Eat for a better memory – 7 ways to stay sharp, would you like a cup of joe?

On By Barbara StroudIn HEALTHLeave a comment
Image: Rd.com

I mentioned last week that I ran across a great article from Reader’s Digest magazine. EAT FOR A BETTER MEMORY – 7 WAYS TO GET SHARP. A great article from a great magazine!  Today’s food is… COFFEE! YAY! From Reader’s Digest:

Sip some coffee for triple benefit. 

Coffee has been shown to improve memory, reasoning and reaction time in older folks.

Good news for lifetime coffee drinkers: Long term consumption’s

been linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Finally a good reason to have a cup of coffee in the morning! I am excited about grabbing my morning cup of coffee and sitting with the newspaper. It’s my favorite time of day. It’s my meditation time…

After doing a little research on coffee and Alzheimers it appears that YES, the coffee has to be caffeinated, and for some of us that simply isn’t possible, but if you are one of the people that can drink regular coffee by all means!  An article I read from http://www.alzheimerspreventiondigest.com had this to say:

Your morning cup of coffee may protect you from a variety of diseases, from Alzheimer’s to diabetes to Parkinson’s. Several studies have suggested that regular consumption of caffeine reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

But there is a catch, it seems. A cup or two are not enough to produce the optimum benefits, according to Dr. Gary Arendash, a leading Alzheimer’s researcher who has been studying the effects of caffeine on the brain. He says 500 milligrams of caffeine – equal to five cups of coffee – seems to be the amount necessary to produce a protective effect. According to Arendash, “I drink five to six cups a day religiously.”

Read the full article HERE – a few tips from that article:

COFFEE DRINKING TIPS

  • Drink it black. You’ll get more health benefits from coffee if you skip the additives. Okay, I know some of you can’t imagine anything other than a Grande caramel macchiato, but just try it plain!
  • Drink it early. Most folks find drinking coffee later in the day can keep them up at night. Find your “cut off point” and skip the coffee after that time to avoid insomnia.
  • Drink it fresh. To maximize the flavor and prevent oxidation and loss of nutrients, coffee is best when fresh-ground.
  • Drink it in moderation. Sure, the experts say you’ll get the most benefits from 5 or so cups a day, but listen to your body. You may need to keep your coffee consumption at a lower level to feel your best. Coffee may cause digestive problems, jitters or insomnia in certain people, so cut back if you have any side effects. Doctors also recommend that if you’re pregnant or being treated for some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, it’s best to avoid or restrict caffeine.

Don’t forget that tea also contains caffeine (A cup of black tea has about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee and a cup of green tea has about a quarter as much) and other beneficial compounds, and is less likely to produce side effects.

OK, last week was BLUEBERRIES, hope you are getting your fill! Today is COFFEE, wonder what it will be next week? Catch you back here tomorrow!

Pomi tomatoes… skip the BPA in the can and try a carton of tomatoes!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTHLeave a comment
Image: Amazon.com

When you buy POMI tomatoes in a carton you’re buying tomatoes with no BPA in the packaging, no preservatives, citric acid, artificial flavor or water. Just tomatoes. BPA. Bisphenol-A. Once thought as harmless has been undergoing closer scrutiny. It’s in many plastic bottles (which is why we see the emergence of so many “BPA Free” plastics). What everyone doesn’t realize… it’s also in the plastic lining of cans… such as cans of tomatoes, soup, vegetables, the list goes on and on… There is a good article (click HERE) regarding the fact that BPA dangers may be worse from cans vs. plastic bottles… What can you do? Buy cartons or buy from companies who don’t use BPA in their cans, I believe EDEN FOODS and TRADER JOE’S. Hopefully by now there are more, but check it out. It can (possibly) cause many problems INCLUDING breast cancer… (read the article for further details). The best thing to do is not eat out of cans. That can’t always be done, but you can limit the amount of food eaten from cans. MAKE YOUR FOOD. Instead of buying a (processed) can of soup, it’s much healthier to MAKE your soup. Let me tell you… SOUP IS EASY. It just requires a little time and you will have one big pot that you can freeze into individual servings or eat for several days. It will end up being more cost effective if you make it AND you’ll know exactly what’s in it! Let me know if you know of any other BPA-free companies that have canned goods.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Karen Lawrence!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Image: CityArtGreenville.com

