Are you in charge of bringing the turkey this year? The dressing? If you are, have no fear...La Bella Living is here to help!
We have a Thanksgiving menu out to help with all your holiday needs. Whether you simply need roast turkey and green bean casserole or you would like to "WOW" your family with braised lamb and sweet-potato-goat-cheese mash, we've got you covered.
Drop me a line to receive the full menu and Live La Bella this holiday!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Laughter in the midst of sadness
I have to say that I don't think I have seen anything this funny before. I am at the funeral of my sweet grandmother, tears in my eyes and tissue in hand...we walk to the back of the church to visit with other family members and dear friends, and as we stand there waiting for the signal that the family car is ready to go, this poor man's teeth come flying out of his mouth right onto the parking lot pavement. He scoops them up and in a flash they were back in his mouth in a "three second rule" kind of way. No wipe down or sanitizing of any kind (I have witnesses, I promise!) It was something right out of a movie or sitcom...and perhaps one of the funniest things I have ever seen. What a blessing, to have a good belly laugh on a day of mourning. Your mission today is to find something that makes you laugh, preferably the out loud, grab your belly kind...those are the best, and can lighten even the heaviest of hearts.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Slow Down
Rush, rush, rush. We all do it. Daily. I learned a good lesson about the value of rushing on Sunday.
I was in a hurry all day. While rushing at work I cut a good chunk out of my finger. This physically forced me to slow down. Think someone was trying to tell me something? Probably, but I didn't listen.
Instead I enlisted help so I could continue to rush. Then, on my delivery route, in a rush to get done, I missed my exit causing me to be delayed for nearly an hour. I was extremely unhappy about this, to say the least. I blamed everything else for my delay (excluding myself, of course).
Then, on my last stop, I received a very wonderful surprise. The kind of surprise that makes you stop and go, "Okay, Lord, I get it. Sorry. And thank you."
My last client had prepared a special meal that he wanted me to try. His grandmother's recipe (she is Sicilian and doesn't speak English) for clam sauce over fresh pasta. He had also made a broiled lobster tail to serve along with it. I was amazed! In my haste to get done with everything, I missed the enjoyment of the journey.
Together, we shared a meal fit for a king. Thanks for the food and fellowship, David. More importantly, thanks for taking the time to spread your love through your food.
That's what it's all about.
I was in a hurry all day. While rushing at work I cut a good chunk out of my finger. This physically forced me to slow down. Think someone was trying to tell me something? Probably, but I didn't listen.
Instead I enlisted help so I could continue to rush. Then, on my delivery route, in a rush to get done, I missed my exit causing me to be delayed for nearly an hour. I was extremely unhappy about this, to say the least. I blamed everything else for my delay (excluding myself, of course).
Then, on my last stop, I received a very wonderful surprise. The kind of surprise that makes you stop and go, "Okay, Lord, I get it. Sorry. And thank you."
My last client had prepared a special meal that he wanted me to try. His grandmother's recipe (she is Sicilian and doesn't speak English) for clam sauce over fresh pasta. He had also made a broiled lobster tail to serve along with it. I was amazed! In my haste to get done with everything, I missed the enjoyment of the journey.
Together, we shared a meal fit for a king. Thanks for the food and fellowship, David. More importantly, thanks for taking the time to spread your love through your food.
That's what it's all about.
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Fourth Agreement
The Fourth, and final, agreement of which Don Miguel Ruiz speaks of is "Always do your best." This agreement allows the other three to become deeply ingrained habits.
In everything that you do always do your best, no more, no less. In this way there are no regrets. Your best may not always be the same from day to day. When you are fully energized or less stressed your best may be better than other days. However, doing your best allows you to free yourself of guilt and live a truly happy life.
This agreement can be taken just one step further. Remember that if you are doing your best, so is everyone else. Therefore, we need not make assumptions about why someone else did something that may have hurt us. We don't need to take these things personally. Just remember that we are all doing our best.
