Ingredients:

* 8oz Distilled Water
* 1.5 tsp Lemongrass EO
* 2 tsp Glycerin
* 1/2 tsp Citronella EO

Directions

I add these ingredients directly to my 8oz spray bottles! Shake well before use! )

Tough routine brings about stress. Stress brings about (say it!) aging. While the rest of the world is turning out of your hand, you are most likely at home, savoring what’s left of your weekend after a looooong week of work.

You feel tired, almost suicidal, and then, when you look at the mirror, you stare in horror. You just got hold of the worst news since Hurricane Katrina; you got wrinkles.

Be more than a boarder on your home! Beautify it! In this way, you won’t be dreading every waking moment in it. Add some spice in your routine. Trust me, it will bring out the young punk in you and you will forget you’re not getting any younger (well, physiologically).

FILL YOUR HOME WITH GOOD MEMORIES

Remember your pre-school picture where you are smothered in dirt and you still managed to flash a toothy grin? Remember your prom picture where you wore make-up even if it’s against your will? They actually represent very good memories that can make you feel both nostalgic and cheerful at the same time. Seeing these memories triggers a part of the brain that recalls that memory and connects it with good moods.

Everybody knows that good moods bring out the best in us. It helps us become more optimistic through life and become more productive. Come on, you know there’s a lot more to think about than having a Botox injection or not.

You might have heard a lot of times that to stay young, you must smile all the time. With a lot of good memories haunting your home, what’s not to smile about?

HAVE AN ARTSY HOME

Old = boring. That’s how 90% of the world sees it and you can’t help but agree. Look around your home. If the dominant color is anything neutral (gray, brown, black or white) then it’s about time that you redirect your creativity. Neutral is boring. Pastels, neon linings and bold designs spell F-U-N!

If you can’t remember the last time that you’ve been fun then you’ve really aged. Recollect the atmosphere of fun. However, do not mix a lot of colors at the same time. Consult with someone who is good in interior design or read interior design books to have a guide. This is important because you don’t want your home looking like a day care center gone wrong.

Next, you can also consider filling your home with really good art. Put up bold paintings of local artists (local is cheaper but not necessarily of less quality). Frame good poetry on a fine quality paper with professional calligraphy. Even 10,000-piece puzzles and sophisticated cross-stitch pieces make good aesthetic treats.

Choose carefully the quality of art that you put in your home. If you must, consult someone who finished a fine arts degree or even a college student of fine arts. Lastly, choose the art that you fall in love with. It should be something you can stand (and be happy) to see every single day.

HAVE A STOCK OF FEEL-GOOD FOOD

There are certain foods that don’t feel right when eaten every day. There are also certain foods which have the marvelous capability to make you feel better after eating it. Examples of feel-good food are those which are usually eaten after a break-up, a termination and after failing a subject.

Foods such as chocolate, ice cream, cakes are also connected with feel-good memories. Consider stocking up on these foods so whenever you feel like pigging out, do so in your own home and more importantly, do not apologize for it. That’s one of the best features of youth. Hmm. Alcohol is optional too.

You may not be getting younger, but hey, you can “retire” in your own home every day. Stay young, stay fun and stay passionate about life.

Healthy Easter Morning Basil and Egg Scramble
Serves about 3

Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
cup onion, chopped
2 cups cooked potatoes, cubed
cup red bell pepper, chopped
4 free-range, organic eggs, beaten
1 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet and add potatoes, onion and bell pepper. Saut vegetables for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Pour into the skillet with the vegetables. Let the mixture slightly set at the bottom, before gently lifting the cooked parts with a wooden spoon. Continue this procedure until the egg mixture is thickened and cooked through.

* 1/2 Cup Baking Soda
* 1/8 Cup Vinegar
* 5 drops Lemon essential oil
* 5 drops Orange essential oil

Combine all ingredients. Try Lime or Bergamot also.

Daily Aromatherapy Tip brought to you by AromaThyme

How healthy is your house? If you aren’t sure, use these tips to check it out.

Everybody desires a gorgeous house to come home to. We put everything in its place and keep it tidy.

But, tidy and neat does not necessarily entail healthy. Here are a few ways that your house might be making you sick.

Have you come across those commercials about the skin?

On the surface, your skin might appear soft and supple. But, when treated with a special machine that physicians use to view the skin more deeply, they can see sun damage within the layers that you did not even know was there.