I really enjoy paintings done of interiors. I love to get a glimpse into other peoples homes, it’s kind of like taking a home tour without going anywhere. I appreciate other people’s style and design (well, most of the time!) Karen Lawrence is an artist from Atlanta, GA who primarily does interiors. They’re fantastic. She does paint other subjects, but interiors are what she’s known for. What drew me to this painting was the gorgeous deep dark greens that you see through the window next to the bright light. This painting is entitled SUMMER SUN.

It appears that Karen is in the midst of updating her website (we always appreciate an up-to-date website when we aren’t close enough to pop into a gallery and see the real thing! For now click HERE for a link to see her work. Her original website is http://www.karenlawrenceoils.com – check back in a bit, give her a chance to update! Here’s a blip from the temporary website:

I paint every day in my studio at Tula Art Center in Atlanta. That is, when I’m not out photographing beautiful homes and meeting the people who live in them. I’m intrigued by how people live and the common thread that connects us with our past. I love houses with history and rooms filled with beloved treasures.

The elegance of a curved archway, the drama of tall ceilings and open French doors, the intimacy of an overstuffed chair with a good reading lamp – are all elements of scenes waiting to be painted. For me, the other essential element is light. I’m especially excited by the play of bright sunlight streaking across the floor or warm lamplight drawing one to a comfortable place.

After wrestling with the perspective of a foyer with multiple archways reflected in mirrors or chair legs that don’t want to cooperate with my paintbrush, I relax with the tranquility of a vase of flowers on a table. I find still life very comforting. I love the colors reflecting on shiny surfaces and the freshness of garden flowers backlit by sun pouring in my dining room windows.

My style of painting is a rather loose version of realism. I spent thirteen years developing my style and technique in watercolors. Since 1997, I have been painting almost exclusively in oils.

Karen is in several galleries click HERE for a list from her website… Catch you back here tomorrow!

Meatless Monday: Giada’s Pasta Ponza!!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment
Image: GiadaDeLaurentiis.com

If you’re on the Meatless Monday bandwagon, you don’t have to feel deprived. LOOK at this dish. This recipe is all good! Fresh simple ingredients, quick to throw together, not using many pots/pans. You’re simply roasting the tomatoes, cooking the pasta and mixing! This pasta paired with a nice fresh salad sounds TASTY! I’m going to serve mine on a salad plate to help trim calories. Our dinner plates these days I swear used to be platters back when I was young. You can load a lot of food on a modern plate… back to the salad plate for me! This recipe came directly from Giada’s website. ENJOY!

Pasta Ponza

Total Time:  23 min 
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Level: Easy

Ingredients

  • Butter for greasing
  • 2 cups (12 ounces) red cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups (12 ounces) yellow cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 pound ziti or other short tube-shaped pasta
  • 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 ounces) Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 8-inch glass baking dish. Set aside.

Place the tomatoes, capers, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in the prepared baking dish. Toss to coat. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the tomato mixture. Drizzle the top with olive oil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden. Cool for 5 minutes.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.

Place the pasta in a large serving bowl. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the pasta. Add the cheese and toss well. Thin out the sauce with a little pasta water, if needed. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Print Recipe

Pasta Ponza is from Giada’s cookbook “Giada at Home: Family Recipes from Italy and California” available at booksellers everywhere! She’s got an amazing website as well, click HERE to check it out!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Ahhh, nothing like a salmon color geranium!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

I love geraniums. They have a way of making something drab come alive. I especially love this salmon color, something a tad different from the typical red. This shot was taken on the way to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI. My mom, sister and I were there for a little R&R in between my mom finishing chemo (YAY!) and beginning radiation… We had the best time ever. We spent a few hours at the Grand Hotel and had so much fun! Bring your camera with you to the island, there are so many photos to be had. It’s difficult for me to focus when there’s so much to photograph, ha ha…

Enjoy your day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Chris Groves!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist1 Comment
Image: HortonHayes.com

Chris Groves has got an eye for art. His paintings are breathtaking. Most (to me) have that rare old world look to them. This one is a bit different, this one is looser, but is so awesome. Chris has his work at the Horton Hayes Gallery downtown Charleston. This is one beautiful gallery and his work fits perfectly within its walls.

