Monday, February 25, 2013

The World's Best Oatmeal Cookies - seriously

My dear husband's favorite cookie is oatmeal chocolate chip. I am the only one that bakes, and always try to make healthy recipes, even for cookies. My husband is always disappointed, polite, but disappointed.
Not today. I found a recipe and tried it out- with craisins instead of chocolate chips nonetheless.

I give full credit to the examiner.com, and author Kimberly Kunaniec.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup AP flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
Directions:

Use non-stick cookie sheets, or line some with parchment paper.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar until they have lightened in color and are smooth to the touch.
Add the egg and vanilla, beat until combined.
Combine all dry ingredients, except for the oats. Add to the creamed mixture and slowly stir until incorporated.
Add the oats and mix to combine.
Use an ice cream scoop to make balls of dough. Place them at least 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.
Slightly flatten the cookies before baking.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until light brown.
Let cool for 2 to 3 minutes on the cookie sheet, then move to a cooling rack.
Using the ice cream scoop, this recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies. If you decide to make smaller cookies with this dough, the cooking time will be reduced. Keep an eye on your cookies and pull them from the oven when the edges are brown, but they are still slightly shiny and soft in the middle. This will produce a soft and delicious cookie.



Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Did you know about magnesium?

I learned recently about the many symptoms of magnesium deficiency. I found it interesting that as much as 57% of Americans are deficient in magnesium, and don't know it! The symptoms can truly interfere with daily life and could often be misdiagnosed as depression, and then overly medicated.
As I read the list of symptoms, (WebMd), I decided to give it a try.

Inflammation markers are higher in people with low magnesium, and my joints are often inflamed. Sleep problems, headaches and dizziness were a couple of others mentioned.

I started taking a calcium/magnesium supplement two weeks ago, and just have to report my experience;
I am beyond amazed at what these 4 little chewables have done for me in this short time. I sleep better, I have no headaches and have a calmer disposition.

Not to mention the calcium part of this- it will help with digestion, make my bones stronger, and help prevent osteoporosis.

Since this particular product comes from the #1 natural nutrition company in the US, Shaklee, you know it is safe and effective!

Check it out for yourself, and see what benefits you can gain!



Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Warm Quinoa Kale Salad

A must-share, must-make, dreamy good recipe! It doesn't sound nearly as good as it tastes! I got this from a friend on facebook, and I thanked her repeatedly.

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tablespoons olive oil- divided + a drizzle
1 3/4 cup boiling water
2-3 minced garlic cloves
4 cups lightly packed, chopped kale leaves
juice of one lemon
a handful (that's a measurement, right?!) chopped parsley
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

As usual, I can't leave a recipe alone, so some of the items above are changed out from the original recipe. And I don't know what publication it came from, so I can't give credit.

1) Dry roast the quinoa in a medium sauce pan. Toast until fragrant and golden, stirring constantly. Add boiling water, half of the olive oil, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Then fluff with fork, cover and let it sit off heat for a few more minutes.

2) In a skillet, medium high heat, heat up the remaining olive oil. Add kale, garlic and parsley. Season to taste.
Cook a few minutes until kale is dark green and tender.

3) Mix all ingredients together in large bowl-mix in the toasted pine nuts, lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.

Serve at room temperature as a meal, or as a side dish. Excellent as cold salad next day as well!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Birthday Questionaire- 4 Year Birthday

This is the second year where I'm asking these questions of my twins as they turn a year older. Fun tradition!