In summary, the Four Agreements are:
1) Be impeccable with your word
2) Don't take things personally
3) Don't make assumptions
4) Always do your best
Try to keep the Four Agreements with yourself for today. You might just notice that everyone around you seems a little sweeter.
In everything that you do always do your best, no more, no less. In this way there are no regrets. Your best may not always be the same from day to day. When you are fully energized or less stressed your best may be better than other days. However, doing your best allows you to free yourself of guilt and live a truly happy life.
This agreement can be taken just one step further. Remember that if you are doing your best, so is everyone else. Therefore, we need not make assumptions about why someone else did something that may have hurt us. We don't need to take these things personally. Just remember that we are all doing our best.
In summary, the Four Agreements are:
1) Be impeccable with your word
2) Don't take things personally
3) Don't make assumptions
4) Always do your best
Try to keep the Four Agreements with yourself for today. You might just notice that everyone around you seems a little sweeter.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Angry Moms...
Join us Saturday, 10/24 at 7p.m. for the screening of Two Angry Moms. This is a movie that chronicles what can happen when fed-up Moms start a grass-roots revolution aimed at establishing programs that overcome roadblocks to getting real, healthy food into school cafeterias and how they found successful case studies across the U.S. for all of us to learn from. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at http://www.altrusadowntowndallas.org. We are going to meet at Times Ten Cellars at 5:30 for wine & cheese if you want to join us!
Two Angry Moms - screening
Saturday, Oct 24 10:30a
at Lakewood Theater, Dallas, TX
Price: $10
Two Angry Moms - screening
Saturday, Oct 24 10:30a
at Lakewood Theater, Dallas, TX
Price: $10
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Seared tuna salad
This recipe is very simple, yet always satisfying!
2-4 oz tuna steaks
2 tsp olive oil
6 ounces fresh baby spinach, washed
1 ounce fresh spring mix, washed
10 grape tomatoes
1 avocado
1 lime, cut in half
salt and pepper to taste
Soak the tuna steaks in an icewater bath for 1 minute. Remove and pat dry with a paper towel. Season the tuna with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat a small skillet over medium high for about a minute, or until very hot. Add olive oil and turn the pan to coat. Place tuna steaks in the skillet and allow to cook for about a minute. Turn and cook the other side for one minute. Remove tuna from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. Meanwhile, assemble the salad. Divide the spinach, spring mix, tomatoes, and avocado between two plates. Slice the tuna to desired thickness and divide between the two salads. Serve each salad with a lime half.
2-4 oz tuna steaks
2 tsp olive oil
6 ounces fresh baby spinach, washed
1 ounce fresh spring mix, washed
10 grape tomatoes
1 avocado
1 lime, cut in half
salt and pepper to taste
Soak the tuna steaks in an icewater bath for 1 minute. Remove and pat dry with a paper towel. Season the tuna with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat a small skillet over medium high for about a minute, or until very hot. Add olive oil and turn the pan to coat. Place tuna steaks in the skillet and allow to cook for about a minute. Turn and cook the other side for one minute. Remove tuna from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. Meanwhile, assemble the salad. Divide the spinach, spring mix, tomatoes, and avocado between two plates. Slice the tuna to desired thickness and divide between the two salads. Serve each salad with a lime half.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Third Agreement
Today I'd like to talk for a moment about The Third Agreement, as proposed by Don Miguel Ruiz in his book The Four Agreements. The Third Agreement is "don't make assumptions."
As humans, we have the tendency to make assumptions about everything. The problem with this is that we actually believe our assumptions are the truth. We make assumptions about what others think and then blame them for our assumptions.
Ruiz tells us that "All the drama you have lived in your life was rooted in making assumptions and taking things personally. Take a moment to consider this statement of truth."
If we would ask instead of assume we would have much better outcomes in our daily lives. Then, to extend things, if we could learn to not take the things that others say and do personally, just think how much stress we could completely eliminate from our lives.
The possibilities are endless.
As humans, we have the tendency to make assumptions about everything. The problem with this is that we actually believe our assumptions are the truth. We make assumptions about what others think and then blame them for our assumptions.
