Posts by admin:
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened dried shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup xylitol
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup powdered xylitol
- 10-12 drops liquid stevia extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mix together coconut flour, coconut, xylitol, salt and baking soda.
- Blend in eggs, coconut oil, coconut milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- This recipe makes a dozen mini doughnuts and half a dozen large doughnuts.
- Fill doughnut molds about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake in 350 degrees F oven about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- To make powdered xylitol, place it in a coffee grinder and pulse until it becomes a powder.
- Beat butter with cocoa, powdered erythritol and stevia.
- Mix in coconut milk and vanilla extract. Beat until well blended.
- Spread evenly over cooled doughnuts.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Iced Doughnuts #Kidsinthekitchen
September 25th, 2014
My toddlers loves chocolate with a passion and she is barely three! If I go somewhere and order chocolate and give her strawberry she will demand my flavor, which has taught me the following. I have a little chocoholic in the house! My daughter asks to make things on occasion because she has a taste for them like either muffins or doughnuts but I think her biggest request are for doughnuts. It is nice to know that we have different size pans available to prepare them on a whim.
Such was a rainy day, when my toddler asks for doughnuts. I quickly led her to the kitchen and she helped me add all the ingredients into one bowl. I love that she enjoys to help because it makes the process of waiting a lot better. I try not to think of the mess there will be later because it is a learning experience. Usually the cooking time is the hardest because my daughter thinks we can just eat raw batter.
When we started making the doughnut recipe, I was happy we were going with a gluten-free and sugar free version. I tend to see my kiddos meltdown after having a regular doughnuts so I try to really not give it to them or at least give them one small doughnut hole. While this recipe is a very dense one, it is also protein-packed and even great for toddlers because while it is a dessert option it also has a lot of protein. My daughter did not know she was eating lunch in sweets form.
We made a pan of mini doughnuts and a pan of regular size doughnuts, which could barely cool down before my toddler decides to start devouring them. I reminded her that we still had the icing to make and she paused. CHOCOLATE! We mixed the icing together and the licking ensued. It was hilarious because it almost seemed like my girls could not get enough.
Since this recipe is dense, it was easy to have one doughnut and feel satisfied especially if eaten when a snack is needed. These baked goods were so moist and flavorful that it was hard to believe they were low-carb and sugar-free! I was not quite sure how they would turn out but I was happy to have a recipe to follow. Thanks to Lisa for a recipe I could adapt using ingredients I had on hand.
Ingredients
Instructions
BIG NEWS!!! Please vote for my Vegan Pumpkin Biscuits on SavingStar!
When you vote it also gives you the chance to win a $50 GC too!! Would love all the support!
THANKS!!!!
Sharing is Caring!
No-Hassle Shopping with Verizon app Softcard
September 22nd, 2014
Shopping has become something of a pastime for me. Last week I chuckled with someone at a coffee shop about being able to casually go on shopping excursions during the week because as anyone might know or relate, shopping with toddlers is not easy at all. I enjoy taking trips to the mall, grocery store and free-standing business but usually entering them with strollers or walking in with very-active toddlers just does not make the experience any easier.
When I try brainstorming about making my shopping experience easier, it usually includes having a simple wallet or cross-body purse available to make check-out more speedy. Verizon recently created a free app called Softcard, that allows the shopper to store their credit cards and loyalty cards all in one place with a unique pin. It is like opening a wallet but one that protects your information! I was super excited to find out that I could get rid of the extra plastic in my wallet when I went to the store!
When I looked through my wallets, and yes I have many, I compiled all my loyalty cards and was happy that the majority of them were available on the list. Even if some of the companies were not listed, I could create my own store name and add the member id, which would then create a bar code to scan at the specific store.
What a relief when I put away the extra junk because I now only needed the have my phone ready and available to keep my loyalty active at my favorite stores. What’s more is that I now could pay using my phone. There has been many a time, where I would load both my girls from the car, into the grocery cart, walk ways to the entrance of the store, and start shopping to then realize I had left my wallet in the diaper bag by accident. Any feel my pain??? There is nothing more frustrating than to have to haul myself and my little ones into another EMPTY grocery cart so mommy could get her wallet. What if I had lost it? We all know what happens when we physically lose valuable information. We have to go home and cancel everything.
How does the SoftcardTM app work? The app uses state-of-the-art technology and layers of security to protect your information by allowing you to set your own pin number. If I were to lose my phone then the information would not be able to be retrieved by whomever finds the phone. Once the free app is downloaded, y ou can use your smart phone to pay for purchases, and often save on them too. It also holds money-saving offers from participating merchants, as well as loyalty, membership and rewards cards so they are always with you. Data charges may apply for download and use.
