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5 Ingredient Almond Snack Spread


Morning lovelies! 
I am running around uber early because I have tests for my thyroid and that means restless night, early morning, not much appetite or time to cook. 
You know those mornings and days when you are so pressed for time that eating healthy in a short amount of time seems impossible? 
That's when I throw together this yummy, quick, simple, and paleo grab then go spread. If you are vegan, feel free to substitute the honey for maple syrup, I don't ever recommend agave nectar anymore because research has shown it to be just as bad for you as corn syrup, high in fructose, which is the kind of sugar cancer thrives on, and I noticed before any research came out that my body was reacting negatively to it. Honey and maple in small amounts are a much better alternative and whenever possible please try to do organic honey, from local sources, where been keepers are being responsible and not contributing to our precious bee's demise. Without bees, our all important pollinators, we loose food. Period. 
Make an effort to find out more and get involved, and remember that your purchases make a tremendous impact. By buying organic honey you are telling big corporations that you don't want pesticides destroying our food supply, insects, animals, and the environment. 
I think Einstein said it best:


Here is a simple recipe for a Tasty Tuesday morning, hope you and yours have a blessed day.

5 INGREDIENT ALMOND SNACK SPREAD:

2 Tbsp Almond butter 
1 tsp Cinnamon ground
2 tsp Organic honey (can sub with maple syrup or omit and use stevia) 
1 tsp Vanilla extract 

Mix all and spread on slices of apple or banana, great on celery with raisins or on gluten free toast. 


Enjoy and remember to share with someone you love.

Compassionate Christian Heart



Today we look at:
Mark 14:3-9
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at a table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”




I love how Jesus treated women, it is a point in Biblical writing that women were accepted, not brutalized or down-gressed, treated with respect, and valued, in Jesus's ministry.
At a time when women had no rights; were property of the men in their lives, were viewed as being prone to hysterics or sexual deviance, nothing more than ignored chattel.
They were constantly being dismissed, portrayed in a negative light, and then Jesus and God intervene and women have importance. Mary is chosen to carry this child Jesus, the angels will protect her, Mary Magdalene is beloved of the Son of God, women witnesses his resurrection, he does not chide or deride the woman who anoints him with oil then washes his feet with her hair, he protects a woman who is about to be stoned to death; there is more but for now this is enough to express what I want to say.
As a woman, there have been many times in my life when reading the Bible has been painful because women were so oppressed during this period, feminism was not even a notion, and it was hard to connect to the messages in certain chapters because of it. I wasn't the only one who felt this way, as I came to find when it was read with other female followers; sometimes we would need to pause to regroup and not lose the message in the written example of man's corruption.
I found it important to recall the time it was written, where we were then compared to modern times(although women are still treated as second class citizens in many parts of the world), that the corruption in the human heart does not reflect God or the love that He and Jesus have for us.
Women, children, men, and animals, experience cruelty, the most horrendous and heinous treatment at the hands of humans. It bruises the soul, breaks the heart, and brings up feelings of righteous indignation to see these things, to know of the injustices done in the name of insecurity, greed, and evil.
We can all too often can be left feeling helpless, discouraged, and think about giving up. This is the enemy's game, not one we were intended to play but to be vigilant about, and to overcome. But not alone.
Remember 1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I have always believed that beyond social conditioning, learned behavior patterns, social norms, gender roles, and corrupt dealings, deep down inside we know right from wrong. Before learning any of the "moral" codes of life, because we come from a place that is pure love. It is imprinted on the soul of every man, woman, and child.  
This is why we need to come back to Jesus's teachings, refresh our memories and heart's with his tremendous capacity for kindness, compassion, and pure love. These words are so very true:


Have a wonderful start to the week and remember to share the best parts of yourself with the world, which are: compassion, kindness, understanding, and love.

