Quinoa Fried Rice

This is one of those recipes that I have had "pinned' for years and finally tried.  It is such a simple, healthy and delicious recipe.  The kids love it and is now a weekly dinner staple.  I have taken a few different recipes and adapted them to make this version.  And you can definitely add more of your favorite veggies, I am thinking mushrooms, broccoli and snap peas would also make a great addition. 

You will need:

1 c quinoa

2 c water or chicken broth

2 eggs, lightly scrambled 

2 Tbs olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1 tsp fresh (minced) ginger

4 scallions, chopped

1 c frozen peas

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 Tbs Soy sauce

1 Tbs Terryaki sauce

1 tsp Sesame oil

*can add frozen mixed vegetables or your favorite fresh.  I have done broccoli and green beans. If you are crunched for time, frozen mixed work really well! 

1. Cook the quinoa: Place 1 cup rinsed quinoa in a pot with 2 cups liquid (either chicken broth or water).  Bring to a boil and then cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.  Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

2. Heat a skillet or wok with 1/2 Tbs olive oil and cook eggs until scrambled, about one minute.  Remove eggs and set aside. 

3. Add rest of olive oil to the pan and sauté onions for about 2 minutes or until tender.

4. Add  garlic, veggies, 2 scallions and ginger and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring frequently. 

5. Add quinoa and cook for another minute.

6. Add soy sauce, teriyaki, and sesame oil and stir well to blend.

7. Add scrambled eggs and stir.

8. Sprinkle with remaining scallions.

Movie Night MUST

It must have been about 10 years ago that I first remember reading how horrible microwave popcorn can be for your health.  I try and use the microwave as little as possible since I am convinced that anything that heats that quickly cannot be good for you.  Regardless, microwave popcorn is so easy, but here are a few reasons why should avoid it:

First, the bag itself is lines with perfluorooctanonic acid (PFOA) which is the same chemical found on nonstick cookware.  When heated, this chemical has been linked to diseases such as cancer and infertility.  The EPA lists PFOA as a  carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer...yikes! 

Next, the actual ingredients are usually not the best quality.  Many of the popular popcorn brands use genetically modified corn and are not organic which means there is a high load of pesticides.  Other ingredients listed on many microwave popcorn brands contain words like natural and artificial flavors.  What does that even mean?  Companies can get away with putting these words on their ingredient labels and we have no way of knowing what we are actually eating.  Wouldn't you want to be consuming real butter as opposed to buttery flavoring? Kind of scary stuff! 

And finally, microwave popcorn is pricey for what it actually is, corn kernels in a cancer-lined paper bag. Corn kernels are not expensive, even the organic non -GMO kind.  I usually buy in bulk at our local grocery store, but I sometimes buy the brand EDEN Organic which is really good as well.  I also recommend nutiva organic buttery coconut oil.  The buttery flavor stems from certified organic non -GMO plants of sunflower, coconut and mint.  This product is also great for baking and sautéing. 

Okay, now you know why it is important to stay away from microwave popcorn.  Here is the BEST alternative, make your own!  Homemade popcorn is super easy, healthy and you can get creative with what you add.  I used to make popcorn in just a regular pot on the stove, which works pretty well.  But then I learned about the Whirly Pop Popcorn Popper.  It makes the most amazing popcorn and pops every single kernel perfectly and evenly.  The Whirly Pop is a hand crank stovetop popcorn popper. It is easy to use and kids love to help by turning the crank.  You will have fresh popped popcorn in less than 5 minutes.   There are a few different versions of the Whirly Pop and a range of prices.  The aluminum version is around $20 and you can also purchase a stainless steel popper for around $50.  

To make popcorn you simply heat your oil, add the kernels, and then crank for about 3 minutes.  The result is best and healthiest popcorn you have ever tasted! 

5 Must-Have Baby Items for the First Year

I have compiled a list of my top 5 baby items for the first year.  I could have definitely expanded the list but these were the 5 items I really felt we couldn't live without (other than the staples). These also make great gifts as most of these items are not on traditional registries. 

1. Zutano Booties

This Vermont-based company knows how to make cozy booties that actually stay on tiny baby feet.  The booties come in both fleece and cotton fabrics and have adjustable snaps to grow with your baby.  We lived in these as soon as the weather was cool and throughout the entire winter.  The prints and patterns are adorable and they are machine-washable.  

2. Amber Teething Necklace

I get a lot of compliments on my girls necklaces since most people think they are fashion accessories.  Aside from being adorable, Baltic Amber teething necklaces are a must have for a teething baby. My four year old still wears hers because she loves it.  Now there is no science behind these beads and the theory is that Baltic Amber contains healing oils that work as a natural anti-inflammatory.   Baltic Amber has been used for centuries for its natural healing powers.  Both of my girls wear these necklaces and neither have had serious teething issues other than excessive drool.  I personally think they help.  When choosing a Baltic Amber necklace make sure to purchase from a reputable company that sources their amber to be 100% authentic.  I personally love the company Spark of Amber.

