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Chopping AeroGarden Herbs
Lifestyle

My AeroGarden

One of my favorite things I look forward to in the summer is the fresh veggies and herbs from my garden. It is fun to watch them grow, harvest and then eventually eat them.  It always makes me feel healthier.  This past Christmas my parents gave me an AeroGarden.  I had never heard of one before.  It is a small countertop indoor garden that helps you grow herbs or vegetables in your home.

AeroGarden Herbs

It’s pretty easy to set up.  There are pods that have the seeds and nutrients in them and you place them in the plastic container under the LED light.  There is another small container that you put water in about every two weeks.  The first two rounds I added a capful of Miracle Grow, as recommended, to the water.  I started to see tiny buds and before you knew it I had these huge herbs growing.

In my AeroGarden, I have dill, parsley and basil.  I have to cut the dill back probably every other day because it grows so quickly.  I started cutting it back and setting it aside to dry.  For a little fun I have been using my mortal and pestle to crush the dill.  My plan is to have enough dry dill to either store or make some dill dip!   I am not sure how well it will store but I may end up using it all in the recipe anyway.

Cutting Back and AeroGarden

I think the AeroGarden is fool proof.  If you just want to dabble in gardening it is super easy.  Or you may want to start out just with the pods and then eventually transfer the herbs into your larger garden in the spring. AeroGarden offers a wide variety of lettuces and other veggies.  They even have flowers, I think that would be fun to try over the winter.  I would love to hear if you have an AeroGarden or are planning on giving it a try!

February 26, 2018 by
Avocado Oil
Lifestyle

Avocado Oil; The Many Benefits And Uses

 

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Avocado Oil Mayonnaise

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 cup Avocado Oil

Instructions

  1. Add lemon juice, large egg, seasonings and let set for 30 seconds.

  2. Pour avocado oil in VERY slowly while you mix in your Food Processor. 

As you know I love to cook.  Lately there has been lots of talk about the health benefits of using different kinds of oils in our cooking and eating.  Some of these oils can even be used for your hair and skin.  I’m going to do a short series on different types of oils, their uses and health benefits.  The first oil I am going to share is avocado oil.  It is my new favorite oil to work with and I started using it not too long ago.

There are several health benefits of avocado oil and here are some of my top favorites.

1.) Rich in healthy fats.  70% is Omega 9.  Reduces cholesterol and improves heart health.  It has been proven to help increase the good cholesterol or HDL.

2.) High in Lutein, an antioxidant that benefits the health of your eyes from age related degeneration.  Our bodies do not produce lutein so it is important to supplement.  Lutein can also help prevent certain types of cancers.

3.) Improves your skin and hair.  It contains monounsaturated fats that are great for hydrating your skin but also improves eczema and other skin inflammations.  Personally, this is where I have noticed the greatest improvement.  Over the winter my skin was in way better condition due to the fact that I was pushing the monounsaturated fats in my diet.

4.) High in antioxidants which can help reduce free radicals.  Free radicals are waste products that can cause damage to your cells, DNA and proteins in your body. Having a diet high in antioxidants is very beneficial and can help reduce the risk of some cancers.

5.) Easy to use.  It has a buttery flavor and a high smoke point of over 500 degrees!  If you are unaware what a smoke point means, it is the point at which the oil is heated and begins to smoke.  This is an indication that it is turning carcinogenic and breaking down and will start to burn.

There are a variety of ways in which you can use avocado oil. One of my favorites, because of its butter flavor, is to use it on a salad or on popcorn!  It is really quite delicious and healthy!  Of course, it is still an oil so make sure you are paying attention to the quantities.

Another great way to use avocado oil is for marinating meats!    The buttery flavor and the high smoke point make it ideal for grilling steaks or veggies!  This veggie combination is delicious and a family favorite.  It is super easy and all I added was the avocado oil and some salt and pepper.  I feel so much better when I am eating healthy and it is real food!

Grilled Vegetables with Avocado Oil

Try drizzling it on French Bread or any type of artisan bread will work, add a dash or two of garlic salt.  It’s amazing, you can’t beat that buttery flavor! Pair it with some spaghetti and it is rockin good!

