tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21432480727090420002024-03-14T04:23:53.500-05:00theFoodette & FamilytheFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.comBlogger275125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-31071998578475943332020-08-11T10:23:00.000-05:002020-08-11T10:23:04.279-05:00Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie<span id="docs-internal-guid-fd6f0101-7fff-0c1c-06b7-ea4870ae7ff5"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdAdU1HwpWI/XzKs06xfGiI/AAAAAAABFgw/_8Ra2nGzcQkyi-1lTtglvE3rF-8F5SP4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdAdU1HwpWI/XzKs06xfGiI/AAAAAAABFgw/_8Ra2nGzcQkyi-1lTtglvE3rF-8F5SP4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_1200.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">No story here. Sometimes you just need Cookie Pie... ya feel me?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">This recipe is the same as my <a href="http://www.thefoodette.com/2012/03/m-cookie-pie.html" target="_blank">MnM's Cookie Pie recipe</a>. You know the recipe that broke the internet back in</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre;">2012 and was born out of sheer laziness? Yeah, that one. Click the link above to check it out. Or just make</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre;">this one. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre;">Whatevs.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VK1uG1ueXBs/XzKtJPn3EeI/AAAAAAABFg4/gEcZEU4i60sTGDqFd8pM8XLd-zAkrhkHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VK1uG1ueXBs/XzKtJPn3EeI/AAAAAAABFg4/gEcZEU4i60sTGDqFd8pM8XLd-zAkrhkHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_1205.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b><u>Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie</u></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1 cup + 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1/4 tsp baking soda</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">3/4 cup unsalted butter softened</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1/2 cup brown sugar</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1 egg</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1 cup of chocolate chips</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1 tbsp sprinkles</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1c2fde7f-7fff-2834-0470-5fbfef3ec9f7" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Preheat oven to 325*F</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Cream butter and sugar with a handheld mixer for 2-3 minutes.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">You want the butter whipped a bit and the consistency nice and creamy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Add in egg and extract and blend.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Combine the flour and baking soda.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Mix until completely incorporated.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Dump into a greased 9.5" pie pan and bake for 25-30 mins.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Test with a toothpick- when the toothpick comes out clean it’s done.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Cool completely, cut into cookie pie slices and enjoy!</span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyzQuL-UuUo/XzKueHlqmxI/AAAAAAABFhE/_9KNLbO8IrUP1mfdZosKhs75T_oVTmflACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyzQuL-UuUo/XzKueHlqmxI/AAAAAAABFhE/_9KNLbO8IrUP1mfdZosKhs75T_oVTmflACLcBGAsYHQ/w307-h410/IMG_1199.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div></span>theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-75417484273901209092020-08-07T16:29:00.000-05:002020-08-07T16:29:07.866-05:00Grilled Pineapple Margarita<span id="docs-internal-guid-50ce4883-7fff-33ef-f0f1-d3647f40f251"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Friday, friends! You made it through the week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you've scheduled yourself some downtime this weekend to kick back and relax. Have a margarita while you're at it. They're super easy to make, refreshing, and hey, extra everyone could use a bit of extra Vitamin C! It's good for the immune system you know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GJhu6bY0pg/Xywjviba9BI/AAAAAAABFT0/LwSyuw5tgWs1WUpVwsBjtAtrHpctCyfsACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GJhu6bY0pg/Xywjviba9BI/AAAAAAABFT0/LwSyuw5tgWs1WUpVwsBjtAtrHpctCyfsACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1136.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Grilled Pineapple Margaritas</u></b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Juice of 2 jumbo limes (3 regular sized)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Tbsp Agave syrup</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4 shots of </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hornitostequila/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@hornitostequila</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 ring of grilled pineapple</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Add a few slices of jarred jalapenos if you like them spicy</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ice</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Add all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pour into two margarita glasses and top with a floater of Smoked Tequila.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sip and enjoy!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZjd-Zfh_Xw/XywkCCmlQWI/AAAAAAABFUI/H0YAxm0l_SslHS1cftJGnBJ3_iOb6RVSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZjd-Zfh_Xw/XywkCCmlQWI/AAAAAAABFUI/H0YAxm0l_SslHS1cftJGnBJ3_iOb6RVSACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1132.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-6754349960904703252020-07-29T14:15:00.000-05:002020-07-29T14:15:23.410-05:00Coconut Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding<div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPcU45mIyBk/XyHFPwBqEmI/AAAAAAABEyQ/qTHETLump9UbBshulUcVjTZUwN5V2mCbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPcU45mIyBk/XyHFPwBqEmI/AAAAAAABEyQ/qTHETLump9UbBshulUcVjTZUwN5V2mCbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0138.jpg" /></a></div><div>Have you jumped on the Chia Seed Pudding bandwagon yet?