It’s the same with your house. On the surface, things appear tidy but they might be concealing an unhealthy secret.

Lets’ explore ways that your house might be unsafe and how to alter the situation.

* Mattresses - No one thinks about the bed they rest on. It might be alright now, affording you the finest night’s sleep. What about when it becomes old? Lumpy mattresses can lead to back troubles and loss of rest.

A good mattress holds out for around 7 years approximately. Then it is time to find a new one.

Flipping the mattress every couple of months ensures more even wear. You will be able to also check for stains or troubles with the mattress that might require your attention.

* Pillows - They contain synthetic fibers and also down feathers. If your kid seems to sneeze, cough or suffer a stuffy nose, it may be the pillow.

Cover pillows in dust covers to prevent the fillings from pouring out and coming into contact with their skin. Also search for hypo-allergenic pillow filling.

* Dust mites and other allergens - When was the last time you changed your air filters? They’re designed to snatch dust and other allergens out of the air so the atmosphere in your house is filled with clean, breathable air.

Most have a lifetime of 3 months. Using a clogged filter won’t only leave additional allergens in the air, but likewise slow down the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system.

* Utilize an air purifier. Even with regular filter changes, air purifiers can remove additional pollutants around the home such as cigarette smoke, perfumes, cleaning product fumes and other irritants.

* Keep ventilation high in bathrooms. Ever notice how the mirrors and windows become foggy after a hot shower? That same moisture is hanging over the other surfaces also. It might lead to an increase in bacterium and likewise to mold.

Turn on vent fans and leave doors open after showers and baths to dry the area and keep moisture to a minimum.

* Use dye-free products. Some skin is rather sensitive to the fragrances in cleaners. Try using dish and laundry detergent that’s free of them. When you find a laundry detergent that does not cause itchiness in the family, stick with it.

How healthy is your house? If you aren’t sure, use the preceding tips to check it out.

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Baked Apple with Raisins
Serves 4

Ingredients:
4 cooking apples, washed
2 tbsp soft brown sugar
1 tbsp pecan nuts, chopped
cup raisins
Dash of cinnamon and nutmeg
Honey (optional)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350F.

Core the apples, but make sure that you don’t cut all the way through. Score the apples at the centre with the tip of a sharp knife.

Mix together the sugar, spices, pecan nuts and raisins. Stuff the apples with the mixture and drizzle with a bit of honey. Place the apples in an oven-proof dish, with a bit of water around them. Bake in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until the apples are soft.

Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

There’s a particular aroma that fills your bathroom once you unwrap a conventional shower curtain from its package.

Many of us simply accept that as part of the shower curtain experience, only recent info has come out concerning the toxic nature of this aroma. It appears that vinyl shower curtains contain some awful chemicals that discharge their vapors into the air.

PVC

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is utilized in the making of soft vinyl-like shower curtains. PVC contains dioxin, phthalates, and chlorine. Dioxin is a carcinogen and is given off when polyvinyl chloride burns or becomes heated (hot showers, anybody?). It’s particularly implicated in breast cancer.

The phthalates in polyvinyl chloride include DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate) and BBzP (benzyl butyl phthalate), and they’re utilized to keep the plastic lenient while it’s being made. Phthalates are implicated in autism, allergies, and reproductive problems (they mimic human hormones). And lastly, the chlorine utilized to make polyvinyl chloride lets out toxic vapors.

Eco-Friendly Shower Curtains

So what is a showerer to do? Here are a few ideas for eco-friendly, nonpoisonous shower curtains.

1. Hemp – Hemp shower curtains are costly, yet durable. They’re said to insulate good, and they are free from synthetic compounds.

2. Bamboo – It seems there’s nothing they can not construct from bamboo these days! The natural mold and mildew resistance of bamboo is inviting to many, as is its strength. A bamboo shower rod would establish an appealing completion to the natural look.

3. Linen – Naturally water-resistant, the dense cloth of linen makes a great shower curtain. There are quite a few color alternatives with linen.

4. Cotton – Organic cotton is likely the least costly of the commercially obtainable, eco-friendly shower curtain alternatives. Once again, colors and fabrics are rather diversified. Just be sure that any cotton curtains aren’t processed with synthetic chemicals or soft plastics to make them water-repellent.

