Jack Kornfield – Heart Wisdom – Ep. 130 – Working with Wisdom, Power & Knowledge on Your Spiritual Path – Be Here Now Network 2021
/Jack Kornfield has been a huge part of my spiritual journey. His books, talks, and kind delivery has introduced a gentleness I really hadn’t experienced prior.
https://beherenownetwork.com/jack-kornfield-heart-wisdom-ep-130-working-with-wisdom-power-knowledge-on-your-spiritual-path/
Boogie Days
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Boogie Nights is one of my fave movies evah. The music, the fashion, the insane storylines. The Sister Christian scene alone goes down in cinematic history. That glam pool scene that opens the film instantly sets the mood for something major. Poolside chic in the 70’s was so real. This two piece, rust colored halter, complete with the required 70’s wedge, serves it big time by the pool or at dinner apres key party. Accessories here kept up with the vibe of that period; a smoky sunglasses lens in a retro shaped frame, yellow gold earrings, and one statement wooden bangle. Bonus scene points for having the color of the outfit work perfectly off the rich navy pool furniture. Maybe next week I’ll dress as Roller Girl.
The Gift of Darkness
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Yes, years. Having been raised in a macro environment in which when “bad” things happen the standard response is that the sky is falling, I was so used to that “woe is me” attitude. I honestly don’t think I ever adopted it since I’ve always been naturally positive, adaptable, and resilient. But I heard that type of reaction all the time and still do. The kind of thinking that we are being punished. Never a dull moment, Debbie Downer, bad stuff always happens to good people etc. Not to ever minimize pain, challenges, suffering, or difficulty, but I firmly believe the dharma gives us what we need. If you are a regular reader then you know I have unwavering faith, and that I see challenges and pain as purposeful. I can say with certainty that the smelliest piles of shit I had to crawl out of led to my greatest learnings and accomplishments. I am not referring to any kind of abuse, death, or anything comparable. However, I have heard many times that illness can be an incredible gift for many reasons. I’m talking about the more common hard stuff that can range from inconvenient to excruciatingly painful, and everything in between. Denial is one of the worst self inflicted diseases; I’m never suggesting we sugar coat our hardships. That does us great harm and often harms those around us. What I mean in seeing dark times as gifts is really pausing, breathing, examining, and being honest and humble enough to partner with Source and ask, what is this meant to teach me? Only you can answer this for yourself. What are you experiencing right now that feels dark, and are you able to begin to see it as a gift? It’s ok if you can’t. Gratitude and perspective aren’t always available. But keep this inquiry active in your mind. The more you ask it, the more the answers, lessons, and gifts will reveal themselves. This is how we retrain our minds. The power to choose our thoughts is a life changing skill.
Cling Peaches
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Clinging to my fave fruity throwback from the 80’s. I seriously thought those syrupy canned peaches qualified as diet food. Summer is the perfect time to use the bounty of seasonal peaches to whip up the homemade, no sugar version of the Del Monte kind. This is a one ingredient wonder, just add some water and stew gently on the stovetop. It’s a joke of a recipe that has tons of uses. Atop brunch staples like French toast/waffles/pancakes, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, on a slice of pound cake, in oatmeal, in peach shortcake, on their own as a healthy dessert, or in a yogurt parfait as seen here. This could not be easier and more delicious. This recipe is what summer is all about; fresh, clean, seasonal offerings that need nothing else.
Ingredients:
10 yellow peaches, ripe but firm and cut into inch and a half slices
3/4 cup water
Place sliced peaches in a medium pot, add the water. Bring to a boil uncovered over medium high heat. Lower flame and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring once carefully halfway through. Peaches should be soft but not mushy. Let cool, stirring gently another couple of times to release the heat so as to prevent further softening. Save the delicious juice! It’s a fabulous drizzle since it thickens up beautifully. It can also be used in peach muffins or a peach loaf cake. As seen here, simply layer yogurt, quality granola, some peaches, and another sprinkle of granola on top. This obv makes a killer brunch or breakfast presentation. Serve extras in a glass jar to add an edible pop of summer color to your table.
If You Give a Girl a Compliment
/Inspired by a hilarious conversation I had with my daughter, inspired by the well known children’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”.
If you give a girl a compliment
She will think you are into her
(Like super into her)
She will fish for additional compliments
And when you give them willingly or not, she will imagine you two as a couple
You may think, shit, I think she wants to be a couple
She will tell her friends you like her, and that the Universe is pushing you together
Her friends, some of them, will tell her she deserves compliments, praise, and attention She agrees! She knows her worth!