</div><div><br /></div><div>I had this bag in my pantry for longer than I care to admit before I finally dug it out to try making some myself. I don't know why I didn't try it much, much sooner- it could not be easier and it is ssoooooo delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div>If chia seeds are not a part of your diet right now, they definitely should be! According to <a href="healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds#section3" target="_blank">Healthline.com</a>, these teeny tiny seeds pack a major punch! Antioxidants, high fiber, and quality protein are at the top of my list.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>But, is it really a pudding?</b></div><div>As the little seeds absorb the liquid they become kind of gel-like and the texture becomes similar to a pudding. Think of them as a thickener. It will still be a bit seedy, of course, no getting around that, but it's smooth enough that even my 4-year-old loves it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kd5kAfRuayw/XyHFmRTgG6I/AAAAAAABEyY/YWSwDYynx5QlMeyJr6YPvo0Mrs6fCXjcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kd5kAfRuayw/XyHFmRTgG6I/AAAAAAABEyY/YWSwDYynx5QlMeyJr6YPvo0Mrs6fCXjcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0139.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><font face="inherit" size="5"><b><u>Coconut Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding</u></b></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Serves 1</font></div><div><font face="inherit" size="5"><b><u><br /></u></b></font></div><div><font face="inherit">3 Tbs Chia Seeds</font></div><div><font face="inherit">3/4 cup milk of choice (I prefer coconut milk)</font></div><div><font face="inherit">1 Tbs honey or agave (optional, I leave it out most days)</font></div><div><font face="inherit">Splash of vanilla extract or coconut extract</font></div><div><font face="inherit">Toasted Coconut Flakes</font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Mix all ingredients together and let stand for at least 15 minutes.</font></div><div><font face="inherit">After 15 minutes stir again, top with fresh blueberries and devour!</font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Told ya! So easy.</font></div><div><br /></div>theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-35351250154029807912020-05-23T12:24:00.000-05:002020-05-23T12:25:31.188-05:00Alpha Foods Crispy Chik'n Patties<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><font size="6">Happy Memorial Day Weekend, y'all!</font></h2></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqynIOw2yjU/Xslax9g-zyI/AAAAAAAA-0M/nOcedfODCToAzU4y8YPpwAYOgg1a5bYuQCK4BGAsYHg/IMG_9548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqynIOw2yjU/Xslax9g-zyI/AAAAAAAA-0M/nOcedfODCToAzU4y8YPpwAYOgg1a5bYuQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/IMG_9548.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><font size="4">While you're making your grocery list for that backyard BBQ think about adding in some Alpha Foods Crispy Chik'n Patties. They're at Costco stores for a limited time! They're plant-based protein, vegan, and scrumptious! My family couldn't tell they weren't real chicken and everyone gobbled them up.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_WdtdSZerI/Xsla8rFXTfI/AAAAAAAA-0Y/Bm-Qk6zuA7gbjnS2QcehkQPWkn3dgx9QgCK4BGAsYHg/IMG_9550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font size="4"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_WdtdSZerI/Xsla8rFXTfI/AAAAAAAA-0Y/Bm-Qk6zuA7gbjnS2QcehkQPWkn3dgx9QgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/IMG_9550.jpg" /></font></a></div><div><font size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font size="4">We grilled ours to crispy doneness and served with some fresh, homemade bruschetta and fresh spinach.</font></div><div><font size="4"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVpb12n3-mM/XslbEDh6gAI/AAAAAAAA-0k/o1hO7fAYRYohKa2HsBj8KjIrY8Gg4VXjQCK4BGAsYHg/IMG_9552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font size="4"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVpb12n3-mM/XslbEDh6gAI/AAAAAAAA-0k/o1hO7fAYRYohKa2HsBj8KjIrY8Gg4VXjQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/IMG_9552.jpg" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><br /></font></div><div><font size="4">For more info, <a href="https://alphaplantbased.com/" target="_blank">visit the Alpha Foods website.</a></font></div><div><font size="4">Eat like an Alpha!</font></div>theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-18839295784116152322020-05-20T18:52:00.000-05:002020-05-20T18:52:24.755-05:00Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><font color="#f57c00" size="6">Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies</font></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><font color="#f57c00" size="6">sandwiched with a Rum Cream Cheese Icing</font></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><font color="#f57c00" size="6"><br /></font></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">Carrots, cinnamon, rum, raisins, yum! These are a crowd-pleaser all around. This recipe is kind of a labor of love; they're a bit time consuming, but well worth the trouble!</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">Keep them in the refrigerator, they're best served chilled!</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2nMtIit_GI/XsW79JLo61I/AAAAAAAA-sg/ZEVJB78enSUPEA5vOIsPg7dBWPuO_qeXwCK4BGAsYHg/IMG_8845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2nMtIit_GI/XsW79JLo61I/AAAAAAAA-sg/ZEVJB78enSUPEA5vOIsPg7dBWPuO_qeXwCK4BGAsYHg/s320/IMG_8845.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><font size="4">Ingredients</font></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><font size="4">Cookies:</font></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1 stick of butter (1/2 cup) softened</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1 cup packed brown sugar</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1 egg</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1 cup All-Purpose Flour</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"> 1 tsp ground cinnamon</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1/2 tsp baking powder</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1/2 tsp baking soda</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1/8 tsp salt</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1 cup of finely grated carrots</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1 & 3/4 cup oats</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">3/4 cup golden raisins</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><font size="4">Icing:</font></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">4 oz of softened cream cheese</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1 cup powdered sugar</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">2 tbs softened butter</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">1/2 tsp rum extract (or another flavor)</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><u>Directions</u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><u><br /></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">Cookies:</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">Add this dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until a dough is formed.