New uses for vinegar...

Continuing our series on new uses for common ingredients, here's how to make vinegar useful all over the house!

• To clean your windows, mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water and pour into a recycled squirt bottle. Spray on and wipe with newspaper for a sparkling, streak-free windows!
• There are many laundry uses for vinegar. For grass stains, mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water and blot on stain to remove as much green as possible, then wash as usual. To make your laundry fresher and your colors brighter, add a capful of vinegar to the load. It will also take out strong smells (maybe someone in your house tangled with a skunk) but you'll have to add more! When pressing pants, dab a 50/50 vinegar and water solution onto the crease and press as usual. Those creases will be sharp!
• For carpet cleaning, try this cleaning solution: one part white vinegar, one-sixteenth part lemon juice and eight parts distilled water. The vinegar neutralizes pet smells too!
• Cleaning produce is a snap! Mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spray on fruits and veggie to remove toxins and rinse with water. Claims state that this method kills 98% of bacteria on produce.
• All you gardeners know sometimes cats are a problem, when they dig in your flower beds, that is! To deter them, simply pour vinegar around the edge of the beds every few months. Problem solved!
• In a sticky situation vinegar can help you out. Just rub a cloth dipped in vinegar over those spots left by price tags or that glue mess your toddler left for you. It also cuts grease!

In addition to saving money, you can also feel good that your home is cleaned naturally, without toxic chemicals. You and your family will reap the many benefits, so give yourself a pat on the back.

"Tart words make no friends; a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar." -Benjamin Franklin

Apple ideas for every meal...

Truly one of the gifts of fall, apples are in season and amazing! Here are some options for including them in different meals this autumn....

• Make an apple pancake feast! Simply add peeled grated apples with a pinch of cinnamon to your pancake (or waffle) batter and cook as usual. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream and serve.


• Fried apples are always a hit. Melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat; stir in brown sugar and thinly sliced apples until coated. Cover and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until tender. Serve as a side item to dinner or as a topping for cake or ice cream.


• The best grilled cheese is one with thin apple slices and Swiss cheese on raisin bread. Give it a try! Butter the outside of the sandwich and cook each side until brown. For a twist, add crisp cooked bacon or deli-sliced smoked ham.


• Roasted apples are yummy! Just tossed unpeeled apple wedges with a little olive oil, salt and dried thyme, spread out on a shallow baking pan and roast at 425 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. Serve as a side dish with turkey, chicken, pork or beef.


• Try an apple-tizer: top crackers with deli-sliced smoked turkey and/or Swiss cheese, thin sliced apple and a dab of mango chutney; serve immediately. Quick, easy and delicious!


• A new twist on a bagel sandwich: toast bagel and spread cream cheese on both sides; place sliced apples on bottom, sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey. Put the top on, cut in half and serve. Kids love it!

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it definitely adds an extra something to any meal. Serve apples today!

"Ever since Eve started it all by offering Adam the apple, woman's punishment has been to supply a man with food then suffer the consequences when it disagrees with him." - Helen Rowland

Olive oil for everyone!

We've all heard that olive oil is one of the "good fats" which is very beneficial to a healthy diet, but to understand why you have to know the facts. Let's break it down:

• Types of olive oil include Extra Virgin (the best, first pressed that's least processed), Virgin (the second press, minimally processed), Pure (processed, filtered and refined) and Extra Light (considerably processed with only mild flavor). Always use extra virgin olive oil for flavor, taste and maximum health benefits!
• Benefits include protection against heart disease (our nation's number one killer among women), lowered risk of colon cancer, prevention of gallstones, lowered LDL cholesterol, soothing ulcers and raised antioxidant levels in the blood. What's not to like?!
• Storing olive oil is simple: keep away from light and heat, and always keep tightly sealed. As with all oils, it can easily go rancid when exposed to light, air and heat. Always smell yours before pouring!
• Other uses include as a make-up remover (dilute with water), as furniture polish (mix 3 parts oil with 1 part vinegar), as a hair detangler and conditioner (comb a little through dry, tangled hair or massage a few tablespoons into hair and scalp before shampooing) and as a zipper fixer (use a cotton swab with a little oil on the end).

If all that is not enough, here's the icing on your cake of doubt: Mariam Amash, the world's oldest living person at age 120, says her secret to a long life is downing up to a cup of olive oil daily. Wow! Might be worth a try....

"Olive oil...asparagas....if you're mother wasn't so fancy, we could shop at the gas station like normal people." -Homer Simpson

Fall Feel-Good Tips!

Finally, the days of fall are here...crisp, cool evenings, leaves turning beautiful colors, looking ahead to the holidays. Here are a few tips for making you feel good this fall- naturally, of course!

• Cinnamon has been shown to make you alert and ambitious by stimulating the goal-reaching part of the brain. Sprinkle some in your morning oatmeal, on top of the cream cheese on your bagel or use a cinnamon stick to stir your hot morning beverage. The taste and aroma will jump start your day!


• One of fall's fruit, the green apple, can do more than just keep the doctor away: research shows that the aroma of green apple is very calming and can even relieve migraine headaches. To add apples to your day, try hot apple cider, which will fill your home with its soothing scent while keeping you healthy with antioxidants. To use this season's fruit for decorating, fill a tall glass vase with green apples or a lovely brown basket with red apples.


• To ease your physical and mental fatigue this holiday season, use the scent of oranges to stave away that sluggish feeling. For decorating, hollow out orange halves and arrange on a tray. Place tea light candles in the orange halves and light; the heat from the flames will spread the citrus aroma throughout your room! For an a.m. boost, try bathing with a citrus bath and shower gel and reap the rewards!


• What may be the most used herb in the holiday season, sage, isn't just for Thanksgiving dressing anymore- studies show that it boosts memory and helps transmit messages in the brain. To enjoy the scent every day, keep sage plants in a bright kitchen window; the smell will help diffuse odors and keep indoor air fresh. Use it to season vegetables, pasta and beef as well as holiday poultry.


• If you're concerned about keeping your cool this stressful of all seasons, consider vanilla- it helps reduce anger, melt shyness and encourages calm. A favorite of cooks and bakers alike, this sweet fragrance is easy to spread through the house by simply making something and adding a little vanilla. It works on kitchen burns as well to soothe the skin. For an easy, constant scent, try a vanilla diffuser and vanilla hand soap.

Sometimes all we need to make a long day better is a happy smell. Fill your holiday home with warm frangrance and relish in the benefits!

