Making Love in the Kitchen

I came across this on a blog I love, SweetOnVeg, run by Jennifer- a woman I adore over in Vancouver. I had to share. Everyone you meet comes with baggage. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack. Image courtesy of Nightwolf Graphics  

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Last week- this whole book thing became very, very, VERY real to me. We shot my book! Yes we did. I had a whole crew in the kitchen with me. My amazing kitchen fairies, my editor and the designer from my publisher McClelland and Stewart, my photographer Catherine Farquharson and her assistant Nicki, Amy Lam, my make-up artist, and Ashley Denton, the food stylist. Wowza did we zip through loads of goodness. It was so much fun. Day 1 of the shoot was all about me in action- playing in the kitchen. Day 2 and 3 we shot all the amazing food shots. On Sunday, I invited some ladies over for a fantastic brunch and we rounded out the four day shoot with a visit to my home to catch my man and I just hangin’. The book is all written. Handed in my last chapters before I left for Hawaii. Now I just have to edit. I can’t believe I have to wait a whole 11 months before I get to show off the prize of all these efforts. Wanna to me a favour and start getting excited right along with me? Maybe these pictures from the first couple days of the shoot might help.
(And before you ask- all clothes from my fave store ever- Anthropologie)

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Did you know that most lubricants can harm those precious little swimmers? Even if you’re using an organic lubricant, the ingredients probably interfere with sperm motility and the pH likely doesn’t support their survival. If you’re not in the market for making a baby, this may be a good thing (although lube isn’t officially a spermicide) but for those trying to conceive, it’s best to switch to a sperm-friendly lubricant like Pre~Seed or YES Baby.
These lubricants are designed to mimic the fertility-enhancing qualities of a woman’s own cervical mucus. Pre~Seed has been around for awhile, so it’s better known by doctors and is often referenced on fertility websites and other resources. However, it’s not the most eco-friendly. It contains parabens, which many of you are probably familiar with (an icky preservative that’s a hormone disrupter and has been linked to health concerns such as breast cancer). Fortunately there’s now an alternative available that’s certified organic and paraben-free. We’re big fans of the company YES. The co-founders Sarah Brooks and Susi Lennox spent three years researching and testing lubricants before they released their line of personal lubricants. Their new sperm-friendly lubricant, YES Baby, is similar to Pre~Seed but is a more body-friendly and eco-friendly option.

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I have had a long time love affair with The Barber’s Daughter ever since I first met Gisele, the artist behind these treasures, and bought this ring. And then Gisele came out with The Book Of Life which I wear as bangles around my wrist, jingling away. My man gifted me a necklace recently with the beautiful “No Mud, No Lotus” quote by Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. And theeeen- just when I thought I couldn’t love Gisele and her work more- I got this in my inbox. I am sharing the love.

In this Month of Gratitude, acts of love are born…

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There are many snacks out there that claim to be healthy, but in reality they’re not as virtuous as they seem. What’s a health-conscious snacker to do? Eat roasted chickpeas, of course! These delicious nibblies are crunchy, flavourful and full of beneficial nutrients.

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“Friendly Correspondence” is a new, semi-regular feature on Making Love In The Kitchen. As you may know, we’re not afraid to ask questions of BIG food, pharma, and fundraising to get more basic details regarding ingredients, chemical levels, testing and where donations end up. Though I continually aim to have an open dialogue and invite interviews, they are becoming tougher for me to get. So I decided I would just start sharing the correspondence. If we can’t stand up for what we do, why are we doing it? I think it was over the summer of 2011 that Pop Chips made a splash in the “health” world, bathing themselves head to toe as healthy, when truth be told, if you looked at the ingredients they are a prime examples of healthwashing. Their marketing campaign was pretty freaking smart. So smart that they actually asked me to be a part of it, requesting my ambassadorship for the product. No dice, but there were MANY other nutritionist who sadly did take the bait. rocessed potato and pro-imflammatory, processed oils and salt. All those torula and yeast extracts are just other names for MSG- they have a super salty flavour so it allows food companies to claim a lower sodium value. And if I were to eat them, I would still loose my vision and my face would go numb for about an hour.
There is nothing wrong with popchips really. They’re a snack food. Junk food if you will. Just like baked lays, and cheddar popcorn. But they’re not healthy. Might I remind you that ‘healthier’ is not even close to being the same thing as ‘healthy’. A healthy snack is fruits and vegetables. Maybe some nuts. Perhaps a home-baked granola bar. When I think of a healthy snack- I think of something that actually offers health. Not something just isn’t as bad for me as something else. You know what I’m saying?

