'Tis A Gift To Be Simple

As the days seem to get more and more hectic, I find myself gravitating toward simple pleasures that can help me relax and de-stress. Below are some of my favorite meals and tips for a fabulous evening of relaxation!

#1 Drink Miso Soup

In addition to being delicious and warming your entire body, miso soup has many health benefits. It can strengthen your immune system, help with anti-aging, keeping your skin beautiful, and aid in preventing several kinds of cancer. I like to drink a bowl in the evening.

The (simple) preparation

• Purchase a package of miso paste (I get mine from an oriental market. Make sure it is non-GMO, "not genetically modified" and MSG free, to keep those health benefits up!)
• Boil water, add tablespoon of miso paste and stir until dissolved.
• Enjoy!

If you want a little extra "kick"

• Add firm, cubed tofu (about 1/4 cup per bowl)
• Add sliced shallots (about 2 tablespoons)
• Add a splash of soy sauce and a dash of sesame seeds

#2 Enjoy Tomato Caprese Salad

Preparation/Ingredients

• Slice fresh tomatoes
• Slice fresh mozerella
• Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Add a handful of basil, dash of salt & pepper & oregano
• When in doubt, make it look like the picture :)

#3 Meditate

For the past few months, I have been trying to integrate a meditation practice into my daily routine. At first it was a challenge...sitting there "quietly". My mind was racing and I quickly became uncomfortable sitting in the same position. But I kept reading that "meditation will help bring you balance and stress relief, you'll sleep better and look and feel better!"

I persevered.

Finally after searching for my problem, I realized that was it; judgement. I was judging myself so harshly on how meditation should look and feel. I decided to do away with what I thought meditation should be like. It worked! I am now well on my way to 17 minutes of "enlightenment"! I have actually begun to look forward to those early morning minutes just after I rub the sleep from my eyes. I hit my yoga mat, re-close my eyes, and sit. Doing nothing. It's free and it's fabulous.

#4 Watch Mad Men

I am just starting to get into this show (I know, late bloomer) and while the story line is definitely intriguing, it is the fashion that I completely lust after. Those fabrics, the pearls, the trousers! Not to mention the gorgeous cast that accompanies them! (Honestly, could Joan Harris stand up any straighter?) Check it out if you haven't already! Sunday nights,10pm, AMC.

#5 Drink Fresh Juice

I thought I felt a cold coming on earlier this week.I am trying to ween myself off of unnatural medications as much as possible so I didn't want to just pop some cold & simus releif... but I wanted the relief! I bought myself some oranges and grapefruits and pulled out my hand-held juicer from Ikea. This is one of my all-time favorite kitchen accessories and thanks to Special K, one of the best gifts I ever received. At just $5 a pop, it's a lot cheaper than over the counter meds. It lasts much longer too P.S. My sore throat is gone!

Enjoy your weekend sisters, followers and friends! Ciao, MM