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Spring Eating for your Healthy Body

Monday, April 26th, 2010

We are all familiar with the old adage of Spring cleaning, but did you know that it doesn’t just apply to your closet? Spring cleaning is also important for our bodies and very helpful in flushing toxins, losing weight and creating increased energy. The best place to start your spring cleaning is with spring eating! Jamie G. Dougherty, owner and founder of JAMIE|LIVING, Health and Lifestyle Counseling, offers us a fresh approach. Spring foods are light, water-logged, and perfect for cleaning out our systems of excess junk. Some of the most popular spring foods include:

Asparagus: High in potassium and folate which aids the cardiovascular system- Roast with olive, sea salt, and pepper with a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Artichokes: A good source of iron and calcium- Steam and enjoy with your favorite vinaigrette.

Dandelion Greens: Aid in liver cleansing- Blanch, then sauté with garlic, olive oil, and top with currants and pine nuts.

Green garlic: Delicious young garlic plant that has anti-bacterial properties- A perfect addition to eggs or a frittata.

Radishes: Very high a vitamin C. Eat them raw or dip in hummus or your favorite dressing.

The best place to find spring foods it at your local farmer’s market where vendors will have the freshest produce available. Here is a perfect dish to get your started. Who ever thought spring cleaning could taste so good? Enjoy!

Asparagus and Brown Rice Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Serves 4

For the Dijon vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
Sea salt to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove or shallot, finely minced or pureed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:

1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut in 1-inch pieces and blanched for 3 minutes
Sea salt to taste
2 cups brown rice, freshly made or leftover
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, tarragon, marjoram
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, mustard and garlic. Whisk in the oil, taste and adjust seasonings.

2. Cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces and place in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Add asparagus to the rice and toss together with the Dijon dressing.

4. Add the fresh herb and pumpkin seeds and toss all together. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve. 

To reheat leftover rice: Place cold rice in a small pot with ¼-1/2 cup of water (depending on amount of rice). Bring to medium heat and let steam for 4-5 minutes, or until water has evaporated. Remove rice from the heat and mix with your dressing.

To receive your fill of healthy living tips become a JAMIE|LIVING Facebook Fan or follow her on Twitter! You can also find delicious recipes at: www.jamieliving.blogspot.com

Jamie is an AADP certified Holistic Nutrition Counselor with a private and corporate practice that offers assistance nationwide. She is passionate about deliciously healthy food and specializes in helping her clients transform their lives through the power of nutrition and self-care.

Go on Girl, Light Your Fire: The Fire Starter Sessions

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Danielle LaPorte is all about keepin’ it real. She believes in telling it like it is, and is an avid believer in feminine power. Her latest project, “The Fire Starter Sessions” is an e-book for entreprenesses that comes with video and worksheets to help you get the most out of each sizzling session. The root of Danielle’s theory- which every woman can appreciate– is that our actions are driven by desired feelings. What other remarkable wisdom does she have to offer? We asked her a few questions to gain some insight on what really drives her and why her new book is so rockin’.

Once you let Danielle get you jazzed about your own inspiration, you lucky CRAVE ladies can pre-order a copy of the “Fire Starter Sessions” right now! Just click here.

You give people inspiring advice about following their passions in life, what sparked your own “ah-ha” moment?

It was more of a series of soul-sucking moments and gigs than an “a-ha” moment. But it all added up to creative sovereignty. My voice, my time, my way of being of service.

What makes the “Fire Starter Sessions” distinct from other programs for entrepreneurs?

It’s about rocking your revenue streams and doing meaningful things in the world. It’s as much about self-realization as it is about hard core strategy.
Each chapter is it’s own “Fire Starter Session” that includes: e-book components, video inspiration or interviews, and worksheets. Some of the sessions are: True Strengths & The Metrics of Ease; Branding: Clarifying the Diamond of You; Products & Services: Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make; Money: More is More, Enough is Plenty; Web Design & SEO: Your Virtual Real-Estate…Whether you’re in the early idea phase or a rut, it’s about lighting a fire under your…aspirations.

Summarize your teachings into a motto for how you/to live your life.

Your truth is worth it.

Would you give the same advice to a female business owner as you would give to a male?

Yes. But a woman is more likely to take it.

How would you describe your number one strength?

Deep listening. I also build a mean campfire and write bad poetry – which I consider an endearing strength.

Why do you believe it is that so many people do not choose their career path based on their true passions?

Profoundly wanting to belong. That will never change. On top of that deep driving psychology, we pile on social “norms” like dress codes and executive titles, salary structures, everything the goddamn Jonses are doing, and the popularity contest that is social media itself, and well, it’s the makings of an identity crisis.
If can you tune out the noise of “how-to” and “10 steps” and “proven tactics” you will be able to hear your own spidey senses: genuine, sincere, with great reflexes, and it will tell you that you are the expert on you — and you know what lights your fire.

What has been your most rewarding experience with a client?