"Fish and visitors smell in three days." -Benjamin Franklin

A Timeless Classic....

....to make and easily impress the harshest critic in your life! No-bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies were a childhood favorite of mine (Mom made them for church potlucks and when company was coming because they're so darn easy) and I recently made them for my friend Cara's birthday. They were her childhood favorite as well and it re-started the fire of that old love affair.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 stick of real butter
• 2 cups raw sugar
• 1/2 cup organic milk
• 4 tablespoons cocoa
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 3 1/2 cups whole grain rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook butter, sugar, milk and cocoa over medium heat to boiling. Boil 5 minutes and remove from heat. Mix in peanut butter, oats and vanilla. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and cool. Makes 2-3 dozen depending on cookie size.

Great to eat, give, receive, or teach your kids cooking 101, make these delights and try not to eat them all...

"Observe the art of seduction. Watch, learn and don't eat my cookie." -Phoebe from Friends

Gift Granola this Holiday Season!

As a cook, I often give something delicious as holiday or host gifts. This year, I'm looking for healthier options and this recipe is awesome! Granola is so easy to make, you'll want to make extra to have around the house to snack on as well. This variety is Cherry-Almond Granola; to do plain granola, simply omit the almond extract, slivered almonds and cherries.

Here's what you'll need (the list):

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup dried cherries

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine honey, maple syrup, butter, almond extract and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often. In a large bowl, mix oats, coconut, almonds and salt. Pour honey mixture over oat mixture and stir. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet and spread granola evenly. Bake for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add cherries. Bake 8 to 13 minutes more or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool before transferring to airtight glass containers. Add personalized tags to give as gifts!


"I don't LIKE food, I LOVE it. If I don't LOVE it, I don't SWALLOW." — Food critic Anton Ego in the movie Ratatouille.

DIY Toner...make it yourself!

Here's a simple recipe for a hydrating toner, perfect for the winter months:

1/4 cup spring water
1 tablespoon witch hazel
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
5 drops clary sage essential oil
5 drops grapefruit essential oil
5 drops German chamomile essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a small (2 to 4 ounce) spray bottle and shake well to blend. To use, shake well and spray directly onto clean skin with eyes closed or spray onto a cotton pad and apply. Follow with skin-type-specific moisturizer. Store in a cool, dry place for up to two months.

The essential oils are readily available from natural stores such as Whole Foods and many sites online. Enjoy your natural toner without paying the high prices of the usual natural brand!

" Beauty is how you feel inside and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical." - Sophia Loren

Baked Eggs are amazing...

.....so give this recipe a chance tonight! It's called Baked Eggs in Tomatoes and it's very easy, inexpensive and delicious.

Here's what you'll need (a.k.a. the grocery list):

• 8 tomatoes (I only did six, you want to do only what you'll eat)
• 8 medium eggs (cage free, grain/vegetarian fed are best )
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (I used Romano)
• salt, pepper, dried herbs such as oregano, basil and sage

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Slice tops off of tomatoes and scoop out the pulp and seeds (the middle). Place tomatoes in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle the inside of each tomato with salt, pepper and a pinch of cheese. Crack one egg in each tomato, sprinkle with salt, pepper, herbs and remaining cheese. Bake 15-20 minutes for soft yolks, 25-30 for hard yolks, depending on the oven. Serve immediately!

I served this dish with homemade biscuits and gravy to 4 meat eaters and a vegetarian to rave reviews. I asked for honest feedback, which was all good; I was shocked but terribly pleased. Enjoy this lovely meal with rave reviews of your own!

"A world without tomatoes is like a string quartet without violins." - Laurie Colwin

Lip Service...

Winter is coming and fall begins the inevitable drying out of our skin and lips. To avoid all the trouble, here's some tips to get your lips through the season:

• Lips are sensitive to sun and can burn readily, even in the fall and winter months, and the ensuing damage can lead to everything from a herpes outbreak to lip cancer. If that doesn't convince you, consider that your lips are already prone to wrinkling. Unlike our other muscles, which connect to tendon or bone, the ones around the mouth insert directly into the skin so when they move, the overlying skin does as well. The repetitive motion can lead to wrinkling but when you add collagen-destroying UV rays, more wrinkling follows. Use a consistent daytime protection for the best lip care and choose products with a natural physical sunblock rather than a chemical sunscreen. Some good choices are Burt's Bees Sun Protecting Lip Balm (SPF 8), Badger Sunblock with Zinc (SPF 15) or Bare Escentuals Soy Mocha Lip Balm (SPF 15).
• Be gentle with your lips. Because they're prone to wrinkling, treat them as any part of your face. Don't scrub too hard removing that dark color. Try to curb your lip-biting habit because it can lead to rashes and skin discoloration. In case of flakiness, opt for mild exfoliation versus peeling and picking.
• Keep your lips hydrated and we're not talking saliva here. Although its instantly gratifying, it actually makes it worse. A lot of good balms will do the trick, but you can also try a simple coating of soy, jojoba, apricot or vitamin E oil. Another good choice is Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil; it doesn't have SPF but if you'll staying inside and the objective is hydration, it will do the trick.

Follow these three tips and your lips will be camera-ready all through the holiday season. Cheers to great lips!

"The road to perdition has ever been accompanied by lip service to an ideal." -Albert Einstein

Soup's on!

Wondering what's for dinner tonight? As women, we spend an inordinate amount of time thinking and/or stressing about what's for dinner. The best meals sometimes are made from convenience so check your pantry first and foremost. One common ingredient is tomato soup but it sounds SO boring. We decided to "kick it up a notch" and made tomato soup for dinner to rave reviews. Here's how to make your own homemade soup with what you have on hand....

Ingredients:

Soup base (we used tomato, broth is good too!)
Add-ons (corn, veggies, onion, cheese, sour cream, meat, rice, pasta)
Maybes (flour, milk, bread)
Seasoning (cilantro, paprika, dill, thyme, oregano, cumin, garlic, salt & pepper, creole blend, hot sauce, Worcestershire)

Note: under no circumstances are you to mix all this stuff! The key is to pick a few things you have on hand and follow a theme. Here are some examples:

Corn & Tomato Mexican Bisque

Take your tomato soup and mix in a little milk (for richness) and season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire, oregano, cumin and chili powder. Add canned (drained) or frozen (thawed) corn to soup mixture. Once mixture is hot and bubbly, add a little grated cheese (smoked cheddar is good-pepper or Colby jack or Mexican blend). Stir to incorporate and serve with a dollop of sour cream sprinkled with cilantro.

