Substance of Living

If you find yourself single for whatever reason on this Valentine's Day, send out thoughts of love and let the self-pampering begin.   Treat yourself special.  After all, aren't you the best person to be around? Whether February the 14th falls on a work day or not, enjoy some quality time throughout this month.  Here are some ways to luxuriate in your independence: Have fun! Make a Cuddle Basket the day before to enjoy during tonight's movie marathon or some good ol' binge watching of your favorite series.  Include items like a new throw blanket, hot chocolate ( here or here ), gourmet popcorn , and some semi-homemade cookies . Swaddle in your blanket and journal or read. Linger in your lounging wear. Dress up and go to a museum. Treat yourself to something at a spa. Try going tech-free; set your phone for emergency or to receive calls only from your favorites list. Go sightseeing in your own city or visit somewhere that's within a day's drive. Cook yourself a ...

Fall weather or cold winter days require soup.  Soup that is filling to the soul and stomach: That's what this African Spinach Coconut Soup does. I haven't physically traveled much outside the United States but through technology and cuisine I can visit any country my heart desires without having to get shots, update my passport, or visit an airport. In fact, DH and I have friends who live outside the United States and we get to talk with them on a regular basis due to the internet and mobile phones.  I mean, really, how fantastic is that?  I can be in Canada, Australia, across the United States, and in Turkey all in one day.  DH spoils me to no ends.  :-) Now, I get to visit Africa... African Spinach Coconut Soup Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Grapeseed Oil 1 cup Onion, chopped 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced 16 oz Spinach, thawed 1/4 teaspoon Pepper 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1 can Chopped Tomatoes 1 teaspoon Curry Powder 1 tablespoon Miso ...

Day Menu Item Shopping Sunday Chilled Avocado with Tomato Confetti 4 Avocados 1 Onion 3 Cloves Garlic 2 Lemons Tabasco or other Hot Sauce Chicken Stock* 1 Large Tomato 1 Small Cucumber Wine Vinegar Coriander (fresh) Monday Gazpacho Extra Ripe Tomatoes (you'll want 2 1/2 cups once chopped) Bell Pepper Seedless Cucumber Fresh Parsley Fresh Oregano Fresh Cilantro 5 Cloves Garlic Red Onion Eggs Juice from half a lemon Balsamic Vinegar Hot Sauce Tuesday Fresh Tomato Soup 1 Large Onion 2 Cloves Garlic 7 Large, Very Ripe Tomatoes 4-6 Basil Stems Fresh Tomato Oil Sherry Vinegar 6-8 Fresh Basil Leaves Wednesday Cold Cucumber Soup 1 cup Seedless Cucumber Plain Greek Yogurt 1 Green Onion Dijon Mustard Fresh Dill Fresh Parsley Salted Herbs (or a salt-free version such as Mrs. Dash) Thursday Chilled Summer Berry Bisque 4-1/2 cups Blueberries (fresh or frozen blueberries) Unsweetened Apple Juice Orange Juice Honey Fresh Ginger Roo...