12 Ways to be Self Sustaining

Usually the term self sustaining refers to living a greener, more environmentally friendly life that helps you to be able to rely less on modern produce and other items. I believe being self-sustainable goes way further than that. When we apply this self-sustaining mentality to our entire being, a transformation occurs. Think of your mind, body, and spirit as a garden that you would grow to be more self-sustaining. You have to nourish it each day to ensure that it continues to blossom and bear fruit. Often we get caught up in the whirlwind of everyday life, and while the following steps may seem basic, it's amazing how many people forget them with time. It's Back to Basics for a new sustainable you! Body, Mind, Spirit, and Lifestyle.

• Eat less Sugar—Excessive sugar consumption is actually the number one factor leading to premature aging! Limit your processed/refined sugar intake and focus on eating more fresh fruits and fresh squeezed juices instead. Which leads to…

• Make your own Juices and Smoothies—This is a fun one and a great way to experiment with different food combinations. We have two different juicers at home—a citrus juicer, a power juicer (more for vegetables), and we also have a high power blender. Try mixing different fruits and vegetables into juices and smoothies that resemble the V8 fusion juices or veggie juices you might buy in the store. Health starts from the inside out. Read more about making yummy juices here.

• Get enough sleep!—Getting enough shut eye really plays a part in how you think and act during the day. If you’re constantly running low on sleep and energy, it’s easy to fall into habits such as being cranky, thinking negatively, and running your body down. Just because you’ve pumped yourself full of caffeine with your morning Latte doesn’t mean your body and mind aren’t still tired.

• Living with purpose—Find your passion and pour yourself into it. Find what interests you most and work towards making that a large part of your life, maybe even your career. If you love what you do, you'll always be more spirited and inspired.

• Take responsibility—Stop blaming others. As soon as you blame the responsibility for a situation onto someone else, you are admitting helplessness and you give up the control you once had. If you take responsibility, you are more likely to take action to fix the problem or situation. No one should have to do it for you. I like the saying that one of my former workplaces had framed on the wall: “This ain’t your Momma’s house. Clean up after yourself!”

• Practice a positive attitude towards everyone you meet—Everyone has a story. You never know where they've been or what got them to where they are now. Be compassionate and treat every person as just that--a person. Don't treat passing cars as just cars--cars are people so drive with caution and conservatively.

• Brush it off—There are always negative forces in the world that will threaten to dim your spirit. Brush off negative thoughts and comments and don’t let the insecurities of others get to you. Insecure people will always try to spread the blame around for their own issues

• Stressing is a no gain—So someone screwed up the order at work again and you spend the next hour having to redo, even though it’s not your job. Things like this are small in the scheme of things. Don’t allow yourself to slip into the habit of letting the small stuff ruin the rest of your day. I often see clients and workers in my line of work stressing to the max when the slightest things go amiss. One situation that happened recently was a man rising to anger and frustration over a crowded breakfast area in a hotel. The man yelled at me in front of everyone, and instead of asking me if there was additional seating (which there was in the next room over), he decided to yell: “You don’t have any additional seating! Where am I supposed to sit now?” I answered in a friendly manner that there was a whole different breakfast room in the next room over. He then seemed sorry for yelling as he led his children to the next room. Be a good example for yourself and others. Children mimic their role models.

• Challenge yourself to see potential mishaps in a new light--That hot-tub at the hotel you booked is down for maintenance? Now you have more time to go explore the new city you’re visiting! Which I guarantee is going to be more exciting than some hot water and bubbles.

• Reinvent your mind—I try to do brain exercises a few times a week. I know it might sound funny at first, but you work out your body, so why not work out your mind to keep it in good shape? Exercising your brain helps ward off mental decay such as dementia. I use a free podcast called "Brain Ready" through Itunes. Check it out here.

• Savor the peaceful moments and carry them with you wherever you go--Draw upon them during hectic days and situations to help keep calm and in control. Meditation really helps with keeping this balance. I often try to visualize a safe beautiful scene in my mind while meditating and then picture the image in my mind later on when I feel I need a moment to revitalize. I started meditating with Chill Meditation podcasts here.

