Friday, September 16, 2011

Leafy green vegetables - 'little black dress' of the vegetable world

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.
'Eat More Green Leaves' because we are grazers
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.



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

Monday, September 12, 2011

Look at me, Nonna!! From the warm fuzzy distance of grandparenting

Nonna tip - don't get the age wrong as I did once
but never ever again!
Hi Babyboomers
It's wonderfully fulfilling to watch grandchildren develop - to witness the ages and stages, be able to give out treats generously, to have fun etc - from the warm fuzzy distance of grandparenting.

A big weekend sleepover which felt like Christmas where one's attention is scattered in many directions and the house is full of stuff.

Now it's quiet and orderly - we return to normality with lovely memories of spontaneous hugs, Poppy makeovers and tricky questions.
Nonna Clara - Facilitator of Clever Craft and Good Kitchen x

ps - Poppy's snoring was also recorded - something I have always threatened to do but have never quite been courageous enough.






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

Friday, September 2, 2011

GPS gets a grandmother back on the road

I dedicate this blog to my mates, LWL (ladies who lunch) who started at the same school as FIRST-TIME teachers. Lovely catch up - great communication. And the reason I purchased my TOMTOM. All will be revealed..............
LWL - Circa mid to late 60's- teachers



It arrived today - my first non book purchase on-line


You are going to help me find my way!

Hi Babyboomers

I haven't made any decisions yet re an I Pad or Android, despite a reply to my technical question, from a friend who has one, "I can't really tell you what's so good about it.  I'm in love with my ipad. It makes me happy just to think about it."

But I did make another important purchase. And here it is....... A TOMTOM!
Love the name - makes me feel as though it's going to communicate to me how to get where I want to go.

So where do you want to go, Clara?

The answer is. "To where I decide to go." Therein lie choices, not only re destination, but how I want to get there.

OK, so here's the history - Ladies who Lunch - LWL - destination was via a route I chose not to take. I don't do expressways anymore ever since the unfortunate journey via the airport from Artarmon to an address in Artarmon. Well - I got into the wrong lane - then was afraid to go sideways fearing that I would be lost forever.

So, everyone else was still driving out of their comfort zone, except me - which was confronting and cost a lot.
After councelling from the group, when I saw a special deal on the net re TOMTOM, I decided to go for it.

When I told G about it, he said I really didn't need it, because I didn't drive anywhere out of the area. So I said, "The less I drive, the more fearful I become." He understood and is supportive - we had a lesson even,  where I drove to IKEA land via GPS and felt good about it. He agreed to shut up re my other driving habits - Yeaaah!

So - TOMTOM has arrived and I need to read the manual. Hmmmmmm
Clara


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Should Grannies go for IPads


Apad 10.2-inch Google Android 2.1 WIFI Touch Screen Tablet PC

A friend wrote recently - "Treated myself to an iPad, so much fun.
Have the day off to play in my studio. Have to lock my iPad away or I will while the day away with it."
When I asked why it was so much fun, she replied, "Well how can I describe my iPad? I can't. You just have to have one to understand how amazing it is. I stalled on it, kept thinking what could be so great till one night I said what the hell and ordered one on line. The next day I had buyer's remorse but it was too late. Good thing I love it so much."

And then another friend, a reluctant computer friend who didn't even answer her emails in the past, sends me an email from ............ you guessed it - Her I Pad! What is happening? Why am I missing out on all this fun?

Of course, I feel that now I need one too so the journey begins - I-Pad or Android? Where is the key board? What is essential and non-essential? All this from someone who started out teaching not with an I Pad but with a Jelly pad. What is a jelly pad you ask - not quite as ancient as the stone tablet, it was a simple method of transferring pictures to a child's book as an alternative to the existing printing technology of the guistetner which was super messy. The jelly pad was simply a gelatine mixture in a cake tin; you traced over the image with carbon paper, placed it onto the jelly into which it sank. You then pressed each book onto the pad to make a print. (A search on Google says it was called a
'hectograph or gelatin duplicator and was used in the 20th century' - remember the 1900's.)
Ok - so we are moving forward - the question is do I really really need an I pad or an Android?
Clara :)

ps - do you know these symbols yet? A friend passed this on to me - he picked it up from his kids and general chat on FB (Facebook) and Twitter. It's like street slang that has just evolved as people want to type less online and sms.
:) means smile -look at it sideways (tilt head left)
;) means wink smile
:( means sad
:D means big smile 
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

How to tie your scarf and how to make it

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU&feature=player_embedded#at=25...
A great site but wait................