5. Create Your Own – You might be amazed by what you have at home that may work for a shower curtain. Old sheets are particularly conducive to this do it yourself project. You are able to utilize thin, old bedspreads or coverlets. To hang your homemade shower curtain, you are able to sew together cloth tabs or loops to the top of a bed sheet, or crimp it over the curtain rod and stitch along the distance of the rod. Then slide the rod through and hang up.

You are able to decorate your piece of cloth in all types of ways. Stencils are popular, as are kids art and handprints. You may also do handstamps in whatever shapes you wish.

True Green: Providing Earth Friendly Products.  Treeless & recycled paper products, biodegradable trash bags, laundry washing ball & dryer ball.

Whole-Wheat Pasta with Garbanzo Beans
Serves 2 – 3

Ingredients:
5 oz small whole-wheat pasta shapes
1 (15oz) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
2 tbsp black olives, pitted and chopped
Handful of fresh basil, torn
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper

Instructions:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside.

In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a large skillet and add the garlic. Saut for a few minutes, then add the beans. Stir until the beans are heated through. Remove from the heat and mix in the tomatoes, olives and basil. Season with freshly ground pepper and salt. Divide the pasta on dinner plates and serve with the bean/tomato mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and serve immediately.

Easy Family Favorite Turkey Chili
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
lb ground turkey (preferably fat reduced)
2 carrots, sliced
1 stick celery, sliced
1 green bell pepper, de-seeded and chopped
1 15oz kidney beans, drained
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
1 8oz can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp chili powder (or more depending on taste)
Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream
Olive oil

Instructions:
Heat a dash of olive oil in a large non-stick saucepan. Add the chopped onion, garlic, peppers, carrots and celery and, stirring, cook for about 5 minutes, until vegetables are beginning to soften. Then add the ground turkey and mix well, then cook until the meat is no longer pink. Stir in all the spices and season well with salt and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce and gently simmer for about 15 minutes. Then stir in the kidney bins, mix well, and continue cooking for a further 10 minutes until the chili is piping hot.

Serve with cooked rice, sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

The key to creating a healthy balance in your home is the infusion of both positive and mellow energy. The right amount of both can instantly boost your productivity and improve your mood and energy levels.

A home should be more than just a structure. It should be your dream palace, your relaxing retreat from the pressures of daily life.

Your home should reflect the happiness and love that you feel for your family.

The key to creating a healthy balance in your home is the infusion of both positive and mellow energy.

The right amount of both can instantly boost your productivity and improve your mood and energy levels.

It’s important to also cleanse your space of negativity, clutter and anything that reflects an uninspired lifestyle.

Follow these simple steps for a home filled with harmonious energy:

The Basic Principles of Feng Shui Decorating

Dating back over 7000 years, Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway) is an ancient Chinese practice used in interior decorating, landscaping and architecture.

It’s a system of placing and organizing objects in such a way that the elements (or the “chi”) of the space are in perfect balance with each other.

Here ‘s a brief road map to Feng Shui:

• Remove any junk (more on that later) and get organized. A messy space throws off the energy balance, or the “Yin” (dark) and “Yang” (bright) of your home.
• Determine which direction your home faces. It’s the one with the door or window facing the busiest side (the “Yang”), be it a crowded street or a picturesque view.
• Face furniture like your TV, bed or desk towards the openings of the room. It allows for energy to travel freely, creating a “bagua” (energy map) of your home.
• If your home is filled with too many bright “yang” colours, incorporate cooler, muted “yin” colours like blue into your décor. And vice versa.
• Let the light in. Open or discard of as many curtains as possible to let the natural sunlight into your home. Paint your walls white or bright colours if they’re too drab.
• Add greenery, wind chimes, crystals or mobiles to liven up the energy of any room.

The philosophy of Feng Shui encompasses so much more, but the main thing to remember is that its ultimate goal is to cultivate balance between the Yin and Yang energies. You can’t have too much or too little of either.

As mentioned, having too much of anything is a Feng Shui faux pas. Focus on getting rid of your material surplus.

