Always a Special Day!

The past few days have been full of family birthdays. My 'lil sis', my son and myself, nephew, friends. It's a crazy week of August. It's been happy! I made my son Ryan, a box of healthy goodies which included PB Cups (his all time fave), and Chocolate Truffles.  Yum.

(Inspired by healthywithlily.weebly.com)

Homemade PB Cups!

(Inspired by OneGreenPlanet.org)

Chocolate Truffles!

What a perfect birthday box!

Happy 31st Birthday to my son, who will always be my baby-boy!
Lots of happy celebrating!

Happy Birthday to everyone, everyday!

Zucchini Spiral Salad

I'm the "what's in the frig that I can make tonight", kind of gal. Tossing things together without a plan always, usually gets me a good dinner dish. This particular salad was one of the good ones! I had zucchini to use before it expired and lots of tomatoes to use. So, I created something very simple.

Here's the how to:

2 med/lrg zucchini, spiralized
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 tbs fresh parsley
Pepper to taste (I don't use salt)
Greens, of your choice
Vinaigrette

That's it! I have this cool gadget, the Spiralizer. The handheld and the big one from a popular store.  I haven't mastered either one but do fine for what I make. They make life in the kitchen easier and more creative.

Spiralize the zucchini into a large bowl.  Toss in the diced tomatoes, parsley and pepper, adding any other ingredient of your choice. Such as shaved carrots, sounds good to me.

Then I searched for a dressing with apple cider vinegar, and found Raw Apple Cider Vinaigrette (omitting the salt), here.
Wish I took a photo.

This. Was. A. Great. Dish.  I finished it off on top of a hot sweet potato and some greens (Arugula). Just ask the hubster, he is my biggest fan this week. I've done well introducing him to some new smoothies and dinners.

After checking out the Detoxinista blog, I can't wait to try her Healthy Klondike Bars and Cauliflower Pizza Crust.  Check this site out! Yum.

Enjoy!

Shroom Cups!

It's been a while, but I've been busy. Trying new recipes, crafting DIY projects and spending time with family and friends, and at the beach. I have lots of drafts and no time to post them, but will at least try once a week.

I'm always eating my Raw as much as possible, and here is my latest creation~

Portobello Cups

Such a yummy dish! I didn't chill my mixture to form patties, I plopped it right into my cupcake tin that I lightly coated with coconut oil for non-stick.  Set your oven for 350 and bake for 30-45 minutes.  I used what I had on hand, 2-portobellos and a pack of white mushrooms.

Here's the how-to:

Portobello mixture:

Use blender or processor to mince mushrooms with spices and set aside.  I used all dry spices. 

1 tsp Sage

2 tbs Oregano

1 tbs Thyme

2 tbs Parsley

1/4 tsp Pepper

1/ cup Nutritional yeast 

1-1/2 tbs Tamari 

Set mixture aside, and: 

Sauté onion to your desired texture. I go to where they are just turning clear. I leave them in larger pieces rather than minced, I like the taste and wanted the texture.

White onion (1 medium)

1 tsp Turmeric

2 tbs Tamari

1 Clove Garlic

Veggie broth (this is what I use to sauté, you can add as you need)

Sauté a fat slice of tomato, in the same pan for an added layer. 

Topping:

I took 4 Roma tomatoes and 2-tbs of goat cheese (yes this is the only cheese I will toss into a dish), and processed that for a nice top-off for my stack. 

Side:

I accompanied my Shroom Cups with lightly sautéed snow peas. Using the same pan as the sautéed onions for added flavor. 

And voila! 

I loved them, the hubster loved them, and we both went for more helpings! So delicious. Next time I'll make a cauliflower flatbread to put it on.  You can use on your favorite green as a wrap. Anything goes. Enjoy!

Beach Fever

Old time makeover, that's what this is. With our purchase of a house at the Jersey shore, the previous owners left some old and some reproduction furniture. The pieces were too big to move off the third floor, so after some thought I figured I could use them but they needed some revamping. Afterall, they were is perfect shape. 

