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    Transitioning Your Home to be more Green + Giveaway #MomsMeet #MurchisonHume

    February 23rd, 2016

     

    There is one fact that many should know about me. I love cooking.

    Whoops. I think you know that one. Ha. How about something that is not my favorite to do. 

    Cleaning up. If there was someone to do my cleaning after I finished cooking and even someone to clean my home, then I would make them part of my home and life.

    Murchison-Hume Products

    When I first got married, I had the regular cleaning solutions in my home. I worried about the chemicals, dyes, and fumes, but I really did not focus on it as much. I replaced my hand soap and my dish liquid but nothing really else was of urgency. I really disliked many of the fumes in my toilet cleaner and shower cleaner so I usually refrained using anything or used them occasionally.

    I then started having children and everything seemed to be different. Why did I want toxic cleaners in my home that could expose my kids and even myself? While I was not consistent, I tried incorporating more natural cleaners on the market. Later I learned I could use my own kitchen essentials to make natural cleaners, but even that seemed to be a lot of work.

    My husband was not convinced because natural cleaners did not seem to have the powerful cleaners to DISINFECT the important areas of our home. Even so, I was determined to continue to find products that did the job while keeping our family safe.

    Murchison-Hume Products with moms meet

    While I use a variety of brands that are natural, I always like discovering new ones to see how they leave my home. As a mom ambassador for Moms Meet, we always get a chance to be exposed to new brands. I recently was introduced to Murchison-Hume and received a start kit which included a Bathroom Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Everyday Furniture & Upholstery Cleaner, Effortless Floor Cleaner, Spit & Polish Stainless Steel Cleaner, Counter Safe All Purpose Cleaner, and Murchison-Hume Jute Tote.

    M-H Cleaners

    Murchison-Hume are made in the USA and are 99% or more natural and are always free of ammonias, bleach, dyes, formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates. Their products rapidly biodegrade into harmless by-products after drain disposal. I love the fact that they are powerful, natural germ fighters and also eliminate odors without the use of harsh chemicals. You know what I like the best is the fact that the company makes available refill and bulk buy options that can be delivered right to my door at significant savings every day. 

    I am halfway through my Starter Kit! I’ve used the products all over my home with no reactions or allergy to the products which was usually an indicator to me of harsh chemicals included in products. I also had a lady who comes every 6 weeks to do the tougher areas and I asked her to use the kit. I was pleased with how everything looked shiny and clean, especially the floors! I especially love the simple clean scent that each produce has! What a plus.

    Murchison-Hume Floor Cleaner

    I used the Effortless Floor Cleaner with my mop with a rag and cleaned my floors pretty nicely without any residue. I also really enjoyed the Everyday Furniture and Upholstery Cleaner because there is usually several cleaners on the market for JUST furniture and JUST upholstery. One cleaner is best for me!

    Murchison-Hume Giveaway

    Have I convinced you to give it a try? The starter kit is only $59 and if you desire to give it a go you can save 20% on any order at murchison-hume.com! Simply enter the code MomsMeet20 at checkout. (Valid through March 31, 2016)

    You can also enter my giveaway too thanks to the company for hosting!  *Giveaway is open to US customers only and Murchison-Hume cannot ship to P.O. boxes or APO.

    Click here to view this promotion.

    Disclosure: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group

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    Family Inspiration and Support #HSFstories

    February 22nd, 2016

    This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HSFstories #cbias #CollectiveBias

    This weekend we hosted two families in our home and were thankful that we had space to have a total of 10 people including little ones. My husband and I have learned that getting to know people is better in a home with a homemade meal than in a noisy restaurant. In our conversations, I learned that one of the ladies used to be a career adviser for high school students that would be 1st generation college students. From what I remember it sounded like many of them were from Hispanic. It was inspiring to hear that these kids were making the step to continue their education with the help of people like this adviser.

     Family Inspiration and Support #HSFstories

    While I never had anyone like that in my life, my mother was my true adviser. While she nor my father were able to finish college, I remember my mother encouraging us in our studies. She made sure we were in the right schools and even my grandmother was happy to hear about our great grades in school.

    Growing up

    When I started sixth grade and was having trouble in my public school because of the rough environment, my mother sought advice and was encouraged to place me in a Christian private school that focused on many college preparatory classes. I thrived and enjoyed learning in my new environment and am forever blessed and grateful for my mother.

    During my sophomore and junior year of high school we started talking about college and where I would be going. It was natural to talk about it and it was exciting to start the process of applying to schools. Even though we were not financially able to afford college, my mother encouraged me to seek aid through scholarships and government aid seeing that I came from a Mexican / Chilean background.

    Mother with girls

    Looking back, I know that my mother was guided by God to lead her to encourage me because I received support from various sources including support from The Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Being Hispanic was an advantage because there were many companies supportive of families seeking a higher education for their children. This is what my mother wanted and she was a great encouragement because my sister and I were able to graduate from college.

