Cherub Consulting Newsletter - February, 2009

Dr. Wayne Dyer in Calgary!Africa Book ProjectSee motivational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer and support the charity Africa Book Project! We are donating two tickets to be auctioned for “ChangeYour Thoughts, Change Your Life” on April 6th at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary, Alberta. Seating is Orchestra Right row CC.

100% of the proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Africa Book Project.  “Africa Book Project has dedicated itself to collecting used books and school supplies and redirecting them to needy schools in Africa.”

Watch for the upcoming eBay auction of these Dr. Wayne Dyer tickets to start on March 14!

Africa Book Project is also having a Ceili's Pub Night Fundraiser on March 7, 2008
Silent Auction, live music with Brent Tyler, U2 Cover Band, DJs all in support of ABP, TVG and FCCF
Tickets $15 and includes 1 drink

Contact Barb at 403-287-0483 for Tickets - must be bought in advance!

SIGG Bottles  

Free Draw for this SIGG water bottle

Free Draw for this SIGG water bottle:  To enter, send 3 eco-living tips by midnight MST, March 10, 2009 to sam@cherubconsulting.com.  A random draw will be made and the winner notified by 10:00 a.m. MST, March 11, 2009 and announced in the next Newsletter!

January Winner: Sherri Mullen of Okotoks, Alberta  Congratulations, Sherri!
See Sherri’s Eco-Living Tips below  (4 tips – Bonus!):

Sherri's Eco-Living Tips

  1. List of Eco-living tipsSave the inside cello packages from cereal boxes.  They are excellent for coating chicken pieces, pounding meat to a standard thickness, etc.
  2. See if your community has a salvage centre.  Household goods and clothing that are re-usable can be left at these places for use by others at no or minimal cost.  If you don’t have one, support your local good will store instead of hauling everything to the landfill.
  3. Organize a clothing/accessory swap with your friends.  Pile the stuff you have outgrown or don’t want and have fun sorting through it and finding “new” outfits.
  4. Use eco-friendly products in your bathwater, then reuse the water to flush toilets, water plants etc.

 

Sam’s Local, Organic and Non-Organic
Guidelines for Buying Produce

Based on my research, budget and personal shopping habits, these are my lists for buying the best produce for Organic and Non-Organic Productsnutrition, health and budget. See the Complete List here!

Always Buy Organic   Buy Local Produce*   Can Buy Non-Organic**
         

Apples
Carrots
Celery
Cherries
More...

  Blueberries
Blackberries
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
More...
  Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Broccoli
More...

Quinoa Salad

Although Quinoa, (pronounced “keenwa”) is commonly considered an ancient grain, it is actually a relative of leafy greens and is a small seed (much like a cross between a sesame seed and millet) from the Chenopodium plant.  It is rich in protein, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, B vitamins and a host of other nutrients.  Because of this, it is a favorite “super food” of holistic nutritionists and others who favor natural, whole foods.  It is especially good for vegetarians and vegans since it contains all nine essential amino-acids, making it a complete protein!

Here is one of my favorite Quinoa recipes from my friend and colleague, Tanis Danyluk, Holistic Nutritionist.

Quinoa SaladSERVES 4
1 cup cooked quinoa*
1 can chickpeas (or beans of choice)
½ cup purple onion, chopped
½ cup cucumber, cubed
½ cup celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp. hemp oil
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. Bragg’s Soya Sauce
1 tbsp. fresh dill
½ tbsp. fresh parsley
Sea salt & pepper to taste

*Quinoa has a natural bitter coating called saponin.  If you are buying quinoa in bulk, you will need to soak it for a few minutes and then rinse it in cold clear water until the “soapy” residue is gone.  Some boxed brands may be pre-rinsed, but they still retain the nutritional goodness.  Cook quinoa as you would rice.

Prepare quinoa and allow time to cool.  In another bowl, mix the chickpeas, onion, cucumber, celery and garlic.  Once quinoa is cool, add vegetables to it and pour on oils and Bragg’s.  Season with dill, parsley, sea salt & pepper.  Mix, serve, enjoy!Note: all vegetable ingredients are optional.  Feel free to add or change according to choice.  I like to add broccoli, cauliflower and mixed beans to mine.  Also, play with measurements until the salad has the right texture and flavour for your preference.

Sam & Tanis

Adapted by Tanis Danyluk, BA, RHN, OHP

**I made this salad the other day and used Udo’s 3.6.9. Oil in place of the Hemp Oil and also added a tablespoon of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar because I like both its taste and its health benefits! - Sam

Parenting and Eco-Living Tip for February by Chris Sullivan, Imaginary Genius

Chris Sullivan & sonChris Sullivan has worked, and explored the outdoors, with kids of all ages for 16 years and is the father of a vivacious three-year-old son.  The two can invariably be found exploring the intricacies of the natural world!

Micro Parks (for ages 7- 13) 
Head out to the mountains and explore with your kids.  Time to use your imaginations and have fun!

Mountain Amusement ParkTake a piece of string (6ft or longer) and walk into a wooded area. Use the string to tie off an area of bushes, a tree, a root, or anything that looks interesting. The string is to act as a barrier and inside that area is your amusement park. Look closely at the details of what’s in there and discover slides and swings and anything else your imagination might come up with. Maybe it’s a zoo or marine park. It’s your dream dreamers.

If you have a great parenting tip, send it to sam@cherubconsulting.com with "Parenting Tip" in the subject line and we may publish it in a future newsletter!

February Birthstone – Amethyst

AmethystAmethyst is the purple variety of the mineral, quartz.  It comes from the Greek meaning “amythystos” or “not drunken” and is associated with the God of Wine.  Once considered more valuable than diamonds it occurs naturally as crystals within rocks.  Most amethyst deposits are found in Brazil and Zambia, but it can also be found in Canada, the United States, Australia, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nambia and Russia.  It ranges is color from pale lilac to a deep almost velvety shade of purple. 

Amethyst has been found among the possessions of royalty throughout the ages.  It has been found in the ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning crowns, jewelry and scepters.  It was also a spiritual symbol, often used to ornament churches and crosses and was worn in rings and rosaries by bishops and priests.

It is said to be associated with Archangel Michael and is a calming and protective stone. The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty.

Amethyst is also the “stone of romance” – St. Valentine was said to have worn this gem!

“The less you open your heart to others, the more your heart suffers.” ~ Deepak Chopra

We hope you find our e-newsletter informative and enjoyable and we welcome your comments.

Sam Rafoss, RSW, RHN    Phone: 403-988-7507    Website: www.cherubconsulting.com    Email: info@cherubconsulting.com

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