WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: HEMP HEARTS

My friends at Manitoba Harvest sent me this package of raw shelled Hemp Hearts to try out and I got to say I'm loving it. I've been using hemp protein powder in my green smoothies as long as I can remember, but these hemp hearts are so much more versatile. The soft-textured seeds taste a bit like a sunflower or pine nut. I can sprinkle them over salad for some crunch (love them with this kale salad!), mix them to my favorite veggie burger recipe, or add to my granola, or coconut milk yogurt parfait together with some berries. Perfect breakfast!

Hemp is packed full of protein, it contains all 10 essential amino acids.  It is also a rich and balanced source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 including the rare form of GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid). GLA has been shown to help maintain heart health, healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels and aid in hormonal balance. Other nutrients found in Hemp Hearts are chlorophyll and vitamin E, B vitamins, folic acid (important for women who are trying or may become pregnant), phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and they also are GMO-, additive-, filler- and preservative free. 

For more healthy inspiration "like" Manitoba Harvest on Facebook, check out their website for interesting articles and drool over their Pinterest board for some recipe ideas (I just spent an hour there getting inspired to cook).

QUICK VEGAN SNACK

This isn't the healthiest snack due to the pastry dough (and processed soy), but it's good! I like to bring these to work with me so I can munch them with my morning tea/mocha as well as eat couple for lunch. 

I used Trader Joe's frozen pastry dough, their meatless spicy chorizo (soy based) and organic heirloom tomatoes. I defrosted the dough overnight in the refrigerator so that in the morning I was ready to bake. I cut the dough in squares, fill them with chorizo "meat" and tomatoes, use water to seal the edges closed, spray the top with some Trader Joe's coconut oil and stick them in the 350F oven for about 20 minutes. Enjoy with a cup of tea. Offer some for your curious co-workers as well.

"At the end of life, our questions are very simple: Did I live fully? Did I love well?" Jack Kornfield

GOINGS AND COMINGS

Today I was all dressed up and ready to go and photograph an event near Union Square, but as it turns out I got the week mixed up and the event is a week from now. Glad I double-checked it while I was walking to the train. So I just turned around, came back home, asked hubby to take some photos and started cooking some Rigatoni alla Vodka. I'll share the recipe with you later.

The rest of this week may or may not involve one of our famous color themed picnics (this time the color is blue!), hot yoga (of course), some serious vacation planning and booking (we got at least three trips coming up this summer) and cooking, cooking and more cooking. 

"Don't promise when you are happy, don't reply when you are angry, and don't decide when you are sad." ~Unknown

FIVE FAVES OF THE WEEK

My mother-in-law gave me this coffee cup, because she know I can't do my day job without some coffee...

We are growing catnip for the little ones, but guess are they interested in it? Nope. They rather eat dead leaves from outside that they find on the floor sometimes as well as any houseplants. 

I always have this bread in a freezer, because when rye craving hits you, it hits you hard. I buy mine from Whole Foods. Rye bread contains four times more soluble fiber than white bread, and it is also high in antioxidants. The Finnish Ruis bread is hand made from 100% whole grain, which is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, breast cancer and diabetes. Whole grain rye is high in fiber and low in fat content and can be utilized in fighting and preventing obesity. More info here.

My brother-in-law, who grows 100% organic veggie and herb garden in his backyard, gave me six extra heirloom tomato plants that I'm trying to take care of. My history with growing my own food has been quite sad and unsuccessful, but I'm giving it another try. Never give up, they say...

My new favorite spring detox lunch place Juice Generation, just two blocks from my job, sells some raw goodies on top of their fresh juices, smoothies, soups and acai bowls. I tried some of these cookies and they are pretty good. Now compare their ingredients to the ingredients of your regular supermarket cookies. Quite a difference.

Bonus favorite: Moses. I can't get enough of his constant affection and love. He is one big mama's boy. L.O.V.E.

"Don’t be pushed by your problems; be led by your dreams." Unknown

CHOCOLATE CHIA PUDDING

For this deliciousness I used THIS recipe, but added some raw organic cacao powder. Another night I made a dessert using the same recipe but added blueberries in the blender. Beautiful color! Basically you can use anything (strawberries, raspberries, pineapple etc.) and use the same basic recipe. 

I'm so happy chia puddings have entered my life! They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, snack or dessert. Healthy too! 
Check it: 2 tablespoons of chia seeds has: 
- 5 times the amount of calcium in milk (plus boron which helps you absorb it) 
- 3 times the amount of antioxidants in blueberries 
- 3 times the amount of iron in spinach 
- 3 times the amount of fiber in oatmeal 
- 2 times the amount of protein of any other bean, seed or grain 
- 2 times the amount of potassium in a banana
(source:mindbodygreen.com)

"The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money." Unknown

SUN IN CHELSEA

Couple of weeks ago weather was warm enough for us to have a bottle of wine and some food outside in the terrace while catching up. Unfortunately I do not remember the name of the restaurant... But wine was good, company even better and the sun quite bright. Hello summer!