Spice Slathered Chicken

 
A very happy Saturday sweetpea's,

It's a day to make yummy noms but as it is the weekend, I want you to not get stressed or tired. Great food can be simple, use ingredients you have on hand, and come out boomtastic!
This is a great time saving, super duper easy, and Oh! So delicious recipe. 
Warning, it's one that gets gobbled up quickly and the scent wafting through the house will tease your taste buds mercilessly; it's worth it to wait. 

SPICE SLATHERED CHICKEN:

Ingredients:
1 Chicken weighing 3-4 lbs 
or 5-6 legs with thighs. 
Spice slather: (all spices are dry & ground) 
1 tsp thyme 
1 tsp poultry seasoning 
1 tsp bayleaf
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper 
1 Tbsp kosher salt
1 Tbsp garlic granules
2 Tbsp Mild paprika 
1/3 Cup Extra virgin olive oil 
2 Cloves pressed garlic

Method:
-In a bowl, mix all spices, fresh garlic, and then mix in olive oil. Be careful to stir slowly so oil doesn't splatter. Reserve. 
-Place clean chicken in a shallow baking dish lined with tin foil. 
-Very carefully lift skin away from flesh but don't remove it, you want it for cooking. 
-Once prepared, put on gloves, begin slathering the wet spice mix 1 tsp at a time under the skin onto the legs, breasts, and then do the same to the skin outside. Keep some for the cavity. 
-Rub it into the skin and rub the rest into the cavity. 
-Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in fridge minimum 4 hours or overnight. 
-Preheat oven to 450 degrees F, cook the uncovered chicken for 15 minutes and then lower the heat to 225 degrees F and cook for 1 1/2 hours. 
-Remove from oven and baste, place back in oven for 2 1/2- 3hours. 
-Remove from oven, make sure that when you poke the thigh that the juices run clear of blood. If not, then cook for an additional 30 minutes. (I don't usually need to but ovens vary, as do size of chickens. The chicken will fall off the bone when ready. 
-When removed from the oven, tent the chicken for 10 mins. before serving. 
-Enjoy hot with your favourite potatoes and greens,and share with someone you love. 







I made this when I was out in the country, for friends, and the recipe was such a hit. I was asked for it quite a few times. Here you go ladies, enjoy!
 Take care, be well, love freely...

Labradoodle Furry Friday



Bonjour lovelies & a Happy Fun & Furry Friday to you!
 
                     We all love Fridays, but we are the lucky few that get to love every day!!:

I have been having a seriously rough time of it and I need release, affirmation, positive reinforcement, smiles, warmth, laughter, and love.
                       How Adorable! This is what Tank looks like when he gets a bath!:
Along with some lighthearted and silly moments, I hope it will bring a bit of sunshine to your day as well.

A bit of seriousness first though, I suffer from a medical condition, (which I will not go into details about in this blog post) but it causes major difficulties with anxiety, sleep, and my happiness meter.
I try to be positive but it isn't easy at times...
                              Ich kann mich glücklich schätzen Freunde zu haben, die dies tun.:
It has been effecting me a lot this past week and as such, I have been looking into the possibility of getting a service dog.
I did not know that service dogs were available to those who suffer with anxiety and my particular medical condition, I hope I will be blessed enough to have one in the near future.
The difficulty lies firstly, with my serious allergies to most dogs. My son has a poodle/yorkie mix and that was no probs Bob. It has been suggested that I try a Labradoodle with a more poodlesque curly coat, as it might not be a trigger. It was also suggested, to go to a pet place and just see if upon interaction, there were any triggers for my allergies.

Look at how cute this little, chocolate, Australian Labradoodle puppy is:
                            Image result for labradoodle service dogs
So, after a particularly bad night, and still being in the throes of anxiety-which I dampened down with skullcap (future post to come and link to), we went in search of Labradoodle puppies.This next pic looks like the first type of cutie I got to hold, we couldn't take pics in the place but I found one that looks so much like the adorable, sweet, Labradoodle:
                                           Cute Labradoodles dog:
I seem to have done fine with him, smooshed my face in his softness and all. And seriously, it was sooooooooo soft! He was also mawing a lot but as a young puppy, it is to be expected, and trained out of them. I did notice the positive uptick in my mood and that my anxiety went down, after holding him.
This was the second...(again a pic I found on-line cuz no pics were allowed)
                       Image result for bernedoodle black puppy
Mr. Bernedoodle (above) cute fluffiness, was a definite allergen supplier, waaaah, although, I could be mistaken because there were so many allergens in that place. By the time I was enjoying the little fluffers, (okay, not so little because he was 3 months and big) I was already needing to get out in fresh, zero allergens zone.