Hoarding No More

Dirtiness, hoarding and unnecessary clutter are poisonous to the energy of your home. It’s time to go through your old boxes, clothing closet and shelves and ask yourself: do I really need this? Establish these firm rules to help tidy up your home:

• One-year limit. Are there are things in your closet or storage that you haven’t used in a year? If you don’t realistically see a future use for it, time to give it away.
• Filing cabinet. If you don’t own a filing cabinet or something like one, get one. Use it to organize all of your important documents that you’d otherwise leave in a pile on your desk.
• Schedule your life. Instead of leaving invitations and flyers around the house, program the event info into a calendar. Several calendar apps exist for smart phones or you can use one, old school calendar where you keep all of the entries.
• Garage sales. Yard or garage sales are one of the best ways to rid your home of unwanted things. For anything you’re unable to sell, donate the items.
• One-in-one-out. Avoid filling your home with multiple versions of the same thing. Buy something, and get rid of something else.
• Banishment of junk. You might think that there’s sentimental value to the cereal box featuring your favorite childhood character. You’re wrong. Banish any unusable, unfixable or incomplete items you just can’t seem to let go of.

Any objects that are reminiscent of negative events (like a messy break-up or a tragedy) should also be banished. Once your home is clean, organized and purged of bad memories, you’ll instantly notice a change in its energy balance.

Now you can start incorporating other, less commonplace approaches to home balancing, like BioGeometry.

Get an A+ in BioGeometry

Despite what you may think, BioGeometry isn’t an advanced high school math class.

Established by Dr. Ibrahim Karim in the late 1960s, BioGeometry examines the scientific relationship between energy and shapes. Its core philosophy is that shapes can bring balance to all energy that exists within nature.

BioGeometry Energy-Balancing Products are specially designed to apply the balancing effects of BioGeometry to your home.

Products such as the home energy-balancing cube, charging trays and pendants can help to maintain a Qualitative Environmental Energy Exchange Balance in your space.

Dr. Karim recognizes that the pressures of our daily routine can interrupt the balance of nature.

BioGeometry helps to realign that balance for a happier, healthier home. A wide variety of other decorate objects can help you do that as well.

Energy by Design

When interior and exterior decorating, incorporate items that will help to bring harmony to your home. Décor should be fashionable, but it can also serve a functional purpose that compliments your overall scheme.

Earthing Accessories

“Earthing sheets” can improve your home’s energy by connecting you to the nutrients and energy of the Earth.

For the mat to work, stand on it barefoot as the ground’s energy is conducted through a specialized grounded cord or grounding rod.

Balancing Colors

According to the Feng Shui philosophy, infusing the right amount of bright (“Yang”) colors with mellow (“Yin”) colors can successfully balance the energy of your home.

A balanced color scheme will prevent your rooms from being too monotonous or bright.

Crystals

There is a large assortment of Feng Shui crystals out there, but the most commonly used type is made of faceted lead.

They are meant to symbolize a variety of things, like love, clarity and protection for your home.

Fountains

According to Feng Shui, fountains are meant to symbolize the flowing source of wealth. They can be placed in your home or in the tranquil garden in your backyard.

The calming flow of water also helps to inspire relaxation and peace.

Bamboo

The Feng Shui philosophy teaches that bamboo is lucky.

You can purchase bamboo from your local flower or home and garden shop.

For maximum luckiness, place the bamboo in a pot with some nice rocks and incorporate it into your garden or home décor.

Buddhas

In Feng Shui, Buddha sculptures, figurines and images are more than just religious symbols.

An item made in the image of Buddha represents harmony and spiritual growth for its owner.

Sit Back and Relax

Your “re-decorating” efforts should cause a substantial improvement in your energy levels, motivation and mood. Now that you’ve successfully optimized the energy of your home, it’s time to enjoy the spiritual benefits your hard work.

It’s time to live in harmony with the people and things you love most.

Learn Holistic Healing From Home!

There are many vital components to regaining and maintaining health. Natural therapies can be a crucial part of a healing journey and you can learn how to help yourself and others achieve whole body wellness through holistic healing.

If you would like to learn Reflexology, Color Therapy, Reiki, Holistic Beauty Therapy, Anatomy & Physiology, Crystal Therapy, Crystal Reflexology or Aromatherapy at your own pace in your own home, please check out Alternative Healing Academy’s Home Study Courses.

We offer a wide range of comprehensive holistic health courses at affordable prices. Take a minute to read our FAQ and our Testimonials – you’ll be glad you did! The Alternative Healing Academy even offers payment plans! You are also welcome to contact us with any questions.