Look at this beautiful high-top dresser! Rather than change the brass handles or paint them, we decided to bring out their natural shiny charm. I'm told this could go for $1,600, painted or not.

                                                   

I have been following talented 'Karin' on Facebook, for quite a while. The Shabby Attic is her home, litterally. Karin is always working. When I asked if she could do these pieces, she didn't hestiate. Within a few weeks I had her at my bay house, painting away!  I am thrilled with the results. 

This trunk is an old Lane piece, very popular and very much wanted these days.

                                        

Look at this shell [below], on the night stand! We all had to get closer and touch it to see if it was a glued on shell. It is so real looking with her 3-D effect painting. The fact that she whipped two of them up in no time on the night stands, was amazing. 

                                     

Karin had these pieces done in one day, approximately 6 1/2 hours! She matched the color to my bedding perfectly, a shade or two lighter. I'm loving it! You can check out more of Karin's work at www.theshabbyattic.com and on Facebook. If you are in my area and want any kind of piece done, check out The Shabby Attic talents.  

Check out the before-and-afters:

                                         

 

Happy weekend lovies!

AHhhhh, Sugar!

We all crave it. We all want it. Most of us have it at the worst time of the day, or just too much in a day. Just having processed food with added sugar, is unhealthy any day. Sugar is a killer in many ways. I have successfully stayed away, bit the bullet, used my strong inner willpower...and I have fallen off the wagon for a piece of candy, a pretty cupcake or sugary cookie. It always proves to never be worth it. I get so mad at myself!

Sugar. It comes in many forms, but ultimately they all have the same ingredient...fructose. Just ask Dr. Robert H. Lustig.  He is the one that shouted out the dangers of fructose. (Check out his 90-minute lecture on the science and dangers, here.  Yes it's long, but well worth your time.)

Why is sugar bad for you? Here are 10 reasons why, that I found at Authority Nutrition:

1. Added sugar has no nutrients
2. High in fructose, which can overload your liver
3. Fructose/Liver overload can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
4. Can cause insulin resistance, leading you to Diabetes
5. Insulin resistance can lead to Type II Diabetes
6. Sugar can give you Cancer
7. Due to the effects of Hormones and the Brain, it has fat promoting effects
8. Sugar is highly addictive
9. Sugar is a leading contributor to obesity
10. It's the SUGAR that raises your cholesterol and give you Heart Disease

Make a reminder note, put it on your refrigerator or your pantry/cabinet door.  

All the added sugar is added trouble to our body. It's the worst ingredient in The Diet. Period.

This is why I try to have 95% of my daily eating as a RAW food diet.  I'm not perfect, heaven knows, but I do good in trying to keep my body healthy with what I put into it.  I crave sweet smoothies or a pear or a bunch of strawberries with almond butter and toppings.  I feel healthily satisfied.

This is the sugar I crave! 

So think about it, the next time you want to shove that Twinkie or heavily processed sugary food into your mouth.  It's going to places in your body, to make you unhealthy.  Hey, I like to be blunt! 

Treat yourself good.  Read up! Eat healthy! 

The Coconut Pull

A month ago I posted,  Pulling for Me.  For those of you that don't know what Oil Pulling is, it's when you take a teaspoon or two of oil, I prefer coconut, and swish it around your mouth for up to 20 minutes a day. The benefits are described as follows:

• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Some people report improved vision
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms

I can't relate to any of the above 'cures' or supposed benefits above.  I do have sinus issues, and I haven't seen any difference there.  My vision surely hasn't improved :(  I won't bore you.

What I DID notice, while being this Pulling Fool, was the whitening of my teeth!  I am so excited to report my pearls have become pearly white!  Sorry I didn't do a before and after but, believe me, it did work. I've used the strips, and they work well but leave my teeth sensitive. Since most mornings I do have the time to swish around for 20 minutes, I'll keep this up many days during each week.  It's cheaper and more effective.

While I can't personally claim all the great benefits of Pulling being touted, I'll hope that all of the above and below (if and when relevant), become closer to the possible.