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">Add in the carrots, raisins, and oats. Mix until well combined.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">Place the dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">With a cookie scoop, scoop balls of dough onto a lined cookie sheet.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">Bake at 350* for about 12 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet before removing onto a cooling rack.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">Icing:</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4">With a hand mixer whip together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and extract. Whip until creamy. When the cookies have <i>completely cooled</i>, spoon the icing onto the underside of one cookie and sandwich another cookie on top. Resist the urge to bite into it right away and store them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Trust me, they're way better chilled!</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="4"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6RiUoujnIM/XsXBnyC43lI/AAAAAAAA-tI/xJLvWjXu1cEgfkGmkQfl1ie_Ux2r1PNTACK4BGAsYHg/IMG_8847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6RiUoujnIM/XsXBnyC43lI/AAAAAAAA-tI/xJLvWjXu1cEgfkGmkQfl1ie_Ux2r1PNTACK4BGAsYHg/s320/IMG_8847.jpg" /></a></div>theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-54871070599629222462020-02-09T07:00:00.000-06:002020-02-09T07:00:03.876-06:00National Pizza Day- Indian Inspired Pizza<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy National Pizza Day!</b></span></div>
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Thick crust, thin crust, Brooklyn style, Chicago style, pizza rolls, pizza dip, white sauce, red sauce, no sauce (!?), gluten-free, vegetarian, meat-lovers, triangle cut, square cut, PINEAPPLE?<br />
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<b><u>How do you like your pizza?</u></b><br />
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Today I'm sharing an Indian inspired pizza. This pizza comes from the menu of a pizza place that used to be in my neighborhood. They've sadly moved to San Antonio and taken all the pizza with them. I was even painted on their wall! C'mon <a href="https://www.romespizza.com/" target="_blank">ROME'S</a>, I thought we had something special!<br />
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So now that I'd have to travel for at least 90 minutes to get this pizza, I make it at home. It's really fairly simple and it has something that sounds so interesting and exotic- <span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Curry Raisin Oil.</b></span><br />
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Making the oil is super simple; you just put a few tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, curry powder (to taste), and a sprinkle of golden raisins in a small pot and let it simmer on low for 5 minutes. The raisins will rehydrate from the oil and everything gets a little sweet curry flavor- it's delicious.</div>
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Once the Curry Raisin Oil is made these pizzas come together in no time. Much faster than driving to San Antonio! So, how do you like your pizza? Are you a traditional pizza lover or are you adventurous? Let me know in the comments below!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Indian Inspired Pizza</span></b></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil</div>
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Golden Raisins</div>
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Yellow Curry Powder</div>
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Garlic Naan - 1 piece per person</div>
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1 can Chickpeas drained and rinsed</div>
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Green Bell Pepper sliced thin</div>
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Jalapeno Pepper sliced thin</div>
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese</div>
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Red Onion sliced thin *optional*</div>
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<u><b>Curry Raisin Oil</b></u></div>
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Combine 1/4 cup of EVOO with 1 tablespoon of yellow curry powder in a small saucepan or skillet. Add a sprinkle to a handful of golden raisins and whisk all together to combine. Let simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the raisins have plumped up and it smells all curry-y and delicious. Remove from heat and let cool.</div>
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<b><u>Build your Naan Pizza</u></b></div>
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Brush the cooled Curry Raisin Oil on each Naan piece. Don't be shy, get generous with it.</div>
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Add your toppings to your liking- chickpeas, sliced peppers, jalapenos (leave the ribs/seeds in for a little spice), shredded cheese, and sliced onion if you like.</div>
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Bake/Toast in a toaster oven at 400*F for about 10 minutes or until your cheese has melted, the chickpeas are toasty looking, and the Naan has crisped on the outside.</div>
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I brushed mine with some extra oil before eating... because I'm extra.</div>
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<b><u>Check out all the other great National Pizza Day Recipes:
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza </a>from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks</li>
<li><a href="https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cheesy Pan Pizza with Turkey Sausage</a> from Karen's Kitchen Stories</li>
<li><a href="https://www.dailydishrecipes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Copycat Domino's Pepperoni and Sausage Pan Pizza</a> from Daily Dish Recipes</li>
<li><a href="https://palatablepastime.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza</a> from Palatable Pastime</li>
