Zucchini Bread Day

National Zucchini Bread Day

I have been so busy lately with my garden and painting. But in cruising the net, i discovered today is National Zucchini day - I know at a time when their is not such a plethora of zucchini that we can't stand the awesome vegetable. However, right now some delicious zucchini bread sounds great. Here are some facts about zucchini and a recipe that I will be making today.

Eat This! shared these great facts about Zucchini:

Diet
One cup of zucchini has 36 calories and 10% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar and curbs overeating.

Lower Cholesterol
The dietary fiber in zucchini helps lower cholesterol by attaching itself to bile acids that the liver makes from cholesterol for digesting fat. Because fiber binds so well with bile acid, thus crowding its ability to immediately digest fat, the liver is charged with producing more bile acid.

The liver then draws upon even more cholesterol to produce bile acid, consequently lowering the overall cholesterol level in the body. Furthermore, the high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A prevent cholesterol from oxidizing in the body's blood vessels, thus hampering the onset of atherosclerosis.

Cancer Prevention
Because dietary fiber promotes healthy and regular bowel movements, the high amounts of fiber in zucchini also help prevent carcinogenic toxins from settling in the colon. Moreover, the vitamins C and A, as well as folate, found in zucchini act as powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress that can lead to many different types of cancer.

Prostate Health
Studies show that the phytonutrients in zucchini aid in reducing the symptoms of benign
prostatic hypertrophy (BOH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and leads
to complications with urination and sexual functions in men.

Anti-Inflammatory Vitamins C and A not only serve the body as powerful antioxidants, but also as effective anti-inflammatory agents. Along with the copper found in zucchini, these vitamins deter the development of many hyper-inflammatory disorders, including asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention
A one cup serving of zucchini contains over 10% of the RDA of magnesium, a mineral
proven to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Zucchini also provides folate, a
vitamin needed to break down the dangerous amino acid homocysteine, which - if
levels in the body shoot up - can contribute to heart attack and stroke.

Lower Blood Pressure
Along with magnesium, the potassium found in zucchini helps lower blood pressure. If
unchecked, hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to arteriosclerosis (blood
vessel damage), heart attack, stoke, and many other serious medical conditions. Both
the potassium and magnesium in zucchini, however, can help alleviate the stress on the
body's circulatory system.

High in Manganese
A trace mineral and essential nutrient, manganese provides many health benefits and contributes to a slew of normal physiological functions. One cup of zucchini contains 19% of the RDA of manganese, which helps the body metabolize protein and carbohydrates, participates in the production of sex hormones, and catalyzes the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol.

The manganese in zucchini also increases the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme responsible for protecting mitochondria against oxidative stress. Finally, manganese is essential for the production of proline, and amino acid that allows collagen to form, thus allowing for healthy skin and proper wound-healing.

Zucchini Bread Recipe from Mom's Who Think

Ingredients:

3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups zucchini, grated and well drained
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix together eggs, oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla; set aside.

2. Mix together flour, baking powder, soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon; add to first mixture. Add raisins if desired.

3. Pour into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 45 to 50 minutes or until the center springs back when touched.

Rules for my son

I am a parent of some wonderful sons..Being a parent in today's world is tough! I am inspired as a parent and my sons inspire me daily. I ran across this list of 50 rules written by Walker Lamond to his unborn son, and while my boys are grown.. It still inspired me...