Here’s a blip from the Horton Hayes Gallery. If you’re in the area, stop in the gallery, if not they have an excellent website! I just love his pieces from Italy!

Chris Groves’ love of art grew from his early experiences with nature and the introduction of a master sculpture in his youth.

Groves was born in Boulder, Colorado, but soon moved with his family to Slidell, Louisiana. Those early years in Slidell were spent outside, exploring the woods, swimming in the bayou, boating, fishing, playing with snakes and other wild animals. It was during those years that Groves learned to love the outdoors and nature.

At the age of ten, Groves’ family returned to Boulder where he continued his exploration of nature with countless hikes, mountain climbs and camping trips. His parents gave him a nature-drawing book and Groves latched onto it as a source of awe and inspiration. He would spend countless hours copying the drawings and enhancing them with his own interpretation. His parents, recognizing their sons’ talent and appreciation of art, hired a private tutor to instruct him in basic techniques. Soon, Groves’ interest turned from nature to people. Groves looked to magazines, friends and siblings as a source of inspiration and drew detailed portraits of their faces.

In high school, Groves met sculptor, Glenna Goodacre, the mother of a school friend. Meeting with her and seeing some of the success she enjoyed as a artist (Vietnam Women’s memorial, Sacagawea US Dollar design) helped to inspire Groves’ own artistic aspirations.

After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.F.A. in Environmental Design, Groves spent the next ten years as an art director for two large companies, all the while continuing to study and hone his fine art skills.

Groves has studied at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy, the Colorado Academy of Art, the Loveland Art Academy, the Cottonwood Art Academy and the Denver Arts Students League. He also enjoyed a private, two- year mentorship with artist Jay Moore, which he considers a turning point in his artistic career.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Eat for a better memory… 7 Ways to get sharp, and WHO doesn’t need this?

On By Barbara StroudIn HEALTHLeave a comment
Image: rd.com

I ran across a great article from Reader’s Digest magazine. You know, that oh so conveniently sized magazine that easily slips into your purse in case you get stuck somewhere and need something to read!? Some of us don’t want to constantly look at our phones. I prefer the actual paper magazine… same with books, but that’s me. Reader’s Digest has fantastic articles, one being EAT FOR A BETTER MEMORY – 7 WAYS TO GET SHARP. I would like to know anyone who doesn’t need to know this information. None of us wants to suffer mental decline. It happens to the best of us, it’s part of aging, BUT there ARE things you can do to become “sharper”… From Reader’s Digest:

Boost brainpower with blueberries. 

Studies have shown blueberries help prevent and reverse age-related memory loss.

Did you read that… PREVENT and REVERSE?!!!

When I looked into this further there was a study that included blueberries, but a few other things I thought I would share… From ABCnews.com

Scientists published a study adding more fuel to the growing belief that exercise boosts brain health. She said research has long shown that exercise is beneficial for brain function and memory – this study helps show why.

John Grohol, a clinical psychologist and founder of the online mental health resource PsychCentral.com, said that exercise is one of the best things you can do to keep your brain healthy. “This study just adds to the evidence that physical activity can enhance and keep our brains healthy,” he said.

Regarding blueberries… here’s what they had to say:

This week, scientists published research suggesting that antioxidant-rich blueberries could improve memory in older adults.

The study, involving scientists from the University of Cincinnati, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Canadian Department of Agriculture, included volunteers in their 70s. One group drank the equivalent of 2 to 2.5 cups of blueberry juice every day for two months. The control group drank a blueberry-less juice.

