Hi there, and happy autumn!
It's a time of big transitions for me....I'm moving! Are you ready for the funny part? How many people do you know who have lived in THREE places on the same block? Punch line: ME. True. I figure someone needs to run for mayor of this block and it may as well be me. Please vote :)
It feels like an appropriate time of year for moving as we shift into fall. For some of us it's back-to-school time (even if you're not in school, you know what I mean). It's great to sort through and reevaluate everything....old bills attached to old meaning, files, letters, things untouched from a previous move, reminders of stories from my past I'd forgotten. Time to clear out and start fresh! Big transition time.
Every time I move, I need extra comic relief because it's so stressful (laughter is essential to wellness of course). As I'm digging through all my stuff, I often flash on the late great George Carlin's routine on "stuff." I'm sharing it with you below in case you need the stress relief also.
George Carlin Talks About "Stuff"
On another level moving makes me think a lot about what we VALUE in our lives. Whether that be our time, our services, our self worth, our varied belongings and of course, the value of what we take in. What we nourish ourselves with. In my role as a health coach I strive to help my clients understand the value of their nutrition. Food has VALUE and is either nourishing or...not as much. For example, a serving of Doritos has the same number of calories as a serving of almonds. Now, come on, you know which is more nourishing and which isn't right? The calories are not the issue here. Which has a higher food value and will likely make you feel better in the long run? Pay attention. How do you value your food and the various things you "take in"? It's important to really know as you go through your day because we make decisions based on value all the time.
Sometimes we need to reeVALUate as things take on new meaning and new importance in our lives as we evolve and time marches on. Taking a big leap, whether that be a new home, a job, a marriage, taking charge of your health by hiring someone to help....whatever that is for you, often forces us not only to reassess but to up-level in every area of our lives.
As always, I welcome you to holler at me if you would like support around adding VALUE to your nutrition and overall wellness. I would love to talk with you about how to get started and how I can help you add more value to every aspect of your life.
Speaking of home and value....a very dear friend of mine for many years, Jerry Wingren, a talented and world-renowned sculptor lost his home over a year ago in the massive Boulder fires. The incredible home he built himself along with his art studio, all his tools, and a lifetime of hard work was destroyed. (Some of you may recall when a fire destroyed my own family's home also). I've been included in a collective of artists and healers who are selling our goods and donating all the funds to Jerry's home and studio reconstruction. Here's the link for that!
Enjoy the video, and good luck clearing out and making space for fall!
-Jessica
Simple fall recipe: pesto
Because of my move, I need to prepare meals that are easy, fast, tasty and healthy. One of my favorite things to keep handy during times like this is pestobecause it's super versatile and fun to make. In one week I tossed some with roasted beets and then with a bunch of greens. Both dishes were amazing, and SO simple!
Here is just one of many pesto recipes that works well. Get creative and add in your favorite ingredients, it's impossible to go wrong!
You'll need a high speed blender or food processor. (Another reason why theVitamix is a great idea! If you are ready to get yours, you can order atwww.Vitamix.com and use promotional code 06-008588 when asked. Let me know if you want help choosing a good one.)
Ingredients:
-2 cups dry roasted (or toasted) almonds, pine nuts or walnuts (I also have great nut-free pesto recipes!)
-4 cups fresh basil
-2 teaspoons fresh chopped mint or 1 teaspoon dried mint. (Fun to try with mint though i have made this with and without)
-3 cloves (or could use 1-2 and still tastes great)
-1/2 cup olive oil
-Sea salt and black pepper to taste
-Optional: if you want to add cheese use 1/2 cup grated Parmesan-reggiano or Romano cheese and add less salt)
Preparation:
1) Combine the herbs with nuts, pulse a few times (if you are using walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts, pulse them a few times first before adding the basil). Add the garlic (and cheese if using). Pulse a few more times.
2) Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the blender or food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides and add a bit of water if necessary or a squeeze of lemon. Add a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. It should be a creamy smooth texture.
3) Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for later
4) Mix in spoonfuls to whatever you have around that need a little something (greens, zucchini, beets, pasta, rice, toast, etc). Have fun with trying it on something new!!
