5 tsp. Olive Oil
6 Skinless Chicken Thighs, either Bone in or Boneless work
1 Cup Water
3/4 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup Orange Juice
1/4 Cup Reduced Sodium Soya Sauce
1/4 Cup Ketchup
3 Tabs. Rice wine Vinegar
6 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 tsp. Chinese Five Spice Powder
1 Tbs. Cornstarch
1 Tbs. Water
Sliced Green onion, garnish
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Well it's been a moment since I've been in charge of Harvest Meals, but I'm Back! And believe it or not I actually missed it! Who Knew?!?!
Once again as a reminder I am no Chef, but want to keep track of what my go to's are, and give ideas on WHAT to cook. Whether it's Everyday, Harvest Meals, Back to School, On-The-Go Lifestyles, Freezer Friendly or whatever take what you will out of it and of course Enjoy!
4 Slices Bacon, diced (I used 1/2 cup Real Bacon Bits)
2 Boneless Chicken Breasts, Cut into 1 inch Chunks
1 Tbs. Alice Oil
1 Tbs. Ranch Seasoning
1 Cup Rotini Pasta
1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2 Tbs. Fresh Parsley, chopped
For Homemade Alfredo Sauce: (you can always use pre-mixed)
2 Tbs. Unsalted Butter
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 Cup Heavy Cream, or more taste
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Salt & Pepper, to taste
5 - 6 Cups Broccoli
1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded, or I like to cube mine
2/3 Cup Dried Craisins
1/2 Cup Bacon Bits
1/2 Cup Sunflower Seeds
1/3 Cup Red Onion, Diced
3/4 Cup Mayo
1/4 Cup Sour Cream
1 1/2 Tbs. White Wine Vinegar
3 Tabs. Sugar
Salt & Pepper
Not only is the Hotel & Surroundings Beautiful in our amazing Canadian Rockies but they Offer their Nordic Spa which is a Hydrotherapy based retreat.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat a disease or to maintain health. It was part of a health movement that led to the development of naturopathic medicine. Hydrotherapy uses various forms of water, such as cold or hot water, ice, or steam.
So basically you take Turns in each Area to get the benefit : Hot > Warm > Cold > Warm > Repeat was their Suggestion.
I feel we all know the reason why saunas have benefits, but with the New to you idea of Cold Plu gong the main question everybody was asking was WHY COLD PLUNGE?
Everybody has their own method for waking up; double shots of espresso, a quick workout, and so on. If you’re looking for a quick start to your morning or an afternoon pick me up, cold plunging might just be the answer. Many people turn to cold plunging when looking for a new way to boost their daily energy!
Cold plunge benefits extend beyond the mental and chemical aspects of your body too. Sports medicine has utilized cold water therapy for years, to help the active recovery of your muscles.
Being immersed in cold water stimulates leukocytes, the white blood cells that help fight off sicknesses. It also causes the lymphatic system to contract, forcing fluid through the lymph nodes. This process aids in detoxing the body and strengthening your immune system.
Cold plunging has shown the ability increase your baseline dopamine. Dopamine is the molecule in our brain and body that is linked to motivation. According to Dr. Andrew Huberman dopamine can enhance our depth of focus and lower our threshold for taking action towards our specific goals.
Researchers have known for a while that it connects to our daily energy. In particular, there is lots of evidence that hormone inbalance can contribute to depression, meaning that a cold plunge might help to reduce depression and improve overall mood! Don't take our word for it though, just ask anyone who has ever plunged!
The boost in norepiniphrine you'll get from consistant ice baths has been shown to be up to 5x. This neurotransmitter can dramatically reduce inflmamation and help with chronic pain.
Cold water therapy has been shown to be an effective supplemental treatment for stress relief by decreasing the stress hormone cortisol. A study found that regular cold showers and ice baths helped reduce anxiety and improve the mood of participants.
When you dip into the Plunge, your body triggers the autonomic nervous system. This system is a network of vessels and nerves, split into two parts that control your response to stress. When you begin to control your response to stress, you’ll likely find that you begin to control your relaxation and sleep.
After a quick google search I found the Tubs we sat in were 5-10’C so no need to travel enjoy these benefits at home
If any of these benefits look enticing, but in sure or don’t think you’ll get to a Hydrotherapy Spa anytime Soon? Don’t fret the average Cold Water Temperature of your Shower Tap will get as low as 15’C which will benefit you still.
]]>Here are a handful of delicious recipes to put it to use!
1 oz. Pumpkin Spice Gourmet Syrup
1 ea. organic chai tea
Fill with steamed milk
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup Pumpkin Spice Gourmet Syrup
3/4 oz. Pumpkin Spice Gourmet Syrup
6 oz. apple juice
3/4 oz. Pumpkin Spice Gourmet Syrup
2 oz. apple cider
1 oz. cranberry juice
Fill with ginger beer
1 1/2 oz. bourbon
1 oz. Pumpkin Spice Gourmet Syrup
2 oz. pineapple juice
2 oz. unsweetened black tea
1 oz. Pumpkin Spice Gourmet Syrup
2 shot(s) espresso
Fill with steamed milk
So Here's one of my Faves:
We are so honoured to be featured in the National 'Fresh' Magazine for their Valentine's Day Gift Guide for her.
Written by the very talented Holly Decker
To see what items she's suggest shopping this Valentine's Season click HERE!