About the author:

Joyce Smith. Joyce is a PR professional, enthused blogger for http://www.expertnotion.com and a devotee to health and wellness.

Low Fat and Low Sodium Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tangelos, peeled, pitted and sectioned
1/2 pineapple, cored and cut into chunks
1 medium banana, sliced
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon fresh mint, chopped

Instructions:

Place the tangelos in a large mixing bowl. Add the pineapple and banana. Pour the orange juice over the fruit. Sprinkle in the mint. Refrigerate 1 hour. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Values)

Number of Servings: 4
Serving Size: about 1/2 cup

Per Serving
Calories 90
Carbohydrate 23 g
Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Fiber 3 g
Protein 1 g
Sodium 1 mg

Ingredients:
cup cottage cheese
cup natural yoghurt
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
A few fresh chives, chopped

Method:
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well for about 30 seconds.

Pour the dressing into a jug and season with salt and pepper.

Toss with your choice of salad (this is ideal for coleslaw, but can also be used for other salads) and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives.

This dressing can also be served as a dip with raw fresh vegetables.

Infidelity has been in the news lately. Well-known athletes, Hollywood stars, and politicians have been making public apologies for their ‘indiscretions.’ Many people in similar situations are willing to forgive, but what are the steps to mend a relationship after infidelity?

There’s a lot to be said for people who choose to work through the pain caused by infidelity. They may have an inner strength which allows them forgive and forget the past while having courage enough to face what the future holds. Rather than dwell on being hurt, they remember what they love about the person and decide they’d prefer not live without them.

Before you can mend a relationship after infidelity, it’s important to know why a partner was unfaithful. This means you’ll need to talk openly and honestly with one another. If you don’t think you can do this on your own, you may want to seek out a marriage counselor.

What can marriage counseling do for you? To begin with they’re able to hear both sides of the story without being emotionally involved. If you need a non-partial mediator they’re more than able to help in that regard.

A marriage counselor can also pose questions or make observations neither of you may have considered. They are there to facilitate your conversation, to keep it civil when hurt feelings make themselves known, and bring you back to a point where you both can recognize your own responsibility for what’s happened. While the actual infidelity may have occurred with only one person, the other person may have withheld emotions or communication which made the unfaithful seek solace elsewhere.

It may be difficult to do, especially when the wounds are new, but it’s important to let the unfaithful partner know they’re forgiven. Don’t keep bringing up their unfaithfulness in the future when things aren’t going so well; in fact, it’s better not to bring the subject up again. If the instance is constantly dragged up whenever you have a disagreement, don’t be surprised if they don’t believe your sincerity about forgiving them.

Don’t be afraid to tell them how much you were hurt by their infidelity. Be open about your feelings but don’t accuse them. Rather than saying ‘you did this’ try to say ‘this is how I felt because of this.’ Try to keep your voice even and if they have something to say about the subject, truly listen to them.

Sometimes feelings are too raw and you find you can’t forgive; in this case it may be better to end the relationship. If you’re married, try to separate for a period of time first before forging ahead with a divorce. Allow yourself enough time to consider everything that’s happened and reassess your feelings. You may even want to try dating again and seeing if you can work your relationship out.

You may come to the conclusion that there’s no way you could trust them again. If this is the case, try to separate permanently in an amicable way. This is especially important if children are involved. Be sure to reassure the children that they are not the cause of the divorce, that you and your partner have differences that can’t be resolved, and that the other parent will still be a part of their life.

No one wants to experience unfaithfulness, but there are steps to mend a relationship after infidelity if that’s what you choose. Once you have made the choice to forgive and rebuild your relationship, good for you. If that’s not possible, try to let go with dignity.

Ingredients:
1 lb salmon fillets, washed and dried
stock cube
1 tsp cornflour
2 cups single cream
3 tbsp pine nuts
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed
Butter
Salt and pepper

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400F.

Grease an ovenproof dish with butter and line with the thawed spinach. Arrange the salmon pieces on top. In a little bowl, dissolve the stock cube with a bit of hot water. Add the single cream and cornflour. Mix well. Season with pepper and salt.

Pour the sauce over the salmon fillets. Top with the pine nuts and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Serve immediately with new potatoes.

