Growing Sprouts in a Mason Jar

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Our local organic market sells all kinds of sprouts – broccoli sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts, and more.  Sprouts are incredibly healthy and high in nutrition.  They’re also darn expensive.  But guess what?  You can grow your own sprouts in a mason jar.  It’s cheap, fast, super simple, fun for the kids, and they’re the freshest, crunchiest sprouts you’ll find anywhere.  Here’s how…

Step 1. Pick Your Sprouts.  Sprouts are simply germinated seeds, beans, peas or lentils.  Pick up a bag of alfalfa seeds at your garden shop or farm supply store, or grab some dried lentils, garbanzo beans, or my personal favorite…mung beans, which are commonly used in asian cooking.

Step 2. Prepare Your Jar.  Use a 1 quart mason jar and lid.  Drill holes in the lid (I used a drill press) so it looks like a sieve.  Add 4 tbsp of your sprouting medium into the jar and cover about 3-4 inches with water.

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Step 3. Soak Your Seeds.  Allow to set 6-8 hours or overnight, then drain the soaked seeds, rinse thoroughly then drain again.

Step 4.  Set it in a Sunny Place.  Set the jar horizontally on its side next to a sunny window.  This allows the seeds to spread out a bit.

Step 5.  Rinse and Drain Morning and Night.  Rinse and drain the seeds every morning and every evening, returning the jar back on its side in front of the window.

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Within 2 days you’ll see the seeds begin to sprout.  Within 5 days, you’ll have a jar full of spouts.

Step 6.  Eat your sprouts.  Store your sprouts in an air tight container with a dry towel to absorb the moisture.  This allows the sprouts to stay fresher longer.  Keep them refrigerated.

That’s all there is to it!  Fresh home grown sprouts for the whole family!  For more information, including an online source for sprouting mediums and demonstrations of other sprouting methods, check out this video from mountainroseherbs.

Happy sprouting!!!

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In My Runner’s Mind

I ran with no expectations, no hurry, intent on enjoying the beautiful cool morning.  No thinking about heavy legs, passing out, heat exhaustion or wedgies. My feet switched to auto pilot and my mind slipped into deep subconsciousness where my thoughts escaped to the ideal.

In my Runner’s mind…

• Creativity abounds and there’s no end to my brilliance
• I am a rock star holding my own with Axle Rose, Rob Thomas and Lady Gaga
• I am an artistic marvel working colorful glass sculptures with ease, fluidity, and no cracks
• I am a fit size 6 who looks fabulous in anything
• I am a kitchen diva creating culinary masterpieces with fridge leftovers
• I am a psycho analyst answering the never ending question…why?
• I am a powerful athlete crossing the finish line in record time
• I am sharp with wit and unafraid to confront those who are disrespectful with exactly what I think, at exactly the right time, with utmost intelligence
• I am independent, strong, tireless, always in a good mood and never absent minded.

Reality creeped back into my legs, chest and head.  But my mind was clear, relaxed, unhurried, content to face the day, and happy that I just did it.

The 60 Second Candy Rule

Like many office workers who are chained to their desks all day, I often want to munch while I work – especially when I’m bored or stressed.  Usually a piece of fruit, some yogurt, or a veggie pack will do the trick.  But sometimes I get a sweet tooth.  In fact, everyday after eating lunch I want something sweet.  So I have a 60 second candy rule….

If it takes me less than 60 seconds to eat a piece of candy, then that candy does not reside in or anywhere near my desk. 

Why?  Because candy that can be eaten quickly is usually the chocolaty, chewy, milky, buttery, most delicious irresistible candy of all.  Catch me on an emotional day and, mark my words, the entire bag will be history!

Candy that takes longer to eat, like hard candy or gum, is still good for satisfying those sweet tooth cravings, but not as good for binging because it take too long to eat them. They also tend to be lower in fat and less calories.  Makes sense, right?

Here are 10 favorites that I allow myself keep around at work….

1.  Tootsie Pops – sweet, fruity, chocolaty – try not to bite too soon.
2.  Charms Blow Pops – takes forever, and then there’s the gum.
3.  Werther’s Originals Hard Toffees – buttery yumminess
4.  Nips – coffee, toffee, chocolate, caramel, take your pick.
5.  Butterscotches – the yellow ones – old fashioned, buttery, sugary.
6.  Lemonheads – intense lemon that makes you pucker.
7.  Warheads – super sour w/ lots of fruity pucker.
8.  Jolly Ranchers – regular, sour or creamscicle flavors.
9.  Gum – I like sugar-free Extra because it lasts longer and it comes in lots of flavors.
10.  Starlight Mints – not one of my favorites, but they do overpower all other cravings.

Get Socially Fit, Make More Time for Friends

Day trip to Falling Waters PA with the girls

Its been proven that time with friends offers many of the same health benefits as physical exercise.  According to Social Connections for Cognitive Fitness, friends lower our stress levels, raise our endorphins, and make us feel happier, more confident, and energetic –  hanging out with friends is like free therapy.   The best part is that friends are free!!!

As I’ve get older, I realize more and more just how much friends enhance our lives.  When time is short, putting off friends seems like an easy sacrifice.  They understand you’re busy, right?  Sure they do, but after so many declines, they’ll just stop asking.

Friends are an investment, you get what you give, and often you get more than you’d ever expect.  I plan shopping dates, I text and facebook, meet up for dinner dates, and more.  Yes, I’m tired after a long day, and the thought of being home in my jammies having a potatofest with the TV can spark thoughts of cancellation.  But like a good physical workout, once I’m there, I always have the best time and without fail, I come home feeling happy, excited, and mentally stimulated.  Amazing how that works!