Where is Your Love?

                                                                                                                                (Reuters)

Sadly, but widely known, China faces a huge and threatening pollution problem. Fake backgrounds are put up for tourists to enable them to take a "nice" travel photo. Isn't that saying a lot about the environment there? Rivers and other waterways are changing into unnatural colors, children are swimming in polluted and algae-infested waters, dead fish float along the water, trash can be found in every nook and cranny. Clearly, changes, drastic and quick, need to be made to fix further damage.

Despite all of this, what I find to be most important, is having this thought inspire others to think back on their own actions. Do you litter, pour chemicals down the drain or batteries in the trash, don't pick up your trash when it happens to escape the trash barrel? Or do you show your care of the Mother Earth on a daily basis and put thought into your actions and how you do things?

The past is done with. There is only now and the future. But let's focus on the now and keep the future in our minds, but let's not jump too far ahead. It's time to think about our actions before it's too late. China may be known for its outrageous amount of pollution, but that can happen anywhere if you let it. This is something that must be stopped. This is something urgent. There's no longer the slim option of the lazy route of not always caring. The time is now.

Do you think this isn't possible in your own country, your own state, your own town or city? Just think, global warming is no lie and this kind of pollution is only making it immensely worse. Do you wonder why the days are still cold and the sight of snow is still possible with April 1st being this very week? Global warming is only putting its effect on Mother Earth, leaving us less and less protection from the threatening rays of the sun. Winters get colder and summers get warmer. If you are capable at all, don't let this get worse if you can help to do what is right.

Do you want to help save our Mother Earth or do you want to help kill it?

If you're still not convinced of this urgency or just find interest in seeing more compelling and heart-wrenching photos like the one above, check out this link:
http://www.earthporm.com/23-shocking-photos-reveal-bad-chinas-pollution-problem-become/

*Just keep in mind, this could be anywhere. It's all up to you.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

 

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

Survey Time

Can't believe The Crunchy Granola Nut is already starting its second month of being a blog. Check out this week's survey on the side of the page to help out!

 

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

Food for Thought on This Dreary Monday

Let's just forget about the weather today.

 

"This is the beginning, of anything you want"

Right now, this moment, this very second, you can start anew. Never think that you're stuck where you are and that you can't change your circumstance. Anything is possible and it's all up to you. If you want to start something new, go for it. No one but yourself can hold you back and why would you want to hold yourself back? Never be your own obstacle. You'd be holding back from opportunities, adventures, experiences, success, happiness, and everything else you can think of. None of that should ever be in question. Those should be priorities. Those things are important in life and not once should that be forgotten.

Open up your mind and embrace all the beginnings it can only start to imagine. Embrace those ideas that come to you and simply go for it. There is no need to find motivation. The idea of a beginning, a rebirth, a time to refresh, should bring forth all the motivation you could possibly have.

Your life is only what you make it, so you might as well make it great with as many beginnings as you want.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut



Go Nuts About Nuts!

Are you lacking nuts in your diet? They're full of health benefits. Check it out!

 

 

(Nutrition Facts)



Food for Thought

I really like this one.

 

 

A Reminder of the Coming Spring

 (Smith)

Scrolling online, this beauty caught my eye. Both handmade, contains real flowers, and has many unique designs, these are a wonderful addition to the oncoming springtime. I'm not a huge fan of bracelets, but I saw that there are also pendants. I'm quite excited to get my own in the future.

Don't miss out on this and check out the artist, Sarah Smith:

http://www.earthporm.com/flowers-frozen-time-tucked-inside-beautiful-handmade-resin-bracelets/

http://www.modernflowerchild.com/

Food for Thought on These Busy Days

 

As I end both a busy and productive day like yesterday, a little food for thought is always a soothing thing. A mind can never be fed too much.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

When Life Gives You Lemons...Use Their Benefits!

(Food as Medicine)

 

Benefits of Lemons:

Good for stomach

Excellent for Skin Care

Aids in Digestion

Aids in Dental Care

Cures Throat Infections

Good for Weight Loss

Controls High Blood Pressure

Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders

Good for treating Rheumatism

Reduces Fever

Acts as a blood purifier

Hair Care Treatment

Stop Internal Bleeding

 Why avoid lemons? They're extremely good for your health. Simply put a slice of lemon in your glass of water and absorb the benefits with every sip.

 

Happy Hump Day!

