mindful organics' official BLOG by ginny simon

Ginnyblogs!

2011-09-18T10:56:00.000-04:00

Dear Mindful Organics Loyal Blog Followers:

To streamline our social media efforts as we continue to grow- I hope you please check out our my new blog and follow me there, if you haven't already!

I so appreciate and value your ears and eyes. Thank you for lending them to my thoughts, opinions, struggles and successes and advice- over the past year and half. Time has flown!

www.ginnyblogs.com.

xo ginny

Life is a Beautiful Journey

2011-08-02T14:08:00.000-04:00

I am sitting here in NC as my mom is healing from back surgery. The boys, my husband and the lovely Miss Bear have come to keep her company.

We come in and out heading for exercising, retreating back in to sit around the table, gathering around to talk and eat.

My parents -I should include are suffering a bit at meals, they don't know what to make of all these vegetables, strange grains and lots of fish. My mother has announced she needs real food. She wants a piece of meat attached to a bone to gnaw on. Me- I just don't get how they have made no move towards eating well and exercising. It is hard to watch their bodies deteriorate, knowing it is not the way it needs to be. I have learned though to say little, it is not going to change.

I just am so grateful my sons are so into their health. At the moment they are watching the cross fit competitions while eating bowls of quinoa my son Michael cooked up. Yesterday my son Kevin and I were running and he is asking me whether Caesar salad dressing is too high in fat, and what I thought about steal cut vs rolled oat oatmeal. I am so in awe of how well they get it.

I am on the porch of my folks house reading the NY Times, there is an article on the restaurant Delancey, which is opening in Seattle. The owner Molly Wizenberg is under contract to write about her experiences in opening the restaurant. It gave me an idea to start telling my ginnybakes story. Who knows where it will lead, but it has been quite the ride so far. 

I want to tell my experiences and write them as they go, so I never forget. 

ginnybakes began as a journey, a continuation on a path of proving to myself I can stay a course while following a passion. Have I had my moments where I have felt so lost-absolutely. Have I giggled with such joy and pride in others, absolutely. I have lost 7 pounds from stress, gained another 10 from stress and having to taste test ginnybakes products all the time. I have  had great bouts of acne like those I had as a kid. I now have a permanent Wednesday 4 pm appointment with Dr Dan Nevel, ( my acupuncturist) who has been a saving grace to my physical and mental well being. He straightened out the digestion issues, has me sleeping again, and in balance.

Am I happier than I was before this all began. Sometimes...depends whether my yoga practice, acupuncture, and exercise are in place. I know the minute that goes stress comes tearing back in, and my world as I know it, is not running the way it should. If my life is in balance I am so filled with gratitude at the journey I am following.

I have so much to share with you.

xo ginny

Oatmeal Carmelitas

2011-07-28T14:39:00.000-04:00

Staying in tonight? Why don't you make it a baking night! Call your friends over and indulge into these sinful delights while you chitchat!

All you need is :
2 cups of all purpose flour
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup walnuts, chopped
2(11 ounce) jars caramel sauce

Putting it all together could not be any easier!

step 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
step 2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
step 3. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt.
step 4. Add melted butter into the bottom of baking pan.
step 5. Bake for 10 minutes.
step 6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips and walnuts.
step 7. Drizzle caramel sauce over top and crumble remaining oat mixture evenly on top, patting down lightly.
step 8. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden; cool before cutting into bars.

Indulge on these sinful treats!

xo ginny

Peanut Butter Coconut Ice Cream and Surprises!

2011-06-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!
We've been a little slower to the blogging recently because we are making some changes! I don't want to give away too much, but soon you can expect to see a very exciting "facelift" to our blog. We've all done so much growing over the last few months and it's time for our little blog to grow too!
In the meantime, I wanted to post a yummy recipe for ice cream (since it is Summer!!!). Enjoy!
xo ginny

PEANUT BUTTER COCONUT ICE CREAM

A heavy-duty blender (such as a Vita-Mix) makes quick work of this frozen treat, but a regular blender will get the job done if you just keep turning it off and pushing down the ice cubes. Or you can simply blend all the ingredients, chill, and process in an ice cream maker.

Ingredient List

Serves 6

1 13.5-oz. can light coconut milk (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup Organic maple syrup
1/2 cup Organic crunchy peanut butter
1 tsp. Fair Trade vanilla extract
1 cup French vanilla soy creamer, divided

Directions

Purée coconut milk, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla in blender until smooth. Pour mixture into 2 ice cube trays, and freeze solid. Transfer to resealable plastic bags if storing for more than 2 days.
Place half of ice cream cubes and 1/2 cup soy creamer in blender, and process until smooth and creamy. Repeat with second tray of cubes and remaining ½ cup soy creamer.

an en Famille Friday night dinner

2011-06-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

(Here is the continuation of "The Wedding Dress" post. Enjoy!)

So the dress was bought and I asked Jenna and Mitch to meet up with us for dinner.
We then of course told Benji, our nephew, to meet us too, and happily he was available as well. Looking for company and food. (what 18 year old isn't)

Our 4 boys are all in town together at the moment, the joy overwhelming. Our oldest Scott had his friend Katherine with him. (adore this girl, and promised her mom, I would be there for anything she might need-extra great feeling she was there as well).

Life was simple and beautiful sitting under the steamy, starry So Florida night, tropical breezes making it so comfortable. We were having at least 5 conversations at once, I looked around at this table of loved ones and felt like the matriarch of this crew, surrogate to some, fill in for others. It felt like I was the lucky one. It made growing older seem something so beautiful instead of fraught with concern.

It hit me growing old with grace is something so powerful. Xo ginny

The Wedding Dress...

2011-06-16T13:36:00.000-04:00

It is funny, this blog has become such an outlet for me, I feel like you are part of my life. On Friday I had a day I will never forget and couldn't wait to put it here into words, in print so I can carry the day with me always, and hopefully you could relate in some way or another.

My niece Jenna is my sister Audrey's oldest child, her only daughter. Audrey passed away from breast cancer 4 years ago this past April.

Jenna got engaged about 6 weeks ago to her very long term boyfriend Mitch.
Was it a surprise this engagement?- absolutely not, but the joy and excitement was beyond measure.

This past Wednesday I got an excited call from Jenna they have moved the wedding up drastically. They want to get married in December. Action was needed, within 2 minutes my dear friend Lauren Halpern was brought in as the party planner.

Thursday evening, another call came from Jenna, she had walked into Ever After in Coconut Grove and thought she might have found the dress of her dreams. Could I hurry and come the next day. You better believe I could. So there I found myself, alone with my niece as we planned, and dreamed together of her big day.

Was the dress perfect...so perfect. Was the moment beautiful, yes beyond. Surreal too as I am the mother of 4 sons buying a wedding dress. Such an honor and privilege for me, to be the one she called on to say- Aunt Ginny-I need you now. I was worried about stepping on the toes of her step mom and future mother-in-law. I followed her lead and she honored me so.
I got in my car alone after, and let the tears stream, life has it's moments of pure joy, tinged with just hints of sadness that make the sweet moments sweeter.

Now of course there is no holding me back, a wedding to plan!!! The tears are flowing, the sentiment is raw. And once again I utter the words I always do in times of gratitude "from my mouth to G-d's ears, I know I am so lucky to be living the life I am"
Xo ginny

It's Friday!

2011-06-10T10:40:00.000-04:00

It's finally here...Friday. I'm hoping that means you will be spending some quality time with the ones you love this weekend. I wanted to share this recipe for GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA DOUGH. Everyone needs a pizza night from time to time :). So gather up the troops, make a fresh pizza, and maybe watch a good movie. Enjoy! xo ginny

GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA DOUGH

Makes two 12-inch pizza crusts

2 to 2 1/4 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour
1 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup warm water (about 100-degrees F)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus an extra tablespoon or two for drizzling)
1 In a medium-size bowl or the bowl of your food processor, place the flour, xanthan gum, yeast, sugar, and salt and stir to combine.
2 To the flour mixture, add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the water in a steady stream, either pulsing in a food processor or mixing with a spoon or fork to combine. If you are using a food processor, pulse while streaming in the water, until a ball begins to form. Otherwise, stir constantly while streaming in the water and continue stirring until the mixture begins to come together. If the dough is very sticky, add some more flour a tablespoon at a time, and stir or pulse to combine. Press the dough into a disk.
3 Place the dough in another medium-size bowl and drizzle it with olive oil. Turn the dough it to coat with oil. This will prevent a crust from forming on the dough while it is rising. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free area to rise until doubled in volume (1 to 1 1/2 hours).
4 After the dough has risen, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour before rolling out.

when you are where you are supposed to be...

2011-06-08T11:51:00.000-04:00

Tuesday and Thursday mornings are my yoga mornings. I woke up today (Tuesday) and something told me it was a day to be solely focused on the commissary. Well, intuition can be a great thing! The ginnybakes team was off its game today...big muffin problems!! The baking soda was left out of the muffins and the muffins weren't anything like normal. I realized the problem loomed large as orders are promised and need to be fulfilled. We could not get our deliveries out as all the orders today, but one, contained muffins. On top of the baking time we also need time to let them cool before packing them. Everything became a waiting game, and my little production room was becoming more crowded by the moment, as we had so much to package and yet the orders could not get moved out.
I realized pretty quickly it was time to organize, move what we could and take control of the situation, which is definitely becoming easier for me as we go. I remember two months ago trying to figure out how I would ever make my team respect me. I was never a boss before, though my children can tell you I can be pretty bossy. I have learned to be comfortable in my role, pretty easy to do, because I have the most wonderful team.
Eventually the ginnybakes mobile rolled out on its way. My eldest son, having a very busy day ahead of him delivering all the orders.
We learned a lesson today. We are great together, this team of mine. Grace under pressure. We responded to a situation, no one overreacted and life moves on. What seems to be such a crisis at the moment is usually the thing we smile or laugh over after reflecting. xo ginny

ginnybakes and family

2011-06-02T15:30:00.000-04:00

Ginnybakes was mine, and I was really proud of that. As it grew I thought it would be really cool if I could build it bringing in only creative, positive women. I felt strongly that way until I realized that I wanted to bring my boys in, including my biggest, my husband.

They skewed things way over to the male side. Slowly but surely the thought became a reality as ginnybakes grew. I couldn't handle it myself and needed manpower (no pun intended). For the first time ever I told my sons they had to work this summer, and the job was ginnybakes. I could hold on 'til summer and then I expected them to work for something that potentially one day could be theirs. They all wanted important positions but guess what, they are learning from ground up, how to scoop dough, how to label our dry mixes, label our grab and go packs, and how to fill out invoices, demo, and tend to their assigned stores.
My eldest started today and it was an incredible experience! My current crew is a young one and my son loved their dynamic energy. He was honored when he heard how much they love and believe in ginnybakes.

I believe I am teaching lessons in responsibility, strong people and marketing skills, learning about starting from the ground up. I'm teaching strong work ethics, and what it takes to be respected. Do they learn this in school and sports? Absolutely, but I am once again happy to have ginnybakes, if not only to be able to pass on more gifts to my boys' lives that will make them better people. xo ginny

Potato and Cauliflower Burritos

2011-06-02T09:27:00.000-04:00

School is out the kids are home and you are up and running. If you are thinking on what to make for lunch try this 30 minute recipe that keeps calories down but satisfaction levels up!

You will first need the following:
15-oz can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, drained
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tsp canola oil
1 small onion, halved and sliced (1 cup)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
3 cups small cauliflower florets
1 medium Yukon gold or russet potato
(6oz.), cut into 1/4-inch cubes
3 tbs chopped cilantro
48-inch flour or whole-wheat tortillas warmed
1 cup grated vegan Monterey Jack cheese

First pulse tomatoes,chipotle chile, and garlic in food processor until coarse puree forms, in the meantime heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and oregano; saute 2minutes. Stir cauliflower, potato, and tomato mixture, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Uncover, and simmer 5 minutes more, or until cauliflower and potato are tender. Stir in Cilantro. Divide cauliflower mixture among tortillas, top with rice, and sprinkle with cheese. Roll up tortillas,top with rice and sprinkle with cheese. Roll up tortillas, leaving one end open.

Enjoy a satisfying lunch

xo ginny

Frittata

2011-06-01T09:40:00.000-04:00

Summer has arrived, my refrigerators are filled, food consumption is way up there. The boys are eating like crazy, they are starved from the beach and their Crossfit workouts. I am thrilled. This is when I am happiest. Kids, friends, noise and sleeping bodies casually draped on couches as the teenagers crash at each other's houses.

I am out early tomorrow exercising then working, so I have made a frittata for the crew for the morning. Easy to make, delicious and beautiful too.

This one for the boys I made simply as they like. You can make a frittata with all kinds of different herbs, cheeses and vegetables.

I had leftover roasted sweet potatoes and Yukon Golds. I sliced up the potatoes into a small dice,
added Applegate organic chicken and sage sausage, diced as well and mixed them into 12 beaten eggs and added salt and pepper with some fresh mozzarella.

I Cook it on the stove top til it sets then put in a preheated oven at 425* for approx 15 minutes. When the top is firm and and set with a beautiful light brown coloring, it is done. Cool for 10 minutes before cutting into. Great for breakfast, lunch or a romantic dinner in bed with a glass of wine.
To summer- xo ginny

An Oatmeal question...

2011-05-31T12:41:00.000-04:00

My second son is in school in Chicago and I got a text with an important question...Could he cook oatmeal in a rice cooker? This is a child that needs to know all the reasons behind things, ( he is studying chemical engineering- that might explain a bit) so my answer of no way led to multiple texts that led to a verbal discussion. As always he gives me food for thought, in this case literally. I decided to try and then thought- why not be more creative and put up a hot cereal for my younger boys for the next morning's breakfast. Instead of oatmeal though, I would make it with quinoa, almond milk, raisins, cinnamon, vanilla extract and agave.

Turned on the rice maker, left the kitchen and completely forgot about it...not a wise thing! I came back into the kitchen just before going to bed to find my kitchen counter covered in a sticky beige substance, floating all over! I cleaned up, saved what was still in the rice maker and served it for breakfast the next day (discovering I had permanently ruined my old favorite appliance). My boys were crazy for it, one ate it topped with granola and walnuts, the other just as served.

I made it again the next day (after purchasing a new rice maker) with 1/2 water and 1/2 almond milk, and it came out so beautifully. The process seems to give the quinoa a beautiful consistency. I felt good sending the boys off on a super food that gives the body the fuel for food.

I am including the picture that you see of my son's successful mission on his attempt to make oatmeal from the rice maker. His is a mini size. Even the mundane can be such interesting discussions. xo ginny

My New Client

2011-05-26T07:50:00.001-04:00

You know how some people you just feel you are connected to. I had this feeling with a new client of mine. She has just started 3 weeks ago. I opened the door to a warm, beautiful smile, but a face that also looked weary and drawn. The glow I always check for was absent. The whites in the eyes which is also part of my preliminary check were not a crisp, sharp, clear white. And yet I recognized so the look of a mom who is giving too much of her physical and soul over to her kids and husband.

This is just so common in mothers who believe that motherhood means giving up the person they were before. I try and teach my clients that selfishness is when you lose yourself. When the sparkle and sensuality are gone, when we become lost in routine, no one around us is better for it. When we as moms are taking time to exercise, take care of ourselves and just have our moments to breath and reflect the world around us seems so enthralling. When we take care of ourselves, we are so better equipped to care, and better yet hug tight and laugh deeply with our families and friends.

My client had done like many of us have before her, she stayed home nibbled on food all day, gained weight, stopped exercising and lost her way. She felt trapped and couldn't see her way out.

It is week 3, she has changed every aspect of her eating, lost 7 pounds and we set up a great exercise routine that she can manage while still working and caring for her two young daughters. She showed up this week in her exercise clothes, entering into the community I wanted her to feel a part of- the health conscious. She is happy, the glow is there and the whites are crisp. She is on her path and I am so grateful to be a part of the transformation. Makes a mom feel good to be helping another.
xo ginny

What to do with Carrots? Great Carrot Recipe

2011-05-24T09:39:00.000-04:00

I know sometimes we cook and feel like "Oh my, my dish is so plain" well, it could be that it is too plain and you may need to add a side to your dish, something healthy, colourful yet yummy! So, next time you are in the kitchen and want to add a side to your dish grab some carrots follow this recipe and you will be set with a great filling dish!

Roasted Carrots with Garlic

You will need the following :
1lb medium carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
6 small garlic cloves, skin on
1 tbsp extra-virgin oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Now you are ready for the next steps:
1. Heat oven to 425 degrees
2. Arrange carrots and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast, rotating pan once, until caramelized and tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Squeeze with lemon before serving. Use a knife to spread roasted garlic on carrots.

Fun Recipe Idea! Carrot Toppers
1. Add 1 tbsp torn fresh mint leaves before serving, then toss with 1 tbsp crumbled feta before serving, last sprinkle with 1/2 tsp curry powder before roasting.

xo ginny

A Son Comes Back

2011-05-22T15:30:00.000-04:00

On Mother's Day this year, I received the most beautiful present a mother can receive, my oldest child graduating college.

As you know I have 4 sons, beautiful kids, good natured, kind and responsible. Respected throughout the community. I have to tell you though this child, my eldest son, was a tough one, for a while there. A rebel without a cause, a boy who couldn't quite find his place in the world. The type that tries so hard to fit in, he decides, to challenge it all. Needless to say, I wasn't sure my marriage would make it through, I was sure I would have a full head of gray within months and I had no idea how much acne one could get as an adult carrying such stress.

I was tough, I felt my job was to get this kid to adulthood, safely...I wasn't concerned with being his friend at that point, just wanted him to live and get through the teenage years. I put on my fighting gloves, and fought for this kid's survival. I felt I was in a battle and was not going to let him down.

Fast forward a few years later and this boy graduates Cum Laude from college, a top business student in his entire college, a boy, now a man, going to enter law school this fall. And of course that boy still reappears in the funniest, endearing ways now. He wanted to wear pj's under his cape and gown. (he didn't)

I still remember driving in the car, alone just he and I, he was 19 at the time, he turned to me and said," I am tired of having the rough guy image, I have changed inside, how to I change the way the world perceives me? It was a life changing moment in my life. I knew at that moment that the struggle was over, my kid, my beautiful boy was back.

Today, he is a gorgeous guy inside and out, with a fierce sense of pride and protectiveness over his family. Loyal beyond words. He is always the life of the household, loud, messy, and always hungry.

He is now overly wise about making sure his two brothers still in high school, understand, about keeping safe, he personally takes such pride in their achievements, he talks with them and guides them through issues. He is like a mini dad, how cool...how grateful I am life has given this beautiful boy, the strength to discover how powerful he is, when he discovered himself.

Welcome home, eldest son of mine, I am so proud of you. The love I feel for you, words are inadequate to describe.

xo Mom

Scott's Favorite

Could it be more simple or delicious...

Mom's Homemade Tomato Sauce

Saute 3 cloves garlic in olive oil

after 3 minutes add in

4 chopped carrots

4 chopped celery stalks

1 med yellow onion

let simmer on low for 30 minutes to richly develop flavors

add in

4 cups chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned Italian tomatoes ( I like San Marzano)

2 TBL basil

1 TBL sugar (to balance the tartness of the tomatoes)

1 Small can tomato paste

2 cups water (may need more depending on how thick you like your sauce)

S & P to taste

bring to a boil then simmer for 1-2 hours if time allows.

