Ellemental: The Year of the Snake

I was born in the Year of the Snake. It’s said that with a Snake in the house, there will always be a bounty of food.

At the end of the summer, my new refrigerator was delivered. This was the advent of attending to my health after six years of acting as a caregiver and having my health wrecked. Caretaking takes everything out of a person, particularly when you have a disability.

How we organize the contents of our refrigerator can promote better health. Google “where to store things in the refrigerator” to find the Martha Stewart website article on this topic.

The book Fridge Love: Organize Your Refrigerator for a Healthier, Happier Life by Kristen Hong has a chapter on “The Produce Prep and Storage Guide,” as well as a section on “Fridge Settings, Cleaning, Storage, and Organization.”

A recipe in the book that I’ve used is the one for Tofu Eggs. This recipe is vegan and tasty.

Ever since Covid, I’ve been focused on having a well-stocked pantry and refrigerator. I don’t want to become food insecure. Plus, in terms of feng shui, an empty cupboard can cause ill health.

My goal after I bought the new refrigerator was to get cooking in the kitchen — to cook up a new life for myself now that I was free of caregiving.

Today, with the free time, I could use recipes again. My favorite new recipe is for Salted Maple Cider — the one found in Magnolia Journal. The theme of the fall issue is “Linger Longer.”

Living life in rhythm with the seasons is the way to go. The end of summer and early fall are my favorite times of year. Autumn in New York City is magical and unforgettable.

Hestia is the Goddess of the hearth and domestic life and keeper of the sacred fire. I’m keeping alive the sacred fire of my dreams. My aim is to inspire peers to keep alive your dreams too.

The fall really is the time for a fresh start — to make a date with yourself to think about how you would like to create a positive change in your life.

Also, how you serve yourself food at home is a way to nourish yourself. Make every meal a celebration, and you’ll be motivated to eat well consistently. Set the table attractively, like I do.

At the start of every season, I change the dining table décor. The fall tablescape has a burnt orange tablecloth, a dusty rose-patterned table runner, and green patina candlesticks with forest-green tapers. A ceramic vase with a yellow grapes design on it.

Items to decorate your table need not be costly. You can find super decorative pieces at a local thrift shop that you’ll absolutely love. They’ll brighten your abode and cheer you up.

After surviving the worst of whatever we’ve been through, you and I owe it to ourselves to be good to ourselves. As ever, what better way to feel good than to eat well?

Here’s a recipe I created for Twisted Tuna Melt: