Speaking of Hands

Did you know that according to recent research not only does the human hand have over 150 types of bacteria on it, but women have a greater range of different types of bacteria and up to 400 times the amount of bacteria as men (such as Enterobacteriales the same family of bacteria that has Sallmonella and E-coli). So I guess it is the girls that have the cooties after all!


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7705608.stm

Hands

A last look at Europe... on top of the Eiffel Tower at night :)

I have always had a fascination with hands. I think hands can say a lot about a person. They are a symbol of what we do with our lives. They can do horrendously evil things and they can do good and kind things...I have always looked at my hands and asked myself what good I do with them, and when I die I want to be able to look at my hands and say that I have done much good with them. These are photos I took at the Louvre on my quick trip to Paris in July.

Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Okay it is not normal for me to post this, but I made this salad for the second time for a baby shower last week and it was a real hit. Not to mention I LOVE IT! ... we didn't have black beans so I used Red beans and it still seemed to work great.

Thought I should share :)

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Serves: 8

This substantial salad offers a healthy balance of vegetables and protein. It provides a wide range of textures, colors, and seasonings.

INGREDIENTS
1-1/2 cups quinoa
1-1/2 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1-1/2 cups cooked corn (fresh, canned or frozen)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4 scallions, chopped
1 tsp. garlic, minced fine
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped fine
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/3 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine sieve under cold running water until water runs clear.
2. Put quinoa in a pot with 2-1/4 cups water.
3. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 20 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
4. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool.
5. While quinoa is cooking, in a small bowl toss beans with vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add beans, corn, bell pepper, scallions, garlic, cayenne and coriander to the quinoa. Toss well.
7. In a small bowl whisk together lime juice, salt, cumin and add oil in a stream while whisking. Drizzle over salad and toss well with salt and pepper. Salad may be made a day ahead and refrigerated, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 277
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Protein: 8 g

In Recovery...

This could take awhile...


I WISH! actually with the extra jobs i've taken on, it's more like this...

Graduation day!