So, it seems it's gonna be a Labradoodle or poodle type dog, in my service dog future. I had not realized how costly they are until I started researching, between $7500.00 and up, to start. Yikes!
I do feel that with all the work that goes into training and finding these special dogs, the price is fair and understandable. I found one all black, standard poodle, named Guinness on a site. Not ready for him yet but that name was so cool. For now, I shall flood my pinterest cuteness board with way too many pics of Labradoodles, and begin a list of cool names, which may turn out to be useless as service dogs are usually already given a name because training starts young. No probs, keeps my mind focused on a happy task and that is a good thing.
I must say that I truly appreciate all the time and effort people put in to getting these service dogs ready, for those of us in need. God bless your lovely souls!
Here is a gratuitous picture of another adorbs puppy in a toffee colour I have totes fallen for:
                                  He has great tastes in restaurants: | Community Post: 14 Reasons You Should Follow Alvin The Goldendoodle On Instagram:
His name is Alvin and you can follow his shenanigans on Instagram! His insta account name is: alvinthedood
Looking at that cute punim makes my heart feel a bit less heavy and my smile come a bit more easily.

It's tough being in a downward spiral of anxiety, it makes everything so much harder than it should be, than you want it to be, that your rational mind knows it shouldn't be but you physical body begs to differ about. It's frustrating, lowers your feelings of goodness and self-worth, and is hard to communicate because you don't really know why you over respond more than the norm.
             Quote on mental health stigma - I don't think people understand how stressful it is to explain what's going on in your head when you don't even understand it yourself.:
While I was exploring some stuff on my condition, this showed up and I want to post it here because sometimes understanding the mechanics of a thing, can really make a big difference in fighting back and getting to that point where you can stand once more.
        What Causes Panic Attacks? // OK, except: your subconscious mind isn't a physical organ capable of "releasing" stress hormones-your body does that.:
I chose to take a step back, stop pushing or insisting it was not a big deal, and be more gentle with myself. Poppa Bear also reminded me to stop being so hard on myself, and made sure I repeated those words with him so that I really got it. It was important, just like self-care is important when in the throes of anxiety or depression of any kind.
        "If you're struggling, you deserve to make self-care a priority. Whether that means lying in bed all day, eating comfort food, putting off homework, crying, sleeping, rescheduling plans, finding an escape through a good book, watching your favorite tv show, or doing nothing at all — give yourself permission to put your healing first. Quiet the voice telling you to do more and be more, and today, whatever you do, let it be enough. Feel your feelings, breathe, and be gentle with yourself. ...:
I did find these lists and little sillies helped, because I had forgotten to laugh and do simple things that were good for me...
            Things To Do When You’re Feeling Down Pictures, Photos, and Images for Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Twitter:

      you-are-scriptures:
These put a smile on my face:
  Today Top 28 Lol pictures (12:02:13 AM, Friday 27, January 2017 PST) – 28 pics:
There seems to be a tongue and determination theme happening here...
                     So much for that jar of peanut butter.  Incredible how long that corgi's tongue is!:
Sometimes other people get it wrong too, and it's marvellous, in a smh way, how foolish we humans can be:
                                          You know I'm not sure if some of these are photo shop but they are still funny!! 
And just when I think I am in a really bad way, I find things like this & realize I am doing really great:
           Dumb things people say in courtrooms…:
 Keep keeping on and loving Labradoodles, just like this super adorbs, stolen my heart, fluffers:
     Cuddles! I wanna bring this puppy home and love him FOREVER! HE'S SO FLUFFY I COULD DIE!:

Come on, how can you not love that face?
If you are feeling super down and need a happy moment, remember God loves you and click on this link below. It allows you to get in line to virtually play with a real kitten remotely or you can virtually feed a dog remotely. No, it is for realsies! Try it:
http://ipetcompanion.com/#

Take care, be well, love freely...