 -The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

A Day for a Recipe #4

(clearly I love cooking)

 

Mondays. Always a day for a comfort food.

 

"Copycat Panera Macaroni & Cheese"

(serves 8)

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cup shredded white cheddar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 lb pasta, cooked (cavatappi, shells, or elbows work best)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions while making the sauce. Drain and set aside until ready to use.
2. In a large pot on medium high heat, add butter until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. Reduce heat to medium and add milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard and pepper. Continue whisking until it begins to bubble. Reduce to low and add white cheddar. Stir until melted. Add cooked pasta, stirring until combined. Remove from heat and allow to sit about five minutes to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Enjoy your Monday!(:

 

-The Crunchy Granola Nut



A Little More Food for Thought

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

A New Adventure for the Crunchy Granola Nut

Today I had the experience of trying my very first body barre class (uses a ballet barre). Now let me tell you, you don't have to be a taking a pure barre class right away to feel some muscle strengthening and toning. For those of you who are unaware of what this is, body barre is a new exercise that is greatly gaining popularity. It combines the movements of dance and Pilates to create a new fun workout.

For me, I have a long background of dance, so I was quite comfortable throughout the class. But this post is in no means to discourage someone, only to encourage.

As my friend and I traveled to the studio, we had not much of an idea of what to expect other than it will be hard but hopefully not too bad. The class started with warming up in the center and upbeat music that that only encourages you to get moving. After that the barres got pulled out and it was really time to get started.

Plié. Going back to my long background of dance, just the sound of this ballet term gave me excitement. I haven't heard it said in such a long time that I knew I was in for a treat. About the first half an hour was all legwork. Boy, my legs were shaking a little after but it sure felt good. But that could also be because I find pride in being fit and love a good workout. After that it was time to take on arms and abs. Still tiring but only gaining motivation the entire time. I had no idea chest presses would make my arms so tired or rather, I never realized that my triceps would get so tired because of it. After it all, the class winds down to end peacefully.

Personally, my first class was a success and I can't wait to go back next week.

While being used to yoga and meditation, this will become a very pleasant addition to my weekly schedule. Since it is the second day of spring, why not think of trying out something new?

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut



A Little More Simplicity

Let's face it, it's been another long and exhausting week. When weeks are like this, we all just need a little simplicity. So  here's a little more food for thought:

 

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

 

Courage for Happiness

Far too many people believe themselves to be incapable of this courage. It's as if they don't care about their own happiness but in reality, this is one of the very few things that will prevent it.

You can let people push you around, drain your energy, drain your motivation, drain you happiness, and let the things you want slip through your own fingers. You can also push for you, increase your energy, increase your motivation, increase your happiness, and truly grasp the things you want in your own hands.

Courage. It may be a "big" thing, but you only need a small amount to get you started on your way. Don't shy away from the idea, embrace it with open arms and you'll find that you'll end up embracing your own happiness.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

Food for Thought

A Day for a Recipe #3

Mondays are always a day needed for simplicity, but isn't cooking a delicious dinner always a nice start to the week? Here is my inspiration for you, a simple recipe that is more of an idea than a recipe. Something that is more of...just throw in what you want.

Picture Above:
While the spaghetti was cooking in the pot, I stir-fried some fresh veggies with olive-oil and some seasonings until they were cooked to my liking. I included peppers,broccoli, mushrooms, and tomatoes. In another pan I stir-fried some shrimp as well as seasoned them. Once everything was cooked, I mixed them together with soy sauce as well. I used enough of everything to use a full pound of pasta, plus I always like leftovers.

Ready to get cooking?

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

Love Yourself

Accepting yourself is important. You are the only you and it's important that you love every single part of you.

"Eat like you love yourself"
I eat healthy not because I want to be able to call myself tiny and slim, but because I want to treat myself right. I want to nourish, not help myself to a quicker death. I eat sweets when I want to give myself a "treat," so to speak. Everyone needs a little luxury every now and then.

"Move like you love yourself"
I embrace the strength, fluidity, and focus my body possesses as I practice yoga. I love how I am able to do this. I also don't care how crazy I look when I'm really excited about something, I just let my movements show it.

"Speak like you love yourself"
So often people are quiet when words are said against them. I, myself, may be a quiet person, but I speak up when it needed. I have love and respect for myself and I make that clear to anyone who finds a need to question it.