To see what items she's suggest shopping this Holiday Season click HERE!
See what you like?
Order this weeks Hand-Tied Floral Posy Bouquet HERE.
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We had a quick trip up to Edmonton the other Weekend, and luckily stayed with my husbands sister. We love staying there because she always cooks us the best food! We are VERY meat & potatoes in our household, and she is the complete opposite. Sometimes we get a little Leary, but in the end always love everything she makes us try.
This trip, she made us these Gluten Free Chicken & Waffle and they were DELICIOUS! You'd never know they were an alternative recipe.
So here's the Recipe, Enjoy!
]]>In all Honesty, my waffles didn't quite turn out the same as hers... I think I made ours too thick and had to re-chop the broccoli a bit finer. The first waffle was a complete mess!
I'll definitely keep making this until I get the correct consistency, because who doesn't love fried chicken and waffles!?!?
My Mother in-law loves her kitchen, and I agree it's a great set-up, layout and solid, like a SOLID hand-made original from the 80's. The only thing that needed a quick update was the color pallet.
After a few back & forths with some colour samples, she chose a colour that looks great! She also knew she was doing an update on most of her main floor including new flooring, countertops, paint and furniture, so this was a big decision. And I think she made the right one.
For her upper & lowers cupboards along the perimeter she chose Little Lamb. Little Lamb is part of the Tones for Tots Collection Fusion offers and is a great choice for a medium toned gray.
Little Lamb is a great grey with this fantastic wooly neutral tone that adds a classy look to any DIY project. This is a hue that plays nicely with every colour in our collection, making it the perfect complimentary shade.
For the Kitchen Island, she chose an accent colour of Soap Stone. Soap Stone, depending on your natural light and colouring can either look like a beautiful Charcoal Grey or in most cases pick up on more the blue-side.
Soap Stone has been everyone’s favourite deep gray, Soap Stone is one of those colours that is totally dependent on its surroundings. Its slight purple undertones added with the changing light in the room will play with your eyes in the most enchanting way.
Like we said above, these cupboards were originally built along with the house in the 80's, by a local craftsman who back in the day did things right and meticulously by hand. These cupboards were definitely before their time, and those little details are perfect and functional for a kitchen that is well used.
They were originally Oak, that has been upkept and oiled regularly over the years So I suggest she give everything a quick scuff with some sandpaper, and a good clean with our TSP Alternative to clean off any excess oil.
We always suggest TSP Alternative for any project, as even the oils from your hands can start creating a built up over time. TSP Alternative breaks down theses oils and cleans your piece supporting better adhesion. Plus, our formula doesn't have to be meticulously scrubbed off afterwards like the regular Hardware variety.
We also went a step above and used our Ultra Grip, to help adhesion over years of oil use in cleaning and staining.
As for the Sealer, Fusions do have a built-in sealant, but with Kitchen cupboards and high wash high traffic areas it's always nice to give it some extra durability. We had suggested our Hemp Oil. I know she had oiled her cupboards in the past, so I knew she would feel comfortable using this product later on if she needed to give it another once over.
We also chose Hemp Oil as the Island is in a darker shade and sometimes the Tough Coat can leave darker colors cloudier. Using Hemp Oil you won't have this problem.
When painting kitchen cupboards, you do have to realize these are a big job. Sometimes they are weekends projects, but to do it right and depending on the size of your cupboards, you may be looking into a week long project. Factoring in proper, prep, drying time, painting fronts & backs, Sealing, and the re-assembling, it's always best to give yourself enough room & time to not rush through this project.
It may sound like a lot, but once you get in the groove you are golden, and the results always turn out amazing!
Products used for this Project
Prep:
Colour:
Sealer:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup finely chopped peeled carrots
2 tablespoons minced garlic
8 ounces lean ground beef
6 ounces spicy Italian sausages, casings removed
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes with added puree
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon golden brown sugar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
2 large eggs
3/4 cups grated mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/4 pounds)
2 bunches kale
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp vegan Worcestershire
2 large garlic cloves, minced or grated on Microplane
1 tsp capers, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 tbsp Hellmann’s Vegan
3 tbsp nutritional yeast (or vegan Parmesan)
1 full lemon squeezed
1 recipe, Homemade Croutons (recipe below)
1 day old baguette, cut into 1-inch pieces
2-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 small onion, chopped
8 ounces ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound red-skinned potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup warm 2% milk
1/3 cup shredded sharp Cheddar
1 scallion, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
2 medium zucchini, sliced
2 medium yellow squash, sliced
5 medium tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian Spice Mix
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (chopped, then measured)
1 lb brussels sprouts, washed and trimmed
1/2 cup dried cranberries (I used unsweetened)
1/3 cup shaved parmesan cheese
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 TBS red wine vinegar
1/2 TBS pure maple syrup
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
I have been run off my feet at the Shop this past couple of weeks. Plus trying to keep our home organized, laundry kept up, the Husband fed, myself fed, plus so much more... so yes! I'm kind of tired, actually exhausted, worn out and basically running on empty would be a better description!
1 Roast
1 Pkg Onion Soup Mix
2-3 cups Broth
Throw everything in your Slow cooker on low for the 6-8 hours, and Enjoy!
Once my Roast was finished, and I sliced it, it did look a little dry to me, so next time I'd maybe reduce the time? But luckily, I put all the liquid in a saucepan, added some flour and Pepper to taste, and whisked everything into a delicious Gravy. (Thanks Jacquie T. for gravy Inspo!)
