Wake-Up Carrot Juice

Refreshing way to start the day!

Paired with the sweetness of apple and pear, carrots come alive and so will you. Ginger gives this juice its added zing so you can get up and go!

3 carrots
1 pear
1 apple
1 piece ginger (thumb size)
mint leaves

Place all ingredients in a juicer and extract juices into a pitcher. Stir and pour into glasses. Top off with mint leaves. Serves 2

Sept 2: Natural Beauty

Look your best, naturally!

Back to School on the Bus

First day of school for many and first day for me to start my blog. I’ve tried before. But this time I’m hoping that my unedited voice will persevere and speak to the things I’m passionate about. So for 20 minutes, give or take a few, whenever I’m moved to write, I will be jotting my thoughts about living life in hopes of being more balanced, healthy, fulfilled, greener and hopefully happier. That’s what blooming is all about.

Take the bus, for instance. For years I walked out my front door and took a spot on the “bus rock” with my neighborhood buddies. We’d rotate who would stand on the highest point of that piece of granite to catch the first glimpse of yellow as the bus crested the hill to our stop.

At first scary to be on board with older kids, my journey to school soon became second nature as each year I inched my way to the back of the bus. It was “cooler” there and each one of us had to go through this right of passage to grow up.

My mom never piled her three kids into the car and drove us to school. Why? Because there was the bus. Kind of a good system. Once on board, mom had time to get ready and go to work as we were off to another day. On the bus, we had time to catch up on who’s going out with whom, or go over notes with friends for an upcoming test. The bus not only was a convenience for our parents, but it brought us community. It worked on many levels.

Once my kids were old enough to go to school, it was the bus who wisked them off to learn and play each day. The bus stop was at the other end of our cul-de-sac and we had a quarter mile trek to get there. Needless to say, this did not go over well, especially with my older daughter, who saw other kids passing us in their SUV’s and vans, being shuttled to the bus stop or straight on to school .

“We get fresh air and a great stretch first thing in the morning,” was how I responded to her balks. My viewpoint was definitely not popular.

But now that she just started college and has to walk to and fro all of her classes on a sprawling campus, I bet she reflects on those days when mom “made her” get to the bus stop, rain or shine.  Our feet got us to there most days unless there was a downpour or the thermostat dropped to fifteen degrees. My rule, I had to defend many times.

Today we are all thinking greener and the bus only makes sense. Now, the only one bucking the system is my son, just a few days shy of sixteen. I want him to take the bus, but again I’m unpopular. Not cool for a junior. Soon he’ll be getting his license and I know, he’ll want to drive himself to school. My wish is that he invites the other neighborhood kids for the morning ride. The win-win-win I always look for that the bus always provided. Convenience for parents, burning less gas and building stronger bonds with other kids.

Wishing you and your children a safe and happy school year.

Apple Butter Pulled-Pork

I wanted something easy to make the day before a summer barbecue, but don’t like to using processed BBQ sauce.

Lisa, my recipe-trading friend from “forever,” suggested this slow cooked pulled pork recipe using apple butter. For a bit more sweet you can add some apricot preserves but try and find fruit butters and preserves with low or no added refined sugar. The apple butter I used here was organic and the pork “butt” was farm raised. But pork tenderloins work just as well.

3 lbs pork butt or pork tenderloins
1 1/2 cups water
1 medium onion, chopped
3-4 cloves minced garlic
2 cups apple butter
2 cups peeled, cored and sliced apples
salt & pepper to taste

Put all ingredients, except apple butter and apples, in a slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours. After two hours add the apple butter. Add the apple slices for the last hour of cooking. When fully cooked, pork should pull apart very easily and will have absorbed the liquids.

Serves 4 to 6 as sandwiches or over “dirty” brown rice. Can be made one day in advance, reheated and served. If not using a slow cooker, cover and bake at 300 degrees.

Aug 19: Idea to Author

Ever wanted to write a book? Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

Guests: Novelist Maddie Dawson, children’s author Jennifer Covello, executive editor Marry Norris, and author & publisher Stacey Kannenberg

LISTEN on Bloom Talk Radio
Podcast: Aired live August 19, 2010

There’s a book in all of us.  Find out what it takes to go from writing your thoughts on paper to proposal, publisher and promotion. Let’s talk with the experts: successful authors in the self-help, children’s and fiction categories and savvy publishers who know what sells in the bookstores.

