Each and every day that we wake up with the morning sun is a blessing. We've made it another day, and no matter how hard life gets, just being alive is a blessing in disguise.
The world has been messed up since the dawn of man. If life is a battle between the light and the dark, it is no wonder hardship and suffering is a part of this planet. Spiritual people believe the soul incarnates to planet earth to learn various lessons and to grow its soul.
It's no secret that humans desire change, specifically at the collective level. And many people crave change at work and are great at improving themselves professionally, but not personally or spiritually.
Some people take their spiritual growth and relationship with God seriously, where others think this type of mentality is non-sense. Regardless of what one believes, every single day we wake up with the morning sun presents us with an opportunity to change, grow and evolve ourselves.
Change takes time. Sometimes it happens overnight, but for most people it is a continuous process and most find successful change when enlightening themselves and detaching from the material world.
Even thinking about changing, or pondering about a better life, is the first step to any change. You first must have some thoughts and then eventually take action. Most people cannot change alone. They require a support system. Logically, this would include family, friends, counselors, healers or anyone with the ability to guide others. Christians believe we need God and Christ to help us through our evolution in life. If we are in the driver's seat of our own life, we must take responsibility for our thoughts, actions and behaviors and we are solely in charge of our emotional health and well-being. Isn't that an amazing blessing and gift? To be able to wake up every day and start again - whether in thought or in behavior pattern - and continue to improve our lives each and every day. What do you think? Do you think every day is an ability to change? If you have any personal experiences that can help other people, please comment below!
0 Comments
Who doesn't love sweet potato fries? They're simple. They're delicious. And they're healthier than regular deep-fried French fries.
Sweet potatoes are a wonderful compliment to many vegetarian Mexican dishes. And with Cinco de mayo around the corner I took a chance and tried something different - a south of the border sweet potato fry flavor. 
Batch cooking on one's own can be a long process. It is important to make simple and budget-friendly recipes that do not require hours dedicated to prep work and baking. One trick to making fries more crispy without using flour or corn starch is by cutting smaller fries. The longer or thicker the fry, the longer the baking time alongside with the possibility of the fries not getting crispy.
There are many tricks to the homemade French fry trade, but if you want a natural fry without adding flour or starch, avoid super thick fries. 
Cilantro Lime Sweet Potato Fries
Prep Time: 10 minutes Bake Time: 20-23 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 lbs. Sweet potatoes, washed and sliced 1 small lime, juiced 2 tbsp olive oil 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped 1/4 tsp salt 1/8-1/4 tsp cumin 1/8 tsp onion salt + garlic salt optional: lime zest Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut the sweet potatoes into slices. Mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a greased baking sheet (use cooking spray). Bake for 12 minutes and then flip the sweet potatoes once, and return to bake for another 11-13 minutes. Adjust spices as needed. Sometimes the flavor sets in after 24 hours. Let's Connect! 
Energy is "funny." The average, mundane person might believe in energy, but has no clue how it works or exists.
The root of many issues today, individually and collectively, comes from a lack of spiritual fulfillment. So many people work dead end jobs they dislike. So many people isolate themselves because they fear getting hurt. So many people get into negative relationships because they themselves are negative or lack confidence and rush into a relationship to fulfill themselves. Everyone's soul on this planet requires some form of healing. There is no way to live a human experience without being hurt, disappointed or let down. When that happens, the soul requires healing. When you heal the soul, everything else begins to follow. The point is to heal the trinity, the mind, the body and the soul. As always, inspired by the sun, Elizabeth Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings. 
If you've followed any of my previous recipes, you know from time to time I grocery shop in my pantry and refrigerator to concoct various recipes. Although spring is officially here, I rummaged through my fridge and noticed some odds and ends. A little bit of broccoli. A few strips of kale. A bit of carrot. I had various unused veggies, and realized some form of a cheesy bake could be the next creation.
I am advocate of reducing food waste as much as possible. Because of living in Europe, the European lifestyle differs from America. European grocery items are smaller and their cities are more dense, meaning they shop for what they need either that day or for a couple of days. In America, we are car dependent and our bulk shopping culture means that buying more for less often leads to food waste.
To reduce the waste I mixed a bunch of winter vegetables together in a bowl and followed the sauce recipe I created for my Vegan Macaroni + Cheese. Mix the veggies, make the sauce, stir together, bake and voila - a perfect side dish or main meal! Hearty and healthy, this bake balances macronutrients in a clean, refined-carbohydrate way.