3. Beautycounter Baby

Beautycounter's baby line launched in 2016 and has been a life saver for our family.  What you put  on your baby's skin matters and the simpler the ingredients, the better.   This collection was featured in Real Simple Magazine as the #1 safest baby line.  Not only is it safe, but actually works.  The collection includes a head to toe wash, soothing baby oil, baby protective balm, and a brand new calming diaper rash cream. The entire line is mild, gentle and contains no scent which is exactly what you want for infant skin.  Trust me, invest in the entire collection, you won't regret it.  The head to toe wash is nourishing and will keep your baby's skin soft and hydrated.  The baby oil is the perfect alternative to harsh lotion.  The oil is a blend of coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil- that's it! Perfect for cradle cap and also makes a great eye makeup remover for mom, a win-win!  I love how the oil is easily absorbed, not greasy at all! The baby protective balm may be my favorite, it  has so many uses that will grow with your baby and I use it on myself as well.  It can be used on diaper area, eczema patches, dry skin, chapped cheeks and lips, and so much more! It is the perfect barrier to protect babies delicate skin.  The balm is a blend of organic shea butter and jojoba oil which is the perfect combination for sensitive skin for both babies and mamas!  And finally, Beautycounter's brand new diaper rash cream prevents irritated skin by using safer ingredients.  Beautycounter uses non-nano zinc oxide to reduce and prevent redness, it is soy and nut free, safe to use with cloth diapers, and perfect for sensitive skin.  This also makes a great gift!

4. Klean Canteen Water Bottle/Sippy Cup 

Over the past couple of years I have tried really hard to reduce my family's use of plastic.  I switched over our food storage containers to glass and water bottles to stainless steel.  Klean Kanteen makes the best water bottles for kids and you can purchase a sippy cap separately which is perfect for babies around  6 months old.  This water bottle never leeks, is completely kid-proof, and BPA-free.  Water bottles come in a variety of sizes and colors and are perfect for the entire family, they even make a baby bottle.  It is the perfect way to keep drinks cold or hot! 

5. Wooden Suction Bowl 

Again, I am trying to reduce the use of plastic in our house and there are some great alternatives for kid dishes.  I love the brand Avanchy for wooden bowls and plates.  My youngest daughter is queen of picking up her bowl from her highchair and either tossing it on the floor or on her head.  Avanchy makes beautiful wooden bowls with a suction bottom that attaches to any flat surface and actually stays put!  There is a release-tab that parents can pull for easy removal.  The bowls and plates are made from biodegradable bamboo and BPA-free food grade silicon. 

Oh She Glows Morning Detox Smoothie

I am in love with my two new cookbooks.  If you don't follow Oh She Glows, you must!  My friend, Gina first told me about Oh She Glows and I tried a couple of her recipes at Gina's that were delicious!  Then my neighbor lent me two Oh She Glows cookbooks and I ordered my own the next day.  They truly are a must-have! 

Angela Liddon is the author and her cookbooks were developed from her blog, Oh She Glows.  Angela started Oh She Glows in 2008 to write about her recovery from an eating disorder.  She focused her energy on creating healthy and absolutely incredible plant-based recipes.  I am not vegan, but I love eating and cooking vegan and have been trying to implement a couple recipes into our dinner menu each week.  I will absolutely be sharing a few of my favorites, but this post is all about smoothies!  I couldn't wait to try some of her smoothie recipes in my Vitamix.  This is in my top 2 so far! 

This Morning Detox smoothie left me speechless.  It's healthy, sweet and contains white tea which gives you some natural energy to start your day.   Both of my girls love it! The only advance prep is that you need to steep the tea ahead of time since it needs to refrigerate overnight. 

You will need:

-1 white tea bag (I used white tea leaves since I couldn't find white tea bags)

-1 cup boiling water

-1 cup frozen mango chunks 

-1 Tbs fresh lemon juice

-1 tsp grated fresh ginger

-dash of cayenne pepper (optional but I recommend)

To make:

1. Make tea using 1 cup boiling water and once cools, refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

2. Poor tea into blender add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.  

Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites

First, I need to thank my beautiful friend Rachelle for sharing this amazing recipe with me.  She got it from her friend, Emily who has an amazing blog I highly recommend following: emilylevenson.com

I have been pretty obsessed with my new Vitamix blender.  I have been using it daily for smoothies or "mmmmooothies" as my one and a half year old calls them. I will share my two favorite smoothie recipes soon! 

Okay, back to the cookie dough! Like I mentioned, my friend sent me this recipe and it sounded so amazing I had to try ASAP. I am so glad I did.  After getting the kids to bed last night I was craving something sweet. Considering I had already indulged in a cookie AND cupcake yesterday (it's that magical time of the month, don't judge) I needed an alternative.  This recipe took 15 minutes to whip up with ingredients you most likely already have in the house, a win-win! This recipe made about 20 balls. 

Here is what you need:

-1 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

-2/3 cup almond butter (PB can be substituted if you don't have almond butter)

-1/2 cup honey (I used raw honey)

-2 cups rolled oat, ground into flour (I obviously used my Vitamix)

-1/4 tsp cinnamon

-pinch of salt

-1 tsp vanilla

-1/3 cup chocolate chips 

Here is what you do:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Place chickpeas, almond butter, and honey into a blender or Vitamix and pulse until smooth.

3. Add in oat flour, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract and blend until the mixture forms a ball.

4. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and fold in chocolate chips.

5. Scoop 1 tablespoon of mixture and form into a ball.  Place on parchment paper and repeat until mixture is gone. (If mixture is sticky, wet hands a bit).  My friend mentioned this happens to her but I didn't have this issue.  I am thinking possibly since I used raw honey but I am not sure.  

6. Refrigerate 30-60 minutes (if you can wait that long) and then transfer to an airtight to container.  Keep refrigerated. 

