ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

November 27, 2015 janet gunn

'Tis The Season... The holidays are here, and what a special time to be Grateful. It's the perfect time to gather your friends and family, and share great food, wine, and of course laughter. We have soooo much to be grateful for, we have freedom, we have choices. Let's start off with I Am Thankful For....

Thank you Mother Earth - Mother Nature for these beautiful flowers! We have a Pavilions nearby, and they always have a large variety of colorful flowers and greenery. Here I chose Tulips - Roses - Calla Lilies - Peonies. If you live in the West Hollywood area, ask for David! He's the best...

You can also buy long stem leaves and decorate the inside of the vase for an elegant touch to your arrangement. While arranging your flowers say "Thank You"...tell Mother Nature how grateful you are for her flawless beauty she has provided for us.

Tulips have so many leaves, just take and wrap those extra leaves around your stems for that 'Wedding Bouquet' look.

I love the vibrant orange, perfect for a fall color. Tulips love a little light, in just a few minutes they will open up as the light shines through the window.

Beautiful pink Tulips and Peonies, and the peonies have a soft...light fragrance as they begin to open.

White Peonies, White Roses...

I find groupings of three, to work well. Choose different vases, and heights for that artistic feel.

Simple Calla Lilies...Simple Vase... Elegance. We all have many things we can be grateful for. If we can stay in a state of gratitude for just a few minutes a day, our hearts will change, we will feel lighter, and the longer we can say "Thank You" the Universe will recognize our gratitude. We can always be of great service to ourselves and others when our heart says "Thank You"

"Choosing gratitude is akin to choosing forgiveness. It is to create forward and healthy movement within the individual expressing it" Reverend Keith Cox...my friend

Thank you to my followers for being supportive and taking the time to read my blog, The Grateful Gardenia. I hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving, and you were able to share the day with your friends and loved ones. During this season let's envision laughter, hugs and a heart full of gratitude.

Make someone's day special today... it matters

HAPPY HOUR IN THE A.M.

November 19, 2015 janet gunn

Why not make your Happy Hour in the AM a healthy one? This Martini a day keeps the doctor away. I love a good dirty martini, but how about a clean one too? Martini glasses are entertaining, they remind me of Roger Moore and Old Hollywood, I decided to dirty up my breakfast one day by adding healthy granola with flaxseed from Whole Foods, and one of my favorite shakes with berries, and pomegranate seeds.

After seeing the new James Bond Movie, I wanted to go to dinner, drive fast, buy gadgets, and have a martini. I had this instead... Shaken not Stirred

Add in your favorite granola, berries, pomegranate seeds, and a healthy shake. The crunchy texture with the shake is oh - so satisfying.

Chunky Granola from Whole Foods with flaxseed - almonds - honey - dried cranberries, raisins, and sunflower seeds Sometimes I mix in the Odwalla protein drink, It really taste like a desert... Here's what's inside of the vanilla (32) grams of protein shake - vitamin B6- vitamin b12- DV calcium - DV- zinc - DV potassium - DV Iron (DV- daily value) Substitute with Almond or Coconut milk if that is a better choice for you.

Wake up, be grateful, and set your intention for the day. Getting closer to the holidays, we are all busy, and it seems the hustle and bustle is becoming a way of life. If you only have a few minutes, make them healthy, and make them count. Just remember...You're worth it.

"I never go jogging, it makes me spill my martini." * George Burns

PUMPKIN CARVING IN A SNAP

October 30, 2015 janet gunn

Halloween is one of our favorite days on the calendar. Living in Los Angeles we have one of the best parades right around the corner. You will see adorable little trick or treaters and grown-ups too. Our home is always festive and decorated for harvest time.

Here are a few things you will need to create a simple and easy carved pumpkin. The trick is to have fun...No need for perfection, just carve away and enjoy your creation.

Piece of plastic to work on / Gloves / Marker / Carving Tools / A Good Attitude

Roasted Pumpkin seeds made easy - Toss the pumpkins seeds (after washing) in a bowl with a little olive oil and salt - Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown. Here I added the pumpkin seeds on top of Red Pepper Hummus - Cabbage Lettuce leafs - then roll up for a healthy, delicious pumpkin seed taco.

Take a fresh red bell pepper, cut off the top - carve out a fun, festive face and add Pesto Pasta inside. This is so cute for your guest who need a quick bite to balance out the candy!