Creole Stew

Make a roux with butter/oil and flour; once it is peanut butter colored (darker roux), add any type of broth (vegetable, chicken, beef) to make your soup base. Add any leftover meat and previously cooked rice to your base, along with any cooked vegetables you may have (think onions, peppers from your lunch fajitas) and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Spicy Tomato Soup with Cornbread Croutons & Dill Sour Cream

In a little olive oil, cook minced onions until they're translucent. Add tomato soup (the boxed kind is awesome) and season with salt, pepper, thyme, Worcestershire and hot sauce to taste. Chop a fresh tomato and add it to the soup; simmer. Meanwhile cut day-old cornbread into crouton-sized cubes, sprinkle with paprika and toast in the oven or toaster oven. While the soup and croutons are cooking, mix sour cream with dried dill. Serve by ladling soup into a shallow bowl, placing a handful of croutons in the middle and a dollop of dill sour cream on top.

Pasta Fagioli Soup

In a tomato base, add pasta (tortellini works great), meat, legumes and vegetables with Italian seasonings such as oregano, garlic, basil or use a blend plus salt and pepper. Heat through and serve with shredded Parmesan cheese and warm crusty french bread.

These are just a few examples but get creative with leftovers and make your own. If you have questions about what you can mix together, email us at sharleyblog@gmail.com. Until then, enjoy the ease of dinner tonight and plan to get that presentation/sewing chore/organizing job done after the bowls are licked clean.


“Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living. For soup can do more to lift the spirits and stimulate the appetite than any other one dish.” -Louis P. De Gouy, The Soup Book (1949)

The BEST Black Bean Burgers

This recipe is easy, tastes great, and is richly nutritious. Bean burgers offer an appetizing alternative to traditional burgers, and they are virtually fat-free, a high quality source of protein and an excellent source of fiber. Shown to naturally lower cholesterol and help keep blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly, they're a smart choice for those with diabetes as well. Ditch the meat and bite into a bean burger!



Ingredients:

1 can (16 oz.) black beans

1/4 cup ketchup

1½ tsp.cornstarch, mixed with equal part water

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/3 cup bread crumbs

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 Tbs. shallots, minced

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. paprika

A pinch each of salt and black pepper



Tomatillo Sauce:

1/2 of an avocado

1 can (12 oz.) tomatillos, drained

1 tsp. salt


Directions:
Combine beans, ketchup, and cornstarch; mash slightly with a fork and set aside. In a food processor, grind remaining ingredients until they resemble breadcrumbs. Mix the black bean mixture with the dry ingredients; mash everything up together. Form mixture into 3 or 4 patties, depending how big you like them. Coat skillet with cooking oil; cook patties on high heat for 3-6 minutes, depending how “well done” you like them; flip with spatula and repeat on other side. Once they’re dark brown, set aside on paper towel to cool.


While they cool, make the Tomatillo Sauce by blending ingredients until you have a paste. Add a spoonful to toasted kaiser roll; top burgers with lettuce, tomato, and red onion or your favorite ingredients. Enjoy!


For this and more great vegan recipes, visit EatDrinkBetter.com! Also check out MeatOutMondays.org, where you can get weekly meat-free recipes by email.

"Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity." -Voltaire

The Veggie Burger Dilemma!

Consistently, statistics say that going even semi- vegetarian saves fat and calories and helps you lose weight. If you are trying to cut back or if you just like eating meat-free, veggie burgers are a great option. Commercially available nowadays, there are the good, bad and the ugly. The best ones are usually those you cook yourself but there are good options if you're eating out. Here are some things to consider from a vegetarian with years of experience!

• You can buy great types of veggie burgers in your grocer's freezer. Three of the most common brands are Boca, Morningstar Farms, Gardenburger and Amy's. Availability varies by area, but since there in the South, surely this is a widespread trend that won't soon leave. These patties are made of just a few types of ingredients: vegetables of course, soy and vegetable protein, black beans and/or binders such as egg or gluten. Boca has a good "Griller" variety, Amy's has a "Texas Burger" which has a hint of barbecue, and Morningstar Farms Bruschetta patties make an awesome pizza burger. You should always read the labels, naturally, for any ingredient allergies you or your family may have. The secret, I believe to making them at home is two parts: how you cook it and how you serve it. If you microwave according to the package directions, you can then sear it in a frying pan with olive oil and seasonings for a lot of extra flavor. Next, when you serve your veggie burgers, think details: kosher dill pickles, onions, avocado, mayo, mustard, mushrooms, cheese- whatever you like, have it on hand to throw on your burger. If you like bleu cheese burgers, make your own at home with veggie patties!
• Eating veggie burgers out can be tricky, frankly. The two most common spots you can get veggie burgers is Burger King (the BK veggie sandwich is actually a Gardenburger pattie) and Chili's (vegetarian black bean burger). Often I peruse the regular burger list, find what I like and substitute the black bean pattie. Honestly, it's not a good idea to eat too many BK veggie sandwiches. With mayo, they're 420 calories each; without, they're 360 calories. The black bean burger isn't something you want to eat all the time either (I alternate these and fish dishes when I eat there) because it is 650 calories, rivaling a regular burger. It is big enough to split if you have a friend to share. The best veggie burger I ever had was at Cheeseburger at the Oasis in the Desert Passage shopping center inside Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It had everything I wanted on it and was served with the best fries, cooked in trans-fat free oil. Apparently they're tearing the Desert Passage down to build something new but if you ever encounter this magical place (most likely on the west coast), don't hesitate to order vegetarian! You'll know you're in the right place because they wait staff wears buttons that say "Shut up and eat your burger"; I got one as a souvenir!

Just like with everything else in life, veggie burgers are best when made with love, by you or someone you love to cook with as well as enjoying the finished product. Watch for our post on making your own black bean burgers!

"One can measure the greatness and moral progress of a nation by looking at how it treats it's animals." -Mahatama Gandi

Why throw it away when you can reuse it?

In a recurring series, we'll be blogging about items you can keep out of the landfill and reuse. Find new life for these random things:

• Use that old loofah to scrub the tub.


• Reuse cereal box liners to wrap lunch digs.


• Attach an old cd to the back of your child's bike as a safety reflector.


• Cut a stained tablecloth apart make a set of napkins.


• Wrap wine corks together with wire to make a trivet.

The kinder we are to our Mother Earth, the easier she will be on us.

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." Proverb

Yummy pumpkin ideas...