1. What is your favorite color?
H: Pink & Purple
N: Blue & Green
2. What is your favorite toy?
H: Princesses and Ponies
N: Lionel
3. What is your favorite fruit?
H: Strawberries
N: Blueberries & Bananas
4. What is your favorite tv show?
N: Dora
H: Diego
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?
H: Salami sandwich
N: Cheese sandwich
6. What is your favorite outfit?
H: Pink sweater with purple jeans and pretty socks
N: Whatever I'm wearing now
7. What is your favorite game?
H: Super Why
N: Minecraft
8. What is your favorite snack?
H: Crackers and cookies
N: Cookies & special pretzels (yogurt covered)
9. What is your favorite animal?
H: Kittens
N: Dinosaur
10. What is your favorite song?
H: Clean up time song
N: Lightning McQueen song
11. What is your favorite book?
H: Disney princesses
N: Lightning and friends
12. Who is your best friend?
H: Claire
N: Ben
13. What is your favorite cereal?
H: Squares
N: Circles
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?
H: Play ball
N: Tire swing
15. What is your favorite drink?
H: Milk
N: Juice & Milk
16. What is your favorite holiday?
H: Halloween & Christmas
N: All of them
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?
H: Comfy, Panda, Flora
N: Lionel
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
H: Cereal
N: Toast
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?
N: Pizza
H: Pizza
20. What do you want to be when you grow up?
H:  Hairdresser
N: Sport player

Answers to be posted after birthday :)

Monday, February 4, 2013

Finally!! The App is here!

The Shaklee 180 program includes this awesome app, that all of us on our transformation journey have been waiting for! To get access, you need to have purchased a Turnaround kit, or a Lean & Healthy kit.

Get going- whatcha waitin for!!!


Monday Weigh-In Day




To make myself more accountable, and hence, more likely to succeed with this rockin' weight loss program, I am going to post my weekly Monday weight and measurements on my journey :)

Hopefully my departure from the comfort zone and dive into humility will encourage someone else to take the weight loss journey with me.

(the weigh-in scale in image above happens to be pointing at my goal weight of 125 lbs!)

On January 1st 2013 my weight was at an all time high (not as high as after twin pregnancy, but almost) 160lbs. Yes, ashamed, but now this is the turn-around since I am so lucky to have the BEST weight loss program around on my side. 


Feb 25th.

Weight: 154 lbs
Upper arm: 12"

Under chest: 32"
Waist, just under belly button: 36"
Hips: 41.5"
Upper thigh: 24"
Calf: 15.5"

* I have admittedly not been on the diet for 2 + weeks. I am not beating myself up over it- just getting back in the saddle :) Although I never skip my morning 180 smoothee, I have not been counting calories, or watching my diet elsewhere. Back at it!


Feb 11th.

Skipping weigh in this week, as the whole fam. has been sick, and I've not been tracking my diet for a week.
Check back next Monday for weigh-in.

Feb 4th.

Weight: 152 lbs
Upper arm: 12"
Under chest: 32"
Waist, just under belly button: 36"
Hips: 41.5"
Upper thigh: 25"
Calf: 15.5"

*I admit to having a very poor week.. I ate out 3 times, had the kids birthday party (the big one) baked 24 cupcakes, and 34 cake pops.. not all of them went to the party.. Still nice to see that I lost some inches, and maintained my weight :)


Jan 28th.

Weight: 152 lbs
Upper arm: 12.5"
Under chest: 32"
Waist, just under belly button: 36"
Hips: 41.5"
Upper thigh: 26"
Calf: 15.5"

* awesome to see a pound off- and inches off my waist! despite several slip-ups this week with birthday parties, dinner party, brunch and more..  Other than walking dogs/tots around the neighborhood and painting the ceiling, no real exercise.


Jan 21st.

Weight: 153 lbs
Upper arm: 12.5"
Under chest: 33"
Waist, just under belly button: 38"
Hips: 41.5"
Upper thigh: 26"
Calf: 15.5"


Jan 14th.


Weight: 156 lbs
Upper arm: 12.5"
Under chest: 33"
Waist, just under belly button: 38.5"
Hips: 42"
Upper thigh: 26.5"
Calf: 15.5"



Jan 1st.

Weight: 160 lbs
Upper arm: 13"
Under chest: 33.5"
Waist, just under belly button: 38.5"
Hips: 42.5"
Upper thigh: 27"
Calf: 16"




Thursday, January 31, 2013

Guilty as charged- I'm a "shelf matcher"

Do you ever find yourself "matching" product on a shelf?
I do all the time, and it is not even conscious. I was called out on it yesterday, and went to have a look, and its true!
If someone puts a bottle/jar of different brand with my "collection" it feels like some kind of contamination..