1. In Monopoly, buy the orange properties.

2. You are what you do, not what you say.

3. Don't be afraid of pickup games. It's the best way to learn.

4. Never be afraid to ask out the best-looking girl in the room. You'll be surprised how often it works.

5. Watch lightning storms from a safe spot. But watch 'em.

6. Offer your seat to a woman, no matter how old she is.

7. Never side against your brother in a fight.

8. Keep a copy of your letters. It makes it easier on your biographer.

9. Don't be shy in the locker room. They are all thinking the same thing.

10. Spend time with your mother. She's cooler than you think.

11. Push-ups and sit-ups are all you'll ever need to build muscle.

12. Be a good listener. Don't just wait your turn to talk.

13. Know your neighborhood like the back of your hand. Sometimes the best adventures are in your own backyard.

14. When in doubt, wear a tie.

15. If you don't know what a word means, ask. Before it's too late.

16. Start a band.

17. When it comes to shoveling snow, the earlier you start, the easier the job.

18. Keep your room clean. One day you'll have roommates.

19. Make curfew. Sneak out later to meet her. Don't make a habit of it. You'll miss the danger.

20. Never criticize a book, play, or film unless you have read or seen it yourself. Art is full of surprises.

21. Believe it or not, a museum is a great place to beat a hangover. It's cool, quiet, and full of water fountains.

22. Dance with your partner, not at her. But don't forget to lead.

23. Be cool to the younger kids. Reputations are built over a lifetime.

24. Order the local specialty.

25. Drive across the country. Don't rush.

26. There's nothing wrong with musical theater. (Everything in moderation.)

27. Don't boo. Even the ref is somebody's son.

28. When singing karaoke, choose a song within your range.

29. Read before bed every night. A book every two weeks is a good goal.

30. Never post a picture online you wouldn't feel comfortable showing your mother, your boss, and the dean of admissions.

31. Don't throw sand or, when you're older, mud.

32. Take the stairs.

33. There is never an excuse for stealing someone's cab.

34. Choose a window seat and enjoy the view.

35. Try a hairstyle that you'll one day regret. I'll get over it.

36. When handling a frog, be gentle.

37. There is always something that could use a fresh coat of paint.

38. If you make a mistake, forgive yourself and move on.

39. Have a favorite song. It doesn't have to be hip. (The best ones never are.)

40. Until you are a doctor, never answer your phone at the table. That goes for emails, texts, and tweets.

41. If you get yourself arrested, call me. You get one free pass.

42. Help a buddy move.

43. Don't panic.

44. If you ignore history, it will ignore you.

45. There is rarely a need to raise your voice. At the ballgame is one exception.

46. Never hog a microphone.

47. Keep your word.

48. Send postcards.

49. Respect fire.

50. Don't litter. Ever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Walker Lamond is a writer and documentary filmmaker. His work has appeared on the National Geographic Channel, TruTV, and HBO. His and DA Pennebaker's film about Bob Dylan entitled 65 Revisited premiered at the Museum of Television and Radio in New York City. Lamond lives in Washington, D.C.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I paint many beautiful gardens.  I daub on lots on flowers and flora galore. However, creating an actual garden is much more difficult and it is easy to make mistakes... I was doing some reading online and came across this article by Good Housekeeping.

It's finally spring, and time to get out in the yard and start planting. If you're a novice gardener, avoid making these three blunders and you'll be rewarded with a thriving garden and maybe even a lifelong hobby. 

1. Starting too big It's easy to get enthusiastic when you read catalogs or visit the garden center. But if you plant a large garden the first time around, as the season progresses, you can easily become overwhelmed by how much care it takes to maintain. Better to start small so you don't become discouraged. Think about beginning with container gardening, either in baskets or a small raised bed. Check out Burpee for some of their great containers to get you started. 


2. Over-or-under watering There's such a thing as too much water. If you give plants so much that they can't absorb it all, they'll be standing in water and can drown. On average, a garden needs about 1 inch of water a week. To test whether it's time to water, stick your finger into the soil. If it's dry, it's time. 

3. Being reactive An easy error to make is being reactive instead of proactive. Your best bet is to plan ahead and make sure your plants have enough sunlight, adequate spacing, ample water, proper soil and monitor them on a regular basis. It's always worth the effort to prevent problems rather than have to solve them later on. 

Dancing with Idol........

Now normally I would not use my blog to talk about something as "trivial" as a TV Show. However, as I have said before I take inspiration from everywhere in the world, and dancing is definitely  inspiration. As awesome and whole as that sounds, I am also plainly a big fan of the show!!!!And this week I feel like typing about it.....

I am not shocked at who went home last night. There was no chemistry and her dance was lead footed. Martina just didn't steal my heart. And while I love Halfpint, Melissa needs to pour some of that cuteness into her dancing! Yet, I am rooting for her. I love watching Jaleel, and I think he is a clear front runner. Yet, this week I am a Gavin DeGraw fan because I Like to root for the underdog!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH, that makes me think about American Idol.. Yes, Jessica will probably win it all, but for now I will be rooting for Colton!!!! 

Ok, now back to your regularly scheduled programming. 

The Tutu Project

 

   I am always looking for inspiration for my paintings and in life.  So I am sure you are wondering why I posted a picture of a man in a pink tutu. The answer is his cause and the reason........

