Foolproof flour crackers for the family

Our store bought crackers have sugar in them! We were shocked. Finally pulled up our big kid pants and made our own. Insanely easy and they can be made so many ways! Oven to 375 and go:

Mix 1c flour, 1/2tsp bak powder and 1/4 tsp salt and fav seasoning like nutritional yeast, cumin, cayenne & rosemary
Add 2tbsp oil, 1/4c+1tbsp water and mix well. Roll out as thin as possible. A silicone sheet works best for this. Sprinkle a little more mineral salt all over the top and use a knife to skor. Bake 12-14min. They should break apart easy and enjoy!!!

You Sleep Daily so Your Mattress Should ROCK. Talalay vs Organic Latex.

So I know what you are thinking… this blog is still alive?! Sorry, I took an “I’m way too busy” leave of absence to have my second child and complete my third education. So I am finally a Stay At Home Mother of 2 and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Who already has started taking clients in my spare time (what is spare time?) Take your busiest day at work, smear some food on your clothing for accuracy, pack about 25lbs of weight on any hip of your choice, with a textbook in the other and see if you can stir some food on the stove while singing “LET IT GO”. That’s about a usual day here. But I was so stoked on my new mattress education that I literally said I would make time to get back to my desk! So why read this? YOU SPEND ONE THIRD OF YOUR LIFE ON A MATTRESS!!!! A few words about them that should pipe up your interest: PVCs, lead, solvents, VOCs, formaldehyde, flame retardants, boric acid and coming in top place with over 60 chemicals listed to off-gas and breath in: MEMORY FOAM. I feel horrible for owning one at one time in my life. So you should consider savings up for the alternative – non-off gassing clean mattresses found as close to home at it gets.

There are some amazing companies making fully or partially certified organic latex/cotton/wool mattresses in Canada (Vancouver more specifically). I want to share with you MY top two I got to learn about and where you can find them.

First is the least expensive, semi-organic option. It is covered in full organic cotton and will not require off-gassing but has a European approved layer called Talalay latex. Talalay is partly synthetic latex but it doesn’t have that long list of chemicals in it and it’s actually considered an all natural product, but that doesn’t always mean much to those who demand true organic status. Take one minute and read about it HERE. It will still be extremely comfortable and long lasting with a 10-20 year warranty for the most part! Find your closest dealer with this Nature’s Embrace LINK or this Rest Well LINK. In Kelowna, I like Scan Design for Rest Well products, and they happen to have a 40% off mattress sale over the holidays. That brings them down to the 1400+ range for a Queen or King size. Usually I would expect $2000+

The Unison Organic Mattress

Next is my personal fully organic bed of choice, which I bought and will rave about for a long time to come. It is organic top to bottom (even the glue is water based, at least 95% overall) with all of the organic bells and whistles like a 25 year warranty (12 straight /13 pro-rated), 8 or 10″ options, four firmnesses and a giant book on all of the certification. Sleepy’s in Kelowna was the first one to offer me proof of what the certification was, and the only place that knew exactly what they were talking about when I said “organic mattress”. They didn’t oversell or undersell and gave me lots of quality information. Everyone else tried to disguise their partially organic one, or try to sell us something else. It is made by Nature’s Embrace which is the first LINK above for dealers in the area. The Unison mattress that I own is only found at Sleepy’s in Kelowna and will start in the 2500+ range for Queen or King. But you won’t be buying another for TWENTY PLUS YEARS! Now.. if you tell him I sent you over, and you bring a friend, I bet he would give you some slack or throw in an amazing organic grown Kapok pillow and delivery for free.. try asking for Geoff! (not a paid endorsement in any way but I want another pillow if you get one, they are that good)

So consider your sleeping health and invest into the best you can find in your area. They are so well made, and you will have less chemicals in your home, less waste going to the dump (think of how many mattresses live 5 years or less), no metal springs leftover and plenty of warranty to back up your sweet sleep. What’s next for us? Kids mattresses of course! #worthit

Any other brands you love? Feel free to post below..