    Singing

    Because we graduated, we both were able to find jobs and continue our education in the fields we enjoyed and thrived in. I am so thankful that we had the opportunity and the blessing of receiving support. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. is an official partner with The Hispanic Scholarship Fund to raise awareness to anyone who might need support to continue their higher education. If you know of someone who might benefit from financial support and scholarships, please forward them this post or send them my link about The Hispanic Scholarship Fund so that it might be possible to encourage those students and kids wavering to continue their education.

    Second Generation kids

    I look forward encouraging my girls to love to learn and to desire to continue to higher education knowing there are organizations like The Hispanic Scholarship Fund to assist if needed.

    HSF banner

    What is your story? Do you have someone special who encouraged you to go to college despite being in a tight spot?

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    Hawaiian Pizza with Oat Crust {Sugar Free, Gluten Free}

    February 11th, 2016

    Oats are great besides consuming in oatmeal. An oat crust can make a great substitution for those watching their carbs. We’re working on our fourth week going sugar-free and gluten-free. In essence, we never decided to exactly go gluten-free but we decided my husband and I decided we needed to take action with our health. While I was cooking a lot of delicious foods using whole foods, the food combinations and food portions were not healthy.

    Hawaiian Pizza with Oat Crust {Sugar Free, Gluten Free}

    Lifestyle

    When people think about cutting out foods, like my hubby, for example, it can seem so extreme and depressing to rid of the foods we most enjoy. While it has been a little tough, I personally have enjoyed the challenge to eat well while having fun at the same time. 

    I am an artist. I am a performer. It is how God created me. 

    I can make simple meals but I have to add my own flair, and I do not think it is an issue. I like the challenge.

    As I have been learning again about food combining eating healthy carbs and fats, I also have been figuring what foods my hubby and I can enjoy in a healthier way. 

    Hawaiian Pizza with Oat Crust {Sugar Free,Gluten Free} 1

    Pizza

    In comes pizza. Pizza is definitely comfort food at its peak and it is one of my husband’s favorite. Goodness, he is a true Midwesterner and has perfected a deep dish recipe. So how do we enjoy pizza in a healthy setting? 

    I am not saying we can’t have pizza ever but for someone who wants to focus on consistency in a healthy journey, I rather create something that will not have me falling off the bandwagon. So I created an oat crust full of protein and fiber topped with delicious ingredients.

    Pizza ExpoI was recently was asked to create a pizza that is inspired by one of the Las Vegas Hotels. While it might seem random, it is not because the Annual International Pizza Expo is located in Vegas from March 8th to the 10th. How amazing would that be to attend? Either way, I was inspired by the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas because all of this cold weather made me imagine hanging by the pool, enjoying a cocktail and some sunshine. 


    Flamingo- Las Vegas Hotel

    Flamingo Hotel is decorated pink with a pink flamingos being their decorative scheme. It has a tropical attitude and is themed as an island paradise. Seriously, does this not sound nice?

    Hawaiian Pizza with Oat Crust {Sugar Free, Gluten Free} 3

    Hawaiian Pizza with an Oat Crust

    I told you I am meant to be a Westerner. I can count on my hands the amount of times I’ve gotten to lounge. Either way, a girl can dream right? This is why I created the Hawaiian Pizza with an Oat Crust. For every 2 slices there are 28 net carbs and 9 grams of fat. The fat comes from the mozzarella and the flax-seed meal and the carbs from the oat flour and fiber. The beauty of this recipe is that it boasts 20 grams of protein.

    Hawaiian Pizza with Oat Crust out of oven

    Enjoy Canadian bacon, pineapple and cheese on a hearty crust that is firm, crispy and thin without any crumbles! You have the best of both worlds. You can enjoy 2 slices with a large salad on the side and call it a complete meal while sipping a delicious sugar-free fizzy drink, like  Honest Orange Fizz or Zevia.

    Hawaiian Pizza with Oat Crust {Sugar Free, Gluten Free}

    Prep Time: 15 minutes

    Cook Time: 20 minutes

    Total Time: 35 minutes

    Yield: 6 slices

    Serving Size: 2 slices

    Calories per serving: 313

    Fat per serving: 9

    Hawaiian Pizza with Oat Crust {Sugar Free, Gluten Free}

    For more nutritional info visit my recipe on Fitness Pal: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/view/243822805118381

