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MEDITERRANEAN MOMMA

innovative tips on how to enjoy your kids and your life

Silence Your Inner Mean Girl

6/5/2016

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Have you ever looked at an old photo and thought, “I looked pretty good in this picture, why did I think I looked fat?" That’s exactly what happened to me this past weekend. I was looking at a picture of myself from four years ago, when my husband and I were celebrating our anniversary. I remember getting dressed for that dinner and thinking that I didn’t look so great. I wasn’t happy with my hair or my makeup. But, you know what? I did look pretty great! My dress looked nice even though I remember feeling “fat” at the time and that picture makes me smile when I look at it today. 

What if on that day I could have looked at myself with that same kindness and acceptance that I feel today when I look at that picture?  What a wasted opportunity to feel good about myself and to take in that moment more fully! Bet you’ve done this to yourself too.

What if you added up all those moments  you berated yourself because you didn’t feel like you looked pretty enough, thin enough, whatever enough.. and just loved yourself and said 'I am beautiful right now'?

"But I don’t feel beautiful," you say.

Fair enough. What if you were just not so mean and instead noticed two good things about yourself in that moment? Something like, 'My lips look pretty with this shade of lipstick' or 'That dress is so cute on me'. You know what else would be good? What if you thought about the person or people you were going to be with and how much you are going to enjoy the time you spend together?   

Try to be in your life instead of in your head.

When those negative thoughts come, just stop and think of two good things to say to yourself and do that again and again. This will soon spread into other areas of your life and you may start to  realize that you’re not half bad at singing or that you're pretty damn good at walking lunges .

Here’s what else will happen, you will be more empathetic to others. When I notice myself being more critical of other people, I know that I am being harsh and mean to myself.  How can I look past your rumpled shirt and see your kind brown eyes if I am constantly picking myself apart?

So, really, being kind to yourself is so unselfish that it's not even funny!

It’s such a waste of time to have to wait to realize how you good you actually had something. I really wish I could have seen what was good about myself in the mirror that day while I was getting ready for my anniversary dinner. Who knows how much more I would have enjoyed that night, since I would have been more present to my husband and our lovely dinner?

Don't waste any more time and silence your inner mean girl now.

 


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Best Hummus Ever

5/30/2016

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Pretty big claim, huh? Well, any Mediterranean Momma (or Papa) worth their salt better know how to whip up some tasty hummus.

“Hummus” is actually the Arabic word for chick pea or garbanzo bean, one of the main ingredients for this delicious dip. It’s got lots of protein and is a great accompaniment for veggies and pita bread. Hummus can even be a nice condiment in a sandwich when you want a change from mustard or mayo.

I grew up eating hummus (lots of it) and have been making it for many years. It is super easy to prepare and tastes so much more delicious than the store-bought options of hummus. The one ingredient that you may not have on hand is tahini which is simply ground sesame seeds. It gives the hummus that nutty flavor and creamy consistency. You can buy it in any international food store and many supermarkets now carry it in the Ethnic Food section. Just make sure the only ingredient in the tahini is crushed sesame seeds with nothing else added.

Enough talk, let’s get to making it:

Best Hummus Ever

1 can garbanzo beans (15oz) drained

2 cloves fresh garlic crushed      
                                                                    
1/3 cup tahini ( I like Mid East brand)

Juice of one whole fresh lemon

pinch of red cayenne ( optional)

1/4 tsp ground cumin

 2-3 Tablespoons of water

Salt to taste

                                                                                                                                                       

Combine all ingredients except for water in a food processor and puree until smooth. Add water one tablespoon at a time until it is as thick or thin as you like. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika to garnish. Serve with veggies, pita bread, pita chips..whatever you like!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please like it and share it!
                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                    

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Your Dreams Are Not Big Enough

5/26/2016

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The day I met Steve Perry of Journey, my childhood crush, was also the same day I realized my dreams were not big enough. Doesn’t make sense, does it? I have listened to this man’s songs since I was 12 and always dreamed of the day “I could just meet him” but, did you notice I said “just” meet him? Yeah, that’s a dead give away that your dreams are too small. When you shrink your expectations by using phrases like: “if only,” “at least” and “just,” you also limit your dreams and goals by putting speed limits where there only should be open road.


I have always enjoyed writing and wanted to start this blog years ago, but was scared that there were so many other blogs out there. What could I contribute about food and family that would be different enough from the rest? Then, the day after Thanksgiving, the day my sister and I usually go shopping together, was when I met Steve Perry.


Since we had just moved a couple of months before Thanksgiving, I decided that I would not host the holiday at our house and instead met up with my sister and her family the Friday after turkey day. All eight of us were gathered in a large booth enjoying pizza, wine and kale salad … it is California, you know! Then, my husband turned to me and said, “Honey, I am not joking, Steve Perry is outside,” I looked and there he was, sitting outside the restaurant talking with some friends, wearing a blue flannel shirt and holding a little dog! My heart was beating out of my chest because I couldn’t believe that this was really happening. Somehow, I mustered up the courage and went outside to meet the person who I had always  dreamed of meeting . He was beyond handsome and very  gracious as he took the time to talk and take pictures with me. He even kissed my hand!! Crazy, right? That was when I realized if I could run into Steve Perry in pizza restaurant the day after Thanksgiving, lots of amazing things could happen including writing a blog.


I  am a Mom of 13-year-old twins who loves to travel, cook, do crazy boot camps and half marathons for fun. I would love to share with you some ways I save time, prepare healthy and delicious meals and set the tone for a happy home. I am a mom who loves being a mom, but knows how hard it is to do this everyday. I hope I can inspire you when you are having a tough day or need a new perspective on things. So today my dream gets to start as I share my thoughts and words with you.
And, maybe the next time I meet Steve Perry, I’ll have on a cute dress and maybe even have my nails done. Let’s dream big!

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