Serve with great quality parmesan cheese.

Going Green with a Delicious Pasta and Fried Zucchini Salad Recipe..

2011-05-17T15:28:00.001-04:00

Pasta and Fried Zucchini Salad

Let’s gather all ingredients:

Salt and black pepper

2/3 cup sunflower oil

3 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

3/4 cup frozen edamame

2 cups basil leaves, shredded coarsely

1/4 cup parsley leaves

1/3 cup olive oil

9 ounces strozzapreti or penne pasta

Zest of 1 lemon

1 1/2 tablespoons capers

7 ounces buffalo mozzarella, torn into chunks.

Let’s Start Cooking!!

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a medium saucepan, heat sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Fry zucchini slices in batches (do not crowd them) for 3 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a colander to drain. Tip zucchini slices into a bowl, pour vinegar on top and stir, then set aside.

2. In the hot water, blanch edamame for 3 minutes; drain, refresh under running cold water and set aside to dry. Keep boiling water in pot.

3. In a food processor, combine half the basil, all of the parsley and the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and process until smooth.

4. In boiling water, cook pasta until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water. Return pasta to pot. Pour zucchini slices and their juices over pasta. Add edamame, basil sauce, lemon zest, capers and mozzarella. Stir together gently, then taste and season with plenty of salt and pepper. Before serving, stir in remaining basil.

Fun Fact: This will only take 45 min to make and will yield 4 servings.

xo ginny

Organic Summer

2011-05-16T12:37:00.000-04:00

It's funny, I have always loved summer, but loved to escape Miami for as long as possible during it. We would pack the 4 boys up and head out. For a few years we rented a place in Vermont, then spent a lot of time in North Carolina, Utah beckoned next.

As the years pass we seem to be in Miami more though. The reason being we need to work around our kids jobs, internhips, sporting camps, -in other words we are no longer running the show, they are running ours. Like so much in life the tables have turned.

Of the past couple of summers when we have been here I have loved it. The idlesness, lack of schedule, the feeling that Miami is pretty empty and you are one of the few.

The heavy air I now embrace, I love the tropical, sensual smell that fills my senses. I love the clothing that by necesity becomes so loose and light, so tropical. I love the sight of the pure casualness we all excude here in these steamy months. My blow dryer gets put away all summer and my crazy curls come out. Make up? Forget it, it just melts in our heat.

So like many things in my life I feel the need to mark it, invite it in, plan for it, and so it goes with my organic summers. Every year of late I have had new themes to each one. This one I especially needed to as I say, go back to my organic roots. Slow down in my thoughts, and begin my meditation practice that has grown lapse, get my skin back to its glow. I decided action was necessary, I have been back to accupuncture to get the stress out, sleep back, and working on my digestion.

To that end I have decided to be vegetarian for the summer and that began last week. To mark that as its own beginning I had a colonic done today. Talk about feeling fresh and clean-nothing like a great colonic. Here in Miami/Miami Beach I wouldn't use anyone but Naima, at Nirvana Spa. You will meet someone it is an honor to be near, she works on your body, as your spiritual side is centered. She is a gift. I am skipping out of the gym this week focusing on getting the great feeling of the sweat and release nothing gives me like yoga. How do I feel?...Growing happier, more content and peaceful by the moment, and summer has just begun for me, can't wait for the kids to finish school and join me in my state of bliss.

xo ginny

My gift to you- an incredible way to start each and everyday

Blend up and drink it- this is your breakfast-you will be glowing in a week.

1 head dark green of your choice. Switch it up. Maybe one day kale, another spinach or arugula

1/2 a cucumber

1 apple

1/4 pineapple

1 banana

1 TBL ground flaxseed

water-around 1 1/2 cups.

Vitamix for this is perfect!

A Great Tofu Recipe for a meatless Day...

2011-05-11T14:01:00.000-04:00

Sesame-Crusted Tofu over Vegetables

For Tofu and Marinade

1 14 oz pkg extra- firm water packed tofu, drained
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 TBL grated fresh ginger
1 tsp Braggs amino acids
1 tsp mirin (in asian aisle in your grocer)
1 tsp chili-garlic sauce
1/2 tsp toasted seame oil

Sauce

1/2 cup vegetable broth
3 TBL Braggs amino acids
2 TBL mirin
2 tsp garlic chile sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Vegetables

2 TBL sesame seeds
1 TBL peanut oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 TBL grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 pounds bok choy, trimmed and coarsely chopped
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 1/2 cups snow peas, trimmed

To prepare tofu and marinade
1. place tofu on a clean folded kitchen towel, and place on a plate. Set tofu on the towel, place another towel on top weighted down with a skillet or heavy tray. Let it drain for 30 minutes.
2. combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, chile-garlic sauce and sesame oil in a bowl. Cut the drained tofu into 1 inch cubes. Add to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 30 minutes in frig.
3. To make the sauce: whisk broth, Braggs, mirin, chile garlic sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl, set aside.
4. To stir fry tofu and vegetables: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tofu. Heat 1 1/2 tsp peanut oil in a large non stick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook turning frequently for close to 10 minutes. Remove from pan, and cover to keep warm.
5. Add remaining peanut oil, cook the garlic and ginger be careful not to burn them, stir frequently for about 30 seconds. Add all the vegetables. Cook for about 4 minutes if you like them crisp.
6. Pour sauce over vegetables and toss. Transfer to serving bowl (or serve as is in the wok_my favorite way to serve), top with tofu. serve with a grain of your choice and enjoy!

A great meal for when you want it filling, but want to avoid an animal protein. Enjoy! xo ginny

Summer Salad Recipe

2011-05-09T14:29:00.000-04:00

Thinking of having a salad today? Try this recipe, so delicious and it only takes 10 minutes! Make it a lunch or a side to your meal and share it, this makes enough for four!

Watercress, Pistachio, and Orange Blossom Salad

You will need the following:

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, more to taste
1 teaspoon orange-blossom water
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 1/2 cups watercress, thick stalks removed
Scant 1 cup basil leaves
1 1/2 cups cilantro leaves
1/4 cup dill
1/4 cup tarragon leaves
1/3 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, lightly toasted and coarsely crushed.

Once you have gathered everything together just follow these steps and you are on your way to having an amazing salad:

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange-blossom water and salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, place watercress and herbs.
Set aside until you are ready to serve the salad;
you can leave greens in refrigerator in an airtight container for a few hours. Just before serving, pour dressing and pistachios over the leaves and toss gently.

Enjoy a delightful summer salad!

xo ginny

Life

2011-05-03T19:28:00.000-04:00

I think a lot of you know so much about me by now. I have never hidden my life and use this blog as my personal space. I truly hope my blogs enhance, enriches, and possibly at times even teaches life lessons, sometimes through recipes as well. Who knows...I just keep blogging and hopefully you keep reading.

This blog is about life lessons, perceptions, opinions etc. so I wanted to tell you about a few different opinions I have received lately and how I found it so incredible.

ginnybakes started plodding forward, until all of a sudden it went from a tiny company, and jumped one step forward and actually needed lots of attention and a core group of dedicated employees. Baker, baker consultant, packers and someone to help me oversee it as well as a bookkeeper.

This was becoming a real business which is not my fortay. I like people, baking and creativity. Numbers, papers, invoices...foreign, scary and something you run from!!! So for awhile there it was getting pretty stressful, couldn't seem to find the right core group, felt really alone and out there, no partner to bounce ideas off of. Trying to work crazy hours, be a wife and mom, and do this with no yoga, as there quickly became no time for the luxury of a class for 1 1/2 hrs at 9 am. That only made the stress greater!

I did work out though however, and my trainer Jeff Shepard, and my best friend Jane were with me in the gym early one morning when another employee called and quit. If I wasn't so stressed it was almost comical-just couldn't seem to get out from under. Jeff who just worked through opening his gorgeous new gym Symbio, understood about working through hardships and struggles to bring a dream forward. I watched him work in a dust bowl keeping his head up as the struggles with the city to open to me seemed insurmountable. He survived, and is now mentoring me in how to be a business woman. Jane and Jeff were both encouraging me and telling me just pull it together and push through. I left the gym teary eyed, but ready to fight another battle.

I saw my yoga teacher on the street at that moment and he asked why I wasn't going to yoga. I explained what was going on. His advice- Walk away, simplicity is the only way to live. I asked him about working through struggles, and feeling empowered when you strive and work hard to make a dream a reality. He answered I will do it only long enough until it no longer feels right. It was a very enlightening conversation, as I knew I could not walk away from my ginnybakes baby. Goes back to the theory I truly believe in, hard times, make the sweet moments even sweeter. The next day my first Fresh Market came calling, and I grinned so wide at the joy of the timing.

Simplicity is a beautiful thing and at moments when I don't feel it, I am so glad I achieve it in Paul's yoga class. For now though think I will stick with advise on fighting through. Yesterday I was giggling so much my husband thought I was the biggest goof ball. Oh the laughter and goofiness, felt so right, so perfect. I was relaxed, I am beginning to understand, with business there are always ups and downs and I cannot take it personally.

Thanks to my husband, my friend and trainer Jeff, my yoga teacher Paul for all their wisdom and opinions, and thanks to my best friend Jane who is always there asking ok what's next? She is my Ethel and I am her Lucy-what a team.
xo ginny

Lunch is Served

2011-04-25T22:15:00.002-04:00

Lately on Saturday afternoons, instead of running out for a family lunch, when my men return from boot camp and I come back from yoga we have been settling in to beautiful lunches at home. As my husband always says of late, "why go out when we have much better quality than what is offered in most restaurants and we cook it simply to our taste - clean food at its best." He's right, as long as he pitches in and we all do it together!!
This Saturday we made salmon grilled in a marinade of oranges, lemons and grapefruit juice all fresh with chopped mint, olive oil, salt and pepper. Seared the salmon with great lines three minutes each side then a slow cook to medium- I like it cooked through.I served it with a great side dish of cous cous and heirloom tomatoes. This time of year the tomatoes are amazing and my garden is producing such a beautiful array!

Cous Cous and Fregola Tomato Salad:

Cook cous cous and Fregola separately according to package directions (Option you can just double either grain, I like using both)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Use 8 large vine ripened tomatoes and 1 1/2 cup yellow cherry tomatoes halved, (or any variety you prefer) as well as any other beautiful large tomatoes you find in heirloom variety, look for purples and orange colored ones- so sweet.
If you get excited when you see tomatoes just dbl the recipe-it only gets better over a couple of days! Think bruschetta, tomato sauce etc.
To the tomatoes add:
1/2 Cup Olive oil;
3/4 tsp brown sugar;
1 TBL good balsamic vinegar;
2 TBL chopped oregano, tarragon, and mint;
1 garlic clove, crushed; and
cook tomatoes for 15-20 minutes...
Allow the tomatoes to cool, add to warm grains, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Optional- add some feta, goat or parmesan cheese to top- Yum!

Add some gorgeous grilled asparagus, and lunch is served!

xo ginny

That Mahi Sandwich...

2011-04-09T18:32:00.000-04:00

On my last blog I mentioned I was on the way to the keys to watch my son's lacrosse game after stopping to eat a mahi sandwich. Well this was no ordinary mahi sandwich...

I will start with some background on my eating to begin with. I am just not comfortable eating sandwiches. I do not like all the bread, if I eat some I like it to be specialized, such as hemp, millet, ezekial, or manna,
with some avocado, or almond butter on top for breakfast.

I am more comfortable with salads and veggies. It is what works for me and what I enjoy. I never feel deprived, when I want a bite of something I don't normally eat, I have it, and am usually very satisfied. I like my body to feel strong and yet light, agile in its movements. Eating primarily vegetarian, with fish thrown in, maintains it that way, it just works for me.

However I had made up my mind when I heard how outrageous this sandwich was at Craigs Famous Fish Sandwich Restaurant (Tavernier mile marker 89-across from Coral Shores HS) to totally indulge.

We sat down, we noticed it came with American cheese. I was surprised and thought how gross, cheese on a fish sandwich?... and I definitely don't eat American. My husband convinced me to sub it with provolone and go for it. Did I ever! It came so fresh on toasted bread with grill marks, I piled on the pickles, tomatoes, even some tarter sauce and ketchup. (my husband says it was quite the site watching me handling the plastic tarter sauce bottle-I don't know why that is the vision that stands out the most to him.) It was a 6 paper napkin sandwich, so messy! I ate every last bite, talked about each bite as I ate it and am so glad I did indulge.

I was describing the sandwich to a friend and they made mention it almost sounded orgasmic. Funny how a description of food can sound that way. Food does give such pleasure, if we are not battling against it.

Am I glad I ate it? Yes, because I did not eat it mindlessly. I decided to eat it, relished it, savored it. Will I eat it again this week at the district finals back in the keys? No I prefer my mahi over greens, but what fun it was!! xo ginny

Florida Keys or Bust!

2011-04-09T16:52:00.001-04:00

Driving along to watch our son's lacrosse game in the Keys...

Thinking about the upcoming Mahi-Mahi sandwich we are so excited to eat before the game.

Don't get me wrong, the game will be great, but, ahhh nothing like a Florida Keys Mahi-Mahi sandwich...it makes me think of summer, so I would like to share a favorite new dish of mine. xo ginny

Roasted Cauliflower with Golden Raisins *use organic where ever possible!

A great light dish. Perfect for the upcoming warmer days.

1 head of cauliflower- cut into small florets

2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper

2 tbsp golden raisins

1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese

1 tbsp chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 375'C.

Spread the cauliflower on a large, rimmed baking sheet.

Drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil and the vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and toss well.

Roast for about 40 min until tender. Transfer to a bowl.

In a small skillet, heat the remaining 1/2 tbsp of olive oil. Add the raisins and cook on medium heat until hot, around 1 minute. Add the raisins to the cauliflower. Sprinkle with cheese and parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Thinking of Sunday Morning...

2011-04-04T14:12:00.000-04:00

I am flying home at this moment somewhere in the sky between Dallas and Miami.
I have had a great week. I'm feeling restored, and anxious for my two boys waiting at home, the lovely Miss Bear, a great yoga class, to turn on beautiful music, and be in my kitchen creating the homey feeling that tells my boys all is right in the world, and that we are all together again.

I know exactly what I will cook first. I want my boys to wake to this new recipe I indulged on while I was away.

Thank you to the incredible staff at Amangiri resort for sharing this recipe as well as a couple of more treasured ones which I will share in future blogs. Don't let the fact that this is a gluten- free recipe turn you off, if you are not a convert yet... it is so delicious!!

Here's to the beautiful smells of baking, morning papers, pjs, a weekly treat of a latte, a few dishes in the sink and Sundays. May it be a beautiful one. xo ginny

Gluten Free Zucchini Bread
**Note can use carrot, banana, or pumpkin instead of zucchini
Ingredients
1 1/2C shredded zucchini
1 C chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 C gluten free flour mix
1/2 C olive oil
2 eggs
1 C sugar
1 vanilla Bean

1. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt
2. In another bowl combine oil, eggs, sugar and vanilla
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients
4. Add in zucchini and walnuts
5. Pour batter into greased loaf pan
6. Bake at 350*F for about 1 hour (until knife comes out clean)

**remember always bake in a preheated oven

Eating Styles on a Road Trip

2011-03-29T12:39:00.000-04:00

He goes into the store and buys dark chocolate covered pretzels, because 'it's for research'...I find the only organic apples in the store- a bruised looking bunch in a plastic bag.

He picks up Kettle Corn explaining this is 'road trip food'. I combat this move by choosing organic carrots and hummus.

He picks up a deli sandwich. Pre-made. Looks so gross. I entertained the woman behind the counter by gathering from the 'produce department'- fixings for my self-crafted veggie wrap.

Road trips...
xo ginny

The Road to Zion

2011-03-28T20:04:00.000-04:00

I am out west driving along with my husband, surrounded by the natural beauty of Nevada and Arizona. Every site more gorgeous than the next. I am loving this road trip so much! because this is a 'true' road trip. Not the Florida Turnpike kind of road trip where after twenty minutes I am as restless as a two year old.

Here the road is ever changing...plateaus, ridges, and austerity that the west offers so beautifully. Actually as my words are being written we are watching a cow drifting across the road, splendid in his surroundings.

My husband and I drifting alongside.

Conversation meandering just as the road does.

From the spiritual, to dreams- all between two people that have been living a life together. Sometimes you just assume you know everything about each other, but really nobody ever truly knows the other completely, and that is the way it should be. Always discovering new things. If all mystery were gone, for me- our life together would be unacceptable.

For instance- I have just found out in two years, my husband plans to take a year off of work to travel the world. Glad I asked! For now I can add my dreams to his. Are we really out of here in two? Probably not, but these dreams do lead to beautiful conversation on our road trip, side by side. xo ginny

The End of the Story

2011-03-27T22:33:00.001-04:00

I have never had as many people comment to me as I did on my last blog. See, the one prior I was so caught off guard. I thought there was a lot of others that were more soulful, but that was the one I heard most about in a long time. It was about letting go and letting yourself be loved, held and taken care of. So I wanted to bring you up to date...

The very adored husband of mine never left me. He just rebooked his trip, this time including me. He figured it was in his best interest. He sprung it on me by saying, "Guess what Honey? We are going to Vegas!" He was so excited- like a kid in a candy store. So happy to have solved his problem by making sure he put me on that plane to Vegas with him. It would have been perfect, but in his excitement he forgot that our second oldest boy was home from college in Chicago and would not be leaving until Sunday. And he booked us to fly out the Saturday before...Oh well. I love my husband with all of my heart- but just try and take me away from a full house of our boys these days is well...impossible. Long story short- though he rebooked me to fly out on Sunday (him still leaving on Saturday) but he came to his senses. So he tried to change his flight to leave Sunday with me- but the flights were sold out. So actually this was perfect this way anyway- because I get to spend the last few hours with all four of my boys under one roof and he gets to gamble on March madness. We both win.

I felt like the true winner though- as I was climbing the stairs to bed and I heard him give his last words of goodbye to his four sons. "Take care of your mom, make sure she is ok til I see her tomorrow night in Vegas." These are the same words he has given our boys since they were probably waist high. He tells them and they honor him. He has taught these boys, who are now men in fact- about the importance of love and honor of family, and the old fashioned 'chauvinistic' responsibility of caring for their mother and important women in their lives. I know whoever they marry will be so cherished and will feel the same joy that I feel knowing that I am loved hard and deeply, completely surrounded by my men. Thank you to my husband for being the light of my life and the gift of strength to my sons.

I smiled to myself and tears came to my eyes as I brushed passed him. And came to my computer to express this warm feeling of deep love on this blog. I am so blessed. Do I deserve it? I don't know. But all I can say is that I live each day understanding that in this lifetime I am so utterly blessed and grateful and realize it with every breath I take.

So, goodnight sweet husband of mine. I will say the same words I have said to you the last twenty-six years of my life when you fly without me, "Come home safe to me."

Home, being wherever we happen to find ourselves. xo ginny

To be or not to be...Strong.

2011-03-17T18:47:00.000-04:00

I pride myself on living a life that is filled with optimism. I grow impatient with whining, as I believe in the strength in oneself. My father, taught me from a young age- right or wrong. He taught me that people don't want to hear your woes.

