Exercise with a Purpose

Dear Babyboomers

I am a gym dropout as of last April, after fighting unsuccessfully with extreme boredom.

Also I didn't want to end up like today's picture!

My lack of motivation was made worse by the fact that my morning walks with G weren't happening as my flawed reasoning went like this - "I'm going to the gym so I don't need to walk." (Didn't want to end up looking like today's picture.) I would dutifully don my gym clothes, which gave the impression of good intention, but unfortunately would still be in them, gymless at the end of the day.

So a new regime had to happen, when I left the gym without a backward glance. And it has - it's called 'Exercise with a Purpose' and it works well for me, allowing me to still Fit in / with my Jeans.

Today's EWP entailed Wednesday Walk, which because G and I are both around, we buy the paper, take in a cup of coffee, then extend the usual route to include the 'Steps from Hell'.


Then comes the ' Wednesday housework' - being retired we decided to let the cleaners go (every now and then I catch a glimpse of Su and Kim with their buckets, as they clean neighbours' houses, and silently grieve.) But No - it is exercise with a purpose and not a bad workout as G and I do all the stuff that they used to do. What I do have to watch is that he doesn't take over - welllll I don't mind that, since he does it well but he can get bossy and picky re my stuff. Tricky territory!

As I bend to perform a 'meaningful domestic task', (is there such a thing?), I think that is the same as doing a squat at the gym etc. Do you get the idea?

Tending the garden was next, not much action there as it's winter but as I was pottering in the front garden I spoke to a senior guy who was hand delivering local papers, another fine example of EWP. This was followed by sitting at the computer, exercising my brain as I continually struggle with the technology required for my hobby.

Almost time to exercise my right arm for a little glass of wine. As time goes by, I will fill you in on some more Secret Womens' Business, SWB, by introducing you to the exercise program I worked out with the Physio.
Clara


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Exercise DVD's as alternative to the gym

Dear Babyboomers
'Exercise with a purpose' is my new mantra, in order to 'Fit with my Jeans'.
In addition to enjoying being active in everyday life, there are some good alternatives to the gym, (being a recent dropout), re workouts on DVD.

I am checking out The Bar Method, www.barmethod.com for a good stationary, thigh screaming workout. No bar is needed just the back of a chair unless you belly up to the bar after the workout
What do you do in a Bar Method workout?
"The Bar Method targets all major muscle groups by contracting or stretching them by means of controlled isolations performed to music.

After a simple warm-up to get the heart rate going and the muscles warm, students work the upper body with free weights, push-ups and stretches using the ballet bar.

Next come challenging exercises for the lower body, most of them performed in various standing positions while holding onto the bar.

The Bar Method’s workout continues with floor exercises for the abdominals and gluteals and concludes with a relaxing series of back and leg stretches."

Reminds me of 'feeling the burn' when we used to exercise to Jane Fonda's tapes (what's that they say?). I kept doing those workout for decades.

So I googled 'Jane Fonda exercises for Older Women' and there it was, along with a blog she writes. I enjoying her candid memoir, 'My Life So Far'. You may not agree with everything she has done, but I cannot help but have a tremendous admiration for her energy and zest for life.

Clara

Aphrodite - Goddess of love and beauty is still alive in Babyboomer women

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Dear Babyboomers
This is what can happen when you have grandchildren. I named her Aphrodite after she took a rather serious fall, the second in her lifetime, due to the over exuberance of my friend's grandson. I arrived just after it happened, and there was still a tear in her eye, as this has been a treasured piece from way back.
Since then we have had a couple of sessions gluing her back together; today she is starting to look good and it should only take one more session.



Needless to say, we solved the problems of the world as we meticulously pieced her together and I am reminded of the happy creative hours spent in the company of women at the Niddy Noddy as we wove our dreams and stories into the cloth.



With a trailing plant sitting on the top, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, will be back, maybe not to her former glory, but loved even more for all she has been through.



Clara Visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Biennale of Sydney today on Cockatoo Is

Gra and I went to Biennale of Sydney today on Cockatoo Is - fabulous venue to hold it, being very similar to the venue in Venice.   And yes, preconceived notions were challenged.! Practicing some clever shots - but still mainly on Auto - I  Love Sydney.

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Unforgettable Story of Mothers and Daughters

Dear Babyboomers
Just finished "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch. The reviews were polarised - despite the relentless difficulties encountered, I found it to be a good read and will be looking out for other books by the same author - "A Room of One's Own, "Black Warrior Review", and "Rain City Riview".