Isadona
"I dance what I am!"
The impetus for this particular blog, is the above link to a great video on '25 Ways to tie a scarf' so it's time to revisit Isadora.

"Who was Isadora?" some may ask.
She was renowned for being a dancer who was usually adorned with a long scarf (like me) - her early death was the result of an unfortunate accident involving her scarf and her neck. Personally I admire her for her amazing spirit, and as with other feminist women, she blazed our trail. "What trail?" our daughters may ask. Another day, another blog, but believe me, "Baby, we've come a long way."

I would love to showcase my special Isadora, who, as well as being a dancer, has made many many ????? scarves for a great cause. "I've decided to finish out my year of blogging by knitting as many of these scarves as possible by February 9th, 2011 and donating them to area shelters. You can join me if you like. For more information go to http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/bluedotspecial.html "

Well done R.
Clara

http://projectknitway.blogspot.com/.


Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Margaret Olley - unfinished work at 88



Margaret Olley - 1923 - 2011
Hi Babyboomer women


Women thrive on connections and are lost without them.
Wisdom of the day (from my desk calendar), "I've always believed that one woman's success can only help another woman's success.".....
Gloria Vanderbilt

I actually feel sad for some men / women who believe that 'winning' is the most important aspect of an exercise. 

Margaret Hannah Olley (1923 – 26 July 2011) who passed away this week, is a fine example and was described as "Kind, fearless and a big heart".  She will be remembered as an Australian painter of still life but she was also a great philanthropist.
John McDonald - art critic for SMH - "She would have wanted to be remembered as a painter but she was so active and generous it is difficult to sum up the scope of her achievements."  ..... "She was a friend and mentor to younger artists..... bought art works for public collections ... helped provide funds for people in need....she had an eye for quality and a nose for bullshit ...... being unfailingly direct in her pronouncements."

She will be also be remembered for being the first recipient of the inaugural
Mosman Art Prize in 1947, one of the first of it's kind at the time and was a frequent judge of works over the years.  Her final exhibition which she was still working on with Phillip Bacon, will  go ahead next year.

Clara

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

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Antiageing qualities of a good belly laugh

 
Hi Babyboomers
 We love a good belly laugh. I actually believe it is the basis of a real friendship when you share a similar sense of humour - when you really really laugh!!!!! And it feels sooooooo good.
Being with babies, toddlers and grandchildren spark this fresh new insight into how we are - and I adore them. When my children were at this stage, I smiled so much I was afraid that I would develop eye wrinkles. But I now know that those laugh lines on my face are an endorsement of my view of life. So I embrace them.

When my daughter picked up her first phone (the first of many calls!!!!!) she said " BlahBlahblah HaHaHa BlahBlahblah HaHaHa!!!! which made me realise that her mimicking was of my phone habit. Time moved on and phone manners morphed and swayed, but laughter always prevailed with my son and daughter. It is the glue that holds us together during the good and tough times. With it we move forward with grace - without it, we can get lost in a self centred focus.
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/baby-laughing-hysterically-15098This little girl knows this already!
Clara

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au
ew 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

Friday, July 22, 2011

Babyboomers have a rich memory bank of stars

Hi there babyboomers

Some wonderful photos from our decades. I know that every older generation is convinced that the sun is setting on a golden age, but you have to admit we experienced a giant share of charismatic 'stars', many of whom are still in the limelight.

Favourites among these have to be Elton, with Marilyn and JFK the winner for intrigue. Least favourite is George - he looks much better now.
Clara






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

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Barbershop harmony gladdens the heart

Dear Babyboomers
I responded to an invitation from a  friend,   "Some of our Northern Beaches Chorus group will be singing at the Mosman Art Gallery, come along."







\



So pleased that I went along - singing gladdens the heart.  Many happy childhood memories are of being around the piano with Mum playing, and Dad singing at the top of his voice, head back, loving the moment.   'Mona Lisa was his favourite and he sang it every time, with gusto.  Every now and then we would break into some harmony of sorts, which brings me back now to the Northern Beaches Chorus.  
I looked up the website http://www.northernbeacheschorus.com.au/
to find out more.



....Northern Beaches Chorus is a Sydney women's choir which sings 4-part acappella harmony, has approx 80 members, regularly performs on stage, and appears in local events and national competition. '
"We love to share our joy of singing with women of all ages and backgrounds in our local community and the chorus provides a whatsource of education in vocal production and showmanship"  ........