He once asked me how I slept. Since I didn't have a great night's sleep, I told him so and he responded, "I didn't really want to know, I was being polite, just answer me great and move on." I have always remembered his words. It became a life lesson that I carried with me.

So I smile a lot, love to be happy and yet when something is really bothering me, only those closest to me know. I guess I feel it is my privacy, and I am one of the lucky ones, I see beauty and joy, almost every where I walk. Sadness does not have a strong hold on me, but I do feel for those it grips. Yet there are moments in my life that things really rattle me, but as I get older I am getting more comfortable letting down my defenses and saying, "no, I am not ok". It happened this past week.

Spring break was fast approaching and it seemed as though my family was taking off in all different directions and I would be alone over the spring break. One boy back to college, one not in yet, one off to lacrosse camp and my husband decided to take off with another son to Vegas and Utah. ginnybakes is taking off in a million different directions and it just wasn't the time to let go of the reins. I was feeling scared and proud of the growth of my baby company, yet feeling so very overwhelmed. I love making dreams happen. I have an ambitious, entrepreneurial side that has been hiding just underneath the surface all of these years and yet dealing with the paper work side of the business makes me feel like a three year old. I cannot seem to grasp or focus on it. I think it could actually give me hives! So I hinted to my husband I thought it might be better if he stayed in town. He didn't seem to hear me. Vegas and Utah skiing are his heaven. To get the man's attention especially during March Madness would require screaming. But I don't scream. It makes me cringe. Instead, I retreat and retreat.

I told him that if he left, I would not appease him with pleasant goodbyes and words of comfort but that he had to make his own decision. I have to tell you that there are moments in your life where you need your partner with you to just be there, hold your hand and offer perhaps nothing more than their presence.

He was due to leave at 6:30 am Tuesday morning. At 4:30 he got out of bed and told our son the trip was off. Do I own him as my male friends tease? No, does he own my heart strings? Yes. I needed him and he came through. Does the sun shine a little brighter this week, for me? Absolutely. Why did he stay home? Because I needed him, and though sometimes we need to listen, hear, and be strong- we also sometimes need to babied and looked after. And that's ok too, I am learning.

Thank you to the beautiful man that looked after me this week. I owe you, and the payback will be such fun, I am sure. xo ginny

Spring Greens

2011-03-17T09:36:00.000-04:00

It's March. Spring is here! Time for some spring cleaning in your home, your mind but especially, your body. It's a great time to lose weight and increase energy. On that note- I have one word for you. Salad.
I know it's no surprise, or some new magic solution or exciting new culinary venture- but you really cannot deny the power of salads. They are nutritious, filling and even more satisfying that you can imagine.

If you have been raised on the notion that "salads" are made with lettuce- whether it be romaine, iceberg or butter and that they are eaten before or after a meal as a side dish...I urge you to squash that notion at the end of reading this blog. Salads need to take on a new meaning in your life. You just need to get a little creative and adventurous in the produce aisle and give in some of your elbow grease in the kitchen. The salad should be seen as a "main dish"- as they are true food and fuel for the clean and lean body.

Start to see your "other" food as side dishes. And repeat after me: a salad is so much more than just lettuce. A salad is so much more than just lettuce. Repeat and start here:

Dark Leafy Greens. Collard greens, kale, swiss chard, spinach, turnip greens, arugula, watercress, beet tops, dandelion greens. These leafy friends are the most nutrient dense, raw foods that are available to the human diet. Learn to enjoy them and start to substitute regular lettuce with any of these. Wash, chop and spin just as you would prepare regular lettuce and keep in paper towel lined zip locs ready for use anytime. I suggest you start with kale and spinach. Say goodbye to romaine and iceberg. Use these greens as your salad base- and start to add in some of the more peppery tasting greens such as arugula and watercress. Experiment with them all. It won't hurt to eat more nutrients!

Roast Away! Here is a quick roasting 101 lesson that will thank me for. Trust me- it's easier than you think. Take a bunch of vegetables. Your pick. Cut them lengthwise. I like golden beets, regular beets, red peppers, onions, sweet potatoes and cherry tomatoes (no need to cut these). Take a baking pan, toss in all the vegetables. Drizzle a bunch of extra virgin olive oil (always use a high quality oil, preferably from Italy where pesticides and chemicals are verboten), coating all vegetables well, and sprinkle a generous amount of coarse sea salt and some brown sugar on top. Put the pan into a 400' oven and set the timer for about 50 minutes. The vegetables will caramelize and cook together so well and will add such flavor and excitement to your greens. Believe me.

Go Nuts. Stock up on pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sunflower seeds, walnuts, raw almonds, peanuts and toss them into your salad. They will add protein, cholesterol fighting fatty acids, vitamin E, omega 3's, riboflavins, fiber, antioxidants which in turn means they help with mood, improve cognitive function and can prevent heart disease.

Stop Dressing. Bottled dressing that is. Invest in some fresh organic lemons, sea salt, agave nectar, a good quality Balsamic vinegar and olive oil and start to use that as your dressing. Experiment each time. Toss in some fresh chopped basil, oregano, rosemary or parsley for extra flavor. Add mashed avocado to your oil and vinegar to create a creamy texture. Add crushed garlic for some extra zing.

I guarantee salad success with these suggestions. Every salad I create is a different epicurean experience each time- which keeps things interesting and the waistline trim. Side dish- no more! xo ginny

PS. If you choose to add some animal protein make sure it's clean, grass-fed, or wild farmed. Every now and then I like to add in some lemon-poached, or grilled wild caught Alaskan salmon for an extra punch of omega 3's, fatty acids and flavor.

Get Glowing!

2011-03-09T20:55:00.004-05:00

Poker face or not- what you eat is written all over your face. After all, your skin is the largest organ in your body- though its the last one to receive all the nutrients and water we take in. So- it's so important to make sure we are taking in enough nutrients and water so there’s enough to go around!

Winter skin in harsher climates tends to be dry, or sometimes in the case with those with combination or over-active skin- it can actually become oiler as the body tries to overcompensate for the cold dry air. With spring just around the corner, we wanted to share with you a quick run down on how to help renew your skin so it’s happy, nourished and glowing and ready for spring.

Water. Drink lots of it. Aside from helping to flush our impurities inside our bodies, drinking water helps the skin to maintain an even moisture balance. We prefer to drink spring, filtered or reverse osmosis filtered water that is free to chemicals that municipal water treatment plants add in to kill off bacteria and organisms...yuck!

Wash Simpler. We spend so much time and money on magic skin products that promise to tone, cleanse, heal, de-age and deep clean our skin. It’s no wonder the cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar one! In turn, these chemical laden washes and treatments often tend to strip our skin of it’s natural oils which in turn leads to over drying, flaking, or overactive skin. We recommend you try to use something that is as natural as possible. Try using Goat’s Milk Soap to wash both your face and body. It is almost the same pH level as our skin and contains the natural glycerin. It also contains a natural lactic acid/alpha hydroxy acid which helps the skin rejuvenate itself by gently exfoliating dead cells and allowing for new cells to appear. This is what helps increase that wonderful glow we all seek- especially in the dead of winter. Start using natural ingredients on your skin and let nature take over. You will notice a difference. Trust us.

Eat Clean. Eating clean healthy organic foods- especially those rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants such as blueberries, leafy greens and whole grains all help the body to slow down the aging process. Anti-oxidants help prevent the oxidation of cells which creates harmful free radicals that damage healthy cells. Anti-oxidants can help slow the aging process and keep our organs healthy- including our skin. Blueberries, dark leafy greens, beans, cranberries, apples and plums are some tasty, fresh sources of antioxidants. Eat out less and start to learn how to cook using fresh ingredients.

Exfoliate. Everything. Exfoliation is not only beneficial for the face, but also your arms, legs, tummy, back and butt! Running a bar of soap on a daily basis may clean the surface of your skin, but you can do so much more with some light elbow grease! We highly recommend that you invest in a great dry brush and start giving your body a good rub down before you step into the shower or bath. The ancient art of Dry Brushing sloughs off dead skin cells, helps stimulate the growth of new skin cells, invigorates your circulation, tones the skin, reduces cellulite and helps detoxify your system since it gives your entire body a gentle surface massage that stimulates your lymphatic system which carries impurities. We love our bamboo body brush because it’s soft and sustainable and natural- you definitely want to use something natural rather than synthetic. It’s your body after all.

Steep Yourself. Run a warm bath, filling it to the top of the bath and soak your body in an herbal tea soak (recipe below). Taking 15 minutes to treat your skin to the essential oils of a tea soak can do wonders for the skin, and the spirit. Breathe deeply and dim the lights. Follow up with an extra delicious treat- by massaging coconut oil all over your body to seal in natural moisture. Or get your partner to. THAT will really help you glow! xo ginny

Body Tea Soak
Lavender and Chamomile have natural soothing and calming properties. You can find them at most health-food stores. You can also use the contents of regular tea bags as long as they are certified organic.

1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers
1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
2 large sheets of cheesecloth or a cotton muslin bag
String or twine, to close the bag

Mix the dried flowers together in a small bowl.
Double up the cheesecloth.
Place the flower mixture in the center of the cheesecloth or into the muslin bag.
Tie tightly and let steep in a hot bath for at least 5-10 minutes before you get into the bath.
Leave the tea bag in the bath the entire duration of your bath.
Dim the lights and relax.

What is Failure?

2011-03-08T22:45:00.000-05:00

I met my husband when I was barely twenty-one. And it was on our second date, that he told me his future wife would never work.

That she would be adored, loved, cared for but never work. I kind of felt at the time, that this future wife of his, the future Mrs S. would be incredibly loved, but with some terms! I wondered how in that time period could he be so chauvinistic? He was raised this way. But why did I so easily accept his way? I too was raised by a dad who wanted me to be loved, cherished and taken care of. In the back of my mind (or maybe in the front) I wanted the white picket fence, the kids- lots of them playing with a couple of dogs. It was a dream of mine.

I know I am so blessed by a husband who truly gets me, quirks and all. He just loves me from the bottom of his heart. He is equally loved, but twenty-four years later, I broke the terms he laid out on that second date- that has remained unspoken between us all these years. I was his wife and decided to build my dream of making this world just a little healthier by opening the door to my creative side.

Now the world of Mindful Organics is all unfolding happening and either I will fall flat on my face or I will show my sons, how their mom can go out and take risks. I so truly believe that failure comes from indecision. Failure is not when something doesn't go your way, it's when one does nothing at all.

I had two different conversations with my sons tonight, about their personal lives so I won't go to deeply into the issues, but they were similiar in different ways. One boy is having a girl issue. He wants to ask her out but is so worried she will turn him down. He is frozen. So not my way to be so tentative or hesitant- I feel like shaking the confidence into him...but I can't, so I keep teaching life lessons, building his confidence, and loving him so hard.

The other wants something in his sports world very badly, but is also afraid of rejection, though he claims otherwise. He is thinking that he is content so I don't want to push. However with the wisdom of age does come the acknowledgment that regrets do come easily... But I do want him to live to the fullest, without showing too clearly, what I feel he should do. But I bite my tongue as I want him to come to make his own judgement call.

I just want to make sure that they don't become bystanders in life. I want them to live it with gusto. For to me, that is living!

As for myself I continue to do the best I can. I told them the story of a cafe in my neighborhood of sunny South Beach. I wanted so badly for ginnybakes to be sold there. I felt that my health-minded target market were there and that if ginnybakes were sold there it would be huge for my growth. So I worked really hard, worked with them, on their terms, and finally got their okay to put the product in there. I only had delivered for one week, then they decided we were "too small of a company" and didn't want to take a risk with me. I was a local. And great customer- so I was shocked, and hurt. But you know what? I am glad it happened. It was the first example that I pointed to, and talked to my boys about tonight when I was talking about failure. Sure the rejection hurt- but only for a day or so. Then I got up, brushed off my knees and decided that obviously it wasn't the right place for ginnybakes. Their loss not mine.

I have always believed in the power of helping others- and that when some doors close, bigger ones open. Since that cafe closed their doors on us, Epicure Market- an infamous Miami Beach epicurean institution- has embraced us. Ha!

So if some doors haven't closed in your face, you have not lived. To live is to understand that failure is truly being too afraid to leap forward. You will fail with inaction.

Let's all take a leap of faith and go for our dreams as life is so rich in possibility that way. xo ginny

My Super Lunch

2011-03-05T14:56:00.000-05:00

Thankfully. And finally. A long overdue- quiet day to read, catch up on emails and plan.

I am relaxed, running no where, holed up doing research and listening to music. Though after a few hours of intense mental stimulation and absorption, the stomach growls. Hmmm, a quick jaunt to the kitchen. A quick glance into the refrigerator and the ideas begin to spin. Every food I eat serves a purpose other than to satiate my hunger. Food is fuel. For nourishment. Sustenance. I set out to create an ultimate nutrition-packed melange of sorts.

I take some kale (dark leafy greens have the most concentration of nutrients, calorie by calorie and are rich in nutrients and vitamin C, B, E and K which is beneficial to the heart, arteries, bones) chop it up and saute with some coconut oil. Then I add spinach (beta carotene, vitamin K, folate), throw in some dried cherries and pinenuts (anti-oxidants, fiber and more vitamin K), then realize I want it more complex, so I pop out the broccoli (fiber and calcium). I cut it up quickly into small florets, slice up some beets (for iron) and add in with everything else. The coconut oil, because of its high burning temperature) allows me to cook it all hot and fast. Then I place my sauteed concoction onto a beautiful dinner size plate and drizzle a mix of freshly squeezed orange and lemon with a splash of apple cider vinegar on top. But wait- I'm not done.

I find some leftover home-made hummus that is still raring to go. I put a dollop of this in the middle of the sautee and voila! A fast, beautiful and nutrient overloaded lunch for me. All in a matter of minutes.

I am truly grateful for the quiet time for me to gather thoughts...relax into myself and reap the rewards of my culinary improv session in my very own kitchen. Solitude at its finest. xo ginny

Smoothie Operator

2011-03-04T12:51:00.000-05:00

My youngest two high-school sons walk into the kitchen every morning at 6:53am and leave by 7 (why and how they have both coordinated a tandem 6:53am walk in- I have no idea!). Then at the end of each day, one of two arrives back home at 6:30pm and the other, not until 8:45 pm- after practice. I can't really push for them to be in any earlier since they are up late with homework anyway.

My joy and responsibility is to get something into them that is highly nutritious, and quick for them to take down. Most days- it's a great smoothie. I wish I could serve it green, so the kale or spinach could announce its emerald green beauty in the glass, but my boys will revolt!

So, I am sneaky and smooth. I cover the green with a bright colored fruit such as raspberries or strawberries, and only after they happily drink it do I tell them what was in it. I do this so they understand and become more open to foods they perceive to be awful tasting. Many a masked-green smoothie later- are they slowly learning that certain foods are actually becoming part of their world. When they finish their last sips- I tell them all the wonderful vitamins, minerals and nutrients that just entered their systems. Do they always pay attention? No. But 6:53am is pretty early, and the seven beautiful moments/minutes I have them in the morning are oh so fleeting. But oh so blissful for me. Have a beautiful, healthy day M and K. Love you! xo Mom

My Secretly Green Smoothie
1/2 organic Haas avocado
2 leaves organic kale
1 cup of organic orange juice
1 cup organic strawberries, fresh or frozen
1 organic banana
1 tbsp ground flaxseed (for some omegas and protein!)

1. Throw all ingredients into a Vitamix or high-speed blender- and blend until everything is liquified.
Enjoy!!!

Cocoa for C

2011-03-03T21:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, a wonderful client of mine was over at my home office. Let's call her "C".

C is about to finish her sessions with me and since we started back in December 2010- she has lost 14 pounds! Much more importantly though is her whole new shift in her relationship with food. When we began, she was fighting post-baby weight, exhaustion and the battle with food- that so many feel.

All I could hope for her- has been laid in place. She has turned the corner and now looks to food to nourish, fuel and enjoy. Her new food lifestyle is in place- with her young son who is now crazy for brown rice pasta, broccoli and wholesome food. He now will eat real food in its beautiful natural form- no longer having his scrambled eggs dyed green with food coloring to make them "more appealing" as C once made for him (yes...that is the truth!).

C was never comfortable in the kitchen- but now realizes the true joy she feels from creating nutritious and delicious food, with fresh herbs and whole ingredients. Her family has also made a real turn around by jumping onboard by adopting her better food habits. Now C has a beautiful radiance to her, that was so lacking a few months back. Her body is getting strong through yoga and strength training. I am so thrilled- like a proud mama.

Dessert is still such a want not only for C, for many that are on a path to better eating. When I first started C's transformation, we did away with dessert taking realistic baby steps. She went from eating rich desserts laden with refined sugars to Vitalicious Muffin Tops. I felt however that she was ready to make even better sweet choices and have fun making her own treats. So yesterday we made raw, vegan Cocoa Crunch Balls. This recipe is so simple and so yummy!! They are great to eat when looking to satiate that craving for something sweet after lunch or dinner. I love them with a cup of tea or with almond milk warmed with a few drops of vanilla cream stevia and cinnamon. Divine! I urge you to try making these yourself. You will not be disappointed. xo ginny

Cocoa Crunch Balls
2 cups raw unsalted almonds (sprouted- soak in water for 6 hours to overnight)
1 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
2 vanilla bean innards, scraped
1 1/2 cups pitted dates
3/4 organic cocoa powder
1 tbsp agave syrup or to taste
1/4 cup brown rice crispies (optional)

1. Chop/blend in a food processor until all ingredients are finely chopped and makes a thick 'paste'
2. Roll into small balls and put into small paper dessert cups (optional- roll balls in organic shredded coconut or cinnamon!)
3. Enjoy!

Keeps in the refrigerator for about 6 days or 3 months in freezer.

Getting Better

2011-02-28T20:59:00.001-05:00

After the GinnyBakes oven mitts come off, the juicer stops whirring, and the boys and Miss Bear and Sam the cat are all happily fed- I retreat into what I love. Researching, constantly learning, reading and getting in touch with the lives of all of my clients. As a certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor, I see several clients for private consultations on a weekly basis. Each one is so unique and so characteristically different in their needs.

My knowledge of holistic nutrition and positive life coaching and self-improvement has been a life long one, gained not only from my wonderful schooling at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition- but my own life experiences, travels, life choices, readings and overall intuitiveness about the human spirit. And I am so blessed and thankful each day that I am helping others make positive changes in their lives. Changes that help themselves, their families all for the better.

One client, after one of our sessions- heard a song by the Beatles and it brought on a new meaning to her more than ever before. She shared the song and her thoughts with me and I admittedly feel honored, flattered, but most of all- so proud and happy that she was feeling so great!

I am so happy and blessed to be part of her journey to better health and wellness. Thank you!
xo ginny

"Getting Better" by the Beatles

It's getting better all the time
I used to get mad at my school (this I feel is my old patterns of eating and living)
The teachers who taught me weren't cool
You're holding me down, turning me round
Filling me up with your rules.
I've got to admit it's getting better
A little better all the time
I have to admit it's getting better
It's getting better since you've been mine. (my health coach)
Me used to be a angry young (wo)man
Me hiding me head in the sand
You gave me the word
I finally heard
I'm doing the best that I can.

