Lex's Book Club: Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz

Book Club

This month I have been reading this great book Odd Apocalypse.  It is a series of 10 books there are three more books after this one.  I've read all of them up to this point.  The books are about a guy named Odd Thomas.  His parents actually really named him Odd.  He is special because he sees dead people.  The dead people come to him to help them with problems they had on Earth so they can move on to the next place.  The great thing about Dean Koontz books is that he is really descriptive so you can really picture these other worldly scenes in your mind making them all intense, sad, uplifting, profound, and grateful for your nice simple life.  Odds character is super likable.  He is witty and smart.  I've enjoyed every single one of these books.  

Odd Apocalypse is pretty creepy.  It's another adventure of Odd Thomas trying to help one of the dead while putting himself in danger.  This book is filled with adventure, mystery, and occasionally some profound insight on the way of the world.  If you are a reader this one is great to read.  I'd start at the very beginning of the series.  It's called Odd Thomas.

If you aren't a reader well lucky you there is a movie you can watch.  It's on Amazon prime for all you movie watchers.  I obviously recommend the book because lets face it, the books are always better.  I hope you all enjoy the Odd Thomas series as much as I have.  Enjoy!

Good Talk!!

   

What's For Dinner? Lentil Soup and an Herb Salad with a Creamy Lemon Dressing

Spring has finally sprung!  Hooray! Hooray!  Spring is one of my very favorite seasons.  I love the longer days and the way the sun has started to peek at me through my windows in the early morning waking me up to the birds morning songs.  

Spring weather is some of my favorite weather, its crisp and cool in the morning, sunny and warm in the afternoon, and crisp and cool in the evenings making it great weather for a nice hearty soup.  Of course summer is just right around the corner so naturally we are all trying to get rid of some of our winter weight so we can look good in short shorts and tank tops.  

This lentil soup and herb salad is yummy, filling, and so healthy.  Lentils are high in proteins, great for the heart, and is great for your digestive system.  I found that this herb salad is really great as a side to this soup with a nice big chunk of bread.  Thanks dinnerwasdelicious.com and bhg.com for these great recipes.  Enjoy!!

Lentil Soup

• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 Yellow Onion
• 4 Carrots
• 4 stalks Celery
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 Cups Lentils
• 1 tbsp Cumin
• 2 qt Vegetable Broth
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 2 whole sprigs Thyme
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Serves: 6-8

Set a large, dry dutch oven over medium heat and drop in the Garlic cloves with their peels still on. Let them toast for a few minutes on each side, until the skins are browned and fragrant, and set aside.
Roughly chop the Onion, Carrots, and Celery. Add the Olive Oil to the dutch oven and saute until browned and tender.
Peel and smash up the Garlic and add it back to the pot, along with the Lentils and Cumin. Cook for a few seconds, until the lentils are nicely coated in oil. Empty the Broth into the pot and add the Bay Leaf and whole sprigs of Thyme. Simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Fish out the Bay Leaf and Thyme.

Season with Salt and Pepper and serve piping hot. We like this soup all on its own, but it’s kind of amazing with a little extra . Stir in some spinach or add a little diced ham and definitely serve it with a big side of hearty whole grain bread or cheesy croutons.

Herb Salad

Finely shredded peel and juice from 2 medium lemons

3

cloves garlic, minced

2

teaspoons Dijon-style mustard

1/2

cup olive oil

1/2

cup sour cream

2

medium heads butterhead lettuce, torn, or 6 to 8 cups mixed baby salad greens

1 1/2

cups assorted fresh herbs, such as chives, basil, parley, or mint, torn

12

radishes, thinly sliced

Directions

1. For dressing, in bowl combine lemon peel and juice, garlic, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in oil until thickened. Whisk in sour cream.
2. Toss together lettuce and herbs; transfer to serving platter. Top with sliced radishes; pass dressing. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

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GOOD TALK!!

