The Art of the Stress-free Happy Hour: Olive Oil & Salt Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Beets. Via Eva Marie

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Life can be so hectic and harried that I cherish those quiet evenings sitting around the fireplace, gabbing with friends over a shared bottle of wine and a few goodies to nosh on.

I like to keep it delicious and simple, enjoying the process of cooking for people I care about without becoming stressed out over the details.

Olive oil, salt roasted sweet potatoes and beets served with a sharp cheese like the aged Gouda, some nice olives, nuts and dried fruit, bread or crackers, a bottle of wine, and great conversations are the perfect ingredients to an intimate and fun happy hour get together.

Olive Oil & Salt Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Beets

Ingredients:

• 2 medium size sweet potatoes or yams, washed, peeled and sliced thin
• 3 medium red beets, washed, peeled and sliced thin
• 2-3 small golden beets, washed, peeled and sliced thin
• 1 head of garlic, leave the paper on it
• 1/3 cup olive oil, plus a little extra for basting
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• A handful of fresh herbs—I used sage, parsley and oregano

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Brush a 6 or 8-inch cast iron pan with some olive oil.

Mix the 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper with the 1/3 cup olive oil and set aside.

Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in the pan as you see in the photo, going half way around the pan making a half circle.

Next, take the red beets and arrange them next to the sweet potatoes in an arc shape and then place the golden beets at the lower part of the pan.

Take the head of garlic and place it in the little space left at the bottom of the pan.

Using a pastry brush, coat all of the sweet potatoes first, the golden beets second and then the red beets with the seasoned olive oil.

Sprinkle with some coarse salt.

Place in the oven and roast for 1 hour. The veggies should be tender and browned along the top edges.

Remove from oven and allow to cool enough to handle the pan.

Sprinkle with the fresh herbs and serve.

The roasted garlic is wonderful squeezed out of the paper and spread onto some bread or eaten with the veggies.

Note: you may want to use gloves when peeling the red beets as they can stain your hands. Also be careful to cut them on a plastic board as they can easily color wood boards and counter tops.

Relax and enjoy!

7 WAYS DOGS ARE GREAT FOR YOUR HEALTH

We live in a time where many people are turning to natural remedies when it comes to treating ailments – and everything from anxiety to allergies can be alleviated without a prescription. And while there are many ways to relieve a variety of illnesses – from eating well to exercise – recent studies have highlighted the huge and often therapeutic value of pets.

As a nation of dog-lovers – from the loud and large to the demure and dainty – it’s little wonder that more and more people are opting for pet ownership as a way to improve vigour and vitality. And whether you already have a pet, or are toying with the idea of getting one, we’ve curated seven reasons why a four legged friend may be the very best thing you can do for your health and wellbeing.

1. LOWER STRESS LEVELS

The power of pets is nothing new, and a number of studies further prove the wealth of benefits they’re known to bring. The growing number of pet friendly workplaces is a testament to this, with many employers adopting a ‘pets welcome’ policy in a bid to lower stress levels and improve the wellbeing of staff.  

2. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Another powerful factor about pet ownership when it comes to remedying depression and anxiety is the unconditional love that dogs offer their owners. Unlike our fellow humans, four-legged friends are without judgments, opinions or critiques, and their loving – and loveable – nature is known to aid symptoms of depression.

3. THEY KEEP YOU ACTIVE

The benefits of exercise are endless, and as owner of a pet pooch in need of regular and frequent walks, it’s safe to say you’ll be upping your activity levels. Whether long and leisurely walks or a quick game of catch, you’ll be adding bursts of activity into your day for both you and your four-legged friend.

4. HELP WITH DEPRESSION

Often people suffering with anxiety or depression can lack a sense of purpose in their lives, and becoming a pet owner can add an element of responsibility, which, experts say, can help with depression. Having a pet adds a new and positive focus to its owners’ life and can remind them of their own value and importance.

5. HEALING TOUCH

 Much is known about the healing power of touch, and what better way of introducing this into your daily life than through regular sessions of nuzzling your pet?

6. A WELCOME DISTRACTION

Not too dissimilar to yoga – a practice which is well known for its healing properties – pets can encourage their owners to be present by taking them out of their heads and into the present moment. Offering a loveable and furry distraction can be invaluable to anyone suffering from anxiety.

7. PROTECTION AGAINST ALLERGIES

Did you know that early exposure to dogs can protect against allergies and asthma in later life? Studies suggest that contact with dogs and, to a lesser degree, cats can help strengthen the immune system and prevent respiratory related viruses, allergies and asthma in later life.

http://www.styletails.com/2017/08/17/7-ways-dogs-are-great-for-your-health/?utm_source=StyleTails+%7C+Design+%26+Lifestyle+for+Modern+Pet+Lovers&utm_campaign=761e4720c2-Dog_E_newsletter_17_08_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c2cf1d6362-761e4720c2-27944449&goal=0_c2cf1d6362-761e4720c2-27944449&mc_cid=761e4720c2&mc_eid=fda3f589f9

5 OF THE WORLD’S RAREST DOG BREEDS

When it comes to pet pooches, there are an abundance to choose from. Whatever size, temperament and colour you like – from little to large, from tame to playful, from fair-haired to dark, and everything in between – there’s a different dog for everyone, regardless of taste. But while we all know someone with one of the more popular types of dog; from loveable Labradors to boisterous Boxers, have you ever stopped to consider the rare breeds that we know less about? While these types of dogs aren’t frequently found in your local park, or seen in the nearby dog-friendly café, that doesn’t make them any less endearing.