<li><a href="https://katerecipebox.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dill Pickle Pizza</a> from Kate's Recipe Box</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thespiffycookie.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goat Cheese and Pickled Jalapeno Pizza</a> from The Spiffy Cookie</li>
<li><a href="https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">I Give You My Heart Pizza</a> from A Day in the Life on the Farm</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thefoodette.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Indian Inspired Pizza</a> from The Foodette & Family</li>
<li><a href="https://cheesecurdinparadise.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese</a> from Cheese Curd in Paradise</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cindysrecipesandwritings.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pizza Pull Aparts</a> from Cindy's Recipes and Writings</li>
<li><a href="http://www.akitchenhoorsadventures.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Breakfast Pizza</a> from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures</li>
</ul>
theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-33264114151461850942020-02-03T14:45:00.000-06:002020-02-03T14:45:52.473-06:00Year of No2019. Remember when we were all picking our word of the year? How did you do with yours?<br />
Mine was HEALTH. <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My intent was to focus on <i>all</i> aspects of health.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wanted to get back into a solid workout routine, drink plenty of water and eat more green things and less processed things. I wanted to get back on track with appointments to see all the various doctors to make sure my physical body was well taken care of as well; dentist, lady-doctor, dermatologist, optometrist, you know, the usual.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wanted to surround myself with friends who made me laugh, challenged me in a good way, and were down for a vent session over a glass (or two) of vino. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wanted to be more aware of the ways that my family could be more environmentally friendly and ways that we could be more fiscally responsible. I wanted to read more books, squeeze in some training or classes on things that interested me, and learn new skills.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It sounds like a lot, doesn't it? But I was doing pretty dang good with it all... or so I was telling myself.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To be very honest, I didn’t start really honoring my word until *July*. Half the year was gone!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sure, I was going to the gym, drinking water, socializing, getting in date nights with the husband, but my plate was so full every day... the weight I was carrying was incredibly heavy. By the time summer rolled around I rarely felt happy. I felt like I was scrambling and running around each day trying to play catch up all the time. I was exhausted in every sense. I tried to give myself "breaks", I tried to schedule in some "self-care" time (like, I literally put it on our family calendar). But it wasn't enough. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Until I started saying NO.</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jb8L69IrYU/Xjh_ykP3-8I/AAAAAAAA108/szZ13gVnmh8iicHNzRFsb41xIO_N5Rz1ACEwYBhgL/s1600/4656924-Claudia-Black-Quote-Saying-no-can-be-the-ultimate-self-care.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jb8L69IrYU/Xjh_ykP3-8I/AAAAAAAA108/szZ13gVnmh8iicHNzRFsb41xIO_N5Rz1ACEwYBhgL/s400/4656924-Claudia-Black-Quote-Saying-no-can-be-the-ultimate-self-care.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One day, when I probably needed to hear it the most, I heard someone on a Podcast say <i>“just because I ‘have the time’ doesn’t mean it needs to be my responsibility”</i> and I was like 😲 YES. Dang straight! 🙌🏻</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You see, I spent the first half of the year constantly feeling like people just came to me with all the extra stuff. No one ever said it, but it very much felt like it was assumed that since I was a "stay at home mom" I had all the time! I surely wasn't doing anything else!! It also didn't help that I wasn't being honest with myself or anyone else... I wasn't saying "NO". I just kept taking on all these responsibilities!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />So I Marie Kondo’d my proverbial plate, started saying NO to things that didn’t <i>need</i> to be my responsibility, and <i>* I did not allow myself to feel guilty about it*.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i>It did wonders for my emotional/mental health, which is exactly what I was missing! It didn't solve all of my problems, of course. I still struggle sometimes but I'm pretty committed to continuing to stand up for myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />So Cheers to 2020 being the Year of NO, my friends 🥂</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQN2jr-sxlI/Xjh_0eQR2tI/AAAAAAAA11A/g7HNi8nOiJwohV5nnFVV8exJ-xpUBU3dgCEwYBhgL/s1600/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQN2jr-sxlI/Xjh_0eQR2tI/AAAAAAAA11A/g7HNi8nOiJwohV5nnFVV8exJ-xpUBU3dgCEwYBhgL/s320/download.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-55922838406973110422019-12-10T09:47:00.000-06:002019-12-10T09:47:36.307-06:00Chocolate Coconut Pudding Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnJvx5ROE9k/Xe-6Qp4vhqI/AAAAAAAAyI0/FOA-nHaxxcc13a1ZjpB_iqfKmQYmyFjrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/78669779_2747556388601174_8775113855018729472_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnJvx5ROE9k/Xe-6Qp4vhqI/AAAAAAAAyI0/FOA-nHaxxcc13a1ZjpB_iqfKmQYmyFjrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/78669779_2747556388601174_8775113855018729472_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're looking for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly treat for the Holidays look no further! Chocolate Coconut Pudding Pie is a crowd pleaser and whips up (literally) in no time! This treat can be made "skinny" by using sugar-free pudding packs and low-fat milk but, honestly, go full fat! The heavy cream whips up to make a full, creamy-dreamy filling that is so silky and satisfying. You won't regret it!