Each year on Mother's Day, the women in our congregation at church receive a nice token of appreciation. It's often chocolate - but sometimes is a potted plant or cut flowers. This year it will be chocolates. I am NOT against chocolate, however I often feel like every holiday or day of appreciation turns into [...]
This recipe is from the blog, Delish, with very few changes. Stacks of yummy eggplant, made smoky with a simple sauce. Eggplant is not bacon. However, it CAN taste a lot like bacon if you season and cook it this way! What are the benefits of eggplant bacon? Well, it’s made from a [...]
I'm not often tempted by processed chocolate any more, but on Easter Sunday, it can be hard for me to pass up chocolate when I feel surrounded by it. So many childhood memories of fingers sticky with chocolate, compel me to want to join in! Fortunately, there are HEALTHY options. I've been mixing up my [...]
I go through breakfast phases. Every day I have a protein-spinach smoothie after my workout, then have “Second Breakfast” about an hour after that. By that time, I’m ready for more protein and some carbs to get me through till lunchtime. Currently, this protein pancake is my favorite choice for “Second Breakfast” because it’s super [...]
The view from our cruise ship balcony in Nassau. Everyone likes to run away once in awhile, and cruising has become a very popular and affordable way to vacation. Shawn and I just enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, and as we prepared to go, I realized I think differently than most people when they [...]
When it's cold outside, I love thick, hearty soup - doesn't everyone? The downside is, those creamy soups pack in a lot of calories with very little nutritional value. Don't worry though - cauliflower will save the day! Pureed cauliflower is a fast way to amazing, thick, delicious, creamy and seriously nutritious soup. Here's how [...]
This time of year is perfect for enjoying roasted vegetables. Brussels Sprouts are one of my favorites, and these are special. They’re so perfect and teeny - just the right size to bite into - and roasting them brings out all their BEST qualities. Perfectly roasted Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are great with [...]
Adding more produce to your diet is ALWAYS a good idea. Did you make any New Year's resolutions? If you did - take another look at them to be sure they're a good idea. If you didn't - reconsider, but read this first so you'll have success! Only about 8% of people who [...]
How many plates and packages of sweets did you get so far this holiday season? I lost count after about a dozen. YES, I made special Christmas cookies for people I love that really want them, BUT I also made a healthy treat for people who are trying to still avoid sugar. Enter, the wholesome, [...]
One of my sisters posted on her Facebook page, “If you love me, please don’t bring fat food to my house for Christmas.” Pretty forward, but good for her! I am one of those people that bake like crazy starting on December 1st. Our family has a Belgian cookie recipe that not only tastes amazing, [...]