• Stop worrying what other people will think—Who says you can’t take some you time and go see a movie on your own? What other people think about who you are is none of your business. You know who you are the best, and it’s great to get to know that person even more. I think Dr. Seuss put it best when he wrote something along the lines of: “Be yourself no matter what the kind. Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” That’s not an excuse to be a cruel or negative person though ;)

Going back to simple lessons and basics makes for a more sustainable you. Keep it simple sweetheart!

What is your key for applying the self-sustaining mentality to not only your garden, but your life?

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Gluten-Free Cocktail Party

While enjoying my favorite blog reads this morning, I stumbled upon an awesome post from Apartment 34 blogger Erin Hiemstra (actually, always awesome blog posts). Here's a video produced by Erin featuring a cocktail party with an entirely gluten-free menu. Gluten-free doesn't mean boring! Check out the video below--fun, healthy, and beautiful--With Style and Grace.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/35318478]

What are your food allergy friendly party ideas?

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Breast Tumor Awareness: My Story

[caption id="attachment_607" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Being diagnosed with a breast tumor was scary, but I'm ultimately thankful. It's a challenge to be a stronger, better person.[/caption]

"Oh....that's not a cyst. That's a tumor. See how you can't see through it? That's definitely a tumor."

When I heard those words while sitting for an ultrasound of the breast, my heart seemed to pound and stop at the same time. Lots of thoughts flew through my mind, the main one being "I'm too young for that." The doctor had even told me I was too young for any tumors to be forming and almost refused to give me an ultrasound while saying it was just a cyst.

The fact that I was almost not screened because the medical community deemed me "too young" to have a tumorous growth in the breast frankly scares me. With all the breast cancer awareness campaigns in the country that led me to do a monthly breast exam while in my early 20's, I expected to be taken seriously when I approached my physician about the lump I'd found on the left side. I'm here to tell every woman that your age doesn't matter when it comes to breast health. Never let a doctor or medical professional talk you out of an ultrasound, biopsy, or mammogram just because you're too young or if breast tumors and cancers don't run in your family. Everyone should be taking this as a serious issue to be treated accordingly.

For awhile, I had to search for a breast surgeon who was willing to take action rather than simply tell me that an ultrasound shows that the tumor "appears" to be benign--but that they are not 100% certain. I've met with one breast surgeon who said I had two choices to choose from; Either have a needle core biopsy of the tumor, or have it removed completely to be safe. Next month, I'm to make a choice. But I know either way I decide is a good choice, which really helps the anxiety over the whole situation. In the mean time, I'm supercharging my diet with anti-cancer and anti-tumor formation foods in hopes of slowing the growth and maybe even shrinking the tumor (my tumor is still growing larger at the moment). At times, I'm unable to lay on my left side without some discomfort in the area. I believe in food as medicine as well as nourishment and am dedicated to trying to help the situation while I wait for a new appointment in the next month or so. I do believe it's lucky I was diagnosed with a soy allergy, as I've read a few different studies indicating that soy can be terrible for breast health (especially if estrogen affected breast cancer is present or prone to forming).

If you've ever been diagnosed with a tumor, you know how essential a positive attitude is. The human body is a miracle and positive thoughts and support really impact your health in a big way. I'm thankful to have such a loving, supporting family and boyfriend who have helped me stay on track through these various health scares. I can only see all my health situations going uphill in the future. I'll be posting about this periodically with updates on this situation.

I urge every woman regardless of age to do monthly breast exams and get regular check ups. Take your health into your own hands, because no one is more responsible for your health than you. Let your little light shine and stay positive!

What's your story? Have you ever been diagnosed with a breast tumor? Leave a comment below.

[caption id="attachment_608" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Life is short. Surround yourself with the people and things you love. See everyday as a new slate, and a new opportunity to be a better, stronger you.[/caption]

My family, my spirit, my actions and attitude all help support overcoming obstacles in a big way. Above is a picture from my sister's wedding this fall. How beautiful is she? ;)

Quiet Moments

With peaceful quiet moments fleeting in a month filled with working overtime and braving the cold winter storms, I find myself reaching for some relaxation and warmth. I'm looking forward to a cozy Sunday tomorrow for revitalizing after a hectic week. Some beautiful things that will inspire my one day off:

 

 A cozy, slow, tea-filled morning to ignite the senses.

