Eat: Roaster Pear and Squash Soup

To all the mom's, Happy Mother's Day! My gift to my mother this year, is my graduation from university. I will walk at commencement and pick up my very expensive piece of paper. My parents are both is a state of bliss at my university accomplishments. 

This soup is a wonderful dish to serve mom, grandma, or whomever else. The soup is easy to prepare and tastes great. 

Butternut Pear Soup

1 butternut squash ( or 1 can farmers market purred butternut squash)

4 large pears 

1 sweet onion

2 tbsp coconut oil

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup non-dairy creamer

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cloves

1/4 cup agave syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 35O. Cut the squash, and the pears in half and remove the seeds/core. Slice the onion. Brush the squash, pears, and onion with oil and bake in a shallow pan for 30-35 minutes. 

Scrape the squash out of its shell ( if using fresh) and transfer the squash, pears, and onion to a food processor. Puree until smooth and well combined. 

Add 2 cups of the vegetable broth and continue to puree. 

Once smooth pour the pureed mix into a large sauce pan. Add the remaining vegetable broth. Stir in the non dairy cream, nutmeg, allspice, paprika, cloves, agave syrup. Bring to a boil, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add the salt and pepper to taste. 

Cheesy Croutons

1/2 ( 2 cups) loaf of french bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes 

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

3 gloves garlic minced

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

(keep oven at 350)

In a large bowl cut up the bread and leave in cubes. 

In a small bowl combine the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and nutritional yeast. 

Pour the "cheesy mix" onto the bread cubes and mix until well combined. 

spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet; and bake for 10-15 minutes. ( Or until toasty brown.)

-Enjoy!

Celebrate: Great Champagne Under $50

Since infancy I have always had an acquired and refined taste. My parents laugh at my "champagne" and caviar cravings while on a beer and ramen noodles budget. I dream of truffle risotto and saffron infused flavors warning of excess. I know one day I will be able to satiate my appetite for luxurious comforts; until then I will learn to live with grace as I embrace the best alternatives. 

While no celebration is complete with out campaign there are plenty of fabulous alternatives to Cristal  

and Dom Perignon

Best Champagne under $50

1. Perrier-Jouet, Grand Brut Champagne NV($44.99) 

The taste is fresh and lively and pairs perfectly with Sushi. 

2. Laurent-Perrier, Ultra Brut NV Champagne ($39.99)

The taste is well balanced, and bone dry. Pairs well with strawberries and fruit based salads. 

3. Ayala Brut Majeur ($30.00)

The taste is clean, bright and nicely acidic. Pair Ayala with cheese, hummus, and fruit plate. 

4. Bollinger Special Cuvee ($40.00)

The taste is broad flavored and slightly toasty. Pair this sparkling wine with rich nuts, and smoked flavors. 

5. G.H. Mumm & Cie Carte Classique Extra Dry ($39.99)

The G.H. Mumm is a rich champagne with a full bodied taste. Pair with a seared foie gras, olive tapenade, or fruit compete. 

6. Oudinot Cuvee Brut NV ($14.96)

The Oudinot has a floral aroma with a light peaches and cream flavor. Pair with dark chocolate and coffee  flavors. 

7. Gosset Brut Excellence NV ($39.99)

The Gosset has unique citrus taste that is both bright and zesty. Pair with goat cheese, beets and sweet potatoes. 

8. Moet & Chandon NV White Star ($43.99)

The Moet has an elegant  tastes with a matured aroma of fruit complimented by a hint of nut. Pairs wonderfully with portobello mushrooms and smoked salmon. 

9. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label NV ($44.99)

The Yellow label sparkling has a fruity structure with a full body flavor. This wine pairs wonderfully with a creamy risotto or lobster. 

10.  Nicolas Feuillatte Brut ($31.50)

The Nicolas Feuillatte has a soft buttery taste with a long consistent  flavor. This wine pairs wonderfully with Camembert cheese and spaghetti squash. 

Want: Susan Joy Design

I have been obsessed with Susan Joy Design since I first spotted her brushes featured in Sky Magazine. 

Susan Joy is a creative philanthropist. Susan has always had a passion for artistic endeavors, her art was always a hobby as she made her living through her 9-5 corporate world profession. Art was Susan's release. Her joy.

Susan started up her artisan grooming business when a co-worker of hers was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Susan designed makeup brushes with positive mantras to help her friend feel beautiful while she battled breast cancer with: "focus, believe, faith, and strength."