    Ingredients

      Pizza Crust:
    • 1 cup, Oat Flour ( ground 1 1/2 cups of gluten-free oats to make flour)
    • 2 Tablespoons NuNaturals Oat Fiber
    • 1/2 teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasonings
    • 2 Tbsp Viva Labs Flax Seed Meal
    • 2 Tablespoon Braggs Nutritional Yeast Seasoning
    • 1/2 cup, Liquid Egg Whites
    • 4 Tablespoons Water
    • Toppings:
    • 4 slices, Canadian Bacon Sliced, chopped
    • 1/2 cup, Pizza Sauce, sugar free
    • 2/3 cups, Shredded Mozz. Part Skim
    • 1/3 cup, Canned crushed Pineapple, juice drained
    • 3 ounces Roasted Sweet Red Bell Peppers, in water, not oil
    • sprinkle with oregano

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. To make oat flour, simply grind your oats in a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder until the oats are all ground up.
    3. In a medium bowl, add the oat flour and dry ingredients and mix well.
    4. Add the egg whites and water and mix into the dry ingredients and mix until it resembles a combined dough.
    5. Spread the dough on the parchment paper with a spatula and then with your fingers.
    6. Dust some oat fiber on your fingers so the dough does not stick on your fingers.
    7. Flatten dough until 1/2 inch thick.
    8. Cook crust for 5 minutes in the oven.
    9. Remove from oven and add pizza toppings.
    10. Add pizza sauce, half the cheese, Canadian bacon, crushed pineapple, red bell pepper and then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
    11. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes on the middle rack.
    12. Then raise rack in oven and broil on high for a 1 minute until the cheese is bubbly.
    13. Remove from oven and sprinkle with oregano.
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    Chocolate Raspberry Mug Cake for Two (4 Giveaways)

    February 9th, 2016

    There are only 5 days left until Valentine’s day and I made you a delightful dessert without the guilt of overindulging. I mean to say, perhaps, if you have already started indulging in a chocolate feast that you can give your body a break and try a new dessert that can be prepared under 10 minutes and be cooked in 45 seconds in the microwave.

    Chocolate Raspberry Mug Cake -hero

    I know the holidays are the times when we can indulge, but frankly, I think I have been stuck in this mentality the past 4 years since having my first baby. First, it’s Thanksgiving, then it is Christmas, then it is New Years, then there’s Super Bowl Sunday and it just keeps going. 

    You get my drift?

    I am the type of person that needs to be consistent. If I sway after just starting something, then it is easy to fall off the wagon which is why I do not make New Years resolutions. I simply have to be resolved that I will stay away from certain foods until I can get things under control.

    Chocolate Raspberry Mug Cake - E dessert or snackBut what about chocolate, you might ask. While it has its benefits, chocolate desserts are laden with copious amounts of sugar. I am not going to pretend I am an expert at anything, but what I do know is that sugar has been my enemy the last few years. Knowing I am hypoglycemic is half the battle but not getting one’s eating lifestyle is another.

    Now before I bore you and you ask where the darn recipe is located, I just want to let you know that I will be sharing lighter recipes mostly focused on a low-carb lifestyle. This mommy has not eating as well as she should to maintain the energy and control she needs to keep her home or her mind balanced. 

    Chocolate Raspberry Mug Cake 1In comes NuNaturals, a new company to me that provides nutritional supplements, baking products and ingredients and sweeteners that help maintain a healthy blood sugar level and even introduce more fiber into an eating lifestyle. I have already been trying a few products in their line for my every day baking and beverages and I have to say I have been enjoying stevia and other natural sweeteners without bitterness or displeasure.

    We are working on week four of no refined sugars and limited high glycemic fruits, and it is amazing how my husband and I have been noticing the differences. While this is going to be a long journey, I am glad that my husband is on board with me not only for support but also, so we can continue on a healthy eating lifestyle.

    NuNaturals Giveaway

     

    NuNaturals has a new stevia-based, zero calorie, sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, cocoa syrup , plus a simple syrup and a cocoa mint syrup that I was able to play with. Since we have been off sugar for almost a month, the stevia taste is pleasant and a little goes a long way. 

    If you are a fan, try this recipe, if you have not heard of this product, check out your local grocery store, perhaps Whole Foods or Wegmans or order some online.

    Chocolate Raspberry Mug Cake 4

    Cannot wait to try these products? Use my code BLG0616 and you will receive a 15% DISCOUNT on your entire order. ( Not to be combined with other discounts ). This discount remains EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2016.

    Online ordering customers may also receive FREE SHIPPING to the CONTINENTAL U. S. on all orders exceeding $ 35.00 after discounts. 

    Here is my recipe for a lighter Valentine’s dessert or you could also try a fellow blogger’s amazing Brownie in a Mug. After checking out the recipe, enter the giveaway below:

    Chocolate Raspberry Mug Cake for Two or ONE! (4 Giveaways)

    Prep Time: 10 minutes

    Yield: 2 mug cakes

    Serving Size: 1 ramekin

    Calories per serving: 118

    Fat per serving: 1

    Chocolate Raspberry Mug Cake for Two or ONE! (4 Giveaways)

    sugar free and gluten free. Can be made dairy free as well.