 

 Beautifully cozy. I would love this in my kitchen!

 

Who wouldn't want to catch up on some reading and relaxation in a nook like this?

 

Capture the moment.

 

A day filled with whimsical and magical thoughts.

~~ Sometimes a nice time-out from everyday worries and stress..and allergies. Sending warmth and good energy ~~

 How do you recharge and relax after a long week?

Allergen Free, Sugar Free Dressing

I've been making my own salad dressings and other various dressings for the last few months while trying to track down an allergen free dressing. Not that I don't like making dressings, but sometimes it's just awesome to be able to grab something from a bottle and drizzle it over everything with no prep work required. Maple Grove Farms makes two different Raspberry Vinagrettes which are Allergen free and Gluten free (free of the top 8 allergens). They come in sugar free and fat free variations. I use the sugar free version, and it tastes fabulous.

Have you found any great allergen free dressings?

What's the Skinny?

 

You are uniquely beautiful, no matter what anyone else thinks or says. Don't let thoughtless remarks ruin your positive body image.

"Jeez, could you get any skinnier?" --Client at work.

"Well, I have some life threatening food allergies so it's hard to gain weight easily but I'm trying.." --Me.

"Good, 'cause you really need to." --Client.

"Uh, thanks?" --Me.

This isn't the first conversation I've had like this, and I have to admit, it's getting old quick.

About 6 months ago, I was over ten pounds lighter than I am now due to a then undiagnosed severe soy allergy. I've worked quite hard on putting the pounds back on to get to a healthy, stable weight of about 109. It's been difficult, but I'm feeling 110% better and am able to carry on a pretty normal life considering the health issues.

What I will never quite understand is the obsession others carry with commenting on the weight and figure of a person deemed "too skinny" in popular opinion, while it's considered cruel to comment on the weight of an overweight or obese individual. What most people fail to realize is that both extremes hold health risks and the individual who is either "skinny" or "fat" could be busting their tuckus to gain a few extra pounds or to lose them. It's best not to comment at all, especially to a complete stranger when you are unaware of their story.

I usually try to look at things positively, but when a blatant and rude comment is thrown my way that affects body image, I stand up for what I feel and believe is the right thing to do. Think twice the next time you tell someone to "go eat a sandwich". They might be extremely sensitive, be trying to maintain a positive body image, have life threatening allergies, or even be a cancer patient. If this situation sounds familiar, stay strong and remember you are beautiful!

What do you think? Have you ever had a stranger comment on your weight in a negative light?

 

Each flower is unique, but beautiful in their own way.

Series: Going Gluten-free Part 2-- Basics of Diagnosis

 

Find beauty in the little things. Diagnosis can be a bit stressful, so remember to find time to relax , breathe. and heal.

The post is the 2nd in my Going Gluten-free Series. See post 1 on Symptoms before reading this post for important prior information regarding recognition of Celiac/Gluten Intolerance symptoms.

Once you've determined if you should see a health practitioner regarding Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance, the next step is getting a clear diagnosis. This is easier said than done, but the medical community is slowly getting better about it. I had gone through 3 different doctors who were happy to just treat "symptoms" rather than search for the root cause of my health issues. One doctor insisted I had IBS, while two other ones just blamed "overworking myself during college" and anxiety/depression. None of these stood on their own, as I found out they all stemmed from my inability to process gluten.

The most important thing to remember when contemplating Celiac blood or biopsy testing is to continue eating gluten until after the testing is complete. If you remove gluten from the diet before testing, your result could be a false negative. It's been noted that removing gluten from the diet doesn't seem to affect the outcome of celiac gene testing, which helps to determine if you or your children are at risk of developing Celiac at any age. A person can carry Celiac genes, but there is a chance that they may never trigger the gene active. Read more about Celiac genes and testing here.

The following are different methods of testing for Celiac Disease, or Gluten Intolerance.

I personally underwent an elimination diet after discussing with my doctor the best course of action. After only one week, I was feeling like myself again and my symptoms did a complete turn around. They had all but disappeared after the 2 week mark, and I was able to fly across the country by myself.  Two weeks prior, I had been wondering if I'd ever be able to function normally in society ever again. Nutrition really is something.