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ub9U-MSHCk/Xe-6QoRc7qI/AAAAAAAAyI4/P_m74uBoqNwlGJpr-FeJDZrz2sY7cEeJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/78200236_2747556538601159_6292199720831942656_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ub9U-MSHCk/Xe-6QoRc7qI/AAAAAAAAyI4/P_m74uBoqNwlGJpr-FeJDZrz2sY7cEeJwCEwYBhgL/s320/78200236_2747556538601159_6292199720831942656_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>Chocolate Coconut Pudding Pie</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">by theFoodette</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Ingredients:</u><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">1 box chocolate pudding mix plus 1/4 cup heavy cream & 1.5 cups whole milk</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;"><br />1 box coconut pudding mix plus 1/4 cup heavy cream & 1.5 cups whole milk<br />Nestle Toll House dark chocolate morsels<br />Shredded Coconut<br />Graham Cracker pie crust</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;"><u>Tools:</u><br />2 bowls & 1 whisk</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;"><u>Directions:</u><br />•prepare chocolate pudding & milk/cream in one bowl, whisk until thickened but pourable. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">Pour into pie crust.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;">•Repeat with coconut pudding, pour on top of chocolate pudding. Chocolate pudding should be set enough that they won't mix.<br />•Top pie with shredded coconut & as many morsels as you want! No judgment <span class="_5mfr" style="margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t57/1/16/1f609.png?_nc_eui2=AeFgnYY6YCGL7-hWVUI5gSyHu9VvsYqInImfK7ReWcEr_Cdv3reMs8GanG7xr0vvno-DkZ6wOwi6joCidRBQ5ETzhChHnpTvmWTwTMnjcPr1yg"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">😉</span></span><br />•Chill in the fridge for a couple hours or as long as you can stand it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;">What other Pudding Pie flavors do you like?</span></span>theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-87995919950547504372019-12-04T05:00:00.000-06:002019-12-04T05:00:06.779-06:00Coconut S'mores BarsHappy National Cookie Day!<br />
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I shared these bars on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theFoodette/" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> and people loved them! They were virtually gobbled up. This is such an easy recipe and it comes together so quickly. Plus, you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry already! If you don't feel free to add, subtract, and experiment as you like.<br />
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Big thanks to Nestle Toll House for providing the morsels for these goodies!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXLHVGkwlFo/XeaWI5o_iwI/AAAAAAAAxq0/mqefojEgqaYAts_qKGy8QG4biiIfAYWcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Coconut%2Bs%25E2%2580%2599mores%2Bbars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="883" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXLHVGkwlFo/XeaWI5o_iwI/AAAAAAAAxq0/mqefojEgqaYAts_qKGy8QG4biiIfAYWcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Coconut%2Bs%25E2%2580%2599mores%2Bbars.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Coconut S'mores Bars</u></span></b></div>
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<b>by theFoodette</b></div>
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<u>Ingredients</u></div>
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1/2 stick butter</div>
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4 cups mini marshmallows</div>
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1/2 cup Nestle Toll House Morsels</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I used milk chocolate but use dark chocolate if you like!)</span></div>
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1/2 sleeve Graham Crackers, crumbled</div>
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1/2 cup Toasted Shredded Coconut</div>
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<u>Tools</u></div>
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1 non-stick pot</div>
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1 8x8 dish, buttered</div>
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Spoon or spatula for mixing and spreading</div>
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<u>Directions</u></div>
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Melt butter over medium heat in your pot.</div>
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Once butter is melted turn heat to medium-low and stir in marshmallows to melt.</div>
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Add in chocolate morsels, graham cracker crumbles, and toasted coconut shreds. Stir and fold to combine.</div>
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Transfer to your buttered dish and spread.</div>
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Top with extra coconut and morsels if desired.</div>
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Chill in the fridge until completely cool.</div>
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Cut into squares and enjoy!</div>
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<strong>Celebrate #NationalCookieDay with all my fellow cookie fanatics! Below is a list of great cookies to make this holiday:</strong>
<em>(Thanks to Erin of <a href="https://www.thespiffycookie.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Spiffy Cookie</a> for hosting)</em>
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://katerecipebox.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> by Kate's Recipe Box</li>
<li><a href="https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chocolate Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies</a> by A Day in the Life on the Farm</li>
<li><a href="https://www.hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chocolate Dipped Butter Cookies</a> by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks</li>
<li><a href="https://cheesecurdinparadise.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Christmas Lights Cookies</a> by Cheese Curd In Paradise</li>
<li><a href="https://thefreshmancook.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Christmas Whoopie Pies</a> by The Freshman Cook</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bigbearswife.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Classic Old Fashioned Snickerdoodles</a> by Big Bear's Wife</li>
<li><a href="http://https//www.thefoodette.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coconut S’Mores Bars</a> by The Foodette</li>
<li><a href="https://www.theredheadbaker.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gingerbread Snickerdoodles</a> by The Redhead Baker</li>
<li><a href="https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Peanut Brownie Sablés</a> by Karen's Kitchen Stories</li>