Her other friends will think she’s reading into things but won’t tell her so as not to rain on her imaginary parade. They know this dude. He’s a dick. He recently complimented another chick they know.
She will begin creating a Pinterest board of your rustic, expensively low key wedding
She will see this as manifestation
When you ask her to hang out, she will get waxed, manicured, blown out, and spray tanned
She will cancel previous plans in order to see you
She will float to buy a new dress, high on the crack hit of compliments (can you blame her?)
She will want you to meet her friends and meet yours. You will be like ummmmm...
After you hang out, she will nervously drop hints about a concert happening next week, in the hopes you’ll ask her to go
When you later don’t ask, she’ll pretend not to care
She will then bake you cookies
When you pay for her drink, she sees it as an engagement ring. Her Pinterest board coming to life
When you mention you are out of work, she’ll make excuses for you, that you’ve been in the process of awakening and finding yourself
When you have to move back home with your parents, she’ll tell you it’s great you have this time to reconnect with your family
She will start pulling back and neglect finding new pins
She will tell her friends the Universe wants her to be single, so as to grow and lean into her wholeness
She will do yoga, journal, and take nature walks
She will respond to you with emojis, not words
You’ll start to miss her and the confidence her adoration gave you. You’ll notice she no longer watches your Instastories
You’ll nervously drop hints about a concert happening next week, in the hopes she’ll suggest going together
She won’t respond then will apologize for being crazy busy
You’ll write the “fire” emoji on her recent Instagram post, an indication you find her hot
She will feel nauseous
She contemplates blocking you
When a chick is done, she is done
Her lack of enthusiasm will be felt
If you continue to give a girl a compliment
Blueberry Lemon Galette
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.... with an almond flour crust! This delicate crust held up beautifully. The fresh lemon zest and lemon juice lend a subtle flavor to this light, seasonally elegant dessert. Serving this with vanilla ice cream would make this extra special, but it’s delicious and complete on its own.
Crust:
1 1/2 cups fine almond flour
1/4 cups fine white cornmeal
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick butter (I used vegan) cut into pieces
2 to 4 tbsp ice water
Filling:
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 packed tsp fresh lemon zest
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp jam mixed with a tsp of water, mixed to thin out. This will be spread on the rolled out dough before putting the blueberry filling on. I used raspberry jam, but strawberry, plum, or apricot should work well, too.
Glaze:
An egg or egg substitute, mixed with 1 tbsp of water. Optional cinnamon sugar.
For the dough, mix all ingredients in a food processor, starting with 2 tbsp of the ice water. The dough should be a well combined, cohesive texture. Add more of the ice water by the tbsp to ensure the dough can be squeezed (I used just 2 tbsp). Pulse to combine. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 before the dough is ready to exit the fridge. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine all the filling ingredients in a medium bowl.
Roll out the dough on a well floured board. I like to pat it out with my hand first to mostly flatten. Spread the jam mixture on the dough, leaving a 1 1/2 inch border. Top with the filling, within the border. Fold the border over the edges of the blueberries, pinching with your fingers to close and secure. Brush edges of the dough with the egg wash, and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar. Bake for about 20 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Gently lift, using a spatula underneath the parchment paper onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before serving. Keep extras stored in the fridge. Eat extras alone at midnight out of said fridge.
Little Black Shorts
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I’ve had this lil shorts one piece for at least 10 years. It’s a very versatile item that easily goes from day to night. Flats for daytime, and a wedge, boyfriend blazer, and one statement accessory to transition to an evening out. These massive earrings were from a female owned, African based, small business. I wish I remembered the name and kept the card! Oh man, they were so nice and sent me a handwritten note, too. I ordered these months ago after seeing an ad on Instagram, and I feel badly not mentioning the name now. I fell in love with the boldness and colors of these earrings, which have to be worn strategically so as to avoid looking like I’m having a nervous breakdown. Certain pieces are just meant to be the showstoppers, and anything remotely competing feels like complicated overkill. Hair up is a must when wearing earnings so huge. A strong accessory is a great way to add color and personality to black in the summer. For those of you who feel comfortable in black/navy all year, try incorporating a fun pop to break up the seriousness of black. Even in darker clothes, there are ways to lighten the mood.
Hammock Time!