Please note I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. Consult with your doctor or health practitioner to determine what is best for you. Better yet, listen to your body while talking with professionals.

Now that the hard part of finding a diagnosis is through, the best thing to remember is that healing takes time. You may feel better right away, but it can take as much as a year for others with extreme cases or those who have been misdiagnosed for many years. Nourish your body, detox the stress from your mind, and know that all is uphill from here.

Resources:

Celiac Disease Genetics

Ten Facts about Celiac Disease Genetic Testing

Interpretation of Celiac Disease Blood Test Results

Celiac Disease (from NDDIC).

 

Angry gluten makes your tummy angry. There's nothing to miss here.

What's your story? Have you undergone any of the classic Celiac or Gluten Intolerance testing?

Namaste Pancakes

Namaste Foods makes amazing mixes, but my favorite by far is the Pancake/Waffle mix. It's everything I want in a pancake, and allergen free* (I use eggs with the mix, but you could use egg-replacer product if you have an egg issue). I usually add a generous amount of cinnamon to the mix for a nice twist, but you could also use fresh or frozen fruit, Enjoy Life allergy free chocolate chips, or drizzle some raw honey on top. (I have done all of the previously mentioned). It makes for a nice but still healthy treat. The main flour used in the mix is Brown Rice Flour. Boost your fiber intake and get something that tastes like an indulgence. The only brand I've found that rivals Namaste's mix in flavor is Pamela's Pancake and Baking mix which I use occasionally.

Do you have any favorite pre-packaged allergen free mixes? Let me know below.

Happy weekend ~~~<~@ and Namaste.

It's Money, Honey

 - Raw, local honey..Delicious, and great for health. -

[caption id="attachment_570" align="aligncenter" width="374"] 

How cute is he?

Why I take at least a teaspoon of honey about every other day: (just don't give it to small children please!)

• High in polyphenols and anti-oxidants


• Aids in controlling asthma and allergies, as well as helps promote upper respiratory health (fights infection). Very helpful during high allergy seasons.


• Gives a good boost to the immune system, which I love in the cold winter months.


• Helps establish lower cholesterol


• Relieves cough symptoms during a cold


• Has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties


• High Vitamin and mineral content (at the highest when bought locally).


• Buying local honey helps local farmers and helps fight against bee colony collapse.


• Raw honey means it has not been heated to remove key vitamins, minerals, and enzymes mentioned above.

My current favorite ways to enjoy the health benefits of honey:

1. Drizzled on brown rice and cinnamon pancakes


2. Warm water with honey and fresh lemon juice (not too hot, as to not destroy key health benefits). This makes a good and quick lemonade by the glass if you do it with cool water.


3. In homemade salad dressings.


4. Good old fashioned--by the spoonful!

I have a hilarious and irrational fear of bees, but I do love them and their honey, contrary to popular belief. I'm talking to you, Mom, Dad, and siblings.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy the health benefits of honey? All in moderation of course.

Spice it Up

It's no secret that restricted diets can get a little repetitive. Switching things up with big, bold flavors can really make a big difference in the food that you can eat. Here are my favorite spices for awesome flavors and health benefits.

1. Rosemary -- It has such an earthy flavor that I love. Try sprinkling it on salmon with a squeeze of lemon before cooking it. It's a good source of Vitamin E, boosts the immune system, improves circulation, has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant properties. Read more about the health benefits of rosemary here.


2. Fresh Dill -- I add dill to everything these days, including salads, fish, buckwheat, and quinoa. My boyfriend, being from Belarus, loves adding dill to baked potatoes, mashed potatoes...well pretty much everything potato. Read about dill's health benefits here.


3. Fresh Parsley -- Parsley is one of the best things you can eat. Not only is it delicious to add to homemade pasta sauce and tons of other dishes, it's super high in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and anti-oxidants.


4. Cinnamon -- One of my favorites! I add it to my pancakes, butternut squash soup, and make cinnamon tea. It can help lower bad cholesterol, has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, can help improve memory, and can also help to regulate blood glucose levels.