Traveling with Tots

I am definitely not an expert on traveling with toddlers, kids, or babies but we have done a fair amount over the years and both girls have been awesome.  And as they get older it definitely gets easier.  Ella, my 4 year old is completely content with an iPad and headphones, although I do try to engage her in other activities while traveling. But honestly, flying is not easy and as long as they are content, that is all that really matters.  Ella has been happy watching the iPad while traveling since she was about a year.  Anna on the other hand...total opposite.  She is my can't sit still, wild child! So I was kind of freaking out when figuring out what to do with her on our 3.5 hour flight to Turks and Caicos. I packed a giant bag full of surprises! 

I have compiled a list of some travel necessities when flying with kids. I didn't include the obvious items like diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, water bottles, etc. 

1. iPad (or tablet) and headphones.  Ella never uses headphones other than on an airplane so they are pretty speical.  She loves them! And it is hilarious when she starts talking (yelling) with them on.  I usually download a couple new movies or old favorites.  Ella is obsessed with the Wizard of Oz at the moment so she spent the entire time watching that.  I also downloaded a few educational games, her favorite is Endless Alphabet.  You have to drag and drop the letters in the right order to spell words.  Once you complete this task, it tells you the definition and shows a little cartoon to go along with the meaning, pretty clever. And Anna was actually entertained for about 20 minutes with a Sesame Street app where you tap the door to reveal different characters.  She thought it was hilarious! 

2. SNACKS! Holy snacks! You can NEVER have too many snacks when traveling with kids.  Whether it's one hour or five hours, pack tons of snacks.  I also packed little Bento Box lunches for the girls since our flight was over lunchtime and this was a huge hit. My oldest loves mealtime and loves picnic lunches so she was most excited about getting to eat out of her lunchbox.  I also think this stems from the fact she doesn't stay at school for lunch, but still sees the lunch boxes of the kids that do.  She has total lunch box envy.  Inside the Bento Box we had PB&J, cheddar bunnies, dried strawberries (these are amazing if you can find them), string cheese, and a special treat (cookie).  I also packed apples, dried mangos (great for ears), granola bars, fruit pouches (also great for ears), yogis, and carrot sticks. Obviously you want to be careful to only pack food that won't easily spoil. 

*note about packing pouches: look for the smaller 3oz pouches as opposed to the 4oz.  The 3oz pass through security with no problems. The 4oz require an extra security measure. Our favorite are the Ella's Kitchen fruit smoothies. 

3. Lollipops!!! These could be listed with snacks but deserve to be on their own.  Not only are lollipops a delicious treat that help relieve the pressure in kids ears, but they also provide a good 30 minutes of entertainment.  Our only rule-no biting!  I also found these Frozen (movie) lollipop holders that spin around when you press a button, these were life savers for Anna.  She was on the verge of an epic meltdown when I pulled out this trick.  She spent the next half hour pressing the button on the lollipop spinner and putting the lollipop in and out of the holder.  I also think sucking the lollipop relieved the pressure in her ears because she was fine the rest of the flight.  Our favorite lollipops are Yummy Earth organic lollipops.  

4. Sticker books and dry erase books. Around Christmas time I did my first Usborne book order and the girls are loving the books.  They have these great wipe-clean workbooks that Ella loves.  I got Anna a few sticker books that kept her entertained.  She loves peeling off the stickers and sticking them on the pages. These are easy to pack and travel with, also great for the car and restaurants. I love that they are reusable, even the sticker books! If you need an Usborne rep, let me know, I have the BEST.  Also good old crayons and paper will do as well! 

5. Books.  Books in general are great to pack.  As active as Anna is, she will sit and read for awhile. She LOVES books!  I packed a few of her favorites and also a couple new ones.  When you travel always pack something new, a small toy or book is the perfect little airplane surprise. Look for a book that relates to the place you are traveling to.  For example, I found a great lift the flap book called Where is Baby's Beach Ball? that Anna loved! 

Have fun wherever you are going and remember that kids are kids and don't feel bad if they cry or melt down.  Traveling is hard on everyone. We just got back from an amazing family trip to Beaches Turks and Caicos.  I can't recommend this place enough! It was the best and easiest trip to take with young children.  

My Top 9 (cleaning products)

I have done a lot of research on safer cleaning products that actually work.  I use the Environmental Working Group's website ewg.org as a guide to find the safest products to use in my home.  I love this resource.  It is extremely important to read your labels and research each individual product.  Don't assume that a product from a certain "green" company is safe, ingredients vary in each product so check your labels and use the EWG as a resource.  You can find guides for food, personal care products, sunscreen, and more!  Vinegar, baking soda, Castile soap, and lemon go a long way but for specific tasks I have created a list of my favorites.  

1. Favorite Dishwasher Detergent: Seventh Generation Dishwasher Packs 

I used to use Cascade (ugh, I know) and hated when I would open the dishwasher and there would be a harsh chemical smell.  It truly smelled toxic.  I became really aware of this once I had my daughter. I absolutely love these Seventh Generation packs! What we use to clean our dishes is really important.  Chlorine bleach, fragrance, and sulfuric acid are all common ingredients in many dishwasher detergents.  READ YOUR LABELS! 

2. Favorite Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover: BioKleen

This is a great solution for carpets, sofas and even clothes.  I use it mostly for carpet stains.  With having two little ones running around it is important to have a safe stain remover.  BioKleen uses plant-based formulas and essential oils in their products.  There is no artificial fragrance or colors. 