In 2010 after the Haiti earthquake, Susan had an epiphany. The company that she worked for had a program in place to match relief aid from donors to help Haiti. The selflessness of giving to those in need provided Susan with an enormous amount of joy. She felt as if she was helping make a difference.

With community service as mission and focal point of her business Susan designs her products to be esthetically pleasing and cause-centric. Susan donates ten percent of all her proceeds to various causes including:

- Save the Ta-Tas for Breast Cancer

-MS

- Pet Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah

- The Red Cross

- American Heart Association

The Brush Shui kit is on my wish list.

I think the mens shaving accessories would make a great gift for father day....

With the purchase of a Susan Joy Design, you the customer is given the choice to choose which organization will receive your donation. Susan's art is functional, beautiful, and progressive. She creates out of passion for the love of human kind. 

Sweat: interrupted.

Every month I am pestered and bullied, like most women, by my own body. In the days leading up to Aunt Flow's arrival I find myself cranky, irritable, somewhat emotional, and insatiably hungry. It sucks. 

Of course, Auntie has no concern for special events. She comes as she pleases. 

I dispose my monthly visits. The uncomfortable silence, the blotchy skin, the bloating. When Auntie comes for a visit I feel my sexuality vanish as I seek solace in flattering sweats, (no they don't exist). During her visit, the thought of exercise becomes a chore. I find myself making silly excuse like: "I probably can't even fit into my workout clothes right now." 

The problem with making excuses is that it only perpetuates the problem. To achieve results in anything one must remember to: first breath, then to think pro-active, and re-active. Dragging your self to the gym for a good old fashion sweat to burn off period related steam has been proven to help  reduce the severity of:

Cramps:

By releasing endorphins the body's natural painkillers, 

by increasing blood flow, 

loosening muscle tension, 

and eliminating excess water. 

Bloating:

By waking up the large muscle groups and eliminating toxins through sweat.

Improve mood:

 Through the release of serotonin, and other feel good hormones.

Improve skin tone and elasticity:

 Which totally helps to remind you of how beautiful you truly are. 

Exercise helps to get you feeling yourself again. Break out a sweat; you'll thank yourself. 

Pretty in Academic Regalia

The big milestone days of our lives are often accompanied by a frenzy of complicated make-up, over tulled dresses, and fussy hair styles. The milestone days, are the days that matter: where life happens on schedule. They are always seemingly picture perfect. Graduation, is big deal, and a cause to celebrate.

Graduation, unlike the other "big" days is not the time nor place to experiment with complicated looks. When my the tassel makes the symbolic flip, or my cap gets thrown in the air,  I  don't want to worry about  my mane getting caught up in the excitement or make-up smeared and melting  all over my face.

For easy Academic Regalia beauty the secret is to keep your hair and makeup simple (kiss). 

Wear your hair down in loose curls or gentle waves. Stephanie Kocielski, the VP of education for Paul Mitchell warns grads against hyper straightening their hair. The Cap and Gown, are bulky and a super sleek/straight hair style will draw attention to the frump of the gown. A middle part with wavy curls will complement to gown, by reducing aesthetic inconsistencies.

Stephanie recommends:

prepping hair with:  "Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydrowhip Cream."  Apply to damp hair starting at the scalp. 

Part your hair in the middle. The part does not have to be straight; but should align with your natural part. 

Comb they hydropwhip  through as you blow out you hair.

Once you hair is dry spritz in some "Awapuhi Texturizing Sea Spray." Curl your hair with wide barrel curling wand (for easy volume tips separate hair into pigtails).  

With a bobby pin, pin each curl up to cool.

Graduation day is like stepping into Lindsey Lohan shoes for a few hours. Cameras and flashes are everywhere. You might be a live " La Lohan mess"; but with all the family and faculty present it is important to give the illusion of holding your grey goose together. Pick neutral colors that complement your gown ( browns of blues, plum/mauve for purple, pinks and reds for black), and your natural coloring. 

Choose matte pigments for your eyes, and skin. The matte colors will reduce the appearance of shine. Grad gowns trap in sweat and humidity. Too Faced makes a great "matte eye kit," and eye shadow insurance makeup primer. 

Pack a mini makeup bag to take with you. Include powder, eyeliner, and lipstick.

If you, like me, enjoy standing out in crowd, amp up your academic regalia look with a statement necklace, and bold shoes.

 After all it is your graduation; why not show off your personal style.

Congratulation Grads!

The Eve Before Commencement

Theodore Roosevelt, soldier, explored, and the 26th President of the United States once remarks that: "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."