I've got to admit it's getting better

I used to be cruel to my woman (my body)
I beat her and kept her (my body) apart from
the things that she loved
Man I was mean but I'm changing my scene
And I'm doing the best that I can.
I admit it's getting better
A little better all the time
Yes I admit it's getting better
It's getting better since you've been mine
Getting so much better all the time!

Life with Elvia

2011-02-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

Elvia is my gatekeeper, my person, the spoiler of my children, the Lovely Miss Bear and Sam our cat. She treats me like a little beloved girl when I come home and just want to feel like someone's little girl. She makes me tea, questions what's wrong on the rare morning I make a cup of coffee, understanding that is a signal something is keeping me up. She worries about my Dad, who, she thinks is just sensational.

She has something to say on every subject. She doesn't like the acne on one of the boy's faces, tells me I must tell my other son to shave his beard, lets us know when she doesn't care for a beloved family member's boyfriend. Opinionated beyond description. Is she generally right? Yes.

When I buy new clothes her eyes light up, rumbling in the bag excited for me and pleased that I will look pretty in something new, she takes personal pride in that. Loving when I am out of my exercise clothes and in something elegant or sexy. She tells me I am beautiful.

I love organizing my closet with her- my feminine escape in a house of boys. She tells me I have too many boots (yes, i am a confessed boot fetishist!) so I actually hide new boots from her and put them away when she is not here. I cannot believe as a grown woman, the matriarch of all my boys, that I have to hide my boot purchases from her, an yet I do. All futile though- as she unearths them, showing them to me next day asking, "Ginny why?" and then we both giggle.

I am adored by her as are all of my men. She calls the four boys her babies, and you better believe her friends who meet them for the first time are shocked as they all tower over her. She has a special ring tone for them because she doesn't like to answer her phone on Sundays, but doesn't ever want to miss their calls should they need her. (They always seem to need her for something, a lost key, shoe or sporting apparel) They have dinner dates with her, Argentinean Steak. She plans and they pay- just like the way my boys know it better be. My husband and I are never included when she takes out the boys, it is their time.

She taught my younger two to drive as sure as my husband and I did. My husband, she believes, is perfect, and that I am just so lucky to have him. She is right of course.

She came to us not knowing how to cook and only eating beef, and thought organics were silly. She now buys all of our stuff for the house through Melaleuca, so proud of herself. She eats fish, knows all about quinoa. When formulating our juice detox recipes- Elvia's hands are as involved as mine as we work side by side blending fruits and juices, tasting every one of them to make sure they are perfect. She organizes the juices with care.

Last year when I was so bereft when my 2nd son left for college she was the one that let me be and gave me time and space until she determined it was enough. She clapped her hands at me saying, "Ok, now it's time to be happy- soon the grandchildren will come. So let's relax and enjoy the quiet for awhile." I listened. She is truly a woman who is oh so wise.

So now you're asking who is Elvia? She is family. The dearest friend to me, who also comes with the title of caretaker of the Simon Family. Sometimes people walk into your life and you know they were supposed to always be a part of it. I love this woman so much, and yet understand that if I was caught up with boundaries, I would have missed out on one of the greatest relationships in my world.

Mindfulness is also about understanding that people are so much more than the titles they carry, as they begin their journey with you. I am honored she chose us to love, my life has been incredibly richer since she entered it. Love you Elvia, mi amiga. xo ginny

Here is Elvia's favorite recipe. En espanol, of course!

4 personas

1 tasa de arroz

1 lata de frijoles, rojos o negros

2 chuletas de cerdo cosinadas previamente

2 pechugas de pollo cosinadas previamente

1 cebolla blanca cortada en trositos

4 hajos bien picados

2 cucharadas de aceite estra virgen

Se pone el aceite a calentar luego la cebolla ,luego el hajo

cuando esta suabe le pone el pollo y la chuleta vien picaditas en trositos

dejar 5 minutos a medio juego luego pones los frijoles

despues el arroz

remober contantemente pones un poquito de pimienta al gusto y salsa soya

puedes agregar chile picante un poquito si lo desea

servir a caliente

Gifts from the Past

2011-02-22T23:30:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago- I met my cousin Lauri again.

The last time I saw her was in 1981 when I was just getting over mononucleosis. I was not in great spirits, I was stuck in the house, downing raisins by the dozen as somehow I got it in my mind they were the cure-all for mono...what was I thinking? Who knows...Anyway back to Lauri, she and her family came to Florida for a visit and that was the first and only time we met in person. (No, our family is not too dysfunctional- we are actually distant cousins hence the occasional family encounters.)

I got an email through my info@mindfulorganics.com email, introducing herself as my cousin. I couldn't believe it, I wasn't sure how she would know it was me as I use my married name now. Lauri said Ginny is a pretty uncommon name and seeing I was from Florida, she started to read my blogs and then knew it was me when I spoke of having 4 sons. All this after a simple Google search for "healthy recipes."

She was very kind with her words and we have since communicated more. Lauri, I hope you are reading this blog as through your words I knew once again, I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. Connecting with people and hopefully inspiring along the way- as so many people I encounter everyday- inspire me.

I have found many people from my past through my blogs. One man from my past who wrote me songs after I left a job as a teenager. At that moment in time, he scared me a bit- but I look now and realize how kind he was to share how much he cared in the past and that I should have felt gratitude instead of fear.

I am learning through my being in contact with all of you, we inspire, learn from and are blessed to have one another in our lives, touching sometimes only through this cyber world of ours. Everyday I believe in the magic of connections.

So Lauri- thank you for making me so happy. I leave your email in my inbox so everyday as I glance over the mail, I see it and smile. On this note- should I dare share an old Aibel recipe?
Here goes...this is not a hip new one, but an old treasured one.

Grandma Bess's Mini Blintz
Take a stack of thin crust (hopefully) Whole Wheat bread. Take crusts off.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

In the mean time- in a mixer, mix 8 oz cream cheese with 1 stick of butter and 2 eggs.

In another bowl combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Mix together.

Dip the bread into the cream cheese and egg mixture, roll up and dip into the cinnamon sugar and place in a baking pan.

Bake for 30 minutes. Serve with love.

Is this a healthy organic recipe? Yes if you choose all organic eggs, bread, cheese and sugars. And yes to healthy- healthy for the mind and soul- if you think of distant and loved family as you eat it.

Lauri I am going to think of you and my grandma as I make it for the boys. xo ginny

Baking a Ginnybakes Business

2011-02-22T11:53:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago on a Tuesday night, I told my husband I was thinking of putting ginnybakes to rest. I truly do not have a business sense, instead- I have drive and creativity. I seemed to be spinning my wheels, and my hero of a husband just couldn't seem to take the time to help me. My oldest son, an amazing business student, was waiting in the wings after putting together an incredible business plan. Still nothing...we had submitted our product to Whole Foods and heard- you guessed it, nothing.

I had to redo the products to bring them in line with what was realistic to sell to a store in. At first they were created with just love. But then you realize what you believe in also has to have a reality to it, as no matter how good they are they won't sell. So much time, energy, love and yet it seemed I just couldn't seem to understand how to get them to market. My dear friend and quasi partner Annhy and I initially decided to grow ginnybakes organically, but how?

All this now seemed about to be for naught. I went to sleep that Tuesday night broken hearted over a big dream coming to a close. I didn't sleep a wink, the lovely Miss Bear and I hung out in the kitchen drinking warm almond milk with stevia and cinnamon- my comfort food. Side bar: ok at least I was, she was dreaming of how to get into the 25lb bag of Oat Flour that she finally got hold of last night. My house this morning is covered in a white substance, that matches her nose and muzzle, the bag once full at 25 lbs yesterday now 2 lbs. She looks about 30 lbs heavier this morning with all sorts of scratching going on- but by now I think you all know about her eating disorder...

When dawn came I decided I would be miserable if I didn't go out fighting. I marched out with the energy and drive of pure adreneline. First stop: Apple A Day the first health food market on Miami Beach, the owner Riz, has a steady loyal client base even though his store is just down the street from Whole Foods. His is the small business, the mom and pop- the place you go to when you want personal service and the feel of a neighborhood place of long ago. I was ready to plead with Riz. But I never had to, what a gentlemen he is. He said he would give it a try that day. I was so appreciative of someone giving me a chance with no hesitation.

It has been an exciting time for ginnybakes, we are slowly feeling some growth, with your help we might come to a market near you, delivering a product, I just really believe has a strong place in the American market place. Finally a bake mix you can make in your own home and feel good about indulging in. I need your help: if you are in Miami Beach, go buy a mix or pick up a two pack at Apple A Day. While you are there say hi to Riz and look around, for you are in a hidden gem.

As for me, it has been chaotic and fun, and got me a bit off balance. Back on track 3 days of yoga in a row. Thursday night when I went I could feel my frenetic energy, I could not stay settled in a balance pose, kept falling out. I understood, and once again felt marvel over the mind- body connection. By the end of class I was relaxed in my own body again. I felt strong, sated and oh so relaxed.

Today before yoga I started the day with a beautiful smoothie.

Here is what I made:

1 piece fresh coconut meat

1/4 Cup papaya

1/2 Cup almond milk

3 large leaves kale

1 TBL ground flaxseed

Blended in my vitamix with a handful of ice.

Rode my bike to yoga, felt so clean and happy. Class was just perfect and my husband and the lovely, itchy Miss Bear were there waiting for me when class let out. We rode on home and once again I felt like such an incredibly fortunate woman, living in the moment- so beautiful.

May it be a mindful week for you with moments of pure joy and gratitude. xo ginny

Fitness For YOU

2011-02-13T14:39:00.000-05:00

I think by now, unless you are truly in denial (or living under a rock!) you know that exercise is a necessary component to living a full healthy life. In theory I strongly support Michael Pollan's theory- eat good foods, not too much and mostly plants. However a question frequently posed is: which is more important, good exercise or good nutrition?

I believe no amount of exercise in the world will take you to your optimum health unless you are also eating whole clean foods. When I say that, I mean for your OWN body. Yes, there is the understanding that calories taken in vs. burned, is what leads to a healthier number on the scale- yet what works for one individual might not work for another.

First, there is much debate about how much protein a body needs to maintain a strong and effective exercise routine and muscle mass. Some of the strongest athletes are strictly Vegan. For others, the Paleo Diet works. And for others, The 21 day Clean Diet has changed their lives. On this note- when a new client comes to me, I never assume what will work until we explore their eating styles, cravings, digestion, habits...so many facets to look at. So undoubtedly the same applies to exercise.

Lately in South Beach (approximately 1st street north to 17th street in Miami Beach) the exercise possibilities have exploded! Again there are so many choices- no particular one better than another. You have to try several before you start to see your own results. Personally I have explored a lot of the options and here are my favorites, though each very different in style from the other.

Crossfit Miami Beach on 9th and Alton is owned by two guys, Nate and Mike. Crossfit Workouts which are called WODS -Workout of the Day. Crossfit gyms are all across the US and Canada and involve cardio, weights and innovative movements, that are fast paced, competitive, and short (some workouts are 20 minutes!). I think the world of Jason, the early morning instructor, he is interested and treats everyone has if he is your own personal trainer making sure your form is correct. (Tell them you read my blog and take a free class!)

Green Monkey- can't tell you more than that I am a Yogi and this is my home. They now have 3 locations, South Miami, Miami Beach, and Midtown Miami- there is a level and class for everyone!

Jetset Pilates 110 Washington Avenue, ground floor of the Cosmopolitan condo. This is no ordinary Pilates class. You exhaust each muscle group. Wow were my quads on fire! My new love- a really cool, amazing hard core workout.

My trainer Jeff Shepard is opening his new gym Symbio this week on Purdy Avenue. Gorgeous, an unbelievable amount of equipment, a variety of classes and what makes it unique- Biofit. Biofit is their medical component to fitness which helps determine what foods and exercise type your body processes and reacts to best. Definitely useful information! And I must say that their views to the bay are beautiful, as you are doing your cardio. Whether you choose to hire Jeff or any of the trainers, or just join with a regular membership, I strongly recommend it if you live on the beach. (You could be like me and 'live' on Purdy Avenue all morning between Green Monkey and Symbio- considering they are neighbors!)

And last but not least, Miami is now big time- joining NY and LA with our very own Soul Cycle. It is in the Mondrian Hotel on West Avenue. Great music, great instructors and you even use hand weights during the workout to make sure your upper body is not left without getting its cuts.

Whatever you choose to be your fitness kick- make sure to nourish and rehydrate the body afterwards.
What I recover with is a great smoothie. Here is one of my favorites.

Acai Smoothie
3.5 oz frozen Acai puree
1 Banana
1/2 cup frozen Raspberries
1/2 cup Pomegranate juice
1 TBSP Agave nector
1 TBSP spoon ground Flaxseeds.
Blend well and enjoy
Add protein powder if desired. I like Shapefood or Sun Warrior- my favorite Vegan protein powder.

Hope this gets you going! And if you have a class or fitness facility you would like to add please share and post it under comments. We would love to hear what else is going on out there in this ever expanding world of fitness!

Happy sweating!!! XO Ginny

Lighthearted.

2011-02-10T15:01:00.000-05:00

I have noticed lately my blogs have been very soulful, so lets make today's a little fun and light hearted...a cooking blog!

I met with one of my favorite clients today. I showed her how to whip up a few quick sauces and quick basics just to show her how easy it is to put together a quick meal. One of my recent personal faves has been the Parsley Sauce from Michael's Genuine newest cookbook "Down-To-Earth: For People Who Love to Eat"(which I very very highly recommend!). I have always loved Michael's very simple and earthy approach to food, and his restaurant here in Miami is a loved favorite in our house (and James Beard thinks so too, as Michael Schwartz was deservingly awarded the award for best chef in 2010!)

In no time, we managed to enjoy great conversation, laughter and whipped up three great recipes from the cookbook and my very own recipe for Sauteed Tuna, quick and perfect to top salads, mix into brown rice pasta or tofu noodles. Try all of these simple recipes out and incorporate them into your regular cooking regime. All perfect, flavorful, delicious and well, lighthearted. xo ginny

***
Parsley Sauce by Michael Schwartz
1 cup firmly packed, fresh, flat-leaf parsley leaves
3 tablespoons of capers, drained and rinsed
2 anchovies in oil, drained
3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Put the parsley, capers, anchovies, garlic, pepper and oil in a blender. Puree until the mixture is completely smooth and bright green. The sauce should be wet and slightly soupy in consistency.

Perfect to spoon over grilled meats, or as a dip for crudites or foccacia. Make ahead of time and refrigerate or blend right before using. Whatever works best for you!

Makes about 3/4 cup.

***
Roasted Garlic by Michael Schwartz
1 cup peeled garlic cloves (about 40)
2 cups of canola oil

Preheat the oven to 325' F. Put the garlic cloves in a single layer in a small baking pan. Pour in enough oil to cover the garlic completely. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour or until the cloves are very soft. Be sure that the garlic does not brown, or worse, burn. Cool the roasted garlic in the oil. To make garlic puree: Remove the garlic cloves from the oil and smash the soft garlic cloves in a bowl with the back of a spoon, or in a mini chopper. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the garlic oil and mix to combine. The roasted garlic, whole or pureed, will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Store the whole cloves in the oil.

Makes 1/2 cup of roasted whole cloves or 1/2 cup of puree.

***
Provencal Vinaigrette by Michael Schwartz
1 beefsteak tomato, seeded and finely diced
12 pitted green olives, such as Manzanilla, finely diced
1 jarred roasted red peer, rinsed and chopped
2 shallots, minced
1/4 cup capers, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
Finely grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
1 1/2 tsp. sherry vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, olives, red pepper, shallots, capers, thyme, lemon zest and juice, vinegar and oil. Stir the ingredients gently but thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper. The vinaigrette can be made 1 day ahead of serving and will keep for 7 days covered in the fridge.

Makes 2 cups.

***
Tuna Sautee
1 can Albacore, high quality Tuna, packed in water
1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup red onion, diced
garlic, 5 cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp. rosemary, chopped
1 tsp. parsley, chopped
4 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper

Sautee tuna, onion, garlic, tomatoes, rosemary, parsley in the olive oil until onions are translucent and soft. Remove from heat and add balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Put over a fresh salad, or mix into brown rice pasta or onto tofu noodles topped with parmesan cheese. Delicious, quick and full of protein!

The Family that Asanas Together, Stays Together

2011-02-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot express the joy and pride I feel when I enter a Yoga studio with two of my boys and husband in tow. I feel so incredibly blessed as I waited a long time for this to happen. And though I have been practicing for many years now, there was a time in my life where I was searching for some answers.

I went to see my Rabbi, who thought I should start Karate. He felt I needed more secure boundaries because I wasn't reserving enough of ‘me’ for me. Instead, I walked into a Yoga studio and never looked back.

Yoga became my refuge, where I went alone each morning and practiced in a very small group, doing Mysore. Everyone in their own space, movements and pace. Peace. Silence. Then heading home afterwards to a very young and busy household of 4 young babes, feeling ready and so happy to be back in the fold of the action. I thrived on this contrast. Yoga does that for you, gives you clarity and the understanding of your place in the world.

Understandably, I wanted to share this with my family, but my four sons and very athletic husband met me with strong resistance, not understanding that Yoga isn't about how much weight you lift or how many push ups you can do, but instead about the total package, mind, body and spirit. Not to mention that the body strengthens itself quite beautifully with Yoga.

It took my youngest son's Lacrosse coach calling me and telling me my son needed Yoga. That the stretching would strengthen and lengthen his muscles- so that when he came into LAX season after completing basketball, his injuries would lessen. They wanted him performing hard. And when the coach speaks versus the mom, things happen. And so- Kevin was sold, and one of his older brothers became interested as well (insert glorious choir chant here!). I called on my long time friend and beloved Green Monkey instructor- Amy Rabin to work with my boys. To make them fall in love with Yoga. And she succeeded. I have no idea how she managed it so quickly and so thoroughly but they are true Yogis now. Kevin now wants, when his schedule allows, to become a certified Yoga instructor and now I see Michael opening up to a more spiritual side of life. Now you'll see them around the Green Monkey Treehouse regularly during school and sport season breaks.

So please know that when they walk in with me my heart is feeling so full, and I am so filled with love. My husband- seeing us all with mats in hand, raring to go- threw in the towel and now joins us. And now each time he comes along, I am so grateful and bursting with an increased love for this man that I adore. So on this coming Valentine’s Day I pay tribute to my Yoga studio, to Amy, my fellow Yogis and mostly to these gorgeous men I get to claim as my own. And my family- stronger, spiritually synchronized and beautifully aligned. I am blessed.

Comfort Food for My Stormy Night

2011-02-03T00:17:00.000-05:00

Miami today was so gorgeous, warm, but not hot, dry with a little humidity. A day we Floridians live in Florida for. The news though told the story of the monster storm, the largest storm of recent history covering over 2,000 miles. Airports were closing all over the nation. I could feel a buzz all over, between the goings on in Eygpt and the monster storm, I was glued to CNN.

Funny without realizing it til I was midway through cooking dinner, I was making a comfort food dinner, as if I too was in the midst of harsh elements. Gathering family around a warm meal. I laughed at myself and yet understood. One of my sons is in school in Chicago. He was having a PJ day in the frat house, chaos in their kitchen as the cook could not make it in. I longed to be there, maybe not around all those guys, they would really be wondering about me...but just with my son hanging out. Cozy- watching the elements go by the window. For some reason I found it hard to comprehend him living such a life so different and far from us. My comfort food was a way of connecting to him. Once again the heart strings pull tight.

