July book club: Big Magic part one and two

You made it back!

Hello… I missed you. This week we will be discussing part one and two of Elizabeth Gilberts book “Big Magic”.

I decided the way I was going to set up the discussion is by asking a few questions where you guys, and myself, can respond in the comments.

Discussion questions:

1.    Any favorite quotes from the book so far? This book is prime for highlighting and underlining special parts that resonate with you.
2.    Part one is titled courage, are there parts of your life, creatively, or otherwise that you fear to take on? What do you believe is holding you back?
3.    Did any of Elizabeth’s insight about being brave resonate with you if so which part?
4.    One of my favorite parts from this section of the book talks about making space for fear along side creativity instead of trying to kill it off. What does this look like in your life?
5.    Part two, titled enchantment, starts to really break down the magic of creativity, ideas and inspiration. Did any quotes resonate within you?
6.     Elizabeth shares that, 

Ideas will try to get your attention. but after a while they will grow tired of waiting and leave you. Has this ever happened in any aspect of your life?

6.    Did any particular chapter in this section stand out to you more than the others?

Your  next assignment is to read part three and part four, then come back next Tuesday July 19^th  for some discussion.

(Don’t worry if you would like to ready ahead no biggie, just no spoilers please. )

July Book club pick : Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Guess what it's time for? Book club! 

So, I have to admit I have never actually been apart of a book club before so I am kind of bs-ing this. Will I let this mere fact stop me?

Hellz to the no. I wanted to see how a book club would go over with you all. I was thinking that if enough people took part in it, and enjoyed it we could do a monthly or bi-monthly club (baby steps) lets get through month one first.

The book that I picked for this month is called, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. (Name sound familiar?)

That’s because she also wrote the best seller, EAT, PRAY, LOVE. Whether you love or hate that book please, please, please, give this book a chance. It's life changing! (Okay, so you’re thinking that I’m dramatic…?)

True. However, this book did seriously change my life, it sparked an ember I knew was there all along but wasn’t able to lite myself. It made sense of the floating thoughts and ideas that I had about inspiration and creativity.

I have always been imaginative and creative, since I can remember being in my back yard a little girl making mud pies, putting on circus shows for my stuffed animals, or my favorite, painting on a thick colorful plastic easel.  The long roll of white butcher paper draped over top while I, wearing my canvas smock or my designated painting shirt per my mother request , just painted.

 I have never felt better than when I was creating. It’s funny when you are a child creating seems easy. It felt natural; there was never any self-doubt, guilt or anxiety attached to it. It felt free. When I grew up I noticed that these things started to attach themselves like leaches onto my creative being. I felt doubtful that what I was creating was any good, guilty that instead of knowing what I wanted to do for my career path and going in full steam ahead like my peers I wanted to create, and anxious that this wasn’t the way it was suppose to be. Sure I knew I was creative but did that mean that I actually needed to create? Isn’t that for children, the dreaming, wondering and carelessness? I felt this internal pull of doing what is “normal” vs. doing what my soul needed (honestly I still feel it but now I am better equipped to deal with it).

“Okay julie, why the hell are you rambling?  Get to the damn book already”

(Hehe, sorry back to the book!)

This book is magical, informative and blunt all in a great way.

You may be thinking that you’re not an artist, not a creative being, how could you possibly relate to this book? I truly believe that we are all creative beings by nature.

A quote in the book asks,

Intrigued? Perfect lets go!

If you are down to be apart of this months book club, grab a copy of the book, your assignment is to read part one and part two, then come back next Tuesday July 12th for some discussion.

Don’t worry if you would like to ready ahead no biggie, just no spoilers please.  Leave a little note below if you’re game to join in on this months book club 

Simple lemon tart nut bar

The other day while I was picking up a few things for dinner, I was stuck behind a few people in the cashier line. I was looking at the end cap goodies like always and saw a Larabar in a flavor I had never seen, Lemon. I am a lover of anything lemon. I decided to give it a try and wasn't let down. I looked at the ingredients and was surprised at how little there were. Dates, cashews, almonds, and lemon juice concentrate. "Uh..... I  could for sure make those" I thought to myself.

The next time I was in the store I gathered all of the ingredients and headed home to test kitchen this shiz. I wasn't sure what  the measurements were so I made it up as I went.  The bar I made ended up with a different texture than the Larabars, it was a little more sticky. I totally didn't mind though and thought they were more tart and lemony than the OG bar! I am happy with the end result and wanted to share this super easy recipe with you all. They are superrrrr dense so you could cut them up even more. I also thought they would be good shaped into little energy bite balls and rolled in some chia seeds or extra small white chocolate chips, yum! Have fun adding different ingredients as you see fit.

                              

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups of medjool dates
• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 7 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. grated lemon rind
• Dash of salt (optional) 
• Spray oil  ( I used coconut spray oil)
• Parchment paper
• 7x7 inch square pan

Instructions:

1. Transfer all ingredients into a food processor, and blend until well combined
2. Line the pan with your parchment paper and transfer the "batter" into the pan
3. Spray your hands or a large spatula with the cooking spray and pat into the pan equally
4. Refrigerate overnight (If you're impatient like me a few hours should be fine)
5. Take out of pan and use a pizza cutter or a large spatula to cut into 8 bars
6. Keep fresh in the fridge using parchment paper in-between each bar to prevent sticking and in an air tight container
7. For an on the go bar, wrap in parchment paper and tie shut
8. Enjoy!

xoxo

Julie

February favorites 2016

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