I made this tonight for the first time for my kids. It was one of those make it up as you go meals. My goal was simple: make something nourishing, that includes veggies that can’t be seen or detected, yet tasty. We sneaky chefs have to stick together, especially considering all my kids seem to be turning their noses up at veggies these days. My oldest actually said this is the yummiest mac and cheese he’s ever had and wants to eat it everyday! How’s that for a glowing review

Pink Mac & Cheese (measurements are at your discretion)

Water

Macaroni noodles (I used organic Kamut)

Butter

Flour

Milk

Cheddar and Mozzarella (grated)

Steamed Beets and Carrots (pureed)

Boil water and cook macaroni. While the noodles cook, melt butter in a saucepan on low heat. Add flour and stir until butter is absorbed. Slowly add milk and whisk until there are no lumps. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese until melted then add pureed veggies and strained pasta. Serve immediately and await fanfare.

We all want the best for our children and family. By buying organic, using natural cleaning products, including plants into our home, we, at least I, think I’m ahead of the game of minimizing the infiltration of chemicals into our home and bodies. Wait til you read this article by the Environmental Working Group about how chemicals like PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are sneaking into our homes:

WHY YOU SHOULD REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO TOXIC FIRE RETARDANTS.

Scientists have found that exposure to minute doses of toxic fire retardants such as PBDEs at critical points in development can damage reproductive systems and cause deficits in motor skills, learning, memory and hearing, as well as changes in behavior.

The PBDEs in everyday items like furniture, computers, televisions and other electronics migrate into the home environment and could expose children to concentrations exceeding the EPA’s recommended safe level. EWG tests found much higher concentrations of these chemicals in young children than in their mothers - because children ingest more PBDEs. The chemicals migrate out of products and stick to kids’ hands, toys and other objects they put in their mouths.

Until all PBDEs are banned from consumer products (including imports) and fire safety regulations are revised to promote safer solutions, American families - especially our children - will continue to be needlessly exposed to harmful chemicals.

WHICH HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONTAIN BROMINATED FIRE RETARDANTS.

Continue reading Avoid Fire Retardants in Your Home

I can’t tell you how many a hectic morning this shake has served as breakfast in the car on the way to school. It’s quick and really delicious!  To amp up it’s nourishment quotient I always add protein powder, greens, and lemon flavored fish oil. (Thanks to Raw Food Real World)

Chocolate Banana Shake

3 cups frozen diced bananas

2 cups nut milk or 30 Second Nut milk* (I always use the 30 second version -* see below )

1/4 cup agave nectar (I always use 1 tsp of coconut sugar)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 heaping tsp organic cocoa or carob powder

pinch of sea salt

Puree in a blender until smooth and creamy.

Continue reading The YUMMIEST Choco Banana Shake ever!

I just came across this great article compliments of CBS2 for those of us trying to be mindful of the money we spend. This is helpful for the wallet and our health.

Here’s an example of an inexpensive meal according to dietician Suzanne Farrell:

whole wheat pasta, garlic spinach, and cannellini beans will serve seven and only cost $7. In fact, she said you don’t have to go any further than the perimeter of your grocery store to find the 20 healthiest foods all under $1 per serving:

* Oats
* Eggs
* Kale
* Potatoes
* Apples
* Nuts
* Bananas
* Garbanzo beans
* Broccoli
* Watermelon
* Wild rice
* Beets
* Butternut squash
* Sardines
* Spinach
* Tofu
* Whole grain pasta
* Milk
* Pumpkin seeds
* Coffee

The list is made up of mostly plant-based foods, which are known to decrease rates of cancers and heart disease.

“Try to do plant-based two to three times a week,” Farrell said. “Fish try to do twice a week.”

And since none of the foods on the top 20 list are prepared or processed the key to eating healthier on a budget is investing a little more time in the kitchen.

And don’t worry if you don’t see many foods on the list that appeal to you. Dieticians suggest you simply look for foods you like in the same area of the grocery store where these items are stocked.

I came across this eco friendly water purifier. Seems like a traditional idea that’s come full circle. From the Merchant4 site:

Chikutan Charcoal Stirrers

Think of Chikutan as the ultimate swizzle stick. This white charcoal is made from Japanese Bamboo. White charcoal is naturally activated through a controlled burning process based on traditional Japanese methods. Use these to stir your beverage and the charcoal will absorb impurities in alcohol, tea or water for a pure taste. In Japan, you will find Chikutan sticks at high-end bars. Before use, rinse sticks under hot water. 3 piece set ($22).

I’m not sure how many times you can use each stick, but I’m intrigued by the simplicity of this concept.