<li><a href="https://www.savorymomentsblog.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pistachio Cardamom Cresent Cookies</a> by Savory Moments</li>
<li><a href="https://palatablepastime.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Quince and Almond Filled Cookies</a> by Palatable Pastime</li>
<li><a href="https://thatrecipe.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rosettes</a> by That Recipe</li>
<li><a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Spritz Cookies with Christmas Sprinkles</a> by Our Good Life</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thespiffycookie.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tahini Cookies</a> by The Spiffy Cookie</li>
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theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-7181965297095879382019-09-04T09:33:00.001-05:002019-09-04T09:33:37.457-05:00Hunger Action Month<a href="http://help.feedingamerica.org/site/TR?px=4821464&fr_id=1461&pg=personal&fbclid=IwAR3t4zw_YcltmJrqfVWWYiRr6B-Xr4cJ9EvekMfAbNRn9voFN-T_3H8tBAo" target="_blank">September is Hunger Action Month! </a>I am joining other food bloggers in a challenge which is meant to bring awareness to the difficulty of feeding a family on a SNAP budget and highlights the organizations that help reduce hunger in our areas.<br />
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I was challenged to create a meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) that feeds 4 people while spending $5.50 or less (total, not per person). A family of 4 receives roughly $16.60 a day on a SNAP budget which, split evenly, comes to $5.50 per meal. This challenge was so enlightening and incredibly challenging. I wanted to be mindful of a couple of things when I took on this challenge; first I wanted to keep my recipe as nutritious as possible- including vegetables and steering clear of heavily processed items. You can easily buy a box of Mac-n-Cheese for $0.62 and a pack of hot dogs for $3 and stay well under $5.50 but there is NO nutritional value to that! Also, we have two teenagers in our house. Which means, my meal needed to feed 4 but be FILLING. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nz0Q8uxslE0/XW_IcZQfvxI/AAAAAAAAshY/s1RUZLx5jhA5WeaYhqlxMGqaTCKLhxlcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nz0Q8uxslE0/XW_IcZQfvxI/AAAAAAAAshY/s1RUZLx5jhA5WeaYhqlxMGqaTCKLhxlcgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1319.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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What I landed on, ultimately, was a sort of soup/goulash. Depending on preference it can be thicker or thinner depending on how much water you choose to add. I chose to use a bag of frozen soup vegetables because it was the best value for a variety of vegetables, and they're already chopped so it's a big time-saver. The bag I used is a <a href="https://www.heb.com/product-detail/h-e-b-blends-soup-vegetables/125712" target="_blank">store-brand blend of carrots, peas, potatoes, okra, onion, celery, corn, green beans, and lima beans. </a>It's a good source of vitamin A which is an antioxidant that supports a strong immune system and promotes healthy skin and eyes. I included canned tomatoes for the flavor as they were preseasoned, black beans for their fiber, and I used some pre-cooked chopped chicken leftover from a previous meal but, to be honest, I think I could have left it out altogether.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD0o7ZVW_vk/XW_Iqwn7kMI/AAAAAAAAshc/O_rv1Yx2wNMKmnCL-wO_dZcwxPnKV8BIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sD0o7ZVW_vk/XW_Iqwn7kMI/AAAAAAAAshc/O_rv1Yx2wNMKmnCL-wO_dZcwxPnKV8BIQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1317.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<u><b>Here is the cost breakdown of my meal:</b></u></div>
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Store brand low sodium Chicken Broth, 32 oz $1 (on sale)</div>
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Store brand Soup Vegetable mix, 16 oz- $1.58</div>
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Store brand bow-tie noodles, 16oz- $0.99</div>
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Store brand canned no salt added black beans 15oz - $0.78</div>
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Store brand canned Italian seasoned diced tomatoes 14.5oz- $0.35</div>
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1lb chicken (leftover from a whole chicken that was cooked for the night before) $1</div>
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<b>Total Recipe Cost- $5.70</b></div>
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I boiled the noodles until al dente then added everything in a separate soup pot and simmered until thoroughly heated through. My husband added hot sauce to his bowl while I ate mine as-is. I do think a little Parmesean cheese would have been a nice touch on top. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This recipe made a TON. We have plenty left over; it would probably would have fed 6 adults! I feel like maybe next time I will only add half the bag of noodles and half the bag of frozen vegetables. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym9ZmXP6_ws/XW_I4ZwpjeI/AAAAAAAAshk/lSmaQuUfn-0AzRkP9I3wCCymfAbsx4bOQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym9ZmXP6_ws/XW_I4ZwpjeI/AAAAAAAAshk/lSmaQuUfn-0AzRkP9I3wCCymfAbsx4bOQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1321.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Help set the table for a hunger-free America, </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://help.feedingamerica.org/site/TR?px=4821464&fr_id=1461&pg=personal&fbclid=IwAR3t4zw_YcltmJrqfVWWYiRr6B-Xr4cJ9EvekMfAbNRn9voFN-T_3H8tBAo" target="_blank">donate to Feeding America HERE</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Other ways to help:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/get-help/help-food-stamps?utm_source=Emmis&utm_medium=SEM" target="_blank">Central Texas Food Bank</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://schoolnutrition.org/AboutSchoolMeals/GetInvolved/" target="_blank">School Nutrition Association</a></span></div>
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theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-46803742638201417592019-02-28T13:30:00.001-06:002019-02-28T13:30:45.865-06:00Butternut Squash and Envy Apple Soup with Sage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What is UP with this weather? Yesterday it was sunny and, like, 80*. Today it's raining and freaking freezing! Soup weather, for sure!</div>