Ruiz tells us that "All the drama you have lived in your life was rooted in making assumptions and taking things personally. Take a moment to consider this statement of truth."
If we would ask instead of assume we would have much better outcomes in our daily lives. Then, to extend things, if we could learn to not take the things that others say and do personally, just think how much stress we could completely eliminate from our lives.
The possibilities are endless.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Brown Rice with Mushroom Gravy
This is one of my personal favorites!
Yields four servings
2 T butter, unsalted
1/2 cup shallots, small dice
8 oz Portabello mushrooms, medium dice
1/3 cup chardonnay
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1/4 tsp coarse black pepper
3 cups cooked brown rice
Heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add shallots and cook until translucent. Increase heat to medium high. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the wine. Cook until the wine is almost completely evaporated (this is known as "au sec"), stirring frequently. Add stock, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and remaining liquid is thick, about 8-9 minutes. Let cool slightly. Serve over prepared brown rice. For an added kick serve this dish over brown rice risotto. Mmmmmm....
Monday, September 21, 2009
Gluten-free living
I will be continuing with The Four Agreements, but first, a quick bit on Celiac disease...
Celiac disease is being diagnosed at a much higher rate than ever before. A gluten-free diet is the only choice for someone with Celiac disease. For those with Celiac, when gluten is introduced into the body, it flattens the microvilli in the stomach and doesn't allow for the absorption of nutrients. The gluten-free diet eliminates these problems.
Gluten is found naturally in all wheat flours. It is also very prevalent in processed foods. Eliminating it altogether can seem daunting, to say the least. No bread, no pasta, no, no, no...
Enter La Bella Living.
At La Bella Living all of the cooking we do is gluten-free and sugar-free (we do use regular pasta for some of our clients by request). We do everything from fresh pasta to homemade crab cakes (baked, never fried). We do kitchen makeovers to help those with gluten intolerance better make the switch to gluten-free products. We've also developed an amaizing line of gluten-free baked goods. To make a long story short, we're out to show everyone that you can still eat fabulous food...without gluten.
This week, as requested, I will be posting some delicious gluten-free recipes. Live beautifully today!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Second Agreement
In his book The Four Agreements Don Miguel Ruiz asserts that the first agreement is the most powerful. The other three serve as support for the first.
The second agreement is, "Don't take anything personally." This sometimes may seem difficult, as when someone directly insults you. However, what you must realize is that nothing anyone else does is because of you. Everything that anyone else does is a direct result of their agreements they have made with themselves. They are merely dealing with their "emotional poison" in the best way they know how.
Likewise, everything you do and say is a direct result of the agreements that you have made with yourself and has nothing to do with anyone else. When you don't take anything personally you become like teflon and other people's insults and emotional poison no longer sticks to you.
"If you keep this agreement you can travel around the world with your heart completely open and no one can hurt you... You can be in the middle of hell and still experience inner peace and happiness (Ruiz, 1997)."
Open your heart today.
The second agreement is, "Don't take anything personally." This sometimes may seem difficult, as when someone directly insults you. However, what you must realize is that nothing anyone else does is because of you. Everything that anyone else does is a direct result of their agreements they have made with themselves. They are merely dealing with their "emotional poison" in the best way they know how.
Likewise, everything you do and say is a direct result of the agreements that you have made with yourself and has nothing to do with anyone else. When you don't take anything personally you become like teflon and other people's insults and emotional poison no longer sticks to you.
"If you keep this agreement you can travel around the world with your heart completely open and no one can hurt you... You can be in the middle of hell and still experience inner peace and happiness (Ruiz, 1997)."
Open your heart today.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The First Agreement
In his book The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz speaks of four agreements that we can make with ourselves that can totally revolutionize the way we see this world. Today I will be focusing on the first, and most powerful of these agreements.
This agreement is to, "Be impeccable with your word."
Your words are your ultimate power. They are what you use to create the reality all around you. Being impeccable with your word means more than doing what you say you are going to do. It extends furthur to the realization that your words have power.