Try these tips the next time you want to get creative with pumpkin:

• Stir pumpkin and green chiles into homemade chili for a Mexican twist with a creamy texture.



• Whip up a smoothie with chilled pumpkin, milk, vanilla yogurt and a pinch of sugar and pumpkin pie spice.



• Beat 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1 cup of pumpkin until smooth; add 1/4 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. Serve as a dip for fruit and cookies or as a spread for toasted bagels.

The fact is, from now until Christmas, you'll see canned pumpkin on sale. Stock up and make something new!

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion." -Henry David Thoreau

New uses for common ingredients...

Peanut butter is something found in almost every American household, unless there is an allergy involved. Here are a couple of new and interesting ways to eat your peanut butter:

• Substitute 3 tablespoons of peanut butter (creamy or chunky will do) for one egg as a binder for meatballs with an Asian flare.
• Use 1 to 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter to add body to a brothy Asian soup.
• Stir 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter into a broth-based pan sauce for pork or chicken in place of dairy butter to finish the sauce and add richness.

Ground red pepper is often labeled as cayenne, but whatever the name, it will add a fiery kick to all kinds of dishes, from Cajun to Indian. Check it out:

• Give desserts such as cake or bread pudding a Mexican flair, drizzle chocolate sauce laced with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper.
• Stir a dash or up to 1/4 teaspoon into tropical fruit salad for complex flavor.
• Sprinkle a light dusting over vanilla ice cream; the creaminess rounds out the pepper!

Look for more tips like these to come...

"Being in a band you can wear whatever you want - it's like an excuse for Halloween everyday." - Gwen Stefani

Frightfully Easy Halloween Party Tips...

Halloween is fun. We don't get into all that dramatic stuff about it being evil, we just use it to have a good time. The best gatherings are always the ones that combine good food, friends and a relaxed atmosphere. With our quick and easy tips, you'll have time to spend making sure that great costume looks just right.

• Send email invitations. Always easy, quick and very much in line with the younger set, email invites are where it's at so visit celebrations.com and design your very own. They also have lots of party planning tools.
• Make a list and a budget. Write down what you want, what you have and what you need to buy. Cut back if need be. Put out a bright vinyl tablecloth and no one will even notice your white serving tray. Once you decide how much you can afford to spend, stick to your budget. If you need to cut the decorating budget, read on...
• Keep it simple. Really, the gathering of one's friends is its own reward, so if you've got good food (of course you will), drinks and people, the rest is extra. Consider using borrowed decorations (who threw the party in your group last year?) and easy decorating ideas like drawing your own chalk outline of a body on the front steps. Find or make your own Halloween music cds to set the mood. Use low lighting and don't clean the house, the cob webs will fit right in!
• Food is king...so you'll need a few rabbits to pull out of your hat. Ordering pizza to be delivered is always a good idea, but if you do that, make a couple of signature drinks and something sweet to balance it out. Here are some recipes to makes things easy on you:

Butter Beer

4 parts Cream Soda

1 part Butterscotch Schnapps

Mix together and serve cold.

Green Witches Brew

1 carton lime sherbet

2 liter lemon-lime soda

Let sherbet soften at room temperature. Remove from carton and place in the bottom of a punch bowl. Pour soda over sherbet; mixture will foam. Serve immediately.

Vampire Blood Soup

Tomato soup (boxed is great, canned is good too)

Test tubes (glass or plastic)

Heat soup according to package directions. Season to taste. Pour into test tubes and serve with cheese crackers.

Spider Web Layer Dip

1 can refried black beans

1 can chopped tomatoes with green chilies, drained

1 package guacamole

2 cups shredded cheddar, Colby jack or Mexican blend cheese

8 oz. sour cream

whole black olives

In a medium, shallow dish, layer the following ingredients in this order: refried bean, drained tomatoes and chilies, guacamole and cheese. Put sour cream in a zipper type plastic bag and seal. Cut one corner, push sour cream to opening and pipe on 'spider webs'. Next, take your black olives and cut in half; use one half as the body of the 'spider' and cut the other into the 'legs'. Serve with tortilla chips.

Worms in Dirt

Chocolate pudding

Chocolate cookies, crushed

Gummy worms

Clear glasses, different shapes and sizes

In the bottom of each glass, put a dollop of chocolate pudding. Cover with chocolate cookies (dirt) and stick gummy worms into each glass, sticking up out of the 'dirt'. The different sizes and types of glasses make great presentation!

Now you have all the keys to an easy, cool party that won't break you or the bank. Pat yourself on the back and smile!

"Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary," "spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title." ~From Scooby-Doo

Lose weight the Mediterranean way...

Frankly, I don't believe in dieting. I do, however, believe in a well-balanced diet and find that we can gain amazing insight from other cultures. Follow these five easy tips in your meals and reap the health benefits...

• Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. When possible, always buy produce grown locally. Look for products grown without the use of herbicides and pesticides, or those organically grown. The point is this: fresh, fruit, veggies. Make them into meals, snacks and eat lots. Enough said.
• Whole grains are the real deal. If you're eating anything but whole, unprocessed, grains, you're doing yourself and your family a disservice. Read labels to make sure you're getting the real deal- don't trust those eye-catching things that pop out at you. If it says whole grain on the front, but has a lot of added sugar or preservatives, it's just a sheep in wolves' clothing. Avoid anything white as a rule (bread, rice, etc.) but pay attention to the fine print!
• Olive oil really IS good fat. You know those beautiful women from those countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea? Olive oil is part of the reason their skin looks so luminous. Cook with it, eat it in your salads (think oil and vinegar), dip your bread in it...it's good for you, people!
• Nuts rock! Think back to your childhood: didn't everything good have nuts in it? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pecan pie, Snickers bars...mind you, these aren't necessarily healthy but you can eat nuts in lots of good ways. Make your own trail mix with raw nuts, dried fruit and dark chocolate. Besides peanut, there are great nutter butters on the market, such as almond and macadamia nut butter. Plus, nuts are great to include in almost any dish (I saute sliced almonds in with my green beans) and add lots of protein and other nutrients as well.
• Fish isn't just brain food. It also potentially helps, according to new studies, with depression and weight loss. It's delicious and comes in so many varieties, you can please even your pickiest eater. One of my personal favorites is smoked salmon. It is easy to get, and put it on an everything bagel with organic cream cheese and capers, it will change your life! Even if you find a good brand of frozen fish, it beats most other things you could be eating.

