I will be MIA from now until early January due to Holiday gatherings/traveling. If you haven't already, please scroll down through previous posts, or click the links to the right of post Title's that interest you! As always, feel free to comment/e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com any thoughts!
Thanks Everyone for your support! Look forward to returning and starting the journey of homemade skincare products/house cleaners (on January 15th)!
XOXO
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Trees are much like human beings and enjoy each other's company. Only a few love to be alone.
~Jens Jensen, Siftings, 1939
~Jens Jensen, Siftings, 1939
Let's talk about Milk!
You can CLICK HERE to read an article on Organic Versus Non Organic Milk, but beyond that, I would like to encourage everyone to try a different kind of milk, Almond milk! My Husband and I have made the switch and we love it! For me, it helped with a lot of post-milk drinking nausea I used to get, but when you read about the benefits, it's hard to resist!
CLICK HERE to read more about Almond milk. If you can't drink a glass of Almond milk straight, I would recommend keeping some on hand to use with coffee/tea or baking (it lasts longer than traditional milk). I wouldn't suggest nixing organic Cow's milk completely out of your diet, but Almond milk can make a great addition!
Our favorite Organic Milk (in the KC area) you can even return the bottle for a discount on your next bottle!
CLICK HERE to read more about Almond milk. If you can't drink a glass of Almond milk straight, I would recommend keeping some on hand to use with coffee/tea or baking (it lasts longer than traditional milk). I wouldn't suggest nixing organic Cow's milk completely out of your diet, but Almond milk can make a great addition!
Our favorite Organic Milk (in the KC area) you can even return the bottle for a discount on your next bottle!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A recipe for the person who "can't cook" or who has never cooked before!
This meal takes about 10 minutes and tatses like you ordered it straight off of a menu! Give it a shot!
Carbonara
Ingredients
Whole wheat pasta of your choice
3/4 cup milk (soy, almond, cows, you pick! we use almond milk)
2 whole Eggs (try Organic/Cage free/Grain Fed!)
1/2 cup-2 cups freshly shredded/grated Parmesan (depends how cheesy you like it!)
2 tablespoons butter
8 slices bacon (we use turkey bacon)
Optional Seasonings/Additions
-Garlic Salt
-Pepper
-Creole Seasoning
-Red Pepper flakes
-Fresh Basil/Oregano
-Italian Herb grinder
-Cooked Spinach
-Bok Choy
-Chopped Garlic
Instructions:
Carbonara
Ingredients
Whole wheat pasta of your choice
3/4 cup milk (soy, almond, cows, you pick! we use almond milk)
2 whole Eggs (try Organic/Cage free/Grain Fed!)
1/2 cup-2 cups freshly shredded/grated Parmesan (depends how cheesy you like it!)
2 tablespoons butter
8 slices bacon (we use turkey bacon)
Optional Seasonings/Additions
-Garlic Salt
-Pepper
-Creole Seasoning
-Red Pepper flakes
-Fresh Basil/Oregano
-Italian Herb grinder
-Cooked Spinach
-Bok Choy
-Chopped Garlic
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
- Cook bacon in skillet (I think the crunchier the better, once cooked, drain grease and cut up or crumble)
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs and yolks, parmesan cheese, and half of seasonings.
- When the pasta is done, drain it and quickly put it directly into the bowl with the egg mixture. Toss to coat. The hot pasta will cook the eggs.
- When the pasta is coated with the egg mixture, mix in the butter, bacon, and second half of seasonings. Serve immediately.
*For Creamier Carbonara; add heavy cream, half and half, or more milk!*
Enjoy!
Have you tried this recipe? Write how you made it, or your opinion of the recipe in the comments below, or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com
No Challenge to Push Yourself Here!
Don't be fooled by the creepy container, this stuff is actually really good! Give it a try!
http://www.ybwines.com/
http://www.ybwines.com/
Monday, December 20, 2010
Hmmm... fluoride in water, what do you think?
CLICK HERE TO READ
and HERE to read "Are you Drinking the Wrong Water?"
Comment below, or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com with your thoughts!
and HERE to read "Are you Drinking the Wrong Water?"
Comment below, or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com with your thoughts!
Organic produce delivered to your door!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
Great way to try new fruits/vegetables you normally wouldn't, because, hey, you already paid for it! Also, supports your local farmers, and how deliciously fresh!!
Enjoy!
Know of another site/organization that offers the same service? Comment below or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com
Great way to try new fruits/vegetables you normally wouldn't, because, hey, you already paid for it! Also, supports your local farmers, and how deliciously fresh!!
Enjoy!
Know of another site/organization that offers the same service? Comment below or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com
Waste-free way to wrap gifts this year!
CLICK HERE!
I thought of a couple more...