I overcooked by quite a lot, but who wouldn't on a cold stormy night.

My made up pasta recipe. Lets call it- White Bean Roasted Tomato Sauce

I had a white bean puree sitting in the refrigerator (white beans cooked from scratch or canned-rinse well). The puree was made by cooking the finished beans in olive oil, garlic, rosemary and salt and pepper. Add grated best quality Parmesan cheese. (I used food processor) blend to puree.

To this I added roasted tomatoes and basil (from my garden). Roast cherry or grape tomatoes in olive oil, salt and pepper, and tons of fresh chopped basil.

Then I combined the two mixtures in a large sautee pan.
Then a lot of zucchini- chopped and added to the pan. Then I left everything on low heat, added more olive oil, stirred frequently to blend the bean mixture thoroughly so it thinned out.

I boiled salted water to cook penne pasta.

While this was going on- I cut up a large butternut squash, again tossed with olive oil, S&P, and added sage. I roasted it in a preheated oven at 425 for 30 minutes. Then added 1/2 cup maple syrup and mixed gently but well. I cooked it another 20 minutes and then added grated pecorino cheese, to the hot squash. Absolutely incredible.

I also made kale chips spray with olive oil spray (less oil that way) sprinkle with salt cook 25 min at 300degrees. Remove leaves from stem and cut into chip size.

Since I was almost finished cooking- but not quite- I took more basil and fresh arugula (both from the garden), then took some large tomatoes- and cut them in thick rings and laid them over the arugula with fresh organic mozzarella, with a splash of some balsamic vinegar and you guessed it, olive oil.

We lingered over the meal as comfort food has a way of drawing us in tight. Conversation was ongoing, homework and responsibilities waited, and Bear on cue seemed to get it she snored soundly in the background, while the beautiful, balmy South Florida night seemed so very far away.

xo ginny

The Boy Drives Off

2011-01-31T16:57:00.000-05:00

Today, I watched the baby just pull out of the driveway and head off alone in a car for the very first time.

My feelings? So many at once...a little sick to my stomach mixed with gratefulness that all went well, that he passed and actually came home with the license. Sadness and relief, that we won't be running down each night to pick him up from practice an hour haul round trip.

What is the boy, our treasured baby like? He is one of those people you come across in life that you just want to get to know better. He believes he has a strong place in this world. He takes up space, he is big and athletic with a very rugged appeal. When he enters the house, the door flies open with a sudden burst, he yells his arrival. Miss Bear always charges him with a rough and tough greeting she saves for her adored master.

When he comes into the kitchen, his hand is always reaching for food. The body always hungering. When he shuts his door he does it soundly, never a quiet click.
He puts in his all into whatever he is working on.

At times when he was younger, it could drive me crazy, he was so hard on himself, and now I see that was how he worked into the confidence he carries with him everyday. He understands within himself that he creates his world by how much he puts in.

He has me completely wrapped around his finger, though I try to convince him otherwise. When I do something that really pleases him he wraps his arms around me, squeezes my shoulders and with that deep voice says "great job Mom, I love you" I answer with "of course you do, you just got your way".

Inside though, I am swollen with joy.

This was the child that I decided to quietly create. Yes, of course I had a partner in my husband, he just wasn't quite aware of how I was hungering for this fourth child. After having three beautiful boys- I wanted my girl, I wanted my daughter who I would dress in pink, play with her shiny dark hair, and take to ballet instead of basketball. She would have a button nose and a spunk to her. I couldn't wait to begin the process of her creation, and so I didn't. I started when my 3rd was just a tiny infant. (Yes there are moments in my life where I definitely feel that like Lucy in I Love Lucy: I leap forward, and worry later.)

The fourth pregnancy came immediately, I put on a front of shock like everyone else, and honestly felt so overwhelmed at my lack of planning- just good old fashioned emotional hungering.
For my husband wanted 2 kids and possibly one dog, if that.

I still remember clearly the night I told him of Kevin's pregnancy- the house full, upstairs a sleeping 5 yr old, 3 yr old and infant. We were watching Seinfeld, and every commercial I would gather myself to tell my husband, then recede back into myself, overwhelmed at the prospect of what was ahead of us. When I did tell my him, I laid it out and let my false bravado slip away. His answer...I will never forget, "we will raise these kids to be really decent people, that we want to spend our time with."

Kevin of course is as far as can be from my delicate, shiny haired wanna be daughter. He came out with the blondest of hair and bluest of eyes. He was a wild infant in utero, and came out in the same style. I looked at him and fell so in love, laughed in relief that I finally felt complete. I knew immediately I had been waiting for him, that he would complete our family and quietly put my daughter dreams aside and fell wildly, crazily in love with our last. Our baby.

We treasure our boys, love them and respect them. And expect that and more back from each of them. Ours is not a democracy, though as the boys are becoming wonderful men and the hammering days have gone, and we instead now quietly chisel and mold our boys, I can see how we are becoming more like board members, advising in the backdrop to their lives- rather than the focus.

That is how it should be and so yes, as he drove out this morning so many thoughts, and yet the understanding this is what we hope and pray for everyday of their lives. That they go forth.

Safe traveling, my baby boy, love you always and forever. xo Mom

Good Clean Fair

2011-01-28T22:58:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share three powerful words as described and enforced by our friends at Slow Food USA.

This weekend, take a quick moment to visit their website and learn about the initiatives at municipal, state, national and international levels that this organization is taking action in. Find out about joining and supporting your local chapter and start to think about food, preparation of food and nutrition more mindfully and slowly.

I love these three words, as they can be applied not only to food obviously, but as well as life in general.
Be good, stay clean and be fair...
Happy weekend!

Good, Clean and Fair

Good:

The word good can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. For Slow Food, the idea of good means enjoying delicious food created with care from healthy plants and animals. The pleasures of good food can also help to build community and celebrate culture and regional diversity.

Clean:

When we talk about clean food, we are talking about nutritious food that is as good for the planet as it is for our bodies. It is grown and harvested with methods that have a positive impact on our local ecosystems and promotes biodiversity.

Fair:

We believe that food is a universal right. Food that is fair should be accessible to all, regardless of income, and produced by people who are treated with dignity and justly compensated for their labor.

Processed Food...Not Good for You Not Good For Fido.

2011-01-19T16:59:00.000-05:00

In early December, some of you may recall that I wrote about Miss Bear's detox. Miss Bear is our Newfoundland-Lab mix dog. She is 5 years old and is absolutely the sweetest thing ever. She has always battled allergies- but now I am happy to report that the lovely Miss Bear is looking so beautiful.

Her coat is shiny, she is so physically active, moving around like a young pup. Her secret? Her diet. She now thrives on a diet of raw ground organic beef, chicken, salmon and duck. Added to it is the discarded raw pulp of vegetables and fruits from my morning juicing. Miss Bear's diet keeps me very disciplined and happy knowing her health is tied to mine. Her weekly menu also consists of any combination of raw eggs, avocado, greek yogurt , sweet potato and a limited amount of quinoa or brown rice.

Spoiled? No! Healthy? yes!

Too often as pet owners we are lured into the notion that pets eat pet food. Out of convenience we opt for kibble then sometimes wonder why Spot is overweight, itchy, anxious or unhappy. I too played for years with various versions of hypoallergenic bagged foods before I got up the courage to take her health and well being as seriously as I do my own.

Within one week of cutting the bagged foods and feeding her simple real foods- her scratching stopped. Cold turkey. Coincidence, I definitely think not. And so this brings me to today's great article in the Dining section of the New York Times titled "Eat Table Food? Some Owners Say Pull Up a Chair". The article further justifies that feeding your pets a natural diet of real foods vs. processed bagged/canned foods makes a world of difference to them.

Furthermore- if only we could realize how simple this formula is for our own health. As soon as we rid our bodies of processed, packaged foods- we will begin to see amazing results. Our energy increases, our skin glows and we feel happier. I guarantee it. It's not a matter of dieting. It's a simple matter of eating clean, real, foods.

Read the article and commit to getting your pets and yourself on a track to better health and vitality and think what wonders it can do for your own health.

Miss Bear gives the article two happy, healthy paws up! xo ginny

love your life!

2011-01-15T17:45:00.001-05:00

My clients come to see me initially about food, and yet food frequently is just the beginning of our discussions. I am so frequently asked what about cravings... a craving is frequently your soul talking to you, perhaps you are lonely, bored, too stressed, tired or angry.

Try to start to look into yourself to understand why you crave. Perhaps if it happens everyday at the 4pm slump, your nutrient profile is not keeping up with your physical needs. I do not mean your calorie intake, but rather the quality of your food.

Maybe your relationships need adjustments. If you are a female, has your identity been overtaken by the label wife and mom? Who are you? Do you have enough in your life just for you? I will tell you something from my own life, at times when my 4 boys were young it could be very overwhelming. They were six years apart top to bottom and life at moments was too much. I used to believe I had to be perfect, that was who I expected myself to be and was brought up to always show a proper facade. I lived up to that til the day I fell down a dozen stairs in the house rushing to make dinner. I was never so relieved not to have a baby in my arms at that moment. I finally learned in an awakening moment that perhaps pizza and pajama nights have a great place in life.

Not only did I discover pizza nights, I also learned each of us needs a place to crawl into that no one in our daily lives has to be part of. For me it was a hovel of a yoga studio with a master teacher. It was my oasis, my home for an hour each morning, my sanity. It didn't make me less of a wife and mom, instead it gave my family and myself the gift of a strong impassioned woman who adored herself and her family and could give more because I saved some for myself.

A marriage like everything else needs major tune ups as do our jobs.
Are you passionate, happy? It is the start of the year, a beautiful time to reevaluate.

For myself my 21 day challenge has me re-looking at everything going on in my life. I am questioning mysef more, feeling more radiant and full of blessings. I feel strong, cravings are not part of my life lately and life has a feeling of wellbeing. Good nutrition and introspection does that, throw in the exercise and what bliss. xo ginny

Fast Life? Slow Cook!

2011-01-07T23:00:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of the new year- I want to focus on helping you all (including myself!) make improvements in our daily lives. Eat better, sleep more, exercise often and live mindfully, with passion!

I strongly believe that baby steps guarantee permanent lifestyle changes. Whether you are trying to lose weight, quit sugar or exercise more- you will have a better chance of achieving a goal as long as you adopt reasonable steps that are easy to digest and incorporate into your daily grind.

For those of you with fast-paced busy lives- like myself, cooking more and eating out less is a sure-fire way to eat cleaner and healthier. Although going out to eat instead of cooking up dinner at 6pm after a long day is always tempting and habitual for most, I have two magic words for you to try: Slow Cooking.

Before the holidays, a good friend urged me to buy a slow cooker. Surprisingly I didn't already have one- so I bought one one...and boy it made my holiday in Utah quite delicious!

In the morning, I would toss all my veggies, legumes, beans, quinoa, spices, broths into the slow cooker. Set it and leave for most of the day. When we would all return from a day on the slopes- invigorated and cold- it was such a nice surprise to be able to dig into the most delicious, healthy stews and soups! My slow cooker officially has re-defined the concept of 'apres-ski'!

This year I plan to make great use of my slow cooker from hereon out- using my newest cookbook, The Italian Slow Cooker, and just experimenting with recipes and getting creative. Really, it's hard to mess up a slow cooker meal so its perfect for beginner or reluctant chefs. And the big bonus is being able to walk into the house after a long, tiring day and have a healthy, clean meal that is hot and ready to eat- is such a nourishing blessing to our bodies and souls.

Without further ado- here is a great simple recipe that is rich in protein, fiber and taste. Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding in different spices such as curry and even a little cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar) too!

Mushroom and Barley Stew
Ingredients:
2 quarts vegetable broth
1 can of tomato paste

2 cups sliced fresh button mushrooms
1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms, torn into pieces
3/4 cup uncooked pearl barley
3/4 cup dry lentils
1/2 cup golden onion, minced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon of thyme
3 bay leaves
1 tsp. cumin powder
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
sea salt to taste
Directions:
1. Put all ingredients into the slow cooker
2. Cover, and cook 4 to 6 hours on High or 10 to 12 hours on Low.
Remove bay leaves before serving.

Enjoy!!

XO ginny

Save Your Health (and money) with Soup!

2011-01-04T23:18:00.000-05:00

I strongly believe that preparing a delicious clean and simple meal is faster than ordering in. And the long term benefits are astounding.

You will save money, you will maintain your weight and you will take pride in the fact of knowing that you mindfully crafted a meal in your own kitchen. This fact alone will hopefully, inspire you to cook!

Here is a simple, light (and quick) vegetarian soup recipe that I always follow.

Quick Butternut Squash Soup

1. Take a Butternut Squash and chop into cubes.

2. Saute in 2 tbsps of olive oil with 1 chopped white or golden onion until onions are soft.

3. Add 6 cups of organic Vegetable Broth and simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Puree in a blender or Vitamix.

5. Season with sea salt, pepper and nutmeg.

If you would like a little something to dip into the soup, toast up some delicious Mochi bread (find it at Whole Foods with the refrigerated breads). It is gluten, yeast and dairy-free, and great for those of us with food intolerances.

I had this Butternut Squash soup for dinner tonight and will have it for lunch tomorrow with some avocado and cooked lentils added to my soup.

Asparagus and carrot soup can be made the same way.

Try adding some curry if you are making only Carrot soup.

happy cooking!

xo ginny

Day 2-4

2011-01-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

Funny, the alcohol doesn't bother me, gluten no issue, nor sugar. It is that salmon. I have always loved it. It is now time to try and live without the seafood. I am taking this like a science experiment as I fine tune my nutrition.
I love the feeling of waking up each morning to a cocktail of green energy. I have been making it for my husband as well, and feel the good health flowing into our bodies. Today I used cucumber, celery, kale, ginger, carrot, and a pear. It was not as sweet as say a carrot, juice. It is more plain with a little grassy taste. I love it, my husband didn't. If you try it, don't give up everything in life takes getting used to. I drink it on an empty stomach and make sure to give it time to fully digest so my body can absorb its powers.

I just came back from Whole Foods where I picked up B12, I like the twin lab brand 5000mcg. I know the only source for that is animal products and besides eggs I will not be taking any in. In the past when I attempted to go raw or vegan, mouth sores from a lack of B12 got me every time. This time I will be ready, my system is loaded with its B12, hopefully it will keep the sores and lip splits away. I will keep you posted of course. xo ginny

Good Morning and Happy 1st day of 2011

2011-01-01T11:46:00.000-05:00

Wow, a fresh slate for those that choose it on a very traditional day to start. So many people wake up today, massive headaches, and weight gain from the holidays to deal with...What would it be like for so many if they truly realized their health was not in the hands of the medical community, but in their own.

If each of us decided to give up the processed junk and decided to take control of our own bodies that there is a realization that it is not normal or natural to be exhausted everyday at 4 pm, overweight, moody and depressed. That there is a path to a better sex drive, a glowing feeling of well being. All can be attained if individuals decided to get back to basics and take control. No more looking for the quick fix of the cookie diet, 100 kcal bags of processed junk.

Decide to change to become happy and whole to have that light step, the quick giggle and a big smile of well being. Get moving, exercise, ramp it up, get some weight resistance in there to keeps muscles strong so as we age we don't become these walking skinny, old ladies or overweight persons with the fat just jiggling around.

Where to begin? Get rid of the white processed junk, if you are further a long, decide to move to a whole foods organic lifestyle, or come with me for the next 21 days as I ramp up and fine tune my path. I love salmon and really all fish, but have decided the mercury may be causing some of the symptoms of a lagging episode of candida. I also want to save some fish a long the way. I am going vegetarian this next 21 days and doing more than that. I am juicing or making green smoothies for breakfast everyday. I have begun doing it in Utah and am feeling so great.

Instead of a few times a week it is the first thing that enters my system after a great cup of tea. I am giving up coffee, gluten, any sugars, dairy, and alcohol.
Today I made a green smoothie of avocado, romaine lettuce, cucumber, banana and flax seed oil. I am going to let you know of my progress and hoopefully inspire you.

A beautiful, glowing, truly healthy New Year for you. xo ginny

brooksidebuzz.com

2010-12-20T11:05:00.000-05:00

I am here in our hideaway in Utah getting hit with a winter wonderland. 18 inches pouring in, WOW!!
My husband is pacing, the kids disorganized, ski clothes in piles everywhere. 4 sons of mine all the same build try and figure out what belongs to whom. We have gotten in last night after being in CA after a truly magical, intense weekend. We spent it with dear friends as a surprise. The wife turned 40 she was supposed to be in New Zealand, drinking wine and reflecting about the beauty of life. She is vibrant, beautiful, strong- willed, so funny. I want you to get to know her yourself. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer and I won't say more for the moment. She has much to teach. Her blog is her mission at this point in her life. Her life force is felt with every word you read. Laugh, cry and learn. Let me know the difference she makes in your life. xo ginny
Brooksidebuzz.com

Feeling cool and oh so very happy

2010-12-09T21:49:00.001-05:00

Life is funny sometimes. In the evening today I was in the hair salon, feeling like a lady, an hour later I was riding my bike on a dark, cold, Florida night to yoga with my son. There was no basketball practice tonight, very unusual, and he could finally get to his favorite yoga class. We both love the organic, yogie experience of biking there. I felt like the coolest, hippest, happiest mom around, taking pleasure in living outside the box, riding away in complete darkness, after a fantastic class. We rode through the quiet streets talking about life and in my mind I was marking it as one of those moments in life I would always carry with me...ah the sweetness of life and the gratitude in marking the moment. xo ginny

Feeling cool and oh so very happy

2010-12-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

my candida

2010-12-07T15:35:00.000-05:00

Tuesday morning and it's oh so delightfully cold! I just finished a beautiful frigid run, with a dear friend and soon I will go to a 9 am yoga class. After I am having lunch with a dynamic group of women, (only 2 that I know) all involved in yoga as well as in different fields of expertise. A friend put us all together and I am so looking forward to it!

On my well being front...I had a severe attack of the candida Thursday, yet traveled out to Utah on Friday. Best thing I did. I always spend a lot of time on my clients but you know the saying...I had not fully focused on healing myself. I spent the 4 1/2 hours traveling out there rereading the candida cure. Our first stop was Wholefoods, where the staff was incredible helping me attain all the herbs and cleanses I needed. About 6 in all. I left carrying bags out of the store and hope.

Needless to say it isn't easy to follow the regimen, but I am feeling like I am so on the road. I still have been having some moments of pure pain, but all is settling down. I cannot have any fruit, yeast, alcohol, dairy, gluten, or any products where sugars may be lurking. I guess if you asked me to roll it out I am a sugar free, gluten free, dairy free, yeast free, pescatarian. Yet instead of seeing it as limitations, I am embracing it. I feel so much better, and so aware of everything entering my body and how it makes it feel. To listen, to truly listen to one's body is an amazing experience. I have to be honest as well, my weight was driving me crazy, there was no drop from night to morn, I was eating very small amounts of food as it was painful and yet the scale showed me to be at my highest. 3 full days on herbs and do me good food, and more of it, than I had been able to digest before, and I came home 6 pounds lighter.