Low Carb Recipe

Ingredients:

4 pork loin chops
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped
2 tart apples peeled, cored and chopped
1 1/2 cups low carb bread cubes
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup apple cider
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

Place 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Oil needs to be hot but not smoking. Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with the pepper. Add the seasoned chops to the hot oil and cook 3 minutes. Turn the pork chops and continue cooking an additional 3 minutes or until nicely browned. Place the browned chops in the bottom of large baking dish. Place the remaining olive oil in the skillet and allow to heat up again. Stir in the onion and celery. Cook 5 minutes or until just tender. Stir in the apples and continue cooking an additional 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and set off to the side. Stir in the bread pieces and parsley. Add a scant amount of the apple cider and stir. Continue adding scant amounts of the apple cider until the bread pieces are completely moistened being sure to stir after each addition. Spread the top side of each pork chop with the Dijon mustard. Place a spoonful of the bread mixture on top of the mustard being sure to pat it down to cover the entire pork chop. Place the oven temperature on 350 degrees and allow the oven to heat. Bake the chops 25 minutes or until the chops are no longer pink inside and the stuff has turned a nice golden brown.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Values)

Number of Servings: 4

Per Serving
Calories 364
Carbohydrate 31 g
Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Fiber 4 g
Protein 33 g
Sodium 284 mg

Spiced Potatoes with Kidney Beans
Serves 4

Ingredients:
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in thick chunks
3 green onions, sliced
1 fresh red chili, seeded and sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 14oz can red kidney beans, drained
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Fresh coriander, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Boil the potatoes until almost tender. Drain and put aside.

In a large skillet, head the oil and saut the onion and chili for about 1 minute. Add the garlic and saut for a further few moments. Then add the potatoes, beans, the soy sauce and sesame oil and carefully stir until combined. Season well with salt and pepper and heat until the potato/bean mixture is hot. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and coriander and serve immediately

Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Makes about 4 side dishes

Ingredients:
2 lbs asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2 ” pieces
2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cups Balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Add the asparagus pieces to a pot of salted and boiling water. Cook for about 1-2 minutes (depending on the thickness of the asparagus), drain immediately and drop into a bowl of cold water. Drain again and place the asparagus pieces into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the vinaigrette and seal tightly. Chill for at least 4 hours.

Before serving, drain the asparagus, but keep the vinaigrette. Arrange the asparagus on a platter, season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the lemon zest and parsley. Pour the vinaigrette into a small jug and serve on the side.

Ingredients:
1 banana, chopped
1 kiwi, peeled
apple, chopped
cup of frozen mixed berries
1 cup orange juice
cup soy milk
cup low fat plain yogurt
3 tbsp unsalted peanut butter
2 tbsp flaxseed oil

Method:
Combine the various fruits and orange juice in a blender and process everything until nice and smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until well mixed.

Enjoy this very healthy breakfast smoothie that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber and that will give you the best possible start to your day.

Babies are small people but big consumers! From diapers to pacifiers to all those beeping plastic toys, babies can really put a dent in your wallet and affect the planet. But parents can make eco-friendly choices that will save money and be better for the environment. Here are some suggestions.

1. Breastfeeding your baby greatly reduces waste. If you practice “ecological” breastfeeding, you do not need to invest in pacifiers, bottles, rubber nipples, containers of formula, and other wasteful items that can’t be recycled or re-used. Think about the waste you will avoid by breastfeeding for even six months, much less for years.

2. Cloth diapers may sound icky to those who are not accustomed to them, but the truly “icky” diapers are the plastic-backed, disposable ones piled high in landfills. Also, disposable diapers contain bleaching agents and absorbency-enhancing chemicals that make some eco-conscious parents uncomfortable. Using organic, cotton diapers that can be washed and re-used is far better for your baby and the environment. If you are concerned about leaks, there are diaper covers made from naturally water-resistant wool.

3. The room where the baby will be spending the most time – and the whole house if you can manage it – needs to have eco-friendly paint, flooring, and furniture (babies spend a lot of time on the floor!). Look for paint that is VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) free, and take up wall-to-wall carpeting if possible and replace it with eco-friendly wood or other natural flooring. Baby’s furniture should also be as natural as possible, preferably made of sustainable, natural wood.

4. Baby cribs and beds are often chemical-intensive areas, with soft plastics, flame retardants, dyes, and other synthetic chemicals saturating the mattress and bed covers. Look for natural rubber mattresses and organic bedding so that your baby will be breathing clean air all night long. Wool is naturally fire-resistant, so consider natural sheep fleece and wool bedding for your baby if that is a concern.