FROM - the story of the incredibly complex relationship between a self-absorbed "free spirit" and the daughter who wants nothing more than to be loved unconditionally as a child should be. When Ingrid is jailed for murder, so starts the long and rocky journey of Astrid as she moves from foster home to foster home."

AND - "An unforgettable story of mothers and daughters, burgeoning sexuality, the redemptive powers of art, and the unstoppable force of the emergent self.

TO - "Astrid must learn how to survive in this new environment, according to the laws set in each home. During this time, she latches on to the few people who bother to care about her, but with each heartbreak and each physical trauma, Astrid learns to become more and more independent. Her mother keeps a constant presence throughout the novel, as Ingrid’s frequent letters continue to work at shaping her daughter.

Through all this, Astrid attempts to figure out who she is and where she came from. Actually, she learns a lesson or two in each of the many foster homes she lives in. No need to worry if the lessons are a bit elusive: Fitch spells them out in the end of the novel in her neat and ultimately dissatisfying conclusion. The problem is that Fitch attempts to pen an ending that will please all, while seemingly ignoring the theme of survival in a cruel world that was prevalent in the rest of the novel."

I always feel a sense of loss when I finish a book which engages me, as though a friend has walked out of my life, but the good part is that now I can now immerse myself in the almost unbearably suspenseful "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova'.
Click link  for film review.www.youtube.com/watch?v=An6T_66uHLI
Clara
ps - be careful of those Oleanders!

Authors we love - what about you?

Dear Babyboomers
Yet again another first for this site - Books / authors we love.  Please contribute.
R wrote - One of my favorite authors is Edith Wharton. I read anything of hers I can get my hands on. She was the first woman to win a pulitzer. I just finished a short story called "The bunner sisters". Found it on my Kindle...for free. That's what I do in the middle of the night when I can't sleep. She wrote about women and life back when it wasn't the thing to do.
Born 1862 New York City
Died 1937 (aged 75)
Occupation Novelist, short story writer, designer


"Beware of monotony; it's the mother of all the deadly sins." "If we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time."


Edith Wharton

I love having books recommended to me. Google'd Edith and like the sound of her work - life was so different for women in that era. Were the women in her books as happy/happier than women today? I'll have a look in Vinnies (St Vincents Thrift shop, where I buy most of my books, then pass them on to others. Could go to the library but I tend to take too long to read a book as I read at bedtime and nod off.


A group of women at our class, along with Chris the photography tutor, had coffee after class, during which we all confessed to being Thrift shop enthusiasts and ended up going to a "half price" sale where I picked up 'The Historian ' by Elizabeth Kostova. Looking forward to immersing myself in a captivating tale that blends fact and fantasy, history and the present. I love books which do that. 
Clara


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Feared by the Rich, Loved by the Poor - and by Babyboomer women

Dear Babyboomers
A newcomer to BB blog - movies which BB women may enjoy as much as I did.
It would be great if you could suggest other movies in this category. 
"..........Feared by the rich Loved by the poor
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood

It is called a 'prequel' as it concentrates on the story of how and why Robin (prefer Russell, as the name, Robin, means he may have sand kicked in his face DownUnder), became an outlaw.


Russell did us proud, even without tights or jeggings. To be quite honest, I didn't really take notice of what he was wearing in that regard, as I was totally mesmerised by all the chainmail - which MM had to help him to remove when it was suggested he took a bath. Not by her, but I don't want to give away the plot.


Maid Marion (a Denim Diva, if ever there was one), was fabulous and what's news is Russell's chivalry, Looooove that word, was in allowing himself to be upstaged so frequently by Kate's Maid Marion, especially her pronounced athleticism - Russ wasn't bad either, although I did think that he could have shown the correct way re Mouth to Mouth at the end, by turning her head sideways etc but it seemed to work, with mouth to mouth morphing into kissing. (As you do).


I look forward to the "sequel". Most of us gals/girls will enjoy this movie - with the added bonus that it can be classified as 'His choice', which then automatically, gives you the next choice.


Clara




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Babyboomers enjoy / visit/revisit crunchy, fresh flavours from Vietnam

Dear Babyboomers
OK  - time to get back to other important matters such as cooking.   

We had a Vietnam lunch with friends, who had recently visited there as had my G, so we enjoyed a few delicious fresh tasting dishes from the region. 

