January 31, 2021
Hi friends and welcome to a new year!
I’m excited for all that’s ahead in 2021, and I’m sure you are as well! Every year, setting intentions and “clearing space” to make room for new opportunity and growth is something I focus on toward the end of the year. Two long (and more quiet) holiday weekends gave me even more pause to count my blessings and do just that.
Here at BeWell, look for our newly designed website, blog posts, 5 minute Pilates videos, and more recipes to try. Be sure to download the Daily Healthy Habits, available now. We’ve updated our coaching plans with options for an Intro to Pilates lesson or weekly Pilates lessons.
It’s never been a better time to BeWell!
Schedule an introductory call here.
First up, our Pilates for Purpose spotlight for January is the Crisis Assistance Ministry. This organization provides help, hope and understanding for people struggling with limited financial resources. To learn more, please visit their website:https://www.crisisassistance.org/about-us/
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has participated in our Pilates for Purpose classes, taking place virtually every Tuesday at 9am. Each week, half of proceeds, plus 100% of any additional donation above the $15 class fee goes to our spotlight non-profit. I’m hoping to grow our Pilates for Purpose community this year, so please forward to a friend and join me to laugh, move, and in turn, help someone in need. All you need is a mat, a screen and a smile!
Register for next weeks Pilates For Purpose here.
The oil of the month is On-Guard. On Guard supports healthy immune and respiratory function when taken internally, but it’s also an amazing non-toxic cleaner. When diffused, it has an uplifting and energizing effect, with a warm citrusy, spicy scent. This blend is so popular it’s found in a multitude of products: beadlets (I take them every day!), sanitizing mist, toothpaste, mouthwash, concentrated cleaner, hand wash, and laundry detergent to name a few.
Here are 2 non-toxic cleaning recipes that I use in my home. I use glass glass spray bottles, and keep one for tap water to spritz my plants!
Surface Cleaner: Mix 2TB On Guard cleaner concentrate with 24 oz. water in a spray bottle.
Glass cleaner: 5 drops lemon essential oil, 2TB white vinegar, 2TB alcohol, ¾ cups water
The recipe I’m loving this month is Mussels in Spicy Tomato sauce. We’ve ordered dishes just like this over the years in some of our favorite seafood spots. In fact, I can remember my daughter Katharine requesting them when she was just four years old in Cape Cod, where we vacationed every summer, and where the mussels are plentiful. Go figure the taste buds of kids!
It’s super easy to make, and you don’t have to wait to get to the beach to enjoy them!
Here you go:
Mussels in Spicy Tomato Sauce
From Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen
¼ cup cornmeal
2 lbs. Mussels
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
8 cloves garlic, sliced
One 1-pint basket cherry tomatoes, cut in half, or 2 cups canned Italian plum tomatoes, crushed
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ ts. Crushed red pepper
1 cup dry white wine
10 large fresh basil leaves, shredded
Salt to taste
To purge mussels of their grit, stir the cornmeal into 3 quarts water, add the mussels and let them soak, shaking them once or twice. Drain, scrub the shells well and if needed, remove the wiry “beard” protruding from the shell, tugging gently with your fingers.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and cook, shaking the pan, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and add the oregano and red pepper. Cook, stirring, until the tomatoes have cooked down, about 5 minutes. Stir the mussels into the skillet, then pour in the wine. Bring to a boil, cover the pot and cook until mussels open, about 3 minutes. Stir in the basil, and drizzle with olive oil if you wish. (discard any mussels with unopened shells.)
Enjoy!
This month, go check out the basic mat workout here! You can do these seven exercises every day, and it literally takes just seven minutes! You’ll strengthen your core, improve your posture and feel confident and ready to take on anything after a Pilates class.
Try a virtual private lesson, or if you prefer a group situation, grab a couple of your gals (or guys) and start your own group or duet class! Contact me for details and let’s get moving this year…in the right direction! I can’t wait to work with you!
Be Strong, Be Healthy, Be Well.
xo, Cassandra
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