"Act like you love yourself"
Your love is shown through all the actions you do. Make it loud and clear that you do love yourself. I act the way I do and do the activities I do, all because I love myself.

I never put this love in question and neither should you. If you can't love yourself, why should anyone else?

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut



Beat the Odds

                                                                                                                          (Earth Porm)

Doesn't everyone want to beat some sort of odds in some way? Well, Jonathan the Tortoise certainly did as he is continuing to exceed the maximum life-expectancy of a tortoise of 160 years as he is estimated to be 160 to 180 years old. Now that is something that you don't see everyday.

This is certainly a story to give others motivation to beat the odds. If a tortoise can do it, I'm sure we can as well.

Check it out:
http://www.earthporm.com/jonathan-tortoise-photographed-1902-today/

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

Add a Little Green

                                                                                                                              (Earth Porm)

Just a little something that caught my eye this morning online. You're probably wondering, what is this? Well, it happens to be an eco-friendly alternative for those nasty aerosol spray paints. Not to mention, it adds a little green (in a completely natural way) to some drab walls.

Check it out:
 http://www.earthporm.com/moss-graffiti-coolest-diy-project-ever/

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

Embrace Your Natural Love

Today is a hint that spring and warmer weather is definitely (and finally) on the way. Don't only enjoy the weather but go forward with your day with appreciation. With weather like this, you can go out and enjoy a nice walk while catching views and the art of spring peeking through the wintry scene. Never walk without absorbing your surroundings, especially when your surroundings are the environment. This awareness in this kind of surroundings is an easy way to lighten any mood.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut



©The Crunchy Granola Nut

When You Realize That There is Hope for Humanity

                                                                                                (Earth Porm)

 So often we let the negative side of society get to us and make us believe that there is little, if any, hope for humanity. Today take the chance to notice all the good things that we seem to miss on a daily basis. Let those small things that strangers do for others give you the motivation to do the same and to increase the hope you have for humanity.

Check out this link to see more about this idea:
http://www.earthporm.com/photos-restore-faith-in-humanity/

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

 ©The Crunchy Granola Nut

A Day for Simplicity #1

It's a Monday, a Monday morning consisting of waking up in darkness instead of the usual partial sun. It's the first Monday after Daylight Savings. Let's admit it; we all just need something simple and easygoing to help us get through the day. So here's some food for thought on this day needed for simplicity.

 

 



"If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

So often we don't think about beauty on the exterior and interior as one of the same. We say how some people are beautiful on the outside but not the inside and vice versa. But what if we combined the two?

Everything you say to a person is just as important as your actions towards them. Do you respect them or do you let your dislike overpower that? Do you play the common two-faced act and talk rudely behind someone's back after just nicely talking with them?

At times, we all feel that our words don't always matter and that we can sometimes pretend as if they weren't said at all. But if our words are just as important as our actions, why would we think that? It's not like we think that we can pretend we didn't act a certain way even as much as we wish we could. We simply can't change things that have already happened. You can fix them but you surely can't change them.

As a way to think more about what you say, would those words affect your exterior beauty? Would they turn it into something ugly or into something even more beautiful? Some people sneer at always being nice to people, but did you realize it can change your whole perspective in an instant? From my own experience, not only will more people want to talk to you, but it'll make you feel better about yourself. As the practice becomes more natural overtime, you'll realize that even your thoughts will be less negative and you'll develop into a more beautifully-minded pleasing person. It'll put you in better moods and will prevent you from getting angry or irritated by others as often as before. It's all really just a chain reaction.

So think about it, "if the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?"


(Sorry for no new post yesterday, 'twas quite a busy day)

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut



(A Much Needed) Day for a Recipe #2

Let's admit it. It's been a long week. Why not end it with some delicious and healthy recipes? Not to mention, both meals can easily be made to be gluten free and dairy free.