According to the CDC in 2007:

• 202,964 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer.
• 40,598 women in the United States died from breast cancer.

Ok, so maybe you are starting to put the pieces together.. But, in the pink tutu wearer's (Bob Carey) own words:

The Tutu Project began in 2003 as a lark. I mean, really, think of it. Me photographing myself in a pink tutu, how crazy is that?

But nine years ago my wife, Linda, and I moved to the East Coast and, as odd as it may sound, the self-portraits proved to be a perfect way of expressing myself. Why? Because even though the move was exciting, exhilarating, and inspiring, it was 180 degrees from what I knew. So I took the old, mixed it in with the new, and the kept the tutu handy.

Six months after the move, Linda, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She beat it, only to have it recur in 2006. During these past nine years, I’ve been in awe of her power, her beauty, and her spirit. Oddly enough, her cancer has taught us that life is good, dealing with it can be hard, and sometimes the very best thing—no, the only thing—we can do to face another day is to laugh at ourselves, and share a laugh with others.

Enter Ballerina, the book. Not only is it a collection of my tutu images, it also shares many humorous stories about the adventures of a guy and his pink tulle. So far, there has been a tremendous response to the series of photos—people are particularly moved by the images. And their interest and enthusiasm have made us want to share that experience with as many people as possible in the form of a book, so that we can raise money to help other women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

This autumn, I will self-publish Ballerina. The net proceeds from the sale of the book will go directly to breast cancer organizations, including Cancercare.org and the Beth Israel Department of Integrative Medicine Fund, that make significant differences in the lives of women with breast cancer and in the people who love them. Our goal is to raise $75,000. But we need your help to seed the project so it will take root and grow—and positively affect these families.

Here’s how sponsorship works. For $500, you will receive a special edition 20-by-24-inch signed tutu print, valued at $1,200—along with a first edition of the book, Ballerina. You will also receive recognition on my Facebook fan page and in all other project materials, including mention in Ballerina. Best of all, there is no limit to the number of sponsorships you can purchase.

Other ways you can contribute are by purchasing a T-shirt, pre-purchasing a signed copy of Ballerina, which will ship once it is published. Of course, you can also contribute any cash amount you choose. All of these options are below.

Thank you for considering sponsorship of the much-anticipated Tutu Project. We want you to know how grateful we are. By joining us in this effort, you are making a real difference for women who have to endure far too much.

After years of talking about the project, it’s really happening—and I’m tickled pink.

He launched his website about a week ago and so far has raised over 8,000 for Breast Cancer Organizations!!! Please check out his website: The Tutu Project and follow him on Facebook.

Bob has inspired me to start a project that gives back, how has he inspired you?

Happy St. Patty's Day

May your day be touched
by a bit of Irish luck,
brightened by a song in your heart,
and warmed by the smiles
of the people you love. 

 

St. Patricks Day - Cute Craft. Oh and it uses a re-purposed Zipper!!!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Top of the Morning to you! Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone. I know it's early but I wanted you to have time to make this craft I found on Craftaholics Anonymous!

How To Make a Shamrock from a Zipper

*Please Note: All Craftaholics Anonymous tutorials are for PERSONAL USE only and items made using this tutorial may not be sold. thanks!*

supplies: 14″ green zipper, felt, rhinestone, pin blank, fray check/lighter/clear nail polish

tools: scissors, sewing machine, hot glue

1. Zipper, rhinestone, felt, and pin blank are included in the craft kit.
2. Sew a Gathering Stitch by lengthening your stitch length to the longest and do not back stitch at the beginning or end. And leave the threads long.
3. Pulling one string, gather your zipper.
4. You’ll want to gather the zipper until it circles into a shape like a slinky.

5. Start at one end and curl around putting the end behind. My loop measures about 1″.

6. Put a dot of hot glue behind the loop to hold in place.

7. Continue twisting the zipper around and create 2 more loops and hot glue in place. {your shamrock is starting to take shape}

8. Trim off the excess zipper to create a stem for your shamrock. My stem is about .75″ long.

9. Apply fray check or clear nail polish to the raw edge of the stem. You could also use a candle to lightly singe the ends.

10. Flip the shamrock over and trim off the extra zipper length.

11. Cut a small circle of felt to be about .75″ in diameter and hot glue to the back of the shamrock. Make sure that none of the felt shows from the front. Glue the pin blank on top of the felt.

12. Glue the rhinestone in on the front and you’re done!