Melody's Musings

Stuff that catches my fancy and random, sorted thoughts from the inner scrambles of my mind.

What you may expect to find here are what I consider good taste and some of the best in photography, philosophy, humor, art, architecture, food, music, poetry, literature and dance. I hope you like some of the things I enjoy.

I like anything to do with good design such as interior design, architecture, photography, and art. I enjoy philosophy and psychology. I love to figure out what makes individuals tick. Music of most all types but particularly classical, world, pop, acoustic guitar is a big part of my life and add some dance to the music and my day is great! I like to write and occasionally I will write poetry and I really love to read it out loud and I even record it sometimes.

I'm a Myers-Briggs type ENFJ which means I love people and have a great interest in them.

I guess you could say I'm a humanities kind of person. :)







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    Click here for the recipe:   http://minimalistbaker.com/healthy-5-ingredient-granola-bars/

    Click here for the recipe:   http://minimalistbaker.com/healthy-5-ingredient-granola-bars/

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    Stoplight Mango Green Smoothie A layered multi-colored smoothie with frozen mango, strawberry and spinach! The perfect healthy breakfast, snack or dessert. Author: Minimalist Baker Recipe type: Smoothie Cuisine: Vegan Serves: 1 Ingredients 1.25 cups frozen mango pieces 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 cup fresh spinach 1 cup water / almond milk (I used half and half) optional sweetener: frozen banana, honey, stevia or agave Instructions Place mango into a blender with milk or water and blend until smooth, adding more mango to thicken and more water or milk to thin. Pour ⅔ of the smoothie into a serving container and then add strawberries to the blender. Blend until smooth, adding a bit more water or almond milk if needed. Taste to see if it needs sweetened. I added ½ a small frozen banana at this point. Pour ¾ of the smoothie into the serving glass on top of the mango layer. Lastly, add spinach to the blender and blend until smooth. Pour into the serving glass, making three distinct layers. Sip and enjoy, or freeze for later. Nutrition Information Calories: 289 Fat: 3.6 g Carbohydrates: 65 g Sugar: 52 g Fiber: 10 g Protein: 6 g http://minimalistbaker.com/stoplight-mango-green-smoothie/

    Stoplight Mango Green Smoothie

    A layered multi-colored smoothie with frozen mango, strawberry and spinach! The perfect healthy breakfast, snack or dessert.

    Author: Minimalist Baker
    Recipe type: Smoothie
    Cuisine: Vegan
    Serves: 1
    Ingredients
    • 1.25 cups frozen mango pieces
    • 1 cup frozen strawberries
    • 1 cup fresh spinach
    • 1 cup water / almond milk (I used half and half)
    • optional sweetener: frozen banana, honey, stevia or agave
    Instructions
    1. Place mango into a blender with milk or water and blend until smooth, adding more mango to thicken and more water or milk to thin.
    2. Pour ⅔ of the smoothie into a serving container and then add strawberries to the blender. Blend until smooth, adding a bit more water or almond milk if needed. Taste to see if it needs sweetened. I added ½ a small frozen banana at this point.
    3. Pour ¾ of the smoothie into the serving glass on top of the mango layer.
    4. Lastly, add spinach to the blender and blend until smooth. Pour into the serving glass, making three distinct layers.
    5. Sip and enjoy, or freeze for later.
    Nutrition Information
    Calories: 289 Fat: 3.6 g Carbohydrates: 65 g Sugar: 52 g Fiber: 10 g Protein: 6 g

    http://minimalistbaker.com/stoplight-mango-green-smoothie/

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    Peanut Butter Banana Basil Rainbow Chard Wrap

    Rainbow chard topped with peanut butter, banana, flaxseed and basil and rolled up into a portable breakfast, lunch or snack wrap. So green, so good.
    Author: Minimalist Baker
    Recipe type: Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten Free
    Serves: 1
    Ingredients
    • 1 large rainbow swiss chard leaf, rinsed and dried
    • 1.5 Tbsp natural salted peanut butter (crunchy is best)
    • 1 medium (perfectly ripe) banana
    • 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal
    • 1 handful basil
    Instructions
    1. Flatten your rainbow chard and, with a knife, shave the stem down so it’s easier to roll up. Alternatively, cut out the bottom portion that tends to be more rigid.
    2. Starting at the bottom about ¼ of the way up (see photos) smear on peanut butter, add flaxseed, banana and basil and roll the whole thing up like a regular wrap, tucking the sides in as you near the top. If your banana isn’t ripe/sweet enough, add a drizzle of honey or agave to sweeten.
    3. Secure with a tooth pick and cut in half. Or, simply grasp in your hands and enjoy immediately! I ate half at breakfast and carried the other half in a baggy for a snack later on. It was just as delicious a few hours later.
    Nutrition Information
    Serving size: 1 Calories: 297 Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 35 g Sugar: 16 g Fiber: 8 g Protein: 12 g

    http://minimalistbaker.com/peanut-butter-banana-basil-rainbow-chard-wrap/
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    Avocado Spinach Dip – So good, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful!