(another one of my meals)

 

 

Ivy’s Garlicky Spaghetti Squash, Kale & Sundried Tomato Entrée

(one of my very favorite recipes)

 

Serves about 4 (I had plenty of leftovers after serving two people including myself)

 

1 tablespoon cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (grape seed oil is another option, actually much healthier)

2 shallots (I believe I've used scallions before), finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, crushed/chopped

2 cups finely chopped kale

½ cup julienned sundried tomatoes packed in oil (rinse the oil off with water and pat the tomatoes dry with paper towels)

salt (for taste)

Red Chile flakes (for taste - optional -> I used chili powder instead)

4 cups cooked spaghetti squash (I used the whole cooked spaghetti squash)

2 cups cooked sprouted spaghetti of choice (I used quinoa spaghetti one of the times and it tasted just as good) - the spaghetti is optionally, can add if you want the recipe to be more filling but I find that it is delicious either way

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until shallots soften. Add the kale and sundried tomatoes. Sauté for several minutes, until kale wilts. Season with salt and red chile flakes to taste.
2. Stir in the cooked spaghetti squash and toss to coat. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to mix everything. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

 

 

Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks
 

(Serves 8)
 

4 cups of riced cauliflower (about 1 large head of cauliflower)

4 eggs

2 cups of mozzarella cheese

3 tsp oregano

4 cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

an additional 1 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)

 

I know that next time I make these I'll be trying it out with my dairy free mozzarella style almond cheese.

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F degrees. Prepare 2 pizza dishes or a large baking sheet with parchment paper. (I used one large pizza pan)
2. Make sure your cauliflower is roughly chopped in florets. Add the florets to your food processor and pulse until cauliflower resembles rice.
3. Place the cauliflower in a microwavable container and cover with lid. Microwave for 10 minutes. **make sure the container is microwave safe
4. Place the microwaved cauliflower in a large bowl and add the 4 eggs, 2 cups of mozzarella,oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix everything together.
5. Place onto the prepared baking sheet(s) and shape into either a pizza crust, or a rectangular shape for the breadsticks.
6. Bake the crust (no topping yet) for about 25 minutes or until nice and golden. Don't be afraid the crust is not soggy at all. Once golden, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and put back in the oven for another 5 minutes or until cheese has melted.
7. Slice and serve.

These recipes deliciously compliment each other and are both very easy to cook.

 

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

 

"Find three hobbies you love: one to make you money, one to keep you in shape, and one to be creative"

Life isn't always about success; it's about happiness. Never let that idea slip from your mind. It gives each of us motivation to try and live life to its fullest. Like everyone has always heard, "the key to success is happiness." Similarly, the key to happiness is in finding both the things and people that you love and make your time worthwhile.

Everyone has their own hobbies. Some hobbies get dropped some point in life while others get picked up. But what if you could find a way to make your hobbies work together in cohesion and bring you the happiness and success you want and need? Simply, find a purpose for each. Not a silly little purpose that in truth has no importance, but a purpose that gives you both intention and motivation. The simple path to this are the ideas of "one to make you money, one to keep you in shape, and one to be creative."

The only way that this whole idea can work is if you truly love each hobby with a growing passion. Otherwise, won't you end up bored or tired with them and result in the unhappiness that you're trying to avoid?


For me, I may be young but I know my passion and the hobbies that I love. Yes, they may change over time to keep my happiness from decreasing, but that doesn't mean I can't set hobbies to their purposes at this time.

One to make you money: I'm currently on my path of becoming a licensed landscape architect. This will take years to completely achieve but it is something I sincerely enjoy. I love nature in all ways and I want to enable my own respect and love to be brought into the eyes and minds of others through their enjoyment of the creations of landscape architecture. Through the creation of peaceful public parks, hiking trails that are created in cohesion to highlight the natural surroundings that are already there, residential gardens to bring natural beauty closer to people, and much more, I believe I can achieve my goal.

One to keep you in shape: While still a fairly new yogi, I have embraced the ideas of a healthy mind, body, and soul through learning how they all work together to complete a being. While I was surprised at first, it's an incredibly relaxing and hard workout with my favorites being a practice that is based on ashtanga yoga and the practice of aerial yoga. For me, it is a workout that not only has kept my body in shape, but my mind as well. It has greatly helped me relax while having the characteristic of a stressed and anxious mind.

One to be creative: While there are infinite ways to be creative with the practice of yoga, I also have the love of art. Whether it's being in the mood to paint on occasions, doodling on myself when I find an inspiring idea on Pinterest, or using my cooking skills to use a recipe to make something delicious, I have a passion for creativity. I simply cannot pinpoint one specific art I really enjoy for I dapple in a little of everything in some way.


Can you happily say that you have found three hobbies for yourself? If you have and you find yourself to be truly passionate about them, please share your own thoughts.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

Earth is a sculpture within itself.