5. Clothing goes directly against baby’s skin, so you want to be sure to use chemical-free cloth. Due to the soft, porous nature of babies’ skin, they are more prone to absorb toxins through their skin than adults are. Some natural choices are organic cotton and wool, but any material will do as long as it is organic and comfortable.

6. Keeping baby clean should not involve skin irritants or carcinogens, but some of the popular baby soaps and shampoos contain such potentially harmful chemicals. Use natural soaps and lotions with simple, organic ingredients and dry baby with an organic cotton towel.

7. Try to skip the plastic toys in favor of toys made from untreated wood. There are many safe, wooden baby toys on the market for all ages, and they are very durable. Consider natural toys, too, or re-use household items like paper towel tubes or cardboard tissue boxes by making them into interesting toys. Natural toys don’t require batteries, either – another source of household waste.

Sweet Potato Gratin with Parmesan Cheese
Serves about 8

Ingredients:
4 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices (crosswise)
2 cups heavy cream
3 tbsp butter
cup parmesan cheese, grated
tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400F. Coat 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.

Arrange alternate layers of sliced potatoes and parmesan cheese.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together the heavy cream, thyme and salt and pepper. Pour over the potatoes, cover with foil and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil, dot with the 2 remaining tbsp of butter and continue baking for a further 20-25 minutes until the top is browned and the potatoes are cooked through.

Serve immediately!

Mix all ingredients in a widemouthed glass jar and tighten the cap. Set aside for 24 hours to allow the aromas to permeate the powder.

Sprinkle over carpeting, leave for 10 to 15 minutes, and vacuum.

* Lavender 60 drops
* Cinnamon 20 drops
* Red Mandarin 20 drops
* Bicarbonate of soda 1/2 cup (120 ml)

Low Fat Recipe Good source of Vitamins.

Ingredients:

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in cubes
4 tablespoons pecans
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large saucepan. Fill the pan with cold water just high enough to cover the potatoes. Place over medium high heat. Bring the potatoes to a quick boil. Continue boiling 20 minutes or until the potatoes is fork tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly. Place a skillet over low heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Add the pecans and toast for 3 minutes turning a couple of times during cooking. Be careful not to over cook the pecans they can burn easily. Remove the pecans to a paper towel. Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Add the brown sugar substitute. Mash the potatoes and sugar together with a potato masher. Sprinkle in the cinnamon. Stir to combine the flavors. Cover the top with the toasted pecans before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Values)

Number of Servings: 6
Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Per Serving
Calories 172
Carbohydrate 33 g
Fat 4 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Fiber 3 g
Protein 2 g
Sodium 17 mg

Healthy Vegetable and Chicken Curry
Serves 4

Ingredients:
lb (or more) chicken breast, cubed
2 carrots, sliced
1 potato, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch of broccoli, cut in florets
3 tbsp curry powder (or according to taste)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp corn starch
2 cups skim milk
Pinch of salt
3 cloves of garlic, mined
Olive oil

Instructions:
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the minced garlic and soy sauce and stir-fry briefly. Then add the chicken and vegetables and stir for a few minutes. Stir in the curry powder, corn starch, milk and season. Keep on stir-frying until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Enjoy immediately with rice noodles or basmati rice.

cup sesame seeds
16oz bow tie pasta
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp white sugar
tsp ground ginger
tsp black pepper
3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
yellow bell pepper, cut in strips
red bell pepper, cut in strips
1/3 cup green onions, chopped

Method:

Heat a little pan over medium heat and add sesame seeds. Stir constantly and cook until toasted. Be careful not to burn them! Set aside.

Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain finished pasta and rinse under cold water. When cool, place into large serving bowl.

Blend vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger and pepper. Add to pasta and toss gently. Mix in chicken, cilantro, green onions and bell peppers.

This makes a great and wholesome take-away lunch.

