Mind Body Soul Food
  • Home
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Partners & Collaborations
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Sunspiration
  • Contact

A Journey into Thought & Spirit

Sunspiration #12: The Art of Slowing Down

8/28/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
Courtesy of Flow Magazine
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.

Let's Connect & Evolve our Community 
1 Comment

Join me at the Lotus Dome for Yoga at Burning Man

8/26/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
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
Picture
0 Comments

Sunspiration #11: How to Appreciate Everyday

8/21/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
One of the hardest lessons in life is to how to find the good in the bad. Maybe you got in a car accident, or caught your spouse cheating on you. Tragic events like these put life on pause, making it seem like the worst day of our life.
 
Although the event will stir some emotions, it is important to remind us that there is something good in everyday. If you got in car accident, surviving the catastrophe makes it a “good” day.
 
If you are sad, down or depressed. Take some deep breaths and remind yourself that today is a good day. Count your blessings. Be thankful for what you have and appreciate the good things in life. Doing so reminds us that there are some people who have it worse than us, and for them, just having enough water to cook to their food is an awesome day. So, what makes your life good today?

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.

Let's Connect & Evolve our Community ​
0 Comments

Sunspiration #10: The Meaning of Life

8/14/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Courtesy of Flow Magazine
How many of us find our meaning or self-worth through work? Sure, what we do contributes to the world but some of the most fulfilled people believe that what you do with your life defines its meaning and purpose.

The best lesson I learned from the Spaniards and artists is that the life you live outside of work is what characterizes you and your life. Whether its through traveling or being an excellent parent, it is important to give life a meaning and a chance.

Most of us are knocked down by others and co-workers and waste away our dreams by watching television or surfing the Internet.  So how do you find life’s meaning?
 
Escape the city. Sit on a beach. Reflect. Contemplate. And ask yourself, “How do I envision my life?” If I had to guess, most would agree that sitting behind a desk and working on an excel spreadsheet is not that meaningful…

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.

Let's Connect & Evolve our Community
0 Comments

How to Make Rose Simple Syrup

8/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today." Dale Carnegie

Picture
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.
Picture
Picture
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.  
Picture
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. 

Picture
Have you made rose syrup? If so, feel free to share your favorite method of making this simple syrup! Enjoy!
Yum
Elizabeth Kovar - Author, Trainer, Traveler & Vegan Food Blogger

Promote Your Page Too
0 Comments

How to Make Fresh Rose Water

8/9/2016

7 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture
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.
Picture
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. 

Picture
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. 
Picture
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. 
Picture
Have you made rose water before? If so, what is your favorite method to make rose water? Got any new tips or tricks?
Yum
Elizabeth Kovar - Author, Trainer, Traveler & Vegan Food Blogger

Promote Your Page Too
7 Comments

Sunspiration #9: Everything Takes Place at the Right Time

8/7/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
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
 
Let's Connect & Evolve our Community

0 Comments

    Author

    Elizabeth Rae Kovar M.A. is  Author of her memoir, Finding Om and is a Fitness Trainer, Yogi, Reiki Master, Presenter and Lover of Life. To view her portfolio please visit www.elizabethkovar.com
    Follow her travels at: lemontreetravel.com

    Picture
    Follow
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Categories

    All
    Body
    Food
    Metaphysics
    Mind
    Soul
    Sunspiration
    Vegan Recipes
    Wellness Travel
    YouTube

    Archives

    October 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Partners & Collaborations
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Sunspiration
  • Contact