Main stream medicine for the most part still does not recognize Candida, I only hope people learn to seek out knowledge and keep looking when you know something is wrong, listen to yourself, and trust in oneself. xo ginny

Miss. Bear's Detox

2010-12-01T10:11:00.000-05:00

Good morning all!

Hope everyone is off to a beautiful beginning of another day in our challenge. I am off to a 9:15 yoga class today, but before that I will take Miss Bear for a lovely walk. She has been detoxing this week after a heavy week of wreaking havoc and getting into all kinds of trouble. It has been so interesting to watch this beautiful dog get some success into eating some food she shouldn't have and than like us humans, craving more bad food and more and more of it. Her stomach notably expanded, she was in a constant frenzy of hunting for anything!. She became very quiet and when wasn't foraging had no interest except in sleeping. Interesting how animals and humans react the same way to indulging in things we shouldn't put in our systems. 2 nights in a row she got sick, and was scratching all night as her allergies and intolerances flared up.

The last 3 days have been spent cleaning up her diet severely.

She is back to her beautiful personality this morning with a happiness and energy to her movement. Funny what we can learn from our dogs. She told such a story this week. This Friday she is heading out to Utah where she will cimb mountains and play in snow and eating only her raw food diet. So glad she is taking me along!

xo ginny

PS. Do you think your dog has food intolerances/allergies? Just like humans, this is very likely. Read more about Dog Food Allergies here.

My Friend's Strength

2010-11-29T03:12:00.000-05:00

It is the Sunday night after Thanksgiving and I cannot sleep. I am tossing and turning. The lovely Miss Bear feels my restfulness and is at my side slamming into the bed for reassurance, all is ok. (and yes, Miss Bear only moves in big heavy lumbering motions)
The reason I cannot sleep is that I have a dear friend who just had a dbl masectomy and is suffering so. She keeps a blogsite of her ordeal and I just read several days worth before going to bed tonight.
My friend is teaching wisdom and inspiration as she struggles so, her candidness, power and strength overwhelming in the face of her battle. She keeps looking for SL (silver linings) and finds them in so many simple pleasures. The giggles she shares with friends, the all encompassing strength of her small daughter's strong, wrap around leg hugs, as this is the best way for them to love right now.
I feel such pain and love for her tonight, in such a raw way.
Why do bad things happen to extraordinary people sometimes? I don't know, no one does. I know my friend is seizing the moment in every way she can. Sharing, making those of us with the gift of her friendship more aware every moment of what can happen in our lives. Mindfulness in its roughest form.
I love you my friend, Good night. May dreams at least keep the pain at bay til morn.
xo ginny

Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is just about here, I am setting my table and cooking away. Not only for the day, but for the boys arrival into town.
I have been following and making my menu primarily from the NY Times link that for the past three weeks has been posting incredible vegetarian and vegan dishes from top chefs across the nation. How far we are coming. In today's NY Times Health section on pg 5 ( Link will be forthcoming on FB page) The article is titled A Vegetarian Thanksgiving Even for Carnivores, it says and I quote; " Interest in vegetarian cooking is surging, even among those who eat meat." Please read the whole article. Also the recipe link will be reposted on FB.
In my house it is interesting, my husband, my mom, a friend all adore the vegetarian dishes. (My husband has really come to embrace it, but it definitely took time) My father, who used to think I was the most fabulous cook is so disappointed in my cooking lately. He likes old fashioned meat and potato dishes. This is just not my way.
Thanksgiving I will compromise, there will of course be turkey and traditional dishes, but just as many if not more dishes of all beautiful colors and textures bringing health, and hopefully having my kids sort to embrace what I hope they come to embrace as the traditional holiday food. Kale, and butternut, chickpea stew, zucchini pancakes, roasted brussel sprouts, cous cous, quinoa, fresh cranberries and orange zest, stuffing full of veggies...I could go on and on. Hope your thanksgiving is beautiful. Remember to eat well and to sit back comfortably full, and not more so, so the day after is a day of grace and not regret.
xo, ginny

Mindful Organics' 30 Day Challenge on Facebook

2010-11-17T12:15:00.000-05:00

Last week I decided to start something easy and fun. To address the numerous Facebook posts/questions I get in regards to maintaining and healthy, clean diet- I thought that posing a community challenge would be a great way to get people involved, talking and participating in the easiest, mildly committal manner possible- an online challenge via Facebook.

Basically, you have to join the Group called "Mindful Organics' 30 Day Challenge" and are required to follow for 30 days- the challenge. This month's challenge is the Pescatarian challenge. No beef, chicken, meats- other than seafood. Also, no refined sweets, processed foods, white carbs, alcohol. Essentially a healthy vegetarian diet plus fish! Plus, a requirement of exercise each day for at least 45 minutes.

Each group member is required to 'check in' each day by simply sharing a post- talking about their day and how they ate/exercised, sharing recipes, tips and words of encouragement. After the course of 30 days, all successful participants will receive a Mindful Organics organic tote bag (valued at $40) and not to mention probably the gift of some shed body weight and perhaps a healthier and more energized system!

Stay up to date on our challenges through our Facebook page! www.facebook.com/mindfulorganics

Here is my latest Challenge post that I wanted to share:

What fun this is. Yesterday morning I started with a beautiful run on the Venetian Causeway. I love listening to great music on a run. I always feel so incredible running, on such a natural high, I love to smile and say good morning to everyone I pass. It makes me feel so good, especially when it lights up someone else's face. People don't expect to be greeted, how very sad.

I was in heavy production mode baking samples of ginnybakes yesterday, fulfilling some brand new large orders, exciting. Hopefully ginnybakes is moving into a commercial kitchen soon!! Dinner was the chick pea soup stew from the recipe site Annhy passed it was absolutely delicious. Funny thing is I looked around the table, I had added poultry for my men and a salad and thought the meal would have been even more beautiful had I just served the Stew with a great hunk of great bread and some fresh cheese. It was not necessary to add the additional protein the soup had everything we needed. My husband and one of the boys couldn't get enough and it was very chunky. I am learning as always yes, simpler is always more pleasing.

On that theory, tonight for dinner I am making Roasted Squash with quinoa and nothing else! I bought 2 delicata squash, but you could use any smaller squash that you can stuff.

Roasted Squash with Quinoa1. Preheat the oven to 400' (always use a really hot oven when roasting vegetables)
2. Cut the squash, halve it lengthwise and seed.
3. Brush both sides with olive oil season insides with S&P and roast 45 min, cut side down on a roasting sheet.
4. Meanwhile make quinoa, same as basic rice directions though always rinse your quinoa well, first.
During the last few minutes of the quinoa cooking- add 2 tablespoons golden raisins. Let cool.
5. In a separate bowl- whisk together: 1 tbl sherry vinegar, 1 TBL honey, 1 tsp olive oil- and add to the quinoa.
6. Season to taste with S&P and dice well, one granny smith apple (the tart flavor is nice with the sweet of the raisin), add 1 minced shallot, 1 minced garlic, 2 TBL chopped mint 2 TBL chopped parsley and 2 cups arugula.
7. Toss gently and fill each squash half and enjoy!!

Spicy Grilled Eggplant recipe

2010-11-07T18:58:00.002-05:00

Fall is my favorite season, and who can resist it with all the fresh bounty coming forth from the earth? I love the fresh vegetables all being drawn in from the garden. The CSAs are starting up, and at our local CSA (Community Supportive Argriculture), our green bags are beautiful and overflowing with colors.

Here is a recipe that was tucked into our produce this week, I made it- and the family loved it. xo ginny

Spicy Grilled Eggplant with Red Pepper and Parsley

(Makes 2 servings, recipe can be doubled or tripled. Adapted from a recipe in Williams-Sonoma Complete Grilling Cookbook.)

1 medium globe eggplant or 2-3 long Asian eggplants
1-2 tsp. salt, to remove water from eggplant (not needed for Asian eggplant)
1-2 T olive oil, to brush eggplant for grilling
1 T chopped parsley
1 T chopped mint
(You can use 2 T of either mint or parsley if you don't have both.)

spicy sauce:
2 T olive oil
2 tsp. red wine vinegar
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. garlic puree (from a jar) or finely minced fresh garlic (or less if you don't love garlic)
1 tsp. Aleppo Pepper (or less, to taste. Use whatever kind of red pepper flakes you have.)
1 tsp. Spike Seasoning (optional, but highly recommended)

Remove stem end and wash eggplant, but do not peel. Cut eggplant into slices 1/2 -3/4 inch thick, being careful to make all slices the same thickness. (Cut Asian eggplant on the diagonal to get bigger slices.) Put eggplant in colander in single layer and sprinkle with salt. Let drain 20 minutes, then turn over and sprinkle other side with salt and let drain 20 minutes more. (If you're using Asian eggplant, they don't need to be salted.)

While eggplant drains, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic puree, Aleppo Pepper, and Spike.

Preheat gas or charcoal barbecue grill to medium high. (You can only hold your hand there for 3-4 seconds at that heat.) Remove eggplant from colander and put each piece between two papers towels and press with your hand to squeeze out water. Wipe eggplant dry and brush both sides with olive oil.

Place eggplant on grill and cook 4-5 minutes per side, rotating after a few minutes on each side if you want to get nice grill marks. Watch them carefully because they go from nicely browned to overly dark quite quickly.

When eggplant is done, remove from grill and place in large plastic bowl. Pour in spicy sauce, and gently stir eggplant to coat with sauce. Let sit 10-15 minutes so eggplant can absorb sauce flavors. Chop mint and parsley while eggplant is resting in sauce.

To serve, assemble eggplant on serving plate and sprinkle with mint and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Lewisburg

2010-11-03T12:10:00.005-04:00

This past Monday my husband and I celebrated our 24th anniversary. Pretty cool, especially since the two of us still feel like kids. We spent the weekend in West Virginia, and I was anxious to go apple picking, something I did do as a child and I looked back upon with a longing to do again.
We picked Morgan Orchard after traveling through beautiful country roads full of the colors of fall heading from Lewisburg, a small fascinating little town. Lewisburg has the feeling of being a small southern town entrenched with Civil War history, yet upon further exploring you begin to realize you are in a most magical, unusual place. The town was discovered after the Vietnam War by liberal Northerners, who seeked a place for their Back to the Land Movement. They lived in communes in the start up days, caring for each other's children as they grew their own food. As time progressed they incorporated themselves into the community. The arts are multifold, library stunning, and most alluring to me was the holistic, organic side and feel of the place. The gourmet market, Bellaluna, was filled with grass fed beef and chicken, all organic products. Even vital choice canned wild Alaskan salmon could be found there. The cheeses were from grass pastureland, alpine regions known for their higher omega 3 contents. The wines all organic. I went hunting down a yoga studio I saw a street sign for, it turns out it was 3 floors up on the most beautiful, creaky, old wood floors. The type that announces their connection and history to a place. The yoga studio had a sign on the door that Barbara had eye surgery and she was so sorry, for the interruption in yoga practice for her students. As I peeked in the door, I could see the peacefulness of her studio, simple floors with big windows looking out. The sparseness, was it's beauty. She was clearly living her passion. I could feel it without meeting her, just seeing part of her soul through her environment.
I was climbing down the stairs as gentleman popped out of his office. Within 2 minutes, I was sitting in a big armchair in his office having neuropathy done. Again a person living his passion, anxious to share. I was in my element, so much so, that I forgot I left my husband on the street saying I would be right back. He finally found me, baffled and yet could see my peace. To be so surrounded by people living their lives, doing good, healing work. Selling products that worked for our body and land. What a gift Lewisburg gave us on this our anniversary. I could go on, I haven't told you yet about the apple picking. Some stories are just meant to meander, to begin and end as they do... xo ginny

Though I never told you about our actual apple picking here is a great recipe. I plan to make for my boys tonight. Enjoy
Don't forget add extra cinnamon for it's protection against insulin and glucose spikes. Great for the management of type 2 diabetes as well.

Sour Cream Apple Pie
Recipe makes 1 pie
For the topping:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the filling:
1 1/3 cups sour cream
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eeggs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 large Granny Smith apples (about 2 1/4 pounds)

ginger whipped cream as an accompaniment

Make the topping:
In a small bowl blend together the butter, the sugar, the cinnamon, and the flour until the mixture is combined well and chill the topping, covered, while making the filling.

Make the filling:
In a large bowl whisk together the sour cream, the sugar, the salt, the vanilla, the eggs, and the flour until the mixture is smooth, add the apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin, and stir the filling until it is combined well.

Spoon the filling into the chilled shell, smoothing the top, and crumble the topping evenly over it. Bake the pie in the middle of a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until it is golden and the apples are tender, transfer it to a rack, and let it cool completely. Serve the pie with the ginger whipped cream.

Easiest Pie Crust Ever
Makes 1 pie shell
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup oil
2 tablespoons cold milk

Measure flour, sugar and salt into an 8-or 9-inch pie plate and whisk to blend. Beat oil with milk and pour over the flour mixture. Use a fork to mix just enough to moisten the flour, then press into bottom and sides of pie plate. Use the tines of the fork to press into the top to form an edge. If baking without filling, prick all over with a fork and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. If using for a fill-and-bake pie, follow pie-recipe directions.

Goodness Gracious Granola Bars!

2010-10-24T20:55:00.000-04:00

As promised, here is the recipe for the oh-so-simple but deliciously good granola bars I whipped up for the event at Temple Beth Sholom last weekend.

I have always made my own granola and granola bars because it's actually quite simple and most store bought granola bars are sadly chock full of food no-no's from high fructose corn syrup, corn flours and even added coloring.

Almond Apricot Granola Bars
1/2 cup almond butter or other nut butter
1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup or agave nectar)
1 cup crispy brown rice cereal (pref. organic)
1 cup of granola
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
vegetable oil for greasing the dish

1. Put almond butter and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until the melt together; whisk to combine
2. Put the crispy cereal, granola, almonds, apricots and salt in a bowl and add the melted mixture of almond butter and honey' stir well to combine
3. Grease a 7- or 8-inch square baking dish with a little oil and line it with plastic wrap. Spread the granola mixture evenly into the dish, pressing down gently, and cover with more plastic wrap. Refrigerate until set, at least one hour.
4. Once set, remove by lifting up edges of the plastic wrap out of the dish; peel off the plastic and cut the bars into any size or shape you would like (use cookie cutter shapes for the kids!)

Yield: about 16 - 20 granola bars.

Now that's good, healthy snacking!

Gardening

2010-10-19T08:46:00.000-04:00

I just spent a beautiful hour in the garden before the sun rose. It was quiet, cool and so very peaceful. The lovely Miss Bear at my feet, and Sam our cat there as well. Pretty magical having both my pets as serene as I, just being in the moment. That is the magic of creating your own garden. I left it when the sun starting to warm us, carrots, eggplant and potatoes planted this morning. I feel so accomplished, a quiet joy. This weekend I will be at Fairchild attending workshops and buying some seeds and seedlings. This is the time in our region for planting.
As The Miami Herald captioned this week- Save The Planet, fuel your body with home-grown vegetables. The vegetables and herbs you grow at home taste a world apart from the ones you buy in the store that have been traveling upwards of two weeks to get to your local store. The taste is deeper, richer, the benefits of knowing you are eating things fresh from your own soil without pesticides, should give you such joy, peace of mind and good health.
What you are doing for our environmental goes beyond words, we make the difference, our actions each of us, have such an impact on our planet. Questions? Ask me, if I can't answer you I will put you in contact with someone who can. This year my seedlings and seeds are coming from Natural Gardening Company. There are lots more great companies out there, please order organic let demand lead where big business goes. Once again you honor me by visiting my blog. Thank you. xo ginny

community

2010-10-16T09:26:00.003-04:00

I am still making my way through the Sunday magazine section from last week. I am enjoying each article. They all point in the same direction as to food creating community. It is so true, I feel it everytime I do a workshop. This past week Mindful had an incredible raw food workshop, and it was interesting because so many of the attendees had crossed paths before. Connections from life were discovered. Many were yogis from the same studio, had met at previous community events whether thru Mindful Organics or other sources. I find the people that are drawn to my company are intelligent, passionate people who I get so excited to meet. I learn as I give.

This week we have our 1st meeting for our CSA, a green smoothie workshop at Green Monkey after yoga Friday night at 6:30 Miami Beach location, I am teaching on Food and the connection to breast cancer Thursday at a local corporation. We have Nov 13, a Yoga and smoothies for kids workshop. Join a CSA, attend something like what I have mentioned through me or any community event, Nov 19th at Green Monkey we are showing the movie What's Organic about Organics? Sit on pillows with us, enjoy our raw vegan snacks, be part of a dynamic group. There is a fabulous night planned for local eating by wonder chefs under the stars and moon, at the Botanical Gardens this Friday night . Fairchild is having its edible plants weekend this coming weekend. Join in to community, become impassioned and dig into the earth, start your gardens. Do something, anything that helps our understanding of food as the core of relationships to eachother and the planet.

I know these are Miami area events mentioned, but trust me if you look all kinds of things are available in your area too. xo ginny off to teach tots about Whole Foods-love my life.

Eating Together

2010-10-10T14:59:00.002-04:00

I quote from The New York Times Magazine section today. It is The Food Issue.

Over the centuries, we've moved from huddling around a fire to gathering around a hearth to sitting around a table to clustering on the Web. But food is what has always brought us together-for sustenance as well as for conversation. In the last decade, the movement toward buying locally has, perhaps inadvertently, resulted in the creation of new communities. Conversations are started when people ask questions of men and women who grow, make, cook and serve their food, as they are when they seek out others with similiar tastes. One result is a multitude of new-and often surprising -connections. Strangers are chipping in to buy a whole steer together. Orthodox Jews are eating wood-fired pizza next to West Indians and hipsters. Graphic designers are trying to revive an impoverished county with an all butter crust. In one city 100,000 people have converged to eat street food and learn how to butcher, pickle, home-roast coffee and brew beer. In this, our third annual food issue, the hunger to connect is stronger than ever.

The Food issue is incredible and I for one am so proud to be forging ahead in this movement.

I will refer back to the articles this week. Perhaps we can work together as Mindful's FB community to see how we can make more of a difference, maybe in each of our own communities we can begin with a communal table once a month where we share in ideas, passions, and breaking bread together. Maybe as individuals we can make a commitment to ourselves to have animal free Mondays, or decide to slowly move into more dinners cooked with fresh, simple ingredients instead of ordering in. What a gift to ourselves, children and communities if we too could start to gathering around the table together with delicious smells we have created with our own hands. Maybe it is time to understand cooking at home is the greatest gift we give to ourselves and the ones we love. Just some thoughts, please share yours.

xo ginny

Get Slow

2010-10-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

Leave your watch on the bedside table.

Check email only twice a day.

Take the scenic route.

Light candles before you start to cook dinner.

Make up rituals.

Say a silent word of thanks and make eye contact with everyone at the table before you start eating.

Make a handmade present for a friend.

Set aside private time every day, give yourself permission to just be.

Spend as much time as possible outdoors in natural settings.

Pay attentiom to the cycles of the moon and the changing seasons.

Sit for a moment with your eyes closed before you turn on your computer.

Take a few moments before you climb out of bed in the morning to remember your dreams and think about what you want from the day.

When your cellphone rings choose if you want to answer it.

Factor in extra time when estimating how long something will take.

Always jump at the chance to play with a child.

Create a garden and spend time seeing all the changes.

Never pack your schedule so tight that there is no room for a short walk.

Take a left where you generally take a right.

Congrats on completing your juicing!!

2010-09-30T07:06:00.002-04:00

I hope you are filled with joy within you. To complete a detox is always an overpowering feeling. Please treat this new feeling with gentleness and care. This is a gift of a new day. Honor thyself and put food in you that works for you. If it doesn't it has no place in your life.

xo ginny

DAY 3- Juice Recipes

2010-09-28T23:42:00.001-04:00

You will have these juices at: 9am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 6pm.

Day 3 consists of two different juices. Let's call them Juice 1 and Juice 2. You will drink 2 of each, at set times. For example: Juice 1 and 9am and 12pm, and Juice 2 at 3 and 6pm.

Juice 1- Yields 2 juice servings
6 carrots
2 apples
1 orange
1/2 large beet
2 stalks of celery
optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend all together in a high powered blender or Vitamix, until smooth.

Juice 2- Yields 2 juice servings
4 kale leaves
2 bunches of parsely
2 handfulls of watercress
8 broccoli spears
1 pineapple
optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend all together in a high powered blender or Vitamix, until smooth.

Remember to listen to your body. As you have been nourishing your body only with pure, clean fruit and vegetable juices and cleansing itself of toxins and heavy foods- you may (0r may not) be feeling lightheaded or tired. If you do- then let yourself rest. Practice slow-moving stretching or Yoga poses while focusing on steady, deep breaths.

Drink plenty of water between juices. Add lemon to the water for flavor- and even feel free to drink decaf- natural herbal teas.

As I have suggested before- if you are hungry- then eat only either a 1/2 avocado, plain, or 10 almonds. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly and mindfully.

This the last day of your Detox cleanse.

Tomorrow you will want to slowly introduce solid foods back to your system- I will post something later about the best food choices- so you don't put your body into shock!

Hope you have been feeling lighter and more radiant, so far...

DAY 2 RECIPES

2010-09-28T10:13:00.001-04:00

You will have this smoothie at

9am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 6pm

This recipe makes 4 servings

6 cups almond milk -I like the 40k unsweetened vanilla flavor by blue diamond

2 cups of coconut water

8 leaves kale - I prefer lacinato. (you may also use swiss chard) chopped

5 cups mango

2 1/2 cups ice

optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend together until smooth.

If you are someone that needs variety you may sub pineapple or blueberries for the mango, in one or 2 of the shakes. You will only be able to make 2 at a time due to the capacity of the blender or vitamix.

Our detox day 1

2010-09-27T07:14:00.002-04:00

I am sure with excitement and trepidation we begin this detox. The fear is how we will feel and whether we can do it. Take away the fear and relax into it. Your body naturally will take over feeling the effects and releasing toxins. It is your mind where the battle occurs. Let go, forgive your doubts and believe in the power of oneself.

Feel the juices going into your body, down and down and think of all the beautiful gifts and benefits you are releasing.

Here is to you- for cherishing yourself. xo ginny

DETOX SHOPPING LIST

2010-09-26T09:55:00.005-04:00

Here is the official 3-day Detox shopping list! Print this baby off and get thee to the grocery store! PS. I always choose to buy all organic produce- to keep things as clean as possible.

What you will need:

- a strong blender, or a VitaMix or a good juicer

What to buy:

- 1 bag of Carrots

- 2 bunches of Celery

- 1 bunch of Watercress

- bag of Spinach

- 4-5 Apples

- a good bunch of Kale (Lacinato variety)

OR Swiss Chard works too

- 1 English Cucumber

- 1 good sized Beet

- 1L Almond Milk (I like the 40calorie Unsweetened Vanilla Flavor by Blue Diamond)

- 1L Coconut Water (I like Vita Coco or ONE)

- 3 Mangos, cubed

- 1 Orange

- bunch of Parsely

- bunch of Broccoli

- ice

- 2 avocados

Optional, but strongly recommended items:

- 1 Bottle of Flaxseed Oil (a good quality oil will be refrigerated, in store)

OR 1 Bag Ground Flaxseed

If you have any questions, post to our Facebook wall and I will respond.

Recipe for Day 1 juices will be posted later today.

I recommend you blend your juices the morning of- and make sure to keep your juices cold and refrigerated and ready for the prescribed times at which you will drink your juices.

9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm.

Lets get ready for tomorrow

2010-09-26T09:08:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, I hope many of you will be in joining in our 3 day detox. To make your detox easier, I suggest today you eat very clean. Leave the caffeine out today, as well as any alcohol, processed foods or heavy meals. Eat smart with mindfulness of your goals tomorrow, and the next couple of days. Start in with a plan, understanding detox has its moments. Hunger plays a large part the 1st day, possibly with headaches and fatigue. Understand and acknowledge this is your body speaking to you as it cleans out the toxins. By wed you will wake up with energy, feeling incredible and so proud of yourself! To add even more to your detoxing pick up a tongue scraper and a dry body brush. Scrape your tongue each morning and evening. Before you shower use your dry brush scrubbing your dry skin in circular motions starting with your feet and moving upwards. This exfoliates your skin and wakes up the lymphatic system aiding the detoxing. An added benefit over time if done everyday is it leaves our skin firmer and softer. Please take it easy on the exercise the next 3 days, walking, and yoga are your best choices. Keep yourself scheduled light. If possible take a nap or rest in the afternoon. Take a hot bath with baking soda and epsom salts to relax you before bed. Sweet dreams, and better health to you. xo ginny

Detox day 3

2010-09-22T07:56:00.004-04:00

Today is the last day of our 3 day detox which we will repeat again next week, for those that want to Clean Up again, or were not able to join us this week. Today hopefully you are feeling energized and feeling so much better if you were experiencing alot of detox symptoms. (the fatigue, headaches, and for some, a feeling of over all coldness) I am really proud who joined, it is not easy, especially the first time. When you start eating solid food tomorrow I ask that you do so gently. Start with a juice for breakfast, or one kind of fruit. 3/4 of a cup of fruit is a good amount. For lunch and dinner, keep it vegetarian, primarily raw though some quinoa and steamed vegetables is also clean and very easy on the stomache. A great big green salad would finish the day perfectly.

We will begin on Monday for those that would like to. Ingredients will be given again and we will follow these same juices. If you prefer to have them made for you, you can pick up or have them delivered. We are beginning to slowly offer this service. Please contact info@mindfulorganics.com. Annhy will receive your emails and handle your requests and questions. Feel empowered! xo ginny

day 3 detox

2010-09-20T20:00:00.004-04:00

You will have these juices at: 9am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 6pm.

Blend all together in a high powered blender or Vitamix, until smooth.

Remember to listen to your body. As you have been nourishing your body only with pure, clean fruit and vegetable juices and cleansing itself of toxins and heavy foods- you may (0r may not) be feeling lightheaded or tired. If you do- then let yourself rest. Practice slow-moving stretching or Yoga poses while focusing on steady, deep breaths.

Drink plenty of water between juices. Add lemon to the water for flavor- and even feel free to drink decaf- natural herbal teas.

If you are hungry- then eat only either a 1/2 avocado, plain, or 10 almonds. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly and mindfully.

xo ginny

day 2 detox

2010-09-20T10:23:00.002-04:00

You will have this smoothie at

9am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 6pm

This recipe makes 4 servings

6 cups almond milk -I like the 40k unsweetened vanilla flavor by blue diamond

2 cups of coconut water

8 leaves kale - I prefer lacinato. (you may also use swiss chard) chopped

5 cups mango

2 1/2 cups ice

optional, but STRONGLY encouraged, flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed 2 rounded TBL

Blend together until smooth.

Journal each day how you are feeling.

Add to the detox by using a tongue scraper (buy at Wholefoods) and dry brush, brush your skin and exfoliate before showering. Take a hot bath last thing at night with epsom salts, lavendar oil, and baking soda. Soak for 20 minutes then climb right into bed. Feel so proud of taking such beautiful care of your body! xo ginny

juice with me.

2010-09-19T13:09:00.002-04:00

I thought this would be a great week to do some detoxing. The 19th is on the other side of the midway point of September and fall is coming. For me this truly feels like the time when the schedules are set, the back to school nights are behind, Jewish holidays and all the undertakings for that finished. College kids off, and life falls into the routine of the coming school year whether you have kids or not. The September school cycle is forever part of our lives. For me this is when I look up and ask myself what is my health routine going to be? Changes in exercise or continuation? How is my eating? Have I joined my CSA? Where is my body at, how do I feel internally?

In past years though not every year, I have changed gyms at this time went from yoga to pilates and back again. Changed yoga studios, gyms and trainers and gone from spinning to running, all between late September and late October.

This year the changes are slighter, my yoga center and teachers are secure, I am at home where I practice and love the feeling of peace and joy I get from going there. Love the sweat, love the way it relaxes my limbs, and my mind.

My training at the gym is not going through any major shifts, same trainer, at the small gym I love, where it truly does feel like the old Cheers refrain, " Where everyone knows your name." My training does not offer me solitude, but gives me a feeling of strength and vitality. I have decided to challenge myself, to keep myself aging well. My challenge is to attain a six pack before the winter holidays and to get the cut arms I admire. In my mid forties I want the challenge of keeping the body strong. To get myself ready for my new routine and to embrace all that we can embark on for our own bodies I ask you to join me in juicing this week.

Here is tomorrow's juice menu

using a juicer is best, if you do not have a vitamix or strong blender will work.

1st juice at 9 am 2nd at 12 pm

3 carrots

2 sticks celery

1 bunch watercress

1 handful spinach

At 3 pm and 6pm have

2 apples

2 kale leaves

1 stick celery

1/3 long cucumber

1/2 beet (root cut off)

You will encounter hunger pains that is your body cleaning and regulating itself embrace the feeling of hunger. It is a wonderful thing to feel, to know we don't have to over feed ourselves or beautiful body always tells us what it needs. If you cannot tolerate it, or it makes you too uncomfortable have 10 raw almonds or 1/4 Haas avocado.

Let me know your feedback as to how you are feeling.

xo ginny

Hinmahtooyah words

2010-09-12T20:54:00.002-04:00

I ran into my most revered spiritual teacher. My waiter from Michael's genuine. That is what he does, not who he is or what he is about. Every time I see him I learn so much about my path and so much about life. I watched him for awhile through the restaurant window of where I was sitting. ( Not Michael's he was off.) He was so thin and covered in sinewy muscles, the body of youth and vitality. The smile and crystal clear eyes of someone young, strong and calm. He must be over 50 though, as I believe he received the red hand tattoo, ( I talk about in last year's blog ) at 50 and that was a few years before I met him. I wondered would he know me, seeing me not in the restaurant, he did calling me Jennifer as always. That suits me fine coming from him. He was with a woman called Morning Dove, she is very involved in spititual life leading meditation every Monday evening. Morning Dove is adopted family to him and he wanted to share some prayers of gratitude he brought with him to share on this grandparents day.

Here are the inspirational messages he passed for us to share.

My friend,

if I could give you

one thing,

I would give you

the ability to see

yourself

as others see you...

then you would realize

what a truly special

person you are.

-Barbara A. Billings

Oh Great Spirit, creator of all

Allow us to walk as with one

show us the pathway of dignity

Teach us to respect your creation

Give strength amidst times of need

Let it be known you are our guardian

Provide us with your many offerings

Forgive with grace when asked upon

Entrust us with sacred Earth's legacies

Grant us the insight to uphold your vision

inspire knowledge when asked thereafter

Bestow us tranquilty as we're forever grateful

Sioux prayer

I hope you also gain insight from Hinmahtooyah's gift of embracing and sharing. xo ginny

Fall

2010-09-11T18:48:00.004-04:00

I can tell Fall is here though we in So Florida will not be feeling any change in our weather for at least 6 weeks yet. I can tell because it is time to think about the replanting and buying of seeds for my garden. I can envision sitting out there tending to the new seedlings. Juan Carlos is already out there supervising some changes we are making. This year we will plant and plan together, as my dear friend tends to the seedlings as much if not more than me. It will bring me even greater joy to have a partner in building our paradise.

The college kids have long gone except my 2nd son who goes to a school on the quarter system. He will be leaving Wed. How a year changes things. Last year after leaving him up there for his freshman year I fell into such a funk, a true deep sadness. I am sure you could hear that very clearly in the blogs from last Sept. It was an unbearable sadness that took its time to dissipate. This year I am ready for him to go back. I understand that is where his life is, and I must start to work more and get back into my routine which I am starting to long for. I have to say it is great having a lunch partner everyday, but sometimes you just want that bowl of oatmeal

The next year that announces fall to me more than anything is football season, or in my house FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not a football fan, I know that sounds horrible, but just never happened for me. Huge conflict occurs each football season as the 5 men ( or less these days) want to stay in the house ALL day and watch game after game. This year I have decided not to fight it, with the clear understanding I am not staying in catering to all these males. I have gone into retirement. Today was the Miami Hurricane game. They had a ball and so did I. I decided to get new make up for the fall. I thought it looked great til I walked in the door and my son Kevin wanted to know what happened to me. My husband asked if I was going to wash it all off. The next son comes in and says I look very un yogi like. Perhaps, I just look like a football widow. To the fall and all that comes with it, I think I am actually going to love Sundays. xo ginny

Aging through the eyes of a daughter

2010-09-06T20:44:00.002-04:00

We just returned from a beautiful trip to visit my folks in North Carolina. We hadn't seen them up there in a few years. We were overdue, even though they live most of the year in Miami with us, it brings them such joy when we see them there. Their love is their place up there. A very simple home with the most spectacular property. It is their pride and joy. The first month of calls we receive each summer is all about the blooming of their newly planted garden, the grass coming in fresh again like velvet. The pond with trout jumping, and the fruit trees loaded with buds. They have had this home for 29 years and the phone calls have a life and rhythm all their own. It is their story. It is the place where they watched their 17 year old develop a huge crush on the real estate agent showing them the property. They are still friendly with him to this day, and I always smile inside when I see him. Nice memories.

My brother, sister and I all loved that place, we brought our future spouses there, making the them pass the Appalachian ski slope test, even though none of them had ever skied before. Mine actually got removed from the mountain for reckless skiing, he wasn't reckless just trying not to die that day.

We took our babies there for their first trips. Our oldest went at 5 weeks, got his first cold at 5 weeks as well.

We had a nightmare occur there, when our 2nd son was thought to be dying as he slowly lost consciousness and help was too far away to call on. My husband and brother-in-law had just left that morning. I remember my sister and I laying over him, breathing into him, pushing on his chest as we laid him out on the grass. The trip down the mountain unending, he survived and went on to have no memories of that horrible night. As his mom, his memory keeper, I hold the scars just below the surface, something I was never the same after. Life actually became more fragile and sweet. The house in NC bore witness to that as well.

We brought the cousins together there and crowded all 9 of them into cribs, cots, rollaways, couches and beds. Those were the wild days. My parents were the proud, young, vital grandparents. Very much the matriarch and patriarch of this loud, boisterious crew. Soon the babies starting growing up a bit enough to cast fishing lines that caught more tree branches than fish. My father forever patient. Always he had everything ready for those boys, even built a basketball court when he thought that would keep them coming.

Life moved forward and my parents had to survive through the death of one of their own babes. They lost their oldest daughter to breast cancer. The house once again was witness to our life, and yet was no longer just a house it was all a home should be, lending comfort when my parents needed to retreat into themselves for a bit. It was the first place they turned to when they needed to be shielded. To turn into the arms of only each other. To be each other's balm and solace.

They have had annual July 4th parties for years until their friends had trouble driving over the rural mountain roads to get to my parents home. They would chuckle at how old their friends were getting. This trip it is the start of my parents turn. The steps are getting tough for my Dad. He holds on tight and forces himself to just keep going. My mom has mentioned the roads are getting a bit tough for my Dad...tears slip down my cheeks as I think of my hero, the love of my life receding into a place that even the house can't rescue him from, just comfort him a long his journey. Love you Mom and Dad. xo ginny

Wow Gables Engineering!!

2010-08-31T20:03:00.002-04:00

Today I gave a lecture at Gables Engineering and discovered an incredible health package they offer their employees. They are the smart ones, as they realize when they offer workshops, pilates, yoga, spinning and a full facility gym their gain is their own. The allegiance and loyalty is strong, the people I met (about 25) were so grateful and on the path to better health. Sick days are down, as well as clothing sizes. It was an honor to speak there today. What an example they are. xo ginny

The cycle circles around once again

2010-08-25T09:06:00.002-04:00

The end of August brings that mellow, sweet feeling to many of us that have school age kids. In my house, when we are home the days just drift, the house feels so different a place of refuge from the heat, from the frenetic pace of the normal routine. Some or all of the boys are home at different times, which means several friends in tow. The house sags into the summer, relaxed look of pillows scattered, throw blankets still thrown askew after a late movie was finished, reading lamps moved to the occupants comfort. It looks lived in, a house with stories to tell.

Well 3 are back in school with one more keeping my life still in part summer routine until he heads out in mid September. I feel life pulling in so many directions, and so I have decided this year to journal to keep me in tune with where I am in my space. To remember what is important, to stay in the moment, and to kick back and relax at times and remember that I am my own refuge. My pace is mine alone to live by.

Crossfit workout

2010-07-29T01:25:00.002-04:00

Crossfit workouts, Muay Thai and yoga are taking over the boys summer. I thought though when we headed out on vacation together, which is part made up of a six day backroads multi sport vacation, the days would be filled with sightseeing, eating (this is the Simon boys after all) and the occasional run.

Life is the awareness of your surroundings and of course we happen to take the one street in Vancouver that has a crossfit gym. Before I knew it, Steve had signed up for a family crossfit session. I took advantage and signed up for an organic facial, at Skoah Spa in the Yaletown area of Vancouver. It was a beautiful experience, and I cannot wait to try my new products waiting for me at home. I have to tell you though my competive side came out and I decided I had to try the next crossfit workout the next day. It was tough, and I worked really hard, and yet I was so proud to be there hanging in and more. Came in third out of six and would have come in second, but needed to watch my son Kev to follow his lead as to the order of the workout. Yes, my trainer, Damian might point out as his does way too frequently, that I am horrible, and worse in following directions, oh, but in determination... I am a boys mom for sure, even though facials rank really, really high for me. Crossfit, yoga, and my men...perfection. Thank you for the spirituality, knowledge and gratitude of knowing when life is truly beautiful...in whatever source you believe. Once again this week thank you for letting me flow. xo ginny

Yoga with Michael and Kevin

2010-07-29T00:58:00.002-04:00

Ok as I told you in a blog just past the prior one, I have patiently been waiting (or so I would say) for one of my family members to do yoga with me. I have given up on Steve, though life is long and as he always tells me, I am never allowed to say never in our life together. I thought the moment truly would not come...and yet today I found myself in Flow Wellness in Vancouver renting 3 mats, and laying down mats on either side of me for two of my guys. I was so honored and excited I could barely contain myself, as my boys might have mentioned a couple of times. I decided to leave far behind my tendency to hover, leave my mothering behind and go to the place I love... my space, my me time...just me and my mat deep into my personal space. My thoughts, my breath, my private soul. They more then survived the class, they made themselves into better people this morning. They did what their bodies wanted of them, what their souls asked of them, and where their mind found peace. As I lay in deep relaxation at the end of class, when thoughts are supposed to float way , my mind went to the gratefulness of the moment, and I remembered to note in that moment in time I felt so very blessed. Thank you Michael and Kevin.

xo Mom

The Power of family vacations

2010-07-29T00:31:00.002-04:00

As you probably know by now there are four Simon kids, all boys ranging in age from just about 22 to 15. From afar we are a powerful group, very into each other, physically strong and vital appearing. Yes I get pride out of the heads they turn when the four are together. I am their mom after all. Each of course has their roles to play.

