Sunday, December 30, 2007

Almost Happy New Year!

I have really enjoyed the time off from our regular routine! We've been playing video games, eating way too much and sleeping to 8:30! I've really been enjoying my classes lately, more than usual. My students are wanting more challenging classes and I'm happy to oblige. I'm seeing tremendous gains in their strength and flexability. I'm surprised at how much I've improved over the past 6 months. I'm making an effort to set my resolution for the new year now. I'm resolving to not think or speak negative thoughts. I believe that negativity eats up our positive energy and we "fester" over things longer than we should. Join me in making one resolution that can really make a difference in your life.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Let it snow!!

A view inside my back yard door.
A view out my back yard door.




How awesome!!! I love a great snow!~ Get your gear on and go outside and play!









Friday, December 14, 2007

Gratitude

I was really touched after class today. Many of my students came up to tell me how much they loved my class and my style of teaching. I am very humbled and so appreciative of the opportunity to help others, as I have been given the gift of yoga as well. I really love teaching, and it shows. If your heart isn't in something you're doing, try to figure out why? Ask yourself a question "If I had to do it all over, would I do this again?" If it's your job, first be thankful that you have one! Second, realize that sometimes one has to work for a living and find really fulfilling hobbies to increase one's sense of satisfaction in life. If you're thinking of changing your job or field, take time to really think through your options. Spend some quiet time reflecting on your state of self. Make a goal list and start working toward it today! Remember that being healthy and fit are a lifestyle choice not a diet or a routine!

Peace and light~ Tricia

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

News

Why do they call it "news"? It seems to be more like "tonight's depressing spiral of moral decay." I think the media is creating the "mass murder super star syndrome". Our society need to refocus on positive information, and inspiring stories. Maybe more people will be inspired to do good in our world.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

A good day for Chicken soup!

Both boys are home sick today! I caught whatever cold Alex has, so I feel just lovely! I'm making a big pot of chicken soup, with a whole head of garlic! I finally got the Christmas lights on the outside of the house, and almost all the shopping done! Find my chicken soup recipe onthe Nov 9th posting.

I made a batch of almond crescent cookies, we ate the whole batch in 2 days! The recipe is really easy, here it is:


2 sticks unsalted butter
2/3 cups sifted powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
1 1/2 t vanilla extract
1 T almond extract
1 1/3 c finely chopped almonds
2 1/2 c sifted all-purpose flour

preheat oven to 350, line baking sheet with parchment.
Cream butter and 2/3 cup of sugar until fluffy.
Beat in extract, then add almonds. Stir in flour and beat until well mixed.

Roll into crescent shapes about 2" long and place on baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let cool and roll in powdered sugar.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Spirt of giving

The boys had the pleasure of really giving something back. Our church has trees with gift tags attached. They received information from 15 Detroit area charities, including shelters and a veterans service center. The boys each chose a tag, with the age and description of what the child would like for Christmas. They went shopping and chose items for the children, and paid for the gifts from their own money that they earned. They were so excited to be able to help another child. It really warmed my heart to see them learn to think about another person who is in need. Look past your own needs and find a way to help another person.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Crispy Bread Recipe

Begin this dough the night before you want to eat it.
You will need a 6-8 quart heavy covered pot, such as a cast iron or Pyrex for this recipe.

3 cups all purpose flour (*I use organic bread flour)
1/4 t instant yeast or 1/2 t active yeast
1/1/4 t kosher salt
1 1/2 c water

olive oil as needed

Mix flour, yeast, salt then add water. Mix until blended, dough will be rough and shaggy (sticky too). Place dough in oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest up to 18 hours at room temperature. When surface is dotted with bubbles, it's ready.

Place dough on floured surface, sprinkle with flour. Fold the dough over on itself once or twice. Cover and let it rest 15 minutes.

Sprinkle flour on surface and fingers, grab dough and form a ball quickly and gently. Place on clean cotton (non-terry) floured kitchen towel, seam side down. Cover with another towel.
Let it rest 2 hours.

After 1 1/2 hours, put pot in oven with cover on, preheat oven to 475.

After oven is preheated and dough is ready, remove top towel from bread.
Remove pot from oven, remove lid, slide hand under towel and gently place dough in pot (you will almost roll the dough off the towel), shaking gently to spread it evenly.

Put lid on, put the pot back in oven for 30 minutes, remove top and bake for 15 to 30 minutes more until the top is golden brown.

Place it on a plate, let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully cut it, steam comes out really fast and hot!

Serve with Manchego cheese, fresh butter, soup and or salad.