So Thanksgiving went off without a hitch! I was quite pleased with the joint efforts of Ben and me at creating a completely home cooked feast made with love (and without dairy, gluten or processed sugar on my part). The best and worst part about this type of holiday feasting are the leftovers that keep on giving... Ay!
I was so excited playing hostess that the photos are very, unfortunately blurry. I can't do it all. Oh well, there's always Christmas! (which btw is in T-25 days- which will be spent in (hopefully) warm and sunny LA).

What started as a bunch of fresh veggies turned into incredibly tasty stuffing. Complete with Red Chard, Celery, Carrots, Apples and Chestnuts.

The crowd fave seemed to be these Roasted, Toasty and Sweet Brussel Sprouts. This has been one of our repeat moves every Thanksgiving that Ben and I have shared together. Easy breezy: halve sprouts, lay on baking sheet, drizzle over olive oil, pure maple syrup, salt and almonds (optional)- and bake for 45-60 min. at 350. Bam.

The sacrificial turkey was quite a treat too, and one that Ben and I were extremely proud of. Brined overnight in a saltwater-maple syrup concoction with oranges, cloves and cinnamon, big T was super moist and perfectly cooked- not to mention artfully carved by Ben. The encouraging thing was- no one got severely hit with the sleepy effect right after the meal, at least not obviously. In fact, Ben and his bros were up til nearly midnite playing silly games, while I enjoyed girl time with Bea- which on Thanksgiving night is quite the distance. No sinking feeling afterward is what all my meals are about--- even during the holidays!

I thoroughly enjoyed Thanksgiving weekend, and found it hard to get over it on this frigid Monday... Hopefully the week zooms by!
xoS

Staying in is the new going out... well, for the most part. At least home is where the heart is. I sure love nesting indoors with my fav boys- esp. when it's frigid out. Give a thoughtful gift this season with these fab and affordable home accessories!

Handmade bamboo grow pot with lacquered lid (all-natural lacquer, btw) that becomes drainage saucer. Includes certified organic basil seeds. Also avail in Parsley at EcoShop! $20.

Double-walled thermal porcelain with silicone top masquerading as a paper coffee cup, this eco-friendly alternative to disposable cups won't burn your hands but still keep your bevs hot. (Big ups to my coworker Erin for using hers everyday!). Available at MoMa Design Store and a bunch of other places: $15-20.

A year supply of sustainable bamboo toothbrushes with the months printed on the handle to remind you when to switch them out. 4 toothbrushes in set (but you already knew you should change your toothbrush every three months, right?).
Izola, $12.50.

A delightful and artful rendition of the classic mini milk carton, this durable glass creamer is a whimsical reminder of cafeteria lunches. Uncommon Goods, $14.

This Gourmet salad kit comes in circular tin and includes seeds for assorted greens, bunch onions, pencil carrots and bite-size tomatoes. Pencil and cultivation/recipe booklet included. Olive Barn, $14.99.

This tree kit includes the tree seed, organic growing medium, bonsai scissors, and directions. Comes in recycled steel grow box and is wrapped in ribbon made from recycled plastic bottles. Available in assorted specimens including Japanese Black Pine, Gardenia, and The Grey Elm- Uncommon Goods, $30.

Tis the season for staying cozy indoors!
xoS

The feeling of coming home to find a CSA box dropped off outside my door is comparable to receiving my goods from  indulgent online shoe shopping- only a splurge on local veggies and fruits is a truly guilt-free and long-term-happiness-inducing indulgence. What timing! This box included all the right stuff for a perfectly balanced, healthy, delicious, nutritious and colorful Thanksgiving feast that Ben and I are preparing for some special guests. The menu will include all the fixings like potatoes, sweet potatoes, cornbread, cranberry sauce, mushroom gravy- complete with a (sustainably raised, vegetarian fed) stuffed 13 pounder of a bird from a Bay Area farm; incidentally all will be as gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free as possible--- not that anyone has to know. Just saying. (Well, except for the dessert- which I'm not in charge of, not to mention, the vino).

I'm so thankful for all that this year has blessed me with, including awesome friends, wonderful family, a cozy home in our new town of San Francisco, my great job(s), the beeeest co-workers, the bestest partner, and our beloved (newly shaven) Cocker Spaniel, Toby.

I'm always floored when I spot veggies in an unusual color at the farmers market. Like purple carrots, yellow tomatoes, black corn- and in this case (orange and) purple cauliflower. What makes them purple? No photoshop here; just natural cross breeding that causes a presence of antioxidants (anthocyanin) found in red cabbage or red wine- which (bonus!) helps prevent blood clots and heart disease. Not to mention, they're pretty... prettier and richer when roasted, which is what became of them in this case.

Roasted Purple Cauliflower (and their cousins, Broccoli)
Chopped or Sliced Cauliflower and Broccoli
Drizzles of Olive Oil (3-4 tablespoons)
1/2 Lemon Squeezed
Sea Salt
Black Pepper
Turmeric (optional)
Almonds (optional)

On a baking sheet, lay down the curds. Drizzle over Oil, Lemon, then Salt and Pepper. Sprinkle on Turmeric. Layer on some almonds (which I didn't here, but totally would've if I had remembered).
Bake for 10-15 minutes till golden. Optional- toss around and bake again for 10 more minutes. They're super yummy a little toasty... Enjoy as a side dish for Thanksgiving, and blow your guests away with this magically colored cruciferous veggie! (Btdubs- Cruciferous is a Botany term/name/classification of a plant family).
xoS

PS- Prana Wellness is reviewed on Yelp!

I just recently led a group of 20 people through a Detox program which included the elimination of a few very important things from their diet. After the first week, they all hated my guts. After the second week, well, they still hated my guts. But after it ended, eeeeeveryone was less stressed, more calm and just felt better. Some shed weight, lots found peace, and most got their groove back and out of their rut. Now that's what I'm talking about. You are what you eat. Mark my words!

Here are just a few shots from our Dinner Party tonight, where we bonded and reveled in creative and delicious home cooked (detox) dishes and newly formed friendships.

The Gentle and Natural 21 Day Detox will be back in the Spring per popular demand! Now, happy countdown to Thanksgiving--- I'm sure looking forward to rolling out some never-dull-always-healthy recipes for the Holidays...
xoS

Who knew?
With sweet potatoes and avocados aplenty this season and in my kitch, I put them together for a yummy, surprisingly satisfying Detox lunch. The plus about sweet taters is that they taste like dessert, but they're loaded with good stuff, like antioxidants, fiber, iron, potassium, Vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, and B6- not to mention they contain anti-inflammatory properties and help stabilize blood pressure- making them an ideal food for diabetics.

Sandwiched with some heart-healthy avocado makes for a nourishing meal that doesn't leave me crashing or craving that sweet thing afterward. Sweet deal!
Now, onto Day 10 of the Detox!!