National Banana Bread Day Recipe

       

Hello One & All!

It is February 23rd & that means National Banana Bread Day is here! 
Such a yummy way to enjoy bananas. 
A fruit that has become very popular, did you know that the beautiful bananas we are used to eating today with their full sweet creamy satisfying fruit, were once mostly seeds which one had to suck on to get to the pulpy goodness we take for granted today?
                              Related image 

                             Image result for original banana
Bananas are actually facing some serious difficulties which is something we should be aware of as our beloved fruit could face an untimely demise. Say it isn't so Kiki!
It is sadly true, Panama Disease is very real, has been here before, and our bananas face an uncertain future!
Let me drop some knowledge on you before I share my awesome Vegan, Gluten-free Banana Bread recipe.

Going bananas?

The serious threats facing the world’s favourite fruit

Learn how we can save the banana... And why that is so important. 
When was the last time you ate a banana? Have you ever considered what it might be like if the famous musical hit 'Yes, we have no bananas' was to become a reality? 

Such a scenario is not as unlikely as it may seem as the future of the world’s favourite fruit is under serious threat. And not for the first time...

In the first half of the 20th century, our parents and grandparents ate a delicious banana called Gros Michel, or Big Mike in colloquial terms. But in the 1950s a deadly strain of Panama disease wiped out almost all banana plantations in Central and South America. Despite the best efforts of growers, this most flavourful of fruits became virtually extinct.
In the second half of the 1900s banana producers across the world switched to a different cultivar, the so-called the Cavendish. Although less tasty than Gros Michel, Cavendish was resistant to the type of Fusarium that was causing Panama disease.
As a result, following enormous investments in infrastructural changes required to accommodate the Cavendish’s different growing and ripening needs, the banana industry was saved.
But not for ever… in the 1990s a new strain of the Fusarium fungus appeared and began to spread. Originating in Taiwan, it soon reached other South East Asian countries such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines – and even northern Australia. Thousands of hectares of Cavendish have already been destroyed and many will follow if we are unable to stop Panama disease.

Bananas

The worlds most favourite fruit crop

Panama disease is not only a huge concern for the global export banana sector. It exerts an even greater impact on the domestic production of this staple crop as many locally preferred cultivars are also endangered, threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder producers.
Some banana facts:
Aboutfact1
More than 100 billion bananas are consumed annually in the world, making it the fourth most important food crop after wheat, rice and corn.
Aboutfact2
85% of the world’s banana production is used for local consumption, and only 15% is exported (mainly to the USA and Europe).
Aboutfact3
Americans eat more bananas than any other fruit, with an average consumption of 11.9 kg per year, more bananas than apples and oranges combined.


I hope you enjoy this as much as we do, remember to leave comments or questions down below, don't forget to share with someone you love,and God bless you!
             

Creamy Whole 30 Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free)


Good morning lovelies, today is a comfort food 101, Whole 30 recipe. 
I lasted 13 days on the whole 30 journey because of severe allergies/eczema/weight gain-6lbs! I was not so happy with the results & was a bit disappointed in myself, until my wonderful booboo and I talked & figured out a better strategy. I am feeling better, have lost 4 lbs in the last week with extra exercise, modification of diet, and am relieved the symptoms have abated, allowing me to move forward. 
Thank you God for this man in my life & for the opportunity to learn. 
In all of this, I came up with new recipes that I did not have reactions to, were very filling, nourishing, & Paleo/Whole 30 compliant. 
This recipe is definitely a heavier, winter, comfort food meal. I recommend this as a special once-in-a while treat, as most comfort food should be. It's chock full of healthy fats, scrumptious vegetables, protein, & that crunchy, satisfying mouth feel we look for. It's labour intensive, requires a few steps, but is worth the effort. Have fun!
The first recipe is the Kream sauce you will need to make this delightful concoction. 

