The Autumnal Equinox is officially upon us & thus it's time to embrace all things this glorious season has to offer. One of my favorite elements of Fall is the coziness it brings, in all of its different forms - cable knit sweaters, the crackling of fires in the fireplace & of course, a large mug filled with something rich & yummy.  One particular warm beverage that I love to indulge in is the "No Coffee Pumpkin Latte". Since this drink is caffeine free, it's great for both adults & children (note: on occasion I'll add strong coffee to the mix & it tastes amazing). To try it yourself, follow the simple directions below:

Fall is upon us, yet a few summer-like days have been sprinkled in for our continued enjoyment.  Personally I love to indulge in Summer salads on warm evenings, so why not embrace the new season & the summer-salad in one healthy dish. . .   

This Greek Spaghetti Squash Salad is one of my personal favorites. I adore spaghetti squash because its so easy, healthy & a great alternative to starchy pasta.  While spaghetti squash is often eaten warm, this particular recipe calls for it to be cooked & chilled prior to indulging.  This salad, mixed together on one plate & served during this transitional time of year, is the perfect meeting of seasons!

Before I share, I must give credit where credit is due.  Thank you Liz (my step-mom) for passing this ahhmazing recipe down to me, and thus giving me the opportunity to share it with my awesome readers.  ENJOY!

Ingredients:
·      1 (3-pound) spaghetti squash
·      5 cups chopped plum tomato
·      1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
·      1 cup chopped seeded cucumber
·      1 cup green bell pepper strips
·      1/4 cup vertically sliced red onion
·      1/4 cup chopped pitted Kalamata olives
·      3 tablespoons sherry or red wine vinegar
·      2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
·      1/4 teaspoon salt
·      1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
·      1 garlic clove, minced

*This recipe makes about 10 cups; it stores well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, and is even better the second day. Here the squash is cooked in the microwave to save time but can also be cooked in the oven, if you prefer.

Preparation:
Pierce squash with a fork; place on paper towels in microwave. Microwave at high 15 minutes or until tender. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Scrape inside of squash with a fork to remove spaghetti-like strands.

Combine cooked squash, tomatoes, cheese, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, and olives in a large bowl; toss well. Combine vinegar and remaining ingredients in a separate dish, stirring with a whisk. Add to squash mixture, tossing to coat. Cover and chill.  Serve & enjoy cold!

Servings: Approx. 8

Food/Kitchen/Internal Health:
+ Use when cooking - Coconut Oil is a great oil with a very high smoke point.  Its great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter or other cooking oils
+ Use as a replacement to Cream & Sugar in your coffee or tea
+ Slap a little Coconut Oil on your toast or bagel as a replacement to butter
+ Mix a tablespoon of Coconut Oil with a tablespoon of Chia Seeds for an all-day energy boost (there is evidence that coconut oil helps digestion & may kill intestinal parasites or yeast) *Note: Do not take this at night!
+ Apply a thin layer of room temperature Coconut Oil to the exterior of an egg by brushing it on or dipping the uncooked egg in a bowl of the oil - it is reported that this will preserve the egg's shelf life up to 9-12 MONTHS!
+ Rub on your lips as a natural chap-stick (great for children's lips too)
+ Add 1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil to your morning smoothie for added flavor and an extra energy boost - Note: The Coconut Oil is not stored as fat
+ Coat your skillet with Coconut Oil (The Trader Joe's Spray works great in this application) to create a non-stick surface
+ Replace Coconut Oil for butter when making a grilled cheese or topping popcorn - yummy!
+ Use as a metabolism booster - its reported that 2 tablespoons daily will increase your metabolic rate
+ Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
+ A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
+ Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
+ There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
+ Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
+ Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea
+ Apply to a mosquito bite, poison ivy or  chicken pox - it will alleviate the annoying itchy feeling
+ As a replacement to Neosporin


Beauty:
+ Use as a shaving lotion - It allows for a close shave while moisturizing the skin
+ Combine Coconut Oil & Sugar for a lovely D.I.Y. Body Scrub
+ Use as a makeup remover - Caution: Wash-off very well when used on eye-makeup
+ Use as a diaper rash cream on babies
+ Use as a sexual lubricant
+ While pregnant, apply a small layer to your stretched skin - it will help to prevent stretch marks and reduce the visibility of those already present
+ Use as a massage oil
+ Use as an all-over body moisturizer
+ Melt approx. 1/4 cup and pour into a full bath - it will soften & moisturize your skin (great for kid's baths too!)
+ Put in a spray bottle and bring to the beach - its a great tanning oil! - Note: Coconut Oil has a natural SPF 4
+ Use as a Hair Mask (rub a small amount throughout your hair, with the majority placed at the ends; wash after 20 minutes)
+ Use in place of expensive Moroccan Oil to soften and protect clean hair (use a very small amount . . .a lot goes a long way) 
+ Use as a static reducer in your hair (apply very liberally to the top layer only)
+ Use as a facial night cream
+ Rub onto dry and brittle cuticles and watch them instantly soften - the oil will aid in nail growth too!
+ Apply to sunburnt skin, it will help speed-up the healing process
+ Oil Pulling: Swish Coconut Oil around in your mouth for 10 minutes - There are claims that it whitens teeth!  Next time try the addition of Oregano (just a drop/pinch), it will aid in gum health
+ When used daily, it can help decrease the appearance of cellulite (some say it actually reduces cellulite)
+ Mix with salt to remove dry skin on feet
+ Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
+ Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows


For Pets (daily oral recommendation is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10lbs. of weight): 
+ Put it on your cats paw to keep their coat shiny and cut down on hairballs
+ Clears up Canine Skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis,and itchy skin
+ Improves Digestion in both cats and dogs
+ Aids in the elimination of bad breath in dogs
+ Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
+ Helps to prevent or control canine diabetes
+ Helps to reduce weight & increase energy


Other Uses:
+ Rub a small amount into worn leather to help condition and smooth out the appearance
+ Use as a lubricant in place of WD40