Let's talk about what you need to know for using carrier oils. One of my first big hurdles with essential oils was getting over the hump of learning how they worked. At first, it all just seemed a bit like hocus pocus to me. But once I understood the science and started to experience essential oils for myself, everything started to click. Everything started to click except for the fact that with essential oils (like many things in life), there is a bit of a learning curve. And then there are all the new words to learn. Hot oils? Neat? Carrier oils? What do they all mean??? Today, I'd like to demystify using ...Read More
Think Before You Ink: Health Implications of Tattoos
I was 17 and half-way through my freshman year of college. A group of my girlfriends came giggling into my dorm room. "Come with us to get tattoos together. It will be fun," they insisted. "A way to remember our first year of college." Ever the pragmatist, I declined, opting to stay behind and study for an upcoming exam. I'm a nerd, I know. There were a few things at play in my quick-but-decisive answer... I had the foresight to realize that my tastes were ever-changing. I didn't want a permanent mark on my body—picked out in a moment of my youth—only to realize I hated it 5 or 10 years later. I was ...Read More
Foods Grandma’s Best 5-Minute Dill Dip
What's the best way to get kids to eat a food they're not too sure about? Dip, of course. Grandma's Best Dill Dip definitely does the trick! It seems that adding dip to my kids plate can change their whole disposition to the food in front of them. Veggies? Just add this dip or ranch. Meat? Just add barbecue sauce or mustard. They go from wrinkled nose grumbling little minions to scarfing down their food and asking for seconds. If you haven't tried this trick with your own kids, you really must. The transition is remarkable! Not Your Average Dill Dip... My niece was recently at my house, and when I got the dill ...Read More
Kids & the Bible: 10 Ways to Help Kids Focus on God’s Word
As parents, we can help kids focus on God's Word. Here are my thoughts and tips about helping kids with the Bible. Without a doubt, the most valuable tool a parent can have in their home is a well-worn Bible. The apostle Paul said all Scripture is inspired by God, or more literally, “God-breathed”—the product of the creative breath of God (2 Timothy 3:16). When the Bible is heard and read, it revives the soul, makes wise the simple, rejoices the hearts, and enlightens the eyes (Psalm 19:7-8). 10 Ways to Help Kids Focus on God's Word This is why the Bible tells parent to saturate their homes in His Word: "...these ...Read More
Should you cook with lard? 6 surprising facts about piggy fat
I used to be deathly afraid of fat. Like, seriously terrified of it. Do you remember back in the day, when everything with fat was villainized? And animal fats? They were the worst offenders! This fear of fats didn't help me out. It meant in college I lived on Surge (oh my goodness...do you remember how awesome that neon green stuff was?), Sprite, Trix, Lucky Charms, and fat-free microwave popcorn. Literally, a recipe for disaster! It took years of reading and re-research to unprogram all the bad stuff I learned. And it took even longer to come to terms that fat—even animal fats—could be a heathy, nourishing ...Read More
Swapping Sweeteners: The Ultimate Guide to Substituting Sweeteners and Sugar
It doesn't have to be difficult substituting sweeteners. Let's talk about swapping sweeteners with this Ultimate Guide to Substituting Sweeteners and Sugar. Nothing is quite like sugar. No sweetener makes a batch of cookies quite like sugar. Carmel is next to impossible without sugar. I guarantee nothing tastes and acts just like sugar, but we can find some decent replacements. Substituting sweeteners and sugar isn't as hard as it sounds! Substituting Sweeteners: What? Why would I want to get rid of sugar? I don't think any of us really want to get rid of sugar. I certainly didn't. But if you're ...Read More
Baked Carrot Falafel (grain-free)
When I met my husband...I knew it must be love. Well, maybe I didn't know on the first date that it was love, but I knew we'd be best-foodie-friends. We both love trying new ethnic cuisine—Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern. Yes, all of it and more! If you enjoying trying new flavors like we do, you'll love this Baked Carrot Falafel. When we changed our diet and went gluten-free this definitely put a damper in some of our culinary adventures. We've adapted and learned how to enjoy many different types and flavors of food (even being gluten-free). Looking for gluten-free recipes and resources? This Everything Gluten Free ...Read More
Green Herb Tahini Sauce
My husband and I met on eHarmony. We quickly decided a face-to-face meeting needed to happen. First we met for coffee...after chatting for an hour when it was clear we were hitting it off, we decided food was in store. We found a delicious Middle Eastern restaurant. As I sat outside and listened to him chatter (he naturally talks a lot...but especially when he's nervous), we enjoyed a sampler platter with all sorts of delicious food. I wasn't sure what all the food was that day at the Middle Eastern restaurant, but it was all good. This green herb tahini sauce makes me think of that first date. Happy memories. What is ...Read More