Scott, the oldest, the Bad ass kid as he refers to himself. (mostly big talker the rough days are long gone) he is the family protector G-d forbid he believes someone messes with any of his family members, especially his mom...(maybe he watched too many G-d father movies).

Michael comes next he is the Atlas Shrug of the group. The Thinker, he even strokes his chin in that just in deep thought action. He takes care of things, actually probably more responsible then any of us except his Dad. We try to loosen him up and he tries to make us grow up. (yes a possible role reversal going on)

Mark is very cerebral, not quite here with the rest of us. He lives in his own world and likes it there. I believe though some of my deepest most interesting conversations come when with alone with him. He tries to hide it but he feels and thinks with such sensitivity, he feels everything digests it thoroughly, and slowly lets you into his thoughts with great awareness.

Kevin, is the most like me. He lives his life with passion, believes others around him will take care of and sweat the small stuff for him. It is that baby position. He truly works so hard though on anything he feels warrants it, he is an athlete through and through, and his smile lights up any room. He treats a woman with such charisma and charm, trouble brewing...

It is such an honor then to get to spend two weeks traveling the 6 of us. I am so honored to be their mom, and they know I feel that way. They truly cherish one another and talk all the time about how we are the greatest family. To us we are, and I hope all of you have the same good fortune to feel that way about yours. Just today I was saying to my men, feel the gratitude of being altogether here in this place at this moment in time. If I have had one major gift to have given my family it is the mindfulness of the sweet moments we live. xo ginny

Yoga and the boys

2010-07-27T12:01:00.005-04:00

I have always wanted my boys to do yoga with me, so when one of the boy's school coach called to say that over the summer he wanted my son doing yoga to loosen and stretch my his hamstrings I was overjoyed. I have always pushed for them to add yoga to their physical regimen, but could not overcome their macho attitude towards it. I believe this started because I did not introduce my husband properly into yoga. I kind of threw him in and he was not comfortable. Unfortunately he got really turned off and never looked back. My boys picked up on his attitude, and like many other things in my male dominated household decided yoga was for women.

Things have changed...when one started another of my boys decided too as well. They are loving it. The boys are now telling their father and brothers how incredible yoga is. It is such music to my ears. They have decided it feels incredible and their muscles actually do get sore and stretched from practicing. Tomorrow, I can't wait, we are doing a power yoga class together. What a joy it will be sharing in the experience. I have waited a long time for this...I'll let you know after class about our Vancouver yoga experience. xo ginny

Musings

2010-07-10T13:19:00.002-04:00

I came home from Yoga today and heard voices from the kitchen, and there was a very typical scene, people eating around the table. Lunch was out, kids, friends and my husband gathered. I was proud of what was pulled from the refrig as I looked around. Lots of color, lots of veggies and salad. Funny though there was a college girl there who I knew, but couldn't quite place and my son Scott, to make sure I was not going to blow anything says her name in super speed and then progresses to tell me I have known her forever. That said, I couldn't ask too many questions as I didn't know where to begin. Well within minutes all the males at the table popped up to do boy stuff on the boat. I am left sitting with this person of which I didn't even catch her name. Within seconds she is introducing herself and asking whether she should call me Mrs Simon, (that was a quick no!) I was so glad I hadn't lost my mind , but actually had never really officially met her before. Yes I am sure she has been in my house quite a bit, with four kids that is the life we encourage. Alexandra (Nani) turned out to be precious and within moments together we were baking up the Chocolate Chip Cherry Love Cookies, and talking about Mindful Organics. (I was so happy her Aunts knew my products sell at The Workout Spot in Coconut Grove)

Cooking I have decided is probably the most relaxed and at times intimate way to get to know someone. I was honored today to have Nani cook with me, and then watch in 30 seconds two dozen cookies gone. Isn't life sweet. xo ginny

Papaya and more papaya

2010-07-08T17:48:00.002-04:00

This past year as the organic garden was going in and Juan Carlos was living at my house it seemed, ( I loved it-hope it happens again JC) we planted some fruit trees as well. Bananas, papayas, meyer lemon, key limes, pineapple, kumquats and tangerines. I was watching and watching and you the know the expression, a watched pot never boils...well I didn't look for about 2 weeks and 2 days ago I pulled off two grand papayas! Ripe, huge and just gorgeous. Well I like papayas, for their health benefits which are many, and like the taste, however for some reason I cannot get enough of these two. I believe as with the garden that when something comes from your land and you know how it was grown, clean and pure, the pride is immense and the flavors are so much more intense when no pesticides are used.

I guess the body is talking and I am listening...I have eaten both of these two papyas within 2 days. I go to bed thinking about them and wake up heading straight for the kitchen to make another papaya smoothie. My simple recipe is as follows...(though you can add any fruit you desire such as mango and pineapple with a little banana, that would be incredible as well)

1 cup papaya to 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/4 of a banana, 1 tsp flaxseed oil and 1 tsp coconut oil with some ice blended in. I have lived on this and some fresh juicing the last 2 days. I feel like I am glowing with great health as papaya is full of anti-oxidants, beta-carotene, vitamins C, A, and the B vitamins, folate, minerals, potassium, and magnesium, as well as fiber. It also carries digestive enzymes within it, similiar to pineapple. Our body has a lot to teach us about eating well. We just need to listen. xo ginny

ps if your hands turn a little orange from all the beta-carotene- no worries...

Respond Don't React

2010-06-26T18:48:00.004-04:00

Sometimes even when we are very aware of our boundaries, and the way we want to conduct ourselves, we find someone or something that disrupts our serenity. I try and live by the mantra my yoga guru taught me long ago, respond don't react. When you really turn that phrase over and over again it takes on a huge significance in the way we conduct ourselves.

yesterday I found myself upset with a turn of events with someone in my world. It left me thinking, and took away some of my peace. I found myself reacting to their words instead of responding giving me internal stress. I slept on it and went to yoga this morning where Paul, who was teaching the class had such pearls of wisdom about not needing to do battle. Explaining that how you feel internally, not proving your point but rather surrendering is the way to release. That does not mean you bend to others battles, but rather carry the knowledge inside of knowing every thought of ours does not need to be released or argued. We can hold our thoughts close to heart, and empower ourselves with the keeping of our emotions to ourself, understanding we only need our own personal acceptance of our behavior, to honor oneself, we give better to others. Thank you Paul for the wonderful reminder this morning. I do believe where you are meant to be is where you will find yourself. Yoga this morning balanced me in all areas, mind, body and soul. What a gift. Namaste. xo ginny

summer mindfulness.

2010-06-25T18:16:00.002-04:00

The days of summer are here. My family has left the days of working and studying hard instead we are playing hard. We are grateful and totally into the pace of summer. During summer the lights go out several hours later then during the school year. I am even seeing midnight during the week! I am struggling to get up by 8:30, the body seems to be craving the deep sleep of total stress free dreams. I leave for yoga and come back to the house still in a deep slumber. Today my niece came over and we all cooked lunch together. Michael made a great carbonera, while Jenna and I put together a great tofu scramble. All were happy. I think every moment of this summer I have been so mindful of the peace it offers. I am sitting now writing this outside feeling the soft breezes of summer, knowing I am so happy. xo ginny

Summer

2010-06-15T17:06:00.003-04:00

Here I am again sitting with the Lovely Miss Bear at my feet. I am in my summer mode, hair is big wavy curls, face is clean and fresh, spared of any make up. Summer to me means a rest for both mind, body and soul. My soul needs nourishing, it requires quiet walks in the Utah mountains, Miss Bear always by my side, great books to enjoy and learn from. I require a quietness, a deep period of time where quiet appreciation is called for. I prefer the sweat and movement of yoga over a training in the gym. My phone is quieter, responsibilities lessen. Shorts are about as dressed as I get. I am not sure why I require such a break each year, but I never question it. I believe each of us knows what our own care instructions are and it is our own responsibility to honor ourselves. No apologies just a forthrightness. May your summer be filled with renewal, whatever that means for you. Namaste. xo ginny

A new way of life

2010-05-14T18:21:00.003-04:00

It seems lately like I am living in a parallel universe. I have been a full time mom for 21 years and all of a sudden here I am a working mom. I am at times distracted, sometimes so filled with absolute joy at the people I get to interact with, be with, share and talk with.

Sometimes at the end of the day I just want to curl up and be quiet, but that is when family life truly begins around our dinner table. It is where my husband wants my attention, when the boys are quick to call me on being absent if my mind wonders. There are days where I wonder if my friends will ever let me fully back in. Our lunches are farther, and fewer apart and yet there are my closest of friends, who are always there. Where a day is not complete with out our exchange of daily banter or deep conversation depending on the moment, day or week. These are friends that are on my journey they are not going anywhere nor am I.

When I am in doubt which is not too often a day like today comes along...

Today I had a group over made up of 10 woman. Some were clients, some great supporters of Mindful or who I met through workshops I have given to them or their kids. One a friend of a friend who has missed the mindful mornings and wanted to. She was someone who instantly warms your heart and puts you at ease. They were all so dynamic, so interesting and all claiming to be so inspired by the workings of Mindful. To my lunch buddies today I want to thank you. The inspiration comes from each of you. To making new deep relationships with women I deeply respect. Thank you for giving your time to me and honoring all of us here today by being very present, very in the moment and very candid with the sharing of dreams and aspirations. I am at times pinching myself. Let dreams continue...xo ginny

continuation

2010-05-03T02:12:00.002-04:00

My trip continued from NY to Chicago where my 2nd son goes to school. I was meeting my niece, I wanted her to join me to spend time reconnecting with me and her cousin. I wanted a shopping mate as my 4 sons do not fit the bill.

She is as of yesterday 26, busy in school, exercising away, helping me in my intent to get ginnybakes out there. She is rebuilding a life that was put on hold for awhile. What did I discover? ...a beautiful woman who has clarity in her dreams, strong intentions, a deep love of family , and a great deal of poise and grace. I loved our deep conversations as well as relearning her nuances. We sat on a rock by the water, for a couple of hours gazing into the churning lake watching the boundless energy of dogs at play, the sun setting, the coldness coming in. It was magical to sit there with my sister's child talking about her mother's childhood. It was a bridge that brought memories flooding back of a childhood I hadn't spoken about in forever. It was time at its best. I love you Jenna Gayle.

Jody

2010-05-01T12:42:00.003-04:00

How does this blog tie into Mindfulness...not sure you be the judge. I guess it is more on the quality of the relationships you keep and being perhaps mindful that all our relationships take work. How much do we want to put in and what truly are the rewards?

This past week I went on an a little odessey of my own. Walked out of my life for a week and went up to NY to attend an intense weekend at The School of Integrative Nutrition where I am taking a course load. Generally it is distance learning, but this was an intense weekend of live lectures. On Sunday night when the weekend was over my friend Jody, her husband and their daughter picked me up in the city and we drove out to their hometown on the Island. This is the same town we grew up in. I left when I was 11 Jody has lived there all of her life. We met I guess you could say in utero, if that is possible. Our parents were and still are close friends, by now on their journey, family...It felt like I was losing a little touch with Jod the phone calls were becoming less frequent, it just seemed like a big deal to pick up the phone when there was so much to catch up on. I knew, know and understand though this relationship is one that I will never let go. It was time for a visit. She is my history and I hers. She looked at one of my kids when they were 2 and announced OMG its your face and could tell me what picture to relate back to. She is the one that remembers all my childhood ways and I am her keeper. We are now mothers with kids starting to build their own separate life and think of their own futures. We are woman scared and anxious about the next steps, but both of us dynamic and wanting to emerge with new interests, drive and dreams. We check each others faces to see if the year that passed between visits has shown a mark. We are each others marker, both of us athletic (she is now doing the 30 day bikram challenge 2 classes a day, and a survivor of a boot camp the likes of which I never heard before). She is family, she is friend, she is my sister. She is the only one I would put side my phobias and sleep downstairs in her basement, in the guest room that seems very far from everyone else. Ties that bind, these is a gift, one that I will never take for granted. We have decided for us the best way to communicate is now texting. Technology has given us a way to reformat our communication. I am grateful we have been so busy chatting away. I love it and I love her. Thanks Jod for always being in my life.

I will continue the unfolding of the trip tomorrow as I share more of what I learned.

xo ginny

CSA pot luck dinner

2010-04-17T13:43:00.003-04:00

Last night under the stars we gathered as a temple CSA to rejoice in a season of fresh beautiful produce. As a temple we made a choice to commit to a season and see how it went. It was not without its hitches, there was far more administrative tasks then were at first realized, and some families did struggle with the responsibility of understanding their ownership over their hosting day. You put those aside though, make your adjustments, shrug your shoulders and move on. The beauty of the season was intangible in some ways. Yes, the obvious tangibles were there, the gorgeous bags overflowing with produce every other Thursday...the things you couldn't touch? The knowledge gained by stretching outside the comfort zone, cooking and dealing with that unknown vegetable. The relationship that grows by becoming involved with people that normally don't cross your daily life except for the bond of trying to do better for our health and the planet. The relationships strengthened and the new ones formed are so dear to me, as I bonded with people sharing the same passion.

We sat outside had a beautiful evening filled with conversation, and great vegetarian food. The night ended with a beautiful moon, the feeling of warmth and love, and one exhausted Miss Bear. xo ginny

Spring Time Renewal

2010-03-29T17:11:00.004-04:00

Passover begins tonight, the clocks have changed and I am once again lying on a table in Dr Chen's office. You see every March, I find myself sleep deprived with no explanation. For 3 years now I find myself hidden away in the little office laying on the table waiting for the needles to turn my body heavy with a feeling of dead weight. Soon my body cannot even think of twitching and my mind starts to shut down to a point of vivid pictures slowly fading into nothingness...into the ultimate state of relaxation. The warming lamps offer the body a warmth and the traffic noises from outside slowly recede. I have what you call a very sensitive system. I'm the type that gets skin rashes, hives if I am nervous, psorosis if I drink alcohol and of course added to the list- doesn't do time changes well! Well the good doctor clicks her tongue, giggles a little and always reminds me" same time each year." I have just come home from paying for the accunpuncture which for me includes the wonderful nap, and I have gone from a wreck to a creature of bliss in 1 and 1/2 hrs. Oh life is good, and now hopefully tomorrow when I turn 39 again, well rested I will include a thank you to Dr Chen as I walk the waters edge, thinking life is sweet!

Spring Time renewal

2010-03-29T17:11:00.001-04:00

A Vegan in Word and Deed

2010-03-21T11:46:00.002-04:00

The above title is the name of the article that is inspiring me to write this blog.

It is written about Alicia Silverstone who turned vegan 12 years ago. It is in todays New York Times Sunday Styles section. I will get to that in a moment...

I have a birthday coming up in 9 days and have to tell you I am not into the numbers game. Never felt that you should count your age by the numbers of years you have been on this earth , but rather how you feel. I feel about 34 but have decided since I seem to need to conform to society's rule that you must be a certain age I am forever 39. I feel so incredible, sensual, strong, vibrant, and I feel I glow with a happiness that starts from the inside.

I bring this up because as I was reading the above mentioned article where Alicia states that after turning to veganism she had sudden weight loss, her skin was glowing and her nails are strong and her eyes are white. She says the karma of turning vegan is amazing.

I had a client come in on Friday and she could not understand my way of eating, and yet she came in suffering from stress, low libido, and weight gain. It is difficult to get people to understand turning to clean living is not deprivation, but rather the best gift one can give themself. I'll keep talking I know changes are coming, patience...patience. xo ginny

ps please read anonymous's comment on the previous blog we are the voice of change each of us...

changing views

2010-03-20T16:24:00.002-04:00

I think awhile back I blogged on watching Food Inc with my husband and two younger sons, Mark and Kevin. My youngest son Kevin watched it took it in, asked some questions and went about life. So it seemed did Mark. When Food Inc was over he said it wouldn't really be realistic to think you can only eat grass fed, organic beef because that would rule out 5 Guys. I was surprised that was the first thing he had to say after such an intense film. He added that I was on a guilt trip with them. The knowledge had been given to them take it as they may. The next day I was alone with Mark and once again I asked after sleeping on it did he have any more thoughts on the movie. He said yes he had gleaned some awareness and did not really say more than that. Shortly after that we were in Fresh Market when the meat counter attendant told us they use Factory Farmed beef only and it was loaded with antibiotics. Perhaps that added more fuel for thought. (last week by the way while I was there I went back to the counter and asked the big question...why aren't you carrying grass fed???? The answer no surprise is that they tried to carry grass fed and no one wanted to spend the extra money for it guess people don't get it yet you pay for it and more later in health care)

Interesting thing is that last week I served the boys and my husband a simple meal of turkey burgers. Mark said he didn't want it, he wanted to begin playing around with vegetarianism. At first I thought it was just a ploy not to eat the turkey burger, not his favorite thing. After disregarding him for a few days I realized he is truly serious. He makes it very clear it is not about the animals, but about his health. I respect his opinion and thoughts immensely and am so grateful no matter what his reasons to see once again knowledge is power.

Today is the first day of spring, renewal and new paths open for us. I am so glad of the path Mark is trying on. xo ginny

knowledge is key

2010-03-14T22:16:00.003-04:00

Interesting, I am once again contemplating going vegetarian and giving up the fish I eat. I guess for me that struggle is the same one people struggle with when they give up meat and poultry. For me these were never part of my everyday world. They have always been a foreign thing to eat. I have impatience with those that eat meat without taking the responsibility of knowing the animals' situation and basing their decision without that knowledge. Am I any better though since I still love and consume fish? I don't feel any connection to these creatures but does that mean it is ok to eat them?

Oprah had a great show on last week about eating organic whole foods. Michael Pollen was interviewed and he does still eat animal flesh, but with extreme care. He knows well the source. I believe that is the first step...knowledge but I do believe within the next generation there will be a huge reversal from the 200 pds of beef the average American eats compared with the pound and a half of asparagus the typical American eats. Lets start that process. Eat more greens, if you eat beef make sure it is USDA organic which means it has no added hormones and pesticides. Eat only grass fed. Open your eyes and take control. Yes, it is more expensive in the short term but long term healthcare will be much cheaper. xo ginny

ginnybakes

2010-03-13T07:55:00.002-05:00

Wow, a few months back I decided I wanted to create an organic line of bake mixes. I had tried some and knew I could do better. I wanted people to seek out great tasting bake mixes that are an alternative to the ones lining the grocery shelves.

My husband said no way, my marketer Annhy said cool...different responses but all have been supportive once they saw I meant it. Being an aries is one of those things you learn to grow into. We don't necessarily know limitations, but rather dream away. In this case the beginning of a dream is coming true. I don't know exactly the next step from the kitchen table to hopefully big production, but I believe in what I am doing. I love this life of passions and dreams even those moments when fear enters and doubts lodge in the middle of the night. I wake up and just push a little harder. Thank you for encouraging me with your comments and support without the feedback the road would be lonely. xo ginny