Good morning!

I hope you will have the best of days.

- E

4 ways (foods) to soothe your aching Belly, By Healthy Bites, SELF Magazine

Tummy ache I loathe.
Whether from that monthly-woman-thing (although for this, midol usually helps but I try not to rely on OTC meds)
or for whatever reason(s).

Here are some remedies I thought would be useful.
I'll try these before reaching for those OTC meds.

Rooibos Tea
Rooibos or redbush comes from a bush that grows in Southern Africa. When it’s steeped it’s golden red and it is caffeine free - since coffee and other caffeinated beverages can imbalance digestion and irritate the intestinal tract. People believe that red bush has the ability to calm stomach cramps because it works as an anti-spasmodic, it has a round and even flavor, and also happens to be high in antioxidants like flavanols. You can find red bush in many flavors in your local grocery store. Its rich yet mellow flavor can be enjoyed hot or chilled as a superb iced tea for summer.

Ginger
Ginger has been found effective in multiple studies for treating nausea caused by seasickness, decreasing the pain of arthritis or even helping ease the pain of chemotherapy. Some uses this as a home remedy against heartburn. Ginger has natural compounds that work as a light analgesic and sedative, and its antibacterial properties make it the right choice to calm stomach pain. Many Asian recipes contain ginger, but if you want a fast way to try it just boil 2 tablespoons of sliced fresh ginger, then add your favorite tea bag.

Cardamom
Cardamom is valued by herbalists for its amazing carminative, stimulant, laxative, calming yet vitalizing properties. It has been prized in ancient Indian medicine and cooking for its ability to improve digestion and has even been used to combat that embarrassing side effect of tummy aches, flatulence! Cooking with cardamom is easy, just use it sparingly since it can be overwhelming. Make yourself a traditional Indian chai tea as a great place to start.

Kefir
Traditional Kefir is a fermented milk product which contains a blended mixture of several live probiotics, instead of just one that you'll find in most commercials yogurts. Some kefirs contain up to 10 different live cultures that can help stimulate digestion. These bacteria can also stop the growth of pathogenic microbes that can be the cause of stomach trouble. Most grocery chains carry kefir and it tastes very similar to your favorite yogurt. Some people use it as a base for their daily morning breakfast smoothie and just add in whatever fresh fruit is available.

This Saturday I am busy having fun.

Surfing
Eating barbeque goods
Shopping at delies
Dreaming of high heeled shoes
and
Loving life





-E

Time is Precious

Anti-War Movement (Vietnam).

Equal Rights Movement.

Alice Waters, pioneered organic foods movement in California cuisine.

Rich history, cultural diversity... that is what makes Berkeley.

This is University of California, Berkeley,

where the Free Speech Movement started in the 60s.

The photo in the middle is the famous entrance into the campus. The image on both ends is the Campanilli - awesome view on the top, you'll see San Francisco.

Far right image: Old meets New

Centuries old buildings. The one in the middle was erected around 1870s.

My 25th.

The party began outside in our garden..


..when it became dark we retreated inside..

..cupcakes followed..

..and we were surrounded by balloons in pastel colours..

..the brothers were happy as..

..and so were all the pretty girls..


.I wore my headpiece and a velvet dress..

..and we danced like crazy for hours and hours!


.Mitch did a split but my camera missed it..


..and the girls hair went completely nineties between songs..


..everybody was so happy and we danced 'til the early hours..

..before it was time to head to the pub.

When I woke up on Sunday my head was hurting and
my feet felt like somebody had driven a tank over them
but it was still one great party!

- E

My Fourth of July

Today is 4th of July.

Two Hundred and Thirty-three years ago, the United States declared Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

To celebrate the United States independence.
And show my appreciation...
I made this:


I like designing my own 4th of July tee (i made better one before).
Don't like those mass produced ones.

Twentyfive years made me appreciate food.

He took me to dinner yesterday to
celebrate my existence for 25 years.
We wined and dined at Amphoras.


I love cava. LOVE. IT.

Patatas bravas con alioli y aceitunas variadas.

Beef carpaccio with rocket, parmesan cheese and crostini.

Rocket salad with walnuts, fresh pears and feta cheese.

We also had fresh bread with olive oil, Croquetas with chicken
and plantain banana, glazed Spanish chorizo and seared scallops
with grilled artichoke and sweet potato cream.

Oh gosh SO good.
I adore tapas. ADORE IT.
And finally I found something that even
remotely reminds me of the Spanish tapas!
It was all so delicious.
We ordered a bit too much though
so for next time (there will be one) we might
just leave out the patatas as they were in fact
a tad too oily. The alioli was delish though!

And I might have to order two portions of
the seared scallops as it was exactly THAT good.
Complete bliss on a plate.

- E