Monday, June 27, 2011

How I Made The Switch To Natural Deodorant

So my journey in clean eating isn't just about food. Rather, it's an entire lifestyle change. If I really want to change, I have to look at what I put on my body. That too is seeping into my skin. I have really been questioning every little thing lately, including deodorant. I wanted to get rid of the aluminum, parabens and other non natural things that are often found in deodorant/antiperspirant. So I have made the switch to Crystal Deodorant. It comes in roll- on, stick or spray form. One very important part:put it on clean skin. I always apply it after I shower. I do find it does a good job of masking odor. The other secret: baby powder. The powder helps in relieving any wetness you might have since the Crystal is only a deodorant. I would like to try a more natural power as well. Perhaps arrowroot. I am also interested in making my own deodorant with coconut oil. But for now this is a great alternative to the crap I was buying!!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Foodie Friday:Crock Pot Lasagna

I am taking part in The Feminist Breeder's Family Food Friday, by posting recipes every Friday. I hope to share some healthy and delicious recipes with everyone. This is a favorite of mine because it's really simple. Just layer ingredients in crock pot and you are good to go!
You Will Need:
1 lb. ground beef or turkey or chicken ( I use grass fed, organic)
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
16 oz of cottage cheese
1 bag of spinach
Whole wheat lasagna noodles (uncooked)
shredded cheese (whatever kind you prefer)
To Prepare:
1. Spray crock pot with some kind of non-stick coating. I like to use an olive oil spray.
2. Brown your meat and add whatever seasonings you like.
3. Layer in crock pot: noodles (enough to cover) half of the beef, half of the sauce, half of the cottage cheese and however much spinach you want. Add some cheese. Repeat layers again and top with cheese.
4. Set on low and cook for 4 hours.
See how easy? It turns out a little soupy, but delicious!! Manja!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Movie Review: Vanishing Of The Bees

You really must see this movie. Why? It effects every single one of us. (Unless you don't eat.) If you haven't already heard, honeybees are disappearing. Quite mysteriously too. There are no dead bees, they just vanish. This is such a serious issue because without bees, we don't have food. The good news is we can actually help to fix the problem. I don't want to give too much of the movie away, but pesticides may be to blame for the problem. You can help by buying organic foods, planting your own garden or beekeeping. There really is a positive message at the end of the movie. Ellen Page narrates, which is cool too.
 Check out the site: http://www.vanishingbees.com/

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Clean Eating Chicken Alfredo

This is one of my favorite recipes to make. It's delicious and creamy withouth the fat. Also, quick and simple to make. There is no heavy cream or butter, so it really stays light.  The trick is using a "cream of" soup. I prefer cream of celery since it is lighter. You could use chicken or mushroom too. Be careful of all the extra additives in these soups. I used Pacific Natural Foods Brand that I found at Whole Foods.

Ingredients:
8 oz of whole wheat pasta (I use thin spaghetti)
1 lb of chicken tenders or breasts, cut into cubes
1 cup of broccoli
1/c of sliced onions
1 can cream of soup
1/2 cup of milk (I use almond milk)
1/2 cup of parmesan cheese (or whatever kind you like really)
1/4 tsp ground pepper or prefered spices

1.Prepare pasta according to directions. Add broccoli in during the last 4 min of cooking. Drain.
2. Cook chicken in skillet over med-high heat. Cook unti well browned, stir often. Add onions.
3. Add soup, milk, cheese, black pepper and pasta mixture to the skillet and stir well. Cook until mixture is hot and bubbling.
4. Enjoy! Add as many extra veggies as you want. Top with additional cheese if needed.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Restaurant Review:VegiTerranean

I just had to blog about this place. If you are ever in the Akron, Ohio area you need to visit. Absolutely delicious. I have been there 3 times now and each time was better than the last. VegiTerranean is Chrissie Hynde's (of The Pretenders) vegan restaurant, including a bar, bakery, and coffee house. With lots of natural light, the place has a very modern, classy feel to it. Clean and urban, with a rock n' roll vibe. Not your typical Akron eatery. Meat eaters should not be off-put by the word vegan either. I could barely taste the difference in my "chicken." There are plenty of options on the menu as well. Pasta, pizza, salads, soups and sandwiches. Also, your dish can be made gluten free. It can be a bit pricey, but well worth it. Plus, the lunch menu is cheaper. Nestled in the back corner, we had a great view of the valley and railroad:
For an appetizer we ordered the Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Brushetta w/ Baby Argula, Red Onions and Daiya Mozzzarella: Pure Deliciousness.
The main course was a specialty pizza. I didn't take a picture of it because I was too eager to devour it. Topped with banana peppers, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, chicken and tomatoes Yummm!! The crust was a near perfect mix of soft and crispy. Divine.

And the best part? Dessert!!
Carrot Cake!
Why yes, that is real whipped cream, topped with a blueberry!

Everything just tasted so fresh and amazing. I believe they try to use local produce and veggies as much as possible.Overall, a great dining experience. I can't wait to go back.

http://www.thevegiterranean.com/

Friday, June 10, 2011

Sweet Potato Pancakes

A healthier version of a breakfast favorite. Makes a great "breakfast for dinner" meal as well.

You will need:
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (2 medium size)
1.5 cups of flour
4 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1/4 c. butter, melted
1.5 c milk
2 eggs, beaten
2-4 t. cinnamon(depending on taste)
2 Tb of flax seed or wheat germ (optional, but adds fluffiness)

 To Prepare:
Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and cook in microwave 7 min or until tender. Cut open skins and let cool.  When cool, remove potato from skin and mash with fork. Add melted butter to potato and stir. Add milk and eggs to the potato mash, stir well. Meanwhile, stir together all dry ingredients:flour, baking powder and salt. (I like to do this while potatoes are cooling.) Add your wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and stir til well blended. Add cinnamon There you have your batter! Cook on preheated skillet, like you would with regular pancakes.Manja!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Redwood National Park

Photos from my trip to see Redwood National Park back in 2009. Absolutely beautiful.



Have you hugged a tree lately?

Monday, June 6, 2011

Love Is In The Air: The Union Of Andy & Alli

Last Saturday I saw my cousin Andy married off to his bride, Alli. There truly was love in the air. You could see it on their faces. You could feel it in their warm embrace. It was really sweet to see such affection. Photos from the happy day:
The Newlyweds

The Happy Couple and moi.
 Cake Face!!
Lovebirds
First Dance



 "I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes." They danced to the infamous Eric Clapton tune. It really was wonderful. Congrats to the new couple! As the best man exclaimed, "Good luck and all that stuff!"