These are just a few tips to work into your own healthy eating plan. It's easier to concentrate on adding good things to your diet so you don't focus on what you're missing. Usually, there's something better in the food realm- and it generally includes the freshest ingredients cooked with a great end result in mind. Experiment in food and life, then relish in the results.

"Avoid fruit and nuts. You are what you eat." -Jim Davis (Garfield the Cat)

Want a well-balanced snack under 200 calories? Look no further...

... because we've found the best ones are tasty with a healthy mix of proteins, fats and carbs. Read on...

• A small handful of mixed nuts has "good" fat and well as lots of protein.
• Eat a multi-grain waffle with natural fruit preserves, honey or fresh berries.
• Try a square of hard cheese: one-inch cube of an aged Gouda goes wonderfully with 4 to 6 dried apricot halves.
• A cup of dry cereal is an excellent snack and not just for your toddler. Health Valley & Cascadian Farms brands rock.
• Have a small bowl of tomato soup with a dollop of low-fat or vegan sour cream. You might be surprised!
• Sliced cucumbers with a wedge or two of Laughing Cow Light Swiss Original Cheese is divine. The cucumbers are mostly water so you can eat as many as you want!
• Find an energy bar you like that contains at least four grams of protein, four or more of fiber and no processed sugar.
• Sprinkle three cups of air-popped popcorn with decadent dark chocolate shavings...movie night with a twist.
• Three-quarters of a cup of shelled edamame is both filling and rich in soy protein.
• Have two to four tablespoons of hummus with crudites (a.k.a. raw veggies such as carrots & radishes).
• Melba toast has a multitude of uses, but try it with low-fat cream cheese and dried cranberries.
• Give Soy Crisps a try over potato chips. Eat a 1.3 oz. bag of your favorite flavor for a quick snack.
• Mix a handful of raw almonds with dried tart cherries or blueberries for a taste treat.
• For breakfast or snack, have a small bowl of plain oatmeal topped with fresh berries and a splash of skim milk.
• Have two slices of low-sodium deli turkey with a handful of grapes- totally satisfying!
• Cottage cheese isn't just something your mother eats. Try a half cup topped with chives & pepper, served with veggies.
• An apple is always a good idea, but dip your slices in a tablespoon on peanut or almond butter.

Keep in mind, the key to healthy snacking is eating whole foods and staying away from processed, junk foods. Snacking is good and actually speeds up your metabolism and even encourages weight loss when done right. Happy snacking!

“I eat merely to put food out of my mind.” -N.F. Simpson (1919--)

Finding easy ways to cut calories in EVERY meal..

...might seem daunting but really it's just making better choices. Here are a few examples of ways to cut at least 100 calories per meal:

• Instead of a croissant, opt for two pieces of whole wheat toast with a little bit of butter or cream cheese on each slice.
• Scoop out the inside of your plain bagel. It's equivalent to a piece of white bread!
• Whip up an egg-white scramble with turkey bacon (over whole egg with pork bacon) or scramble the whole egg and skip the meat!
• Use 4 tablespoons of hummus instead of 2 tablespoons of mayo on your sandwich, or wisely choose mustard, which is practically calorie-free!
• Replace your usual dairy-laden salad dressing with one teaspoon each of oil and vinegar.
• Eat your hero-type sandwiches open-faced, so you consume on less piece of bread.
• Opt for a cup of air-popped popcorn (or the butter-free microwave equivalent) in lieu of those greasy potato chips.
• Eat a medium size cup of low-fat or fat-free frozen yogurt instead of a candy bar.
• Go easy on the Caesar- salad that is!! Skip the croutons, say no to extra cheese and ask for the dressing on the side.
• Try a piece of part-skim string cheese instead of whole-milk cheese cubes and crackers.
• Ask for it plain...skip the typical cheese and sour cream toppings on your chili and baked potato.
• Pass on the roll that comes with your soup or salad.
• Order your burger without cheese.
• Say NO when your server offers you fresh grated Parmesan on your pasta dish.
• Replace the sugar and calorie laden tonic water in your drinks with calorie-free soda water.
• Dunk ten tortilla chips in salsa instead of guacamole or cheese dip.

These are just a sampling of what you can do but keep your eyes open on other ways to cut calories and post them here to share with others. No need in eating extra calories you don't realize when you could consume them specifically in a piece of pie or other decadent dessert. After all the calories we save, a splurge is much deserved!

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

- Maria Robinson

To stretch your food budget without feeling a thing...

...follow these five simple rules:

1. Eat more meatless meals. It's really not hard or even noticeable really. Instead of adding meat to your pasta sauce, do it the old college way: just boil your pasta, mix in your sauce and serve. Cheap, easy and just as good.
2. Make a weekly meal plan. You'll find it unnecessary to make that extra grocery store stop if you have written out a weekly meal plan (Monday - tacos, Tuesday - quiche, Wednesday - tuna casserole, etc.) and used it to buy groceries for the week. Sure, you might have forgotten the avocado for taco night, but generally you can make due with what you have.
3. Do it yourself. Whether it's chopping your own onions rather than buying them in the freezer section, or buying a whole chicken and separating it for two meals, convenience foods always have and always will cost more. If you're expecting to run short on time on the day you work late, chop onions the night before and place them in a Ziploc. Or better yet, pull a Julia Child and chop enough onions for the week. They can be refrigerated or frozen and they'll be ready when you are.
4. Stretch your meat. Use more vegetables and grains in your meals, such as making casseroles that combine many ingredients, therefore using less meat. An earlier blog post, titled "Not your typical tuna," gives a great tuna casserole recipe. Also you can use any leftover meat in casseroles, quesadillas or soups, making a single meal into two.
5. Eat what is in season. This is one of the best tips simply because it depends on using local resources. Visit your farmer's market or what's on sale and marked in season at your local grocery store.

The bottom line is this...use whatever resources you have to the best of your ability. If chicken is on sale, plan two meals with chicken that week- one where you cook the whole chicken and a second using what's leftover (think chicken noodle soup or chicken & dumplings). Planning always gives you an edge...and more free time means more time to live life and enjoy your friends, family and yourself!

"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination." -Oscar Wilde

Awesome Entertaining on a Budget!

Want to host an amazing cocktail party? Want to do it without spending a lot of time or money? Yes, of course you do...don't we all want to be the hostess with the mostest!? Here's some tips to help you gain the title....