3. Favorite Dish Soap: Honest Co Honest Dish Soap, white grapefruit

I am a big fan of the Honest Company.  I started with their diapers and wipes and now also get their essentials bundle.  I love the dish soap, its gentle and mild but actually works.  My favorite is white grapefruit.  I also really love Seventh Generation dish soap, this one may be a tie. 

4. Floor Cleaner (both tile and hardwood): evover floor soap

I became very aware about what I was using to clean my floors once I had kids.  I would watch my daughter crawl all over the floor and then stick her fingers in her mouth.   I started wondering what chemicals were in my current floor cleaner, two words, not good!  I have used a variety of floor cleaners in the past and have made my own.  I really like ecover because it works well on hardwood and tile floors.  It is very concentrated so you just add a small amount to water and you are all set! 

5. Laundry Stain Remover: Good old OxiClean  

I almost always have a bucket filled with OxiClean and water in our laundry room soaking with kids clothes.  I am always amazed that after soaking and being thrown in the laundry the stains have disappeared, it is seriously magic.

6. Laundry Detergent: Honest Company 4 in 1 Laundry Pods Free and Clear

I remember when I was pregnant and my mom suggested Dreft detergent to wash all of my newborn clothes in.  That is what she believed to be safe and why not? It is marketed to brand new babies.  I wish I knew then what I know now.  All I can do is move forward and continue to educate myself and my daughters. I have tried a few different safe laundry detergents and so far this is my favorite.  It also received an A on ewg.org. Not all Honest Company products are as clean, but these are a keeper!

7.  Wood Cleaner:  Seventh Generation wood cleaner

I love this wood cleaner.  It smells refreshing and works well on our wood table.  It is coconut oil based and uses lemon and chamomile essential oils for scent.  It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and contains no phosphates.  I also use it to clean our cherry cabinets.  Can't say enough about this product. 

8.  Bathroom Cleaner: Seventh Generation Tub and Tile Natural Cleaner

This works great on tubs, tile, and sinks.  Literally just spray and wipe.  The ingredients are nontoxic and biodegradable.  NO fumes, chlorine, petroleum baed solvents, glycol ethers, phosphates, dyes or strong acids. 

9.  Honest Company Wet Mopping Pads

I love these for a quick floor clean.  These fit perfectly on my old Swiffer (eeeeek) mop.  I also use these for our mudroom floor in the winter that is constantly dirty.  They work well on tile and won and smell wonderful. 

Perfect Fall Mommy Bag

I am finally reaching that stage (again) where I don't need to carry around a huge diaper bag.  I still need a bag that can hold a lot, but I don't need 8 billion pockets, bottle holders and changing pads.  I was on the hunt for a classic fall bag.  Since joining Beautycounter, I have become very conscious of how products are made.  I try to support companies that are ethical and sustainable as much as possible, which is a total work in progress.  

After doing some research, I came across a really helpful website www.thegoodtrade.com.  This website features 16 companies who make ethical, eco friendly, and fair trade bags.  All the companies listed have pretty incredible stories and contain American-made, B Corps, vegan, and up cycled options.  These companies are dedicated to both social good and environmentally friendly options. 

After much debate, I finally decided to invest in a Parker Clay beauty.  Parker Clay is dedicated to empowering women and making beautiful and artisan made bags for both women and men.  The company is founded on the values of making the best products possible, creating economic and social endowment, and being good to one another.  If only all companies followed these guidelines, right?  Parker Clay's founders Ian and Brittany Bentley were visiting Ethiopia in 2008 and were influenced by the number of orphans and disadvantaged women living there.  In 2011, they adopted Selah and soon after moved to Ethiopia to continue their work to provide job opportunities to those in need.  Parker Clay is committed to helping women get out of the commercial sex industry and partners with the nonprofit Women At Risk.  Parker Clay gets its name from the Bentley's two biological children, Parker and Clayton. 

I chose the All Leather Purpose in solid camel.  This bag is beautiful! It has an outside pocket perfect for your cell phone and two inside pockets that definitely come in handy.  I have gotten a ton of compliments and I love sharing the Parker Clay story.  Who would have thought a bag could be such a conversation piece? 

Parker Clay uses the highest quality material to make timeless and unique bags.  Check them out!

Easy as Apple Pie Sauce

Fall is my favorite time of year.  I love the smell, the food, Halloween, pumpkins, leaves, I could go on and on!  One of our favorite fall activities is apple picking.  We are fortunate to live in walking distance from an awesome apple orchard.   

There are so many great ways to use apples this time of year, but my favorite and most ridiculously easy way is crockpot applesauce.  You can throw all the ingredients into the pot and leave it for a few hours and come home to the best smell imaginable.  I used to make applesauce in my classroom every year to celebrate Johnny Appleseed and the kids always loved it.  

Ella loves helping with this recipe since she can pretty much do everything on her own, aside from peeling the apples.  I have a really great kid-friendly chopping knife that we use in the girls Waldorf class for chopping apples.  Ella started using it before she turned 2.

