Yesterday at work we had a discussion about taking naps.  If they are good or bad, how long they should be, when you should take them and where.  I am a fan of naps but I only take them in 20 minute intervals and if they are in the afternoon before 3pm.  If it is later than that, I know I won’t be able sleep at night or won’t get a good night’s rest. 

One of the waiters at the restaurant says he can take a nap anytime of the day, even one at 6pm!  He also said he takes 4 hour naps?! To me that is almost a night of sleep.  We were all disagreeing about how to take a proper nap, so when I woke up this morning I decided to do a little investigating so I can set our staff right. 

The first and most common thing I read about taking naps is that there needs to be a time limit on them.  A few studies and articles I read said they should be around 25-30 minutes.  It is the amount of time that allows your body to rest without falling into a deep sleep and end up waking up even more tired.


They also suggested, if you have time to take a “full sleep cycle nap” that is about 90 minutes.  It allows your body to go into REM sleep and make up for lost sleep and can enhance your creativity.  So the decision I made is that either you should take a 25-30 minute nap or a 90 minute one, not longer, not shorter, or not in-between.

I also read about a caffeine nap that really confused me at first.  They said that you quickly drink a cup of coffee before a nap and then sleep for 20 minutes and when you wake up the caffeine kicks in and you will have a few good and energized hours after.  The idea of drinking a coffee then sleeping really baffled me, I don’t think caffeine naps are for me!

I knew I was right about the late nap idea.  I read that if you’re tired because of sleep deprivation a nap in the afternoon can help boost energy levels and naps between 12-4pm match the body’s natural circadian cycles.  Naps taken after that will just make you more tired and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep that evening.

I think napping is good for those days when you are just not feeling 100%.  I am still sticking firm with my nap criteria; 20 minutes and before 3pm because I know it works for my body to feel rejuvenated and awake. 

What is your take on napping and what is your idea nap?

Go Green and Stay Keen,

Julie

Today I took on the crazy back to school crowd and took Hannah and Liam shopping for supplies and some new clothes.

I think back to school time is almost as bad as shopping around Christmas time.

The only difference is that during Christmas there are less children running through the aisles.  Even though we had to fight the crowd we were very successful and found some really good deals.



One of the positives about shopping this time of the years is that there are so many sales and discounts.  I school folders for the kids that were only $0.10! And they were “the cool ones” according to Hannah and Liam.  I earned some mommy brownie points for that find.

Once we did the “boring” school supplies shopping we went to the mall to find some new school clothes.  Liam and Hannah have grown so much over the summer their clothes look like they have been shrunk.  Not to mention they look like someone washed them with mud.  They thought their entire closet could be their soccer clothing…oh you have to love them.

I was actually surprised how much Liam enjoyed shopping for school clothes.  He picked out some really good new shirts and a few new pairs of pants.  No surprise to me, Hannah wanted everything that WAS NOT ON SALE. She compromised with me and agreed to only get one shirt that was full price.  She can be such a little diva some times.

Hannah and Liam both needed a new pair of gym shoes for school.  They put quite a few miles on them this summer.  Good gym shoes are one of the things I don’t have a problem splurging a little.  I think that a good pair of shoes that fit correctly and are good for my kiddos feet are well worth the price.  Liam found a really cool pair that are black and red and Hannah of course found ones with purple and cheetah print on them.  They were both so excited about their shoes.

School shopping can be stressful but I always feel so much better when I’m done.  I can finally sit back and take a deep breath before they start school on Monday.  I think all the shopping we did in morning calls for an afternoon movie!  Liam and Hannah are picking one out now, it already has been a productive day it is time for a little relaxation.

Go Green and Stay Keen,

Julie

This afternoon both Hannah and Liam are a friend’s house so I am making my husband some vegetarian sushi!

We love sushi so much, it is difficult to make it while the kids are home because they think it is “weird.”  They don’t know what they are missing out on  :D

My husband is doing some yard work so I am going to surprise him with it and some soup for dinner.  I can’t wait.

Vegetarian sushi is delicious and fairly easy to make.  Here are the sushi and soup recipes that I like using when we finally get to indulge.



Ingredients-

• 2 cups short grain or medium grain rice
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 package of roasted seaweed sheets
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into long narrow strips
• 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into long narrow strips
• 1 avocado, removed skin and sliced into long narrow strips
• 1 block of cream cheese, sliced into long narrow strips
• Soy sauce and wasabi for dipping and garnish

Directions-

• Cook the rice as to package instructions and let cool.  Mix the rice vinegar and salt in a small bowl and pour over the cooked rice.  Use your fingers to mix the rice and mixture together.
• Place the seaweed sheet, shiny side down, on the sushi roller and spread sticky rice evenly across.  Leave a one inch tab of seaweed on one edge.  Place carrot strip, cucumber strip, cream cheese, and avocado across the rice bed.
• Dab the exposed tab of seaweed with wet fingers and use the sushi roller to roll your roll making sure you are using enough pressure to keep the rice sticky.
• Cut your roll into small pieces and Enjoy!


