Vegan Tuile Cookies

Vegan Tuile Cookies from www.VeganYumYum.com really nice recipes at this blog. I can't wait to try!

Super Interesting Documentary

Just saw this great documentary about Jimmy Carter by director Johnathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia, Manchurian Candidate). It follows the former president's book tour in 2006 for "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid." It really gives you a more intimate look into his life and who he is as person. I was not aware he has been such a strong advocate for human rights as well as, a big supporter of Habitat for Humanity. He has actually gone to New Orleans to help the people restore their homes. I was a kid during his presidency, so I do not really remember much about his presidency other than the Iraq hostage situation of the U. S. embassy. In this documentary, he sheds light upon the truth of Palestinian/ Israeli conflict, speaks about the government decisions during his presidency and relates the decisions being made by our country today. It's really interesting stuff, I plan on checking out his book.

If you are interested, here is the film's website. You can rent "Jimmy Carter: Man from Plains" at blockbuster.

www.sonyclassics.com/jimmyca...mplains/

The Effects of A Thought

I have followed Dr. Masaru Emoto's studies on changing the molecular structure of water by intention or thought. He has found that the molecular structure of water can be changed by an energetic condition. (I.E. thought, intention, prayer-- it has energy.) And his findings are really interesting. Dr. Emoto says:

"In late in July 1999, we had a ceremony offering prayer to the biggest lake in Japan called Lake Biwa. Because Lake Biwa is in the shape of a female uterus, it has traditionally been called the “Mother Lake.” Unfortunately, Lake Biwa was extremely polluted and every year it would give off a foul smell. I thought this was an unacceptable situation because Lake Biwa is a symbol of the female body, and I thought we had to do something about that. So 350 people got together around the lake, and we offered a great invocation. About a month later there was a fascinating article in the newspaper.

Paper stated, “Only this year, a foreign species of alga that had been
notorious for many years for growing unusually in a large
quantity and making a foul odor did not show up, and the city
office, that had gotten so many calls of complaint from the local
residents for many years, did not receive any call this year.”

Every year after that date, the city office received more than 300 calls about the smell, but only that year, they did not receive any calls. Since then, a group of people have been getting together to offer a prayer to Lake Biwa, and I understand that the lake is getting cleaner every year.”

He also says, “I started taking pictures of water crystals and that was the same time I started to discover the power of prayer. It doesn’t matter if we show written words to water or if we say some beautiful words to water such as “love” and “respect.” The water responds beautifully.”

Very cool stuff! I have pictures posted in my photos, of the lake water's molecular structure before and after the prayer conducted by Dr. Emoto and the group. His book, "Love Thyself" has this and several other experiments, with really lovely pictures.

Beautiful Quote

Pears and women are the sweetest in the parts that are heaviest. - Japanese Proverb -

Inspired to DRILL

I found an interesting article written by Ariellah for the Hip Circle. "Practice Makes Perfect Art," about how to become a better dancer.
In reading this article, it helped me realize a few things about my own dance practice. I rush to learn more, rather than work on refining my technique. Lately, I had been working on movement layering, and it just was'nt happening. I felt very frustrated and I didn't really understand why I was having a hard time. After reading this, it caused me to look at my basic technique and I realized I'm not as proficient with some movements as I could be.

Ariellah writes: "With drilling comes refinement and a firmer understanding of the movement, as well as discovering your own style. Your movements will also become larger and more fluid and refined. Through daily drills you will be able to see and feel what needs improvement and you will also learn how your arms and your body in general react to certain movements."

I have been so resistant to drills in the past, having viewed them as "tedious." But, I must say, I trust what she says. I have seen her dance----beautifully fluid and precise.
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Overall, it's a very nice article, inspiring. Check it out at www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp

Bellydance Name

OK! I have been working on a bellydance name for some time. I thought came up with one, but after I took a few days to let it sink in, it just didn't seem right for me. So I let it go.
Today, while I was working on something else, the new name came together.

Sunia Nadir

Sunia (Soon-ia) which means "to deeply listen to the sound of the Divine within."
Nadir (N(a)-dir) means "Dearly loved; rare, precious."

I am very happy with my new dance name :)

A Super Smoothie

I have changed my diet and lifestyle gradually over the last four years, to a healthier one. This smoothie recipe, was inspired by something similar I had at a health food juice bar once. I make this version everyday and I love it! I decided to do a little research to see the health benefits of each ingredient. Please try and enjoy!

SUPER SMOOTHIE
1 TBS of Udo’s 3•6•9 oil (oil blend of omega essential fatty acids)

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that the human body cannot reproduce, and must be obtained through diet.The body needs EFAs in order to maintain cellular health as well as to prevent inflammation in the body.

