slant2plants Newsletter

November 8, 2024

Hi Reader,

I am glad to share my Friday Fun Newsletter so I can connect with you and share what's new with slant2plants, my health coaching endeavors and some other fun information about healthy living that I hope you will enjoy.

1. Personal Update: This was a big week for all of us, no matter where we are geographically and politically. I went to bed late Tuesday night with a good understanding of what the final results would look like post-election the next morning. As I woke in the morning, before I got out of bed, I did my own personal meditation, reviewing my personal life philosophy: I choose to live my life like a surfer, knowing that the ocean is rarely flat and smooth (those are the days for SUP-LOL). Our challenge is alway to do our best to ride the wave until it passes, and then to know and be ready for the next one--we know it's on its way. I build my health practices and regular routines to strengthen myself. I want to maneuver on that board with strength and power, balance and poise. And when I fall off, because we all do--over and over, I need to be able to reset myself and get back up on that board. I start over again. Wednesday morning, I committed to my value of showing up. I know that I need to show up first for myself, so that I can show up for those around me, in all of my circles and networks. So that morning, I really grounded myself in the mindset of knowing that I do show up--with equanimity and patience, compassion and balance, and love. I thought I would feel so depressed this week. But I haven't. I've been swelling with gratitude for having the opportunity to connect with and support people, and that every day is a new day and we get to start up, to show up all over again.
2. Movie or Book highlight: We binge watched the 2nd season of The Diplomat (only 6 episodes). If you watched it, I want to know what you thought of the ending. I started reading two books: Wise Aging for a class of the same name that I'm starting this week. On my Kindle I started American Dirt (on Oprah's list), the first book I've read by Jeanine Cummins.
3. This week's recipe(s): I asked Eric to make the cabbage soup that he got an A+ on during his Rouxbe cooking class. Originally he used green cabbage but this time I bought purple cabbage. Healthy and nourishing, and has a kick to it. HERE is the recipe. In my attempt to make Skordalia, I used cannelini beans with tahini and mediterranean spices--it's really a white bean hummus. I was thrilled to see that the Market Hall Catering recipe for the Lima Bean Skordalia that I love is on their website!
4. Travel Tips: What do I bring with me for air travel? Besides hand sanitizer and healthy snacks, I bring something to read, something to listen to, and some knitting. I am just starting the traditional baby blanket I make for each grandchild. Granddaughter #4 is due in December so I need to get some stitches in. I'm using for the Cuddly Tight Baby Blanket pattern with Bernat Blanket Mist-Ical Bulky Yarn in Pink Quartz.
5. Nutrition Highlight: Snack Wisely! With holiday season coming up, indulgent treats abound! Be prepared by stocking up on plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables--choose the rainbow! Wash and prep them, and put them in accessible containers. They'll be ready to snack on, pack for work and school, and serve to others. Pair them with healthy dips like hummus, guacamole and even peanut butter (remember Ants on a Log?). You might even snack on some before heading to holiday gatherings—when we’re not starving, we’re more selective about our food choices.
6. Restaurant Review: Our kitchen is well-stocked, allowing us to create meals without constant trips to the store. But sometimes we just want Sliver Pizza. A knockoff of the iconic Cheese Board Collective of Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto, this immigrant family-owned pizzeria started off like its namesake, offering one pizza flavor a day, and an extra "sliver" with a whole pie. The newer locations have expanded menus. My favorite flavor is the corn and pasilla chili, and I especially appreciate that I can order a plant-based version made with vegan cheese (they have GF crust too). The best part? The green cilantro sauce. We always stock up, keeping a good supply in the fridge to use on everything! Drop by, and you’ll probably find Sliver pizza slices in our freezer, ready to pop into the Breville, alongside steamed veggies and that amazing green sauce.
7. Self-care: I get monthly body therapy sessions, a practice I began over ten years ago during back surgery rehab. Being petite in a tall world brings unique musculoskeletal challenges. I’m fortunate to work with a masseuse skilled in muscular and myofascial treatments. This isn’t a luxurious massage; it’s an essential part of my self-care routine.
8. Health Coaching Update: This week, I had the opportunity to speak to a graduate class in the Teacher Education program at St. Mary’s College, presenting on The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, focusing on health, wellness, and stress management for new teachers. I love teaching and working with groups and look forward to more opportunities in person and online. I’d love to hear your ideas! Let me know your ideas!!! I love helping people improve their lives and move forward towards their goals. If you know someone that might be interest in Health and Well-being Coaching, please let them know they can book a DISCOVERY CALL with me.
9. "I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” ― Estée Lauder

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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I hope you have a great weekend filled with fun and healthy activity, food and connection, especially if it's your birthday CASEY and TINA! Please always feel free to share your feedback, requests and opinions. I'd love for you to check out my slant2plants blog, and share it with anyone you think would enjoy it. I appreciate our connections... Dvora. Dvora

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