We have developed a tradition with good friends where we share the joys and burdens of the meal, which works soooooo well since we are all busy........ whether we are retired or not.  I have heard it said that some retirees are busier than they ever were;  true but great to choose what you  want to busy yourself with.

My dear friend offered to do the entree which was CAC MON KHAI VI - Fresh Spring Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce.  I asked her for the recipe  - she laughed and said "They do it better in Cabramatta."  Which is probably true since these were superb. 

G prepared the pork dish, which turned out to be a great re entertaining since it could be prepared beforehand.  Rice, of course,  Asparagus on the side, (for those who may be allergic to chilli, poor things), then the salad.  A lovely thank you card included the words, "Great company and the most amazing salad."

The recipe morphed from the original, the magic stemming from basic method as is Clara's way ie heavy handed on the fresh, if possible, homegrown herbs, in this case including homegrown lemongrass and fresh mint  (actually Vietnamese mint is so easy to grow and gives a peppery flavour), Coriander root (where most of the flavour is), plus stems and leaves.    Love the added crunch of chopped celery or carrot,  oven roasted nuts or toasted sesame seeds, water chestnuts marinated in the herb mix, or bamboo shoots/Alfafa shoots etc
So it goes together depending on what you have in the frig or the garden.

Clara's Amazing Crunchy Vegetable Salad
Serves 6
Vegetable prep - Measures are approx depending on what is available - these veges are great for this dish in whatever proportions you decide. 

A couple of handfuls of  Snow peas - topped and tailed, and blanched for 1 min in boiling water then refreshed under cold water, 2 sticks sliced celery, lebanese cucumber, sliced diagonally,   red and/or green pepper, sliced or roasted if you prefer;  rocket - or even the tangy addition of fresh pineapple wedges.   
Dressing - 3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar  or vinegar of your choice
1 tablespoon hoi sin sauce (optional)
Be careful not to overdress the salad

Combine and top with crunchy sprouts and oven roasted nuts (peanuts but cashews work well too - spread on oven paper and roasted for about 5 mins)
Cheers Crunchy Clara


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How to wear leggings/jeggings and not look pregnant

Dear Babyboomer women and other friends

We had our first of many open fires last night which smelled wonderful and was cosy after a cold rainy day.  Definitely out with the woolies in earnest.  Lots of leggings around which have evolved since they hit the market some years ago and now we have “jeggings,” which are just really tight-fitting jeans. 


I must admit to needing to wear a longer top if I wear tights as the tops of my legs do not match the glory of my firm muscular calves.  
How Not to Look Pregnant
When wearing leggings, it’s best to wear a top that can be cinched in at the waist or goes straight down to your hips and avoid flouncy tops with too high empire cut or yoking.  Leggings are cute with flats or heels, heels elongating the leg of course.  And of course with boots.
A few of Renotta's  fabulous creative tunics and neckpieces, to provide inspiration as to what to wear over leggings and jeggings.  http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/




Cosy Clara

Everything Old is New Again...March 4th

Loom Knit Tunic with Out of Africa Neckpiece






















Faux Forsythia...

Loom Knit Poncho with Hope Springs Neckpiece























Post Note...March 17th

loom knit silk poncho inspired by shard neck piece

Blue Belle...April 20th


off the shoulder lace knit wrap with robin's egg blue necklace


















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Wrap yourself in a cosy scarf in your own seasonal colour

Dear Babyboomer Women
"The South Wind doth blow
    And we will have snow
    But what will   Rosella
    Do then?  Poor thing!       Southern Hemisphere version   
We could wrap ourselves up in a cosy scarf in our own seasonal colour. 
R wrote yesterday - There's a great way to tie a scarf that fills in the neckline nicely and keeps the scarf situated. Fold a long narrow scarf in half and loop it around your neck. Pull one end through the loop. Twist the loop and pull the other end through. Voilà!

I tried it today and was pleased with the result.



The right colour next to your face can change your whole appearance. What are you -  a spring, summer, fall or winter?

Your seasonal colour range will complement the colouring of your skin, hair and eyes. I am a summer being a blond, with fair skin (tending more towards a blue tinge rather than golden - damn it). A friend of mine has dark hair with similar skin and I would call her a Winter.  Autumn   looks good in the rusts, browns, orange, cream and tend to have skin warmer hues as do Spring who looks good in the clear bright colours. 


