Black Bean Soup - Delicious and Easy!

You can have this on your table in less than 30 minutes. The recipe makes about four servings so there's lots left for the next day. You can also freeze this.

BLACK BEAN SOUP
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 of each: onion, celery stalk, large carrot, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. each: chili powder and cumin
- 1 tsp each: salt and pepper
- 3-4 cups of veggie broth or mushroom broth
- 2 large cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 C of frozen organic corn (or canned)
- 1 large can of diced tomatoes

DIRECTIONS:
- Heat up oil on medium heat and add onion, celery and carrots. Cook for about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic, spices, salt and pepper, cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add broth, 1 can of beans and tomatoes (with juices) and cook for about 10-15 minutes.
- Blend with an immersion blender or food processor. If it is too thick add more broth.
- Add the last can of beans and the corn and heat for about 3 minutes.

OPTIONS:
- Top with fresh cilantro or diced avocado
- Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) before blending.

BUCKET LIST - The Safari Collection - Giraffe Manor

The Giraffe Manor is one of four luxury boutique resorts in Kenya owned by Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley (The Safari Collection). This exclusive hotel is set on 12 acres of private land and offers many unique luxuries. Most fascinating is the herd of Rothschild Giraffes that visit every morning and evening and poke their heads into the windows in hopes of a treat. Something that I absolutely need to see!

The Safari Collection of resorts are focused on both sustainability and giving back. Through a few carefully selected projects, they support conservation and community development, all of which directly conserve wildlife, addressing the causes of their decline and meeting the needs of the surrounding communities.

Their goal is to provide guests with amazing personal safari experiences while making a contribution to Kenya's wildlife, cultures and eco systems. They have put in place many procedures to reduces their usage of energy, water and materials.

Come back for more details on this amazing property!

Easy Vegan Noodle Bowl

This dish is about versatility. You can add pretty much any type of veggies that you like. This recipe serves two but it can easily be doubled.

- 2 servings of rice noodles
- 1 carrot, julienned-sliced really thin
- 1/2 C each of: cucumbers, mushrooms and red pepper, sliced very thin
- 1 C of shredded lettuce or spinach
- 1/4 C of each mint and cilantro or basil leaves, torn
SAUCE:
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. of Vegan Fish Sauce (or dried seaweed)
- 1/4 C each of: rice vinegar and water
- 2 Tbsp. each of: sugar and lime juice (fresh is best)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped or 1 tsp of red pepper flakes or hot sauce

DIRECTIONS:
- Cook rice noodles according to package.
- Add vegetables and herbs to noodles.
- Mix all sauce ingredients and add to noodle mixture.

OPTIONS:
- Add bean sprouts, baby corn or any other tender veggies.
- Add pan fried tofu.

Veggie Risotto

This elegant looking meal can be put together very easily. Serve with a light salad for a perfect dinner for two.

- 1/2 C of short grain or Arborio (risotto rice) rice
- 1/4 C of each: onion and red pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 C of any type of mushrooms, chopped
- 2 C of fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 C of either water or vegetable stock
- 1/2 C of white wine
- 1 tsp tarragon, dried
- salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
- Place water or stock and wine in a pot and heat up on medium/high heat.
- Add rice, onions, pepper, garlic, tarragon, salt & pepper and 1 cup of liquid (water or stock) to a large pan and cook over medium/high heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the liquid has been absorbed (about 10-12 minutes) and then add more of the stock/wine liquid (about 1/2 cup), still stirring until the liquid is almost gone.
- Add chopped mushrooms and more liquid if needed and cook about 3 minutes. Add chopped spinach and stir for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

OPTIONS:
- Use other vegetables like broccoli, kale, swiss chard, peas, etc.
- Top with vegan Parmesan or a sprinkle of Nutritional Yeast. 
 

The Westin Maui Resort and Spa

The beautiful and luxurious Westin Hotel Maui is set on the pristine white sands of Ka'anapali Beach. Their exclusive services and first rate amenities are complemented by their amazing Green Initiatives.

The hotel's water and energy program includes high efficiency lighting with occupancy sensors and water conserving fixtures throughout the hotel. The 'Make A Green Choice' program rewards are offered to guests choosing to participate in helping to reduce the environmental footprint. One option is to forego a room clean for up to 3 days. Guest are rewarded with Star Points or food vouchers. Recycling and composting are practiced as well as environmentally preferred products are purchased by the hotel. Sustainable food and beverages are on their spectacular menus.

Come back soon to learn more about one of Maui's best upscale hotel properties.

Three Bean Chili

The good thing about Chili is you can add just about anything you like. So feel free to experiment. This freezes well and makes 4-6 servings.

- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Onion, chopped
- 2 Carrots, Diced
- 1 of Each: Green and Red Pepper, chopped
- 1 Large Can of Chopped Tomatoes, including liquid
- 1 Large Can Each: Black Beans, Kidnet Beans, Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 Cups of Vegetable Stock
- 2-3 Cloves of Garlic, chopped fine
- 2 Tbsp. Each: Chili Powder, Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp. Cayenne Powder
- Salt and Pepper

DIRECTIONS:
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onions, carrots, peppers, salt and pepper and cook until tender. About 5 minutes.
- Lower heat and add garlic, chili powder, cumin and cayenne and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes with liquid and stock. Turn up heat and bring to a boil.
- Add all beans and cook for about 20 minutes. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

OPTIONS: 
- Add a cup of chopped mushrooms, zucchini or a diced jalapeno in Step 1.
- Use any type of beans you like.
- Top with chopped cilantro, pesto or vegan cheese.

