I've been eating chia pudding non-stop lately. I love chia seeds for its versatility and high nutrient profile that sustains me for a good period of time during the day. This power
seed was originally consumed by Aztec warriors, who used it as their
fuel source for long expeditions. I've been making a batch of blueberry coconut chia seed pudding the past couple weeks so i have on hand for quick breakfasts and snacks when i come home from work. It fills me up and is SO easy to make. Also, the vitamins and minerals from blueberries aid in digestion, and can also help brain function.
Here are a few facts about this wonder seed. Chia is:
- Rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids
- A complete source of dietary protein, providing all essential amino acids.
- High in calcium, enzymes, and minerals.
- Absorbs more than 9 times its volume in water, which means that a
small amount keeps a person feeling full and satisfied for a long time.
- Super high fiber content acts as an intestinal broom (you know what that means! wink wink;)
- Easily digested and absorbed for energy.
- Contains no taste = it takes on any flavors that are added to it.
- Doesn't go rancid and can easily be stored.
This simple and easy chia
seed pudding is full of blueberries, and not much else. Try it out for
a delicious and healthy breakfast.
Ingredients
1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
2 Cups Filtered Water
2 Tbsp.Vanilla Flavor (Alcohol Free)
2 Heaping Tbsp. Artisana Coconut Butter
1/2 Cup Chia Seeds
Handful of soaked Macademia nuts (soak in water for 1-3 hours)
Stevia to taste
Directions
In a high-speed blender, puree blueberries, water, macademia nuts, stevia and coconut butter until completely smooth.
Place berry puree in a sealable bowl/container, stir the chia seeds in until combined evenly.
Let the mixture set in the refrigerator for at least an hour (overnight is usually the easiest).
Give it another stir before eating, serve chilled.
*You can experiment with the amount of water you use. For a more dense consistency, add less water. Also, I add Maca powder which is an amazing root from Peru that helps increase strength, energy, stamina, libido and sexual function. A winning combination! I was also surprised that when i started making this - i was getting so many other ideas of different flavors i could make - Raw Chocolate/Almond Butter, Plum/Coconut, Ginger/Coconut etc... Experiment, have fun and let me know how it goes ;)
Thanks to this amazing book, The Artist's Way (by Julia Cameron) and a little encouragement from my dear friend in the Netherlands, GLOW GIRL is back! The Artist's Way is a self-guided 12 week creativity course intended to facilitate opening your creativity back up using the tools and exercises outlined in the book. Thanks to my mom who gave me this book back in November 2004. Over the years i have tried numerous attempts to get through it but never managed to complete its entirety for reasons beyond my understanding.
GLOW GIRL was formed out of one of those attempts back in June 2009 and now it has managed to come back in a new form - with perhaps more purpose and clarity than before. This past January, after feeling stuck and hopeless - my eye caught the well worn book sitting on my shelf and i decided to give it ago - yet again. I dove right in and have been using the tools everyday (not perfectly) but every day for 3 months now and i have experienced some miraculous changes in my creativity!
One of my intentions of unblocking my creativity was to get back in touch with my violin again which at first seemed nearly impossible. My relationship to the violin has been a love/hate from the very day i started playing in 1994. I remember being in fourth grade and my mom signed me up for violin lessons in the public school. I showed up to my first lesson and they gave me a violin in a case and a metal stand. I didn't even know what the violin was. I was bewildered to say the least. Shortly after, I joined the orchestra and started practicing everyday. I remember my great-grandmother yelling from downstairs, "Stop that Racket!!" when i was practicing in my room. I was a bit offended but still kept playing. Sometimes i would get so frustrated with myself i would throw my violin against the wall. That's the kind of hate i experienced for 8 years all the way through high school. Kind of like a punishment to myself for never being "good enough" or getting the notes down "perfectly."
I had trained with some of the best instructors in the Chicago area. At 15, I formed a quartet and we played inside supermarkets, restaurants and on the streets of Chicago during the holidays. I managed to raise enough money from playing on the streets to go to Europe and tour with the McHenry County Youth Orchestra for 18 days - playing in France, Germany and Switzerland. It was an incredible experience to play for the Europeans. I found the German audience to be the most jolly, enthusiastic crowd to ever play for! They would stand up, clap and cheer - it was really awesome!
When i was 16, i auditioned for Northwestern University's prestigious summer music program . It was a 5 week intensive training that involved intense (and scary) master classes with a busy schedule and rigorous rehearsals. I was one of the 16 violinists accepted into the program. There were kids from all around the world who played all different types of instruments. We all stayed on campus for 5 weeks straight. I met the coolest kids ever and had the opportunity to play at the Symphony Center in Chicago which was quite an honor.