                                                                                                                                     (Earth Porm)

While both art and the Earth are intriguing, have you ever thought about what the combination of the two would be like? The result is truly captivating.

Check out this link to see the organic work of sculptor, Spencer Byles:
http://www.earthporm.com/artist-spends-one-year-alone-forest-creating-surreal-sculptures-using-organic-materials/

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut



The differences are what make us.

Who did you notice more? The group that resembles similarities amongst each other or the one that decided to act different?

Everyone is aware that people notice the differences between themselves and others. People act like those differences are a bad thing. Are they really? Are the things that make you you bad? Like I mentioned yesterday, why care what other people think or say about you? You're only letting them control your personality. Embrace what makes you different and be confident about it. People will notice the confidence before they notice the differences. That confidence is what will complete you. So simply, accept your differences and you'll accept yourself. 

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

"I am not for everyone"

So often people let the opinion of others get to them. They care about how much and what kind of attention they receive from others. They care what people say, think, and how they act towards them. But why?  Why would you let someone get underneath your skin when all that causes is annoyances for yourself? Why would you let other people have some sort of control over yourself? Yes, clearly people don't always think before they act. But at times, is that really such a bad thing? Must you always question your first instinct on how to react? Should you contain your true personality just because you're afraid of how people react?

"I am not for everyone." In truth I am only for me. If you find that I am for you as well, that's great. I'm glad that I can be a part of your life journey as well as you being a part of mine. But that is not my goal. I respect my own being, my own mind, my own personality. I fully understand and accept that not everyone will like me as well I will not like everyone. But do you know what? That is okay. That's life. That's a result of everyone being different.

About a month ago, I listened to someone say "Be you and the right people will come to you." I have never believed this to be more true. People like to be around people that encourage your own unique personality, so why would you want to veil your true self? Do you want the wrong people to flock to you and have the right people pass you by?

Accept that you are not for everyone for everyone is not for you.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

A Day for a Recipe #1

(a picture of my own meal)

Looking for a quick and easy meal on these chilly winter or rather soon-to-be spring days?

Tortellini Spinach Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. (9 oz.) refrigerated three cheese tortellini
• 2 pkg. (9 oz.) creamed spinach, defrosted according to pkg directions (Stouffer's or Bird's Eye are options)
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 envelope (1.4 oz.) dry vegetable soup & recipe mix

Directions:

Heat water and soup mix in large saucepan to boiling; reduce heat. Add tortellini and creamed spinach; cook for 5 minutes or until tortellini is tender. Top each serving with parmesan cheese, if desired.

*I have used Panera's bread bowls as an addition the first time I made this soup. It was absolutely delicious. I also cooked for 5 people and doubled the recipe to ensure enough for everyone to have seconds and to have a small amount of leftovers. Simply, I love leftovers.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

The idea of rebirth taken to an entirely new level.

(Earth Porm)

A picture that leaves a mind running wild and opening eyes wide with interest. What are these pods you may ask? A new idea for organic coffins in the Capsula Mundi Project based in Italy. Some may think it strange or even preposterous. I for one, think the idea is compelling. Death is often a subject that people avoid thinking about as it remains scary and ominous to many. But what if we looked at it in a different perspective? What if we looked at the relationship of  Mother Earth and our own beings?

So here we have the idea of organic biodegradable coffins that will turn a person's remains into the nutrients for a beautiful tree to grow. This idea takes the idea of rebirth to an entirely new level. When you think about it, what good are all the billions of coffins we place in the ground doing to the Earth? They are simply taking up space for the Earth to replenish herself with more growth. We are left with cemeteries that only influence feelings of sorrow and not usually of happiness and peace. What if we could change all that? No longer would be have to visit our deceased loved ones surrounded by drab colors, gravestones, and only the occasional flowers and decorations. We would be able to make our visits in gorgeous remembrance forests filled with trees that represent the deceased. It would become a remembrance of respecting and giving back to the Earth that has both given us and provided us with our continuous lives. Simply, Mother Earth is not called that for no reason. She gives us the oxygen, the food, the water, and all the other necessities we need to live. So why wouldn't we want to give back to this amazing and remarkable life source?

For a further reading on the article that I found quite compelling, check out the link:
http://www.earthporm.com/bye-bye-coffins-these-organic-burial-pods-turn-your-loved-ones-into-trees/

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut