I have recently realized how little I have understood about beverages and foods that take on characteristics of the region they come from (e.g., wine, tea, coffee, cheese).
I recently read a new book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. The book is Sweet Tea Revenge and was just released in March of 2013.
Aside from loving a good cozy mystery, I so enjoy reading her descriptions of teas, flavor profiles, infusions, and blends.
Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world (after water). It is reported to have health benefits including the reduction of blood pressure, weight control, and the increase of bone mineral density. Tea catechins are said to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities.
Teas can be categorized based on how they are processed with at least 6 different types: white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and post-fermented tea. Teas from multiple areas may be combined to form blends. There are also a large range of scented and flavored varieties such as Earl Grey. In the United States and Canada, 80% of tea is consumed as iced tea.
Check out the Teavana website for all things tea or visit one of their locations.
They sell tea, tea blends, and other products like teapots and infusers. They even have Tea of the Month clubs and their app is free.
This week I came home and needed something quick for dinner but didn't have much in the fridge. Then I remembered I had some banana and some avocado in the freezer. I threw together a smoothie with those fruits and some cocoa powder with agave nectar. I had been hearing about using avocado in frozen recipes but hadn't tried anything yet. It was wonderful, creamy, filling, and did not taste like guacamole!
Avocados are a fruit with many health benefits. They contain all 18 essential amino acids, fiber, phytochemicals, as well as vitamins A, B, C, E, K, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. The fats are primarily monosaturated and good for your body. See here for 15 health benefits of avocados:
Avocados and Health.
In addition to everyone's favorite guacomole, avocados can be key ingredients in a variety of other recipes. They can be substituted for heavy creams in some deserts likes cakes and frozen desserts. And don't worry--they don't taste like avocado.
Check out detoxinista.com's Healthy Fudgsicles
Try this Vegan Chocolate Cake at ambitiouskitchen.com!
Sometimes decisions about vacation or staycation get made on the basis of money alone. Maybe the decision should also take into account the temperament and needs of family members as well. Some of us get "filled up" by traveling to beaches, historical places, or rugged terrain. Others get filled up by reading a good book, going miniature golfing, or camping in the backyard. Think about what will be the most filling for you and your family, and plan around that. Remember too that each year may be different! Ask yourself the question--"What does my family need this year? What will our rest time look like?"
If you are planning a staycation, consider some structure, so the time doesn't waste away.
1. Day One: Relaxation
Maybe the first day is one of rest and relaxation. What does it feel like to be pampered? Maybe make a spa day for the ladies/girls with pedicures, naps, and reading a book on the deck? Maybe the boys choose golfing, playing softball, or playing video games.
2. Creation
If you are a creative family, you might want to create on a day or two. This could include things like building a treehouse, trying new recipes/grilling ideas, artwork, redecorating the kids bedroom, or sewing.
These are things I "created" lately that turned out well:
Raw Key Lime Tartlets found at detoxinista.com
and Homemade Lip Balm at ourbestbites.com
3. Friend Day: You might plan a day when you invite families over for a cookout or do something with some of your close friends/neighbors. Decorate the deck, buy sparklers, and watch the sun set!
4. Field Day: You might consider having a sports/field day. Maybe put a tent in the backyard at night.
5. Visit local fun spots and try something new: Check out local venues like bowling, miniature golf, rolling skating, ice skating, or paintball.
6. Movie day: Maybe plan a movie marathon in your house where every person gets to pick a favorite movie. Add popcorn, movie theater candy.
7. You might consider including a day to help the community. Volunteer as a family to help with a local project.
Now is the time of year that parents are thinking about how to keep their kids active, engaged, and learning over the summer. Have you considered getting your kids involved in volunteering opportunities?
Check out volunteermatch.org, a website that matches where you live, what types of activities you would like to engage in, and what opportunities are in your area.
Another interesting site to check out is volunteeringinamerica.gov. This shows the layout of the United States including the demographics of who volunteers (parents are high on the list), what types of volunteering people tend to do most (e.g., fundraising, delivering needed supplies), and what states in the USA top of the list of individuals volunteering in their community.
And how about Volunteers of America. They were formed in 1896 and continue strong today.
According to their website:
Volunteers of America helps more than 2.5 million people in over 400 communities in 46 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico through programs that are staffed by full-time, paid professionals who have adopted this same ideal of service as their full-time mission. However, that does not mean that we do not also depend on an army of modern-day "volunteers" who offer their free time to support our volunteer programs nationwide. In fact, in 2012 nearly 60,000 volunteers devoted more than one million hours to hundreds of Volunteers of America programs and activities nationwide--and we can always use more volunteers!
How have you taught your children to give back to the community?
