The talent behind this video is mesmerizing. All the Eliza’s from Hamilton come together to record this song – what a treat!
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Can You Fight Genes? The Answer is Yes
I always thought we cannot fight our own genes. There are a few genes I would like to fight off in my own self , and certainly some genes I would like my spouse to get rid off.
We now know that you do not have to be a victim of your DNA or genetic makeup.
The mind , meditation and a mode of constant self-awareness can get rid of that annoying behavior or health risk that you have, which came from a parent.
No longer can you use the excuse that because your entire family had diabetes or your parents were overweight that you are the same , diabetes is totally reversible as is obesity. I am not a scientist , and the following article was very helpful in teaching me about this topic which was fascinating. It certainly gives us hope to change things around for ourselves , IF we have a willingness to make changes.
http://reset.me/story/epigenetics-how-you-can-change-your-genes-and-change-your-life/
Image – By: Nogas 1974 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
Chris Dunn – PAISLEY RABBIT and the TREEHOUSE CONTEST
Not since Beatrix Potter and F. Stocks May has someone captured my heart with beautiful illustrations as that of Chris Dunn – illustrator extraordinaire. Chris has intricate details and stories woven in his images, each brush stroke capturing perfectly ,the essence of mouse and details of woodland and country life, thrilling anglophiles all over the world with his particular style of work.
Chris has just completed his illustrations in a wonderful new book, PAISLEY RABBIT and the TREEHOUSE CONTEST- A tale with positive messages and a happy ending that kids ( and adults) will enjoy reading many times over.
Chris is a freelance illustrator and fine artist living and working in Calne, Wiltshire, UK. Specialising in book illustrations , fine art, including commissions.. Chris is a very accommodating artist and is happy to respond to e mails and Facebook messages and takes the time to communicate with his fans from all over the world.
https://www.facebook.com/chrisdunnillos/
https://www.instagram.com/chrisdunnillos/?hl=en
Buy the book !
Here are some of his other illustrations, which is a feast for the eyes, each one of them making my soul happy.
Supper Arrives
Bedtime story
It’s raining It’s Pouring ( from the nursery rhyme)
Masterchef
Barge Woman from wind in the willows
Warming Up 
Washermouse
Top things to do in Prague
Consider beautiful Prague for your next European vacation. Easy to get to and still a very affordable destination Prague will blow your mind with its exquisite old world charm, beauty and amazing culture with many things to see and do. Old Town is also a Unesco World Heritage site and a must see for any traveler in his/her lifetime.
Quick facts:
Language: Czech and English
Currency:Czech Koruna or Euros are widely accepted
Population: 1.2 Million
Civilization: As early as 7th Century
More reading :
https://wikitravel.org/en/Prague
Old Town/Charles Bridge – Establishes in 12th Century , this square will wow you with beautiful buildings and an electric atmosphere at any given moment. It is also home to the Astronomical clock dating back to the 1400’s. Charles Bridge is considered to be one of the oldest and most beautiful bridges in the world. Dating back to 1357, there are 30 statues created between 1683 to 1928 to honor numerous saints.
Prague Castle/St Vitus Cathedral/Golden Lane
The largest castle complex in the world, these gothic structures are breathtaking.It is also a Unesco World Heritage site dating back to the 14th Century. Within the same complex you will find the Cathedral as well as Golden lane which is a unique mini housing complex built for the kings horseman
TIP* – Golden lane is best seen after 5 pm when all the crowds have left. however guided tours are available during the day as well.
Josefov – Jewish Quarter – Beautiful Jewish buildings and mosaic quite different to the rest of the city
Dancing House – whimsical building now a famous site built in 1996 and nicknames Fred and Ginger, designed by Vlado Miluni
Wenseles Square – Here is where most of historical marches and speeches were celebrated.
Vysehrad – Gothic structure overlooking the city dating back to 10th century.
Strahov Monastery – Up on a hill, quiet and with amazing views of the whole of Prague a visit here is a must. Dotted with little restaurants and the famous Pecklo underground restaurant with the best beer produced by the monastery.
National Museum – The oldest Museum in Czech Republic , holding treasures and artifacts as early as the 5th Century.
Lenon Wall – In memory of John Lennon, this wall became a site for rememberance and expression.
Drinking the best Czech Beer and tasting great food – The great food and beer will surprise you in Prague. The word Pilsner was created here and the quality of the beer is outstanding with a crisp and clear taste with minimal processing. Pilsner Urquell is the common beer brand. For food, do not leave the city without trying the varieties of goulash, dumplings, crispy duck , Potato chips on a stick , Trdelnick ( street food which is a pastry) , Kulajda ( soup), Svickova( creamy sauce and dumplings) sweet filled bread dough and the list goes on!
Scenes from Prague
Views from Strahov Monastery
View from Bridge Tower
Bridge sculpture
Bridge Tower
Always a popular sculpture
Bridge entrance
Goulash
Streets
Castle Entrance
St Vitus Cathedral
Gothic Beauty
Statue “Youth” at Castle Complex
Golden Lane
Golden Lane
Castle Complex
cobblestone from the 7th Century
Random Streets
Cathedral Door Detail
Cathedral Doors
Cathedral
Detail
Castle Building
Old Town
Images of Prague
Trdelnik
Trdelnik
Chips on a stick?
Pecklo Restaurant
Underground wonder
Streets
2018
Easy Sausage Rolls with just 3 ingredients! — The Flavor Bender
Quick and Easy Sausage Rolls with just 3 ingredients – puff pastry sheet, sausages, and a sweet or savory jam/jelly/spread. You can customize these easily with your favorite flavor pairings, and they can be made ahead and frozen for later too. Perfect for holiday entertaining, as an appetizer or as a brunch or lunch snack!……
via Easy Sausage Rolls with just 3 ingredients! — The Flavor Bender
Mango (or any fruit) Clafouti in 4 steps
If you say it with a French accent, Clafouti sounds very exotic.However it is a simple elegant dessert that you can put together in 4 easy steps. Clafouti is a rustic dessert which is basically a rich batter poured over fruit and baked golden brown. Add some powdered sugar, a fancy plate and a sprig of mint and you look like a kitchen diva! You can use any fruit in season too.
Mango Clafouti
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons rum ( or fruit brandy to match the fruit you are using)
- 2 to 3 firm but ripe mangoes or 2 small tins Mango , with the syrup drained.Alternatively, use cherries, pears
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Fresh cream or vanilla ice cream to serve.
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 10 by 3 by 1 1⁄2-inch round baking dish and sprinkle the bottom and sides with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar.
Step 2. Beat the eggs and the 1⁄3 cup of granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. On low speed, mix in the flour, cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and whatever liquor you are using
Step 3. Slice fruit and arrange the fruit as nicely as you can in a single layer, in the baking dish. Pour the batter over the mango and bake until the top is golden brown and the custard is firm, 35 to 40 minutes. It will be quite brown but and it should not be jiggly in the middle.
Step 4. Serve warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar, and Vanilla Ice cream or fresh cream ( cream beaten with a little bit of sugar till it holds it’s shape – do not over beat or you will end up with butter , that is not a bad thing but it this case it wont help your Clafouti plating!)
