Aspen Grove

Beautiful Aspen Grove in Colorado

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Lavender Field

Lavandula

Echinacea

Also known as Purple Coneflower

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Crockpot Oatmeal

I'm not a big fan of oatmeal, except oatmeal cookies... and oats in granola.  For some reason, I like my oats crispy.  I saw a couple of recipes for crock pot oatmeal though and thought I 'd give it a try since I'm trying to eat healthier.  On my junk food run to Target last night, they had one box of Steel Cut Oats left and I grabbed it. You have to use steel cut oats, or the mush will just disintegrate. They look like little brown pellets but of course swell up nicely when cooking and have a great texture.

So here's how to make the oatmeal:

Get your crock pot and in no particular order, put in:

1 C Steel Cut Oats
3 C water
1 C half and half
2 Tbs Butter cut up
1 tsp Salt
1Tbsp Cinnamon
2 Tbsps or more of Brown Sugar
Fruit of your choice:
I put in 3/4 of a large peeled, chopped apple
Dried cranberries would also be good
Nuts, if you like

That's it. Easy Peasy.  Cook on low for 8 hours.  Wake up to yummy smelling and tasting oatmeal.
Don't laugh about the half and half.  It really gives it a richer taste and I feel eating all these oats will counteract any harmful effects of milk and sugar. :)

Let me know what you use in your crock pot oatmeal and we'll give it a try.!


Yeah, I haven't given up coffee either and probably won't.


Saturday, March 1, 2014

Tai Chi

Many years ago  when I was a young Grasshopper, I took Shaolin Kung Fu in Atlanta at the Atlanta Area Shaolin Center with Sifu Michael Reid (Now Master Reid).  I loved it.  Martial arts is such a great way to get in shape and relax. While there, I also took Tai Chi.  People look at folks going through the Tai Chi and think it's an old person's yoga or something.  However, it involves breathing techniques, focus and builds bone mass.
Part of my studies in Chinese Medicine has brought Tai Chi back to my attention.  I suffer from severe rheumatoid arthritis and various other things which has made me interested in alternative medicine in the first place.  I started watching my old tai chi video but it's just not the same as being with a teacher and getting constructive help along the way.
I've been driving past Parker Kung Fu center for a year now and never stopped in.  Chris (my son) and I went by after breakfast this morning.  WOW!  Sifu Wayne was amazing and got me out on the mat and put me through some tai chi right away. Then I got Chris to come inside and Sifu showed him some basic Chen Na and then we all did tai chi some more.   I signed Chris up for Kung Fu and I'm going to start Tai Chi in April.
I guess I've always been a Kung Fu geek. The boys and I love to watch Ip Man movies.  Kung Fu is just so healthy for your body and your spirit.  I'm glad my son wants to do this and I can't wait to get started on my road to health!