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

What are you breathing?

An issue near and dear to me and the family is that of respiratory health. When Nathan was a baby he had lots of respiratory problems. He ended up in the hospital, and we had to get an in-home nebulizer. A s a parent there is nothing more painful than watching your baby struggling to breathe.

Nathan always had his problems during the winter months, and especially around this time in January. Now, I am so relieved, and happy to say that he has not had a single cough or wheeze on over a year. phuh.


When you close up the house because its cold outside- do you think about what the air is like in the house? Did you realize that conventional cleaners, such as bathroom cleaners, bleach, aerosol sprays and carpet cleaners can CAUSE respiratory problems in children?
I honestly had no idea. The last time Nathan was hospitalized with croup, a doctor told me. He said, when you get home, open your windows air out the house (yes its Colorado in January- a little chilly) and get rid of those cleaners.

Done. Not one of them has entered my home since then. There are many better alternatives on the market, and some of them, like Shaklee's products, are even cheaper than anything you'd buy at the store!

So, before you close up your home, and use those toxins- replace them with something that is better for you, the children and the planet. AND this stuff works amazingly well. Just for example- the window cleaner you make out of Shaklee's Basic H- WAAYY better than any Windex I ever used.

Love winter- even in your home!


Sunday, January 20, 2013

Metabolism Boost

In my journey to get healthy, I have done lots of reading to figure out how to boost my metabolism. Number one, the more muscle mass you have, the greater your metabolism. That is why I love the Leucine in the Shaklee 180 products. It helps maintain my muscle mass as I loose weight!

Second, the foods you consume can help or slow down your metabolism. To remind myself of these foods I created this handy dandy little chart that sits as the wallpaper on my computer. Good reminders. Needless to say, everything has to be organic, and non-GMO.


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

More flu fighting tips!

The flu can be bad enough- did you know that some of the cleaning products we feverishly (no pun intended) use when we are sick can also make us sicker?
When you have a cold, your respiratory system is already vulnerable, and when you then go spraying Lysol everywhere (because you think its good for us) you actually irritate your body further- prolonging your sickness!
Instead of using those harsh, toxic chemicals, try something safe and just as effective:

 Take care of yourself and your people.
 

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Time to BOOST that immune system!

The flu is hitting hard this year- it is all over the news.
The flu vaccine is only effective in about half of people who take it, and even if you have the vaccine, you can get varying levels of the flu, or different strains of it.
You can boost your own immune system to give yourself (and your family) a fighting chance. And even if you do get the flu, you can significantly lower its toll.

I am not a fan of hand sanitizers, but this time of the year I do make an exception, you can find the non-alcoholic safer versions at your local drug store. Use it every time you touch things in public that other people touch. Especially pay attention to those little child hands that touch everything!

Get plenty of fresh air and exercise-stay away from indoor gyms, playgrounds, and hit the park instead!

Eat a rainbow! Every day, eat all colors of fruits and vegetables!


Take your vitamins! Make sure the whole family is taking good quality highly researched natural vitamins! Such as fabulous Shaklee vitamins!

And for further protection, check out this little video on a superior immune boosting supplement:

Here's to a happy, HEALTHY new year!!!





Thursday, January 3, 2013

Ever wonder what a diet might cost you?

I know I have spent alot of time thinking about this topic.
I've tried quite a few diets and always wondered how they would break down financially. I think for me, back in the day when Atkins was popular, that must have been the most expensive. We only eat organic, free-range meat at our house, and that was not cheap.
I now have this handy-dandy little chart to share, I've been on weight watchers before, and can attest to the expense of that.
I am so glad to have found the right place for me- more money in the pocket, and a fantastic diet! Also very excited about the fact that my new diet, Shaklee 180, contains NO GMO ingredients!




Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy Healthy New Year!