Your seasonal color range will complement the coloring of your skin, hair and eyes

Winter colors are cool, clear and dark to light intensity. Think of the winter landscape colors. In the low light of winter colors appear darker, but on a bright day with the sun reflecting off snow colors appear pale and icy.

Summer colors are also cool, but muted and medium-light to medium-dark in value. Think of seeing the landscape through a summer heat haze. The colors are muted, paler versions of Winter’s. The light colors are creamy pastel rather than icy.

Autumn colors are warm, muted and medium-light to medium-dark intensity. Think of fall New England landscape colors of rich burnt oranges, reds, golden yellows and sludgy greens.

Spring colors are also warm, but clear and bright with medium to light intensity. Think of the bright clear colors of spring flowers and the new season’s clear, bright green shoots.

Happy scarf tying.
Clara




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Babyboomer Women dress up and show up

Dear Babyboomer Women
My desk calendar tells me today, "No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up". 
In the process of compiling, with your help, the Secrets to Successful Retirement", this has to be a biggy.  'Get up' - well - sometimes not easy,  'Dress up', whatever that means to you but I find even though it is tempting to go out in my 'comfies'  or at least my gym shoes, it's worth the effort to make an effort, even if it's to add a flattering scarf or an interesting neckpiece.  It is said by the colour experts that you can correct an unflattering colour choice by adding one of your flattering colours in the upper left quadrant.

Get Looped...May 11th
Brighten up your outfit
 with my new loop necklace with pewter pendant. R

http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/

'Show up' is the really important one here as it suggests that there has been some planning to go somewhere, meet someone, perhaps a commitment to engage in an activity.


Tuesday is traditionally a blah day - with rainy Tuesdays the worst - maybe this is because it is situated in a blah  position in the week (Monday is first, Wednesday, the middle, Thursday getting towards the end of the week, Friday, Yeahh.  Tuesday - nothing much really.  Tuesday's activities, in our local paper includes all these exciting activites - well - at least one or two may appeal, and this is before you take advantage of the Evening and Day College, Private clubs etc -  7am - 8-15am - North Sydney Sunrise Rotary, breakfast at Plato Restaurant,  9-30am - 2-30pm: Cards, Bridge, Jigsaw, Internet Access at Neutral Bay: Seniors Community Centre;  10am-11am:  Tai chi for seniors, Crows Nest,  10am - noon: Mah-jong for all;  10am - 2pm: Computer Club; 11-30 - 12-30: Heartmoves gentle exercise;  Noon to 2pm:  lunch at Mosman Square Seniors Centre for $9;  12-45pm - 2pm: Rotary Club Mosman, Horizons Restaurant;  6-30pm Free Tai chi for beginners at Nth Sydney; 6-30- 7-30 Yoga and meditation at St john's Uniting Church, Neutral Bay, 7-30 pm - 8-30pm: Meditation at Mosman Art Gallery and Community Centre  


Off to do some errands,  meet a friend etc so add  scarf and neckpiece and begin surgical process of removing gym shoes - anyone for Tai chi? 
Cheers Clara
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Babyboomer Women enjoy Disposable Time

Dear Babyboomer Women 
OK......    Disposable Time?  What is she talking about -  you ask? 
Perhaps you don't relate because there wasn't any.  We are hardwired to be the carers and keep everything moving forward positively.  Wow - how good are we?
The downside was that we didn't have time to ourselves.

And now we do.  How was it for you?
Cheers Clara





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Dear Babyboomers

I'M BACK! MOB (Mother of the Bride) has returned to Blogsville. The wedding can only be described as fabulous.  How good it is to see one's offspring, happy and fulfilled!   

I sat next to a charming man  - we agreed on most things until he talked about retirement, which of course was a trigger for MOB (after a couple of glasses of excellent vintage wine.)  His words were 'Retirement is God's Waiting Room' or something to that effect, then followed it up with 'Women last longer than men because they don't work as hard'.   
A lively conversation followed - as you can imagine. 

I'll leave the second statement for others to debate, and focus on the first as this is my area of interest.  Since beginning this project of 'Blueprint for Successful Retirement' where discussion and chat contribute towards concepts and strategies towards that end, I feel passionate about the positive aspects of retirement.  Which is actually fabulous because I wasn't feeling that way when I began.  In fact, I had similar negative ideas, thinking phrases like, 'I'm finished',   'I don't have an important role in society any more', I feel invisible out there'.  etc

I see differently now -
There are now over 45 million women on the far side of 50, becoming visible, influential and numerous. Never before, in recorded history have there been so many women with so much competence, experience, independence and resources." Babyboomer women are powerful mentors in today's society. We are the Matriarchs - the female elders - the holders of the wisdom for the next generation. There is dignity and strength in this position." 

