you like POWDER with soft, sheer color & a hint of highlights:
Bobbi Brown
BB Shimmer Brick – This shimmering, brush-on powder in five shades creates a soft, rosy glow. Works well with neutral, pink and rose blush shades. Apply by sweeping the Face Blender Brush through all five shades of Shimmer Brick Compact and dust lightly on cheekbones after blush (or use alone if you like it barely noticeable). Focus on applying shimmer on the top of cheekbones – where light naturally hits the face – for the most flattering look.
NARS Orgasm
If you prefer a PEACHY Pink with golden shimmer then go for NARS “Orgasm” – a bestseller.
It will give you that….well you know…that LOOK!
If you prefer a CREAM that stays put:
NARS-the-multiple
NARS the Multiple Stick – a multi-tasker for cheeks, eyes and lips. It applies easily with just enough creaminess in the consistency for effortless blending. I personally find it a bit drying for lips and depending on the shade I would not wear it on the eyes either.Copacabana and Luxor are 2 shades which are best for highlighting areas such as the cheekbones and browbones. They have little/no visible colour, but have a gorgeous pearlescent shimmer.
I have Portofino but you can also get: Copacabana Luxor Maldives Orgasm South Beach Malibu St Barts and the 3 limited edition Multiple Tints that came out last year: Beverly Hills, Turks & Caicos and Cadaques.
Bobbi Brown & Nars cosmetics are found at Sephora & other fine department stores. Available atHolt Renfrew in Canada.
MicaBella Pure Mineral in Wild Rose
If you prefer NATURAL minerals:
choose Micabella Mineral powder blush:
This rich, dusty rose pigment with a hint of shimmer is made of 100% natural mica that looks gorgeous & also highlights the cheeks. It offers natural full spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen protection, free of the toxic chemicals, paraben preservatives, synthetic dyes and harmful fillers found in most commercial, non natural cosmetics.
If you prefer a GEL formula and/or an inexpensive but effective drugstore brand:
Then choose Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush with a revolutionary new texture that springs back when you touch it. • Lightweight like a powder, yet melts seamlessly into skin like a cream. • Natural sheer wash of color that is buildable for greater color intensity. A good value.
Okay I admit to having ALL of these shown here – for the reasons mentioned & for days when I want to try something different. You can trust me (I don’t know why you wouldn’t) on this – ALL are Fabulous!
p.s. I bought the Maybelline because I wanted to find out if it really bounced back – it does.
The Stars are STILL Going Crazy for LOUIS VUITTON’s Spring Summer 2013 checkered pattern.
Fashion is continually re inventing itself. While I do admire Marc Jacobs always ingenious and escalating style for LouisVuitton, this collection is not my personal choice. Having the models come down escalators was a fresh & brilliant touch.
The large checkered print would do nothing for me and I would only get lost in it. Okay, maybe I can see myself carrying a large LV damier handbag but that’s about it.
While I do really like to wear a plaidshirt with jeans or shortsI’m more partial to stripes & polka dots. Lately I’ve taken to wearing bird, squirrel & bunny prints – so who am I to talk?
How did I ever live this long without my Vitamix?
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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