Vegan "Cheesy" Winter Vegetable Bake
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes Bake Time: 50 minutes Ingredients: 2 cups (14 oz.) cauliflower rice 1 small carrot, diced 1 small head of brocolli, chopped 1 small leek, chopped 2 cups kale, finely chopped Sauce from the Mac and cheese recipe Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Chop vegetables and mix into a bowl. Make the Mac-and-cheese sauce. Sauce: In a pan, sautée the garlic and onion in butter or oil for 3-5 minutes. Add the cornstarch and mix. Next add the milk and cook for 2-3 minutes. Take the liquid and put it with the remaining ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. (To make it quicker, after sautéing the onions and garlic, add everything to the blender, blend until smooth and then mix with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and mix until combined. Pour into a greased baking pan (11x7 or 9x13). Bake for 50 minutes. Check out our other recipes! Let's Connect!
Spring has sprung and life is full of blossoms, birds and baby animals. Spring might just be my favorite season. It is the time of rebirth where nature is in bloom, the light gains speed and baby animals roam the earth. It is the time when people begin to nurture their garden for the upcoming season of sowing seeds to reap the harvest in the later summer months.
Zucchini is a popular garden plant. From zucchini bread to pasta dishes, zucchini is a unique vegetable that can be enjoyed savory or sweet. If you are looking for something different on how to use your zucchini, try these meatballs.
Like most of what I make, these meatballs are healthy and hearty and adds protein and fiber to the traditional pasta dish. Whether you want to feed yourself, your family or friends, these are not only a great addition to pasta meals, but also served as a sub sandwich. Cooking is therapeutic. It is also the use of creative energy. It is the union between the head, the heart and the hands. If you want good health, it all starts and begins with you, your mindset and your affect. 
"To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him."
|
Mediterranean Pasta
|
Vegan Creamy Meyer Lemon + Spinach Pasta
|
Vegan Creamy Lemon Asparagus Baked Pasta
|
I said it once and I'll say it again. Social media and the internet has messed up our emotional state and mental bodies. With countless opinions being spread on YouTube and throughout the media, people who absorb too many belief systems can get confused.
Once this happens, it is hard to discern what is truth or not. Absorbing this information will alter our belief systems. The world is full of "good and bad" people, places, cultures, cities and countries. It is important to switch the perception of the lens that you view the world, a situation or an event.
In the world of fake news and fear mongering, it is important to stay aware, but not fall trap of going down the rabbit hole where it consumes you and alters your belief system.
Guard your mind and also guard your heart. What you think is what you believe, and what you believe ends up becoming your reality.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Once this happens, it is hard to discern what is truth or not. Absorbing this information will alter our belief systems. The world is full of "good and bad" people, places, cultures, cities and countries. It is important to switch the perception of the lens that you view the world, a situation or an event.
In the world of fake news and fear mongering, it is important to stay aware, but not fall trap of going down the rabbit hole where it consumes you and alters your belief system.
Guard your mind and also guard your heart. What you think is what you believe, and what you believe ends up becoming your reality.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Happy Spring Equinox! We've made it! The sun is shining bright in Seattle today, with record highs in the low 70's. I made this dairy-free blueberry breakfast cake back in February while admiring the mix of cool tones in nature. The deep blue of the berries and the winter-green of the eucalyptus, it was a nice way to warm up the winter.
“Saturday is full of orange oranges,
Sunday is full of pink apples,
Monday is full of green limes,
Tuesday is full of red watermelons,
Wednesday is full of blue blueberries,
Thursday is full of purple grapes,
Friday is full of yellow bananas,
and,
The week is full of rainbow fruit.”
― Anthony T.Hincks
With spring flowers budding, it is a perfect combination to mix a bit of warmth in the heart and home while temperatures rise around the country. The sun is gaining light, and so should ourselves. It's clear the world we live in is well, imperfect. The more light we let into our hearts, the more we can be a beacon of hope, or light, in other people's lives.
If you've followed my other recipes, you know that I do not overload my recipes with salt and sugar. This is mildly sweet thanks to the sugar and applesauce, but if you desire this to be as sweet as a dessert cake, add more sugar. If desired, top this off with powder sugar once cooled.
I hope you enjoy this spring equinox. Wherever you live, stay warm, or stay cool...
I hope you enjoy this spring equinox. Wherever you live, stay warm, or stay cool...
