The Date

I love dates so so much. Not the awkward date where you end up drinking too much and disclosing too much about your weird life. But the lovely little fruit, of course. I remember going on road trips to Palm Springs or Arizona when I was little and passing by the famous Hadley's Fruit Orchards. I don't think we ever stopped to get a date shake, but my parents would always talk about how delicious they were. I can't believe we never stopped! Mom, please correct me if I'm wrong. Anyways, just the thought of a date shake always sounds good to me. I was at the market the other day, and they had a date smoothie with bananas, dates, almond butter, and coconut milk - it was okay. First of all, I saw the young man making my smoothie use almond milk instead of coconut milk. Then, once I tried it, the banana flavor was so strong that I couldn't taste the dates. Also, bananas and almonds are "too hot" for Pitta types, so I already knew there that I maybe shouldn't have spent $8 on a smoothie. But, it did encourage me to buy a coconut-milkish-type "drink"(which is actually really good) and some dates.
This morning, I made my own date shake. I really had no idea how to go about it, but the end product was good, not great, but good. I put I handful of blackberries, about four dates, lots of coconut drink, and some almond butter. Next time, I'll try it with one or two less dates and less almond butter (since it technically aggravates Pitta). Also, I think with more berries and coconut, it would be very refreshing in the warmer months. Give it a try and let me know what you think or how to tweak it.
Oh, and a high-speed blender is definitely needed to break down the sticky dates.

Bierfilzl

I hope I might be getting a bit better at the whole blog thing. Remember when I posted about my favorite coasters? Well, I found the packaging for them; I kept it because I knew that I'd forget the name. They are made by Bierfilzl, and I bought them at Firefly, on Abbot Kinney.

Easter

I made one of my green smoothies this morning, with all the usual ingredients (cucumber, pineapple, coconut water, cilantro, and agave), but I just cut down the portions and added some new tastes: orange and celery. I can't get enough of celery. It adds some earthy notes, and the orange was just enough sweetness and Vitamin C.

And, I realized what a not so spring picture was posted last, so I'll make sure to take a picture of the beautiful happenings with our new season.

Spring Showers

My monthly horoscope said that April will be a huge month for me, personally and professionally. I took most of what it said very seriously, and patiently waited for something to kick me in the ass and put my life in a totally different direction. Maybe my whole life didn't transform immediately, but small changes are beginning to seep through.
I bought a new ayurvedic book, and it is filled with extensive knowledge. It will take me quite awhile to get through it, especially because some things seem to be contradictory to the first one that I got. Nevertheless, it is interesting and it has tons of recipes and sample menus, which I love. I haven't actually delved into the cooking aspect of it, mostly because it will take me a bit of time and money to learn how to make dahls and brews. But, slowly I'm making these changes.
Also something huge: I am officially trying to quit smoking. Yes, I said trying. I am on my third day; yesterday I had half a cigarette. Before now though, I only half-wanted to quit. Now I want to quit. That is huge for me!
I am still looking for yoga teacher training programs. There are so many to choose from, and I have gotten great guidance from friends and acquaintances. It's just a matter of finding one for me, and that I can afford and the timing works.
Okay, so thank you spring. Bringing new possibilities and aspirations.

p.s. I got a great massage the other day. Intuitive massage. I am going back in a couple of weeks and will tell you more then.

Green Buzz

I started this blog to discuss a little adventure I embarked on, about a year ago. My mother gave me a book on ayurveda, the science of life, and I took the quiz to see which dosha I am. I am Pitta dominant. There is so much to learn regarding ayurveda, and I only have one book, Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution by Dr. Robert E. Svoboda.

So, yes, my ayurvedic adventure. I have since, stopped eating most meats and fish, tomatoes, eggs, hard cheese, and coffee, to name a few.  And by “stopped eating,” well, that mostly means I have drastically cut it from my diet - yesterday, I had a breakfast burrito!  Pittas are typically extra hot internally, and the above foods would increase that heat, making me unbalanced.

I have changed certain habits to see how it affects my energy, emotions, health, my overall being. I try and have no distractions while eating and am fully conscious of what I am putting in my body.

My breakfast has been very green lately, thanks to my yoga teacher, Julie. Her blog is filled with helpful tips and delicious recipes. She is into packing tons of vitamins into each meal. This morning, I took one of her suggestions, and manipulated it a bit. And, this is what I threw into a blender: a cucumber, some pineapple chunks, cilantro, kale, coconut water, agave, a vanilla yogurt probiotic drink, and a bit of Tulsi (I cut open a tea bag and dumped half of it in; recommended by my friend who is a barista at the place where I used to down cappuccinos, now replaced by chai).

In saying all of that, this has become an experiment and learning process. If anyone has any recommendations, please chime in.

Cheers.

I love coasters. These orange felt ones are my favorite. If I remembered the name of the maker, I would tell you. I got them in Venice Beach at a store, the name of which has also slipped my mind.

p.s. I'm not so sure I like this whole blogging thing. I think about what to write. I feel like I have some great thoughts, but as soon as I begin to "post," it's all just so trivial. So, please, be patient with me while I collect my thoughts, and hopefully, someday be more put together.

Relief from Boredom.

I remember my grandfather telling me I that I needed a hobby. He gave me the example of collecting stamps. I have been struggling with the idea of a "hobby" ever since.

I am hoping this blog might become some sort of hobby. It will combine what I love and find inspiring. The main objective involves lifestyle, a healthy one, more specifically. Through yoga, ayurveda, creative outlets, and inspiration from whatever, I hope to fill my free time with positivity.  I hope to capture some beauty and heighten my everyday.