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So last Sunday, I was feeling the pain. Everyone around me was sick and I could feel the ickyness hovering over me. Had so many plans for the day. I was going to work for a bit, go to yoga, and out for dins with my man and his fam.
But no. There were other plans in store for me. Seems my immune system was the cruise director of my ship and had decided it was going to try and take me down. Na- ah! No way. I had the photo shoot for my book and a million things to get done this week. There was no time for sickness. So instead of doing what we all like to do- push on through until we have no choice but to lay in bed incapacitated, I took a hot, hot, hot long steamy bath and made the grossest concoction that has ever been concocted, and I rested. Now, when I say this drink was gross- I mean gross in the most potent, healing way. You know I am all about delish balancing with healing- but when it comes to the risk of cold and flu, delish goes right out the window. The ONLY thing that allowed me to get this baby down, was my glass straw. This straw is as good as an IV drip when it comes to getting the goods in as quickly as possible. Want to know what was in the mix?

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Sit through the storms, for the sunshine and rainbows will follow.

Have you noticed this yet? Have you noticed that even when you think that thing that happened is the worst thing ever in the whole world to ever have happened, you might also be able to find the most unbelievable thing that came from it? That’s what this line of the creed is about. Things happen, and they are icky and sticky and crazy tough at the time, but no matter what, you will learn something, if you want to, and if you look hard enough, you will see the bright spot, you will find your grace and be grateful.You know the phrase “in a perfect world…” or “in an ideal world…”? We use it all the time. Here’s the thing, my little coconut, this is the only world we have. Yes that storm cloud is going to come by once in a while and dump that rain (usually in the form of disaster, crisis, upset, disappointment, illness, pain and struggle) all over us right after we’ve put on our best new party dress. Does this mean then that there is no point getting dressed up? Of course not!

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Written by Brent Bishop, a sweet, sweet member of Meghan Telpner’s Superhero Posse. He is our Superhero KickAss Fitness Trainer. 80% of all New Year’s fitness resolutions fall short of completion. What makes such a large number of people quit so early and what is it that keeps those who are committed from dropping off? It all lies within finding your internal trigger – your Think Factor. Read on to learn how to make this year your fittest year yet using tips and tricks from the trade on sticking to your fitness goals. Many people go about exercise in the wrong way. If you are approaching exercise for the mere reason that you know you ‘have to’ do it, chances are you will become another New Year’s resolution statistic. You cannot maintain motivation without being inspired. Motivation through inspiration is an important concept that if embraced purposefully, pushes you to seek out activities that inspire you; therefore keeping you motivated and attaining results. Not only should your goals be realistic for your current fitness level and lifestyle, they should also be tangible. If you are just starting out or just getting back into a routine, try starting with 30min or more of exercises 2-3x/week instead of trying to commit to a 5-6 day exercise week. You can always ramp things up as you develop some momentum and consistency. Remember to have a game plan; in order to do so you need to know where you are at – so get a fitness evaluation to set some benchmarks then map out your plan before you get going.

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Working for Meghan and not making changes to my diet would probably be impossible. It has been two months, and slowly I have seen hemp seeds, MSM and vegan protein powder creeping into my morning smoothies, which is now consumed through glass straw. My once afternoon coffee was replaced by a big steaming cup of Dandy Blend. My meat and dairy intake has plummeted, being consumed minimally here and there and always via ethical supply. Overall, these small changes have begun to make a difference in me – and my health – and it only encourages my desire to take proper care and attention to my diet. I embarked on the Fab Uplift Detox – if for no other reason than to kick my caffeine habit and clean up my eating. Certain things aren’t an issue for me to cut out – meat, dairy and sugar are things that are on my sometimes but I won’t miss you list. Pathetically, it is potentially the worst vices that I realize I can’t cut out – like my beloved, beloved gluten (pass the pasta, please) and of course, coffee. (Oh, coffee…you are so warm and velvety and dark and…I digress. You aren’t good for me and I know this. We are like Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. Lovers, but not meant to be… Or something).

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Does cutting off waist-length hair in one shot make me brave? Nah. But I did it. When I made a brief mention about it on Twitter- I couldn’t believe the reaction. Hair seems to be one of those things. So many of us carry it as a wee little form of comfort blanket that sits happily on our head.