For this recipe all you will need is:

- 1 dozen apples (you can use more and freeze the applesauce)

- cinnamon to taste (I let Ella use as much as she wants)

- 1 c water

-1/4 c maple syrup (optional)

1.  Peel apples and chop in to large chunks

2. Put apples, cinnamon, and water in crockpot and stir

3. High 3-4 hours Low 5- hours

4. Mash any large chunks once applesauce is done and viola! 

Joie Fruit And Vegetable Wavy Chopper Knife Stainless Steel Blade (Colors may vary)

Jo!e

Spaghetti Squash Chicken Parmesan

I wish I had an extra hour in the day just to blog! Sorry it has been a few weeks.

Fall is my favorite season.  I love the cool, crisp weather and apple picking, pumpkins, sweaters, coffee,  the list goes on and on.  I also really love fall cooking.  The warmth it brings to the house makes it my favorite cooking season!   I love the versatility of squash, for years I was not ambitious enough to try spaghetti squash. For whatever odd reason it intimated me.  Guess what?  It is so easy and delicious! 

I saw this recipe on one of those Facebook videos and decided I had to try it.  It is AMAZING.  I stopped eating meat for about 10 years, but started eating chicken again when I was pregnant with my second child.  My entire pregnancy I craved chicken salad, so I gave in and this recipe just solidifies my decision.  It's not the quickest recipe to whip up, but well worth it.  Also a recipe that the entire family loves!

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips 

2 spaghetti squash

2 eggs

1 c panko crumbs

1 c flour

1 Tbs dried basil

1 Tbs dried oregano

1/2 Tbs garlic powder (or more if you like)

salt and pepper

Olive oil

1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce

8 oz shredded mozzarella 

1/2 c fresh, grated parmesan cheese

2 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees 

2. Slice squash in half length-wise and scrape out seeds.  Brush each half with olive oil and sprinkles with salt and pepper.  Lay face down on a cookie sheet and bake for 35 minutes.

3. While the squash is baking, salt and pepper your chicken strips.  

4.  Pour flour in a shallow bowl, scramble 2 eggs in another,  and in a third bowl add panko crumbs, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.

5. Dip each piece of chicken into flour, egg and then panko mixture.  

6. Next you are going to sauté the chicken. I love using cast iron, it is a great investment.  Sauté the chicken in olive oil about 4 minutes aside or until cooked through. 

7.  Once the spaghetti squash is done and cooled a bit, use a fork to scrape out the flesh.  Put the "spaghetti" into a bowl lined with either a kitchen towel or cheese cloth. You are definitely going to want to get some of the excess water out.  I learned this the hard way so don't skip this step. 

8. Place the drained squash back into the shells evenly.  Add a layer of sauce and then arrange chicken strips on top.  Add another layer of sauce and top with mozzarella cheese and fresh parmesan.  

9.  Bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.  

10.  Top with fresh parsley and enjoy! 

My Top 10 (and least expensive ways) to keep it clean

1. Shop seasonal and freeze.  I love the abundance of fresh fruits and veggies we can get in the summer months.  Prices are so much lower on organic berries (especially pick your own).  Plus everything tastes better.  My neighbor just brought over 2 freezer bags of fresh corn kernels that I can add to soups and chili this winter.  Blueberries are another great one to freeze and add to smoothies or even cereal in the winter.  It is also fun to shop seasonal in the fall and winter and get creative with root veggies! 

2. Try homemade cleaning products.  I posted an all purpose spray on the blog that you can check out.  What I love about homemade cleaning products is that they work and are made with ingredients you most likely already have in your home.  Water, vinegar and baking soda go a long way.  Vinegar and water work wonders on glass and stainless steel.  Actually, vinegar and water work on just about anything (including toilets).

3. Go glass! Switch over your plastic tupperware to glass.  This is a one time investment with huge benefits.  I love glass for food storage and you can even reheat in the oven up to 350 degrees.  One less reason to use the microwave! This Rubbermaid set is perfect and easy to store. 

Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Glass Food Storage Container, 22-piece Set, Red (1865887)

Rubbermaid

Buy on Amazon

4. Buy in bulk.  I think people often have a negative connotation with purchasing in bulk but I love it.  It is so much cheaper and the product is just as good.  My favorite bulk items are organic oats, organic quinoa, whole wheat pastry flour, nuts, nut butter, and spices.  

5. Keep the EWG dirty dozen list stored on your phone.  This is a great reference when trying to figure out what to buy organic while shopping. 

6. Start a garden in the summer.  We are fortunate to have extremely generous neighbors with a green thumb.  We do have a small garden with tomatoes, lettuce and plenty of herbs,  A great way to use up your herbs is to store them in ice cube trays with olive oil.  You can add a cube to just about any dish in the winter.  I also love to make tons of pesto at the end of summer because it freezes so well.  We also planted blueberry bushes this year which has been fun for the girls. 

7. Check your personal care products.  This is something that I have learned a ton about since joining Beautycounter.  We don't think of our skin as our largest organ.  What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in it.  Start small, you are investing in yourself.  Think about the products you use every day (deodorant, shampoo, face wash, moisturizer, toothpaste, etc).  The EWG has a wonderful app called Healthy Living.  Download the app to find out the score of the products you are currently using.  You may be surprised! And don't forget about the many uses of coconut oil and olive oil on your skin. 

8. Remove shoes before entering the home.  This is such a simple task with HUGE benefits.  Our shoes carry in a ridiculous amount of bacteria that gets transferred all over your house. GROSS! 

9. Drink water.  Another no brainer!  Purchase a good quality water bottle and take it with you wherever you go.  My favorite water bottle is the S'well Bottle.  It's stainless steel and keeps water cold all day.  Water increases energy, helps with digestion, flushes out toxins, helps boost immunities, and so much more. 