As most of you, I have made my new years resolutions and started today my work to fulfill them today!

I have a dream board, you know, the board on the wall with images of all I want in my life. Do you have one?
My goal for 2013 is to loose 40 lbs (this one will be a breeze thanks to Shaklee180), and to cross off one of the items on my dream board.

The pounds have crept up, from nowhere it seems. I am sad to have let my weight get off track so badly, yet excited to start on a new chapter. If you follow my blog you know I love food, and cooking. I am determined to make this positive change while maintaining my love for food and creating new dishes. I will change my approach and incorporate my interest into my weight loss journey-  after all, it doesn't have to be difficult!!

I hope you all enjoyed your black-eyed peas or other year-of-luck foods today!

If you are interested (or know someone who is) please feel free to join my Shaklee180 team and participate here on the blog with me!

HAPPY NEW HEALTHY YEAR!


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

One more...

sweet recipe before diet season begins!



These are a treat my mom and dad used to make at Christmas time, its one of those memorable tastes that stick with you for life. Guaranteed.

You will need:
Dates
Port wine, and/or other sweetish liquor
Almond paste
Chocolate - I selected Girardelli's 60% I like it dark

Find yourself some great big dried dates, the California variety are great!

Make a slit along one side, and remove the pit.

Place these open dates in a bowl, and pour on the liquor! A good port wine is great for this- and I also mixed in a little bit of whiskey. Add enough liquid to cover the dates.
Cover in plastic wrap, and put into the refrigerator. For best results leave them in there for a couple of days- at least one day.

Carefully drain the dates into a colander, and SAVE the liquid- this is for your consumption and purely delightful.

While you are getting a drink, and the dates are dripping, spread out some paper towels on flat surface.
Knead the almond paste until soft. Roll up little pieces of oval (replicate the pit) paste, and insert into the opening of the date. Carefully close it back up, and give a gentle squeeze. Put on paper towels.

Meanwhile, warm up a double boiler and melt your chocolate of choice. Place a cookie rack over waxpaper/foil next to the pot. Place the dates onto the rack, and with your spoon, pour on the chocolate. You want it to cover the top, and at least drizzle down the sides.
Put the dates in the refrigerator, and when the chocolate is hardened- indulge!

Caution- the dates do absorb quite a bit of alcohol, so consume in moderation, and don't let the kids at them!


Monday, December 10, 2012

Coming soon..





This blog is a little bit of a mix of all things I love and care about- recipes, crafts, environmental issues etc. etc. And, starting in January, I will be starting a NEW and EXCITING weight loss program. I will be featuring some new, diet friendly recipes, and more about the program starting January. And IF I am brave, I might even share my before/after/happily after after images, inch loss, successes and failures.
I'm hoping to build a team to join me, it is always easier to stick to a program when one has the support and accountability of a team.
This is a little tease, what it's all about and why I'm SO excited!

The Shaklee 180 program is going to help me and millions of others loose the weight and KEEP IT OFF.

The unique Shaklee 180 products (delish by the way) are meal replacement bars, smoothies and snacks, as well as a metabolic boost supplement, that contain Leucine™. Leucine is a patented formula that helps you maintain (and in some cases build) more muscle. This is what helps you keep the weight off.
The more muscle mass the greater metabolism!

For even greater incentive- you can earn your whole package for free! AND Shaklee will give you rewards as you loose! Amazing. 

No more yo-yo dieting- get on the program, and let me know if you want to join my team :)


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Candy Weath



I am always trying new crafts, and if they are in-expensive, even better! I saw something like this wreath at a friends house, and really wanted to replicate!

What you will need:

2 or more small helpers
1 glue-gun with plenty of glue sticks
1 bag green/white mints
1 bag red/white mints
1 foam circle
clear duct tape
Ribbon

First, ask your kind little helpers to unwrap all the mints for you, its a time consuming job, but they are easily bribed with said mints. While they are doing this- wrap tape all around  your foam circle- it will make this much more enjoyable and tidy.
Pick a starting point- this will be the top of the wreath, where you will leave a "channel" for the ribbon. Alternate mint colors per your liking, and glue and place! Easy.