And this is what shone through - sheer enjoyment of their moment which I was able to share via the body language and harmony.  Have a look at the video to see what I mean.

Thanks lovely ladies.
Clara

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

When the goin' gets tough - the tough go shopping!


Hi babyboomers


I had had enough of it today, after a social drought due to G being away, so I did what women do - "When the goin' gets tough, the tough go shopping." I still had some credit on a gift card, and I received some vouchers by email for special discounts so I set off to redeem my bargains.


I looked around for a garment which would make a difference to our Europe trip, and still work seasonally now, and found a casual multi-functional khaki top which could work with or without a layer underneath. It takes ages to choose, as you know, as I returned to try it on again, and decided to go for it. Then collected a jeans belt I had selected in order to pay for the two together.


Nothing worked - you had to purchase to the value of $75 in order to get a $20 dollar discount; I had printed off a few vouchers, so thought I was in front. But no. You have to read the copious small print - what it boiled down to was there were a few dull Myer only brands to which this applied, but the top I had chosen was excluded, as were all of the other decent brands. Then because the belt cost less than $75 I didn't get any discount there either. I felt in "why bother with voucher mode" but since I now wanted the Khaki top, and the belt, and had spent hours choosing them, I bought them at original price.

They got me! All part of the game. But I have to say they won't next time.


Clara




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

Sunday, March 27, 2011

I find myself more than ever drawn to the comfort of creating

Hi Babyboomers
I thought you might relate to this blog from my rediscovered and clever friend, Renotta, known as R. She wrote, "In these difficult times with so much unrest, destruction and sadness I find myself more than ever drawn to the comfort of creating


May you weave joy and happy memories
 "I hadn't worked at my loom for several years, but something was drawing me to it again. I admit I was afraid that the years of neglect would somehow have taken its toll, and I would not be able to weave. But with a little bit of loving care, some drops of oil, and a quick refresher from weaving 101, I was back at it. I had forgotten how much I enjoy the whole process; winding the shuttles, listening to the rhythmical sound of the harnesses and watching the fabric grows row by row, inch by inch.

I'm weaving with hand dyed wool yarns in a simple twill pattern. My plan is fabric for a coat, but who knows. At this stage it doesn't really matter. Just the fact that I am weaving again makes me happy. From where I sit, I can see everything much more clearly.
In the loom of life may you weave joy and happy memories.  R






ps - R has a jeans store in Milwaukee called Shop at Next Door, and creates fabulous pieces to go with jeans, all of which are available on-line.  http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/
ClaraTo 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

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Will my friends laugh at me for playing bowls?

John and Me - Lesson 5


Hi Babyboomers


Yes, it's me - learning to play bowls!


The game summary seemed to fit into 'Exercise with a purpose' for this gym dropout'






Summary - Lawn bowls is a precision sport that is played for the challenge and competition, personal enjoyment, physical activity, the pleasure of spending time outdoors and for social interaction. It is also a low impact, therapeutic form of exercise. Add to that a few of my own - not too expensive, doesn't take up the whole day, and best of all, not too serious or arduous for this granny. A few concerns were "Bowling is a game for old people and surely that doesn't include me" and "You won't get much exercise", and the most concerning, "Wearing that white gear definitely doesn't turn me on." Oh and one more serious one,"My friends will laugh at me!"

 Mosman Bowling Club prides itself
on its beautiful old building, gardens
and its well maintained greens


Despite these misgivings, I signed up for the five lessons offered by Mosman Evening College to explore the possibilities. On Saturday morning I turned up at Mosman Bowling Club which prides itself on its beautiful old building, gardens and its well maintained greens, to find I was the only enrolled student. This was somewhat daunting, as an hour's personal tuition could be serious, where I might be called upon to perform. I actually have really good hand / eye co-ordination - I say to G that I could have been good at something. And maybe this is it!
John is a great coach - quiet and understated, he delivers his game wisdom well. I know that if I follow the important points of delivery, then I can expect to achieve consistency.


