Just Be You!

“Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.”   - Rumi 

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everyone will respect you."
  -Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

                                           

Tuna Tartare Appetizer is a must for sushi lovers

Tuna, Water crackers and warmed Brie Cheese appetizer

Small diced jalapeno peppers and wasabi powder  make this appetizer  tasty!

Another amazing appetizer from the recipe files of Barefoot Contessa. Purchase Sushi grade raw Tuna for this recipe as fresh as possible, a perfectly ripe avacado and it is sure to be a success~
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Mussel Appetizer gets a thumbs up!

Last night I made Black Mussels as part of a first course entree for a dinner birthday party. I'm sharing it here because it was truly amazing and easy. In addition to the recipe I added sweet white onion slices and an 1/8th cup bread crumb mixture into the wine broth to add a bit more flavor to the steaming process. It is always "taking a chance" making something for the first time for a special event, but I always have luck doing anything that involves an Ina Garten recipe.

Barefoot Contessa: Recipe Link: Mussles and Basil Bread Crumbs.

Black Mussels steamed in a cast iron skillet

Serving them straight to the table in a cast iron skillet keeps the mussels warm.

 Serve with slices of baked rustic bread.

-Happy Eating- 

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Native American Proverb and Mod Podge

Hanging Ornament

This is a Mod Podge gift I made for a friend at Christmas. Follow this link for some DIY Mod Podge ideas on Pinterest. This is a fun craft idea and the possibilities seem endless on Pinterest boards.

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Sweet Peas

In Southern California coastal region we are in the last month to plant Sweet Peas according to Renee's Seeds advice. I’ve had great luck planting these fragrant beauties in raised planters, along fences and in small containers for the patio. This is an easy to grow flower and purchasing from quality seed companies makes a difference. 

♥  Some helpful hints for planting sweet peas  ♥

♥ Soak the seeds over night to soften the hard seed coat prior to planting.

♥ Plant seeds 3″- 6″ apart and 1″ deep in a sunny location. Morning sun works best.

♥ Sweat Peas need a trellis, string or twine to grow and climb (unless you purchase the bush type).

♥ They make a great cut flower. Cut frequently for a heavier production.

♥ Use a thin top layer of mulch to retain moisture.

♥ Plant Sweet Peas in cool weather months.

♥ Heirloom or Open Pollinated/ Self -pollinated sweet peas will grow from saved seeds. Allow the plants to dry out while still planted in the ground and then collect the seeds from the pods. Store in containers in a cool and dry place.

Scrabble Word of the Day - Pray

I had fun this weekend with my camera and Scrabble tiles and a meditation in my mind about prayer being limitless in its form and expression. Then I found some inspiring quotes from famous people and thought about what prayer meant to them throughout their lives and how they brought strength into their day.

"I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day."

-Abraham Lincoln

"If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough."

- Meister Eckhart

"Go where your best prayers take you."

-F. Buechner

"By meditation we connect the little joy of the soul with the vast joy of the Spirit."

-P. Yogananda

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Happy St. Valentine's Day

The rose is red, the violet's blue,
The honey's sweet, and so are you.
Thou art my love and I am thine;
I drew thee to my Valentine:
The lot was cast and then I drew,
And Fortune said it shou'd be you.^[47][48]

Gammer Gurton's Garland (1784)

Happy Valentine's Day

-- FOLLOWTHIS LINK TO PINTEREST VALENTINE PHOTOS --

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Water Wise Succulent Gardens

The San Diego Mediterranean climate has warm, dry summers and mild winters creating perfect growing conditions for succulent landscapes. We share these climate characteristics with select regions of Chile, Africa, Australia and the Mediterranean Sea which is why many native plants from these regions thrive in San Diego’s sun–loving environment.

Succulents have evolved out of harsh growing conditions and although they require little water, they are quite lush and exotic looking. Other than needing a good draining soil, the overall care is minimal. Succulents are fire-resistant and, unlike their thorny cousin the cactus, they offer smooth foliage and blooms all year-long. Succulent garden-scapes are no longer limited to hillside landscaping with mundane single ice-plant selection, but can be used to create borders for walkways, dramatic potted container designs and specialty theme gardens.

Rock Stacking

Rock stacking has carried spiritual meaning across cultures for centuries. The act of balancing stones carries with it a practice of patience and a physical effort of creating balance. I love the idea of tangible prayer and finding new ways to express gratitude in my life. Each rock can signify an intention of grace for thankfulness, or offered up for another in need. Connecting nature in this externalized expression is uplifting and very powerful tool for expanding the spirit. A little silicone glue can help make smaller stone towers last through the seasons if used as a garden decoration or given as a gift.