 

Avocados Two Ways

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO SMOOTHIE - 2 servings

- 2 Cups Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
- 1 Cup Ice
- 1 Each: Avocado and Banana
- 2 Tbsp. Cacao Powder
- 1 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
- 2 Tbsp.Honey

DIRECTIONS:
- Throw all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

OPTIONS: Omit ice and use frozen bananas and add 4 frozen strawberries.

AVOCADO AND CHICKPEA SALAD SANDWICH - 2 servings

- 1 Large Avocado
- 1 Large Can of Chickpeas (or 2 small cans)
- 1/4 Cup of Chopped Cilantro
- 1-2 Garlic Cloves, chopped fine
- 3 Green Onions, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. Lime Juice (fresh or bottled)
- Salt & Pepper
- 4 Slices of Whole Wheat Bread
- Lettuce

DIRECTIONS:
- Place all ingredients in a medium bowl and mash with a fork.
- Spread on bread and top with lettuce.

OPTIONS: Omit bread and top a handful of lettuce with mashed ingredients.
 

We Only Have One World

The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it-Robert Swan.

On any given day we are inundated with messages about water, soil and air pollution, global warming, fracking, overuse of pesticides, deforestation, GMO’s and a very long list of issues that are negatively affecting the planet we live on. It can seem overwhelming. 

USING SUNSCREEN – This is a topic with much debate. Studies have shown the common ingredient oxybenzone used in sun screens has a detrimental effect on coral reefs around the world, some studies say it is toxic for us as well. Other studies state that while coral does not do well when exposed to oxybenzone, other factors like over-fishing, global warming and pollution are part of the problem as well – no duh! 

SOME FIXES ARE:

-          Keep covered up

-          wear sunglasses

-          wear SPF clothing

-          find shade or bring an umbrella

-          use water resistant sunscreens and ones that don’t contain oxybenzone

-          Here is one that we like. 

The bottom line is, we all need to care, we need to help out where we can, and we need to realize that we are all connected-the earth, oceans, animals, air and humans. We need to respect each other and create an environment that doesn’t need protecting.

The 100 Mile Diet: Buying Locally

No matter where you live, you’ll find that buying local has a wealth of benefits for you and your community. Here are some reasons and tips to help get you started:

Top reasons to buy local

• Support yourself and your community economically
• Keep your community unique and promote diversity
• Reduce environmental impact
• Create more good jobs
• Get better service
• Invest in community
• Put your taxes to good use
• Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy
• Encourage local prosperity and diverse character.
• Support community groups
• You can taste the difference and experience new flavours
• You know what you're eating.
• Get in touch with the seasons.
• Have more fun travelling.

Tips on how to buy local

• Frequent the same farmers markets and stands
• Know what is in season and available in your community
• Invest in a farm share program and receive weekly boxes of fruit and vegetables.
• Arrive at markets early for the freshest and best picks. You can also arrive just prior to close to take advantage of deals.
• Start your own garden of herbs or veggies
• Consider raising your own animals in your yard, i.e.) turkeys or chickens
• Volunteer in markets
• Be open to trying new things
• Research local products before travelling.

The Ritz Carlton, Toronto

After many years, I recently made it back to my home town just North East of Toronto. While visiting my family I stayed at the beautiful and luxurious Ritz Carlton, Toronto.  The first thing I noticed was the staff and facilities are both impeccable! This Ritz has a great location in Toronto's Entertainment District, only blocks away from the Distillery District and Financial District. It is also directly connected to the PATH, Toronto's downtown walkway linking 27 kilometers of underground shopping, services, and entertainment.  

Here are some things to know about this luxury hotel.

- This sophisticated hotel opened in 2011 near Toronto’s CN Tower.
- The rooms are gorgeous, with amazing beds, contemporary furnishings, heated floors, and either city or water views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.  
- My room was on the 17th floor and had a remarkable view of Lake Ontario and the CN Tower. The room came with access to the Club Level where you can relax and have all day access to complementary snacks, appetizers, alcoholic drinks and delicious desserts.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa (Spa My Blend by Clarins) is one of Toronto’s largest spas and certainly one of its most luxurious. The exclusive spa has sixteen treatment rooms (including one Cloud Nine suite), a nine-station nail salon with private pedicure cabins, three relaxation lounges, Sun Rooms, a vitality pool, a lap pool, a yoga studio and much more! I visited the spa with my mom and sister. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We began with a tour of all the amenities and then were all treated with an incredible hour long regeneration facial. Mine included a foot massage which I highly recommend!

TOCA, The Toronto Ritz-Carlton’s on-site restaurant, serves Canadian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers a variety of pastries and has a wine cellar and a cheese cave. TOCA Bar has an outdoor patio with views of Metro Hall Park.

I did leave my dogs at home this time but I was thrilled to learn that pets are not excluded from the luxury: all rooms are potentially pet-friendly for an additional $150 per stay but they are limited to cats and dogs under 30 pounds.

I was extremely pleased to find out that The Ritz Carton Hotels are very involved with environmental issues.

They have deployed a global program to calculate carbon and water footprint, waste diversion, and energy intensity at their hotels and resorts around the world. Innovative systems that lesson the environmental impact of laundry operations have been employed. They work with waste and recycling partners to reduce the tonnage transported to landfills, and divert waste through recycling and food composting. They also collaborate with Clean the World, a non-profit that collects partially used soaps and other hygiene amenities.

Bottom Line:

I have traveled the world and stayed at many exclusive hotels, and can easily say this 5 star hotel exudes luxury, their attention to detail is impeccable, and the attentive staff go above and beyond to cater to your needs. I will definitely be returning the Ritz Carlton Toronto on my next visit! To make your reservations, click here.