Ingredients-

• 4 cups water
• ½ cup chopped green onion
• ½ cup chopped green chard
• ¼ cup firm tofu, cubed
• 3-4 tbsp. white miso paste
• 1 sheet or ¼ cup nori, cut in large rectangles

Directions-

• Place water in a medium sauce pan, bring to low simmer then add nori and simmer for 5-7 minutes more.
• Place the miso paste into a small bowl, add a little hot water and whisk until smooth.  Add to the soup and stir so it doesn’t clump.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.  Add salt to taste if desired and enjoy.

This recipe can be used with a variety of vegetables and you can add and take away spices or sauces to create your unique roll.

It is going to be a delicious dinner!

Julie

I was looking for images on the web and came across an awesome infographic on BusinessInsider.com.


Although, it was posted a couple years ago, it is still relevant and resonated with me.  It is titled, Why You Need to Stop Driving Your Car Right Now.

I always try walking or riding my bike whenever I can and only drive my car when it is really necessary.  It not only saves me money by biking but I get exercise too.

When my husband and I were looking for our first our home, it was essential that it was located close to markets, parks, work, and our children’s school.  We were fortunate enough to find a home that is in a very central location and walking and biking distance to many places.

Since moving here and not using our car as much, we have seen a large drop in our transportation expenses and we are even healthier.  We are helping the earth by reducing our emissions that are harmful to the environment, not spending money on cars upkeep, saving of fuel, not having to pay for parking, and we get to speed past traffic jams.

I saw this statistic that shocked me; it showed that 80% of bike commuters improve their heart and lung function within 8 weeks! Just 8 weeks! I couldn’t believe it.

Once you understand how the simple change from driving your car to riding your bike is, it is clear that riding your bike is better for you, your health, your family, and the environment.  So hop on that two-wheeler and get pedaling.

I have shared here, the informative infographic from BusinessInsider.com. Enjoy!

After reading this infographic, I hope you feel motivated to start riding your bike whenever you can.

 If you live near your work, grocery stores, or frequented venues, why not give it a try?  I enjoy walking and biking places, it allows me to clear my mind and stay active.  I challenge you to try swapping your car for an earth friendly bike! :)

Go Green and Staying Keen,

Julie

Happy National Watermelon Day! :D

Okay, I know it is not a widely known holiday or for that matter really celebrated, but our family takes National Watermelon Day very seriously.  It is a great day to indulge on watermelon for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Watermelons are pretty interesting fruits as well, giving us plenty to talk about.

Here are our family’s favorite fun facts about watermelons-

• There are 300 different kinds of watermelons in the US and Mexico
• They are the perfect summer snack because they are 92% water making them so refreshing.
• The world’s heaviest watermelon weighed 268.6 lbs., now that is a lot of watermelon.
• People eat on average 16 lbs. of watermelon annually.
• Egyptian hieroglyphics show the first-ever watermelon harvest took place about 5,000 years ago.  They were often sealed into tombs of kings.

Now you can have the same useless trivia as we do.

There are so many recipes with watermelon that are often forgot.  People usually just eat them sliced, although it is wonderful that way, there are so many more possibilities when it comes to a delicious fruit like this.

Watermelon-Peach Salsa with Tomatoes-

Ingredients-

• ½ cup hot pepper jelly
• 1 tbsp. lime zest
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 2 cups seeded and diced watermelon
• 1 cup peeled and diced fresh peaches
• 1/3 cup chopped basil
• 1/3 cup chopped chives
• 3 cups baby tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil springs to garnish

Directions-

• Whisk the pepper jelly, lime zest, and lime juice together and then stir in watermelon, peaches, basil, and chives.
• Season the baby tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste.  Mix with salsa, and serve with basil if desired.  Enjoy!

Don’t be nervous at the thought of warm watermelon, Grilled Watermelon Slices are delicious-

Ingredients-
• Several slices of watermelon
• 2 limes, juices
• ½ a limes zest
• 3 tbsp. honey
• 2 tsp. water
• A few dashes of cayenne pepper
• A few pinches of salt



Directions-

• Preheat the grill to high.  Cut watermelon into 1 inch thick slices and lightly brush each side with honey and place on grill until browned, about 2 minutes.
• In a small bowl mix the rest of the ingredients and drizzle mixture over watermelon slices on place.
• Enjoy!

And for a little adult beverage, Frozen Watermelon Margaritas are very tasty-

Ingredients-

• 1 ½ cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup tequila
• ½ cup lime juice
• ½ cup orange liqueur
• 1-2 tbsp. sugar
• ½ tsp. salt
• 3 cups ice

Directions-

• Puree watermelon, add the rest of the ingredients and blend until desired consistency.  Divide among glasses and garnish with lime and watermelon slice.
• Enjoy!


With your new fun facts and superb watermelon recipes, National Watermelon day is going to be WONDERFUL!

Go green and stay keen!

Julie