slant2plants Newsletter

November 1, 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: Wow...the weather sure did switch quickly! I turned on the heat and I'm ready to switch to my down comforter. It even rained here twice this week. I picked up a few pieces for my winter wardrobe when I was shopping in LA at Nati Boutique on Abbott-Kinney in Venice (Abbott-Kinney was not a "thing" in the 70's when I was a student at Venice High School). I'm almost done with another week of Prolon--that's my 27th round. I make sure to schedule it when I don't have a lot of social activities, though I've done that before. One time I took my soup and crackers with me on a Fleet Week cruise. And that day I gave Narcan? I was on Day 5. IYKYK
2. Book highlight: We finished listening to Long Island by Colm Tóibín on the way home from LA (actually, we barely did so we took a walk to finish it after we got home). I'd asked for book suggestions on Facebook for our roadtrip and received some really great responses from an interesting variety of people. One of my best sources for book ideas is the newsletter from Orinda Books, owned by my friend Pat Rudebusch. This local gem is not just a neighborhood bookstore, it's a hub for community events, author readings and book club meetings. Besides an fabulous collections of literature for all tastes and ages, you can find local artists' work, music, artisan gifts and children's toys. You'll want to choose a present for someone when you see the beautiful gift-wrapping. I've even bought some delicious gourmet chocolate there!
3. This week's recipe: Chili! I bet everyone has at least a couple of different chili recipes. Chili is a cozy dish for cold weather and it's easy to prepare in advance. I love serving it with a salad and some fresh whole grain bread or corn bread. I can't find my favorite recipe but I found one online that I plan to try (Google is one of my favorite cookbooks). I'll use three different kinds of beans and a combination of different chili powders. I love that this recipe includes cocoa, adding a hint of mole to the stew. I also enjoy adding pureed pumpkin, which brings depth and elevates nutrient density.
4. Travel Tips: Now that we’re back from our two LA trips, we have 2 ½ weeks before heading to Austin for a long weekend with friends. Time to research great restaurants and fun activities again!
5. Nutrition Highlight: Nutritional Yeast - have you heard of it? Fondly known as "nooch" by plant-based eaters, this deactivated form of Brewer's Yeast is beloved for it's umami cheesy flavor. High in Vitamin B and protein, it's a popular recipe ingredient or simply sprinkled over savory dishes. Try tossing it on air-popped popcorn for a high-fiber, nutrient-dense snack.
6. Restaurant Review: Crossroads Kitchen I've dined at both the Los Angeles and Calabasas location twice. I'd go more often if I lived closer, and if the LA site was closer to El Segundo. It's gourmet vegan dining at it's best--"top notch" ingredients, creativity, presentation, service and dishes bursting with flavor. f you’re not a fan of “vegan” restaurants, I bet you’d change your mind here. I prefer to go with several others so we can share many different dishes. But I've also gone alone because it's just that good. I'll do a post soon that describes and shows some of their very delicious food we've enjoyed. If you are in LA, I recommend you stop by, even just for Happy Hour (they have two: before and after dinner).
7. Destination Highlight: Last week I lamented about the predicted chaos for Friday on the 405. So we planned our day to avoid it. We went along the coast and over the mountains! From El Segundo we drove to Venice and did some walking and shopping on Abbott-Kinney. Hoping the fog would clear, we took PCH to Malibu and ate lunch at the Malibu Farm Cafe. Leaving the fog behind and heading inland, we drove up to the top of the Santa Monica mountains to hike the Topanga Lookout Trail. The weather was finally spectacular to do this moderate hike with little shade, and were treated to an amazing 360 degree view of the Pacific Ocean, San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. Our timing was perfect as we traversed down the other side of the mountain, landing in Calabasas just in time to enjoy dinner on the patio with our son's family at Crossroad's Kitchen.
8. Self-care: I’ve been expanding my skincare routine over the last few months. In addition to facials and tretinoin, I’m experimenting with a red light mask. Have you heard of red light therapy? Originally discovered by NASA, I’ve learned about it from several trusted resources. I used my birthday as a reason to order a red light face mask, and I’ve been using it a few nights each week before bed while meditating. It might take a while to see skin improvements, but what I have noticed is that I sleep well afterward. My Apple Watch and AutoSleep app show more deep sleep following my mask+meditation routine. Coincidence? Who knows… but quality sleep further boosts skin health!
9. Health Coaching Update: I created a youtube post on Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention, specifically addressing Ethnic and Racial Disparities. You can see it on my slant2plants youtube channel. 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.
10. "If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” Pooh Our daughter reminded us of this quote when I told her I didn't want to be around without Dad.

I hope you have a great weekend filled with fun and healthy activity, food and connection. Please always feel free to share your feedback, requests and opinions. I appreciate our connections... Dvora

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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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