5. Sage and Thyme -- I use both on veggies, meat, fish, and pasta..okay I use it to give more flavor to pretty much anything. They also have great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.


6. Fresh Mint -- I drink fresh mint tea every few days, but I especially find it best after I've had an accidental allergic reaction or gluten issue. It is amazing for helping settle and upset stomach.


7. Cayenne Pepper -- Very good anti-inflammatory properties, good for detoxing the body, and even fights cancer. Read more about it's amazing health benefits here.


8. Crushed Red Pepper -- Good source of Vitamins A, B, and C among other things. I love spicy, flavorful food, and crushed red pepper always helps to add a nice kick to my dishes.

What are your favorite herbs and spices, or ways to jazz up your food?

Notable Gluten-free Names

When I first went through diagnosis 3 years ago, I only knew one other person who even knew what Celiac Disease was--he had it himself. I felt like I was alone and suddenly different than everyone else, and had a hard first few weeks. It's always nice to know there are other people out there dealing with the same issue and it makes you feel part of a bigger community. Here's a few famous names you may recognize that either have gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease.

 -Drew Brees -

Drew Brees is the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints and was previously named Sport's Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. He is allergic to dairy, wheat, gluten, eggs and nuts. It's awesome to see someone flourishing so much on such a restricted diet. I found myself cheering for Drew and the Saints yesterday against the Lions in the playoffs, even though I'm a Michigander and Detroit fan at heart. ;) Read more on Drew Brees here.

 - Heidi Collins -

Well-known CNN News Anchor Heidi Collins has Celiac Disease. She is also the spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA). Check out NFCA here.

- Actress Rachel Weisz -

You may recognize her from movies such as Constantine or The Fountain. Rachel Weisz avoids gluten due to Celiac Disease.

- Novic Djokovic -

Novic Djokovic won the 2011 Australian Open and the 2011 Wimbledon Championships--all on a gluten-free diet!

- Zooey Deschanel -

Actress Zooey Deschanel is gluten-free.

Who are your favorite gluten-free or food allergic famous folks? Leave a comment below.

Series: Going Gluten-free Part 1: Symptoms

[caption id="attachment_545" align="aligncenter" width="200"] The first step in diagnosis is listening to your body.[/caption]

About three years ago, I was in rough shape. I had an avalanche of symptoms, but no doctor was able to pinpoint the source of my suffering for quite some time. After getting down to about 94 pounds, my diagnosis finally came after I did an elimination diet and brought the findings to my doctor (who was little to no help after giving my official diagnosis). Having gone through this journey of healing, I can tell you firsthand how important getting a diagnosis is. If it feels like World War 3 just broke out in your stomach and you're dealing with slews of other seemingly unexplainable symptoms, you might be Gluten Intolerant or have Celiac Disease.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and usually oats due to cross contamination in the farming fields. When someone who has Celiac Disease ingests even the smallest amount of gluten, mayhem occurs and the body responds by attacking itself with an auto-immune response. Gluten wipes out the villi in the small intestine creating lots of problems for adequate digestion, absorption, and balance of flora in the gut. Gluten has even been shown to affect the skin, brain, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. Below are the most common symptoms I have seen regarding gluten intolerance and CD.

I’m sad to say that I’ve correctly told  6 acquaintances I was sure they had Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance before a medical professional did. Though it is getting better, the average amount of time it takes for a correct diagnosis is about 10 years. Mine was 20 years. If you think you have Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance, don’t be discouraged if a doctor is unwilling to test you for it. Keep looking until you find a doctor with knowledge on the subject and start keeping a food diary. As much as I don’t like the idea of self diagnosis having had to do it twice for myself (life threatening soy allergy and celiac disease/gluten intolerance) sometimes it is a necessary measure as the medical community is falling short in these areas. For a list of diseases and conditions associated with Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance, click here. A;so see my Resources page for more links and information.

When dealing with symptoms, attitude is key. Remember that the pain is temporary and you will get better. There are tons of great gluten-free foods out there for the picking and eating. The hardest part is behind you. I'll be shouting out my favorite gluten-free products in the next post along with how to get through the diagnosis.