French Break with Avocado Oil

Give avocado oil a try.  I think you will love it as much as I do.  Let me know some of your favorite recipes, maybe I’ll give them a try!

February 19, 2018 by
Homemade Bath Bomb Ingredients
Lifestyle

Homemade Bath Bombs

Every now and then I love a relaxing bath.   I like to make sure I am soaking in natural ingredients that are not harmful to my body.  Studies show that our largest organ, our skin, is porous so make sure you know what you are putting on your skin!   I never really thought much about a bath being toxic but if you have ingredients that should be banned then it makes sense to learn how to make homemade bath bombs which is what I decided to do.

This recipe is relatively easy and to get the best results you need to allow it to sit overnight.  I like to do small projects like this and then give some away as gifts to my friends or family.  A great personalized gift is the best!   Most of the ingredients are household items except the soap dye.  The main ingredients are citric acid, baking soda, corn starch, carrier oil which is like a coconut oil, essential oils and you can purchase a Bath Bomb Mold.  (A Christmas bulb that can be opened, is what I used).

Homemade Bath Bomb Molds

I gave some to my daughter who loves baths.  She loved them and we both agreed they leave your skin feeling so soft!  It was great knowing all of the ingredients instead of strange names I can’t pronounce!  I encourage you to try this recipe and when you do let me know what you think!

Homemade Bath Bomb

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Homemade Bath Bomb

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Citric Acid
  • 1 cup Baking Soda
  • 1/2 cup Corn Starch
  • 1/2 cup Carrier Oil (almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, etc)
  • 10 drops Essential Oils (I used lavender)
  • Soap Dye optional

Instructions

  1. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.

  2. Mix the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl.

  3. Slowly pour liquid mixture into dry mixture, whisking as you go.

  4. Squeeze mixture together, it should have some hold.

  5. Fill the bath bomb molds with mixture, overflowing slightly and push together.

  6. Remove one half of the bath bomb mold and set to dry. 

  7. Let dry overnight.

  8. Remove the remaining bath bomb mold.

  9. Enjoy!

 

February 12, 2018 by
Valentine's Day Cocktail
Recipes

Valentine’s Day Cocktail

Even though romance is in the air, sometimes it can be a little difficult to find time for you and your loved one.  I know some years my husband and I were so busy we weren’t able to celebrate Valentine’s Day properly.  It can sometimes be a lot of pressure on what one should or should not expect. If you don’t have extra time on your hands I suggest a romantic toast to each other with this delicious Valentine’s Day Cocktail.  It’s something you can make at home, sit by a fire and have some quiet conversation (after the house quiets down for the night)!  This recipe is simple and yummy!

For an elegant addition to this cocktail, find out how easy it is to make White Chocolate Dipped Cherries.

Hope you enjoy and cheers to love!

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Valentine's Day Cocktail

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Cinnamon Schnapps
  • 1 ounce Vodka
  • 1 splash Grenadine

Instructions

  1. Add a small handful of red hot candies before serving.

 

February 8, 2018 by
White Chocolate Dipped Cherries
Recipes

White Chocolate Dipped Cherries

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and I usually make sugar cookies for my family.  This year I wanted to try something new.  I came across these white-chocolate covered cherries and had to give it a try. It was tricky finding cherries this time of year but I prevailed.

This recipe is super simple and doesn’t take a lot of time.  It is elegant looking and they taste really good!  For starters, I dipped them in the microwavable Ghirardelli White Chocolate melting wafers.

Dipping White Chocolate Cherries

 

Immediately after covering them in chocolate I sprinkled some edible crystals.   You can get creative and use edible pearls, red sprinkles or confetti.  Make sure to pop them in the refrigerator when done assembling.  They will stay fresher and taste way better.

Setting White Chocolate Cherries

 

On Valentine’s Day, I plan on toasting with my favorite champagne, Veuve, and my favorite Valentine, my hubby!  Enjoy!  xoxo

White Chocolate Cherries

February 5, 2018 by