One of my favorite results of working with any client is helping them decide what they’re going to STOP doing. It makes me giddy. It often goes like this: I’m going to STOP…being the administrator. Worrying so much. Under-selling myself. Checking Twitter obsessively. Feeling the pressure to be so successful. I’m going to stop using my cousin as my web-designer.

It’s freeing for everyone. And freedom is the best part of being an entrepreneur.

Still want more? Order your very own copy of the complete “Fire Starter Sessions” by clicking here. You can also learn more about all of Danielle’s endeavors on her website, whitehottruth.com.

Vancouver’s Number One Green & Eco-Friendly Salon!

Friday, December 18th, 2009

shetoshic

We recently had a chance to visit the wonderful Erin Shum from She to Shic, Vancouver’s number one green & eco-friendly salon! From pedis to blow-outs, this is a one-stop destination to fulfill all your needs! It’s fresh and clean atmosphere mixed in with its friendly customer services, makes She to Shic’s Kerrisdale’s hottest destination.

She to Shic was created by a mother and daughter duo. Describe how that experience has been.
Fun and full of crazy new discoveries about each other! Mixing new trends with traditional values.  Definitely learning about each other strengths and weaknesses and how we can utilize it to build awareness to our unique concept of a beauty lounge.

What makes She to Shic unique from other beauty salons? (Please discuss your eco-friendly aspect here)
From interior design to the products we use are all organic, eco friendly, and/or natural.  Design aspect with my dear friend and architect Wai Lui we really focused on the low volatile organic compound paint on the walls, treatment of our custom millwork, recycled glass countertops, low energy efficient lighting, and use of our natural skylight.  As for our products, we are carrying an exclusive organic line of lotion from Hawaii, vegan nail polish collection bottled in recycled glass, bamboo towels to pamper our clients because of the sustainability of bamboo, hair blow out using organic hair products that is so natural that the bottle itself is post consumer resin and designed by a cancer patient.  We also pride ourselves in that we sterilize all our tools with the autoclave which is rare for any salons/spa to have.  Even our business cards are printed on recycled paper and cornstarch ink!

What do you love most about having your own business?
This is a fun question, when I first started I thought I would have unlimited access to the services or be the first to try the new and latest products but surprisingly that is not what I love most.  What I absolutely love most is meeting new people and getting to know each one of our clients and building a lasting friendship.  I especially love meeting their children; I have a soft spot for all children.

Who is your biggest cheerleader?
I don’t have one in particular but more like every person that I meet has been my cheerleader.  From the electrician that installed my chandelier, to my product distributor, to the Kerrisdale Business Association, to my dearest friends and family they have cheered me on through so much whether it be their knowledge, suggestions, feedback, and ideas.  I am so thankful to have such a broad range of cheerleaders giving me tips on things that no one person or group can give. I love how every person that I have met so far has inspired me.

What’s your indulgence?
Getting cozy on the couch with a fabulous glass of wine and dessert while watching movies with my mom! We love food and laughing!

Where to Find:
www.shetoshic.com
2315 West 41st Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6M 2A3, Canada
(604) 269-3003

On Face Book

Twitter -  @ShetoShic

Best of Vancouver Pet Stores

Friday, December 18th, 2009

pets1

Before you start down your usual holiday shopping list, take some time to spoil your favorite furry companion! These are not your typical pet stores- think of them as pet boutiques with everything you could ever dream up and all the things you never knew your animal needed (until now)!

  • Barking Babies (www.barkingbabies.com) – This super cute boutique which can be found “on the corner of chic and canine” is perfect for those who cannot resist the urge to play dress up with their pooch.  They have apparel for every doggie occasion you could ever dream up. Fancy dinner party? Dress to impress with a doggie tux. Lounge day at home? Perhaps a doggie hoodie. And of course, all your favorite NHL jerseys for game day!
  • True Carnivores (www.truecarnivores.com) – We all want our pets to be as healthy and happy as possible. This raw food pet store believes in the healing power of feeding your pet their true “evolutionary raw prey diet”- yep, raw meat. True Carnivores believes that feeding your pet their natural diet can dramatically improve their health including less problems with fleas, cleaner teeth, fresher breath and even less poop! If even half of those benefits are true, it sounds like it’s worth a try.
  • Fetch (www.fetchstore.ca) – Spoil your pup with gourmet treats while both of you socialize at one of Fetch’s Yappy Hours. Fetch offers high quality dog food, accessories, expert advice, as well as grooming at Fetch Spaw. They have recently added training services as well. Funky and adorable airline approved pet carriers will allow you and your dog to travel in style.
  • Woofles and Meowz (www.wooflesandmeowz.com) – You have to love a pet bakery where you can buy a “dogotti”. Some of these homemade dog cookies look good enough to eat yourself, but with flavors like turkey & pea and lamb they are best left to your companion. Woofles and Meowz offers way more than just treats, they are a one stop pet shop with collars, leads, apparel, toys, equipment and grooming products. You can shop online- but it would be much more fun to go to the store where you can bring your pet and visit Broedy, the boxer who keeps a friendly watch on the store.