Every day is Earth Day

“Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it -- every, every minute?” 

― Thornton Wilder, Our Town

-♥ J :)

P.S.  Earth Day tips HERE and HERE. 
P.P.S. Earth Day video courtesy of John Highsmith Photography.

Happy Healthy Belly TV: How to Make Broccoli

I made this video for my mom.  She insists on microwaving her broccoli even though I've told her (and told her) that there is an easy, delicious way to make frozen broccoli in just 5 minutes without using the microwave.  So, I decided to make this video to prove exactly how easy it is.  In fact, it is SO easy that you may find yourself thinking, "Really??  You made a video about that???"  Yes.  Yes, I did.  Warning:  In the video I talk with my mouth full and do The Robot.  I'm not sure which is more offensive…

-♥ J :)

P.S.  Love you, Mom!!!

Five Minute Broccoli
Ingredients:

• 1 bag of frozen organic broccoli
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 lemon
• olive oil 
• lemon pepper

Directions:

1. Pour frozen broccoli in a skillet with lid (like THIS ONE) and cover with1/4 cup water.
2. Cover with lid and set stovetop to med/high heat.
3. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. When time is up, turn off the stove.
5. Add olive oil, lemon and lemon pepper to taste.
6. Eat and enjoy!

Lets go to the movies...

What are you up to this weekend, Veggies??  In addition to filming a new video for Happy Healthy Belly TV, I (and millions of my closest friends) will be going to see The Hunger Games.  Just in case you couldn't care less couldn't get tickets to The Hunger Games, here are some other movies worth their weight in popcorn.  

-♥ J :)

1. There's No Tomorrow

Usually I try to keep this blog on a positive slant, but I ain't gonna lie to you…this video is DE-PRESS-ING.  It is also MIND BLOWING.  This comprehensive description of the world's energy crisis is scary in the way that only things chock full of unrelenting facts can be.  There's No Tomorrow is a must watch.  But you may want to watch it with a glass of scotch...

2. Hungry For Change

You can watch this inspiring film about transforming your health FOR FREE until midnight on March 31st.  Just click HERE, sign up for the email list and you will receive your free invite to watch the film online.  I saw it yesterday and it is amazing!!

3. Friends with Kids

This movie is what would have happened if Harry and Sally had decided to have a kid together.  Hilarious as it is heartbreaking, this movie explores the trials and misadventures of six friends navigating their way through uncharted adulthood.  As the writer/ director/star of Friends with Kids, Jennifer Westfeldt hits it out of the park!  I have such a girl crush on her.

P.S.  Or if you feel like reading this weekend...

• A fungi that eats plastic.
• Five minute mind detox.
• Fantastic uses for your favorite beauty products.
• THIS is hilarious.  (But it's a joke so don't really do it...)
• From disasters to diamonds.
• Feeling the need...the need to clean??
• A calorie is not just a calorie.
• Jamie Lee Curtis rocks.

Happy Healthy Belly TV: How to paint an accent wall

Happy spring my Veg friends!!!  Do you have  a case of spring fever like I do??  I woke up yesterday all a flutter with new plans, new projects and a flurry of new ideas.  I want shake off winter the way a soaked dog shakes off water.  When I get in a mood like this it only means one thing…I'll be cleaning the shiz-nit out of my apartment.  It always starts with the apartment.  Clearing out my living space just makes everything else feel lighter and brighter.  

In that spirit, I hope you'll enjoy this video that John and I made about how to paint an accent wall.  It always amazes me how adding a touch of color can change the whole feel of a room.  We made this video in the hopes that it will inspire you to bring a little color into your life as well.  Enjoy!

-♥ J :)

John's Five Painting Tips

1. Use blue painter's tape to tape off the perimeter of your wall.  Be sure to use a "safe release tape" (like THIS ONE) on wood.
2. Patch any holes with spackle or joint compound.  Once dry, smooth patches by sanding them with fine grit sandpaper.  You can also use a damp sponge to blend them with the wall's surface.
3. Using a primer, paint over patches, scuffs or marks.  This ensures that spackle will not show through when you paint over it.
4. To give your wall clean crisp lines, first paint the perimeter of the wall with a paint brush.  This is know as "cutting in."
5. Use the "M Technique."  Paint an "M" in an 18 inch x 18 inch square.  Next, fill in the square making sure the paint is spread evenly in that area.  Continue to paint this way, making sure that your squares overlap slightly and are blended together thoroughly. 

Happy Healthy Belly TV

I am very excited to announce the launch of Happy Healthy Belly TV!!!  This quick snippet of Nina and me at the Lululemon event last week** is the first of what I hope will be many more fun videos to come.  Stay tuned!!!

-♥ J :)

**I like how Nina and I are waving at the camera as if the technology has just been invented.  Lol!!