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for oral health include:

• Overall strengthening of the teeth and gums and jaws
• Prevention of diseases of the gums and mouth, such as cavities and gingivitis
• Prevention for bad breath
• Potential holistic remedy for bleeding gums
• Prevention of dryness of the lips, mouth and throat
• Possible holistic treatment for TMJ and general soreness in the jaw area

In the mean time, I'll be very satisfied with my whiter teeth,

#Ask Away Friday!

I thought this was week 36...?  Either way, it's been a great run all these weeks, even the ones I've missed.  Ms. RHOCC is taking a break, understandably so with babe #3 coming.  Congrats to Penny! She promises to return in the near future, so we will all look forward to that.

This week I am swapping the Q&A with the busy mom Christy, over at Uplifiting Families.  You can't feel anything but 'uplifting' on this blog, it covers everything a mom and family could search for.  So after reading my answers to Christy's questions below, go over to UF and check out her answers to my questions.  Don't forget, grab your tea or coffee and head over for some daily encouragement.

1. I see that you have a child that is grown and gone now, my daughter is 17 and in two years it is possible that she will be ready to move out and go to college. What advice do you have for parents to deal with their child leaving home? I won’t have an empty nest but I am not looking forward to my daughter moving off yet. My son went to Florida for college, and I was shocked he wanted to go so far away! He wasn't the kid that spent weekends away at friends, they were always at our house. I flew down as often as I could, and he surprised me many times making me cry. It's hard at first. Of course now I see him nearly everyday, he's not far, haha! I enjoy it. Not sure if that is advice, haha, but keep communication and trust between each other alive and healthy!

2. What advice would you give to a mother of a teenage boy? My oldest son turned 13 last October. That is a tough age, but not as hard as the many changes coming around the corner. Definitely keep communicating, keep boundaries with freedom. Communication and involvement in their interests and dreams.

3. I remember when I was growing up that my parents let me play outside unattended with my friend as long as I told her where I was going. I never let my kids go outside unattended, did you allow your son to play outside by himself? Would you still allow him to play outside by himself as a child? NO! I never let him out alone. Even back in the 80's I was terrified to let him out of my site. I never had babsitters, he was with me or my mother. Today, I would be even more overly protective. I am that way with my 8 year old nephew, he gets annoyed with me but...

4. If you could win a brand new car of your choice, what would you choose? I think an old split bumper convertible Corvette, when they were hot and good looking! 

5. What is your favorite vegan dish? This week, all about beets, beet salad, beet hummus, you name it with beets!

6. What is your favorite brand and color of nail polish? Zoya, "Dot"

7. If you won a $500 shopping spree and you could only spend it on yourself, where would you go shopping and what would you buy?Louis Vuitton, "Neverfull", enough said.

8. Advice for a new blogger: If you could start blogging all over again, would you continue to use blogger or find your own self hosted domain? I started with the free Wordpress, then used BlueHost with it (self hosted) but it was too much back then. It depends what you want to do with it. Basic blogging like me, Blogger is easier. I think if you want to do more, you should consider a self hosted. I don't know all the ins/outs to say for sure, sorry.

9. Are you currently reading a book? If so, what are you reading? YES! Still trying to finish Measure of Love. It's book two, all about Rachel. I've written about it here! Great story.

10. As a single mom for 8 years(before I was blessed with a wonderful husband), what is the best advice that you have for a new single mom? I know finances were always my constant struggle, if it weren’t for huge tax refunds I wouldn’t have survived. I always put my tax refunds into my savings account and I would dip into it when I needed extra money to make ends meet or to handle surprise expenses. It was definitely hard as a single mom. Although I wish it had been easier, I wouldn't change much because it gave me the strength to push forward. Just love yourself, be proud and be sure you take care of yourself.  Think first, and long if you have too. You just have to believe in yourself.  

Happy Friday peeps, see you when #AAF returns! 

Pulling Fool!

Well, I don't have an April Fool's joke to pull on you. Yes, today is April Fool's! Does anyone ever really remember this day? Usually I do a day or two later.  It's a strange day, and I can't remember anyone ever trying to fool me with anything drastically crazy in the past. Not that I can recall anyway.

However, I do have an update on my Oil Pulling, no fooling! 

I have mostly been using coconut oil.  One day I used walnut, then realized it was toasted.  Not a good idea.  So I've stuck with coconut because I really like the light-subtle taste. Especially for first thing in the morning, prior to anything else. I only do this once per day.  I've read others doing it twice per day. Personal choice. I am happy to report that I haven't had any gag sessions, or gross experiences.  NOTE: Don't try to talk while pulling, you will dribble and possibly let out some drops on your shirt or floor!  Yes, I did that. 

TEETH

Although I haven't taken before/after photos of my teeth to show-off, I have seen a difference in them in these past two weeks of pulling.  I am very happy to report that, so I'm hoping for whiter in another two weeks.  I wish I could see, or feel a difference elsewhere, like in the list below. (This was in my original post.)  It would be great if it helped with bloating! Do I hear a 'heck yeah' from my girls? Maybe I didn't focus on these areas.  Maybe they seem too 'unrealistic'? They say some people have experienced these changes, so I'm going to stay positive and try to pay more attention to some of the items.  I'll keep you posted!

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for overall health include:

• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Some people report improved vision
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms


Do you have a good April Fool's story? Given or received?
Would love to read about them in comments, below. 

Happy Foolin' Around :) 

Ask Away Friday, #34!

Where has time gone?  Wow.  It's been many weeks since I've been a part of the Ask Away Friday! Here, you can meet other bloggers and get to know them better. There are now four hosts to this gig, Penny of RHOCC, Amber of BoldFabMom, Tiffany of MrsTeeLiveLoveLaughter, and Stacey of This Mama's Ramblings!

I am thrilled to be back at it this week with another beauty, Ms. April from 100-lb Countdown. She's a wife, mommy and fitness coach! I'm answering her questions below, and I can't wait to head on over to see what she's got to give for my questions! 

Here we go...

I'm a complete television junkie... I even write a blog specifically on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. What's your favorite Housewives franchise? I watch for entertainment, so I can't pick one.  I think they are all the same crazy women, bickering at each other for any good reason. Makes me feel as if my life is sane! Although, I do tire of them before the end of the season. I like the reunions and the fact they think they can lie, when the camera tells the truth! Who's your favorite housewife? My favorite...uhmmm...I'll say my favorite one to dislike is Brandi!  She's sloppy and gross. 

Is there a quote that you live by personally in your marriage or parenting? Not necessarily a quote, but I like to live by "morals, values, honesty and trust", with those you have self respect and respect for others.  If so what is it and why do you think it's important to live by it? I think it's the best way to get through life and relationships of any kind. With friends, relatives and careers.

You have $1000. You can't go to Target, Walmart, K Mart or any other everything store. You must spend it on you alone. Where you going to spend it? A rejuvenating Spa in Arizona. 

Politics and religion drive a wedge between a lot of people. Do you talk about it in your personal life?   I talk politics with the hubster, but no one else.  We make our opinions together and our views on politics are usually the same.  Religion, I have had some conversations with others. Only when I'm preached to.  I can give a good match of Q&A. Why or why not? I don't talk politics with others because it never really comes up.  No one around us is strong on the topic.  Religion, I respect anyone's beliefs but I don't like their beliefs shoved down my throat.  We all have our own.

You've been awarded a new home, money is no object and location is up to you. Describe it to us. An open, airy house with lots of natural light, a chef's kitchen, contemporary. Any place warm, with two seasons, Spring and Summer :) I am so over this cold stuff.  

Do you have a junk drawer? What's in it? I do, all of my own.  No one is aloud in it to shuffle through and mess it up!  (Reminder to the hubster as he reads this.) Haha.  Makes me nuts.  I like it neat and have what I need, when I need it.  It has sunglasses, keys, gum, note paper, pens, scissors (yes, I have to initial them because someone always takes them and never puts them back!), hand cream, garage door opener, sunflower seeds to plant (for 2 years now), phone charge cords, my pills.  The usual.  (Bonus for pictures)

Now that your son is an adult, what's your favorite thing to do with him? Just to spend "TIME" together. Laugh. Confide in each other. Although I see him nearly everyday, and things change and evolve, I do miss us as we used to be when he was younger.

I tried oil pulling a couple of times and didn't see a noticeable difference. Now that you've been doing it a week, have you seen a difference? I can only say that my teeth are a bit whiter.  If that is all I do get out of this, I'll be thrilled.  Teeth are a big thing for me, so I want them nice and white.  Strips and other products make my teeth sensitive.  Bonus for pictures! I haven't done any before/afters.

We are at the end of the first quarter of the year and I'm updating my annual goals list. I read a couple of posts of yours from the beginning of the year, so I wanted to follow up.

What positive changes have you made since the beginning of the year? Oh I started it off terribly! My workouts became next to nothing for too long, stress got to me health wise. The weather stunk! So, I've started Yoga and getting back to routines.  My eating has been great, though! 

You mentioned that your three words for the year are: Organized. Grateful. Happy. Are you being more organized? I am, I think so. Better than I was for sure. Are you making sure that you are grateful for what you have? Yes, definitely. Are you happy? For the most part, I strive to be overly happy to annoy everyone! ha! 

Happy Friday!

Bugging Out!

How many of you have been hit with the nasty-bug this season?  

My hand is up in the air!! I was sick for over 3-weeks with this horrible 'thing'. It was like this evil demon that was driven right into my very soul, taking me down to a weakling. Ugh. It was strange, no fevers, no chills, none of the typical flu symptoms.

The begining was a good 12 hours of barfing (sorry), the only symptom.  We were celebrating the hubsters 55th that Saturday, away! Okay, this was back in January, but I stumbled upon it in my drafts. Don't be a hater :)

I surprised him with a hotel stay, a massage, a comedy show, and The Bacon Brothers!  Yup, Kevin Bacon. I was so excited to see them! Oh we saw them...at a glimpse. As we walked right past the Bro's, to the lobby where I showered the lovely "hotel opening day", with part of my 'internal demon that my body was rejecting'. Yes, I did that, for what seemed like eternity!! It was all a blur.  The hubster definitely did me a solid, taking care of me.  Wow, was I sick! 

It was a fun day, up until that.

Although I thought by Monday morning I'd be fine with a 24-hour bug or something, I wasn't. I was so exhausted I wanted to stay in bed and sleep for a week.  Prior commitments forced me to get up and move around.  My beautiful little niece and beautiful sister were coming to visit for two whole weeks! I was so excited and I needed to get my act together, quick.

By Thursday the cold symptoms knocked me right back down! Getting on the mend was my only thought!  I had to do something.  So I googled...and found...then I made this concoction of a decongestant.  It works people! 

This really helped me. A lot. Use it throughout the day, if you are congested.

 Not remembering where I got this, I was a basket case, I did save these directions. 

Directions

Pour ¼ cup of lemon juice and ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar in pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of raw organic honey and ¼-½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and powdered ginger each (the latter amount makes it quite strong.) Store in a jar in a cool, dark, place indefinitely. Adults take 1-2 tablespoons daily as needed. Shake well before using, as the powder doesn’t dissolve in the most pristine way.

As my sister said, 'the baby will make you feel better'.  She sure did! I was so happy to have her all to myself everyday as everyone went to work. (I'm just happy she didn't get my illness.) I'm sooo lucky.

Sad to say, my little beauties had to go home.

Questions:

Has anyone ever tried Olive Leaf Extract? Does it work for you?
Does anyone use garlic as a preventative?
Any other suggestions for a daily preventative, or seasonal?

Hoping y'all are healthy & warm during this crazy season!  Think Spring, even though we aren't experiencing much of it yet!

Hugs and stuff,