Your words have great power, over others and over yourself. Being impeccable with your word means not using your word against yourself. If you choose to spread fear and hate with your words you will receive both in return. In this way you are using your own words to cause yourself pain. Conversely, however, you can also use your words to spread love to those around you. Your words can be used to destroy others (and yourself) or to create your own Heaven on Earth.
What will you choose to do with your words today?
This agreement is to, "Be impeccable with your word."
Your words are your ultimate power. They are what you use to create the reality all around you. Being impeccable with your word means more than doing what you say you are going to do. It extends furthur to the realization that your words have power.
Your words have great power, over others and over yourself. Being impeccable with your word means not using your word against yourself. If you choose to spread fear and hate with your words you will receive both in return. In this way you are using your own words to cause yourself pain. Conversely, however, you can also use your words to spread love to those around you. Your words can be used to destroy others (and yourself) or to create your own Heaven on Earth.
What will you choose to do with your words today?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Life Is a Series of Choices
I want to focus this week on the life-changing power of choice. I view life as a series of choices. This is not a revolutionary concept. It has been echoed through all the great teachers of the world in many different ways. However the mode of delivery the message remains the same: the way you choose to react to your daily path is what determines its direction.
When you're late for work and you choose to get upset your blood pressure rises. Because of this your mind can become cloudy and you may choose to take it out on a coworker. She may in turn choose to take it out on her husband that evening. You can see where this is going. Choosing to breathe deeply and relax can affect the outcome of your daily journey in these types of situations in a very real and very positive way.
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances." So choose to be happy today! :)
When you're late for work and you choose to get upset your blood pressure rises. Because of this your mind can become cloudy and you may choose to take it out on a coworker. She may in turn choose to take it out on her husband that evening. You can see where this is going. Choosing to breathe deeply and relax can affect the outcome of your daily journey in these types of situations in a very real and very positive way.
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances." So choose to be happy today! :)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Be a rockstar today!
In his book The Mastery of Love, Don Miguel Ruiz tells us that,
"You are taught: 'You are a human; these are your limitations.' Then we limit our possibilities by our own fears. You are what you believe you are. Humans are powerful magicians. When you believe you are what you are, then that is what you are...You have the power to make yourself what you are right now. But it's not your reasoning mind that controls your power it's what you believe."
You are only limited by the walls that you create with your beliefs. If you believe that you are a rockstar, then you are! That's the bottom line. So try it this week...just for seven days. Let go of the fears that limit you and just believe in yourself in everything you do. You may be very surprised with the outcome.
"You are taught: 'You are a human; these are your limitations.' Then we limit our possibilities by our own fears. You are what you believe you are. Humans are powerful magicians. When you believe you are what you are, then that is what you are...You have the power to make yourself what you are right now. But it's not your reasoning mind that controls your power it's what you believe."
You are only limited by the walls that you create with your beliefs. If you believe that you are a rockstar, then you are! That's the bottom line. So try it this week...just for seven days. Let go of the fears that limit you and just believe in yourself in everything you do. You may be very surprised with the outcome.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Red Velvet
We have a new friend that creates the most amazing red velvet cake balls. They are delicious and are a perfect dessert or party favor. We included one for each of our food delivery clients and below is one response...I included the website in case you need to try them!
OMG! The chocolate covered red velvet treat was UNBELIEVABLE! The cake was so moist. Perfect ending to my crab cake and seared tuna salad I had for lunch today.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
http://www.velvetsbakery.net/
OMG! The chocolate covered red velvet treat was UNBELIEVABLE! The cake was so moist. Perfect ending to my crab cake and seared tuna salad I had for lunch today.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
http://www.velvetsbakery.net/
Ravioli from scratch?
I have never had sweet potato and goat cheese ravioli before, much less made from scratch in my own kitchen! I learned how to roll, fill, cut, etc.