With Softcard, I had the option of adding eligible credit cards like American Express, Chase and Wells Fargo or I was happy to find out that I could easily sign up for an American Express Serve® Account that allowed me to add money from my preferred debit card, credit card or U.S. bank account. Since we do not use credit cards, I loved having the option of transferring funds from my debit card to the American Express Serve card. Now I , and anyone else, can pay with smartphones at over 200,000 locations nationwide. Data and messaging charges apply.
Setting up the Softcard is super easy because I am all about the quick and easy with limited time. When all the set-up is completed I was excited to see deals available and even the option to save my favorite stores in case any future deals came through. I was sure to be alerted. So what kind of deals can be expected when signed up with the Softcard app and the American Express Serve card?
Here are some great deals when signing up:
- Spend $40 and Get $20: Verizon customers with an American Express Serve Account in the Softcard app / Wallet from Verizon can get a $20 credit after you spend $40 or more on one purchase with your Serve Account through September 30, 2014. Terms Apply.
- $1 back on purchases: Tap to pay with an American Express Serve Account in the Softcard app / Wallet and get $1 back on each purchase of $1 or more. Up to $50 per month with the Serve credit through December 12, 2014. Terms apply.
- First 3 Coca-Cola® drinks are FREE. After the first three free drinks, if you buy 10 more, you get another 1 FREE through
December 31, 2014. You must sign up for the “My Coke Rewards” loyalty card within the wallet to take advantage of this
offer.
Something else that made me excited for my next shopping opportunities were these back-to-school deals:
- White House Black Market – $20 off $80 (ends 10/31)
- Osh Gosh – 20% off $40 or more (ends 9/30)
- Chico’s – $25 off $100 or more (ends 10/31)
- Carter’s – 20% off $40 or more (ends 9/30)
So, for all you busy moms out there that do not go shopping with your kids, it now just got a lot more easier. Grab your favorite purse, place your essentials, and your phone with the Softcard app and you are good to go! Make sure you keep an eye out for wireless payment options so all you have to do is click on the Softcard app, enter your pin, and with your card of choice, you can tap your phone and pay immediately! Awesome.
Go out and do it and let me know how you like it! Visit www.paywithisis.com to learn more about the Softcard app / Wallet and how it can simplify your shopping experiences.
Sharing is Caring!
One Pot Italian Fish Stew + Heritage Farm Fare Giveaway
September 17th, 2014
One of my favorite things too cook of late are one-pot meals. Although I never grew up with too many crock pot meals, I seem to rely on them of late. Not only have I been using the crock pot but I have also been relying on my heavy duty pot for quick meals.
I usually never rely on a recipe and just place ingredients in a pot and pray that they will all come together but I thank God, because I feel like I have the gift of combining flavors and ingredients to end (luckily) with a great tasting meal. One of the meals that came out successfully was my One Pot Italian Fish Stew which was a hit with the whole family. One of my favorite things is to create meals using fresh ingredients from Farmer’s Markets. Seasonal ingredients just make everything taste and feel right.
I had a lot of huge tomatoes I had purchased at an Amish farm that I really needed to use so I started with a frying some onions and tomatoes in olive oil. The room was fragrant with just those two ingredients sending me to the remote village of Vernazza on a cool evening. I used pantry staples for my seafood because I have yet to find a fish vendor I like at all. That will be discovered soon! Albacore tuna comes in handy when preparing a salad or maybe even tuna patties, but growing up my mother would add them to casseroles and even a one-pot meal for us to enjoy as kids. I decided to start my own tradition.
 |
| Nina Lea Photography |
I added a lot of fresh spinach for greens and even a bunch of fresh asparagus all from my local market, which made this meal a lot more exciting as I prepared it. As the ingredients started cooking I added my pasta, water and some fish bouillon. In 10 minutes I had my stew and all I needed to do lastly was add some white Northern Beans. Complete meal within 30 minutes.
- 3 cans albacore tuna, drained
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 bunch asparagus, chopped in 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 2 cups Northern beans
- 1/2 pound spaghetti
- 6 to 8 cups of water
- 2 Tablespoons fish bouillon
- (I use Better than Bouillon Fish Base)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
While I am super happy that I have the opportunity to buy fresh produce I am saddened that others do not have that chance, but I love it when there are organizations and farms that make it readily available for the less fortunate. I recently learned about Heritage Farm which is an urban organic farm located in Philadelphia adjacent to The Methodist Home for Children (very close to The Belmont Mansion). It is a small organic farm that grows produce for the Home and is is dedicated to educating the families and children of Methodist Home and the community about healthy eating and a healthy life style. They also provide resources for the children and families to learn about farming and agriculture, career training, etc. by educating them on the process seed to sale. It is an amazing mission and one that everyone should support.
