Crock-Pot Stock and Edible Flowers

FOOD

By now you probably know that I’m a big fan of quick easy meals with the least amount of ingredients.  I also like to take as many short cuts as possible in the kitchen and while grocery shopping and still stay true to my healthy lifestyle.  With that said, when my friend Wendy e-mailed me a recipe for homemade vegetable stock, I was a little hesitant at first even though I’ve been skeptical of store-bought broth.  Then I noticed the words “slow cooker” and instantly jumped on board.  Below is the exact message she sent me.

I came across an easy recipe for homemade veggie stock. You make it using your own left over and older veggies. Just keep the parts of veggies that you don’t use while cooking (i.e. first layer of onion, ends of carrots and celery, cucumber peels, ends of lettuce, etc.) Keep a large freeze bag and just put all the scraps in the bag. When the bag is full, put them in your slow cooker and cover with water. Cook for 8 or more hours. Strain well. Done. I just did this and got about 8 cups of veggie stock to use for other recipes. It smelled so good; we almost ate it like a soup! 

I started “collecting” my left over veggies on Sunday, so hopefully this coming weekend; I’ll be able to try it.  Thanks, Wendy!  :)

BEAUTY

Aquaphor Lip Repair is rated (goodguide.com) 7.5 (out of 10) overall and a 10 for health, which means this product doesn’t have any ingredients that raise health concerns.  I’ve been using this for a couple of years now and wear it almost daily.  Have you ever noticed that some lip balms actually make your lips drier?  Not this one.  Aquaphor keeps your lips kissable.    

FITNESS 

Have you ever tried using a foam roller?  http://www.amazon.com/Foam-Roller-6-x-36/dp/B000Y4W9VA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1335812083&sr=8-5

A foam roller is a long cylinder made of foam that is usually three feet long and six inches in diameter. Your body weight is used to provide pressure when lying or sitting on the foam roller. Rolling your muscles along the foam roller help break up adhesions that form on your muscles, much like a massage would typically do. The foam roller, which is ideal for using on hard to reach areas, provides more relief and benefits than simple static stretching might. –livestrong.com

When I injured my hip (IT band) one of the personal trainers at the base gym recommended I use one and it became a lifesaver.  Here are a few examples of how you can use a foam roller.

http://www.shape.com/fitness/foam-roller-release 

INSPIRATION

My friend Jayme (see more about her below) bought me this awesome plaque.  I have it hanging in my kitchen and it seriously puts a smile on my face every time I walk in there.  It’s nice to have friends that accept you for exactly who you are.    I’m fortunate enough to have more than a few of these friends and hopefully, you do to.

BONUS 

If you live in the Mildenhall/Lakenheath (England) area, JAMS Sweets & Treats (Jayme) makes beautiful edible flower arrangements, cookies, cupcakes, breads, pretzels, donuts, whoopi pies and is available for party planning and decorating.  She is so creative, talented and all her work is done to perfection.    For more information you can contact her at:  jamssweets@gmail.com