Save bags. Keep the bags/wrapping that you receive gifts in at your Holiday Parties, Christmas gift exchanges, and use them at your family Christmas or next year!
Paper grocery bags. These are great for wrapping! It's like pre-cut wrapping paper!
Save your boxes. Keep any shoe, jewelry, cosmetic, etc. boxes you receive throughout the year and use those to wrap, tie a pretty ribbon around them to jazz them up!
Use Defunct Christmas decorations. Every year when we pull out our decorations we find several ornaments that no longer have a hook, garland that somehow came detached from the rest of the strand, or a random poinsettia/bow that just doesn't go anywhere in the house. Use these to add a little flare to your wrapped gifts!
Have more ideas? Comment below or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com
I thought of a couple more...
Save bags. Keep the bags/wrapping that you receive gifts in at your Holiday Parties, Christmas gift exchanges, and use them at your family Christmas or next year!
Paper grocery bags. These are great for wrapping! It's like pre-cut wrapping paper!
Save your boxes. Keep any shoe, jewelry, cosmetic, etc. boxes you receive throughout the year and use those to wrap, tie a pretty ribbon around them to jazz them up!
Use Defunct Christmas decorations. Every year when we pull out our decorations we find several ornaments that no longer have a hook, garland that somehow came detached from the rest of the strand, or a random poinsettia/bow that just doesn't go anywhere in the house. Use these to add a little flare to your wrapped gifts!
Have more ideas? Comment below or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com
QUOTES OF THE DAY
It is good to realize that if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor nature's gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever.
Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter
The whole secret of the study of nature
lies in learning how to use one's eyes.
-George Sand
"We don't stop hiking because we grow old,
we grow old because we stop hiking."
-- Finis Mitchell,
"Maybe freedom really is nothing left to lose. You had it once in childhood, when it was okay to climb a tree, to paint a crazy picture and wipe out on your bike, to get hurt. The spirit of risk gradually takes its leave. It follows the wild cries of joy and pain down the wind, through the hedgerow, growing ever fainter. What was that sound? A dog barking far off? That was our life calling to us, the one that was vigorous and undefended and curious."
— Peter Heller
— Peter Heller
"How strange that nature does not knock, and yet does not intrude!"
Emily Dickinson
The importance of an active lifestyle/going outdoors
 |
| Image from: imagesus.homeaway.com |
When discussing health, what's most talked about is typically food (more specifically dieting... but we'll save that conversation for another time!). Exercise is normally thrown in there, but for many who have strayed a bit off track, they immediately picture hours of intense work at the gym daily until they ultimately burn out and remember why they hate the gym in the first place.
While I completely condone the gym, and do not think it should be taken out of the equation, I feel equally passionate about the importance of living an active life outside of the gym. Not only an active life, but an active life outdoors!
When I think of my favorite memories as a child I think of ACTIVITIES, mainly outdoor activities. Immediately I remember intense games of tag, hide and seek, make believe, family football games around the Holiday's... I am incredibly thankful for these memories because they are what give me my passion for the outdoors now. I am not suggesting that you hit up your neighbors for a weekly game of hide-and-seek, unless they're up for it :) but I am saying, "Don't forget about the outdoors!!" Get out there! Take a walk, make a snowman, ride a bike, start a garden, get your hands dirty! Walk to a store if there is one close enough, or pick the farthest parking spot from the entrance. While you're doing this, enjoy the scenery! Use the time to appreciate what's around you. If you don't feel you have enough time (it's been suggested to go out at least 15 min a day) limit your electronic intake. Cut back on TV, computer, phone, etc. and I bet you could free up at least 15 minutes a day!
When we started taking family walks everyday, they continued to lengthen because we got so much from them. The benefits are not only physical, but our relationship grows too! With a "no phone" policy we are able to spend the whole time talking and catching up, not to mention the stimulation our daughter receives from all the beautiful scenery. Everyone returns through the front door happier than we left. Now that the weather has dropped significantly, our walks have turned into increments of time playing in the backyard throughout the day. Most times I don't even bring any toys out back, my daughter's favorite activity is just listening to the sound her boots make on the ground as she walks around, and collecting sticks!
Here are some sites that have a little more information about the importance of getting outdoors!
Children Outdoors
Vitamin D
University Study
Article on active lifestyle
Do you have any information, research, or studies to share? Comment below or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com
Sunday, December 19, 2010
E-mail From a reader in response to "Find a Farmer Near you!"
WHAT IS MEANT BY LOCAL
The term "locavore" was coined by Jessica Prentice from the San
Francisco Bay Area for World Environment Day 2005 to describe and
promote the practice of eating a diet consisting of food harvested
from within an area most commonly bound by a 100 mile radius.
EAT SEASONALLY
By purchasing local foods in-season, you eliminate the environmental
damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles, your food dollar
goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the
health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables.
Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try
new foods and to experiment with seasonal recipes. And it simply
tastes better! We have found a great resource for food miles and
local eating at the Natural Resources Defense Council. They have every
state and every season easily accessible!
EAT LOCAL - IT HELPS THE LOCAL ECONOMY
Another benefit of eating locally is helping the local economy.
Farmers on average receive only 20 cents of each food dollar spent,
says Ikerd, the rest going for transportation, processing, packaging,
refrigeration and marketing. Farmers who sell food to local customers
“receive the full retail value, a dollar for each food dollar spent,”
he says. Additionally, eating locally encourages the use of local
farmland for farming, thus keeping development in check while
preserving open space.
Check out this study by the University of GA regarding the economy of
buying locally. According to a recent study by the University of
Georgia's Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, if the
Peach State's approximately 3.7 million households spent just $10 per
week on Georgia-grown produce (from any source, not just directly from
producers), more than $1.9 billion could be pumped back into the
state's economy. There's more: for every 5 percent increase in local
produce purchases, Georgia would see 345 additional jobs, $43.7
million more in sales, and $13.6 million more in farmer income. To put
these numbers in perspective, direct farmer to consumer sales
currently contribute 132 jobs, $14.4 million in sales, and $4.5
million in labor income.
Thank you Norma for this information!! How motivating to buy locally!
The term "locavore" was coined by Jessica Prentice from the San
Francisco Bay Area for World Environment Day 2005 to describe and
promote the practice of eating a diet consisting of food harvested
from within an area most commonly bound by a 100 mile radius.
EAT SEASONALLY
By purchasing local foods in-season, you eliminate the environmental
damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles, your food dollar
goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the
health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables.
Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try
new foods and to experiment with seasonal recipes. And it simply
tastes better! We have found a great resource for food miles and
local eating at the Natural Resources Defense Council. They have every
state and every season easily accessible!
EAT LOCAL - IT HELPS THE LOCAL ECONOMY
Another benefit of eating locally is helping the local economy.
Farmers on average receive only 20 cents of each food dollar spent,
says Ikerd, the rest going for transportation, processing, packaging,
refrigeration and marketing. Farmers who sell food to local customers
“receive the full retail value, a dollar for each food dollar spent,”
he says. Additionally, eating locally encourages the use of local
farmland for farming, thus keeping development in check while
preserving open space.
Check out this study by the University of GA regarding the economy of
buying locally. According to a recent study by the University of
Georgia's Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, if the
Peach State's approximately 3.7 million households spent just $10 per
week on Georgia-grown produce (from any source, not just directly from
producers), more than $1.9 billion could be pumped back into the
state's economy. There's more: for every 5 percent increase in local
produce purchases, Georgia would see 345 additional jobs, $43.7
million more in sales, and $13.6 million more in farmer income. To put
these numbers in perspective, direct farmer to consumer sales
currently contribute 132 jobs, $14.4 million in sales, and $4.5
million in labor income.
Thank you Norma for this information!! How motivating to buy locally!
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use."
-Earl Nightingale
-Earl Nightingale
A Challenge for the New Year...
 |
| Image from lemonlemonade.wordpress.com |
Ok, here is the challenge (that I will also be participating in!):
- Set a goal for an amount of time that you will ONLY eat home cooked meals. I don't necessarily mean 100% from scratch meals, but any meal that you can make at home (excluding microwaveable, and boxed dinners).
- Set either an amount of days, or a meal a day that you will vow (for a set length of time) not to go out to eat, or buy dinner in any shape or form. This includes pre-made supermarket meals. I would recommend starting this AFTER the Holiday season when you have more control over what you eat. Ray and I did this for the month of November and made it for about three weeks (all the way up until our birthday week!)
I will say, I think the benefits of doing this exercise or "challenge" manifest themselves in a few ways: Primarily, it makes you more aware of JUST how often you are going out to eat, or ordering in food. Also, it shows that with a little discipline the prospect of cooking all of your own meals is not as challenging as you had previously anticipated. Lastly, setting it for a select length of time allows you to meet a goal. For you, one day of not ordering/eating out may be an accomplishment. For others, a couple weeks, and for some a couple months! Set a goal for yourself that is a CHALLENGE, but achievable. Once you set the goal don't make it optional. If you do fail, learn from that. What happened to cause you to eat out or order food? For us, it was a special event we wanted to celebrate, who wants to cook on their birthdays :)? Also, I recommend giving yourself a type of food that is a freebie. For us it was sushi. For you it may be ice cream, or sweets. Just make sure your freebie isn't something you would consume daily :)
If you decide to take the challenge, comment below or e-mail me (naturallynourishing@gmail.com) the dates you will be attempting the challenge! Once you begin, keep me posted on your progress!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)