    Ingredients

      Mug Cake:
    • 1/4 cup oat flour ( grind your own oats in blender or coffee grinder)
    • 1 Tablespoon NuNaturals oat fiber
    • 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 cup egg whites
    • 1/4 cup raspberry puree (blend 1/2 cup frozen berries until smooth)
    • 1 1/2 Tablespoons NuNatural Cocoa Syrup
    • Icing:
    • 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for NON-DAIRY
    • 1/2 teaspoon NuNaturals NuStevia NoCarbs Blend

    Instructions

      Mug Cake:
    1. Puree raspberries in a small blender until smooth.
    2. In a small bowl add the puree, cocoa syrup and the egg whites and mix well.
    3. In another small bowl, mix the oat flour, oat fiber, cocoa powder, baking powder and mix well.
    4. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and mix until blended.
    5. Use 2 small ramekins and spray with non-stick coconut spray.
    6. Divide batter between both ramekins and cook in microwave for 35-40 seconds so it does not get dry.
    7. Mix yogurt with sweetener and top each cake with 1/4 cup of creamy frosting. Garnish with a raspberry and more cocoa syrup if desired.

    Notes

    This is a E dessert for those following the Trim Healthy Mama.

    Nutritional facts here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/view/243685353483517

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    Click here to view this promotion.

    Disclosure: I received products to review. All opinions, photos, and recipes are my own.

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    Keeping Family Healthy with Herbs #MomsMeet

    February 8th, 2016

    With only one winter storm in our midst, I have been happy that our family has been pretty healthy for the most part. We have been trying to stay away from indoor playgrounds as MUCH as we can, since I believe those are breeding grounds for all kinds of germs.

    Snow pic

    That did not last too long.

    Moms get desperate you know? After days of being indoors using creative ways to keep your kids entertained all I want to do it go out and change the scenery which means…..

    Yes, an indoor playground. What are the consequences? 

    GaiaKids collageSneezes, drippy noses, coughs and more. I only do this to myself and our family but I should follow my own rules people. Well, despite that, it means I try to get my kids to ride their colds through so their immune systems can fight it off naturally, but in that, I try to aid them in their healing process by using natural remedies, like:

    • Herbal teas
    • lozenges
    • essential oils
    • Homeopathic meds
    • and healing foods

    Even though my kids are 3 and 4, I know there is really not much I can do for them, but I am glad that there are companies like Gaia Herbs who supply a line of herbal formulas JUST for children called GaiaKids®.

    Gaia Kids Supplements

    Formulated by pediatric naturopath, Dr. Mary Bove, this line consists of 10 alcohol-free herbal formulas that deliver herbal support with kid friendly tastes like GaiaKids® Bronchial Wellness for Kids which I received. It came at a perfect time because I was able to have my girls take it in order to for it to provide herbal support for their respiratory system and  to promote healthy mucous membranes.

    GaiaKids Logo

    The key is finding a natural support for my kids health. Nothing truly can HEAL or cure a child at such a young age but products like what GaiaKids provides help support the body and promotes a healthy immune system and in this instance of the Bronchial Wellness for Kids, it soothes the throat.

    GaiaKids Bronchial Wellness

    Something I learned about this company is that each product has an ID# that traces every herb in the product down to the source and quality testing, so I can rest assured that the product I am giving to my children is pure and safe. My product has the following ID# for you to check out:

    Meet Your Herbs

    What is an example of the herbs in this Bronchial Wellness for Kids?

    • Plantain has long been regarded as an important herb to support a healthy inflammatory response in the respiratory tract.
    • Helichrysums essential oil is one of the most potent sources of antioxidants and is used to soothe the occasional bronchial irritation.
    • Grindelia has long been used to support the respiratory system and assists in the normal production and elimination of mucous.

    Meet Your Herbs 1

    My girls definitely are very attune to horrible flavors when it comes to supplements and vitamins. They much prefer something to be tasty and easy to swallow than something that is pungent or hard to swallow. They totally liked the GaiaKids® Bronchial Wellness for Kids because the great taste comes from organic honey, lemon, and flavorful essential oils. It is recommended for kids ages 2 to 15 so we were really glad that it was a great fit for our family.

    Want a chance to try your own full-size bottle of this supplement? Fill out the FORM in the link provided and as supplies last a bottle will be mailed to you and a coupon as well.

    How do you keep your families healthy during the winter?

    Other Gaia Kids Products Gaia Kids liquid extracts, oils, salves, and tonics deliver the same potent herbs as their adult formulas in an alcohol-free concentrate formulated just for kids by Dr. Mary Bove, pediatric naturopath.

    For a full list of Gaia Kids® products, visit gaiaherbs.com

    GaiaKids Products

    Disclosure: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

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