5.27.2011

The Beauty of Flavenoids Cont.

After doing more research, I've discovered that "green smoothies" are all the rave! Major health nuts like Green Smoothie Girl and Mark have some great recipes for these green slimy concoctions and I was definitely hesitant at first. Kale in a smoothie?? I can understand some V8 juice here and there but bitter veggies mixed with sweet berries for my morning wake up call did not sound too appetizing.

My latest obsession over kale caused me to continue browsing through various websites and reading comments about the taste and benefits of green smoothies. After reading the nutritional benefits of these green smoothies, I was pretty convinced. Not only that but the ease of making the smoothies seemed attractive as well as the hopeful idea that it would keep me fuller, longer through out the morning. Cereal can get pretty boring and my stomach is usually growling before 10am.
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5.20.2011

DIY Wedding Bouquet

I've been researching so many DIY wedding sites during this whole wedding fiasco and have attempted at being a crafty lady. Paper pom poms, homemade jam favors, create-your-own guest book, bark and bird centerpieces, birdcage veils, and the list goes on. So many options and so little time. The DIY trend stems from brides-to-be needing to plan a wedding on a tight budget and that is exactly what I am trying to accomplish. Going to a florist for flowers is incredibly expensive. A bridal bouquet can range anywhere from $50 to $300 and when you multiply that by how many bridesmaids you have, it starts to get just plain stupid. After researching flower arrangements and bouquets, I discovered that I love dahlias. Canby, OR is home to one of the greatest dahlia vendors (dahlias.com) and their prices are very reasonable. For 10 stems, it's $7....
So then I googled "how to make your own bridal bouquet" and that appeared very easy so I decided to actually make my own bridal bouquet. I bought all my supplies at Michael's for under $10 and I bought a bunch of mums at Trader Joe's for $4.99 and they lasted for about two weeks. The only problem with mums is that there are multiple stems coming off from the main stem so it makes for a bunch of flower heads at different heights. When making the actual bouquet, it's better to use single stems. Here is the step-by-step:


*Before beginning, cut off about an inch of the stems and soak the flowers in a vase of water with a packet flower food. Let them sit for about an hour or so. 




Wide Satin Ribbon
Green Floral Tape
Pearl Tipped Corsage Pins
Scissors





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5.09.2011

The Beauty of Flavenoids

Kale is a quiet ninja. It sits in the produce area among the carrots and bell peppers, often missed and unaccounted for. I never see it on a restaurant menu, it never shows up at family dinners and it just doesn't stand out in the grocery store, like the apples, broccoli or lettuce. No one would notice it unless they were looking for it and yet it is one of the most healthiest vegetables you can consume.
It's often colored with dark green, medium green or purple. Kale's thick, curly leaves can range from a slightly sweet taste to a bitter, potent taste. It's a hardy green that screams health.

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