Thoughtfulness & You...The Green Machine

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So, I have been sick all of January and pretty much all of February. I caught two different colds that loved me so much they didn't want to leave. (I felt so miserable I didn't want to leave the house or talk to anyone). I was put on antibiotics for 10 days to cure a nasty sinus infection. One day after completing this round my dermatologist put me on 15 days of antibiotics to avoid a potential infection from a skin issue.

Yes...you read right...25 days of antibiotics!

Unfortunately, the first part of 2013 has been full of pill popping, decongestant drinking, Vapo-rub inhaling, blah, blah, blahing.

I am FINALLY feeling back to normal! The sickies have made me re-evaluate my immune system and how I am taking care of it. I'm 33 and now is the time to diligently watch how I am taking care of myself...naturally. Taking a lot of medication makes you want to fill your body with healthy/natural things...not synthetic medication/concoctions.

So, I began searching out ways that I could improve my immune system (and my life).

One of the ways I discovered is by drinking smoothies. Smoothies are not only chalk full of vitamins and minerals, but super convenient too. I will make 2-3 servings at a time and chill them in the refrigerator until I'm ready to enjoy.

The first thoughtful thing I did for my immune system was to incorporate a version of the Green Machine smoothie into my diet. I have extremely sensitive taste buds so I had to tweak the initial recipe I found. The thing about smoothies is you can add whatever you want until you get the taste you want.

My main goal was simplicity...so I devised this concoction. It is the most refreshing drink I have ever tasted...not to mention it is high in Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Folate and Monounsaturated fat. Check the nutritional content below.

Here are the simple ingredients to place in your blender:

 

 

 

 

 

Blend until creamy and smooth...add any additional ingredients you want...

 

Here is what you get...

 

 



This smoothie is one of my most favorite snacks! It is so sweet...it doesn't even taste like you are eating two cups of spinach. All I can say is that your waist line, heart, skin and immune system will love you for it!

 

Linked up with: Inspire Me Please

Fantastic Thursday - Five Little Chefs

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Nutritional Information:

Amount Per Serving
Calories		313.9
Total Fat		13.8 g
	Saturated Fat	2.0 g
	Polyunsaturated Fat	1.7 g
	Monounsaturated Fat	8.6 g
Cholesterol		0.0 mg
Sodium		56.5 mg
Potassium		1,221.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate		49.7 g
	Dietary Fiber	11.7 g
	Sugars	31.0 g
Protein		5.0 g

Vitamin A	115.2 %
Vitamin B-12	0.0 %
Vitamin B-6	18.8 %
Vitamin C	124.3 %
Vitamin D	0.0 %
Vitamin E	11.5 %
Calcium	7.2 %
Copper	11.6 %
Folate	56.6 %
Iron	12.0 %
Magnesium	18.5 %
Manganese	33.4 %
Niacin	12.6 %
Pantothenic Acid	13.3 %
Phosphorus	7.7 %
Riboflavin	14.1 %
Selenium	1.4 %
Thiamin	12.9 %
Zinc	6.1 %

 

When it snows...birds go hungry!

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I've lived in the Midwest for almost 9 years. Let me tell you...I'm still not used to the frigid temperatures and thunder snow (not to mention the tornadoes, the ever-changing weather...one day it is 85 degrees, the next day it is snowing, followed by torrential downpours). YIKES! How can anyone get used to this wack-a-do weather. California weather is SO boring compared to the middle of the country weather. But I digress...

It never occurred to me (until the other night while watching the news) that when it snows some birds lives become more difficult.

In the spring, summer and fall birds like to eat berries, insects, nuts, etc. When winter arrives those insects and berries go bye-bye. Birds are left to forage for seeds and nuts. This is a good thing because like you and me every living thing survives better with a little extra layer of protection (i.e.fat) during the cold winter months. Seeds and nuts provide birds with the high energy food they need to endure these shorter and colder days.

However, when snow blankets the ground it can be more difficult to locate seeds and nuts needed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As the biggest lover of all God's creatures this made me sad and I think, "what can I do?"

Thoughtfulness to the rescue!

We had a pretty good snow storm last night. Snow and ice everywhere!

We live on a mini hill that partially backs up to an acre or 2 of densely populated trees. Birds love this area.

So, I decided that I would feed the birds who may be hungry...or those lazy ones looking for a quick meal.
A little research informed me that:

• Once you start feeding birds you shouldn't stop (uh-oh. I'm committed)
• You should put bird food in a feeder, not on the ground as to avoid contamination (think mold, bacteria, pesticides, etc.) and to protect birds from natural predators
• You should clean out your feeder regularly to avoid accumulating roting bird food

Today, I was looking for a quick fix. So, I purchased bird seed only.

I did learn you can place it on the ground or natural foraging areas as long as you only place enough for that day's feeding. But, make sure not to place the bird seed too close to your house. The point of this thoughtfulness is to help birds survive cold winters, not injure them by making them fly into your windows. I'm sure you also want to keep bird dander and feathers as far away from your property as possible.

I spread nuts and seeds on the ground (where snow had already melted) and on a few rocks.

 

 

 

Let's hope for full tummies and extra energy! I wouldn't mind finding this again next year.

 

 

Tomorrow's task...search out a permanent bird feeder

 



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If you didn't catch my previous post Re-purpose + Valentine's Day + Making a Difference I'm highlighting this Good News story again. True thoughtfulness!

Free Flowers For Valentine's Day Elicits A Surprisingly Touching Reaction (PHOTOS)
Huffington Post: February 15, 2012

Re-purpose + Valentine's Day + Making a Difference

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A few weeks ago my boyfriend's family threw his mom a surprise 60th birthday party. I was in charge of favors and table center pieces. Working within a strict budget it was decided that I would purchase inexpensive vases, spray paint them, and create a small display using baby's breath.

How was the party you ask? It was a success!

 

But once it was done I couldn't help but think, "What do I do with 10 red vases?" 

 

* throw them away...I mean they only cost $1.00 each

* store them for another occasion...who know when that could be

* re-invent their purpose

  

You can probably guess which one I chose.

 

So...I brainstormed. The first purpose of these vases was to be a simple center piece in the celebration of someone's milestone birthday. That mission was accomplished.

 

The main question: How could I give these vases a second shot at creating happiness?
 

BRAINSTORM: re-purpose + donate + Valentine's Day + loneliness + smile = ??? 

 

 

Create simple flower arrangements & deliver to a nursing home!

 

 So...I purchased inexpensive flowers and heart embellishments and got to work.

  

 15 minutes later...ready to go!

 

On Valentine's Day I delivered 10 arrangements to the nursing home down the street. My hope is that the arrangements were given to those folks who needed something to brighten their day.

 

I know you don't have left over party vases at your house to participate in this act of kindness, but I bet you have generic, left over, cupboard crowding vases from past year birthday or anniversary flower arrangements. You many even have old coffee cups/tea cups or mason jars that need re-purposing.

 

(1) Flower arrangement can make a difference in someone's life.

 

If you don't believe so, read the below Huffington Post story and then go get creative.

 

{Free Flowers For Valentine's Day Elicits A Surprisingly Touching Reaction}