Should you go the traditional route and find an agent? How to get the attention of a publisher? What are e-books? When to consider self publishing? What are publishers looking for? How to keep on going and deal with rejection? What needs to be in a book proposal? How to choose a title?

The Stuff that Never Happened by Maddie Dawson

Frittabello and His Angel by Jennifer Covello

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten by Stacy Kannenberg

Books by Globe Pequot Press, Mary Norris-Editorial Director

Green Really is Good: John Shegerian, Eco-preneur

Most good entrepreneurs find a way to make a business successful against the odds.  John Shegerian has managed to do this multiple times in multiple industries – and has managed to infuse each business with a mission to better society, the environment or both!

John is currently the Chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), an Electronic Waste collector and recycler, specializing in the environmentally safe and socially responsible dismantling of electronic items such as computers, televisions and monitors. Under Shegerian’s stewardship, ERI has fast become the Number One recycler of electronic waste in North America!

With ERI, John is realizing the dream of not only leading a green business, but a business that makes dramatic strides in helping the community.  By hiring rehabilitated, formerly incarcerated individuals, John and ERI don’t just lead the nation in recycling electronics – they lead the effort in recycling lives!

John has a remarkable 25 year track record in business. One of his most successful businesses was FinancialAid.com – a site that enabled college bound students an increased opportunity to achieve scholarships to help fund tuition - and he was recently appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve on the Governor’s Gang Advisory Committee, focused on providing the Californie’s top legislators with guidance pertaining to policies geared toward the reduction of gang and youth violence.

And of course there is John’s “Green is Good” mantra.  Passionately espousing the notion that sustainability and environmental responsibility can be good for business,  John is also the creator and host of the “Green is Good” radio show on Clear Channel (www.greenisgood.fm), the top rated green-themed radio program in the United States.

With ERI, John practices what he preaches as well.  ERI is a totally green organization – from the fleet of hybrid vehicles used by the sales team to the electric forklifts used on the shop floor to the methodology used to recycle the hundreds of tons of electronic waste that pass through the company’s doors.  Even the furniture used in house is made from recycled materials.

John is also the founder of 1-800-Recycling.com, which provides nationwide outreach to help users find recycling locations nearest to them (every zip code in the country is covered) for whatever it is they wish to recycle.  Through its iPod App, www.1800Recycling.com website and 1-800-Recycling phone service, users are directed to responsible recyclers of electronics, tires, oil, paint, glass, plastic, wood, mattresses, carpet, junk – almost anything that can be recycled.

Driven by his commitment to innovate and develop companies that benefit and inspire others and are socially responsible, John is a success story on multiple levels and an inspiration to all those in business who wish to succeed while benefiting the planet and the people who live on it!

LISTEN: John Shegerian on Bloom Talk Radio: How did they do it?

Green is Good Radio

Vali’s No-Sugar Chocolate Shake

If you love chocolate, try this healthy smoothie that’s more like a milk shake without the dairy or the sugar!

8 oz hemp seed milk or almond milk
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
frozen banana (peel banana first before freezing!)
Optional:  Tablespoon bee pollen

Good Start Rice (or Quinoa) Pudding Breakfast

Great way to make leftover grains disappear. Guests love my breakfast pudding as a yummy, healthy start to the day!

Use quinoa for extra protein. I love almond milk for a creamy non-dairy treat!

2 cups cooked basmati rice or quinoa
1/2 cup milk or rice, soy, or almond milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
pinch of sea salt
1/4 cup plus extra maple syrup
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup raisins or blueberries
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Toasted unsweetened coconut

Cook your grain of choice, rice or quinoa, according to package directions - I usually use leftovers from the night before. In a medium skillet on medium heat, add grain and toss with milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until much of the milk is absorbed. Add maple syrup, walnuts, raisins or berries. Toss to heat until liquid is fully absorbed being careful not to scorch. Remove from heat and add in vanilla.

Place in individual bowls. Drizzle with additional maple syrup if desired and sprinkle with toasted coconut. I add extra fruit on top, such as raspberries, peaches, pitted cherries, and serve in a pool of warm milk. Serves two.

