Costa Women Blogs

I am putting together a database of talented and creative people, as I have an exciting new project in the pipeline, so anyone who this may apply to, please send me an email to rashklaw@yahoo.co.uk   Furthermore I am looking for people who have had personal experiences with dreams or nightmares as I am also in the process of creating a new project for the not so far future.  Many times we dream about things we want so much, things we wish to achieve, and we dream about seeing ourselves achieving those dreams; some believe that they only experience these because it is what they want most, others believe the dreams could be like a premonition, and those dreams will come true. There are other dreams however, some rather surreal and bizarre dreams which, run from beginning to end like the pages of a book or a short trailer of a movie, where often the dreamer does not understand their purpose or meaning, dreams that leave the dreamer feeling curious where they tend to linger over those dreams for some time to come, vivid dreams that are remembered from beginning to end…if anyone falls into this category then I would like to hear from you, just email me at the above email address with a few details about how this affects you.  Whilst many wise people will say it does not do well to dwell on dreams, it is possible to vividly recall but without dwelling as such…everything happens for a reason usually, and sometimes indirect messages in dreams can be hailed as warnings or messages of good will or advice…get in touch with me if any of the above applies. x

Decision-making can be stressful. The stress is worse when you try to make decisions based on what everyone else wants you to do. The best kinds of decisions are the ones that you make that lead you to the happiness and success you deserve!   Input from your family and friends can be vital to helping you make big decisions, but you are the one who has to live with the outcome. Those decisions should be the right decisions for you above all else. But how do you make those decisions? Here are three questions to ask when you’re facing important choices.   Whose Idea Is It?   Consider the source of the ideas on the table. Are they yours, or are they from family and friends? Accepting someone else’s solution without your input may lead to a decision that you’ll regret later. If you aren’t sure what you really want, stop and figure that out before you make the decision.   You’re the master of your own destiny, and input from others is no substitute for your own feelings about the issue. Others may have your best interests at heart, but those people aren’t you. They don’t know everything about your situation. And only you really know what’s best for you.   Who Will Suffer the Consequences of a Bad Decision?   When you get conflicting options form other people about a decision, think about how each option will affect you. It’s easy to advise others when you’re not the one who’ll suffer the consequences of a bad choice. Take control of your destiny by choosing the results you deserve.   Consider how each option affects your heart, mind, and spirit. How will the choice affect your happiness and peace? It’s important to consider others, but not at the expense of your needs and feelings.   Also, what are the long-term consequences of your options? Some choices may have an instant payoff that evaporates quickly. Strive to make decisions that have positive outcomes in both the short and long term.   How Does the Decision Feel to You?   Once you’ve come to a final decision, reflect on the path you’ve chosen. Does it make you feel peaceful inside, or does it cause you to struggle with feelings of doubt and uncertainty? Decisions that bring you peace are often the best choice.   Instead of making decisions that only bring physical happiness or instant gratification, look for options that provide the greatest fulfillment for the longest amount of time.   These decisions should:   Give you joy instead of only temporary pleasure Make you happy for the long term Be worth working for Resonate with your spirit Feel like you’re doing the right thing Cause no harm to others   If any option you’re considering fails to meet all of these criteria, it probably falls short of the ideal choice for you. What you choose is up to you, but your decisions will ultimately affect both you and others. So it’s important to mull over your options carefully.   Consider the opinions of others, but ultimately listen to your heart and make choices that resonate with your spirit. If you do, you’ll make the right decision for you and experience the happiness you deserve. http://www.inspiration4life.es