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." Dalai Lama

MIDTOWN STREET STYLE

My gorgeous friend Keli agreed to be my model once again when we were rushing to a work related event so here are some shots from 56th St. and 7th Avenue in front of the Red Eye Grill. Love the bright colors to go with her cheery personality!

Stay fabulous! XO

MY 5 STEP ORGANIC SKIN CARE ROUTINE

I like to keep things super simple when it comes to skin care, so I've once again reduced the amount of products I use basically to five. Although on my days off I do not care to use make-up. I'm the laziest make-up person there is. I do not find it fun at all. I dislike shopping for make-up and I really dislike putting it on. 

 Here's my normal daily skin care routine:

1. I use coconut oil to wash my face and take off my eye make-up 2. For toner I use homemade concoction of apple cider vinegar, filtered water and jojoba oil. (I use an old Pangea Organics facial cream bottle to store it).

3. Make-up foundation and bronzer by Pure Minerals, but once these run out, I'm changing into something more natural and completely toxin-free (yes, Pure Minerals is not that pure...) 

4. Brows and eyes I define with Body Shop's carbon eye definer pen. 

5. Mascara from Body Shop. Only use when I'm at work or going out. 

(6. When I travel or am really tired after a night out to wash my face I use "Yes to Carrot's" facial cleansing wipes).

That's it. My skin doesn't normally need any moisturizer due to the jojoba oil in the facial toner. If I have dry areas I use Amal Oils' organic argan oil. And for any breakouts tea tree oil is my go to remedy.

I've also simplified my hair care routine and made it 100% natural. I'll share more about it soon!

"We find comfort among those who agree with us—growth among those who don’t."

 Frank A. Clark

VAPPU/MAY DAY 2013

Last Sunday, after work, against my plans going straight home,  I headed out to the sunny Central Park. I got the Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow mixed up and got lost a little, but eventually found my way to the Sheep Meadow and the Finns. We were celebrating Vappu (actual date is May 1st) and if you are unfamiliar with this holiday, check out the more detailed description here. 

Basically it's the May Day, Labor Day, "welcoming the spring" day. Finns start celebrating it already day before May, the last day in April, by consuming large amounts of alcohol, sima (mead), tippaleipa (Finnish funnel cake) and doughnuts. But we Finns here in New York celebrate it usually the Sunday after. And did we get some fabulous weather for our picnic!

"A man’s errors are his portals of discovery." James Joyce

LIFE IN SNAPSHOTS

 We've had a beautiful week and I got to enjoy it almost every day. My routine has been pretty similar each day when I'm not working. Starting the morning off with a shot of apple cider vinegar, lemon water to get my vitamins down (B-Complex and enzymes) and then pitcher of green smoothie. At noon  I have my hot yoga class, but I go there usually 20 minutes earlier to sit in the studio, meditate and let my body get used to the heat. After class I walk home slowly while drinking second bottle of water. When I get home I sit in the yard for a while enjoying the sun and drinking yet another glass of water enhanced with Nuun electrolytes and vitamins. And then, energizing shower so I can snap out of the physical tiredness.

 This week I've cooked a lot with lentils, both red and green. Lentils are probably my favorite food item. So many ways to make them, but all easy as can be. Plus they're high in fiber, protein, folate, magnesium, but very low in calories, One cup of lentils contains just 230 calories, but keeps you feeling full for a long time.

I've also been experimenting with something completely new to me: surf spray for hair. It gives my fine hair nice volume and texture, but makes me have to wash my hair more often which I don't like. Anyways, hope you all had a great weekend! 

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." Maya Angelou

PATIO INSPIRATION

We don't have much of a yard anymore living in this little townhouse now, and every time I visit our old house with it's lush gardens I feel like owning a (little) house again with manageable-sized yard. Something where I can set up my outdoor oasis, read books, work on the computer, invite friends over for some sangria and just totally relax. Our current townhouse has two yards. One at the front, but it's not very private since our neighbors have their yards right there as well. We also have a side patio (we live in end-unit) which is more private because there's nothing behind it and it has high fence around it. That's where I would like to set up something. It already has our big grill, one outdoor chair and old Ikea sleeper chair, but it's not inviting at all. It gets sunshine most day (about 11.30am-6pm) so it definitely needs umbrella and a table. And then just lots of potted plants and greenies. Below some inspiring pictures I collected from Pinterest.

Check out for even more inspiration for your patio/balcony on Pinterest!Have a great weekend!!! What's your plan?