When the glue is dry,wrap a ribbon through the channel you created, or over it- and glue the ribbon in place.

Done!

The kiddos decided they wanted to give it to their class room at school, so we brought it in the next day, and it is now proudly displayed- teasing children- at the kids school.

We hit the dollar store for this project, and the foam circle was $1, the candy bags were $1 each, and I already had the glue and tape at home, so it was a $3 project for me!!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Putting together my Christmas gift list...

 
This list has something for everyone! Give green and healthy this year. You will be surprised at the multitude of great gifts for everyone on your list. 
 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Lussebullar


Today, in 70 degree temps, the first of Advent- I'm baking lussebullar. This is the traditional Swedish pastry we make for the Lucia celebration on December 13. It is an interesting celebration for a secular country, but none-the-less a very lovely, cute, cozy and quaint celebration that I adore. It brings some light into the harsh winter nights of December :)
I had a post for these last year, and my recipe has changed a little, as I'm always on a quest for the most moist and flavorful versions - Enjoy!

You will need:
4 oz (1 stick) butter
1 cup half-n-half
1 cup milk
2 packets active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 gram saffron
6 oz vanilla flavored Greek yogurt
1 cup sugar
5-6 cups flour

raisins
egg-wash (one egg, 2 tablespoons water well mixed)

Slowly melt butter in pan, adding in milk and cream. When butter is completely melted, mix in half of the sugar, and the salt. Stir well- and add the finely crushed saffron. Let the mixture stay warm until a deep yellow color has completely saturated the liquid, at that point add the yeast to the mixture.

Pour the liquid mix into a large bowl, and either with the mixers dough hook, or a wooden spoon, mix in the flour, and the rest of the sugar. Also in this process add the yogurt. Mix until you have a sticky dough.

Cover the bowl with damp towel, and let stand until at least doubled (1 hour or more). Turn on the oven to 425 degrees.

Lightly flour a surface, and place the dough on it. Kneed the whole dough until smooth and manageable, yet still slightly sticky.

Roll pieces of dough in to "snakes" about 8-10 inches long, and roll the ends opposite each other- as in picture.
Place on baking sheet.
Push raisins into "eyes" of cats, and brush them with egg wash. let them rise 5 minutes or so and pop them into oven.
It takes about 10 minutes for them to finish baking, then place them on a wire rack for cooling. And Enjoy!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Thanksgiving..

It was great. Really great. But now I'm done with food. I know alot of us feel the same way.
My menu consisted of:
Rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and apples with marshmallows, gravy, brussels sprouts roasted with pecans, cranberries (two kinds!), stuffing, turkey- (15 pounder), AND pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

I know its only once per year, but that is just too much food! We had two little old ladies over, me and the hubbs, and the kiddos. Truth be told, we don't really like turkey anyway. After a weekend of over-eating, and leftovers, I know its time to get serious and loose some weight.
I am not going to gain the American average of 11 lbs over this holiday season!

I am doing my research and am ready to commit to a plan. I will take my official "before" pictures, my weight, my measurements- and really get serious. The thing is that I'm not only looking for that "after" photo.. I would love an "after-after" photo. Get it? I've lost weight before on weight watchers, atkins, paleo etc. etc. but always gain it back. From the research I've done, this is explained in this way:

Almost all weight loss results in muscle loss. This means your metabolism slows down, and, when you gain back the weight, its all fat.
The program that Shaklee offers is based on Leucine. A patented protein that actually helps you maintain muscle mass during weight loss. A couple of reasons to choose Shaklee; always safe, always 100% guaranteed, no artificial anything, non GMO soy, and amazing results in the clinical trials.
Oh, and the products are SO GOOD! Currently their weight-loss program is called Cinch, but starting January 1, 2013, it will be called Shaklee 180. 90 days to loose the weight, 90 days to learn to keep it off. 180.



I can't wait to get a team together and get started!