A Few Ways to Show Yourself Some Love

Self Love is the Best Love

A couple of months ago I was sitting on my couch feeling drained, ugly, resentful, and any other word you can think of that is negative.  I was feeling sorry for myself.  Life is hard man.  Relationships are hard, raising kids is hard, having a career is hard, trying to keep up with everything is just hard. This is more than just a bad day, this is a day that I am self reflecting on how hard everything is. 

Recently I've been reading a lot of self empowering books and blogs and one of the things that seems to be reoccurring advice is to stop focusing on the problems and start to focus on some solutions.  So as I was sitting there on the couch with a pint of ice cream, a binger, and a bad attitude I started to wonder what I could do to help myself turn my mind around and realize that nothing in my life is too hard.  

Suddenly at that moment I noticed my toenails.  Let's just say I haven't had a pedicure in a LONG time.  Then I noticed my hairy legs, my eyebrows, my messy pony tail,  now of course these things could've made me open another pint of ice cream and go to town but like I said before, I am trying to focus on solutions instead of self pity and problems and that's when a lightbulb went off in my head, I have been so caught up in taking care of the family that I have seriously neglected myself.  It's no wonder I've been feeling down and out.  

I put the ice cream and the binger down and went straight to my bathroom and ran myself a bath.  I soaked with a big cup of ice water, I put a honey mask on,  I scrubbed my body with a salt scrub, I gave myself a mani and a pedi, I waxed my brows and my lip, I sat in silence and took some time to meditate.  I made sure everyone in the family knew that they had better NOT disturb me OR ELSE!!  

When I was done loving myself I felt so good!  I've made this a weekly routine now.  I've been staying true to my work out routine, counting calories, and now this self love routine, I've never felt better!   As women we carry a large load on our shoulders.  We are naturally maternal and want to take care of everything and everyone and often times forget about taking care of ourselves.  Taking time out for ourselves to love ourselves is empowering and it feels so good.  

Here are some ideas for self love.

A feel good bath

Photo credit: creatingabetterlife.net

I use Epsom Salts, essential oil (I suggest bergamot because it is an uplifting scent), and baking soda because it is good for detoxing the body as well as beneficial for the skin.  

My friend April turned me onto pure magnesium flakes which you can just sprinkle right into the bath. 

 Magnesium is really good for you, It's good for parathyroid function, boosts the bio-availability of vitamin B6, improves muscle functions, prevents osteoporosis, insomnia, constipation, and migraines.  Don't forget to bring an ice cold rag to drape over your head in the bath to help get rid of some of the heat from the hot water.

Dry Brushing

While the bath is filling up I use a dry brush on my skin and lymphatic system.   

What is lymph? The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a clear, colorless fluid containing white blood cells that helps rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. 

 Dry brushing the skin cleans the lymphatic system, removes dead skin layers, Strengthens the immune system, stimulates the hormone and oil glands, Tones the muscles, stimulates the circulatory system, and reduces cellulite.  To dry brush start at your feet and work your way up.   Note: Stroking away from your heart can put extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and over time may lead to ruptured vessels and varicose veins.  

You don't have to dry brush too hard. Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the soles of the feet. Don’t overdo it, remember this is not tile or grout but a living organ!  If you are experiencing health problems you should ask your doctor before dry brushing. 

Face Mask

After I'm done dry brushing I get out whatever I'm using for a face mask.  Sometimes I make a raw honey mask which is just raw honey slathered on my face, sometimes I use an avocado lemon mask, my sweet friend Heather just turned me on to a coconut oil baking soda face mask.  

She says it works like a champ and it has been approved by her dermatologist.  

Salt Scrub

I made a homemade body scrub out of olive oil and epsom salt. 

 I know I dry brushed before I got into the bath but I like using this scrub as well because the oils are good for the skin and I love shaving after using the scrub.  It makes my legs silky smooth. 

The bath is a great time to try out some of those accupressure points!! (Refer to the blog Bad day)

Drink Water NOT Booze

I know it is tempting to drink wine or beer in the bath but I assure you to get the full benefits of this self love a nice big glass of ice water is the best! 

 You actually sweat under water so you want to stay hydrated to prevent a headache and dehydration.

