'Tis the season and all that

This is the time of year that you get gratitude, peace on earth and goodwill to all men crammed down your throat. What I don't understand is what people do for the other 11 months of the year?

We should be grateful for many things, for instance if you are reading this then you most likely have a roof over your head, electricity and snacks in the fridge. So maybe you need a bit more cash to live as comfortably as you would like, well I hate to break it to you but the more cash you have the more you spend. And it's been scientifically proven that people with more money aren't necessarily happier, they just have nicer things. So instead of wanting more be thankful every day for what you already have: a roof over your head, the small luxuries that we take for granted (yes that soft TP is one of them), the people that love you, hey you may even have someone that worships you! And of course, the opportunity to do something nice every day.

Maybe it's naive of me but I do have faith in the human race (never, never in corporations though). I know there are a lot of good people out there because I have the pleasure of knowing quite a few them. They are the ones that spread peace on earth and goodwill to men 365 days a year. Well maybe not every day because let's face it, everyone is entitled to a bad day every once in a while. But they are the ones that help you get through those tough days, they are the ones that are there for you when you think that things can't get any worse and they in fact do.

So here's to all of the good ones, tip that glass of champagne, or prosecco - you know who you are! And toast to gratitude, peace on earth and goodwill to all men because as you know, 'tis the season

Holiday Gift Ideas $25 and under

It's that time of year to give and to get. There's a saying that it is better give than to receive, well the following treats may leave you with second thoughts on giving...

Thermos Stainless Steel Tea Tumbler with Infuser

Tea Thermos

How cool is this! you put your tea int he basket and it steeps and keep it hot. I broke my thermos last year after one use and haven't had a chance to replace it They come in clear too. This is something that's definitely going on my list!

Trudeau Tea-Mendous 16-Ounce Tea Tumbler, Clear

Totes - Adult Clear Bubble Umbrella

Bubble Umbrella

OK how many of you had a bubble umbrella when you were a kid they were so much fun then and for those of us craving the good old days it's a great gift.


 

Vintage Vinyl LP Record Coasters - Set of 6

Vintage Vinyl Coasters

These coasters will make a great gift for the music buff in your life. Although those born after 1990 might need an explanation of what they are :)






Compost Pail

Pinzon 1-Gallon Ceramic Compost Pail

This is perfect for that friend that really wants to start composting but need a kick in the butt to do it. This kitchen composter is a great way to start. We all know what a pain it is to go to the yard after every food prep this pail can hold the cutting board remains of a few meals Those of you that are afraid of breaking the ceramic pail there is also a steel version, that's the one that this clutzy household has.

Buddha Board

Buddha Board Original with Black Wooden Easel Stand

For the artist in your life there's the Buddha Board. It's a water-based canvas that can constatnly change as the water evaporates. Great for that Zen feeling, and for those of us that don't like to show our work to other people. This comes in at $28 not bad for a really unique gift.

Recipe of the Month: Raw Sunflower & Carrot Bread

, Bread, yum! I busted out the mini chop for the garlic, onions and carrots making this recipe even easier to prep. It was inspired by Ani Phyo's Sunflower and Black Sesame Bread from the Ani's Raw Food Kitchen cookbook. I made a couple of changes to suit my tastes. This is a great bread recipe for those of you watching your gluten intake. While it's made in a dehydrator you can also pop it in your oven on the lowest setting with the door open. I'm not a fan of that method since it's a big energy drain but it you make a few dishes at once it might be OK.

This is what it looks like in the dehydrator

And this is what it looks like up close

Finished product! Served with sprouted bean hummus, avocado and radicchio and tomatoes from the garden.

Ingredients

1 c ground flaxseed
1/3 c flax seed whole
½ t sea salt
4 cloves garlic minced-optional for savory bread
1/4 onion, minced-optional for savory bread
2 carrots chopped finely
2-1/3 c water
2/3 c sunflower seeds
¼ c black sesame seeds (or regular sesame seeds or a mix of both)

Directions

The night before set to soak sunflower seeds, whole flax seeds and sesame seeds in 1 1/3 cup water.

Day of: In large bowl mix ground flax, flax, salt, garlic, onion, remaining water, sunflower, sesame seeds and carrots, mix well. Let stand for 30 minutes

Spread thickly on 1 telfex tray (or on parchemnt paper if you don't have teflext trays) smooth out into an even square about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Dry at 104 degrees for 4 hours or 3hr at 115 degrees
Flip & score bread into 9 or 12 like slices

Dehydrate another hour, before serving.
Serve warm.

The longer you dehydrate the crispier the bread.

Number of Servings: 18