    Yield: Yields approx. 3 cups

    INGREDIENTS

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Cook the spinach for a minute or two, until just wilted. Squeeze dry and set aside.
    2. Add avocado, mayo, lime juice, honey, salt and pepper to the bowl of a small foor processor and process until smooth and creamy.
    3. Add spinach, water chestnuts and sundried tomatoes and process on pulse until well combined.
    4. Chill for a few hours before serving to allow for flavors to fully develop (not absolutely necessary but preferable); to avoid discoloration, cover with plastic film placed directly on top of the dip (in direct contact with the dip)
    5. This will keep in the fridge for a few days, so long as you keep it well covered and avoid contact with air.

      Homemade mayonnaise recipe is here:  http://picketfencepaleo.com/3-minute-mayo/

      http://thehealthyfoodie.com/2013/04/30/avocado-spinach-dip/
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    Date Sweetened HorchataDates replace sugar in this healthier version of homemade horchata. Hints of cinnamon and vanilla pop through in each sip – perfectly refreshing on a warm day. Author: Minimalist Baker Recipe type: Beverage Cuisine: Mexican Serves: 6 Ingredients ¾ cup long grain white rice 6 cups water, divided 1 cup unsweetened plain or vanilla almond milk (or sub light coconut or rice milk) ½ – ¾ cup pitted medjool or deglet nour dates (depending on desired sweetness) 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon) Instructions Soak rice in 2 cups very hot (not boiling water) for 2 hours. The rice should be soft but still very raw – you should be able to snap a piece in half with your fingernail without much effort. Drain and add to a blender. Add 4 cups water, dates and the cinnamon stick, top with lid and cover with a towel to ensure it doesn’t splash. Blend for about 1 minute until the date specks are very small and the mixture seems well combined. It doesn’t have to be 100% pulverized. Scoop out a small sample with a spoon to test sweetness. If it’s not sweet enough, add more dates (or honey if not vegan). In two batches, pour the mixture over a bowl or pitcher covered with cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, very thin towel, or a clean t-shirt or clean pair of panty hose (a tip I learned from My New Roots). I wrapped a rubberband around my bowl to ensure it didn’t come loose, but this isn’t necessary. Strain the mixture until only pulp remains in the cloth, squeezing to get every last drop out. It will take a little effort depending on how pulverized your pulp is. Rinse out cloth and set aside for washing. Next, stir in almond milk (optional), whisk and transfer to mason jars or a large beverage container with a lid. Chill and serve over ice. Will keep in the fridge for several days. Nutrition Information Serving size: ~3/4 cup Calories: 83 Fat: 1.5 g Carbohydrates: 19 g Sugar: 12 g Fiber: 4 g Protein: 1 g http://minimalistbaker.com/date-sweetened-horchata/
    Date Sweetened Horchata

    Dates replace sugar in this healthier version of homemade horchata. Hints of cinnamon and vanilla pop through in each sip – perfectly refreshing on a warm day.
    Author: Minimalist Baker
    Recipe type: Beverage
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Serves: 6
    Ingredients
    • ¾ cup long grain white rice
    • 6 cups water, divided
    • 1 cup unsweetened plain or vanilla almond milk (or sub light coconut or rice milk)
    • ½ – ¾ cup pitted medjool or deglet nour dates (depending on desired sweetness)
    • 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
    Instructions
    1. Soak rice in 2 cups very hot (not boiling water) for 2 hours. The rice should be soft but still very raw – you should be able to snap a piece in half with your fingernail without much effort. Drain and add to a blender.
    2. Add 4 cups water, dates and the cinnamon stick, top with lid and cover with a towel to ensure it doesn’t splash. Blend for about 1 minute until the date specks are very small and the mixture seems well combined. It doesn’t have to be 100% pulverized.
    3. Scoop out a small sample with a spoon to test sweetness. If it’s not sweet enough, add more dates (or honey if not vegan).
    4. In two batches, pour the mixture over a bowl or pitcher covered with cheesecloth, a nut milk bag, very thin towel, or a clean t-shirt or clean pair of panty hose (a tip I learned from My New Roots). I wrapped a rubberband around my bowl to ensure it didn’t come loose, but this isn’t necessary.
    5. Strain the mixture until only pulp remains in the cloth, squeezing to get every last drop out. It will take a little effort depending on how pulverized your pulp is. Rinse out cloth and set aside for washing.
    6. Next, stir in almond milk (optional), whisk and transfer to mason jars or a large beverage container with a lid. Chill and serve over ice. Will keep in the fridge for several days.
    Nutrition Information
    Serving size: ~3/4 cup Calories: 83 Fat: 1.5 g Carbohydrates: 19 g Sugar: 12 g Fiber: 4 g Protein: 1 g

    http://minimalistbaker.com/date-sweetened-horchata/

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    Include many different colors of fruits and veggies in your diet.

    Include many different colors of fruits and veggies in your diet.

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    The ultimate spice rack:I would LOVE to have this in my kitchen as I use many fresh herbs in cooking.