Defined by The Kennel Club as a breed that is registered less than 300 times a year, have a read of our guide to five of the world’s rarest dog breeds; one of which may just be the perfect match for you.

Image: www.worldatlas.com

1. AZAWAKH

Originating in Azawakh Valley in East Africa, this rare breed has long been used as a guardian and companion to tribes in the Sahara Desert. Loyal to those that they know, yet often standoffish to those that they don’t, Azawakhs are protective and faithful pets. Tall and elegant, these beautiful hounds are protective and gentle and can be an excellent companion to active owners, who enjoy taking their pooch with them on outdoor excursions. 

Image: wikipedia.org

2. CHINESE CRESTED

A dependable and devoted dog, while the Chinese Crested breed are sociable types, they have a tendency to laze around and can often be needy when it comes to love and affection from their owner. Wonderful family dogs, Chinese Cresteds are loving and playful. Due to their small frame, these dogs are ideal for homes that aren’t large in size, and offer stable companionship to both children and adults alike. Don’t, however, let their small build fool you; while they may be little their bark can be fierce.

Image: marketplace.akc.org

3. BEDLINGTON TERRIER

With a lamb-like coat and a mild manner, the Bedlington Terrier is gregarious and graceful with a springy gait. Loveable around their own family, this type of dog can be reserved around strangers and needs early socialisation to avoid timidity when in a social setting. Calmer than other types of terrier and conveniently sized, Bedlington Terriers are distinctive looking pooches that make brilliant pets.

Image: Pinterest.com

4. OTTERHOUND

A traditional British dog breed, the Otterhound was – unsurprisingly – originally used for hunting otter. A large and fun-loving pet, this shaggy breed is a large dog that loves nothing more than being in the great outdoors, and requires regular and lengthy walks. With a distinctive coat and a musical bark, this friendly breed can be soft and sensitive, despite its domineering size.

Image: Visittweedvalley.co.uk

5. DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER

A Scottish breed often referred to as the gentleman of the Terrier family, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a relaxed and reticent pet, while staying true to the doggedness of its Terrier heritage. The breed’s small build and relative exercise requirements make it the perfect pet pooch for both city life and country dwellings. Affectionate and lively, these pets get along well with other dogs and children alike, making it a low-maintenance breed, ideal for anyone looking for the true meaning of a man’s best friend.

Unicorn

My mind has seen you; though my eyes are veiled
In doubt and search for you in vain.
My heart has found you; though my feet have failed
To tread the secret path to your domain.
In dreams I've known you; there, where myths arise
Revitalised to make their message new,
Your world meets mine, abandoning disguise,
And, in the stillness, surely that was you?
It's said that only those of saintly mien
Are privileged to meet you, face to face.
I can't believe the lost, the might-have-been,
May not reach out to touch your horn of grace.
For you are hope and, should hope be denied,
The promise of redemption will have died.

Mary Spain
Art Janie Olsen

Robin Green-Elk

He walks across the faerie ring,
He passes through oak's door,
He knows the ways of life and death,
He guards the forest's lore,
He knows the mind of hunting beast,
He knows the hearts of prey,
He is the king of many names,
He is the Lord of Fae.

~ Words by Robin Green-Elk

Art Margaret Walty

Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Prep Time

1 hrs 15 mins

Cook Time

8 hr 6 mins

Total Time

9 hr 21 mins

 

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 10 cups

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried navy beans
• 1 pound bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 onion diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Rinse the beans and then soak overnight (at least 8 hours) or boil for 1 hour. Drain and then add to the slow cooker.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon, onion, and bell pepper (optional) over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until bacon fat renders enough to soften the onion.
3. Stir in the salt, mustard, black pepper, cayenne pepper, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and molasses and then add it all to the slow cooker with the beans. Mix in the vegetable broth and then cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until beans are tender. Stir occasionally if possible.
4. If you want the sauce thicker, let the beans cook on high uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

http://centslessdeals.com/slow-cooker-baked-beans/

Read

Read my sweet child,read like mad.
Fill your heart, feed your head
Smell the pages, feel every word,
For a book unread is a story unheard.

Enjoy the magic of tales unfold
A book is a treasure and close to be hold
Enjoy endless journeys,
In undiscovered land,
Where creatures live in harmony
And dreams go hand in hand.

Poetry by Natalia Crow )0(
Art Daniel-Eskridge