What happened to me was that I had long, long hair. And then when I got sick- and it all started coming out. I chopped it off. When I got healthy again, I began growing it back. I grew it longer and longer and longer, and it got curlier and curlier until- I stopped having the time to care for it.

Last week we shot all the pics for my book. I decided there was a good chance between now and when my book comes out next year, that the scissors were going to meet my hair. And so I did it. I thought it might help me look all of my 32 years. No such luck, it seems.

My stylist took my hair in a ponytail, and in one fell swoop- chopped it right off.

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We often hear from peeps who tell us they are going travelling but haven’t a clue what they’re going to eat. That’s one kind of problem. I choose to go places where I can’t decide what I am going to eat. In Hawaii- I didn’t make a choice. I just ate it all! It has been a long time since I have adventured somewhere brand shiny new. A whole new environment to explore and loads of crazy weird fruits to eat! I figure pictures say loads and so I will just share some of the best delectables! Honestly- if this were available where I lived, I might actually turn into a fruit platter! Enjoy the show!
Every morning started with cutting up the market finds. I’d either make us smoothies, or a fruit plate and pack some up for our day out.

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I told you I had a Thai inspired New Years feast. This dish was the shining star of the night- next to me of course. (Joking. Only joking). Thai food had once been my extra super favourite in the whole world. It was also one of the first things I knew I couldn’t eat anymore. The last time I had Thai food from a restaurant, I was doubled over in such horrible toot cramps that I swore I would never eat it again. After doing the research I needed to do to create this recipe, I now know why. I knew that Thai food was loaded with sugar, but holly smokaroondles, I didn’t know there was that much sugar. Seriously. The combo of vinegar and sugar is a perfect recipe to create the biggest toot bomb to ever be ballooned in the belly… not to mention suspect fish sauce. Not to worry my Thai food lovers. I am here for you. I have you covered with this gem. Last week when we rocked the mango salad, I talked about my (now embarrassing) discovery of Sambal (seriously- how did you all know about it and I didn’t), so I thought I’d share some info on another ingredient that I have had before but never bought before. This one will for sure be knew to a few of you… at least I hope so.

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It almost seems to me that these creed topics come up at some kind of exactly perfectly timed moment. I am going line, by line, in the order to which they appear. But somehow- it’s always just the right one. Yesterday, I had an appointment with a personal shopper at Anthropologie to pick out my ensembles for my book shoot that’s happening next week. Colour was the theme of the day, let me tell you! My parents had me in montessori school for pre-school. Part of the philosophy of the school, if you’re not familiar, is letting kids find their own way and their own path. Part of this means that parents are encouraged to let their kids pick out their own outfits. And did I ever!
I remember so incredibly clearly, walking into my parents room, my face barely coming up to the edge of their bed and modelling my latest ensemble for them, asking “Does this go?”. It never did, but looking at old photo albums, it is clear that my parents just lied to me and said “you bet!”. I can remember being asked by a boy in my class in grade three or four, why I had so many barrettes in my hair. I used to try and wear as many hair accessories as my little head of hair could withstand. I wore tap dancing costumes to school as my outfit of choice, and believed it a personal flaw if I ever had the same article of clothing as someone else. Wearing clashing, ridiculous, colour combos seems to have been born and bread in me. It’s just more fun that way. (And you’ve met my dad, right? Genetic maybe?)

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My sweet mango pies! It seems like eons upon eons since I offered you fresh off the skillet (or in this case, fresh out of the spiral slicer) recipe for you. It actually has been. Well the next few that I have for you are uber awesome treats. For New Year’s eve, the man was feeling a tad under the weather and the yoga evening I had wanted to join was all full up. Instead I decided to cook up the best ever from scratch dinner. The inspiration started with these treats we had on Kauai- tofu potstickers. I’ll get to those next week. In order to fill out the meal- there needed to be more. So I scooted along the Thai theme until I came up with two other dishes. Green mango salad was one of them. As I was researching recipes and dressings, I came across an ingredient I had never heard of before. I love when that happens. Even after doing this for five years, I love that I still get to keep exploring and discobering. It’s a bit like being a painter and discovering a new colour exists and then you want to go back to all of your past paintings and splash it on. The ingredient that kept popping up was sambal oelek. You know it? When I first read it, I was all negative nelly thinking I was going to have to run around the city trying to track this down. Sambal is really just a blend of chili peppers. I never actually use is a chilis because of the time I nearly exploded my whole face.

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