15 MINUTE ORGANIC KIDS PIZZA!

This one is for those nights when you say “what are we going to eat?” while staring blankly in your fridge. Even better when you have children complaining in the background. The best part is that THEY CAN HELP and it becomes fun for everyone. This also helps clear the fridge “extras” out and you can vary it so many ways for each adult or child with ease. Sounds too good to be true, but it’s not because EVERYONE LOVES PIZZA!!!!!!!

What you will need:

Healthy bread, bagels or round pitas. They get hidden, so anything healthy works
Organic tomato sauce and favorite spices (Cheapest at Costco)
As many vegetables, frozen or fresh as you or your kids want! Some of our favourites are : spinach, peas, corn, carrot, zucchini, peppers, kale, green onion and sautéed onion. (garden fresh is a bonus!)

It is sooo simple – once you finely chop up or grate the vegetables (smaller for wee ones, larger for adults) quickly sauté the harder ones such as onion and peppers for a couple minutes to soften. While sautéing, top the base with tomato sauce and spices, then have each person sprinkle their favourite colours on their base. Finish with grated cheese and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes, or until browning at the edges. You may choose to broil the cheese if you prefer it sizzling on top! Slice the pizza into appropriate bite sizes for the kids and then sit and eat and feel good that you are DONE DINNER!

Grow an organic herb garden – it’s easy!

Ever stand in front of the herb aisle,where a teensy 15g bottle costs almost $5, and say ” I should just grow my own herbs!”. Well me too. i finally put my dirt where my mouth is. All you need are some cool potting plants that you will love so you actually use them (these stacking ones were from Costco for 24.99). Some organic dirt and potted plants ( about a dollar each) then put it all together and enjoy!!! We find ourselves using those herbs more often now and we even planted a curry bush!!! No idea how that will turn out. Now get inspired and go grow something!

Easy Organic Rhubarb Crisp

Do you grow rhubarb? Time to break out a family recipe I’m in love with! Grandma Purnell made this and reminded me that I need to eat rhubarb EVERYTHING during the spring. A great tip is to freeze it in 1/2″ lengths during the winter so you can grab and go for this quick recipe. Perfect for a summer patio dinner. Drool….

For 4-8 servings you will need:

7c rhubarb in 1/2″ lengths
5 tbsp sugar
1c flour (we use whole wheat, but any flour will do)
1/2c organic coconut sugar (up to 1c if you like it sweeter)
1/2c flour
1/2c quick cook organic oats
1/2 tsp salt
1/2c butter or mix in some coconut butter/oil to achieve similar results
optional: blueberries or strawberries

Step 1 in the vintage curvy bowl. Yes.

Put the rhubarb into a 10′ casserole dish. Mix the first two amounts of sugar and flour and coat the rhubarb. Combine all of the remaining ingredients until you reach a crumbly mixture. Spread evenly over the top and pat it down lightly. Bake for 40-50min at 375F.

Browned crumble plus soft rhubarb= ready!

Serve with a scoop of homemade ice cream, organic whipped cream or some greek yogurt! Although it serves about 8 people, be prepared to go back for 2nds.

ENJOY

ORGANICALLY CLEAN GIVEAWAY

HEY CANADA! I have some great news – a local Kelowna BC company is ramping up their global distribution and wants YOU to win some xenoestrogen-free products. They are all made with organic and clean ingredients that you can READ! Even a citrus/sage spray deoderant and three bottles of hard-to-find essential oils.

Read the “7 Estro-lessons” on Bonnie’s website. She has recently ventured into production with Nature’s Formulae here in Kelowna and you can expect BIG BIG BIG things to come your way all across Canada, and internationally. Already local grocery stores are carrying her products. Our team here at OIA support everything this company stands for and I can’t wait to do some future reviews on their up and coming products.

CLICK THIS LINK TO THE FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY PAGE TO ENTER NOW! LOOK FOR THIS PHOTO:

RULES:

1.Open to all residents with a Canadian post address
2.Prize may be revoked at any time
3.Winner has 48hrs to answer me over facebook until a new draw occurs and the first winner loses their place
4.Contest begins April 27 and ends May 3rd at 5pm 2013

Organic Healthy Hummus

This recipe literally came about because I opened some chickpeas for a snack for my daughter and couldn’t decide what to do with the rest of the can – DUH -make hummus for the first time ever! I have been meaning to make this for ages and am so excited to share my Friday night dip with you all. What better snack for kids than veggies and homemade hummus. This can be varied a few different ways depending on what you have in the cupboard, but the main recipe is solid.