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Remember in January when I went to that Envy Apple Cooking Class at Central Market? This soup was probably my favorite dish of the night. It's creamy, warm, and so savory. Even my butternut squash hating husband gobbled it up.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRwA2WE01C0/XHb3J5RCx8I/AAAAAAAAkGA/3ybCELZJ9RgbIa7XBkt4CvT_8qPuclQuwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2786.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRwA2WE01C0/XHb3J5RCx8I/AAAAAAAAkGA/3ybCELZJ9RgbIa7XBkt4CvT_8qPuclQuwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2786.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Recipe Tips:</u></b></div>
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This soup features Envy Apples specifically but you can definitely use any apple you have. I would use a milder apple- not sweet, not tart. I think this recipe could be elevated with Bone Broth in place of Chicken Broth and don't be shy with that black pepper!</div>
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<a href="http://www.instagram.com/thefoodette" target="_blank"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Follow me on Instagram and check my stories for tips on how to peel and cut a butternut squash without breaking a sweat!</span></b></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Butternut Squash and Envy Apple Soup with Sage</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Adapted from Chowhound</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Makes 6-8 servings</span></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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4 pounds Butternut Squash (about 2 medium), peeled and cubed</div>
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2 Tbs Unsalted Butter (divided)</div>
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1 medium Envy Apple (about 8 ounces)</div>
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1/2 medium Yellow Onion</div>
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8 fresh Sage Leaves</div>
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2.5 cups Low Sodium Vegetable/Chicken Broth</div>
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2.5 cups Water</div>
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1.5 tsp Kosher Salt</div>
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1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper</div>
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1/3 cup Heavy Cream</div>
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1/2 cup Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, for garnish</div>
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Instructions:</div>
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1. Heat oven to 425* with a rack in the middle.</div>
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2. Toss butternut squash cubes in 1 tbs melted butter and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Roast until knife-tender, about 20 minutes.</div>
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3. Peel, core, and dice apple. Cut onion into a medium dice. Melt remaining 1 tbs of butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the apple, onion, and sage, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until softened- about 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.</div>
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4. Add the squash to the saucepan with the apples and onions.</div>
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5. Add the broth, water, and measured salt and pepper, stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer (B2B, R2S) stirring occasionally and breaking up any chunks of squash until the flavors meld- about 15 minutes.</div>
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6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the heavy cream.</div>
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7. Using an immersion blender (or regular just be careful with the lid and the steam!) puree the soup until smooth.</div>
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8. Taste and season with salt/pepper as needed.</div>
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9. Garnish with pumpkin seeds and serve!</div>
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Like this recipe? Check out</div>
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<a href="http://www.thefoodette.com/2019/01/envy-apple-and-blueberry-baked-oatmeal.html" target="_blank">Envy Apple and Blueberry Baked Oatmeal</a></div>
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theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-73462730735502603732019-02-11T07:00:00.000-06:002019-02-11T07:00:13.611-06:00Heart Month Spotlight- Emmett HLHS DORV<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Heart Month!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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Today's spotlight is on Emmett. Emmett was not diagnosed prenatally but thanks to Texas Children's Hospital he is alive and well today! Emmett's Momma, Skylar tells his story below.</div>
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I was 16 when I got pregnant for the first time. Already scared of what the world may think of me being a teenage mom, I was scared to tell my mom because three days before I found out I was pregnant., he had a miscarriage of her own. I knew I needed to start doctor appointments to check and get the right care of the tiny growing human inside of me. Throughout the 9 months of my pregnancy, everything was great, we always got told he was looking perfect and growing just like he needed to be. He was breech so the doctor said I’d have to have a cesarean.<br />
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Everett was born on March 5th, 2018 at 8:23 am. He was a 6lbs 4.5oz and 19.5 inches long little boy. As I recovered from my c-section I mainly slept but never did they bring my little boy to me. They told me they were giving him a little bit of extra oxygen. Hours went by and he still wasn’t wheeled down to my room, so 8 hours after my surgery I got out of bed and walked to my wheelchair and was wheeled down to see Emmett. As I held him for the first time his oxygen saturation’s went up and we thought he was getting better. Over the night a nurse was watching him closely and knew something wasn’t right so the next morning they told me that my perfect little baby might have a congenital heart defect and that he was being transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Soon he left in an ambulance with the kangaroo crew. His Pops got to ride with him because the hospital wouldn’t release me because my blood count was low. So while he made his way to be treated almost 3 hours away from me, I had to stay in the hospital where he was supposed to be with me.<br />