Low Cholesterol

Ingredients:

1 cup boiling Water
4 Green Tea with Mandarin Orange Flavor Tea Bags
1/2 teaspoon sugar substitute
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions:

Plate the tea bags in the boiling water and allow steeping for 2 minutes. Remove the tea bags and squeeze out any tea remaining. Add the sugar substitute and stir to dissolve. Place in the refrigerator and allow chilling about 30 minutes. Place the chilled tea in the blender. Add the banana and ice cubes. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Serves 2

Nutritional Information (Approximate Values)

80 calories
0 g fat
0 g saturated fat
1 g protein
18 g carbohydrate
0 mg cholesterol
100 mg sodium
2 g fiber

Listen in to the conversations you hear at the grocery store. You may hear one mother complain that her children often say “I want this” or “I want that.” Another parent may mention that they’re tired of how many different directions their family runs on a daily basis. Whether your family has the “I wants” or is rarely together, you may want to consider the advantages of family volunteering.

One of the many advantages of family volunteering is having your family work on a project together. Not only can you spend time with one another, but you help someone who is less fortunate than yourselves. If you look at it like that, it’s a win-win situation.

Perhaps your family is concerned about the environment. You can probably find environmental projects you can do in your own area. Call the local city park to see if they need help. They may ask you to help pick up litter, plant trees or flowers in flower beds, or place markers to identify the trees along a walking trail.

Another family volunteering activity you can do is to work at a soup kitchen or center for homeless people. They have to feed those staying at the shelter every day so they’d probably be thrilled to have someone come to the center to help cook, serve, or clean up after meals. Many people consider helping during the holidays but there are needs at these shelters and centers all year round.

Is anyone in your family handy with tools? You may want to volunteer as a family to work on a Habitat for Humanity home or some similar project. If you get involved when the project first starts and see it through completion, your family can feel proud of a job well done and see the joy on a deserving family’s face when they are handed the keys to their new home.

What are some other advantages to family volunteering?

* You’re teaching your children about giving to others rather than always asking for something.

* Volunteering allows children to become involved in their community in a tangible way.

* It teaches your family to become stronger, promotes positive values, and teaches them how to work as a team.

* Having your children volunteer while they’re young will probably encourage them to continue volunteering as an adult. They may even pass the volunteering tradition onto their own children.

* Family volunteering can be a lot of fun!

Bring your family together by volunteering. You can strengthen your family, have fun, and benefit others in the process.

Broccoli and Walnut Stir-fry
(Serves 4)

Ingredients

2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp walnuts
1 cup of vegetable broth
1 cup mushrooms, such as fresh shitake, sliced
1 head of broccoli, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water
3 tbsp soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Seeds to garnish

Method:

Heat oil in a wok and saut carrots and onions until almost tender. Add broccoli and walnuts and stir. Add 1 cup of broth and cook until veggies are tender. To thicken the sauce, add the dissolved cornstarch. Stir briefly, then add soy sauce, salt and pepper to your taste.

Sprinkle with seeds of your choice and serve with whole-grain noodles.

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
1 1/2 cup red seedless grapes, halved
1 cup celery, sliced
1/3 cup green onion, sliced
cup plain yogurt
Pinch of curry powder
Salt and black pepper
Handful of mixed green salad leaves

Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, curry powder and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Place chicken, grapes, celery and green onion into a large serving bowl. Add the dressing and gently toss until well coated.

Serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed green salad leaves for a light lunch. Fresh rye bread would compliment this salad.

Ingredients

12 slices of bacon
3 large tomatoes, seeded and sliced
1 9-inch deep dish pastry shell, baked
8 green onions, chopped
1-1/2 C. Cheddar cheese, extra sharp, grated
1-1/2 C. mayonnaise

Directions

Fry bacon; drain and crumble into small bits.

Arrange tomato slices in pastry shell. Place chopped onions and bacon bits on top.

In a small bowl, mix cheese and mayo. Add this topping to your pastry shell.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Serve hot and as a side dish for beef, pork, or chicken.

Teriyaki Tofu with Orange
(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

2 blocks firm tofu (16 oz)
1/4 cup tamari soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons grated orange peel

Fresh parsley or fresh coriander, chopped

Method:

Preheat oven to 375F.

Cut tofu into large bite-sized pieces and place into a dish. Combine all other ingredients and pour over the tofu pieces. Marinate for one hour.

Remove tofu and place into a small baking dish with cup of the marinade. Bake in oven for about one hour, occasionally stirring and basting with the remaining marinade.

Sprinkle finished tofu with chopped parsley or coriander and enjoy with brown rice and a tossed salad. .

A great vegan dish!