By 16 and 17, I was competing at high school level competitions where judges would critique your performance. I had never thought of studying music performance in college - that seemed too serious. There was a lot of pressure my senior year of high school - I remember my English teacher saying about the SAT's, "This test will determine the rest of your Future!!!" That was so terrifying. I figured since i was already playing, i might as well audition to conservatories since i didn't know what else i would do. College level violin takes it to a WHOLE new level. Very serious deal trying to get into schools. I had entered a very competitive field. My first choice was Northwestern University. I thought I may have a good chance since i already worked with some of the professors however, i didn't get in. And that's kinda where i left off. At 19, I completely stopped playing, sold my car and moved to Europe to travel the world to pursue my modelling career.
It's been about 10 years now and i have accomplished quite a few things however, there has always been a void in my heart. A hopelessness i could never come close enough to understanding. What i realized is that there was a lot of compassion missing in my relationship to the violin. The constant beating myself up for not being "good enough" had turned into a manifestation of low self worth and depression.
This past February, after about 4 weeks of working the Artist's Way, I started pulling my violin out once in a while. And then before you know it, there was a sign from the Divine! A talent show at work was announced and i knew it was an opportunity for me to start the healing process. Some friends at work were interested in playing and so we got together a few times and put this cover song together. Everything seemed so effortless!
I'm sure to have more creative developments to come and GLOW GIRL is here to witness them all - every step along the way :)
I am not a chef... nor am i trying to be a chef. Friends have been beggin' me to put up a new recipe. So, here it is people: Nori Wraps
This is my "GO TO" when i'm short on time and want something super easy & delicious! Nori is seaweed (usually used as a wrap in sushi rolls) It's especially rich in minerals and contains a great deal of calcium and iron to give me that GLOW. I'll take this over bread or tortillas any day.
Nori Wraps
Nori Sheets (you can buy at whole foods, any health food store or online) I prefer untoasted.
Tahini
Avocado
Tomatoes
Any kind of Sprouts, Spinach or Arugula
Cucumber
Kalamata Olives
Onions (optional)
Sea Salt
Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Spread tahini (or you can use hummus) on nori sheet. I heart Tahini - so i use A LOT! Add sliced avocado, tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, onions and sprouts or any kind of green. Shake some Cayenne Pepper (optional) Cumin and a little sea salt and roll it up like they do at sushi restaurants. You don't need the bamboo roller. It takes a little practice but you'll get good in no time! To seal the roll, use a little water along the edges (not too much) It will stick. Cut in half. Eat and love it! Now, it's a PARTY IN YOUR TUMMY!
No messin' around. This launch party was the real deal. Over 45 people showed up! I've never put something on like this before so - i had no idea what to expect! I've been getting nothing but amazingly good feedback... people so happy and impressed with what i created! I threw it over the top - and everyone that came - s t a y e d! I am absolutely amazed with what i am capable of - i never usually put myself out like this, so i'm relieved it turned out so well and everyone that has called me today told me how inspired they feel. It felt kinda like my birthday when i was turning 6 years old - dressing up and wearing my mom's high heels as i blew the candles out on my mom's very own - Half Baked Alaska!
Ask and it is given. this event was total proof of that!
I'm recuperating today and giving much deserved thanks to everyone including my angel squad that totally kicked it up! Lea Graham & Eric Dysart - GG Assistants, Kim Johnson - My Magic Stylist, Renee Russo - Mad Hair Stylist I met on the train last week, and Miss CC of Princess Superstar! PLUS, all my sponsors who have been super giving and supportive of my intention and mission to bring people together in a way that honors truth and beauty: Doug & Denise of Organic Avenue, Vanessa Barg of Gnosis 'Oh My God' Chocolate and Helpful Harry at Westerly's. Yeah, but next time i'm bringing in a clean-up crew... (Forgot to tell the manager of Yelo that we need to recycle the glass bottles- goes to show, not everyone recycles - CRAZY!) So we found ourselves digging through trash on the street. Oh YES, how sweet the smell of success!! Let me just roll around in it...
Here I am again! Lately, I've been putting a lot of work into organizing my first GLOW GIRL Party and going through a big major move out of my apartment on the upper east side. whew!!
Anyways, so excited to share everything i love with you including, my favorite food (A super deluxe version of my favorite kale salad) music by PRINCESS SUPERSTAR, green juice from ORGANIC AVENUE, glow facials and more! I have managed to score you free stuff too - nothing but the best, i swear!
The idea is to come together and inspire each other to feel our best - because it takes support and i need it as much as you!
Get this: the party is at this super swank place where people go for "powernaps" in nyc.
Can't wait to see your face! xxH
p.s. make sure you send me an rsvp to: info@glow-girl.org
Join GLOW GIRL for a full night of beauty, health, fun, outrageous food and festivities! Everything you need to get you feeling fresh and glowing this fall! Green Juice, Delicious Organic Food and Raw Chocolate will be served throughout the night – Nothing but the BEST!!!Come early to mingle and sign up for the exciting stuff we have to offer including talks from the beauty expert panel, 15 minute facials by Julie Lindh, and Yelo Reflexology treatments. Music by PRINCESS SUPERSTAR to keep you feeling HOT all night long!