So, I am launching myself into the 'Lawn Bowls Scene' - firstly with Mufti Day where you just turn up and play on a Friday afternoon, so I don't have to address most of my concerns yet. Will keep you up to date.
Clara

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

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Priorities and Confessions of a gym dropout

Clara is now a gym drop-out and
prefers other  activities


 
Dear Babyboomers
Now a self-confessed 'Gym Dropout' since last year, I adopted the idea of 'Exercise with a Purpose' - the concept being that if you have places you need to go, then walk there, or spend time in the garden sweeping  paths etc.  Cutting the hedge, for example, is a great way to exercise the dreaded upper arms while working in the garden definitely helps to restore positive mental equilibrium. I recall one of Jane Fonda's exercise tapes had one exercise called "PULL WEEDS ! PULL WEEDS! - she was always so urgent in her requests so I did as I was told.


I am currently writing a book about walks in my area so this also provides many opportunities to get out there and exercise / walk with a purpose along with regular morning walks. Then the 10 minutes of additional exercise such as some pelvic floor / abdomen stuff, some resistance activities using a stretchy car octopus, and a few basic moves using 2kg / 4lb weights.


All that is good. But - while I'm in confession mode - I do get up early, to walk with G. I really really really want to, but sometimes I really really really really want just a few more precious lifesaving minutes in foggy sleep. Fortunately for me, G heaps disappointment upon me so being an approval seeker, I do my best. However, with daylight saving ending soon, it is going to be darker, colder, harder. Follow my progress!  Re the 10 minutes exercise - you know what - it doesn't always happen. One exercise I do religiously, however, redeems me slightly - ie in waiting for the shower to heat up - with hands behind you grasping the edge of the bath, fingers pointing forward, 20 strong knee bends with pelvic awareness; this  exercises many essential muscles all at the one time, including the dreaded upper arms I keep referring to. This is my naked truth! And the good part is I am still asleep.

A new mantra - ie "I'm going to walk before I talk, jog before I blog and stretch before I sit," because for me, it's all about routine and priorities.
Clara
ps - It would be great to hear what works for you.


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

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Qualities of a woman























Hi there babyboomer women

I received this email with a time frame to send on, which I find inconvenient. However, I enjoyed the content so pass it on to the wonderful women out there, with love and appreciation perhaps for the thought of the day

Clara
One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.....
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give..
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.


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

Monday, February 14, 2011

And flowers are a nice touch


Hi Babyboomers


Happy Valentine's Day to you all.

And from Sophocles - One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life; That word is love.
Oedipus at Colonus
Special message to the Guys
 I have to say that I empathise with you today knowing that it may not be easy to surprise and express love on this day of expectation.


Hugh Mackay on love - 'Love' must be the most flexible word in the English language..... So what kind of love do we desire? Romantic, erotic, altruistic, parental, sacrificial, familial, material, ethereal, companionate, divine?

Those and more. Love in all its varieties and manifestations, lights us up. Love has the power to enlarge the spirit; to bring out the best in us; to encourage a greater openness to others and to inspire us to perform acts of kindness. Love comforts us, reassures us and boosts our confidence in ourselves.

Thanks Hugh - I'm sure you won't disappoint your loved one. But for others out there, a couple of helpful hints from Clara.


  • Whilst I know you don't fall for the commercialisaton of the day, and your loved one may have assured you that she doesn't want anything at all, it is a brave man who heeds that request -
  • Having said the above, what women want more than anything else is to feel that they are special, and this doesn't necessarily mean material trappings. To just take time out of your day to turn off the TV, hold her hand, look into her eyes and tell her how you feel about her should do the trick.
  • Yes G, this may mean not playing Squash tonight
  • and flowers are a nice touch.
    Love Clara - By the way, I am giving G a card with the promise of a massage.

    ps - a few romantic food hints for the occasion on http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/


    Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.auTo view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
     or visit my website at http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

'Drought, flood & bushfire - biblical constants'


'Drought, flood & bushfire - biblical constants'
Sheila, Australian slang for "woman"
They got her out -
she didn't last the night.

We feel for the livestock and
native animals trapped in the floods.






 
 
 
 
Clara - Stanthorpe Queensland - October 2002 Sheila in the Bog


A glimpse of bovine terror -
Rolled back eyes and flared nostrils
Showed your intense and overpowering fear
'Well done, men!  I knew we'd get the sheila out of the bog.
Of sinking further into the mud ...........

Dear Babyboomers
This is one of five posts you may relate to, as an Australian re flood and drought - but more so, as a universal citizen of Planet Earth. 

A general statement from Clara - 'So important to keep the receipts of the past - and now we are the elders of the tribe, our role is to ensure that they are kept.  We have the gift of experience.'  http://grannycircle.blogspot.com/search/label/flood%20and%20drought  - 5 short posts
Clara

ps - would love to hear your opinion

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