the happy sip: fresh coconut water
I met her outside and this is what she handed me, straw and all. "Sip. You're going to love this. I promise." I did as she asked. I sipped. It was my first time trying coconut water. It tasted nutty with a slightly salty aftertaste. I thought of Hawaii.
As I sipped and cooled off, I started wondering about the health benefits of coconut water. By drinking this, was I undoing my run from the morning? Was it healthy or full of sugar? Here is what I learned:
Coconut water is high in antioxidants and Potassium (more than four bananas worth!)
In some developing countries, sterile coconut milk can be used for plasma or intravenous saline.
Enjoying water from one young coconut will cost you less than 50 calories and less than 5 grams of sugar. It is also naturally low fat.
You can find coconut water virtually anywhere today in Tetra Paks, but I liked the primalness of drinking directly from the nut. Chef Joy said she stopped by our local Asian market to buy the young coconuts at less than $2 each and used a sterilized screwdriver to poke a hole in the coconut big enough for a straw.
Will coconut water make you happy? It will. There's something kind of sweet and slow and summerlike about sitting on your front step sipping from a cold coconut that reminds you of being young and happy. Plus, you're doing your body good. Coconut water? It's a happy food.
feel good about. . .badass animal rescue
My husband, L., and I are passionate about a lot of things -- apple cider doughnuts from Atkins Farms in Massachusetts, dewy early mornings at the beach, Frank Sinatra songs on summer nights and animals. If we could, we'd have a dozen rescue dogs (and a couple rescue goats) living with us. We are dog people and we have a soft spot for organizations that help rehome animals who would otherwise not have a place to live a life chasing balls and cuddling up with their favorite humans.
We just learned about an animal rescue organization called Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue. Here is their tag line:
"Saving badass dogs from idiot humans."
This may be the greatest mission statement ever.
As an all volunteer organization, Badass rescues dogs from high-kill shelters in the rural south (some of the shelters have a 90% euthanizing rate!) These volunteers with huge hearts visit shelters in high risk areas and rehabilitate (if needed) and rehome dogs whose lives have been an uncertain mess due to well, idiot humans. They are gently cared for from the moment they are rescued, followed by a vet check up and surgery if needed. When they are ready, they are matched with families who will never know a love greater than that of a rescue dog.
Check out the good work that Badass is doing and if you're so inclined, donate to this extraordinary organization. There are other ways you can help too, from rescuing, adopting or fostering a dog. The best way to feel better about yourself, to get happy into your life is to provide happiness to someone else. Think about helping this cause. There are few things in life better than a happy dog.
Harmony K is available for adoption. Somebody likes her toys.
{video} heartfelt farewell from the cast of "the office"
The series finale of "The Office" airs Thursday, May 16th on NBC. Before you say goodbye to the show you spend Thursdays with, watch this farewell from the cast. Dwight cries? Yes, Dwight cries.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