But there are some simple ideas and strategies to share with you; in the meantime to leave you with the thought that 'we are not finished - we are just starting' - ie now we have the time to explore and act out many aspects of ourselves.   I can't help but comment on the second remark - women and men traditionally work hard, but the one differing  factor which stands out to me, is that women generally  are left with less disposable time. 
Perhaps this is why we value our retirement - we now have precious, disposable time to ourselves, to decide how we want to spend it. 
Cheers Clara
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Denim Divas are not Dinosaurs

Welcome to my journey as I photograph something I create everyday for a year... RRT




Jurassic Park...April 6th

Woodland creature dons cozy felted hat.



Hi R
You amaze me with your creativity - this is a wonderful hat with so many processes to get to this point - very you colour. Denim Divas look great in hats - I always look twice at a women in a stylish hat and since we lose most of our body heat from our heads, it makes sense to wear one. Most of the time, down under, except for a brief cold period, a hat is vital for sun protection and yet it is not easy to find a flattering hat. I believe we really don't embrace hats enough and this is why there is a limited focus.
I hope the world is looking at your daily blog with the same interest and amazement as me. THE WEDDING is this Saturday and even though I am not at the helm, my headspace is taken up with the surrounding detail. When the happy event is over, and the dust settles, yes, we will engage the world. Denim divas are not dinosaurs! And we like to be noticed - so wear more hats.


Love Clara


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Young People Look at our World with Fresh Eyes

Dear Babyboomers - My Week -
Anzac Day, our national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries.
Good to see young people embracing the ANZAC spirit.

Sometimes the simplest techniques are the most effective. Like the simple activities that grandparents often do with the little people in their lives, like going on a ferry ride to the city. We did this, taking along a cut lunch, sat on upturned milk crates and watched the street entertainment at Circular Quay. Another world opens up for the children and we are young again looking through their fresh eyes.



Cheers Clara


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Babyboomers - have your say - it's easy and valued

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Dear Babyboomers
COG - Crazy ole Gals - The point of this post is that if you would like to contribute the occasional comment to brighten up our days, it is easy and uncomplicated.  We would love some feedback 
Being creatives we need this to boost ego,  so please just 'say your piece'. Use another name such as  - Dragonfly (taken) or whatever expresses how you feel or think. 
R wrote - www.lynda.com on line course for support re web stuff is amazing.  Wish you were here. I do all this alone. No one to brain storm with. I have a cool product with my tattooed denim, just hard to get it out there. Also still looking for the source for the jeans. Long story.

Clara  - I have been introduced to www.lynda.com  before and consider it to be a fabulous way to get to know how to communicate on the net or how to email /blog etc. 
Like you I have done it alone   - I attended a local evening college which said "Start your own website" which sounded like fun BUT perhaps  code for-  "Doing your own brain surgery"-  Somehow I went there but you don't have to.  I do know that the best way to learn is by doing. Years of teaching have taught me this - when you are challenged to teach a subject you are unfamiliar with, which happens often with the world changing so rapidly, you learn the lessons quickly, sometimes only being one step ahead. (OK with children but on shaky ground with adults). But you have to sound as tho you know the lot - I basically supported myself and my children by teaching casually until I finally landed a full time job back in Primary School Teaching. I used to think,"I have to be the leader of the band - without knowing what tune they are playing". Tricky stuff - has left a few scars - still have nightmares about riotous, unprepared classroom situations. Long story. I too wish I was there talking - but the good part is we probably share more ideas this way than if we lived in the same place, because COGGERS are never alone. What is important is to communicate and understand how others feel - which is love - which is life. This I know  - when a four year old really looks at you with total candour, tells you the truth, then tucks his hand into yours.  Priceless.
Love Nonna Clara

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Babyboomer Women in Fashion Mode with Change of Season

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Dear Babyboomers
I am now in fashion mode - change of season does it to me every time. Easter heralds the change - out with the whites, (well - not the jeans) and in with the jackets - Yeahhh!  So much more style and softer light (you guys over there don't have to put up with the same harsh scrutiny that us Gals Down Under  have to endure.)

