Have you ever heard, “Life is a marathon, not a sprint.” Interesting stories like the tortoise and the hare is a perfect example modern day living. It’s no secret we want everything fast – fast Internet, speedy cars, quick projects, rapid weightloss and life hacks.

Let me say that if nature hasn’t discovered a hack to the death and rebirthing cycle, humans are no exceptions. We can be more efficient at things, but slowing down is necessary at life. An artist once told me that in order to be creative and produce art, one must slow down, relax and detach from the world.
 
And maybe the western world needs more of that. For the tortoise and the hare, think about how much the tortoise got to see, touch, smell and experience on his slow walk to the finish line. So, why  not stop and smell the roses on your next walk outdoors. 

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration -Sunspiration. Inspiration Every Sunday in 150 Words or Less.

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Are you headed to the playa? 

Finally after a decade, I have been presented the opportunity to go to Burning Man. Since this is my first time, I am more than thrilled to have this chance to experience Burning Man but also share my art and yoga teachings. 

Join me at the Lotus dome where each class will be inspired by an element. The elements are physical and spiritual manifestations on this planet and the more we get in touch with the elements, the better we can evolve our own character. 

Many yoga poses embody elements as some poses relate to a certain element, but what you'll notice is that everything is interconnected. Most poses, like the Tree Pose, features all four elements. 

Also, in case you're looking for a good read, you can find my book Finding Om at the Center Camp library and also I will be giving away one copy at the end of each yoga class through a drawing. 

As a writer and a yogi, this is my way of sharing my art and love for creativity at one of the most unique art and music festivals in the world. 

Happy readings, Happy journey and I hope to meet you in the dust!
​Elizabeth

Rose syrup is commonly used in various desserts and cultural cooking around the world. My first exposure to rose syrup was during my travels in India. Streetside stalls were stocked full of bottles of rose water or rose syrup. At that time, I didn’t really understand the purpose of rose syrup. 

Since I’ve been connecting to nature a lot more than ever, I’m challenging myself to find ways to integrate the sweetness of nature.

Simple syrups are one of the easiest sweet treats to make. What’s nice about simple syrups is that you don’t need an overwhelming amount to make something sweet. Commonly seen in Indian, Persian and Middle Eastern cooking, rose syrup gives an alternative sweetness to desserts, cocktails and mocktails.

So there’s no need to eat at high end restaurants, when you can make this simple syrup at home for a fraction of the price. 

Rose simple syrup is easy to make and the syrup will most likely take on the color of roses that you use. If you want a pink or red color, try to use those color of petals. If you want a deeper color, use one or two (frozen) raspberries to enhance the color. 

I used leftover rose water from my previous recipe to ensure the rose flavor.  

How to Make Fresh Rose Simple Syrup
​Cook Time: 10-20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup cane sugar
1 cup rose petals, washed
3/4 cuprose water
1/2 cup water
optional: 1-3 raspberries for color enhancement 

Directions:
Begin by washing the rose petals. In a pot, place the sugar, water and rose water on medium heat. Bring to a simmer and once the sugar dissolves add the rose petals. After 3-5 minutes, you can add the raspberries to enhance the color of the syrup. Once the petals look dissolved, remove the pot from the burner. Strain the petals and let the syrup cool. Once cooled, store it in a sealed jar inside the refrigerator. 

Have you made rose syrup? If so, feel free to share your favorite method of making this simple syrup! Enjoy!

The roses are still in bloom, surviving the hot, dry and summer heat. As the summer continues to bloom, I decided to experiment with nature in the kitchen. Cooking directly with nature ignites one’s soul more than one can understand.

It’s like getting a green thumb in the kitchen. Literally, a piece of the earth becomes a part of you. 
My first exposure to rose water was during my travels in India. I never realized that something so precious can be so good for one’s skin and health.

Rose water can be used for cooking or for beauty purposes. Many use rose water on the skin, similar to a toner specially to alleviate stress under the eyelids. 

You can add rose water to make your bath more fragrant. Also, you can use rose water in your shampoo, or use it as the final rinse. It’s known to moisturize dull hair. Not only did nature inspire me for this recipe, but I picked up an old antique book from one of Seattle's best Used Book Stores, Magus, in the U-District. This book includes the 19th Century design for plants and flowers. The images reminded me of these old antique flower books I saw in Nice, France. 

Created by Swiss-born, Paris-lived art designer, Eugene Grasset, I decided to use his illustrations created in the 1800's. Combined with my up cycled vintage frame and rose book from @bygonecharm (instagram and etsy), I wanted to bring back history to the beauty of the flowers. 

Rose water is not difficult to make. In fact, there are many ways to make rose water with some methods being easier than others. The goal is to find what method works for you. 

Homemade rose water will take on the color of the petals you use. If the water is too hot the water become more brown in color. My rosewater came out orange/brown because I used the yellow-pink rose as depicted in the pictures. 

How to  Make Fresh Rose Water
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients: 
2 cups of water
1 cup packed rose petals

Directions:
Wash and rinse the rose petals. Place them into a pot that has a lid. In a separate pot, heat the water until it nearly bubbles. Do not bring the water to a simmer or a boil. Once the water has some air bubbles at the bottom., pour the water on top of the rose petals. Cover the pot with the lid and let the petals soak until the water cools. This takes between 20-30 minutes. 

Have you made rose water before? If so, what is your favorite method to make rose water? Got any new tips or tricks?

Oh life. It can drive us mad sometimes especially when we REALLY want something in life to work out. Ironically, sometimes life works out when the timing is right.

Whether you are logical, spiritual or both, life has a way to plan something’s “behind the scenes.” If something isn’t working out for you, don’t be frustrated but have faith and trust in the universe.
 
Maybe you need to develop more skills. Maybe you need some emotional maturity. Or maybe the right person needs to be in place, but either way continue your passions with a smile and perseverance.
 
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Sure, some people get things uber fast, but life is about the experience and the right channels need to take place in order to let your passion, gift, project or life to blossom in the best way possible. 

As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
 
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