10. Educate yourself.  This is something that we don't do enough of.  At least I don't.  Make sure you are reading labels when it comes to food, personal care products, clothing, cleaning products, etc.  

Summer Gazpacho

I love seasonal cooking, my two favorites are summer and fall.  In the summer, I love the abundance of fresh fruits and veggies.  Simplicity truly is key.  One of my favorite summer recipes is classic Gazpacho.  It is refreshing on a hot summer day and is packed full of nutrients.  Both of my girls love it and Ella usually eats at least 3 bowls at a time.  

This is another great recipe for kids to help with.  It's perfect because they can munch on fresh veggies while helping! Ella even went out to the garden on her own to pick the chives and parsley.  We used tomatoes and cucumbers that we picked earlier from our generous neighbor's abundant garden.  Fresh and local, perfection.

Classic Summer Gazpacho

4 c organic vegetable juice

5 or 6 large tomatos 

1 large cucumber peeled, seeded and diced

1 red pepper chopped 

1 purple onion chopped

6 chives chopped

3 Tbs parsley

6 drops hot sauce (I usually use a little more since we like spice!)

1/4 c olive oil 

1/4 c red wine vinegar

2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce 

1/2 lemon

1. Start by boiling a large pot of water.  With a knife slice a small x in the bottom of each tomato.  Boil tomatoes for 1 minute and remove from water.  Once tomatoes are cool, the skin will peel right off.   This is the easiest way to remove tomato skin and retain flavor! 

2. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.  Using an immersion blender (one of my absolute favorite tools for soup!) or food processor, blend ingredients until desired consistency. 

3.  Place in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld.

Conair Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75BC 200 Watt 2 Speed Hand Blender (Brushed Chrome)

Cuisinart

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Detox Me...There's an app for that!

I recently learned about a pretty amazing app designed by Silent Spring Institute.  Silent Spring is a nonprofit dedicated to researching the effects toxic chemicals have on our everyday lives and how we can avoid them.  

Silent Spring partners with physicians, public health and community advocates and other scientists to identify and break the links between environmental chemicals and women’s health, especially breast cancer.

I am a huge fan of the EWG Healthy Living app as well, and this is just another resource to have on hand to help clean up your lifestyle.  

Detox me has a ton of great tips to help you reduce your and your family's exposure to toxic chemicals that are in so many of our products and homes.  The app also keeps track of your progress and sends reminders which is helpful as well.  I love how so many of the ideas the app offers are so small and simple.  This shows how easy it is to make changes that can greatly impact your health.  One reminder I have set right now is about choosing pajamas for my kids that are not flame-resistant.  I may already be doing this but have never paid much attention.  I have learned that flame retardants have been linked to thyroid abnormalities, endocrine disruption, cancer and learning disabilities.  Next time I am pajama shopping I will looking for snug fitting organic cotton.  Another reminder is about plastic in the dishwasher.  We hardly have any plastic in our kitchen, except for our kids water bottles (eeeeek!).  I have purchased a couple stainless steel ones but my girls loves their Camelbacks.  I am going to work on hand washing their water bottles which can be a challenge when throwing them in the dishwasher just seems so much easier.  

Another great feature is that you can use the app while shopping.  Simply scan barcodes and find out how safe your products are.  Since most chemicals in our everyday products have never been tested for links to human health issues, we must educate ourselves.  

My 3 favorite and simple tips so far are:

1. Switch your food storage containers to glass.

2. Avoid fragrance.  Fragrance is completely unregulated and can literally be anything.  Companies do not have to disclose what chemicals are behind the word.

3. Leave your shoes at the door.  This is one of my favorites! Removing shoes helps minimize the spread of outdoor pollutants throughout your home.  

 Take a few minutes to download this free app and educate yourself! #knowbetterdobetter

Favorite Safe Nail Polish

Did you know that nail polish can be one of the most toxic beauty products we put on our bodies?  Having two daughters has really opened my eyes! My 3 year old came home from school a few months ago asking to have her nails painted.  My first thought was "ugh! all of those toxic chemicals!" But of course I didn't want her to miss out on the fun of nail polish!  I did some research and with a few great recommendations from friends I have found my favorite polishes to be Priti NYC and Ella and Mila.  I also really love the Priti NYC soy based nail polish remover.  It doesn't have the toxic odor that many other nail polish removers contain. 

Both Priti NYC and Ella and Mila lasted about a week on fingernails and 3-4 weeks on toes which I found similar to other nail polishes I have used in the past.  I used the base and top coat from Priti NYC.  There are so many great color choices with both lines.  A few of our favorites are Priti NYC Park Princess Dahlia and Ginger Snap Orchid.  I also love the Ella and Mila mommy and me sets, they are the perfect combinations.  Our favorite set is Rosy Cheeks and My Pool Party.  Ella also loves sparkles, her favorite is Party in a Bottle.  

ella+mila Nail Polish, Me Collection - Ella's Pick

ella mila

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Priti NYC 2 in 1 Non-Toxic Base Coat

Priti

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Priti NYC Nail Polish Remover, Unscented 4 fl oz

PRITI NYC

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Here a list of chemicals you should avoid (from Ellamila.com) in traditional nail polishes and why:

• Toluene is a liquid that is used as a solvent and has the familiar smell of paint thinner.  You can be exposed to toluene by breathing it in or getting it on your skin, causing skin irritation.  Unfortunately, inhaling high levels of toluene is said to be harmful to your nervous system and can cause light-headedness and nausea.  Toluene is a toxin that may also cause birth defects and developmental problems in children of pregnant women who have had extended exposure.

  Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) is a commonly used plasticizer and has been linked to cancer.  DBP has also been connected to birth defects in studies involving lab animals.  In fact, this toxin was added to the California Proposition 65 list of suspected teratogens, which are agents that cause malformations of an embryo.

  Formaldehyde is a commonly used chemical to preserve and embalm dead animals (and humans).  Its vapors are also irritating and can trigger asthma.  Formaldehyde is also a known human carcinogen, a factor directly involved in causing cancer.  

  Formaldehyde Resin is a derivative of Formaldehyde, mainly used in the production of coatings and adhesives.  It is not as toxic as Formaldehyde but can be an allergen.

  Camphor is a poison that can cause seizures and disorientation if used in large doses.  This chemical acts as a cover on your nails, depriving them of nutrients and causing yellow staining on your nails.

HAPPY POLISHING! 

Summer Farro Salad

Farro is an ancient grain that is slowly gaining popularity here in the U.S.  I first tried farro about 10 years ago on a trip to Italy with my mom.  We attended a week-long cooking school in Tuscany and one of my favorite recipes I learned to make was a farro salad.  I made it a lot when we first got back from our trip,  but over the years it faded from my repertoire.  The other day I was on the phone with my aunt and she was making a recipe with farro and it completely jogged my memory and inspired me to make farro salad.  I couldn't find the recipe from Italy so I created my own.  However, I did remember the one key ingredient that made the farro salad really stand out,  homemade basil oil.  This is something great to make and have on hand in the summer for a variety of recipes.  Really anything you would add basil and olive oil to, think mozzarella and tomato salad or pasta salad.  

I love farro because it is high in fiber, protein and other nutrients.  It also has a bit of a nutty flavor which is a nice alternative to quinoa, which I also make a lot of.  You can add farro to soups, salads, and chilis.  The recipe I am going to share with you is my favorite way to cook farro, as a chilled salad. 

Ingredients

2 c dry farro

1/2 c basil oil (recipe below)

1 c cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half

1 medium cucumber chopped

3 scallions chopped

2 Tbs fresh parsley

salt and pepper to taste 

1. Cook farro according to directions. Usually the ratio is 3:1.  3 cups water for every 1 cup of farro.  Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, stir and reduce to medium heat for about 12 minutes.  Drain excess water and chill. 

2. Prepare veggies and herbs

3. Combine cooled farro and all other ingredients in a large bowl.  Stir to combine and chill in fridge until ready to serve. 

*For basil oil:  You will need to first blanch the basil leaves so they keep their bright green color.  I usually just dip leaves in boiling water for about 10 seconds and then shock them in a bowl of ice water.  Combine about 1 c of basil leaves with 1/3 c olive oil in a food processor and grind.  Basil oil can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days or frozen. 

I absolutely love my mini prep Cuisinart food processor for recipes like this.  It is compact and super easy to use and clean.  I also love using it to make pesto.  I find it a lot easier than lugging out my large food processor. 

Conair Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini Prep Plus Food Processor Brushed Chrome and Nickel

Cuisinart

Bee's Wrap

If you haven't heard of Bee's Wrap, prepare to be amazed!  I read about Bee's Wrap a few months ago (I can't even remember where) and never followed up with purchasing.  I was so excited to stumble across Bee's Wrap at an amazing little store in Stowe, Vermont called the Country Store on Main.  This adorable shop recently opened and is already one of my favorites.  Perfect for unique kitchen items, gifts and local products.  I could literally spend the entire day here, there is something for everyone.  Plus, it is owned by the adorable Cristina Mink.  She and her staff make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in.  Make sure to check it out when you are in Stowe!

Okay, back to Bee's Wrap.  This product is the natural alternative to plastic wrap.  I have been focused on making changes in our home to safer alternatives.  One small change I made was switching over our plastic tupperware to glass storage.  However, I often use plastic wrap to cover bowls or wrap partially used veggies and was not sure how to eliminate this.  Enter, Bee's Wrap!  This product is awesome.  Bee's Wrap is handmade in Bristol, VT by infusing organic cotton with beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin.  Bee's Wrap is washable, reusable, and compostable.  And the best part...it works!  It keeps food fresh and tightly wrapped.  It is also super simple to use.  You just use your fingers to mold the Bee's Wrap to your container.  The warmth and pressure from your hands creates a seal.  The wraps come in a variety of sizes to fit your need.  I purchased the 3 pack of large wraps but will definitely be adding a variety of sizes.  

To wash your Bee's Wrap, you simply use soap and water and hang to dry.  Once dry you can refold to store.  The beeswax and jojoba oil contain antibacterial qualities that help keep food fresh and allow you to reuse for about a year.  Pretty impressive, right?  

Bee's Wrap Sustainable Food Storage Assorted 3 Pack

Bee's Wrap

Blueberry Season!

One of our favorite summer activities is berry picking and today was the first day we went blueberry picking.  It was also the first time for Anna and she had a blast!  I am pretty sure her poop is going to blue for the next week.  There is a small local farm in our town that I absolutely adore.  They are family owned and operated and the current farmer is the fifth-generation.  One reason I love this farm so much is that although they are not certified organic, they don't spray with pesticides.  Instead, they have about a dozen or so chickens roaming the blueberry fields to keep pests away.  The kids love it and so do I!  