R's amazing daily creative contribution which she makes every day!

Turquoise and stone choker.


I love this bold choker of turquoise and stone. I plan to wear it with an oversized tee and a pair of skinny jeans. I like to think of it as a "fitness" neck piece, kind of like a weight belt that you wear when you're out for a jog, designer jewelry that helps you fit in your jeans.
Clara - Your description showcases the absolute essence of Babyboomer dressing. Your fashion hints are welcomed. As are your technical hints - the notsotech leading the notsotech, but enjoying our ability to communicate.
Love C



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If you're going to wear jeans, eat leafy greens! Thai style.

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Dear Babyboomers
R wrote - The Asian Spinach dish sounds delicious. I need a conversion chart for grams and ml.  I'm having a version of the "home alone meal" again tonight, sauteed greens with cheese ravioli. Sorry, no recipe for the rav's as I picked them up at the local grocery after an exhausting and frustrating day of selling jeans. If you're going to wear jeans, it helps to eat leafy greens!


Clara - Yes, still on the leafy greens - and I am still passionate, because my favourite meal of all time is warm salads.  However a good combination is exactly how you described your meal - take away whatever, served with our own leafy greens etc.
Re - conversion chart - yes it will be there - however, Clara is not precise in her measurements - more into the creative blending of flavours, with some guidance as to the content, but as the mood takes her.

Salad greens  usually eaten raw. In general, the darker the color, the more nutritious. romaine lettuce has 8 times the vitamin A and 6 times the vitamin C as iceberg lettuce. When you have a choice, a variety of greens is always best, as each has its own constellation of nutrients.
The best salad dressings have healthful oils such olive oil,  as Soy and corn oil have a lot of omega-6 oil, and it is best to steer away from them for the most part, as many nutrition experts feel we consume too much omega-6 fat.



It's easy to make your own dressing right in the bowl. Start with vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice - add salt, pepper and seasonings as desired, and whisk in some oil (about three times the oil as vinegar- although I tend to go for a significantly lower ratio of oil.



Tonight's salad, after a drink or two at the Rowers
 Either pumpkin or kumera (sweet potato), Red or green capsicum, whatever else is in the frig- cut into pieces, lightly coated with olive oil and either salt and pepper or Thai seasoning or whatever - and baked quickly in the oven.
Make my favourite dressing of equal amounts of Thai Fish Sauce, Thai sweet Chilli sauce and lime juice.
Line a salad dish with our lovely leaves, plus coriander and mint - add cooked veges  plus a sliced cucumber, then add dressing.  Garnish with fresh herbs.
Tonight I served this delicious salad with oven baked fish - coated equal ratio of soy sauce, wasabi  and lime juice.

Cheers Clara


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Babyboomers benefit from eating green leaves.

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Clara says 'Eat More Green Leaves'  because we are grazers. Leafy green vegetables are like the 'little black dress' of the vegetable world. They go with just about everything and they’re appropriate for every occasion,
Green leaves are perhaps the most anti-ageing of all foods and since I am passionate about my greens, once I start on them I seem to need to give all the good news. (below)

Obviously, the best way to eat greens is uncooked, fresh from the garden, with Spinach or Rocket being my favourites because of their versatility. They can be stir fried in a little olive oil, wilted by steaming for a very short time, but I love them when added to cooked vegetables, at the last minute for extra colour and super nutrition.

Sichuan Style Spinach or Green Leaves
30g peanut oil
20 black peppercorns
4 dried red chillies
2 garlic cloves
2 bunches  English spinach
Sea salt
30ml chinese wine
Dash sesame oil
Heat oil over medium heat, add groundpeppercorns and chilli until fragrant.  Remove, add garlic, then wine, salt, spinach and cook until wilted and liquid nearly evaporated.  Add seasoning, and chilli.



It was common for our ancient ancestors to eat up to six pounds of leaves per day, ie  a grocery bag full of greens each and every day?  Calorie for calorie, they are perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, can help prevent age-related cognitive decline and may also reduce your risk of skin canceramong many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of Omega-3 fats.
Almost Carb-Free, with the carbs that are there packed in layers of fibre, which make them very slow to digest.


