Spice It Up!

As I’m trying to get more comfortable in the kitchen, I found this great list of spices, with suggested vegetable pairings, that is creating the illusion that I know Smith and Truslowwhat I’m doing with all these great summer veggies.

  • Basil – beans, peas, squash, potatoes, tomatoes
  • Bay leaf – beets, carrots, potatoes, stewed tomatoes
  • Dill Weed – beets, cabbage, carrots, parsnips, potatoes
  • Marjoram – Brussels sprouts, carrots, green beans, peas, spinach
  • Oregano – broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, tomatoes
  • Rosemary – cauliflower, peas, potatoes, spinach
  • Tarragon – cauliflower, green beans, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes
  • Thyme – asparagus, beans, carrots, zucchini

Not only do spices add flavour to your food, they are also good for your health. Smith and Truslow  provide a comprehensive list of spices and their health benefits such as using Chinese 5 Spice to improve digestion and Spice Rackpromote intestinal health; antioxidant and antibacterial; stimulates the breakdown of fat cells; relieves congestion, headaches; balances blood sugar. WOW!

Locally, check out Penzeys Spices for their incredible selection of spices and Tubular Spice Company, Zevro, and Fox Run for fabulous spice racks.

Word to the Mother

Since Mother’s Day is exactly one month away, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite sites or suggestions for the big day. In no particular order…

For the mom who loves her shoes or bags, check out the shoe wheel or iglu handbag holder at Rakku Designs.

If you are the child of a techno mom who ran right out and got herself an iPad, get her a beautiful iPad bag (they have ones for Kindle too) at Borsa Bella Bags.

Trying to wean your mom off bottled water, purchase her any (safe) straight sided, 1 liter water bottle and design for her a one of a kind bottle wrap. She’ll be the envy of all her walking, running or gym buddies.

If your mom has run out of ways or places to carry photos of her favorite child or grandchild, check out this hip photo cuff at Smoy. Read the rest of this entry