Friends, teachers, and parents wish for us to have a good life. They want what is good, what is safe, and what is predictable.  A genetic flaw, in our rapid species evolution is the need to protect and cradle our  youth until old age. A mom, never stops being a mom. Our Parents; whom love unconditionally and wish us the  world of safe crosswalks, and friendly neighbors. Our parents; wish to protect us from hurt, heartache, and the scrapes of finding ones foot. As humans we find comfort in bubble-wrapped lives, if not for ourselves then at least for those we love.

Our obsession with protecting our young has already gone to such extremes of boycotting creepy crawlers and easy bake ovens.  Parent groups fought Hasbro toys for safer kid friendly alternatives. Parents protested with love, and good intentions.  While children suffer the ironic consequence of not experiencing the dangers of play.

I loved my easy bake oven-I'm sure I burnt myself half a dozen times, and know that I melted the plastic spatula beyond recognition. My parents never took away my easy bake oven nor the creepy crawler maker. In the long run the common sense I learned from baking mishaps has made me more efficient and creative in the kitchen. What was best for me, was learning to work through the consequence of "owwies."

What is best for you isn't easy, nor consequence free. What is best, (isn't necessarily good), and requires a willingness to dive deep into uncharted waters;  to learn to swim far from the shallow waters.

Teddy Roosevelt's mother dreamt of a profitable career for  her son as a doctor or lawyer. Both good careers. Teddy didn't want a good life, instead he wanted to try for the life of his dreams. On the eve of my academic completion; I pray for the courage to fight for and build the life and career that is best for me. I am strong, smart, sophisticated, and passionate woman, capable of achieving my hearts desires.

Horoscopes: May 7- 13

Happy Monday Ya'll! So I did it. I ran Bloomsday In 1 hour 5 minutes. I happy with time; and my self. I stayed true to my goal of running the entire race only stopping for a quick potty break. I love seeing all the  veteran blooms. Especially those who have Run 'em ALL. 

To all the Bloomsday finishers: You are Winners!

Bloomsday, is an economic stimulus for Spokane that benefits local businesses and charities. This year the economic impact of Bloomsday was over 9.5 million dollars. I am an advocate for supporting local communities, (where ever I find myself.) With good karma in mind: here are your  Georgia Nicols horoscopes for May 7-13. 

Taurus:

This summer you will continue to feel playful and frisky! You'll be interested in sports, the arts and fun times with children. Nevertheless, Venus is going to bring you all kinds of financial opportunities to earn more money or improve your job and make purchases of gorgeous jewelry, clothing and art. (You love to collect treasures.) This summer will also be an excellent time to make financial investments; in fact, all business negotiations will be highly favourable. This makes sense because you're setting up a situation where the next 18 months will boost your earnings. No question. Ka-ching!

Gemini:

Your future is so bright you're gonna need to wear shades! First, we have this unusual situation of Venus being in your sign for more than four months, something that will never again happen in your lifetime. And coinciding with it, in June, lucky moneybags Jupiter enters your sign for the first time since 2001, and it will stay there for a year! (Not too shabby.) Venus, of course, will stimulate your desire to relate to others. That's why you'll be keen to talk to others and co-operate with them this summer. You'll feel super warm and friendly. That's why you'll enjoy a good relationship with family members and siblings. Yay me!

Cancer:

When you think about it, it's easy to confuse pleasure and happiness. But there's a distinction: Pleasure is sensory and temporary (perhaps the joy of eating something delicious or getting a massage or enjoying a fun time), whereas happiness is sustaining, long-lasting and much deeper. This unusual journey of Venus in Gemini is going to promote a deep happiness within you this summer because you will do things that are noble, generous and selfless. (Yeah, yeah, doesn't sound like fun but, in truth, this is where true happiness lies.) Your actions will engender self-respect, which make you love yourself more. You have such a rewarding summer to look forward to!

Leo:

You're going to be so popular this summer, it could be problematic. You might be running around like the White Rabbit muttering, "I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date." For whatever reason, you'll be much more involved with groups: clubs, organizations, small groups or large conferences. You will also be quite involved with friends, enjoying parties, social situations and group outings. (An interesting group outing is when three people come out of the closet at one dinner party.) Lord knows you're burning through cash right now, and it looks like you'll continue to spend big as all these social opportunities urge you to keep pace with what's happening.