Secret ingredient = NUTRITIONAL YEAST! Sooo what is Nutritional Yeast and why haven’t I used this before you ask? Start sprinkling it on anything! Popcorn is a great place to start but the “vegan cheese” flavor and non-yeast properties make it a must have item in the house.

“Nutritional yeast is packed with nutrition, particularly B-vitamins, folic acid, selenium, zinc, and protein. It’s low in fat, gluten-free (check specific brands for certification), and contains no added sugars or preservatives. Because vitamin B12 is absent from plant foods unless it’s added as a supplement, nutritional yeast that contains B12, such as Red Star Vegetarian Support Formula, is a great addition to the vegan diet.” (lowfatveganblog)

A few of the ingredients including my recycled nutritional yeast shaker

What you will need:

1 15oz can (standard size) of organic chickpeas
the juice of 1 organic lemon
1/4 c organic tahini (available at most grocery stores, often on sale)
1 large clove of organic garlic (try to avoid chinese garlic)
2 tbsp organic olive oil/favorite oil/part flaxseed oil
1 tbsp nutritional yeast (try the bulk section if you can’t find it anywhere else)
1/2tsp himalayan salt
1/2 tsp cumin
optional: dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to sprinkle color on top

In your blender or food processor (we used the Vitamix) add the tahini and lemon juice and blend until very smooth and even, about a minute. Then add in everything else and mix very well until smooth and creamy looking. You may choose to add more garlic or more oil to reach your desired taste and consistency.

What it looks like completed

For toddlers, steam some carrots, broccoli and cauliflower to use in lieu of a cracker or chip. Older kids can skip the steaming and go right for their favorite veggies like peppers, cucumber and celery. Our 13 month old tried to drink the bowl. I would call that a success! Store refrigerated for a few days, if it lasts that long!

Organic chips from Nester’s Market come in blue and red for extra pop

Let me know if you try it!

Adapted from an inspired taste recipe

CLICK HERE TO SEE A TOP RATED SLOW JUICER

I have so many people who love to talking “juicing”. But not all juicers are made alike. Not even close! This is like comparing the standard blender to the Vitamix or Blendtec. YOU WANT TO BUY A GOOD ONE. Although the Norwalk Juicer is technically the most nutritious, it is also the most expensive, heaviest and takes up some major counter space.

Single auger slow juicers are the next best. Small counterspace, easy to clean, well made, low power usage, and worth every penny if you can find them for a good price. The link above talks about the Hurom. It is essentially the exact same as the Omega VERT, minus a few years of warranty on the motor. I would buy either one (Hurom or Omega) in a heart beat… it just might be my next purchase. Anyone try them before??? Heard of them? Want one??? Make sure to mix with organic vegetables only – wouldn’t want to drink those pesticides when juicing is meant for detox!

The Omega Vert

Lunch Mate Burgers Exposed

I was passing by an aisle at the grocery store and saw a BOGO sign. I saw it was a new packaged lunchables called Lunch Mate.

A friend who works at a daycare told me these actually show up at lunchtime! I wanted to share what I saw:

Here is a small list of SOME of the ingredient in one “real chicken” package:

soybean oil, soy protein & soy lethicin (GMO)
corn starch, corn flour (GMO)
sodium stearoyl lactylate
azodicarbonamide
EDTA (binds to calcium & magnesium, halting their absorption)
sodium benzoate
sodium diacetate
sodium and potassium lactate
sugar, glucose syrup and artificial flavors (in the peach slices!)

and a WHOLE lot more that I can’t pronounce. I hope parents start to realize that packaged lunches a slowly sickening children with their poor ingredients and preserving chemicals. Every human deserves better than this, but our children are “under construction” and especially need the vital nutrients for growing, maintaining and healing their body & brain. Even when offered one for free, avoid lunch mates… the real peaches aren’t too far away!

A MUST READ ARTICLE: “According to an investigation by the New England Journal of Medicine, 96 per cent of the scientists who wrote articles supporting the drugs received financial benefits from the pharmaceuticals companies that make them.” LINK BELOW

Soured Milk of Monsanto's 'Kindness'