I hope you enjoy loving yourself as much as I do!!  Hey, if you need something to listen to while you're taking your bath, check out our show.  Scroll down and push play.  Thanks for listening and for sharing with your friends.

Good Talk!

Spring "Break"?!

It’s that time again…you know the time when the public school system punishes you by taking a week break!  If you’re like me, you may be wondering what the hell am I gonna do with these jerks for a week that’s more productive than Mindcraft?! Search no further, I’m here to help….well me and Spoonful.com.  I mean if you haven’t checked this website out already, get on it. Chances are there are several kids in your neighborhood that may be hangin at su casa, so here’s a list of some games that can be played with a group of kids:

1. Spring Scavenger Hunt.  Things are always blooming here in the tropics, but for the mainland the popcorn just started popping(LDS Primary reference…).  You can make a list, with the kids help, of different sounds that maybe happening due to warmer weather, or even some plants and animals that are making their season debut.
   
2. Target Practice.  I know that with my kids, aim is always a good skill to have.  Whether you’re going to expect your kid to be able to nail a zombie with a headshot in the future, or become an amazing athlete, aiming is key.  This game is right up that alley.  Fill some plastic bags with sand/dirt to make your homemade lawn dart, then use a hula hoop or rope to make a target.  Voila, instant fun!  This game could also be played with soccer balls, basketballs, etc if making the lawn darts isn’t your thing!
   photo credit: Family Fun Magazine
3. Hula Hoop Game.  You may have played this before in your youth, it’s a classic.  Get the kids all in a line to hold hands. Then give the first person in line a hula hoop.  The object of this game is to pass the hoop down the line without breaking the “chain”.  Maybe add a couple hoops to really challenge their ability to work together and solve problems.
   photo credit: Family Fun Magazine
4. Marshmallow Launch! This one seems super fun, and chances of having marshmallows lingering are slim due to the deliciousness of them!!  You can make a launcher with stuff you have lying around your house, i.e. balloon, solo cup, scissors & mini marshmallows.  My kids love throwing and shooting stuff at each other, so this seems like a win!
   photo credit: Spoonful.com

There’s more games online at spoonful.com, but these seemed to most appealing to me.  I’m totes going to try them for my kids.  There’s also the subject of prizes for the winner and loser, with spring break also being a time for “spring cleaning” I figure that the winner can choose their job for the day, and the loser gets what’s left over!!  This way everybody wins….the kids get some fun games to play and mom gets a clean house. With all these activities, those offspring will be crashing out at night, can’t argue with that logic!  

I also like to use the time off for spring break to get the kids in to the dentist, or in for an annual checkup.  Not the most popular with the kids, but this way you don’t have to take them out of school as much during the year.  I know Hawaii is super particular with attendance… We will definitely be visiting our favorite hair stylist at Vanity Salon.  Either way you utilize your break with the kids, take a time out and enjoy some Lex and Mais!  It’s about time we all lighten up, ya dig?!

Good Talk!

What's For Dinner? Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Bell Peppers

Photo credit: Nikicooks.blogspot.com

I recently got this delicious recipe off of pinterest.  The blogs name is yummyrecipes.blogspot.com and that is correct it is YUMMY! We eat a mostly vegetarian diet and this recipe calls for roast beef.  I just replaced the roast beef with a soy meat option and it worked out perfectly.  I love a good Philly Cheesesteak sandwich on a bun, but this idea to put it in a bell pepper is a great alternative to using bread in case you are a calorie counter.  I made some homemade french fries to go with it.  Everyone in the house LOVES this recipe!  ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. Thinly Sliced Roast Beef

8 Slices Provolone Cheese

2 Large Green Bell Peppers

1 Medium Sweet Onion

6 oz. Baby Bella Mushrooms

2 Tbs. Butter

2 Tbs. Olive Oil

1 Tbs. Garlic – Minced

Salt and Pepper – to taste

(2 Tbs. Peace and Love)

DIRECTIONS

Slice peppers in half lengthwise, remove ribs and seeds.