    The ultimate spice rack:
    I would LOVE to have this in my kitchen as I use many fresh herbs in cooking.

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    Benefits of coconut oil

    Benefits of coconut oil

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    CARROT, APPLE, LEMON, & GINGER | ORGANIC JUICE RECIPE 7 Carrots 2 Apples 1 Lemon 1 Thumb-size Piece of Ginger Root This is a highly energizing / circulation-boosting beverage that gets all the juices flowing. This combination increases physical energy, lessens joint stiffness and arthritic pain, enhances the skin / glow, and boosts the mood.

    CARROT, APPLE, LEMON, & GINGER | ORGANIC JUICE RECIPE

    7 Carrots
    2 Apples
    1 Lemon
    1 Thumb-size Piece of Ginger Root

    This is a highly energizing / circulation-boosting beverage that gets all the juices flowing. This combination increases physical energy, lessens joint stiffness and arthritic pain, enhances the skin / glow, and boosts the mood.

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    LEMON AVOCADO GREEN DRINK USING A BLENDER 2 cups Spring Water, chilled Juice of 1 Lemon ½ Cucumber, ends removed, halved lengthwise 1 Celery Stalk, halved 3 c Leafy greens, lightly packed ½ Avocado ½ Thumb-size of Ginger Root, peeled Blend all ingredients to liquid consistency and enjoy this mega-jolt of green vitality!

    LEMON AVOCADO GREEN DRINK USING A BLENDER

    2 cups Spring Water, chilled
    Juice of 1 Lemon
    ½ Cucumber, ends removed, halved lengthwise
    1 Celery Stalk, halved
    3 c Leafy greens, lightly packed
    ½ Avocado
    ½ Thumb-size of Ginger Root, peeled

    Blend all ingredients to liquid consistency and enjoy this mega-jolt of green vitality!

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    Health Tip: CLEAN YOUR KIDNEYS IN $1.00 OR EVEN LESS Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments and how are we going to overcome this? It is very easy, first take a bunch of parsley or Cilantro (Coriander Leaves) and wash it clean. Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool. Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before. Parsley (Cilantro) is known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural!http://www.healinggaling.com/how-to/how-to-clean-your-kidney-drink-parsley-juice/    

    Health Tip:

    CLEAN YOUR KIDNEYS IN $1.00 OR EVEN LESS

    Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments and how are we going to overcome this?

    It is very easy, first take a bunch of parsley or Cilantro (Coriander Leaves) and wash it clean.

    Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool.

    Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before.

    Parsley (Cilantro) is known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural!

    http://www.healinggaling.com/how-to/how-to-clean-your-kidney-drink-parsley-juice/

     

     

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    Valentines Smoothie anyone? Raspberry Banana Smoothies 1 - 10 oz bag frozen raspberries 1 banana 1 cup vanilla lowfat yogurt 1/3 cup orange juice. Blend all ingredients together and put in a glass bottle.

    Valentines Smoothie anyone?
    Raspberry Banana Smoothies 1 - 10 oz bag frozen raspberries 1 banana 1 cup vanilla lowfat yogurt 1/3 cup orange juice. Blend all ingredients together and put in a glass bottle.

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    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0916773418?ie=UTF8&tag=eatinghealthyfood-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0916773418

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0916773418?ie=UTF8&tag=eatinghealthyfood-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0916773418

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    REGROW GREEN ONIONS IN WATER FOR FREE! | You can regrow your organic Green Onions (aka Scallions) back after use simply by placing the white root bases in a small glass of spring water. You can have fresh Scallions in about a week! This can be done several times over, but keep in mind, the nutritional value will be lessened each time. Empty & refresh the water every week (to minimize the onion smell & keep it healthy) and keep the glass near a window so it receives sunlight!

    REGROW GREEN ONIONS IN WATER FOR FREE! | You can regrow your organic Green Onions (aka Scallions) back after use simply by placing the white root bases in a small glass of spring water. You can have fresh Scallions in about a week! This can be done several times over, but keep in mind, the nutritional value will be lessened each time. Empty & refresh the water every week (to minimize the onion smell & keep it healthy) and keep the glass near a window so it receives sunlight!

    (Source: _http)

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    Turmeric and its botanical cousin ginger contain potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer polyphenols curcumin and ginger respectively. Most cancer research has focused on curcumin which has multiple anti-cancer effects. It protects against DNA mutations; stimulates enzymes that repair damaged DNA and those that detoxify carcinogens; inhibits tumor formation, growth and migration; discourages angiogenesis (blood vessel creation that feeds cancer); and also induces cancer cells to die.

    Turmeric and its botanical cousin ginger contain potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer polyphenols curcumin and ginger respectively. Most cancer research has focused on curcumin which has multiple anti-cancer effects. It protects against DNA mutations; stimulates enzymes that repair damaged DNA and those that detoxify carcinogens; inhibits tumor formation, growth and migration; discourages angiogenesis (blood vessel creation that feeds cancer); and also induces cancer cells to die.

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