I also served this with (S)Mashed Potatoes (mashed potatoes with the skin on), and Carrots. I just peel and chop my carrots, boil them for 20 minutes, then melt some butter and brown sugar on them.
There are many ways to cook beets. You can roast them in the oven or steam them. Or, you can simply boil them. The best and the least messy way to cook beets is to boil them. It’s my favorite method and the easiest way I know. Below I provide detailed instructions on how to boil beets.
3 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
Salt & Pepper to Taste
6 cups Baby Spinach
2 cups Beets, cooked, diced
1/3 cup Pine Nuts, toasted
1/3 cup Goat Cheese, crumbled
1 cup Raw Cashews, soaked overnight
3/4 cup Pumpkin Puree, not pumpkin pie filling
1/2 cup Coconut Oil, melted
1/2 cup Maple Syrup
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 cans Coconut Milk, chilled overnight
1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 1/4 cup Vegan Graham Cracker Crumbs
3 Tablespoon Vegan Butter, melted
2 cups Egg Noodles, uncooked
2 cups Chicken Breast, cooked & Shredded
1 Pkg. Frozen Peas & Carrots
1( Pkg. Frozen Corn
1 cup Milk
1 10 oz. Can of Cream of Chicken Coup
1 10 oz. Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1/2 Tablespoon Dried Minced Onion
2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
2 cups Brussel Sprouts, shredded
2 cups Blueberries
1 cup Sliced Almonds, toasted
Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
2 teaspoons Honey
1 Tablespoons Poppy Seeds
Salt & Pepper to taste
For the 7 Layer Salad Recipe click HERE
1 lbs. Lean Ground Beef
1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Milk
1 Egg, beaten
8 Soda Crackers, crushed
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/4 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Water
1 Teaspoon Dry Mustard
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
4 cups Iceburg Lettuce - Layer 1
1/2 bag Frozen Peas, thawed in water - Layer 2
1 cup Celery, chopped - Layer 3
1/4 cup Onion, chopped - Layer 4
1 cup Real Bacon Bits - Layer 5
6 Eggs, Hardboiled, Chopped - Layer 6
Dressing - Layer 7
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded - Layer 8
1 cup Mayonaise
1 Cup Sour Cream
3 Tablespoons Milk
I attempted these chocolate Chips last night, I had a customer come in months ago, maybe even a year actually that I think of it, and she said the Magnolia Chocolate Chips Cookies were delicious and always turned out, so hesitantly I took her word for it, so here's the recipe.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 heaping teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl; set aside.
Place the butter and sugar In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. (Alternatively, use an electric hand mixer and large bowl.) Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs and beat until blended. Add the vanilla and beat until blended.
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So my original Classic Parmesan Chicken turned into a Casserole, so it was an easy drop off meal I could start way ahead of time, so I could enjoy my day away from the Kitchen.
1 Pkg Rigatoni Pasta, Penne can also be used
1 Jar Marinara Sauce (I thinking in the future I'd use 2 jars, mine turned out pretty dry after baking)
3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, grated
1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese, Finely grated
4 Chicken Breasts, cut into 1/2 strips
1 1/2 cup Flour
2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
4 Eggs
2 1/2 cups Italian Bread Crumbs, fine
1 cup Canola Oil
2 Tablespoons Butter
Fresh Parsley, to garnish
2 Red Bell Peppers, diced
4 Celery ribs, finely chopped
1 head Garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Chilli Powder
2 Tablespoons ground Cumin
2 Teaspoons Salt
2 pounds Ground Beef
2 cans Diced Tomatoes (28 oz.)
2 cans Tomato Paste (5.5 oz.)
1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
2 Teaspoon Hot Sauce, optional
12 Hamburger Buns
2 1/2 cups Macaroni
1/4 cup Butter
1/4 cup Flour
2 cups Milk
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 cup Velveeta, cubed
2/3 cup Sour Cream
1 1/3 cups Cottage Cheese
2 cups Old Cheddar, shredded
1 1/3 cups Soft Breadcrumbs
1 Tablespoon Butter
Paprika to taste
2 lbs. Potatoes, cooked & unpeeled, can also use leftovers if available
4 Dill Pickles, diced
2 Celery Ribs, diced
4 Green Onions, thinly sliced
Handful Fresh Parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Mayonaise
2 Tablespoons Horseradish
2 Tablespoons White Vinegar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Hot Sauce (optional)
1 1/4 cups Grahm Wafer Crumbs
1/3 Butter, melted
1/4 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Coconut, optional
3/4 cups Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 cup Cornstarch
1/2 cup Coconut, optional
3 Eggs, separated
2 1/2 cups Milk
2 Tablespoon Butter
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1/4 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
Sprinkle of Sugar, couple more Tablespoons
I love using my crock pot on days I'm working, and these sales love to marinate plus puff wheat cake lasts for days... or does it?!?
This recipe is kind of a little of this a little of that, and a little more of those! I don't really measure anything out, but guesstimate depending on what size of crock pot I'm using and how many I'm feeding. So bare with me!
Potatoes
Onion
Carrots
Chicken Thighs (breast work too)
Pre-Packaged Chicken Gravy
Frozen Peas
Salt & Pepper
Cooking Spray
I usually serve with Dinner Rolls, and Enjoy!