Slice onions and mushrooms.  Saute over medium heat with butter, olive oil, minced garlic and a little salt and pepper.  Saute until onions and mushroom are nice and caramelized.  About 25-30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400*

Slice roast beef into thin strips and add to the onion/mushroom mixture.  Allow to cook 5-10 minutes

Line the inside of each pepper with a slice of provolone cheese. 

Fill each pepper with meat mixture until they are nearly overflowing.

Top each pepper with another slice of provolone cheese.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown. 

Serve and Enjoy!!

WTF is a calorie anyways?

I recently read a blog that my sweet friend Lela shared on facebook by Sophieology called 1200 calories.  It starts with her saying "I don't know why 1200 managed to be the magic number of calories women should consume if they want to lose weight."  I have always had a quick metabolism and frankly I have never thought about counting my calories up until I read this blog.  Yea, yea go ahead and punch your computer screen in hopes that it will reach my face, but burning fat is not my main motive here it's building muscle.  I've been doing some strength training and frankly I've noticed that I am losing weight in all the wrong places like my booty and my boobies.  Im trying to get a bigger booty here not a flatter one.  

After reading this blog I decided to count my calories for the day and see where I was at.  The first day I counted my calories I was only at 690.  While I was counting my calories up I was forced to see what I was eating during the day and to be honest I wasn't real impressed with myself.  Breakfast is the hardest meal for me to be stoked about eating but I am realizing that if I skip breakfast there is no way I can reach that 1200 calorie goal.  The next day I felt like all I did was eat which is perfect for me because I LOVE FOOD!  I made an effort to make sure that I was eating good things that would help to build the body I so desire.  I went from 690 calories to 1500 and I've got to tell you I felt so GOOD!  My body was loving me for all the wonderful foods that I was fueling it with, my work out was quite a bit easier and I had the energy to keep up with all of the many things a mother has got to be keeping up with.  After about a week of keeping track of my calories, eating healthy food, and not skipping any meals I've began to notice my mood has changed. I have way more energy and I've been able to lighten up about small things like people putting the empty milk jug back in the fridge or certain said children putting their clothes next to the laundry hamper.  

I thought it might be helpful to share what a 1200 calorie day looks like.  I certainly had no idea and any ideas are always welcome to me.  I got this great free app called livestrong.  It counts and keeps track of your caloric intake for you whether your goal is to eat less calories or more.  It asks you a few different questions and then helps you set goals.  I want to gain at least 1 pound a week with an active lifestyle of working out 3 to 4 times a week.  It suggests that I eat 2,096 calories a day. I was like HOLY SHIT!  That's a lot of eating.  If counting calories and eating a bunch of healthy foods can help me gain some weight I bet sure as shit it can help anyone else to lose some weight too.   Livestrong tracks your calories, your exercise and your water.  This app lets you keep a diary so you can look back and see if you are reaching your goals and there is a community so you can get ideas and inspiration from other people.    Building muscle feels so good.  It's amazing how different your perspective is when your body is getting the fuel it needs.  It's a whole new you.  Here is one of my days eating around 1200 calories maybe a bit more but never less.  

Breakfast 

One serving of Hemp Protein shake with whole milk 270 Calories

One serving oatmeal with butter 260 Calories

Lunch

One Serving Veggie Pad Thai 490 Calories

Dinner

one serving cheddar broccoli soup 240 calories, two servings mixed green salad with feta 110 Calories

The total calories for this days worth of meals is 1,370.  I was listening to a podcast called The Splendid Table with Lynne Rossetto Kasper and she had a nutritionist on the show who gave what I thought was the best advice.  She lives by this rule when it comes to meal planning. For breakfast you eat like a king, lunch you eat like a queen, and dinner you eat like a pauper.  It makes sense to me because food is your fuel for the day.  Your breakfast will give you the energy to get through the first part of the day then your lunch gives you the energy to finish out the day and dinner gives you the energy you need to dream and rest.  A big dinner doesn't really make sense because you're not burning a lot of calories at night.  The hardest thing about counting calories and even just eating healthy on a daily basis is time.  Some days there just isn't enough time to make all three meals plus a snack during the day and it is quicker and easier to just heat something up or go through the drive thru.  I am working on a future blog of make ahead meals that are based on calories and healthy eating for both veggies and meaties alike.  That is soon to come and hopefully will help us all with the time issue.  My friend Cristi Hall and her friends came up with such a great meal swap idea.  I will get the details of how it works and get back to you all with that information too.  Healthy eating isn't the easiest at first whether you are trying to lose weight or gain weight both have their challenges, but what I am now experiencing is that I just feel so good right now.  I am loving this new hobby!  Why not check out our podcast while you eat?  It's a good one!!