The scientists said the group that drank blueberry juice demonstrated improvement on memory and learning tests. “These preliminary memory findings are encouraging and suggest that consistent supplementation with blueberries may offer an approach to forestall or mitigate neurodegeneration,” the report said.

Diet – A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in January 2009 found a definite link between caloric restriction and mental function.

Meditation – “People who meditate, research has shown, have a better ability to cultivate positive emotions,” Grohol said. “In doing so, they help maintain their own emotional stability which helps with overall well–being and brain health.”

In May, Psychological Science published a study indicating that a certain type of meditation may help the brain hold on to images for short periods.

New Experiences – “The brain seems to really benefit from novelty and new experiences,” said Grohol. But instead of paying money for so-called brain games that may or may not be effective, Grohol suggests people can just do crossword puzzles or play Sudoku games. Learning new languages and other similar pursuits are also good for the brain.

So have a bowl of oatmeal with blueberries on it (I never thought that sounded good until I tried it and ohmygosh!!!), take a walk or jog around the block, learn something new and then sit down and meditate.

That’s a lot to absorb, but every little change we make can help, right?! Ok, instead of talking the talk, I’m going to walk the walk… headed to make some oatmeal & blueberries now!

Catch you back here tomorrow, and again next Thursday for the next installment on foods to eat to stay sharp!

Can’t get a good dinner quicker than this!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment
A quick and easy dinner - ready in no time!

Ooooh, Wild Alaskan Coho Salmon, Shells with Brie and Asparagus along with Martha’s Tomato, Basil and White Bean Salad. A delicious dinner that was quick to prepare. I had made the bean salad a little earlier in the day. It’s so easy and the taste is beyond belief (as I mentioned in Monday’s post), but the longer it sits the tastier it is! The salmon and the shells with brie/asparagus came directly from Trader Joe’s freezer section. AND the salmon is boneless and skinless as well. Fred cooked the salmon. I know a lot of people like it rare’ish… I like mine crispy with no chance of flipping around… this just had a little butter on it, then was sautéed in olive oil, with salt and pepper and a little squeeze of lemon juice toward the end. The frozen shells with brie I wasn’t sure about. It sounded good at the time, but hmmm, you never know. It was good! It’s a small package and says serving size is 2 and it was PLENTY! This is an example of a good dinner put together in no time! What are some of your favorite “quick to throw together” meals?? I’d love to know!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Tom Curry!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Image: GleasonFineArt.com

I love to introduce artists that you might not run across… good ones, artists that are unique… I would like you to meet Maine artist, Tom Curry. This is a fabulous pastel on paper entitled BOAT HOUSE, I love the orange undertones, its a very striking piece! It’s at Gleason Fine Art in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. If you’re in the area, check him out! If not, check out Gleason’s website, he’s under the CONTEMPORARY ART section. The artist also has a FABULOUS website, (click HERE)… so check him out!  Here’s a blip from his website (the Artists Statement):

Life on the Maine coast is charged with a brilliance, a wildness. The waters are a living green ecosystem, radiating wonder. There’s an urgency to my work because so many of these places are being lost to development.

Nature, ever changing, offers countless compositions. I want to evoke a place, time and atmosphere in my work. The natural world is my big studio, filled with opportunities to observe nature and explore its seamless miracle. Open air painting is a selection process: this sky, these waves, this foreground. It’s not a fragment, but a series of experiences not limited to space and time like a photograph. Many places feel sacred to me, places where the landscape evokes a sense of stewardship and reverence.

I have worked with pastel more than 20 years. The medium’s fluidity and immediacy allow me to capture the ever changing light, water, and atmosphere. I often return to work in the same locations with infinite daily results.

Many artists influence my work: Ferdinand Hodler, Wolf Kahn, Marsden Hartley, Tom Thompson and Rockwell Kent. I also find inspiration in Jean Baptiste-Camille Corot’s paintings of the Italian countryside, as well in the work of Edgar Degas, Fairfield Porter, Edward Hopper and Rockwell Kent.

