Author: Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

My Favorite Things – Original Art by Peter Cocuzza Over My Coastal Futon

Carol 16 Comments

My home is my haven and reflects who I am. Home decor to me is not just what is fashionable or in style; I love to surround myself with things that speak of home, family, and faith. My style is eclectic as I find beauty in many styles. I love vintage and browse thrift store, flea markets and yard sales looking for treasures. I have several side tables that originally belonged to my maternal grandmother. I have quilts made for me by sister-in-law, paintings and drawings by my father, and a painting by a close friend in Ft. Lauderdale.

Drawing by my father
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Spring Dining Table With April Bouquet

Carol 12 Comments

Yesterday I went as usual to the Tasty Tuesday’s farmer’s market. Local vendors who grow produce without chemicals offer seasonal veggies, some fruits, and home crafted items. One particular grower also offers flower bouquets. This week his amaryllis were blooming and I couldn’t resist the beautiful bouquet with double amaryllis.

 

 

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Wellness: Your Diet Changes Your Genes – You Are What You Eat

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One morning I checked my Twitter feed and found an interesting link to new research on genes and health. As usual, I began clicking links from one article to another going on an amazing hunt for information. Most of us think of genes as the unchanging and stable part of us inherited from our ancestors. I learned that genes, a part of the DNA molecule, have small chemicals that attach in a process called epigenetics. When they attach to genes, they ‘mark’ the gene.  These complex chemical compounds tell the genome what to do, and the marked gene is sometimes passed on as cells divide. Read More

Crispy Cabbage Waldorf Salad

Carol 14 Comments

Several years ago I wanted to come up with a cabbage salad. I love cabbage – its crunchiness and taste.  Cabbage is a low-calorie, fiber-rich vegetable with health-benefiting phytochemicals. It is healthy and filling with lots of fiber. I am not a fan of most cole slaws as most restaurants pulverize the cabbage and carrots in a food processor until it has little resemblance to the original produce and then douse it with too much sugar. Every now and then I am pleasantly surprised but not often. I really like chewing a great salad whether lettuce or cabbage and savoring the flavor.  A local diner I love gave me the idea for cabbage Waldorf with their chicken Waldorf salad with carrots, celery, apple and fresh sliced grapes instead of raisins. The mound of salad is surrounded by beautiful red slices of tomato. This quickly became one of my favorite lunches at the diner. Read More

Healthy Diet: The Wonderful Avocado’s Health Benefits

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I was introduced to avocados in my twenties when I first moved to Florida. Living in Miami, co-workers and friends often had fruit trees in their yards. Seasonally bags of oranges, grapefruit and avocados would be brought to work and distributed. Florida avocados are much bigger than Hess avocados, and friends taught me how to make guacamole from my gifts. We would make a big bowl and sit with guacamole and chips while watching a Dolphin’s game on Sunday. Great fun. Read More

Healthy Diet: Health Benefits and Risks With Low-Cost, Nutritious Beans

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Beans are such a healthy addition to your diet. Because a 1/3 cup of cooked beans  contains around 80 calories, no cholesterol, lots of complex carbohydrates, and little fat, they are a nutritious ingredient in your recipes. They have lots of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and potassium. Beans are low in sodium and high in fiber which promotes digestive health and relieves constipation. Eating beans may help prevent colon cancer, and reduce blood cholesterol (a leading cause of heart disease). The complex carbs and protein help manage diabetes by releasing a slow, steady source of glucose. This prevents sugar spikes associated with simple carbs. Read More