On October 2, 2014 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm, the second annual Heritage Farm Fare will have a celebration of their seasonal bounty in order to raise funds to support the ongoing operation of the farm. They will be returning to the newly renovated Belmont Mansion property where guests can enjoy stunning city views while sampling delicious bites made from local ingredients, prepared by a host of well known Philadelphia area chefs.
Who is invited? Anyone!! Foodies will love it (just look at the line-up of food). Veggies are sourced by the farm and locally sourced foods are not only encouraged but used whenever possible.
When is it? Thursday October 2nd from 6-8 p.m.
Where is it? At The Belmont Mansion in Philadelphia, PA (One of the most beautiful/picturesque views of the city – stunning)
How to get tickets? Head on over to this link: http://bit.ly/1A0Sa8A
Sharing is Caring!
Drinking Food for Sleep – Recap #FoodForSleep
September 16th, 2014
For almost a month now, my husband and I have been very disciplined waking up at 5:30 am to get some work done before our little ones wake up for the day. While I have always deemed myself a night person, convincing myself to be a morning one has truly been difficult.
After finishing my 6-day trial of Food For Sleep, a 2 1/2 – ounce bottle of science-based healthy goodness made of cherry juice and whey protein, I knew that this little concoction would not be the only thing to help me to go to sleep. I LOVED perusing the Owner’s Manual that the company made available for the brand ambassadors. It made me realize I simply have been doing it all wrong.
Despite my being a work-at-home mother, it has been very challenging establishing a consistent schedule that has allowed me not to work in the wee hours of the night. While I really enjoy working at night, I know I will only pay for it the next day and not be the best for my family. I have to know myself! The worst thing about not sleeping enough, that I have noticed is that I start craving junk food, food that will not properly fuel my day.
Here are some reminders and new facts I learned from Food For Sleep’s Owners Manual with my own thoughts:
- Set a goal for what time you want to get into bed at night. Do you have to wake up at 6:30 am on most mornings? Count back 7-9 hours, and make sure you’re in bed in time to get the sleep your body needs. Better yet, consider setting a “sleep alarm” on your clock or phone to remind you to start your “wind-down” routine.
- I am totally not doing this and only sleeping about 6 hours on average a night. I am hurting!
- Stop all of your stressful activities at least a half-hour before you go to bed. Think of this like stretching before you exercise. Don’t feel guilty about this – it’s important to take some time to relax so that you can drift off peacefully into a restful night’s sleep.
- I never do this until I get to bed. I WISH I could be reading a book or chatting with hubby before dozing off. Need to work on this immediately!
- Drink your entire 2½ ounce bottle of Food for Sleep a half-hour before you plan to go to sleep.
- I have enjoyed doing this and would love continuing the product testing
- Stop looking at your TV, computer and telephone screens at least a half-hour before bedtime. Most of these devices emit a particular frequency of blue light that confuses your body into thinking it is still daytime.
- This is the hardest one yet since I have to put in at least 3-4 hours of work AFTER I put my girls to sleep. Maybe waking up even earlier might help. What do you think?
- Develop a nighttime wind-down routine and be consistent. Unwind and prepare for relaxing, restful sleep with some reading, stretching, breathing exercises or listening to soft music.
- I started adding essential oils to my bedtime routine. Lavendar oil and stretching. It HAS been super relaxing, so I know I will be keeping this up.
- Lower the thermostat in your bedroom by a couple of degrees.
- This is being done already
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine just before bedtime. Most experts recommend avoiding caffeine 4-6 hours before sleeping. Although alcohol might make your feel relaxed and even sleepy, alcohol just before bedtime can cause you to wake up as it is metabolized by your body.
- I can just add a major #fail to this point because I drink too much caffeine throughout the day and even before bed. I have added more water and fluids to my day to take over that over consumption but this is a work in progress.
I look forward reporting the changes in my sleep routines in the future. I need to make it a habit which only means I have to be consistent for about 21 days! Check out their store to give the product a try!
Sharing is Caring!
Zevia: Zero Calorie Goodness {Review + Giveaway}
September 15th, 2014
What makes this soda sugar-free and natural? It is sweetened naturally with a unique blend of high purity Stevia (grown right here in the US!) and Monk Fruit. This soda contains no calories, sugar or artificial sweeteners and is totally kosher, vegan, and gluten-free! I had a whole month to try different flavors, work it in recipes and even get my husband to at least like ONE flavor. My husband is an avid diet consumer, so my goal for him to give up aspartame was my goal.