1 cup Mayonaise
1/2 cup Raisins or Craisins
1/4 cup Red Onion, finely chopped
3 Tablespoons Sugar
2 Tablespoons Vinegar
7 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets, chopped
2 Apples, chopped
1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds
1/2 cup Bacon Bits, I use the real pre-made bacon bits
1/2 cup Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Dried Dill
Pepper to taste
1 Large Cucumber, peeled cut lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/3 cup Onion, thinly sliced
1 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Margarine
1/3 cup Corn Syrup
3 Tablespoons Cocoa
2 Tablespoons Vanilla
9 cups Puffed Wheat
So sometimes these posts are more for ideas on WHAT to make rather than how to make it!
All you need are Chicken Breasts, and the Shake N' Bake Package. So Easy and so good every time. I even mix it up sometimes, the BBQ chicken shake n' bake is one of our faves too. I'm sure there is home-made shake recipe out there, but I know I, myself don't have time for that, so 'good job' to those who do!
I grab a variety of root vegetables, ie: Potatoes, Carrots, Turnips, Zucchini, etc. and roughly chop them, then I drizzle with Olive Oil, Sprinkle with Seasoning Salt give it. quick mix and Oven Roast them at 400' for about 30-40 minutes.
Easy Peasy and one of my favourites. So may colours, and nutrients in 1 dish!
Pea Salad
Frozen Peas, Thawed in water
1/2 cup Real Bacon Bits
1/2 Red Onion, diced
3/4 Old Cheddar Cheese, diced or shredded
1/3 cup Mayonaise
1/2 cup Sour Cream
2 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions:
And with Harvest comes, Harvest meals in the field. My love/hate responsibility on our Family Farm.
Day one started off with a hiccup, of course and my prepared Roast I made for Roast beef Sandwiches for the week turned into a mini meal for the crew after being broken down all day. When you're broke down you just go with the flow as the cook. There can't be any complaining on what you HAD planned, because your time and grocery bill does not even come close to a broke down massive piece of equipment like a combine!
So round 2, or day 2 in this case I guess went a teeny bit better. Or at least a teeny bit better in my case. Still having some issues with this heat-wave we are having outside right now, and inside in my case. We live in a very, VERY old farmhouse with no A/C, which equals a boiler room once my oven turns on. So I broke down and put some super classy designer Tinfoil on our windows. AND it worked! Our kitchen is as cool as a cucumber, thank goodness!
Now onto the meal. This meal I've made in the past and have switched back and forth to a few different recipes. My first attempt at this will always be the most memorable. When I first moved in with my husband, I barely knew how to boil water. So lucky for me, at the time, I was working at the local bank with ladies who knew a thing or two about cooking, Thank Goodness! And as we were chatting the one day I asked them what I could make for supper, they rambled off this recipe by memory that I jotted down on the bank branded notepad. Which I still had up until a few years ago, when I transferred all my recipes onto and into my recipe box. I'm honestly kind of sad I threw it away. Oh the nostalgia!
This recipe was similar to below but it included a Miracle Whip blend with the Sour Cream. So as a good little wannabe chef, I went to the grocery store after work and grabbed all my ingredients, went home and made my hunny a meal to be remembered.
As we were eating, and him of course telling me how delicious it was. I said isn't it crazy that there whip cream in this?!? You'd never know!! And he just looked at me... took a bite, and looked at me again...
He dutifully finished his meal and asked me to see the recipe, I proudly whipped it out and showed him with a beaming smile on my face, and he just asked "Where does it say Whip Cream?" And I showed him, there right there and pointed to the Miracle Whip. All he could do was hang his head, and say it's Miracle Whip NOT Whip Cream!
We had a HUGE laugh because in my haste and ignorance at the grocery store I had gotten Miracle Whip and Cool Whip, whip cream mixed up in my mind. But to be honest it's still tasted fine, not good but fine for being my first 'meal' I made on my own!
Of course the next day all the ladies at work were asking me, how was the meal. And they roared when I told them the mix up! So long story short... As small town does they waited the 3 year until my wedding to share with our closest family and friends how far I've come in the kitchen and how patient my husband must have been taste testing all the new and exciting recipes I was attempting to make!
For all those who knew me at that time in my life, they knew that was pretty typical for my kitchen knowledge!
You can only learn from your mistakes and get better as you go!
So tonight we had a mini Mexican Night with Taco Lasagne, Mexican Street Corn Salad and Churros for dessert.
1 pound lean ground beef
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup taco seasoning
1/2 cup water, more as needed
1 can green chiles, (optional)
1 can black beans, drained
1 can kernel corn
1 red pepper, chopped
12 flour tortillas, 6-inch
24 ounces salsa
1 cup sour cream
3 cup shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
Serving: Serve the taco lasagna garnished with lettuce, chopped fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, or your favorite taco toppings and with sour cream and guacamole on the side
Storing: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave. This dish also tastes great cold.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked assembled lasagna in an aluminum baking dish and bake it from frozen. Perfect for busy weeknights!
4 cups corn approximately 24 oz frozen
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red pepper diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro minced, a few leave for garnish.
1 jalapeno diced
1/2 large red onion diced
2/3 cup cotija cheese shredded/crumbled
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice approximately 2 limes
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Fair Warning!! We don't do Corn on the Cob in the field due to dirty hands and Dental Implants, so I've been attempting to find an alert native non cob recipe for Mexican Street Corn. I'm starting to think my crew just isn't really into these flavours. I made a casserole last year, and now this salad that both receive lack lustre reviews. Make at your own Risk!!