• When it comes to cleaning for a party, keep in mind you'll most assuredly have to clean up after, so just do the highlights before, since no one will notice anyway! Think low lighting, candles and music to set the mood. If you don't have any candles, visit our sister site, southernmadeby.blogspot.com, to learn how to make your own candles! Otherwise, visit your local dollar store or look on the clearance rack of the local Hallmark or specialty store. When choosing music, decide what vibe you'd like (funky, poppy, jazzy) and lay out your music ahead of time. Remember: prior planning prevents poor performance! Also, to help your home smell clean, place air freshener in your return air vent and turn on the A/C, heater or simply the fan. Good options are a clean cotton, cinnamon or vanilla, depending on your personal scent taste, and you can use anything from potpourri to car jars. Cover your table with a nice tablecloth or simply a piece of fabric (tape the edges under!). So, wipe down your kitchen and bath, do a quick dusting and once-over the floors and spend the rest of your time on YOUR appearance...isn't that what people see anyway?

• When planning for drinks, think about the consensus of the group you're entertaining. Are they mostly beer and wine drinkers or do they like the fou-fou sweet drinks you order in the bar? If you go with beer, look for a mini-keg (Heinekin has one) or a multi-pack at your local liquor or mass retailer store. If you go with hard liquor, pick a signature drink to serve. One great classic is Sangria: simply mix one bottle of red wine with half a cup of sugar, and a cup each of lemon and orange juices. Mix the ingredients ahead of time and let it set to get the best taste. Put your mixture in a clear pitcher with various fruit slices (plums, citrus fruits, etc.) or make it easy on yourself by just mixing it a pretty pitcher and refrigerating it until it is time to serve. Another great but simple drink recipe is pomegranate martini; mix 4 ounces of pomegranate juice with a full shot of orange liqueur over ice in a shaker and serve. For that extra touch, wet your martini glass edge in lemon juice then dip it in natural sugar...mmmm!

• Let's face it, food is important! At a party, it's always best to serve finger foods so that your guests can eat at will and be able to socialize easily. Mixed nuts and pretzels are always a good idea. They come in multiple options to fit your dietary needs. Another good option is to roast your own raw nuts, which is quick, delicious and generally more cost-effective. Bruschetta is also an excellent option; simply mix chopped tomatoes (fresh or in a jar) with garlic, basil, pine nuts, pesto, roasted red peppers (whatever is easy, inexpensive and suits your taste) and let it sit in the refrigerator to meld the flavors. Slice plain french bread and grate the cheese of your choice for topping (parmesan, asiago and mozzarella are good). At party time, toast french bread pieces, top with tomato mixture and place under broiler. Top with cheese and melt, then its ready to serve. Other ideas of toppings for your french bread are lox (smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers & red onion), goat cheese with roasted red pepper or hummus and olive tapenade. Choose your toppings based on your personal taste and your budget. Cheese and crackers and hummus with pita are always good, easy options. Chips and dip are an old favorite (mix your favorite dry dressing or soup mix with a pint of sour cream for dip) and it's always a good idea to purchase cheese dip, guacamole and salsa and chips from your local Mexican restaurant if you're the kind of girl that stores sweaters in your oven. It's okay...we love you just as you are!

Keep in mind that the point of a party is to spend time with people you like. Don't get caught up in either the aesthetics of your home or keeping the chip bowl full...rather enjoy catching up, drinking up and chowing down.

"...Life is short but sweet for certain..." Dave Matthews, Two-Step

Pitfalls and Solutions of Eating Out Well...

We all struggle with the dilemma of eating out while also keeping some semblance of a balanced diet. Check out these common pitfalls and how to make good choices:

• I need a large portion to feel full (but I'm REALLY hungry).

Start your meal with soup (broth, not cream based) or a salad (dressing on the side, please). Then share an entree or take the other half home for lunch the next day. With two courses, you feel more satisfied, work on pacing yourself and your willpower by saving that extra portion!

• I don't know what to eat at restaurants! (A.K.A. Translate this menu!)

Watch for red-flag words such as crispy, fried, hand-breaded, battered, creamy, smothered, glaze or demi-glaze and twice-baked (full of dairy). Replace with the healthy words grilled, baked, olive oil, broth, saute (depending on the type of oil used-ask!) vinaigrette, seared and steamed.

• I'm vegetarian, so I usually eat fries or salads...I'm sick of salads!!

Choosing salad is often a pitfall in and of itself, since it includes lots of cheese, croutons and nutritionally void iceberg lettuce. Pasta is awesome but the refined, processed carbs at most restaurants aren't easy on the hips. A good alternative is having a (shared) stuffed mushroom appetizer with a bowl of minestrone soup as your meal. Not only do you satisfy your carb craving from the breadcrumbs in the mushrooms and the pasta in the soup, but you end up spending a lot less than what you'd pay for a full entree.

• What can I do for fast food? I'm hungry and in a hurry!

Here's some good options at some of the usual places:

*Wendy's: Order a small chili (227 calories), a grilled chicken sandwich with no sauce or mayo (300 calories) or a sour cream and chive potato (370 calories).

*McDonald's: Order a grilled chicken Caesar salad with fat free or reduced fat dressing (100 calories).

*Taco Bell: Order "fresco" items such as the taco fresco (170 calories).

• Run FAR away from these foods:

-Ruby Tuesday's Bella Turkey Burger has 1,145 calories!

-Macaroni Grill Spaghetti and Meatballs with Meat Sauce has 2,430 calories!

-Outback Steakhouse Fries with Cheese and Ranch dressing has 2,900 calories!!

-Chili's Awesome Blossom has 2,710 calories!

-On the Border Dos XX Fish Tacos has 2,100 calories!

-PF Chang's Pork Lo Mein has 1820 calories!

-Chipotle Grilled Chicken Burrito has 1,179 calories!

And please parents, DO NOT feed your child Macaroni Grill's Mac & Cheese, it has a whopping 1,210 calories. It is equivalent to feeding your child almost 2 boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese!!

"We must eat to live, and not live to eat." Henry Fielding

Faux-Veal Parmesan Bake...

I know the term "faux-veal" might throw you off, but if you tried our tuna casserole, you should trust us already...give this recipe a try; it's so quick and easy you'll fall in love!