Who ate all the Pies ? I love celebrating food in all it’s glory, and any excuse to research a dish, or prepare a dish is good for me. So with the U.K celebrating ‘National Pie Week’ I thought well I maybe up a mountain, at La Rosilla in the deepest Axarquia of Andalucia, but I have roots man and you can’t deny your roots. And who can’t love a Pie, sweet or savory, that home baked smell of goodness has to tempt even the die hard no Carb, low cal enthusiast – and pull them off their wagon.   I opted for my Gran’s ‘Herb and mince pie’, a dish that we were served in a traditional manner, sat around the large dining table, hands in lap, waiting for our slice of warm comforting pie, that my Grandad would masterfully cut, portions decided on age, not appetite. Impatiently sat waiting for the silent nod, we could start. Always served with minted peas fresh from her garden, and a rich gravy. Yum.   I also have a cherished pie plate – a Le Creuset Heart , I’m crazy about hearts. I just knew this would be the perfect plate for my Pie – I also decorated it with 5  hearts one for each member of the Family – Aaahhh bless !   For Shortcrust Pie pastry. 500 grams of Plain Flour 250 grams of fat – I used marg. Large pinch of Salt.   Easiest way, is to whiz up the ingredients in a Food processor, or if not mix Flour and fat until it resembles breadcrumbs. Then add ice cold water, until it forms a ball of pastry dough.   Then cut into 2, wrap in film, and place in fridge for 20 mins to chill and rest.   For the filling. 800 grams of good quality mince beef. 1 large onion, chopped 2 sticks celery chopped 3 carrots chopped 1 tbsp of mixed dried herbs – or I used Hierbabuena in Spain. Plenty of Salt of pepper. 1 beef stock cube. A small glass of water. A slug of Worcestershire sauce.   Saute the veg, in a little hot oil in a large frying pan, to soften for a bout 5 mins. Add the beef to brown. Crumble in the stock cube, and add the water. Add the herbs and stir. Add the Worc. Sauce and stir. Season well, and let simmer away stirring occasionally. For about 25 mins. Roll out the tow balls of pastry to about ½ cm thickness. Line a cake tin, pie plate or baking dish, that has been buttered to prevent sticking, with one of the rounds of pastry. Then pile in the filling. Then cover with the remaining rolled out pastry. Pinch around the edges, and decorate the top, with any left over pastry. Then brush with a beaten egg to give the pie a deep golden brown. Bake in the oven, for 25 mins at 180 degrees. Serve with peas, fluffy mash and gravy…..Filling, delicious & comforting.   Have a read of my recent other blogs –Peas in a pot ! and Alfresco can’t wait !      

Clear blue skies and temperatures mild, exlporing , den making perfect days for a child.   Sun shining, time to sit with my book, Inspired to alfresco Paella to cook.   With tasty leftovers in hand, a day at the beach picnic on the sand.   Return to La Rosilla with rosie cheeks and smiles on our face. Memories created, of our special place. As temperatures drop fire gets made, time for yet more logs to be laid.   A loud crack, and flash lights the sky as rain starts to fall, in my bed I cant lie,   chilled to the core the world has gone mad Wait a minute is that snow ?   Oh my goodness a week of all weathers we’ve had ! Warmth, sun, lightening, rain now snow   Remind me where I live and what month its is, Cos’ one thing for sure my body and mind’s in a tis.

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.   Don’t go back to sleep. You must ask for what you really want. Don’t go back to sleep. People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch. The door is round and open. Don’t go back to sleep. –Rumi   Ever had those moments in the middle of the night when you get an excellent idea, or the solution to a problem.  Because you are relaxed an idea can spring to mind at the strangest times. Also a great time to plant what you really want into your mind and let it take root whilst you are sleeping. There is a moment when you push against something and realise you couldn’t stop it, even if you wanted to. But the moment just before that realisation everything is completely calm; that’s when the breeze whispers its secrets so be ready!  The secrets the breeze has to tell you will help you learn and grow. The door to a better future is open and ready for you to go through just push… Ali x

I needed to go food shopping, restock, fill the cupboards, so when I opened them they would be full of inspiration, bursting with goodies, little gems, just waiting to be created into something yummy. But today was not the day to go shopping, well I’m mean I couldn’t, logistics, chores, lack of enthusiasm were all upon me.       So I knew this meant, concoct, dream up and devise from the ingredients I had, normally more than I imagine, always one to like a full larder and all that. A ‘bit of this and a bit of that ‘ supper…or as I like to call it, to the moans and groans of my family…   A pot full of goodness !   This generally consists of vegetables, herbs, stock, maybe a little left over meat from a roast, if I’m lucky and rich earthy lentils …That’s the part that brings on the moans and the groans.   So today was no different, and I’d like to share my pot full of goodness with you, feel free to amend, add, substitute anything , I’m sure you have your own pot full of goodness anyway..Go on share it !         Ingredients & Method   Any veg lurking in the fridge, chopped small. I used – Carrots, celery, onion and garlic & sweet potato.   Pan fry in a large saucepan or casserole to make a sofrito, in a little olive oil.   Add your chosen cooked meat, for me the last remants of my christmas jamon, rich and tasty.   Then stir in Green Lentils (puy) or Lentejas Pardina in Spain, usually I put in, a cup per person and one for luck. Stir till they’re all coated with oil.   Add garden herbs, rosemary, thyme, sage all good. Then add enough veg stock to cover.   I like to tuck in the old rind of a parmesan, add the bottom which adds a cramy richness.   Let bubble away, enjoy the aromas..   Then serve, in warm bowls, with hunks of bread, a drizzle of Olive Oil, and a prinkle of herbs.   Enjoy the quietness that preavils, as everyone, even the little protesters absorb the goodness.   For more food & Lifestyle from La Rosilla click here