4 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated Crescent Dough Sheet ( Sheet is ideal, I bought the perforated role, it's do-able but not the quickest/easiest/cleanest)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
This working from Home thing is new to me. I've been working since I was 15, and it's never been at a slow pace. I have always had dreams of being a stay at home wife/mother, but reality is... That's just NOT me and that is totally OK!
I realized this when
a.) I haven't had children yet, so that basically kicks out the idea of being a stay-at-home mom.
b.) I need constant stimulation and enjoy the challenge that customers bring when they come into the store with questions.
c.) I really don't enjoy cooking and cleaning when it's a 'job', I'm much better at it the 20 minutes before someone is coming over to visit and I'm rushing to get things picked-up tidied and swept, or cooked as soon as I get home from work.
and
d.) I LOVE being independent and take huge pride in making my own way, earning my own money and not having a 'boss' or someone to tell me what I can can't do!
(Not saying that is ALL, stay-at-home people do, but I'm pretty sure it's all I'd be doing in my household, if it was my day-job).
So of course, I've searched for a routine I can stick to, to guide me through this unknown, on what to do in my day, and here are some tips, tricks and ideas I've narrowed down.
We’ve heard it a million times, to get the most of your work from home life, a little discipline goes a long way.
However, where I differ is I'm not telling you to get up at 4 am, do some yoga, make a smoothie, journal and meditate. That would be amazing, but it is NOT my, nor most people's life, whatsoever. So, instead, I believe in a simple and tailored approach that’s great for you.
A routine is simply something you do over and over again to flip the switch in your brain to tell you it’s time to get into ‘work mode’.
For you that might mean waking at 10 am, making a cup of coffee and reading. For someone else, it might mean waking at 6 am, getting your kids organized, and then unwinding before work with a hot drink and a book.
Experiment and find a routine that works for your unique situation, is easy and enjoyable and the rest will fall into place.
My new routine (which I hope to continue on, when my alarm has to start being set again), is just taking some time, to get showered, coffee'd up, make-up on, clean clothes dressed all completed at least 20-30 minutes before I have to leave for the day.
I'd always rush this every morning, after hitting the snooze a few time. I am not a morning person, but have realized I'm slowly becoming one. I like the calmness that is has brought me the past few months. I've been able to start my day with a plan, and not chaos trying to get out the door.
This is such a great feeling.
I have what I call my “Home work uniform.” Yes, this is just a new Romper every morning, but it's clean, and somewhat presentable while still being comfy. Because let's face it, Jean's just are not an option when at home all day, but sweats and a ratty old Tee aren't either!
The point here is that I put some effort in. It might be the minimal level of effort, but it goes a long way. When I change from what I slept in and put something else on, I feel like I’m officially starting my day. Even if I just wear an adult onsie. I've put some effort in to prepare for my workday.
Usually I wash my face, brush my teeth and put some mascara on too, but it’s very minimal. It just makes me feel much more motivated to start the day.
I know, I'm personally not one to talk working out and exercise, as I loath it, but I figure I have ALL day and zero excuses!
I’m not telling you to go out on a marathon run or (god forbid) do some extravagant cross-fit routine.
I'm all about the 20-30 minute workouts. I get bored if it goes any longer, to be honest. It sounds simple, but even walking will get the blood flowing and help my body feel more relaxed and healthy AND will get you outside, which is always a bonus during these times.
I've also, always deep down imagined myself as some yogi goddess, so these times are letting me pretend in the comfort of my own home, where nobody can watch or see me just lay there a little longer...
When you’re working on a project, writing, or generally doing any kind of absorbing task, it’s easy to lose track of time. The last thing you want is to be working so hard that you miss a valuable snack or coffee break.
This is ME 100% I do this all the time. I work, work, work... Work and don't stop to eat. It's my #1 BAD habit I have been trying to get rid of. o far unsuccessfully I might add, but I'm trying daily to break it, which says something.
I'm starting to set a rough schedule for yourself and stick notifications on your phone to remind you with alarms. Or if you’re a bit more analogue, write it in your to-do list to take breaks at certain times of the day.
I have been finding even if you’re not hungry or would rather keep working, these breaks act as a switch in your mind to take a break. Your brain simply can’t keep working for hours straight, give it a rest and give your body some fuel.
These breaks can also give you a great time to unload the dishwasher, check your Social media, watch an episode on TV. So you feel like you are getting a bit of something else done throughout the day, and aren't just stuck on your Computer.
I've also noticed, while I work on a screen most days, being at home has definitely amped it up. I started developing headaches and my eyes have been really bothering me.
After doing some research and reading up I invested (invested? I spent under $100) and bought myself some Blue-Light Filtering Glasses.
I have definitely noticed a change when using these, and not only do I find I'm sleeping better, I haven't been getting irritated eyes or headaches...it's easier to take a selfie with no make-up on when wearing glasses too lol! (yes, I I think of these things, #SorryNotSorry!)
HERE is where I bought mine. They are a great follow on Instagram, especially for their stories (follow them here) and are a happy-go-lucky hilarious family from Vernon, BC. Truly one of my FAVOURITE finds during this Covid-19/time at home!