When we got home, Anna took a long nap and Ella and I got cooking!  I love cooking with Ella using food she picked herself.  There is something a little more gratifying in it and kids love to see the fruits of their labor (no pun intended).  Today we made two new recipes that I found in a local magazine.  We made super easy blueberry popsicles and we also made blueberry scones that were absolutely delicious!  I tweaked the scone recipe a bit thanks to a friend who shared with me how amazing whole wheat pastry flour is to work with.  The scones were so delicious and I can't wait to have another tomorrow morning with my coffee.  

Blueberry Popsicles:

2 c blueberries

1/4 c sugar

1 c water

1 tsp lemon juice

1. Boil all ingredients together and let cool.

2. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze 6-8 hours before serving. 

Blueberry Scones:

1 1/2 c whole wheat pasty flour

2 c organic old fashioned oats

1/4 c sugar

4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

1/2 c melted butter

1/3 c milk

1/2 c blueberries 

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2. In a large bowl combine dry ingredients

3. In a smaller bowl, beat 1 egg until frothy and add 1/2 c melted butter and 1/3 c milk.  

4. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until combined.

5. Gently fold in blueberries.  Use a 1/4 c measuring cup to drop mix onto parchment-lined cookie sheet. 

6. Bake about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 10-12 scones

Safe and Simple All Purpose Cleaner

I used to be good about making my own cleaning products.  However, once I had kids and I got really lazy about.  I am now back on board with the DIY since many of the cleaning products I thought were safe have either changed formulas or new information has been discovered about certain ingredients.  I check the EWG website pretty regularly to see where certain products rank and since data is always changing I decided to go back to doing more of making my own.  I still buy certain products but I have a great all purpose cleaner recipe that can be used on most surfaces.  I mainly use it on our kitchen countertops and bathrooms.  The ingredients are simple and it smells great!  I ordered the glass cleaning bottles on amazon and they are perfect.  I love the cobalt color too! 

Ingredients for DIY All Purpose Cleaner

2 c warm water

2 Tbs distilled vinegar

1 tbs Castile soap (I use peppermint)

1 tbs baking soda

Mix ingredients together in a large measuring cup and stir to combine.  Pour into bottle and clean! I usually swirl the bottle a bit before each use to make sure ingredients are mixed.

16oz Cobalt Glass Refillable Spray Bottles with Reusable Chalk Labels (2 Pack)

Cornucopia Brands

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Spiralize Me!

If you don't own a spiralizer, you are lacking an essential kitchen tool.  I feel like I have wasted many years in the kitchen, missing out on some pretty awesome recipes.  This is a life changing kitchen gadget! And the best part is I ordered mine on Amazon for less than $30, what a steal!   I love how there are three different blade attachments, and the spiralizer suctions to your counter so it won't slide as your are working.  

Every summer I get a ton of zucchini and get tired of the same old recipes.  I just tried this zucchini salad recipe and it was absolutely delicious!  And I am now convinced that kids will eat anything shaped like spaghetti, since Ella has never liked zucchini before.  Both girls wolfed this down and asked for seconds.

Ingredients:

*1 large zucchini

*1 pint cherry tomatoes (roasted)

*4 scallions,  sliced

*1 garlic scape, chopped

*1 Tbs olive oil

*1/4 c grapeseed oil

*juice from 1/2 lemon

*1 garlic glove, minced

*1/4 c toasted pine nuts

*salt and pepper to taste

1. Use spiralizer to make zucchini noodles and place in large bowl

2. Roast tomatoes tossed in olive oil in oven at 250 for about an hour

3. For dressing whisk together grapeseed oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper 

4. Add dressing, roasted tomatoes, scallions and garlic scapes to zucchini noodles

5.  Top with toasted pine nuts and salt and pepper to taste 

Tri-Blade Vegetable Spiral Slicer, Strongest-Heaviest, Best Veggie Pasta Spaghetti Maker for Low Carb/Paleo/Gluten-Free Meals

Spiralizer

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"More Kale Salad, Please"

Kale is definitely one of my favorite vegetables.  I love that it is hearty and easy to cook with.  It's impossible to mess up!  Kale also has many great health benefits.  Kale is chalk full of vitamins and minerals and is one of the most nutrient dense foods you can add to your diet.  Kale is also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.

I went through a stage of making kale chips on a regular basis which is still one of our family favorites, but this simple kale salad takes the cake!  Ella eats at least 3 helpings of this salad and has coined the phrase "more kale salad, please".  

This salad is so easy to make and can even be assembled ahead of time with the dressing!  It is perfect to take to a gathering because it serves a lot of people and contains simple ingredients.  I even made this for a neighbor after surgery and she said her 4 year old son loved it! 

Ingredients:

*Chopped bunch of Kale (you can use any kind) I love using either Green Curly Kale or Lacianto 

*1/4 c extra virgin olive oil

*1/2 lemon

*Fresh grated parmesan (you can add as much as you desire)

*salt and pepper to taste

1. Chop kale and add to a large bowl

2. Pour olive oil over kale and using hands, massage olive oil onto kale until even 

3. Add juice form half a lemon and mix

4. Finish by adding parmesan cheese and salt and pepper 

5. Enjoy!