Here's what you need (a.k.a. your grocery list):

• 1 package Boca Brand Bruschetta Patties (4)
• 1 package spaghetti or fettucine
• 1 jar natural marinara sauce (or home made equivalent)
• wedge of parmesan cheese (or vegan equivalent)
• olive oil (optional)
• seasoning to taste

Start by boiling water for your pasta and cook according to directions for al dente. Drain and add olive oil or butter, if desired and set aside. Microwave patties according to package directions. If desired, for added effect, brown patties for approximately two minutes on each side in olive oil and any seasoning you might like. In a oven-safe pan, place cooked pasta and top with half of marinara sauce. Add Bruschetta patties and top with remaining sauce. Top with parmesan and seasoning of your choice. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes; times may vary depending on the type of oven. This dish makes four delicious, healthy servings.

"Eat whatever thou likest, but dress as others do." - Arab Proverb

Easy Lifestyle Choices to Build Your Immunity ...

Turns out there are many simple things you can do in your every day life to boost your immune system and protect yourself from many types of bacteria and disease that is so prominent in American life today. Here are five simple ways to make an instantly healthier you:

• Wash your hands often and for at least twenty to thirty seconds each time. A good rule of thumb is to sing 'Happy Birthday to You' twice (or just two verses) and although it sounds silly, it does work.

• Drink water. Everyone says. Just do it. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. For more wellness benefits, add juice, non-fat milk (or milk substitute), Vitamin Water, or similarly healthful drinks; watch the ingredients, however, and avoid the faux-healthy drinks that are high in sugar and include tons of artificial flavors and preservatives.

• Avoid high fat, high sugar and processed foods. The easiest tip for achieving this while grocery shopping is the "outside aisles" rule, which is generally houses fruit and veggies, dairy, fish and meat, juice and refrigerated products. This doesn't always work but if you simply stick to whole ingredients you can't go wrong. Read labels! Make it a habit...and watch for our post on the pitfalls and solutions for eating out!

• Sleep at least six to ten hours per night, depending on your age, health and activity level. This tip helps your immune system and with symptoms of depression, along with many other health benefits we experience as individuals. It's also been said to help you look younger and who doesn't want that?!

• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, especially those containing lots of vitamin C (citrus fruits, kiwi, guava, strawberries, broccoli, spinach, goji berries & cauliflower) which increases the white blood cells and antibodies and makes it easier to fight germs. Other veggies to assist the body in fighting off toxins and free radicals are Cruciferous (cabbage, broccoli, kale, turnip, brussel sprouts, radish & watercress), all of which are good sources of beta carotene, vitamin C and Calcium.

Besides helping keep you well, these tips, when followed correctly, will help you lose weight, reduce the signs of depression and give your body an overall feeling of calm balance. For other ways to add a little peace to your life, follow this blog and watch for our meditation post.

Here's to a healthier you...one choice at a time!

"Don’t eat me. I have a wife and kids. Eat them." - Homer (Simpson)

We love fall, but hate bugs so...

...here's a recipe to make your own natural insect repellent. It's safe, effective and is very economical.

There are a few different formulas you can use, but they all require that you dilute essential oils that the insects don't like with other (carrier) oils or alcohol. It's important to choose an oil or alcohol product that's safe for your skin. Some good choices are olive oil, sunflower oil, another cooking oil, witch hazel, vodka or rubbing alcohol. Be careful not to add too much of the essential oils. You can always add more but you can't take it out! Essential oils are quite potent and can cause skin irritation or other reaction if you use too much. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not apply any insect repellent, natural or otherwise, without permission from your physician.

Different insects are repelled by different chemicals, so you might want to research what the bugs in your area are repelled by to get the best results. It's a good idea to combine a few different insect-repelling natural oils. Some of the best choices are cinnamon oil (mosquitoes), lemon or regular eucalyptus oil (mosquitoes, ticks and lice), orange oil (fleas), Castor oil (mosquitoes), rose geranium oil (ticks and lice) and citronella oil (mosquitoes and biting flies).

To make a large batch, mix one part essential oil with ten to twenty parts carrier oil or alcohol. If you are making a smaller batch use ten to twenty-five drops of essential oils with two tablespoons of carrier oil or alcohol. For a different consistency, combine essential oils with natural aloe Vera gel.

To apply, rub or spray your natural repellent onto skin or clothing, being careful to avoid sensitive areas such as your eyes. Re-apply after one hour or after swimming or exercising. Store unused product in a clean, dry bottle, in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight.

Now we can all be forever DEET-free and no longer in fear of allergy-inducing additives!


"Some days you are the bug, some days you are the windshield." -Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)

Reusing magazines in the most interesting ways...

I don't know the statistics, but I imagine that you could find a stack of magazines in most any home in America...but what happens when you're done with them? Most people struggle with the dealing with clutter without filling landfills dilemma, so here's a few creative ways to recycle those old magazines.

• Pass them on...

Don't we all have friends and family that share our interests? In today's economy, many people are consistently eliminating expenses to makes ends meet. Wouldn't it be nice to still read those magazines you can no longer afford? Think of the people in your life that may be struggling and ask them if they'd care to read your magazines. The Southern made by girls have this one in action and it's awesome!

• Drop them off...

In our town, there are all kinds of offices: doctors offices, insurance offices, City offices; we support these businesses so why not drop off a stack of magazines appropriate to their trade or yours ( you can use this as a marketing technique if you're say a Realtor or other salesperson by placing your information on the cover). Of course, you should ask permission first but most people would be grateful for such an offer. Other ideas are nursing homes, hospitals and even your local library. One of our favorites is giving them to the art teachers at your local schools. Donating is always a good idea!

• Reuse in boots...

Yep, I said it...roll up those pretty back issues of Cosmo, Good Housekeeping or Vogue and place them in your boots to keep them standing straight and in good condition. After all, they're good to have around if you decide to do a collage project. Ladies magazines have great words!

• Shred 'em...

Shredded paper serves a multitude of needs. You can use it for packaging when you ship those gifts at Christmastime. You can use them in place of tissue paper when wrapping a gift. You can use them for your e-Bay stuff; doesn't everyone sell stuff on the 'net these days?

In life and art, isn't there always an alternative to just throwing something in the trash? And you can feel good about yourself in the process!

"They kill good trees to put out bad newspapers." ~James G. Watt, quoted in Newsweek, 8 March 1982

Make yourself feel beautiful - naturally, of course.

Some simple, common ingredients found in your kitchen can replace many commercial facial masks and scrubs that contain harsh chemicals. Often the products you purchase contain chemicals that counteract the solution they are attempting to provide. Here are a list of simple foods that when mixed correctly can solve many common skin problems.