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February. A month of snow, frigid air, and love. Wait, one of those things doesn’t belong! Whether Valentines Day for you means spending time with a loved one, going out, or staying in, I think we can all agree that a little self-love is necessary. This DIY coconut lavender body scrub is my new favorite way to pamper myself. And bonus, it makes a great gift as well! Hint hint.
It’s made with only 4 ingredients and in 1 container. Yes, you read that right. So easy! I made this batch in my stasher bag because it’s easy to mix, leaves zero mess, and stores perfectly. If the mixture hardens in the cold, you can easily break it down by massaging the bag. So what are you waiting for? Get to it.
Add Epsom salt, dried lavender, coconut oil, and essential oil to a sandwich size stasher bag. Push out as much air as possible and zip. Massage the closed bag until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Leave the bag zipped in the shower, on the sink, or pack it for travel!
Add a handful to baths, as a scrub in the shower, or on hands as an exfoliator. The magnesium from the Epsom salt acts as a muscle relaxant and the lavender oil lulls you into a nice calm, so it’s best used before bed!
Baby wipes are convenient, but what toll do they take on the environment? Most baby wipes contain polyester synthetic fibers that will sit in landfills for up to 100 years before breaking down. Even wipes marketed as “flushable” or “biodegradable” have a harmful effect on the environment, often getting flushed into the ocean where they are consumed by sea life.
Parents report that an average amount of wipes used in a year for one child can reach anywhere from 2000-7200 pieces, quite a large amount of non-biodegradable waste!
In addition to synthetic fibers, conventional baby wipes can contain a variety of harmful ingredients, including Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC- a preservative generally used in wood finishes that has been found to be toxic and a skin irritant), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), parabens, phthalates (known hormone disruptors, often labeled as “fragrance” or “parfum” on ingredients lists), and petrochemicals derived from oil and gas.
Did you know that you can easily create DIY baby wipes with just a few simple, natural ingredients, some organic fabric, and a few handy Stasher Bags? Reusable wipes are both better for the environment, and healthier for your child’s skin!
To shift from disposable wipes to a more sustainable routine, you’ll need to build up a stock of reusable wipes to have on hand. You can make your own, using organic cotton flannel or bamboo fabric- simply cut into squares and cut with pinking shears, or edge with a zig zag stitch. Alternately, you can purchase pre-made packs of reusable wipes or even baby washcloths.
Next, you’ll whip together a simple and natural wipe solution that will be easy on your child’s sensitive skin, with healing and moisturizing properties from each pure, plant based ingredient.
*optional. Use only high-quality, therapeutic grade essential oils, and be sure than any essential oils you use are safe for use on babies and small children.
Mix all ingredients together in a jar with a tightly sealing lid, and shake gently to combine thoroughly. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll want to gently warm the coconut oil to it’s liquid state before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Place about 5-8 reusable wipes in a Stasher Bag, and pour in enough wipe solution to thoroughly soak the fabric without getting it sopping wet (there should not be excess liquid inside the bag, once it’s soaked into the fabric. Squish and knead the bag slightly to ensure that all of the fabric is saturated. Push out excess air inside the bag, and seal it.
Apple cider vinegar helps restore the proper PH balance of your child’s skin, coconut oil serves as a protective moisturizer and anti-bacterial, aloe vera soothes dry and itchy skin naturally, and castile soap cleanses gently.
When taking wipes out and about, use one Stasher Bag for clean wipes, and throw an extra, empty Stasher into your bag to hold soiled wipes. When you get home, simply dump any soiled wipes into your washer or a dry bag.
For wipes that have just been used for cleaning surfaces or grubby hands, toss them in the laundry pile just like you would with a used washcloth.
For wipes used for diaper changes, find a system that works well for you and your routine. If you baby has not yet started on solid foods, you can simply throw soiled wipes directly into the washing machine!
Otherwise, rinse any solids off with a diaper sprayer, and toss into a dry bag until your next load of laundry. If you’re using cloth diapers, the wipes may be folded up inside the soiled diaper.
Line-drying wipes under the sun is not only eco-friendly, but it will help remove any stains.
]]>Stasher bags aren’t just for meal prep! There are so many uses for stasher bags, and many of our favorite uses have to do with travel. If you're an organized packer or an aspiring zero-waste traveler, you're going to want to travel with several empty stasher bags in your luggage… stasher bags can do it all!
Use stasher to keep your phone safe from splashes! Place your phone inside a snack-sized stasher bag when at the beach or by the pool. It will be safe from accidental water droplets and sandy hands. The silicone that stasher bags are made from will allow you to use your phone’s touchscreen without pulling it out of the bag!
Bring a few stasher bags and grab your favorite healthy travel snacks from the bulk section of your local health food store before you head out on a trip! You’ll save money and save the landfill from a few extra pieces of plastic. Trail mix, dried fruit, and jerky are great snacks to start with. I also like to keep an empty stasher bag on hand when I travel to make zero-waste snacking super easy. Most cafes will just slide your croissant right into a reusable bag for you, if you ask nicely. You can also use your stasher bag to hold restaurant leftovers instead of styrofoam or plastic disposables.
If you’ve ever had a flimsy ziploc bag break open in your suitcase, getting slimy conditioner everywhere, you know that it’s totally worth it to invest in a sturdy transparent bag that will pass TSA standards, but also be resistant to accidents. Stasher bags have proven virtually indestructible in my traveling experience, plus they have a strong seal that won’t burst open as long as you don’t over-pack the bag. I use a clear, sandwich sized bag.