/Throwback alert: “Hammer Time” reference (I shall explain no further, IYKYK). What’s more synonymous with summer than lazing about in a hammock? Once you work through the six initial attempts at sitting in it without flipping over and face planting (or is that just me?), chilling in a hammock is simply delicious. Here are some cute styles that would perfectly accessorize your trees for this season. If having a hammock hasn’t been on your radar for awhile, perhaps treat yourself to one this year. Just pee before you get on.
https://www.lasiesta.com/us/en/la-siesta-brisa-toucan-weather-resistant-double-classic-hammock-brh16-28
https://www.yellowleafhammocks.com/products/double-hammock-indoor-boho-mendocino
https://www.yellowleafhammocks.com/products/double-hammock-hawaii-kilauea
https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/dakota-fields-leonora-classic-hammock-w003108788.html?&experiencetype=2&selectedvertical=3
Boozy Watermelon Lime Granita (Summer Cocktail) - Skinnytaste
/Try this fabulous, refreshing, fun recipe that clearly signals that summer is HERE.
INGREDIENTS
4 1/2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
1 lime, juiced
2/3 cup white rum
2 tablespoons sugar
6 small watermelon wedges, for garnish
mint leaves, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the watermelon, lime juice, rum and sugar in a blender and process until smooth, then pour the puree into a 9 x 9 metal baking pan.
Freeze for about 1 1/2 hours, then using a fork, give it a good scrape to mix everything around.
Return the pan to the freezer and freeze until almost set, for about 1 to 2 hours. Use a fork to scrape the granita to form chunky snow-like ice crystals.
Freeze and repeat occasional scraping until the entire mixture is frozen and shaved.
Serve in martini glasses and garnish with watermelon wedges and mint.
Store, covered in plastic wrap, until ready to serve.
7 Steps to Create What You Desire ❖ Lorie Ladd - YouTube
/To all you powerful creators out there; I wanted to share this video. I love Lori Ladd. She’s a spiritual guide and teacher that I listen to daily. Her wisdom and guidance lifts me up, soothes me, and encourages me when I’m in need of being reminded that there is so much more to me, and to life, than my mind will have me believe. Lori has been a very crucial part of my constant evolution. Never doubt that you are a multidimensional being with limitless potential. You can have and be whatever you want. All we desire in life is achievable, and it starts with creating from a space of knowing how much power and love we hold. It’s such a challenge to stay open, which is the energy that allows for receptivity and creation, but we can do it. When life, thoughts, drama, and unsupportive dynamics try to taunt us back into a safe, predictable mental cave, fight to reset your vibration and return to leaning into the life you wish to create. Never settle, you are worthy of wonderful things. It all begins with Now.
Try these amazing sandwiches on your next picnic.
/Try these amazing sandwiches on your next picnic.
https://www.loveandlemons.com/romesco-cauliflower-sandwiches/
1 small head of cauliflower*
8 slices of ciabatta or sourdough bread
Handful of salad greens
Several pieces of thinly sliced red onion
2 tomatoes, sliced and seasoned with sea salt and pepper
¼ cup fresh parsley
Extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Almond Milk Romesco Sauce (makes extra)
1 tomato, halved and cored
1 roasted red pepper, fresh or from a jar
¼ cup toasted almonds
2 garlic cloves
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Almond Breeze Almondmilk Original Unsweetened
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the cauliflower into ½-inch slabs and place onto the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until tender in the middle and golden around the edges.
Make the Romesco Sauce: In a blender, combine the tomato, roasted red pepper, almonds, garlic, olive oil, almond milk, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Assemble the sandwiches with the romesco sauce, salad greens, red onions, tomato slices and roasted cauliflower and a few sprigs of parsley.
https://www.loveandlemons.com/spinach-hummus-wrap/
Spinach Hummus Wrap Recipe - Love and Lemons
4 large tortillas
Several handfuls of spinach leaves - about 8 per wrap
1 cucumber, cut into long thin slices - 2 per wrap
2-3 mixed (mild) peppers - about 6 slices per wrap
Fresh parsley sprigs, optional
Tofu or other choice of protein, optional
Sprinkle of hemp seeds, optional
Spinach Hummus (makes about 1 ½ cups)
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼ cup vegetable broth (or water)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 garlic clove
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup fresh parsley
⅛ teaspoon cumin
⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1½ cups packed fresh spinach
Make the Spinach Hummus: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, vegetable broth, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt, parsley, cumin, paprika, and black pepper and blend well. Add the spinach and blend again. Chill until ready to use.