We deliver fresh, portioned controlled meals to the office and here was the comment from one of the ladies. "I say throw portion contril out the window on theses and pile them on - YUM"
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We may feature these at one of our cooking classes, so check out the website for class details!
http://www.labellaliving.com/
We deliver fresh, portioned controlled meals to the office and here was the comment from one of the ladies. "I say throw portion contril out the window on theses and pile them on - YUM"
.jpg)
We may feature these at one of our cooking classes, so check out the website for class details!
http://www.labellaliving.com/
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Real Food in Schools!
This week, Slow Food USA launched its Time for Lunch campaign. They’re gathering signatures to show support for prioritizing “real food” in reauthorization of the upcoming Child Nutrition Act, which funds school lunch (and breakfast) programs nationwide.
Reauthorization by Congress is slated for September and Slow Food is organizing a national day of action this Labor Day, with local Eat-Ins around the country. Join the National Day of Action to get REAL FOOD in schools!
http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/campaign/time_for_lunch/
Reauthorization by Congress is slated for September and Slow Food is organizing a national day of action this Labor Day, with local Eat-Ins around the country. Join the National Day of Action to get REAL FOOD in schools!
http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/campaign/time_for_lunch/
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Cucumber and Lime...
Martinis...my new favorite thing! Drew has discovered my juicer and has created a signature cocktail that is delicious! Fresh cucumber juice and fresh squeezed lime, tequila and triple sec.
Come find out the secrets behind this drink along with others at the next cocktail clinic!
Come find out the secrets behind this drink along with others at the next cocktail clinic!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
La Bella Living Mission...
La Bella Living is dedicated to bringing local, organic, sustainable awareness within our urban market through our special dinners, catering events, cooking classes and seminars, which will showcase purveyors within our city. Each event is designed to feature local and regional food producers that practice organic and sustainable production methods and love growing food as much as we love eating it!
Each dinner will celebrate a menu of seasonal ingredients paired with artisanal wines. We are committed to using the highest quality, local, regional and domestic products.
Some of the services we offer include wine/food pairings, cocktail clinics, chef's table dinners, cooking classes, mindful eating classes, and other educational seminars and events. Menus and events will be customized per client needs and can include expo cooking demos, specialty desserts, and signature cocktails.
We have a product line of cutlery and cookware that we recommend to clients that need tools to help them in the kitchen and provide in home instruction and personal chef services.
Our desire is to bring people back to the table and celebrate fresh food and fellowship, and help individuals and families live a beautiful life!
Each dinner will celebrate a menu of seasonal ingredients paired with artisanal wines. We are committed to using the highest quality, local, regional and domestic products.
Some of the services we offer include wine/food pairings, cocktail clinics, chef's table dinners, cooking classes, mindful eating classes, and other educational seminars and events. Menus and events will be customized per client needs and can include expo cooking demos, specialty desserts, and signature cocktails.
We have a product line of cutlery and cookware that we recommend to clients that need tools to help them in the kitchen and provide in home instruction and personal chef services.
Our desire is to bring people back to the table and celebrate fresh food and fellowship, and help individuals and families live a beautiful life!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Chef's Table
Last night we launched a really fun event we are calling the Chef's Table. It basically consists of wonderful people coming to the house for some really incredible food, wine, and fellowship. This week Drew prepared a fresh corn and poblano soup that was so good I wanted to flat out lick the bowl, followed by the mother ship crab cakes...great story about these that we'll tell later, but let's just say they were so good one of our guests almost cried! Then he "threw together" this plum cake that was the perfect combination of sweetness, but not too much. Then the guys played the guitar and sang for a couple of hours. My idea of a perfect Friday!
We had such a great response this week that we are going to do it again next Friday! It will probably be 2-3 Fridays each month with a different theme each time. We'd love for you to join us soon!
Here was the feedback from our guests last week...
THANK YOU!
We had such a fabulous time. Your home is beautiful and Drew is awesome. Dan and I have been fortunate to dine at some really fine restaurants in different parts of the world and I can honestly say that Friday night rates right up there with the best. Nothing is better than when great food and great company come together to create a night to remember. (not to mention the live entertainment!) Can't wait until the next one! Katie
We had such a great response this week that we are going to do it again next Friday! It will probably be 2-3 Fridays each month with a different theme each time. We'd love for you to join us soon!