Enjoy! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Meatless Monday: Martha’s Tomato, Basil and White Bean Salad

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments
Image: MarthaStewart.com

Let me start by saying. This. Is. Awesome. AND more importantly, I’m not really a bean eater. Some beans are OK, black beans, chili beans, but I don’t seek them out… this recipe changed my outlook on beans. This is one quick dish that is out of this world good. This tastes like it came straight from Italy. The only thing you heat is the oil and mainly to infuse the garlic into it. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!

Click HERE to go directly to Martha Stewart’s site to easily print the recipe, or see below… either way… ENJOY!

MARTHA’S TOMATO, BASIL and WHITE BEAN SALAD

Prep/10 min.  Total Time/35 min.  Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (19 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 pound small roma (plum) tomatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 small garlic cloves, minced

Directions

  1. Combine beans, tomatoes, basil, and salt in a bowl, and season with pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Pour over bean mixture, and gently toss. Let stand 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Salad can be covered and kept at room temperature up to 4 hours.

The magnificent homes on the West Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Magnificent homes on the West Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI

I know I said the East Bluff was my favorite… but… the West Bluff is also my favorite. These homes are impeccable and pristinely maintained, and that can’t be an easy (or cheap) job. It takes a lot of love to keep them looking like they do. The flowers are breathtaking. These are homes to be proud of for sure (as are many on Mackinac Island!). Ironically one of my favorite homes is the second from the left in the photo, the smaller one (which truly isn’t a small house, the others are just very large). It’s the sweetest home I’ve ever seen with a view that’s to die for. I would love to live in this house year round…. Ah, a nice dream for sure! On my Mac I can double click on the image to enlarge… hopefully PC users have that same capability… its nice to be able to see it a little closer! If you ever get a chance to visit Mackinac Island, MI I highly suggest it, it will be unlike anywhere you’ve ever visited in your life!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Homes on the East Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Homes on the East Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI
Homes on the East Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI

I love the word “bluff”, it’s such a cool word, I guess because we don’t have any bluffs in our area… the East Bluff on Mackinac Island is one of my all time favorites. The homes are magnificent. In this photo you see the Island House Hotel (the white building with red roof) and the East Bluff the road above. Mackinac Island is an island I could live year around on and be so very happy. It might get a little crowded in the summer, but I think it would be definitely worth it! If you ever get a chance to go to Mackinac Island I highly suggest it. It’s perfect for those who like to hike, bike, walk (no cars), there are horses (for taxi’s), so don’t be put off entirely if walking isn’t your thing! The food (at the Island House… heavens… I cannot get it out of my mind!), the great places to stay…  Island House Hotel is my personal favorite, the fudge and now… even Starbuck’s! Check it out if you get a chance!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Happy birthday mom!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Happy Birthday Mom!!

Woohoo! A special day indeed! It’s my mom’s (also known as Sheila Fidler) birthday! I love this picture of her. When we were young my parents had a sailboat, we would cruise for three weeks in the summer to Georgian Bay (Canada), beautiful coast! My parents both raced sailboats, we had the best time. This picture was obviously taken on a sailboat, this is an old photo, one that I believe my dad developed in the basement of our first house. It’s gotten stained over time and a bit wrinkled, but the image is still awesome, just like my mom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

I WISH YOU THE HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY EVER, YOU CERTAINLY DESERVE IT!

I love you and miss you… ! Here’s to MANY more HAPPY birthdays!  xxoo me

Coming soon… The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure… Oct 15, Daniel Island, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment
Image:KomenLowcountry.org

Ok, this is a heads up to everyone out there who can help make a difference. The Lowcountry Komen Race for the Cure is next Saturday, October 15 on Daniel Island.

If you can’t be there to run or walk, there are other options, check out their website it’s a good one. A site that offers not only race information but breast cancer information as well.

Check it out HERE  – here’s to everyone making a difference. Somethings got to happen!

Hang in there, it’s almost the weekend…!

Catch you back here tomorrow!