Summer Should Get a Speeding Ticket

Is it just me, or is the summer racing by us?! Every year it seems to go by just a little too fast.

Time. To. Slow. Down. I've got Simon & Garfunkel in my head singing "Slow down, you move to fast, time to make the morning last..."

So I've decided to make more of an effort to be mindful, live in the present moment, and not RACE the summer days away in anticipation of the next planned event. My plan is to be more present, and spend a few minutes each day either meditating, or reflecting on the day.

These are some meditation links that Kevin Berrill put together that I thought I'd share. Everything from books to websites to phone apps.

And the following is an excerpt from Rick Hanson's newsletter "Just One Thing".  A great motivational\Newsletter that I'd like to pass along.

"Mindfulness has lots of benefits. It brings important information about what's happening around you and inside you. It helps you witness your experience without being swept away by it, and to hold it in a larger context; as your mindful awareness increases, negative experiences have less impact on you.  And the duration and intensity of what you are paying attention to tends to increase its traces in your brain. Consequently, mindfulness really helps you take in positive experiences."

On another note...We all know it's important to stay hydrated.  Especially on these HOT summer days.  But are you getting bored with plain old water?  Before you reach for that sugar filled beverage, try infusing your water with one of these combinations by Miranda Hammer at The Crunchy Radish.  Fill a pitcher and leave it in your fridge for easy grab-and-go:
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• Tiki Sunrise:  grapefruit, lemon and rosemary
• Berry Splash:  blueberries and basil
• Gingerade:  lemon, lime and ginger
• Spa Tonic:  lavender and lemon
• Green Goodness:  cucumber, mint and lime

And while we're speaking of the heat, who wants to cook on a hot summer day? Definitely not me. I'd rather make something that barely uses the oven, doesn't take too long to make...oh, and yes, I'd rather be outside or spending time with my family.

So I have some new favorites for you to try...
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Gazpacho:  I love gazpacho on a hot summer day! Try topping it with diced avocado, hard-boiled egg, or sunflower seeds...
Broccoli, Apple and Red Onion Salad: A summer staple in our house. I always double the recipe. Love this salad!
Curried Chicken Salad: So delicious, AND easy. One of my husband and son's favorites!
Pasta Primavera with Creamy Alfredo Sauce (Vegan):  Really refreshing on a hot summer night.  This sauce is amazing (you'll never guess what the secret ingredient is!).
Mediterranean Quinoa Stuffed Peppers: Totally easy to make, and a beautiful presentation! Serve these with a piece of grilled fish if you're not ready for full on vegan.
Double Chocolate Crispy Frozen Dessert Bars: Last, but definitely NOT least..you are going to thank me for sharing these...SO DELICIOUS. Seriously.  I don't typically make desserts, but I'm only human, and I do love chocolate. But in our house, if there's a delicious dessert in plain sight on the counter or in the fridge, it won't last a day. Too dangerous, so I don't bake or buy them.

But, this is the exception to the rule. The dessert is kept in the freezer, so it's definitely not in plain sight.  I cut it into brownie shape sizes, wrap each piece individually, and place in a container in the freezer.  Take out one square when needed.  Yes, needed.

Oh, and yes, these are gluten free and dairy free. This is the brown rice cereal I use.

You are welcome ;)

Bon Appetit, and enjoy the summer days!!!
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Jennifer Coatanroch