Dry skin masks:

* Mash up one banana with one teaspoon of honey and cover face. Avoid eyes but it tastes good if you get some in your mouth! Leave on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

* Mix one-half cup warm coconut milk with 2 tablespoons of honey and cover face with mixture. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse. The milk adds moisture and honey acts an antiseptic for acne.


Dry skin scrub:

* Mix about a quarter-cup of honey with a cup of plain uncooked oatmeal until it makes a paste. Add more honey if necessary. Scrub onto face and follow it up by washing with a gentle cleanser. The honey moisturizes and clears the skin, while the oatmeal gently exfoliates.


Oily skin masks:

* Mix 2 whipped egg whites lightly with a tablespoon of honey and half-cup of pureed peaches. Spread on face and leave on 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. The egg whites help to tighten skin, the honey clears pimples and the peaches reduce redness.


Oily skin scrub:

* Mash 1 tomato OR about a handful of strawberries(separately) and rub onto skin. Both exfoliate naturally, but the tomatoes provide extra antiseptic protection.


Combination skin:

* Beat one egg white and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Add the juice of one lemon and mix well. Leave on your face for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water and wash face normally. This method softens skin naturally & effectively.

* Grate a small carrot and mix with 1 teaspoon of honey. Spread on face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse clean with warm water to reveal softer skin.


Keep in mind, if you are allergic to any of the edible ingredients, please don't put it on your skin as often products are absorbed through your pores. Otherwise, take pleasure in feeling beautiful while saving money!


“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched; they must be felt with the heart.” -Helen Keller

Oh, go play with some flour!

As we enter fall, the sunshine days of summer are soon to be forgotten. When left indoors with cold and rainy weather, it's important to keep yourself (and the kiddos, if you have them!) entertained without being sucked into the box 24/7.

Here are two simple ways to entertain with flour, yes I said it, flour!!

To make your own air-dry clay, mix the following:

* 1 cup water
* 3 cups flour
* 1 tsp vegetable
* couple drops of natural food coloring (or even crushed berries work!)

Mix well and now you have homemade clay! To store, keep moist, wrap clay in plastic wrap and place it in an air-tight container. Keep in the refrigerator and it will be ready for the next rainy day.

Next is a recipe for natural glue and yes, this may get messy!

To make this paste, mix 1 part flour to every 3 parts water. For example, if you use one-quarter cup of flour, you would add three-quarter cup of water. Boil mixture, stirring frequently until it creates a paste. Allow to cool and you are ready to make fabulous craft projects!

With two projects so easy and fun, rainy days will never bore you again!!



“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” - Dale Carnegie

Not your typical tuna...

When everything in our society seems to be programmed to "fast", our bodies and minds are ultimately the victim when it comes to food. Fast food is bad and really doesn't everyone just want to feel good? Fish is an easy, yummy way to add necessary vitamins and minerals for your overall well-being. Tuna casserole has become a staple in many of our dinner menus because it's healthy, frugal and delicious! Recipes vary and to keep this dish from get boring, here is one of our revamped recipes with preservative-free, all natural ingredients. Enjoy!

Here's what you'll need:

Family size tuna pack (we prefer the pouch in sunflower oil over anything in a can, but if you must buy canned choose the one in olive oil)
Half of a medium onion & half of a medium green bell pepper, diced (you can cheat & buy them already diced in the freezer section)
Butter (our choice: Smart Balance)
Half & half, milk or vegetable stock/broth (most to least fattening)
Dry white wine or white wine vinegar (the secret ingredient!)
Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, dill, seasoning salt optional)
Approximately 1/2 of 16 oz. box or bag of semolina pasta(we prefer penne but any noodle will do)
Cheeses (your choice - cheddar, provolone & Swiss are our standards, pepper jack or smoked cheese for a twist)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large, deep sauce pan saute onions and bell pepper in butter over medium heat until near translucent. Meanwhile, boil your noodles according to package directions. Add garlic powder to your onion-pepper mixture and cook for another minute or two. Then add a little more butter and your tuna; stir in salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high heat, add a heavy splash of white wine (less if using vinegar) and allow the heat to cook off the liquid. Your pan should have a light brown coating on the bottom. Pour in about 1/2 cup of milk into tuna mixture and season with dill and other preferred spices; allow mixture to slightly thicken. Add noodles to your tuna mixture and toss lightly. Pour into a shallow baking dish and top with cheese. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Serve with steamed veggies or a leafy green salad for maximum health benefits!

Please note: as two feisty southern belles, we never really measure anything and we only make this dish for people we really like...

“That's something I've noticed about food: whenever there's a crisis if you can get people to eating normally things get better.”

-Madeleine L'Engle (1918--) American author.

Clean your floors green!

Although housework is not what I'd call fun, there are ways to make it more enjoyable. Personally, I dislike the acidic smell of pine-sol and similar commercial cleaning products, but want my wood laminate floors to be fresh and clean. For a long time, I have known about the disinfecting powers of vinegar and lemon, but the smell of vinegar doesn't evoke a scent of freshness to me. Fortunately, I have recently discovered a solution to this foul problem...black tea. Black tea works as a natural disinfectant, therefore eliminating the need for vinegar! Not only do tea bags add shine to wood or faux wood floors, they eliminate any tartness caused by the lemon and enhance the natural fragrance.

To make this natural wood floor cleaner:

• Add one black tea bag
  
• Half the juice of a medium lemon (about 5 tbsp) to every quart of boiling water.
  

For approximately four rooms, I used only two tea bags! And as an added bonus to this green clean solution is that the tea inside the bags can be used to deodorized a litter box. Simply tear open the used tea bags and sprinkle them into kitty's box!!

The point is this: in cleaning, as in life, there are always options to the things we don't like, don't want or can't afford. Our goal is to provide you with daily tips to enhance your life, your health and your enjoyment of your surroundings.


"The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration." -Claude Monet

Why go green?

In a time that we are inundated with information on why we should recycle, eat natural foods and be as green as possible, many of us simply do not have budgets that will allow that. But fortunately for you, it doesn't have to be that way. It is our hope that we provide simple and frugal tips, recipes and solutions to living a natural life. Here you will find alternative cleaning products that do not contain the toxic chemicals found in popular, pricey disinfectants. Along with the chemicals in cleaners, there are also many harmful preservatives, dyes and additives hiding in our pantry. Natural foods replaced in commonly used recipes will remedy many of ailments caused by the toxins in processed foods. Along with all-natural cleaners and reinvented recipes, we will provide tips that make recycling easy, cost-effective and fun!

"He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything." (Arabian Proverb)