"Blue is a tranquilizer, imparting coolness to your system. Blue slows down your system so it can heal and mend. Positive qualities of blue are willpower, aspiration, and reliability. Foods of the blue vibration are: grapes, blackberries, blue plums, blueberries, and any other blue fruits or vegetables."
-Tae Yun Kim
Vegan Blueberry Breakfast Cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup vegan butter at room temperature
1/2 cup nondairy milk
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp vanilla
1 cup applesauce
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups pastry flour
2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
2 cups blueberries, washed and dried
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small bowl, mix together the milk + lemon juice to create a "buttermilk." In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients. Next, mix the vanilla, buttermilk and applesauce into the buttermilk bowl. In a different bowl, cream together the butter + sugar with an egg beater. In batches, add a bit of the dry and the wet ingredients into the creamed butter. Beat with an egg beater.
(I find adding this in three batches works best). Once the mixture is complete, fold in the blueberries. You can save some blueberries and press them into the top of the cake so some show as seen in the picture. Spray a 9-inch round pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick or utensil comes out clean from the poke test.
Let's Connect! Check out our other baked good recipes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup vegan butter at room temperature
1/2 cup nondairy milk
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp vanilla
1 cup applesauce
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups pastry flour
2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
2 cups blueberries, washed and dried
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small bowl, mix together the milk + lemon juice to create a "buttermilk." In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients. Next, mix the vanilla, buttermilk and applesauce into the buttermilk bowl. In a different bowl, cream together the butter + sugar with an egg beater. In batches, add a bit of the dry and the wet ingredients into the creamed butter. Beat with an egg beater.
(I find adding this in three batches works best). Once the mixture is complete, fold in the blueberries. You can save some blueberries and press them into the top of the cake so some show as seen in the picture. Spray a 9-inch round pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick or utensil comes out clean from the poke test.
Let's Connect! Check out our other baked good recipes!
Vegan Summer Berry Crostata Topped with Fresh Rose Sugar
|
Vegan Holiday Spiced Cranberry Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
|
Vegan Banana Date Cake
|
If there is one great lesson I learned in divorce support group, it is that expectations leads to disappointment and possible destruction of a relationship. People, like horses, have blinders and are sometimes not aware of their actions (or lack of action). Bringing this to one's attention is not only important, but it is imperative to be empathetic and reasoning on where a person is at in their present moment.
People enter our lives with their own life experience, which includes good and bad times. This molds and shapes them into who they are in the present. When in a romantic experience, people will shift and change, hopefully for the better.
So how do you meet people where they're at?
People enter our lives with their own life experience, which includes good and bad times. This molds and shapes them into who they are in the present. When in a romantic experience, people will shift and change, hopefully for the better.
So how do you meet people where they're at?
Asking Questions
It is important to have good communication and ask questions on where the person is at. Like a job interview, the interviewers will ask candidates a variety of questions. It is important to know where a person is at, and how he/she got there. Where are they now? And where are they going? And people have blinders. Exposing blinders, or limitations, in a diplomatic way helps one become aware on their areas that require improvement.
Self Examination & Communication
Self examination is something that is desperately needed today. Too many people are wrapped up in their own world of self-absorption that they cannot empathize or see various perspectives. If someone brings up an issue, you need to take their feelings seriously and look within to discern their statement. This is best handled diplomatically, where you can present your case or "rebuttal" on their response.
For some people this is not easy to do as they take everything offensively; however, if you find yourself stuck in the same situations or behavior loops, it is necessary to look within. With this, it is important to find tools (or make goals) on how to improve the situation.
Communication makes or breaks any relationship. It is essential, but maturity is what keeps communication fluid and clear. I believe in clear, concise and straightforward communication because it does not play any mind games. It maybe best to avoid words like should, would and could because they are theoretical and leads to expectations like, "You could have done it this way."
Low emotional intelligence, being defensive or chronically on-attack, damages situations. It is not easy to reach these people, especially if "treading" on egg shells.
Check-ins may be necessary to make sure each party is happy or on the same page.
It is important to see where a person is at in their life and meet them half way. We must learn how to let go of uneven desires and become the best version of ourselves (and better communicators).
Let's Connect!
For some people this is not easy to do as they take everything offensively; however, if you find yourself stuck in the same situations or behavior loops, it is necessary to look within. With this, it is important to find tools (or make goals) on how to improve the situation.
Communication makes or breaks any relationship. It is essential, but maturity is what keeps communication fluid and clear. I believe in clear, concise and straightforward communication because it does not play any mind games. It maybe best to avoid words like should, would and could because they are theoretical and leads to expectations like, "You could have done it this way."