1 cup of frozen Organic Strawberries

Strawberries are said to contain more vitamin C than an orange. One-half cup of strawberries provides more fiber than a slice of whole-wheat bread. Strawberries also contain folate, potassium, and antioxidants. Vitamin C and antioxidants neutralize free radicals and help build strong connective tissues (like collagen which is responsible for skin strength and elasticity).

1/2 cup of frozen Organic Blueberries

Blueberries have incredibly high levels of antioxidant phytonutrients. These phytonutrients help the body neutralize free radical damage to the body’s cells and tissues that can prevent mutations at the cellular level, even prevent the production of cancer cells.

FYI: What's the heck is a free radical?

Free Radicals are "a reactive atom or group of atoms that has one or more unpaired electrons." From what I understand, these particular atoms are unstable and chemically incomplete, so they ‘steal’ electrons from other molecules, thus interfering with the cells’ ability to function normally. Free Radicals are created as a result of natural biological processes within the body and from our environment. These environmental causes are things such as, pollution, cigarettes, ozone and nitrous oxide, mercury, lead, alcohol, and chemicals (like preservatives) in food, water, & air. So basically, it sounds like free radicals can be caused by just about anything...great.

1/4 cup of Organic Frozen Sweet or Black Cherries (Good brands are Cascadian Farms, Wild Oates, or Whole Foods they have already been pitted)

Cherries are packed with antioxidants and have a high vitamin A content. The Cherry also contains a high level of melatonin, which is important in immune system function. Studies have shown that people who experience heart attack have low melatonin levels. Cherries are also effective cleansers of the liver and kidneys.

2 ripe Organic Bananas

Bananas are high in potassium, as well as, a very good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, and manganese. Interesting enough, bananas contain tryptophan (found in turkey as well) a type of protein the body converts into serotonin, helping you to feel more relaxed and improve your mood. Stressed out?- eat a banana!

1/4 cup (or more depends on your taste) of R.W. Kundsen Pure Juice Just Black Cherry

This brand is unsweetened, 100% juice--not diluted or from concentrate, like most bottled juice at the store. If you can't find Kundsen, Lakewood is another 100% juice only brand, they also have a black cherry too- FYI: black cherry has a naturally sweet taste that isn't cloyingly sweet. Like apple juice for example, it always tastes overly sweet (in my opinion)and can overpower the natural flavors of your fruit.

Water

Blender

1. Put all your fruit into the blender.
2. Add juice. I usually add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of juice, but if you want a little sweeter add more. It the bananas are ripe, it will be fine. Then add as much water needed to almost cover the mass of fruit, it's OK if the bananas are sticking out ---you don't need to cover them with liquid.
3. Add Udo's oil.
4. Cover and blend until smooth.
5. Check the consistency- you want it drinkable- not too thick or runny. Add more fruit or liquid, depending.

Helpful Tips:

Very IMPORTANT--make sure your blender can handle all the frozen stuff. I have a Vita-Mixer, and it pulverizes easily.

Buy a ton of ripe bananas---then peel and freeze them. You will always have ripe bananas on hand---ready to go. Also frozen, they keep the smoothie texture consistent.

I know the Udo's sounds like a weird thing to be putting in a smoothie, but it's great and it does taste good once you get used to it. I love the taste now and I can't have a smoothie without it. But if you have never tried it before, try adding a little less at first to get acclimated to the taste. The taste has been described as nutty and buttery.

Smoothie not sweet enough at first? Put in equal parts juice and water, and then add just a squirt of Agave Nectar (at your local health food store.) It will give you some sweetness without the sugar spike. Gradually, reduce the juice, replacing with more water, while adding the Agave Nectar. I don't add the agave nectar at all, unless my bananas are a little under-ripe. I used to be a sugar fiend, and this tip helped me wean off of it.

That's it...enjoy!

Gem Sweaters

Leslie Hall is a quirky comedian/rapper, I happened to stumble upon on youtube. (Dry wit, mixed with dorky). She playfully calls herself, "Keeper of the Gems" with the aspiration to revive the forgotten art form of "gem sweaters." (Break out your Bedazzler!) She claims to have collected over 150 gem sweaters and has created a mobile Gem Sweater Museum, for your viewing pleasure. Oh and by the way--- when she says "Let Reba crack the base"- she is referring to Reba McEntire.

Check out her new music video "How We Go Out" at www.leslieandthelys.com/

Nesrin Topkapi

I just LOVE Nesrin Topkapi's dance style. I believe she is Turkish. I love "retro" style.

Dance Practice

I really love to dance. But I need to practice more. I believe practice and preparation for your dance is important. I am looking for new ways improve my dancing. What works for you? I would love to hear about it :)