Have you ever wrapped a wet swimsuit, washcloth, or towel in a plastic shopping bag in your luggage, hoping that it wouldn’t make everything else in your suitcase musty and damp? And then when you arrived to your next destination, half your suitcase was damp? Yeah, me too. Now, I use a jumbo, half gallon sized Stasher bag to securely seal any wet or stinky garments inside my suitcase.
Keep your cords and chargers from getting all tangled up in your luggage or backpack! I like to organize my gadget’s accessories in a sandwich sized stasher, then throw it in my carry-on bag. The slight rigidity of the stasher bag keeps things from moving around too much, and the transparency makes it easy to see what I’m searching for.
I’m sure there are many more stasher bag travel uses to discover as I continue to travel with Stasher bags in tow. I’d love to hear your tips, too!
]]>The last time you were at the beach, did you see any trash? A plastic bag floating in the waves, a cigarette butt or two in the sand? Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans- that’s about a garbage truck full of plastic bags, food packaging, and Styrofoam every day, and studies suggest that number could double in the next 7 years. Many beaches around the world have become completely choked with trash, and enormous trash “islands” are floating in the ocean. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a trash island between Hawaii and California, has grown to be twice the size of the state of Texas!
Even when single-use plastic is properly disposed of in a landfill, it can still find its way into waterways and ultimately into the ocean. Recycling is better at ensuring plastic and other trash stays out of the ocean, but very little trash is currently being recycled (about 9%).
The impact of the plastic in our oceans on marine life is devastating. It’s estimated that 700 different marine species may face extinction as a result of the trash entering their environment. Marine animals often become entangled in or ingest plastic.
Want to reduce your plastic trash and take steps toward sustainability on your next beach trip?
Bring reusable containers to the beach instead of packing food and other items in single-use plastic. A bamboo or steel straw makes a great alternative to plastic straws, and food can be transported in your favorite set of stasher bags. Stasher bags can also be used to store valuables and things that you need to keep sand-and-splash free: you can even place your phone inside a snack size stasher bag- the touchscreen will work through the bag and you won’t have to worry about putting your phone in a plastic case or using the “two baggie” technique with disposable plastic bags.
Plastic isn’t the only substance entering the ocean and causing harm- chemicals from sunscreen can pollute the water and harm fish and coral. The state of Hawaii just placed a ban on sunscreens containing harmful substances, but it’s up to conscious beach goers to protect the coral reefs in other destinations! Steer clear of sunscreens containing the common ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate, and look for a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Not only will a reef-safe sunscreen protect ocean wildlife, it’s better for your skin, too!
Environmental Working Group also has a comprehensive guide to sunscreens that will help you make the right purchase.
In addition to not creating any trash of your own, pick up trash that you see on the beach and dispose of it properly! Use your beach moment to educate others on the importance of reducing plastic waste by joining a beach cleanup awareness like #takethreeforthesea or #5minutebeachcleanup and posting your mini trash haul on social media. One small action could be the key to more people becoming aware of the scope of our oceans’ plastic problem.
A good rule of thumb for any outdoor adventure is to “take nothing, leave nothing”. Picking up and bringing home shells or even a beach creature like a hermit crab might seem harmless, but can actually have a negative effect on beach ecosystems over time. At one beach in Spain, the amount of shells on one popular beach has declined by 60 percent. Researchers worry that disturbing nature in this way can cause an imbalance in the wildlife found nearby the ocean shores. Enjoy the beach, take lots of photos, but leave it undisturbed for others to enjoy as well.
It’s travel season! Hopefully you’ve got a fabulous vacation, family reunion, or epic road trip to enjoy during the summer months. Travel can be pretty rough on the environment, between transportation emissions and our generally-more-wasteful habits while away from home. However, with a little bit of preparation, you can plan for zero-waste, trash free travel and feel great about your contribution toward being a little kinder to mother earth.
As much as possible avoid paper tickets, brochures, and other items that are used once and quickly discarded. When flying, download a PDF of your plane ticket to scan at the gate rather than printing it out at home or the airport. If you can pack light and avoid checking a bag, as well, you can keep away from the stickers and tags that are placed on checked luggage. Save important information, directions, and maps on your phone. If you know that you’ll be traveling to an international location where your phone’s data won’t work, you can use Google Maps’ “ok maps” feature to save maps that you can access offline before getting on your flight.
Traveling zero waste is all about being prepared! Bring a basic “zero waste kit” with you to avoid situations where you’d be forced to create waste. This can include items like a reusable tote bag (I love the type that fold up very small), a reusable coffee cup, a set of utensils (just pack a fork and spoon, no knife, if you’re flying!), a sandwich-sized stasher bag, and a handkerchief or cloth napkin. These simple items take up very little space in your luggage, but are versatile enough to help you create less trash in many different situations. I use stasher bags for everything from taking leftovers from a meal to storing wet or dirty items so they don’t contaminate the rest of my luggage.
Airports and gas stations aren’t the best place to find zero waste snacks or food, yet they’re the places that are largely available to us when we’re traveling. Pack your own food, and you won’t find yourself with any unwanted trash from food wrappers, straws, or utensils. A hearty sandwich is great for a long trip, and a few granola bars or protein bites can tide you over on a shorter one— all of which can be kept fresh in a few stasher bags.
