The Power of Laughter
Have you heard the one about the average 4-year-old who laughs 300 times per day and the average 40-year-old who laughs only four times a day? Whoa!
While that turns out to be an urban legend, I have no doubt that most children do laugh a whole lot more than most adults do. And that we could all use more laughter in our lives.
For the past couple of years, my husband and I have intentionally sought out opportunities to laugh. Searching for comedies over dramas. Life itself is dramatic...
Noodles & Greens with Gingery Almond Sauce
This satisfying alternative to traditional peanut sauce I was honored to share with Robin Robertson for her cookbook, Nut Butter Universe, blends ginger, garlic, and sesame, to create a robust flavor combination that will have everyone in your family (including kids!) clamoring for more.
Noodles & Greens in Gingery Almond Sauce
By Allison Rivers Samson
Serves 6
Ingredients
Noodles
12 ounces whole-grain gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles
Greens
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1...
Magic Vegan Cheese Sauce
The story continues with my latest (and dare I say greatest!) version of my Vegan Mac & Cheese. In addition to veggies, this simplified and more nutritious version is made with either homemade vegan butter or unflavored coconut oil, sunflower seeds, and garbanzo beans. I designed the recipe without nutritional yeast for those who are allergic or averse, but if you love nooch, feel free to add 1/2 cup or sprinkle some on top!
This sauce is perfect for pouring on pasta, broccoli,...
6 Steps to Reduce Plastic in Amazon Orders
| PSSST...Pass it on... Tell Amazon to stop using plastic in their orders! Here's how: Call Amazon at 888-280-4331, say "Plastic Packaging" and then ask the representative to... 1. Flag your account and others in your household (they go by email address) with the packaging preference of no plastic. 2. Where they would usually report "bad packaging or not padding enough," note that the plastic packaging is environmentally damaging and isn't wanted and to please use zero/less packaging.... |
What YOU Can Do About the Climate Crisis. 🌏
If you feel hopeless about climate concerns, you're not alone.
The Climate Crisis is being talked about more than ever. And with good reason.
We need to be talking about this. We need to be taking action. NOW. But what can one person do?
From February through June of this year, I dove deep with a small group in a sermon-writing seminar offered by Rev. Kevin Tarsa, the minister at our Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains, here in Grass Valley, California.
...
Vegan Summerfest Flash Mob: Give Love by Andy Grammer
For the past several years, my tradition at Vegan Summerfest has been to teach a Flash Mob song to everyone who comes to my Nia classes at the conference.
This year, I was lucky enough to get a video of the whole song: Give Love, by one of my favorite artists, Andy Grammer (he's on tour with a new album coming out soon—he and his amazing band are not-to-be-missed, so check 'em out if they come to your town).
Vegan Summerfest is a 5-day conference and on the last night, we have a big...
Why I Started PWR (Plastic Waste Reduction) Coalition
Since the spring, I've been doing some wonderful deep personal healing work ANNNNND... cooking up my latest project!
Just in time for #plasticfreejuly—yep, that's really a thing. It's called the PWR Coalition (PWR = Plastic Waste Reduction).
When our family visited Bali and Thailand early this year, our hearts broke when we saw the beaches and ocean filled with plastic.
It's a sight I can never unsee.
At first, I wondered why they didn't clean it up. Then, I found out that they...
How to Have More Fun in Life
When was the last time you did something new?
Are "responsible" pursuits higher on your to-do list than having fun?
Do you lean toward perfectionism?
If you said yes to those last two, are you my long-lost sibling?
Today, I've let go of those requirements and let myself dabble.
Do you ever do that?
Children do it all the time. Like little scientists, they'll try anything!
Using our imagination and creativity may hold some keys to keeping our brains strong and supple.
No wonder...
Marianne Williamson’s Bid for the 2020 Presidency
Since 2016,I’ve become much more political. Why? Because I now understand that political issues affect people personally and vice versa.
It’s strained some of my relationships and I’ve heard that some leaders have lost “fans” by talking about politics. Even one of my mentors, Brené Brown, has been told to keep her political opinions to herself.
I know I’m taking a risk. Thank goodness I’ve recovered enough from people pleasing to be able...
How to Shop More Sustainably: Go Beyond "Bring Your Own Grocery Bag"
When our little family traveled early this year to Thailand and Bali for two months, we delighted in majestic temples, gorgeous art, kind-hearted people, and natural beauty. That wasn't all we experienced though. We were heartbroken to see the beaches covered in trash.
Guess what 90% of it was made of?
Single-use plastic.
Yep, I'm talking plastic straws, plastic water bottles, plastic yogurt cups, plastic bags, plastic this, plastic that, plastic everything.
On one...