Low emotional intelligence, being defensive or chronically on-attack, damages situations. It is not easy to reach these people, especially if "treading" on egg shells.
Check-ins may be necessary to make sure each party is happy or on the same page.
It is important to see where a person is at in their life and meet them half way. We must learn how to let go of uneven desires and become the best version of ourselves (and better communicators).
Let's Connect!
No matter what you believe in, there are sheep in every movement. Most of what hooks us today is consumerism. Our happiness, self-esteem and self-worth are linked to consumerism. Shopping addiction exists, and is used as a bandaid to cope with loneliness or depression.
Materialism is the external glitz and glamour of "lust for the flesh." What I mean is that we live in a clothed world, and the more we seek to fit into the latest trend or to have a specific type of dress for that event, we continuously feed or "clothe" the flesh with superficial things that do not make us happy.
All forms of spirituality speak of minimalism and simplicity. It has its truth and the point is not to live in rags, but appreciate what you have, and detach from wanting or needing external things to make you happy. Discover more thoughts on this blog, The Art of Simple Living: How Simplicity Trumps Living in a Very Complex World and The Art of Simple Living: Why You Should Consider Simple Living.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Materialism is the external glitz and glamour of "lust for the flesh." What I mean is that we live in a clothed world, and the more we seek to fit into the latest trend or to have a specific type of dress for that event, we continuously feed or "clothe" the flesh with superficial things that do not make us happy.
All forms of spirituality speak of minimalism and simplicity. It has its truth and the point is not to live in rags, but appreciate what you have, and detach from wanting or needing external things to make you happy. Discover more thoughts on this blog, The Art of Simple Living: How Simplicity Trumps Living in a Very Complex World and The Art of Simple Living: Why You Should Consider Simple Living.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Cauliflower is an interesting vegetable. Some people love it. Some people dislike it. Through a spiritual lens, the cauliflower looks like a cloud, or something similar to our brain. When admiring the cauliflower, it is like the lotus flower, which is one that blossoms with the birth of the brain.
Like thoughts in a cloud, it has a unique geometric pattern that is a marvelous gift from nature. When roasted, the flavors transform into an almost buttery vegetable that nourishes the body.
Like thoughts in a cloud, it has a unique geometric pattern that is a marvelous gift from nature. When roasted, the flavors transform into an almost buttery vegetable that nourishes the body.
|
|
|
|
This is either best as a meal itself or served as a side dish. This can be split between two to four people, depending on how you'd like to serve this. As seen in the steps above, the transformation and of the dish is symbolic to our journey and progress in life. Something can transform but still remain beautiful. Enjoy!
|
|
Vegan "Cheesy" Garlic Herbed Cauliflower + Potatoes
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: approx. 40-45 minutes
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients:
1 small head of cauliflower
1 pound of fingerling potatoes
_________________________________
5 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1.5 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp dried basil
1/8 tsp pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Cut the stem off the cauliflower crown. Mix the last 8 ingredients together in a bowl. Place the cauliflower in the center of an 8 or 9 inch pan. Smother the top of the cauliflower with some of the sauce ingredients. Take the remaining sauce ingredients and mix it together with the fingerling potatoes. Arrange the potatoes around the cauliflower. Bake until a knife can cut through the potato and cauliflower, which is about 45 minutes.
Let's Connect & check out Mind Body Soul Food's other side dishes!
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: approx. 40-45 minutes
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients:
1 small head of cauliflower
1 pound of fingerling potatoes
_________________________________
5 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1.5 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp dried basil
1/8 tsp pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Cut the stem off the cauliflower crown. Mix the last 8 ingredients together in a bowl. Place the cauliflower in the center of an 8 or 9 inch pan. Smother the top of the cauliflower with some of the sauce ingredients. Take the remaining sauce ingredients and mix it together with the fingerling potatoes. Arrange the potatoes around the cauliflower. Bake until a knife can cut through the potato and cauliflower, which is about 45 minutes.
Let's Connect & check out Mind Body Soul Food's other side dishes!
4-Ingredient Roasted Balsamic Fennel
|
Roasted Sweet Potato, Kale + Garlic
|
Vegan Creamy Chive Potatoes
|
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
Categories
All
Body
Food
Metaphysics
Mind
Soul
Sunspiration
Vegan Recipes
Wellness Travel
YouTube
Archives
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