Perhaps the star of these nutrients is Vitamin K. A cup of most cooked greens provides at least nine times the minimum recommended intake of Vitamin K, and even a couple of cups of dark salad greens usually provide the minimum all on their own. Recent research has provided evidence that this vitamin may be even more important functions.
Vitamin K
•Regulates blood clotting
•Helps protect bones from osteoporosis
•May be a key regulator of inflammation, and may help protect us from inflammatory diseases including arthritis.
Fat-soluble vitamin, so make sure to put dressing on your salad, or cook your greens with oil.
Quick-cooking Greens
These greens can either be eaten raw or lightly cooked. Six cups of raw greens become approximately one cup of cooked greens and take only a few minutes to cook. Spinach, Chard,  Rocket, Beet Greens, Dandelion greens, Sorrel and Cabbage belong in this category. 
Greens should be dry or almost dry, after washing; store in a bag with as much of the air pushed out as you easily can. I like to put a barely damp paper towel in for just the right amount of moisture. Then, put them in the vegetable drawer of your fridge.



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Fitwithmyjeans by eating leafy greens

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Thursday, April 8, 2010



Leafy Greens with Herbed Chicken - a treat for waistline


Dear Babyboomers
If we are to 'fitwithmyjeans', we need to cut down on this bacon etc that G is cooking and bring out the greens.


R's favorite home alone meal after a holiday weekend of too much food, wine and song.Makes enough for 2 pounds of chicken. Published May 1, 2009. From Cook's Illustrated.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts should be marinated for no less than 30 minutes and no more than 1 hour. Skin-on, bone-in chicken should be marinated for at least 45 minutes and no longer than 90 minutes.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs , such as tarragon, chives, basil, or parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 tablespoon)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons water

Instructions


Whisk together ingredients in medium bowl. Place marinade and chicken in gallon-sized zipper-lock bag; press out as much air as possible and seal bag. Depending on chicken type, refrigerate 30 to 90 minutes (see note), flipping bag halfway through to ensure that chicken marinates evenly.


Grill or bake marinated chicken breasts
Serve on a bed of leafy green spinach and organic wheat pasta sprinkled with parmesan.

Sorry G, but not every meal can be from the Silver Spoon.


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Lovely Specialty of the North Woods under question from Down Under

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or send an email to clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

Dear Babybomers

Today's post is dedicated to food since G is home from Vietnam  and feeling the need for a good Aussie / Italian meal which was deliciously tasty.

However I am not so sure about the 'lovely specialty of the North Woods of Wisconsin.' You say that it is vegetarian but my fertile imagination can see a mouse in there, right in the middle!  See the nose and the eyes? I enlarged it so others could make up their minds. And what is a very large mouse nest - is there only one lonely mouse because a nest usually has others there too, in which case it would be a Mice nest (I think)? By the way, what is the plural of a computer mouse? Very intriguing. Please explain. R wrote -
Recipe
start with one very large mouse nest
add garlic and olive oil, toss gently
set grill on high for 3 minutes
reduce heat and grill for 10 minutes
serve with white wine

Other bloggers can make up their own minds about this! I rest my case.
Now food for the returning veteran -
G has only been home for a short time and is already cooking from his bible, 'The Silver Spoon', Page 745, Roast Leg of Lamb. Wonderful aromas were circulating as this delicious dish was oven roasted (of course), with fresh herbs (more the merrier).  G served the lamb with baked potatoes, carrots, peas and beans.  He loves these vegetables and when he first ate from my table, he was very suspicious of what he called my 'designer vegetables' (anything that wasn't potato, carrots or beans).  However I now have him trained in this way, but he would die rather than cook eggplant himself and would be very suspicious of your lovely grilled dinner (as I am)

Roast Leg of Lamb    Cosciotto Arrosto
2kg / 4 lb leg of lamb
80g / 3oz pancetta, cut into strips (or bacon)
Fresh Sage leaves, Rosemary -  they say 1 tablespoon of each (but the more the merrier)
Olive Oil for brushing
4 garlic cloves, chopped
5 tbsp white wine vinegar
5 tbsp white wine
S & P
baby spi nach leaves to serve

Using a small pointed knife, make small incisions and insert fresh sage and rosemary.  Brush lamb with oil, place in oven dish and season with S & P.  Wrap pancetta or bacon around lamb, sprinkle with garlic and rosemary, pour on the vinegar and wine and roast for 1 1/2 hours, basting halfway through.  Serve with baby spinach salad.
Please tell Roberto I think he has a promising modelling career ahead
Cheers Clara


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