To assemble the wraps, spread about ¼ cup of hummus on each wrap, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Add the spinach leaves followed by the cucumber and pepper slices. Top with the fresh parsley, protein of choice and hemp seeds, if using. Roll up the wraps and then wrap in foil. Refrigerate until until ready to use.
Let’s Picnic!
/Full disclosure; I’ve never actually used one of these but I have seriously always wanted to. Picnic baskets are so beautiful. They represent a lovely, wholesome, intimate time spent with someone/ones you really like. None of us are shlepping anything for folks we are meh about, am I right? As the world starts to reopen, a pretty picnic is a delicious way to step our bare toes back into the world. Last summer we couldn’t do this since the Quar had us all locked up. One of the great blessings of the pandemic has been a return to the simple joys of life, such as packing up a sweet basket and sharing time, space, and food together outside. I plan on investing in one of these this summer, and I know it will help me make lovely memories.
https://www.markandgraham.com/products/picnic-basket-newbury/
https://www.potterybarn.com/products/canvas-picnic-tote/
https://www.amazon.com/riding-Insulated-Waterproof-Blanket-Outdoor/dp/B08LKMHS46
For the Men
/Men, you are more than;
Your income
Your hairline
Your belly
Your status
Your car
Your ability to run or cycle
Your college degree
Your height
Your stock portfolio
Your next promotion
Your social connections
Your Starwood points
Your Amex points
Your custom suits
Your pool plans
Your travel plans
Your wife’s appearance
Your appearance
Your children’s appearance
Your house’s appearance
Your golf club membership
Your club floor hotel room
Your front row seats
Your suite
Speaking heteronormatively, I truly feel for men. They are under insane, unreasonable pressure in a society that asks before any other question, “so what do you do for a living?” There is so much talk about how hard women have it, and we do in so many ways. But men do as well. Some of these pressures overlap and some don’t. The point is, it’s really sad for all of us to be sized up so externally. It’s crucial for our own relationships and friendships to remember what lies underneath all our superficial, descriptive lists. Men go through depression and mid life crises just as much as women do. So many of us just reach a point where the heavy focus on what’s outside of us is too sad, frustrating, and unhealthy. Deep appreciation for the men in our lives, not for what they provide but for who they actually are, is so important. Men are just as sensitive as women, though they show it differently (or not at all). For us to assume they aren’t is damaging. Everyone craves feeling deeply appreciated. How can we broaden our incredible female sensitivity to include the males in our lives? No one wants to get lost in a list.
Enamored With Enamel
/I’ve always loved enamel kitchenware. It has that 1950’s retro vibe that I adore. Enamel isn’t only cute, but it’s light; perfect for a picnic or glamp out. I have a royal blue speckled set that immediately evokes the freshness of summer eating. Enamel ages really well and looks cool with wear and tear; that well used, vintage maturity that stands the rest of time. Embrace your inner Betty Crocker this summer with some fun, chic enamel ware. Even one signature piece can really add a pop to your outdoor summer meal.
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/golden-rabbit-fish-camp-enamelware-dinner-plates-set-of-4?ID=11023396
https://www.potterybarn.com/products/swirl-enamel-appetizer-plates/
https://darlingspring.com/products/kapka-mind-pop-enamel-serving-plates-set
https://www.columbia.com/p/four-person-enamelware-table-set-GSO0042.html
https://greatjonesgoods.com/products/hot-dish
CLT
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Ok, you’re going to think I’m crazy for posting this, but it’s been my daily breakfast this week and I love it. It’s like a non recipe kind of recipe, which are often the best kind. Take the classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato; never had this because I keep kosher) and swap out the bacon for cucumbers. That’s it! I have truly been enjoying this. It’s light, healthy, filling, and nutritious. Breakfast, brunch, or lunch. I added some garlic herbed butter on the toasted (low carb) bread, and hummus would work nicely too. I usually like to post more legit recipes, but A) didn’t have time and B) this is too simple and good not to share, even if it seems super basic. Several clean, fresh ingredients and I think we have our sandwich!
Ingredients for one CLT
Two slices of your fave bread, toasted, topped with spread if desired
Lettuce leaves
A Persian cucumber sliced lengthwise
A plum tomato or beefsteak tomato, sliced
Assemble, voila! Cute, Little & Tasty.