Virgo:

Things are looking very good for you because this unusual situation with Venus takes place at the very top of your chart. This means your reputation is shining! People are impressed with you. They see you as attractive, charming, diplomatic and successful. Because you look so good, you might strike up a new friendship or even a new romance with someone older, richer or wiser - perhaps a mentor figure. In addition, others will want your creative advice about design, layout, appearances, colours, composition or any kind of aesthetic dilemma. Suddenly, you're the go-to person. (Enjoy this great PR!) But don't come on too heavy. Explore physical workouts and outdoor sports to use some of your pent-up energy.

Libra:

Perhaps more than any other sign (Taurus is a close second), you adore beauty. You love beautiful clothes, beautiful rooms, beautiful carpets, tables, gardens, patios, libraries, boutiques, linens and fabrics, dishes and stemware - the list is endless. You also love beautiful ideas. (Oscar Wilde and Pierre Trudeau were Librans.) This summer, you will adore travel and meeting unusual people and fascinating circumstances. You'll also enjoy studying and broadening your experiences through the arts, literature, film and seeing museums, parks and gorgeous architectural buildings. You will find a way to feast on exciting ideas and eye-candy experiences that delight you. All this will expand your consciousness. (Like, wow.)

Scorpio:

Lucky you! The heavens have arranged to bring you money. Most definitely, people will give you money this summer (and have probably already done so). In addition, you'll attract favourable opportunities, perks, gifts, loans, mortgages and the offer to use things that others own. You will benefit from the wealth of others. This can be handy because you're so involved in group situations (sports or whatever), you might need an instant clubhouse! Privately, your love life is going to be life-changing. Not only will romance be intense, it will strongly impact your life in a deep way. It will go beyond the mere physical and become a vehicle for self-transformation. (Well, at least a new hairstyle.) Pretty heady stuff!

Sagittarius:

Oh my, you have the good fortune of experiencing a summer wherein all your partnerships and close friendships will delightfully improve. You can count on this. Singles could meet someone "serious." Those of you in existing relationships will find your relationship deepens in an affectionate, friendly way. In part, this is because you find it easy to express your affection to others. (Everyone wants to hear they're loved.) In turn, you will feel warm and gratified when they express their affection to you. Everything is going along so swimmingly, you'll even forgive your enemies. (Just remember their names.) This is an excellent time to settle lawsuits and make peace. This is also an excellent summer to marry or make a commitment to someone. Don't go it alone. Be cozy and friendly!

Capricorn:

Many of you are going to have wonderful health benefits this summer. Perhaps this is due to a new exercise regime or because you'll take up a new sport that benefits your body. Or you may change your diet in a positive way by avoiding eating things that are harmful to you. (You will however, be tempted by sweets and desserts. Just remember: A minute on the lips is a decade on the hips.) Along with improved health, your job is going to improve as well. This is a great time to negotiate with co-workers because they will be co-operative. You might get a raise, or praise or favours from others. You might also get a better budget or better working materials. It's all good.

Aquarius:

You're looking at one of the most fun summers you've possibly ever had. However, disputes about inheritances, shared property, taxes, debt and insurance issues could continue. Nevertheless, your sex drive is strong! Vacations will promise good times. So will sports events, playful times with children and entertaining events: festivals, musical concerts and mini getaways. Love and romance are in the air! Existing romance will be unusually lighthearted and prankish. You will delight in opportunities to express your own creativity. Basically, you'll be having such a good time, unconsciously, you'll just be happy to be who you are. Yup, there's no time like the pleasant.

Pisces:

All Pisceans are going to be happier with their home scene this summer. You might get a new deck, or a new barbecue, or you might change your home to be more attractive. Many of you will certainly be on a decorating kick. Not only will you enjoy your own home personally in a quiet, private way; you'll also enjoy entertaining at home. In other words, you'll have it both ways! It certainly behooves you to improve your home this summer because you're entering an 18-month period where real-estate opportunities are going to be the best they have been for your sign in more than a decade. This means you can buy and sell. It also means you can invest in where you live because you will value whatever you do or buy for years in the future. (How thumb-sucking cozy.)

Aries:

This unusual placement of Venus is going to give you an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of your daily surroundings and also to appreciate - on a daily basis - just how much love there is in your life. This is a wonderful thing because appreciation is one of the most elevating, edifying and inspirational experiences anyone can have. An appreciation for who you are and what you have, especially in your daily environment, is phenomenal! This summer, something will happen to make you feel so very, very fortunate. Naturally, these positive vibes set up a vibration of attracting positive people and favourable circumstances to you. What a great merry-go-round ride!