Month: November 2017

Recipes The Life I Live

Good Skin Essential Oil Blend

I use oils all the time, so it’s no surprise I have one that’s overall amazing for my skin. This blend works for next to anything and it’s great.

Use it for bruises, scratches, bumps, rashes, and anything that ails the skin. It also doubles as a moisturizer.  I keep this mixture on hand and it’s the same blend I use in my baths.

Good Skin Blend

  • Copaiba 10 dropsIMG_20171012_091506
  • Lavender 10 drops
  • Tea Tree 10 drops
  • Frankincense 5 drops
  • Peppermint 2 drops
  • carrier oil

Combine the oils in a 15ml bottle (I just reuse the ones I have) and add carrier oil to the top.

For other wellness tips, check out my book:

And if you want a lotion moisturizer, this lotion I love!

Naturals Recipes The Life I Live

Good Skin Essential Oil Blend

I use oils all the time, so it’s no surprise I have one that’s overall amazing for my skin. This blend works for next to anything and it’s great.

Use it for bruises, scratches, bumps, rashes, and anything that ails the skin. It also doubles as a moisturizer.  I keep this mixture on hand and it’s the same blend I use in my baths.

Good Skin Blend

  • Copaiba 10 dropsIMG_20171012_091506
  • Lavender 10 drops
  • Tea Tree 10 drops
  • Frankincense 5 drops
  • Peppermint 2 drops
  • carrier oil

Combine the oils in a 15ml bottle (I just reuse the ones I have) and add carrier oil to the top.

For other wellness tips, check out my book:

And if you want a lotion moisturizer, this lotion I love!

Dairy Free Gluten Free Paleo Recipes The Life I Live Vegan

Everything That’s Great About an Afternoon Tea

Is an afternoon tea the stuff of old movies and royalty? Or has it been perfected just for our fast-paced, caffeine-loving generation?

I love the extra pep a cup of tea gives you and all the vari-teas. (Haha, clever huh?) And drinking tea is super healthful, too.

Reasons to Drink More Tea

  • Tea is full of antioxidants, and keeps you young, from the inside out. Antioxidants also help protect against pollutants.
  • Tea is a hydrating drink. Did you know that? The common thought that tea dehydrates you has been debunked.
  • Tea is naturally calorie-free. Not only is it full of great stuff for you, it’s not full of empty calories. Win-win!
  • Herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free. Especially at night time, this tea provides the antioxidants you love, sans caffeine.
  • Other teas contain caffeine. But in comparison to coffees 95mg of caffeine per cup, tea has only 26 mg.

Tea Tips:

  • Teas, coffee, and spices are all of the heaviest fertilized products. The healthiest tea is organic tea.
  • Steep according to directions to avoid a bitter taste.
  • If you drink tea with caffeine, limit your consumption to five (1-cup) servings a day. However, with caffeine-free tea, you can feel free to indulge in six to eight cups a day.
  • And of course, here’s one of my favorite tea recipes, it a reci-tea!

Black Spiced Tea

  • 1 black tea bag
  • 6-8 ounces hot water
  • a large pinch of cinnamon powder
  • a large pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoons honey (or Vegan preference)
  • a squeeze of fresh lemon/lime

To a mug, add water and steep the tea bag according to package directions. Honey is heat sensitive, so let your tea cool a bit before you add it. Then finish with the lemon, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

This recipe is from my first book, Everything’s Better with Cayenne Pepper. Check out my other books, too, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Scripture Sunday The Life I Live

Scripture Sunday: Remember His Plan

I’ve said before, “Why can’t God just write me a quick post-it, or send me a text?” How easy would that be?

Sometimes I think it’s easier to just try your hardest and go for what you want in this life, assuming that’s the plan. And sometimes I feel like it’s more pressure not knowing what will happen.

I want a “Yes, do that” or a “No, not yet.” Or a bright green light that illuminates everything, saying “Do it now, right now!”

Sometimes, you will have this feeling. You’ll feel in the exact right place, at the exact right time, and you’ll just know. But often times, for me at least, I don’t know and I don’t have the green light, intuition of it all.

So, in the words of a dear friend, pray. Ask Him what His plan is. Better yet, run your plans by Him. Pray to him and tell him everything. Yes, He already knows, but it will help you to talk it out and be clear.

Then, listen. Listen to what He says. Know that there is a reason for it all. Be patient in it all.

He says He gives us the desires of our hearts. If that doesn’t say it all, what does? I still want the email or the heads up, but instead, I have to be patient in the waiting.

Also, don’t forget to smile. You have to be open and ready to hear Him.

Happy Sunday!

Breakfast Dairy Free Dinner Gluten Free Naturals Paleo Recipes The Life I Live Vegan

Everything That’s Great About an Afternoon Tea

Is an afternoon tea the stuff of old movies and royalty? Or has it been perfected just for our fast-paced, caffeine-loving generation?

I love the extra pep a cup of tea gives you and all the vari-teas. (Haha, clever huh?) And drinking tea is super healthful, too.

Reasons to Drink More Tea

  • Tea is full of antioxidants, and keeps you young, from the inside out. Antioxidants also help protect against pollutants.
  • Tea is a hydrating drink. Did you know that? The common thought that tea dehydrates you has been debunked.
  • Tea is naturally calorie-free. Not only is it full of great stuff for you, it’s not full of empty calories. Win-win!
  • Herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free. Especially at night time, this tea provides the antioxidants you love, sans caffeine.
  • Other teas contain caffeine. But in comparison to coffees 95mg of caffeine per cup, tea has only 26 mg.

