Live Peace with iSanctuary

Today is Saturday and you know what that means: highlighting an organization that is making Good Happen in our world.  Today we are Living Peace with iSanctuary, an organization that has been working to end human trafficking since 2007. Human trafficking is defined as the trade in humans, most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery or forced labor. 

Image from iSanctuary.

iSanctuary rescues women of all ages from the world of human trafficking. They then have the chance to be brought to Orange County, California or Mumbai, India to learn and practice creating jewelry. The survivors are welcome to make mistakes, they are welcome to grow, and they are welcome to learn as they please. It is all about assisting the women in entering the professional world and giving them the confidence and the dignity they need. iSanctuary also helps to educate people about what human trafficking is and ways to help end it.

The beautiful hand-made jewelry is sold by iSanctuary  in select stores and online. iSanctuary is also having an online Mother’s Day sale!

If you are interested in helping end human trafficking, you are welcome to make a donation to iSanctuary. There are also other ways to get involved!

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Live Peace with One Day Without Shoes

Every Saturday, we like to highlight an organization or movement that is making Good Happen! This week we are highlighting One Day Without Shoes, an awareness event sponsored by TOMS Shoes. Each year, ODWS asks people to go barefoot for one day to raise awareness of the impact something as small as a pair of shoes can make. This year’s is coming up on Tuesday, April 16th!

So why Peace + Shoes? Why are we going barefoot?

Peace takes many forms. Aside from the common definition of peace as the absence of war, it also can encompass a feeling of contentment within yourself or ensuring that people have access to the tools and resources they need to live life to the fullest. Shoes may be one specific issue area, but they affect many aspects of life including health, education, and future economic opportunities.

Check out highlights from last year’s event in the following video:

Join us at the Center for Living Peace on April 16th, 2013 from 10am-4pm as we celebrate One Day Without Shoes! Throughout the day, there will be various fun activities for all ages:

Style your Sole (canvas shoe painting) /// 11am-3pm

Bring a pair of canvas shoes to decorate during the Style Your Sole party! Order a pair of TOMS online, or find in store at places like Nordstrom. Any canvas shoes will work, whether TOMS, Vans, or Keds! Don’t have a pair of shoes to bring? We’ll give you a canvas flag to decorate!

Raffles on the hour /// 12pm until 3pm

Free Prizes with drawings throughout the day.

Barefoot Walk /// 3pm

Experience the world around you without shoes.

Plus music, refreshments, and interactive displays throughout the day!

We’re looking forward to a great day. Hope to see you there! Not in the area? Find events near you!

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Meatless Monday: Fresh Fig Bars

Happy Monday!

Let’s start this week off healthy with some delicious fig bars! According to Steady Health, figs are “an excellent source of potassium which is essential controlling blood pressure, influences osmotic balance between cells and interstitial fluid, and important for brain and nerve function.”

Recipe originally by LunchBoxBunch.

Fresh Fig Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups flour (I used 1 1/2 cups gluten free flour + 1/2 cup whole wheat flour)
• 1 cup organic sugar (I used Florida Crystals)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp salt (pink salt for me)
• 1/2 cup warm water + 1 tsp flax seeds + 1 tsp chia seeds (stir briskly)
• 1 1/4 cups almond milk, vanilla or plain
• 1 large extra-ripe banana, mashed
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix (or just use cinnamon, nutmeg and/or ginger powder)
• 2-4 Tbsp softened virgin coconut oil (optional for richness + for greasing pan)

• Fig mixture:
• 2 baskets fresh figs
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 cup grapefruit juice + pinch of citrus zest (or sub with orange)

• Topping:
• 1/3 cup raw walnuts, chopped
• 1 tsp oats
• 1 tsp organic sugar

• 1 baking sheet

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Grease a high-rimmed baking sheet with 1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil. Thickly grease the pan – a few clumps on the sheet are desired – as they will melt into the bottom layer of the bars. If you want to make your bars a bit on the dessert-y, rich side, you can use another 2 tablespoons of oil to dot on top of the bars before baking. If you do not have coconut oil – you can sub with vegan buttery spread or simply grease the pan with veggie spray or oil. But really, the coconut oil is best because of the amazing hint of flavor it adds.

3. Combine the water + seeds and stir briskly. Allow to sit and thicken for a few minutes.

4. Combine the oats, flour, salt, spices, baking powder and sugar. Fold in the wet ingredients – including the seed water, aka flax/chia “egg.” Your batter should be thick, yet still pourable. Add an extra splash of almond milk if needed.

5. Thinly slice the figs – removing the woody stems. Toss the figs in the maple syrup and grapefruit juice.

6. Pour the batter into the baking sheet and top with the figs. Pour the excess juice/maple liquid right over top the figs.