DAIRY-FREE SAVOURY WHOLE 30 KREAM SAUCE 
Difficulty: Low
Cost Range: Medium to high
Time: Prep-10 mins. (after overnight nut soaking), Assembly-5mins 
Yields: 3-4 Cups depending how much liquid you prefer
Freeze: Beautifully, last 1month

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Cup raw almonds, soaked overnight & very well rinsed off in cold water. 
1 tsp macadamia nut butter
1 tsp tahini 
2 Tbsp ground white sesame
1 tsp walnut oil
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (good quality) 1 1/2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 Cup almond milk unsweetened plain (up to 3/4 cup if you prefer a more liquidy kream sauce, for the pot pie, I prefer thicker for chicken but thinner for beef.) 

METHOD:
In a blender, mix all ingredients & blend until smooth and kreamy. Add a bit of almost milk to smooth out more if needed but only 1 Tbsp at a time. 

Now the Pot pie recipe begins! 

Whole 30 Chicken Pot Pie (Kreamy & Crunchy) 
Difficulty: Medium to High
Cost Range: Medium to High
Time: Prep-45 mins. Bake-20-25mins (golden brown top) 
Yields: 4 Large portions or 6 medium sized ramekins
Freeze: Beautifully, lasts 1 month

Preheat Oven to 350° F

INGREDIENTS :
1 Cup savoury Kream sauce
1 Cup almond milk unsweetened plain
Mix together & reserve (keep to the side) 

INGREDIENTS FOR FILLING MIX PREP :
1/3 Cup organic, peeled, small fine chopped celery (brunoise) 
1/3 Cup organic, peeled, small fine chopped carrot (brunoise) 
1/3 Cup organic, fine chopped onion
1/3 Cup bruised scallion (green spring onion you banged with the heel of the knife) 
1 pkg sliced mushrooms sautéed 
1/3 Cup frozen or fresh green peas
1 Large clove garlic
3 Chard leaves, no stem, chopped
2 Cups cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces
1 Cup reduced chicken stock
1 tsp arrowroot starch mixed with 3 Tsp water (optional) 
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp ground garlic powder
1/4 tsp fresh thyme
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp ground bay leaf
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper 
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh chives

METHOD:
Prepare all your ingredients
In 2 Tbsp olive oil sauté the onions for 1 minute, add the carrots and celery, cook for 3 minutes, stir. Add scallion, cook 1 minute. 
Add stock, cook 2 minutes, making sure to scrape all the nice brown flavourful bits off the bottom of the pan while stirring. Add savoury Kream sauce and cook 2 minutes. 
Add garlic, vegetables and seasonings. Stir and cook 2-3mins. At this point you may add the arrowroot starch if you want a thicker sauce or add a bit more almond milk to thin your sauce a bit. Check for flavour, as you may need to add more kream sauce & seasonings to keep it from becoming watered down. 

CRUMBLE CRUST:
2 Tbsp ground white sesame seeds
1 Cup ground almond meal
1/4 Cup coconut flour
2 Tbsp Arrowroot starch 
1 Tbsp Tapioca starch
1/2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
1 tsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp walnut oil
Mix all dry, add wet, mix together by hand. Yup, get dirty! 
Mixture needs to hold together the way you see in the picture above, it must still be able to crumble though. Not too sticky, not too dry.
Fill your ramekins 3/4 full with your kreamy pot pie filling and then gently cover with the crumble, distributing it evenly over all the pot pies. 
(At this point, I cover them really well & freeze the portions I need to.)
Bake your pot pies in your preheated oven for 25-40 minutes depending how dark and crunchy you like your topping. You must have at least a golden brown. 
Serve with a side salad & share with a loved one. 









Leave your comments below & let me know how this recipe turned out for you!

Take care, be well, love freely...