Here was the feedback from our guests last week...
THANK YOU!
We had such a fabulous time. Your home is beautiful and Drew is awesome. Dan and I have been fortunate to dine at some really fine restaurants in different parts of the world and I can honestly say that Friday night rates right up there with the best. Nothing is better than when great food and great company come together to create a night to remember. (not to mention the live entertainment!) Can't wait until the next one! Katie
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Love makin at the gas station...
Our very first road trip together was a trip to San Antonio. It was a very relaxing trip. We left on a Sunday and were able to take our time getting to San Antonio, stopping along the way in Austin for some shopping and sight-seeing.
One of the highlights of the trip was when we stopped at Manuel's in downtown Austin. If you've never had the pleasure of eating at this establishment you should make it a point to do so the next time you're in Austin. They have some amazing seafood (try the ceviche!) along with a cucumber-lime martini that is to die for.
However, as great as this trip was, it will always be known to us by something that happened in the first five minutes of the trip. I'm not kidding when I say that we were less than a quarter-mile from home. We stopped to get gas at the Green Spot. It's a little hippie gas station down the street that sells homemade butter and flax seed bars and rhubarb soda in a bottle. You know...your typical 7-11.
As I was filling up the car with gas Hayley ran inside to get a few things (probably some of her crazy flax seed bars). When she came back out she stopped by the side of the car to give me my "thanks for putting gas in the car" smooch...pretty standard, right? Not really. The smooch apparently turned into something of a sight. In mid-smooch an older gentleman with white hair steps out of the store and from 50 feet away shouts, "HEY! DON'T Y'ALL KNOW...THERE'S NO LOVE-MAKIN' AT THE GAS STATION!" It didn't end there. Before I was able to get in the car, confused and laughing about the whole situation, he was able to repeat his call to ethics three more times. It was quite a sight to the innocent bystanders.
So to all the ladies out there, beware the next time that you give your hard-workin' man some lovin' while he is pumping gas. And always remember, there is no love-makin' at the gas station!
One of the highlights of the trip was when we stopped at Manuel's in downtown Austin. If you've never had the pleasure of eating at this establishment you should make it a point to do so the next time you're in Austin. They have some amazing seafood (try the ceviche!) along with a cucumber-lime martini that is to die for.
However, as great as this trip was, it will always be known to us by something that happened in the first five minutes of the trip. I'm not kidding when I say that we were less than a quarter-mile from home. We stopped to get gas at the Green Spot. It's a little hippie gas station down the street that sells homemade butter and flax seed bars and rhubarb soda in a bottle. You know...your typical 7-11.
As I was filling up the car with gas Hayley ran inside to get a few things (probably some of her crazy flax seed bars). When she came back out she stopped by the side of the car to give me my "thanks for putting gas in the car" smooch...pretty standard, right? Not really. The smooch apparently turned into something of a sight. In mid-smooch an older gentleman with white hair steps out of the store and from 50 feet away shouts, "HEY! DON'T Y'ALL KNOW...THERE'S NO LOVE-MAKIN' AT THE GAS STATION!" It didn't end there. Before I was able to get in the car, confused and laughing about the whole situation, he was able to repeat his call to ethics three more times. It was quite a sight to the innocent bystanders.
So to all the ladies out there, beware the next time that you give your hard-workin' man some lovin' while he is pumping gas. And always remember, there is no love-makin' at the gas station!
Welcome!
W
elcome to the La Bella Living Blog...designed to educate, inspire, and motivate you to live a beautiful life! These posts may include thoughts around fresh food, good wine, dark chocolate, simple living and more. Join us on the vibrant journey to healthy living!
elcome to the La Bella Living Blog...designed to educate, inspire, and motivate you to live a beautiful life! These posts may include thoughts around fresh food, good wine, dark chocolate, simple living and more. Join us on the vibrant journey to healthy living!
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