7. Sprinkle the walnuts, oats and sugar toppings over top the batter. Wet batter + toppings before going in the oven.

8. Bake at 375 for about 25 minutes – or until the edges brown and the center is cooked through. The bars will firm up a bit after cooling so take care to not over cook.

9. Cool a bit and then slice. Serve warm or chill in the fridge. The bars freeze very well too.

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Live Peace with MY World

Those familiar with international development have likely heard of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a United Nations initiative implemented in 2000. As part of the MDGs, UN member nations agreed to a set of 8 goals, ranging from achieving universal primary education to ensuring environmental sustainability. The purpose was to meet these goals by 2015.

Now, 2015 is almost upon us. To formulate the post-MDG goals, the UN and its partners have created MY World. The site allows people from all over the world to list their own priorities for global development.

At the MY World site, you can pick the issues that are of the most importance to you. Check it out, and use your voice to do good!

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Shabana Basij-Rasikh: Dare to educate Afghan girls

We love to periodically share thought-provoking and interesting videos with you. Today we bring a TEDxWomen talk by Shabana Basij-Rasikh about education in Afghanistan.

What do you think? How has education impacted you?

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Compliment Someone You Care About!

Some of us don’t often make it a practice to tell our loved ones how we really feel about them. This video by SoulPancake is an inspiring reminder of how a few thoughtful words of praise and appreciation can make an impact on someone’s day.

You can do good simply by reminding someone why you appreciate them! Check out more creative and inspirational videos on SoulPancake’s website.

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Meatless Monday in Honor of Chef Jeff: Pickled Onions

Happy Monday! Today we have another recipe referred to us from our monthly superstar Chef Jeff (credit goes to Chef Paul Virant for the recipe). If pickled onions sound funny to you, rest assured, this recipe is no April fool’s prank. This is a grade A way to keep those onions from going bad while keeping them tasting good.

Pickled Onions

Ingredients:

• 3.5 Pounds of large Maui or other sweet onions, sliced
• 2 oranges or lemons, sliced
• 1/4 cup Kosher salt
• 3 3/4 cider vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 Pint Jars

Directions:

1. Toss the onions slices with the salt and drain in a colander for 1 hour.
2. Scald 6 pint jars in a large pot of simmering water fitted with a rack or a kitchen towel
3. Place jar lids in a bowl of hot water to soften the seals
4. Take the jars out of the water and place it on a flat surface
5. Pat the onions dry (be careful not to wipe away all the salt), and pack them into the jars
6. Add a couple of slices of oranges or lemons to each jar
7. In a pot, bring the vinegar, water, and sugar to a boil to make the brine
8. Transfer the brine to a heatproof pitcher or cup and pour them over the onions, leaving 1/2 in space from the rim
9. Wipe the rims of the jars and seal snugly (but not tight) with the lids
10. Return the jars to the pot with the rack or towel and add enough water to cover by 1 inch
11. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for about 15 minutes
12. Turn off the heat and leave the jars in for a few more minutes, then remove and cool completely.

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Live Peace with Light It Up Blue

This April 2nd is Light It Up Blue, a world-wide initiative that starts off Autism Awareness Month and helps raise awareness about autism. On this day, numerous landmarks, venues, buildings, homes and communities take part in this initiative and replace their regular lightbulbs with blue LED ones.

Watch the following video to learn more about Light It Up Blue, what others have done in support of the initiative, and how you can get involved in raising autism awareness!

Looking for a way to participate locally? The children’s museum Pretend City offers Family Autism Events monthly.

Get involved nationally by checking out the Tools & Resources at Light It Up Blue!

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Meatless Monday: Persian Herb Frittata (Kuku Sabzi)

Happy Monday!

According to Meatless Monday, “Hundreds of studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risk.” On that note, here’s a Persian recipe full of healthy vegetables and fruit.

Recipe and Photo by theKitchn.

Persian Herb Frittata (Kuku Sabzi)

Ingredients: 

• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup chopped chives or green onions
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 cup chopped dill
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons dried barberries, currants, or cranberries (optional)
• 2 tablespoons clarified butter/ghee, butter, or vegetable oil
• Plain yogurt, to serve (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Whisk together the eggs, garlic, flour, turmeric, salt, and a few cracks of black pepper.
3. Whisk in the herbs, walnuts (if using), and dried fruit (if using).
4. Heat the butter or oil in a 10-12″ skillet over moderate heat.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly.
6. Cook until the eggs start to set around the edges of the skillet, about 2 minutes.
7. Place the skillet in the oven and bake until the eggs are completely set, about 5 minutes. To test, cut a small slit in the center.
8. Serve hot or cold, cut into wedges. Especially delicious with a dollop of yogurt.

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Joy In Service

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”

~ Rabindranath Tagore

Good Happens.

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