Tea Tips:

  • Teas, coffee, and spices are all of the heaviest fertilized products. The healthiest tea is organic tea.
  • Steep according to directions to avoid a bitter taste.
  • If you drink tea with caffeine, limit your consumption to five (1-cup) servings a day. However, with caffeine-free tea, you can feel free to indulge in six to eight cups a day.
  • And of course, here’s one of my favorite tea recipes, it a reci-tea!

Black Spiced Tea

  • 1 black tea bag
  • 6-8 ounces hot water
  • a large pinch of cinnamon powder
  • a large pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoons honey (or Vegan preference)
  • a squeeze of fresh lemon/lime

To a mug, add water and steep the tea bag according to package directions. Honey is heat sensitive, so let your tea cool a bit before you add it. Then finish with the lemon, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

This recipe is from my first book, Everything’s Better with Cayenne Pepper. Check out my other books, too, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Dairy Free fruits Gluten Free Recipes The Life I Live

Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Crisp

Cranberries have got to be the best Fall to Winter flavor ever. Can I get an amen?

Orange and cranberry is one of my favorite combinations. Another one is apple and cranberry.  And this crisp, you will love it.

For a last minute addition to your Thanksgiving table or a warm and delicious, healthy dessert throughout the cooler months, this will be your new go to.

Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Crisp

  • 1 bag cranberries
  • 1 sweet apple, diced
  • 1/2 cup honey (or Vegan preference)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • a pinch of salt

Add everything to a medium sauce pan on medium heat. Cook for 20 minutes. Turn the IMG_20171121_120649heat to medium-high or high heat and “boil” for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Topping

  • 1/3 cup of GF oats
  • 1/3 cup diced pecans
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • a pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Combine everything together.

In a coconut oil greased pie pan, add in the cranberry apple mixture. Sprinkle the topping and drizzle with honey. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Recipes The Life I Live

Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops with Shallots

I’ve never liked Balsamic vinegar but had to prepare a similar recipe for work. And I loved it! So, I decided to make my own.

My version still has balsamic but I subbed coconut sugar for regular and paired it with shallots instead of onions.

This semi-sweet sauce compliments the garlic and onion flavors in the shallots for an amazing taste.

Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops with ShallotsIMG_20171022_160236

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 4 thin boneless pork chops
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar of choice (I use coconut sugar)
  • salt and pepper

Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of all the pork chops. Heat a skillet to medium and add one teaspoon olive oil. Add the chops to the pan and cook 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.

Add 1 teaspoon oil to the pan and then the shallots. Cook for about 3 minutes and add the balsamic and sugar. Stir. Place the chops into the sauce and cook one additional minute. Serve hot with any additional sauce spooned over the top.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Nail Fun The Life I Live

Love This Pretty Red Pedi

I love this color red. It has an underlying gold shimmer and it’s just beautiful.

This is my favorite color but last I knew, it’s no longer sold in stores:(

The one I own is from Amazon and it’s running out.  Want to know a tip?

Once your polish begins to age, you can add clear polish to it to get the most out of it. Awesome, huh?

IMG_20171012_094027
My favorite pedi=)

It’s a trendy Fall color, too, and a part of the Pantone this season. I also love the Toast, for the name and color. So fun!

Here’s the rest of the colors for the season:

pantone-color-swatches-palette-fashion-color-report-fall-2017-london

This nail polish remover works the best and smells good, too!

 

Gluten Free Meats Recipes The Life I Live

Crock pot BBQ Chicken Tostadas

For a taste of summer and an easy crock pot dinner, you have got to try these BBQ Chicken Tostadas!

This recipe is so yummy and once you get the ingredients in, it cooks itself. Enjoying BBQ chicken on tostadas puts a fun, new twist on these “tacos.” Enjoy!

BBQ Chicken TostadasIMG_20171020_122242 (1)

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
  • 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 15 ounces (1 can) tomato sauce
  • 3 oz (1 can) tomato paste
  • 1/8 cup molasses
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/8 cup honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke

Add everything to a crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Remove the chicken in the last hour of cook time and shred it. Add it back into the crock pot and stir everything together.

Use about 1/4 cup of BBQ chicken mixture to top a tostada and sprinkle with sharp cheddar cheese. Serve immediately.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Gluten Free Meats Paleo Recipes The Life I Live vegetables

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti Dinner

Have you ever had spaghetti squash? I love how easy it is and how great it absorbs sauces. Spaghetti sauce compliments spaghetti squash both because of the similar look but also because of the similar “feel.”

The best part is you can harvest them now, in the Fall, and they can last a month or more, and into the winter. (Keep at room temperature.)

How to Make Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash

IMG_20171015_141249
Whole spaghetti squash
  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • 1/4 inch water (for the bottom of the glass dish)

1. First step, slice the spaghetti squash the long way.
IMG_20171015_141320

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_20171015_141624

 

2. Much like other squash, scoop out the insides.

3. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

IMG_20171015_141655 (1)

4. Remove from the oven and grab a fork. Scrap at the sides until you get the “spaghetti” out.

IMG_20171015_145832

That’s it! Top with spaghetti sauce, garlic and oil, pesto or whatever you like!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!