What do you think? Have you experienced any of the above symptoms? Do you have a diagnosis story? Share it below! I'd love to hear from you. Also feel free to send me an email at sprinklesandallergies@gmail.com

(I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. Please consult with your health care professional to determine what is the best course of action for you. And of course, listen to your body!)

The Importance of Diagnosis: Going Gluten-free

[caption id="attachment_539" align="aligncenter" width="421"] The road to health: Gluten-free (Photo credit Dreamstime.com Free)[/caption]

Recently, I've been asked by a few readers to do a series of posts outlining a gluten free guide/survival crash course for beginners. In the next few posts, I'll be covering the following. If you're wondering about going gluten-free, the main thing to remember is:

It is not hard!---No matter what anyone else says! Going Gluten-free is a breeze.

The next posts will be broken down into 3 main posts including:

1. Symptoms: This is crucial, as they will lead to a correct (and much needed) diagnosis of Celiac Disease or Gluten intolerance.


2. Diagnosis: How to talk with your health care professional regarding classic Celiac Testing, and also testing for gluten intolerance--something many patients are left to do on their own with no real guidance. Here's where the research I had to do myself came in super useful. Food diaries and elimination diets are really very helpful.


3. Treatment: Implementing, and sticking to a Gluten-free Diet is key. Focus on what you can eat instead of what you can't. Going Gluten-free is surprisingly easy, and most people I've diagnosed even before the doctor's did said they were astounded at the huge selection of GF products available these days. They're right! It's such a positive thing!


4. Vital Importance: I'll be outlining how undiagnosed Celiac or Gluten Intolerance can lead to terrible diseases, mental disorders ranging from ADHD to schizophrenia, and even Multiple Sclerosis. I went 20 years without a diagnosis and am lucky I didn't have much irreversible damage, save my nervous system.


5. Healing: Having a diagnosis of Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance IS life changing in more ways than just a diet. It changes the way you approach life as a whole. Focusing on filling your body with good nutrition, calming practices (meditation or yoga), and doing things you enjoy all help one to find balance again after wondering if the world is upside-down or not. Remember, you are always stronger than you think. You will thank yourself later for the changes you make today.

Stay tuned! Post one of three will be posted tomorrow. If you'd like some information about going gluten free sooner, please feel free to email me at sprinklesandallergies@gmail.com  I've been gluten free for three years now and have had no choice but to become a complete expert on the subject. Thanks again for asking for the post topic. Supporting each other makes the whole thing that much easier.

[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Being gluten-free does not rule my life. I am a stronger person because of it. I still dream big. Nothing holds me down, especially not a little gluten ;)[/caption]

Food Allergies in the Air

[caption id="attachment_536" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Are you breathing in your food allergy? (Photo credit: Dreamstime.com Free)[/caption]

For the second time at my new job, I've been thrown into a full blown soy allergy reaction by breathing in hot cocoa powder which contains soy. The hot chocolate and coffee station is located directly next my desk in a busy hotel lobby and there's not much hope of moving the entire large station. I didn't expect when I took the job that I would be in such close and dangerous proximity to my life threatening allergy, and am wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar situation.

Each time, I've been able to control the reaction with medication but am feeling a bit vulnerable to say the least. I would advise those suffering from severe food allergies to review their spaces at work, play, and home to be sure they are not accidentally breathing in their food allergies by airborne particles.

What do you think? Have you ever reacted to your food allergy via airborne particles?

[polldaddy poll=5810211]

Two Thousand Twelve

[caption id="attachment_531" align="aligncenter" width="468"] Let your little light shine a little brighter this year![/caption]

 I'm not one to dwell on the past at the start of this year, so I'll start right off charging full speed ahead. We kicked the year off right and I'm so excited to see what it holds in store for us all. Good things are ahead, I can feel it.

This is the first year I've actually written down physically on a piece of paper my aspirations for the new year. I've hung the page in the apartment where I can see it each day of the year as a reminder to stay on track. Here's a few of my favorite points from the page I wrote:

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Wishing you a bright, magical 2012.

Remember this year, that you are much stronger than you know.

My new favorite toast of 2012 that I shared with Yan on New Year's Eve:

A toast to many things".