Aug 12: How Did They Do It? Go Green, Follow a Passion, Healthy Lifestyle

Three amazing people who are blooming and making the world, and themselves, healthier and happier!

Guests: John Shegerian radio show host of Green is Good, Dallas Woodburn author and publisher, and Valerie Bennis founder of Essence of Vali natural healing blends.

LISTEN on Bloom Talk Radio
Podcast: Aired live Aug 12, 2010

Go Green - Our first guy to recognize as a bloomer! John is driven by his commitment to benefit and inspire others to be socially responsible. As head of Electronic Recyclers International, he’s not afraid to “bloom” and tirelessly works for recycling efforts and green change. He can be heard on the Clear Channel radio network as the co-host of the immensely popular and informative show, Green is Good. More

Follow a Passion - “I published my first book, There’s a Huge Pimple On My Nose, when I was in fifth grade. The teachers in my elementary school asked me to speak to their classes about how I pursued my dream of publishing a book. At the beginning of my talk, I asked the kids if any of them were interested in writing, and a few shy hands raised. In contrast, at the end of my talk when I asked the same question, nearly all the hands in the class shot up.” Read On

Healthy Lifestyle - “It seems like a lifetime ago that I was smoking cigarettes, drinking sugar free soda and rarely exercising.  That was my lifestyle when I was in my 20s.  By the time I was in my later 30s, I had started exploring natural healing modalities, like massage therapy, Reiki, aromatherapy, homeopathy, nutrition, supplements, exercise, etc.  There wasn’t anything in particular that sparked this transition – simply a desire to look and feel my best.” Read On

Her Journey to Natural Healing and a Healthy Lifestyle

It seems like a lifetime ago that I was smoking cigarettes, drinking sugar free soft drinks and rarely exercising.  That was my lifestyle when I was in my twenties.  By the time I was in my later thirties, I had started exploring natural healing modalities, like massage therapy, Reiki, aromatherapy, homeopathy, nutrition, supplements, exercise, etc.  There wasn’t anything in particular that sparked this transition – simply a desire to look and feel my best.

As I embarked on the healthy lifestyle path more and more, I felt disconnected from my corporate job in the advertising industry.  I longed to inspire other people to follow a healthy lifestyle and to create products that would help them feel better, naturally.  Sixteen years ago, I decided to focus on the study of plant essences.  They were so versatile in their healing properties and capabilities.

For the next four years I studied with different teachers and learned as much as I could about these amazing plant essences.  I then created a home based business and formulated products for individual people.  Ten years ago, I left my corporate job and launched my line, under the brand name Essence of Vali (Vali is my nick name).

It is important for people to realize that the body care products they use should be natural.  Otherwise they are introducing chemicals into their bodies that are potentially harmful.  I always tell people, “What you put on your skin goes in”.

At this point in my life, I follow a very healthy lifestyle.  I rarely drink alcohol – a glass of wine on special occasions is it.  The foods I eat are NOT processed.  Every day, I have a large salad with different veggies, sunflower and chia seeds, with a can of sardines.  I eat simply and never large portions.  I weigh the same now as I did when I was in my twenties.  In terms of exercise – 3 times per week aerobics and weight lifting.  One day per week, I take a restorative yoga class.  I also never drink soda or coffee – water is my main drink.  Green drinks are also very powerful and effective for staying healthy.

My physical body is very well taken care of with diet and exercise.  In terms of my psychological and spiritual well being, I attend a Buddhist mediation class on Sunday, do restorative yoga and lead a life balanced between work and play.

Health on all levels is a gift we can give to ourselves.  Each day, we make that choice through decisions we make on what goes in and on our body.  It is my hope to live in a world where people truly honor the temple of their bodies in a loving way each day.

In health, beauty and wellness,

Vali

LISTEN: Vali on Bloom Talk Radio

Valerie Bennis, founder and creator of Essence of Vali natural healing blends, is committed to each and every person’s health and well being and believes it is preferable to use the gift of nature in achieving this. Her products have won industry recognition for their fragrance, effectiveness and appeal to men, women and children of all ages. They are 100% natural using the healing energy of plants for health and well being. Essence of Vali

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