Don’t miss out – The Beauty Expert Panel @ 7:30-8:30pm will help you discover the FOUR Most Crucial Things To Get You Glowing!
What's in the glass? pear, cucumber, mint, lime & ginger
My friend, Eric made me dinner the other night. So nice to come over and see a HUGE plate of kale salad already done up w/ the works! I've turned a lot of people onto this kale salad and before you know it, they're telling me how much they love it and never knew it could be so good. For many, it's become their staple too! I totally benefit b/c then i get to try everyone's own unique version.
Let's just talk about how amazing my friend Eric is. He is GLOW GUY! Thank goodness because there's been a tremendous demand for it. Guys left and right are asking me, "Yeah, that's great. What about guys? "
For instance, I walked into a deli last night to buy a big thing of water and i get to the counter and the Korean guy says, " You had a long day, huh?" I said, "yeah, it's been a big one!" He asked, "are you a model?" i replied, "No, i'm not," as i pull out my wallet to pay for the water... He asks, "What do you do?" I handed him one of my GLOW GIRL cards that came out when i was looking for my money. i gave a brief explanation. I think he caught onto a few words and was starting to understand. He says, "OHHHH...Positive Thinking, i need more positive thinking!!!" I was quite amazed at his response. Normally i walk into deli's and they seem so burnt out - you don't get a smile or even a hello. He asked me, "Do you have this for men?" Whoa - THIS woke me up!! GLOW GUY. hello??!! Huge Demand. He said he'll email me b/c he wants to be put on the waiting list.... Who would have thought :: "GLOW GUY BE UP IN KOREAN DELI'S CITYWIDE" Now, this is real news!
I was rescued by the Green Pirate on my way to GreenPoint, Brooklyn the other day. I have utmost, thanks to this super swank trunk for making me 2 Green Juices - 1 for me and 1 to bring my friend. This stuff is the best and helps me score extra GLOW points. Sometimes i make it at home but most times I order it from the juice bar. that's if, you have a juice bar where you live. If you're out in the boonies, then i suggest you invest in a juicer. I have this one. Green juice is my morning coffee except better. you know why? It personally wakes up every single cell in my body and provides the optimum amount of vitamins & nutrients possible to make me say HEY!
I used to drink coffee because i thought that's what your supposed to do as a "grown-up" in the morning. You know, drink a cup of coffee and eat a bagel. In the meantime, i would be itching out of my skin as my left eye was twitching. I didn't know any other way. I didn't think there was an option. i thought this was the normal and socially acceptable state to be.
Well, it's not.
I also used to drink it because i thought i could stay skinny by just drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. That gave me the sought after, ever-so-popular malnourished, impoverished hungry look everyone wanted - and miserable i was. Contrary to the coffee "speed like" sensations that you body experiences, your metabolism actually slows down much more than it would have - had you not drank the coffee. It's kinda like a sugar high - crash and burn we slowly go down to the ground and can't figure out why we're always so tired. Yet, complaining about it makes things all better. of course.
Make-up artists would complain and try to clue me in - "No More Coffee Heather - it's super dehydrating for your skin - look at it!" I shrugged it off because i couldn't IMAGINE NOT having coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant. If you use artificial stimulants too much then your body will stop creating it's own stimulants like adrenaline, so basically your body will become dependant on artificial stimulants. this is true about those those crappy energy drinks and even soda too!
Anyways, I got sick of complaining because most of the time it was ME who had to hear it all the time. So, what did i do? I started drinking ONE green juice a day. At first, I was super scared of these things It looked extremely TOXIC! I am such a baby when it comes to this kind of stuff. I started getting used to it - It actually tasted really good when i started making it at home - kinda like lemonade! So, I kept everything in my diet the same and replaced my morning coffee with one green juice every day. What did i find? the cure all. be all. my skin cleared up considerably and i was beaming with energy. Just Remember: Keep it simple. Be consistent. Try making this recipe at home or order it at your juice bar.
DRINK THIS JUICE RECIPE:
the only thing you need to do to start feeling better now
(and after 2 years, it's still the only green juice recipe i stand by!)
KALE
SPINACH
CUCUMBER
CELERY
PARSLEY (or i like Cilantro a lot)
GREEN APPLE
LEMON
GINGER
Don't worry - i'm not a coffee hater. To be honest, sometimes i realllly want it. but then i remember how it makes me feel and i opt for a green juice instead. It takes a little time for your body to acclimate but once it does - you're on fire! your body is gonna be craving this stuff- i promise. and each of your cells in your body will personally thank you. If you're still not convinced why it's so good for you, read this: 6 Reasons Why to Drink Green Juice Everyday