Those tiny plastic bottles of soap, shampoo, and lotion are cute, but they’re terrible for the environment. Most of us won’t even use a full small bottle during a stay, meaning not only the plastic bottle, but the wasted product gets sent right to the landfill after we check out. Bring your own toiletries from home instead of using the hotels’- invest in a few small, refillable bottles and pack them in a TSA- approved sandwich-sized stasher for easy maneuvering through airport security!
Bringing your own water bottle is a small action to take, but it can keep so many plastic water bottles out of the landfill! If you’re flying, just be sure to bring an empty water bottle to avoid having to chug its’ contents minutes before you have to go through the security line. Most airports have water fountains and water bottle refilling stations to use, so you can avoid overpriced airport bottled water entirely. On the plane, ask the stewardess to refill your water bottle instead of using a new, small plastic cup each time you get thirsty.
Do you have any tips for traveling zero-waste? Let us know!
]]>There’s no denying that our planet is reaching crisis level with regard to pollution, plastic waste, and global warming. There is now over 1 ton of plastic trash on earth for each person that inhabits it! Something has got to change, but single-use plastic is a huge part of our lifestyles, and zero-waste living can seem daunting and unattainable. A great place to start taking responsibility for your own impact on the earth is to consider easy, “sustainable switches” that you can implement right away with minimal effort and cost!
For those of us with a coffee habit, a reusable coffee cup is a must! It only takes a few minutes to drink a cup of coffee, but the plastic or plastic-lined paper cup that most take-away coffee is served in will take years to break down in a landfill. In fact, your used disposable coffee cups will actually out-live you! In addition to their earth-friendly benefits, reusable mugs are much sturdier and less prone to spills that disposables. Plus, they keep your drinks warm/cold much longer. A reusable cup can also help you save money- some coffee shops will give you a discount for using your own cup!
Single use plastic baggies are OUT and stasher bags are IN for conscious consumers who want to pack lunches and store food in a more earth-friendly way. Conventional plastic baggies pose a risk for wildlife and aren’t recyclable, plus, they leach chemicals into the food that is stored in them. Glass or stainless steel containers are good replacements for plastic food containers, but they are bulky and heavy. Stasher bags are made of pure silicone that won’t affect the integrity of your food even when heated or frozen (yes, you can even cook in stasher bags with no negative effects). One set of stasher bags will replace thousands of single use plastic baggies over their life span, and they can be recycled if they ever wear out.
There are definitely times when plastic wrap has proven to be super convenient, like when you just wan to cover a bowl of salad or something oddly shaped needs protecting. What's sad is when that ultra thin, un-recyclable piece of plastic goes in the trash and piles up in the landfill or ends up polluting rivers and oceans. The good thing is, you can avoid all that without sacrificing convenience when you switch to bees wax wraps. Brands like Beeswrap (in the photo above) and Abeego use organic cotton fabric coated with beeswax and other natural resins to create the same clingy wrapping that makes life in the kitchen a breeze.
The average woman has her period from 3-7 days per month, and goes through menstruation cycles from the age of 13 until the age of 51. That adds up to 456 total periods over 38 years. Another way of looking at the numbers is by the total amount of time that most women will be on their period- which is about 6.25 years of their lives! The most common period management products on the market are plastic-riddled pads and tampons in plastic tubes... which quickly add up in landfills and are loaded with toxic chemicals that are harmful to women's bodies.
Thankfully, there are other options- ones that are better for your body and the earth! Menstrual cups are amazing, but for days when you don’t want to mess with a cup (or if you need to ease into zero-waste period care with something a little less intimidating), washable fabric pads and specially designed period panties are easy and comfortable. You can find pads in fun prints and panties is sweet and sexy designs that will almost have you looking forward to your flow!
In just one year, Americans use 35 billion plastic water bottles. Those pesky plastic bottles are right at the top of the list for the most commonly-found trash items polluting the world’s oceans- and they’re totally unnecessary when you’re outfitted with a stylish bottle from brands like Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask, S'well, Miir or Healthy Human! Choose from a classic stainless steel water bottle that can last you a lifetime, or an insulated bottle that will keep your drinks hot or cold the whole day. Each one of the brands we mentioned is dedicated to the cause of reducing plastic waste all over the world- join the movement and take a simple step toward a trash-free life.
There are numerous campaigns at work these days calling out plastic straws for the harm they've done to the planet. We know you've seen them! Visions of that poor sea turtle with a straw stuck up its nose will stick with you. It's estimated that Americans use more than 500 million plastic straws every day, and because they're so light weight, they typically can't be recycled. Subsequently, straws are among the top 10 items found during beach clean ups. Plastic forks, spoons and knives aren't too far behind, so it's good thing that many restaurants are cutting back or even refusing to offer them along with public enemy number one (those pesky straws). You can keep the movement on track by carrying a reusable straw and eating utensils while you're on the go. You'll always be prepared to refuse that straw or plastic fork.
Eating lots of fruits and veggies is great for your health, but not-so-great for the environment when you bring produce home from the grocery store in thin plastic produce bags. Some produce can just be placed directly into your cart in “nature’s packaging”, like corn on the cob, oranges or bananas. For everything else, invest in a few cotton produce bags, plus a few totes to replace plastic/paper grocery bags. Watch your single-use plastic trash diminish on those weekly shopping trips!
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