Good Talk!

Baby On Board

Photo Credit: www.core77.com

So, just so everyone is clear on this law…..it is illegal to leave a baby unattended in your vehicle.  You would think that in the year 2014 people shouldn’t have to be reminded of this common sense stuff, but they do.  The other day, as I was walking back to my car from breakfast at Da Zoo(which is pretty much amazing…) I walked past a parked car, with the windows up and a little baby sleeping in the back seat.  I immediately channeled my M.J. and moon walked to get a closer look.  Was that a real sleeping baby in there, and was she really all alone?  The answer to that is yes.  I was in shock.  

My ten year old was with me and was as well confused.  With my jaw dropping stance, another passer byer(I realize this isn’t a real word, but it works) also caught a glimpse of this mind blowing situation and promptly took action.  Keep in mind that this car is parked on a main road in Paia, which has turned in to a tourist hot spot.  Tourist being some of the worst drivers in the world, and it’s been raining all day so the odds are further against them. After a couple failed attempts in the store to look for the baby abandoning parent and twenty minutes later, we decided to call the cops.  They ran the plates, got the name of the owner, called her over the intercom inside the store and she came running out.  I would say that baby was left in the car for at least a half hour.  I left soon after, so I’m not sure what the cop did or had to say to her about her actions, but I can tell you that he was pretty pissed when he first rolled up onto the scene.

I understand running into the gas station, the post office, a friend’s house etc.  I mean I am a mother of two and spent most of their baby days on the road, so it’s not like I haven’t left a sleeping baby in the car.  However, it’s only for those quick run in situations, never on a busy road, and with plenty of ventilation.  Not to mention a 7 pound Chihuahua to protect them.

                                                                        Mean eh?!

The grocery store though?!  Come on people, it’s not rocket science.  These days you can’t even leave a dog in the car with the windows up. This particular law in Hawaii states anything over five minutes is grounds for penalty(http://www.kidsandcars.org/userfiles/state-laws/hawaii-state-law.pdf).  It as well informs that a child is considered anyone under the age of nine.....just FYI.

Now, like I said before, I’ve left my kids in the car several times.  As my son pointed out to me yesterday, I still leave them in the car.  I think there are legitimate reasons to leave the kids “unattended” in the car, and some that are just asinine.  For example….

1. I’m at the gas station and my card won’t read, or like most people on this island I only have cash, so I run inside to pay for my fuel…LEGIT!

2. I’m at the bar, and minors aren’t allowed.  I had a terrible day and need a couple glasses of wine to unwind, so I decide to run on in and indulge….ASININE!

3. I’m leaving the house and I realize that I forgot my phone(heaven forbid anyone should leave their phone at home these days…) so I run inside to grab it, maybe a couple other things I forgot, I’m only human…..LEGIT!

4. I’ve got to run into the grocery store, I’m parked on a busy street in the rain and my baby is sleeping, it shouldn't take me long to grab a couple staples….WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU?????

I realize what a pain errands with kids can be.  I’m a single mom, and leaving them at home hasn’t always been an option, I get it.  Kids are jerks plain and simple, and when you take them on errands they can make you want to break some other laws like beating them in public.  But let's use some common sense here, and not put yourself into a situation where your kids can be taken away.  It's not worth the quiet trip into the store.

If you're one of these people.....slap yo-self!!  Then listen to the show below, because everyone could use a little lightening up!!  Good Talk!