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The next morning the hospital released me, they probably shouldn’t have that soon, but thank god they did! And I got down to my baby the fastest we could. When Emmett’s daddy, my mom and I got there we were told Emmett is very very sick and that if the kangaroo crew wouldn’t have gotten to him with the medicine he needed (Epi) to keep his hole from closing, he might not have made it. So Texas Children’s Hospital saved his life!<br />
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They told us Emmett has HLHS, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Double Outlet Right Ventricle and a lot of other little things to go along with it. He was in so much cariogenic shock that his condition was worse. His organs took a lot of damage so before we could have the Norwood surgery he had to recover from that. They told us his condition requires a series of open-heart surgeries to give him the longest life possible with a possible heart transplant in the future. The Norwood, Glenn, and Fontan. They told us this first surgery would be the most critical one and the few days after are too.<br />
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He had his first surgery on March 22, they did a Norwood Sano but 3 days later they had to do emergency surgery for a Sano takedown and replaced with a 4ml BT shunt. After the emergency surgery he was in a better place, but still critical. His chest remained open and on the 31st of March, they finally closed it! During Emmett’s recovery time, he was intubated and extubated multiple times. And we hit a lot of bumps in the road. Eventually, we got him extubated and had a rocky rollercoaster during interstage.<br />
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The time came and the doctors were saying he was ready for his Glenn. So Emmett was taken off to the cath lab and brought back with the news that he was not a candidate for the Glenn surgery at this time. Nothing was wrong with his heart function at all, everything looked great, there was a little bitty pinch in his arch, but no one was worried about it because the measurements were good. His lung artery vessels measured way too high and it would be really dangerous for them to do the Glenn with those measurements of the lung arteries; possibly even life-threatening. They had to start him on a medication that would bring down the lung pressure numbers so we waited weeks to give Emmett more time and for the medication to do its job and went back to the cath lab and Emmett was still not a candidate. They tested during the cath lab to see if they gave him nitric oxide if it helped bring down his lung pressures to where they needed to be.<br />
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The Cardiac team gave us three options, 1. To not do a Glenn and let him be how he is now 2. To go ahead and do the Glenn even though it’s risky, or 3. To be put on the heart transplant list. With the help of the team, we chose to go ahead and do the Glenn with nitric oxide. We were told Emmett was going to come out of surgery way sicker than he already is. The days were all thrown around on when Emmett would go into surgery but he was scheduled for August 14th, but if something was available sooner, they would take him in then.<br />
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Finally, they told us he was for sure going into surgery for the Glenn on August 9th. It was a very long stressful day. When the surgeon went to take his BT shunt out, they told us it was 100% excluded!!! They said it was a blessing we took him into surgery on this day! Who knows what would have happened if we would have waited until the 14th. After Emmett came out of surgery, everyone was saying he looked great! Recovery passed and he surprised us all with how well he was doing! The Glenn was exactly what he needed for him to get better and that’s what he did, got better.<br />
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After 6 months of being in the ICU, Emmett got to go to a Step-Down floor on his 6 month birthday! There he continued to strive through his recovery! He had a G-tube placed on October 2nd and on his 7 month birthday, October 5th, and after staying at the hospital for 7 months, WE GOT TO TAKE EMMETT HOME!!! Emmett has 5 medications he takes all throughout the day and has pretty frequent appointments with cardiology, GI for nutrition, general surgery for his G-Tube, a developmental class, and physical and soon to be speech therapy! From October to now, Emmett has been the most happiest baby you could ever meet! He is truly a miracle and such a blessing to our family!!<br />
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<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/emmetts-echo&rcid=r01-154957270256-64187ad5d32e4584&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_m" target="_blank">Click here for Emmett's GoFundMe Page</a></div>
theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-47473523719602508872019-02-04T07:00:00.000-06:002019-02-04T07:00:04.128-06:00Heart Month Spotlight- Case DORV, d-TGA, ASD, VSD<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy Heart Month!</span></div>
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Today's spotlight is on Case, a Heart Warrior who just celebrated his 4th birthday!<br />
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It was a normal August day on a Friday when we found out if our baby was a boy or girl. The excitement was rising. We were waiting patiently for the three words we wanted to hear "a healthy baby" but they never came. Case wasn't our first pregnancy, and after experiencing a loss, we honestly cared less about the gender, we just wanted a healthy baby.<br />
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At the time, I was teaching first grade, so my students were so excited to find out if the baby was a boy or a girl! I honestly think they were more excited to find out than I was. I left school a little early to make the appointment, a 45-minute ultrasound that turned into almost two hours. The tech said, "I can't get him positioned correctly, I can't seem to get all the pictures of his heart." I was a naive first-time mom and didn't think much of her remarks. She didn't say anything more. Two days after we found out our baby was a boy, we also found out that he had a heart defect--a VSD, or a hole in between the bottom two chambers. My doctor ensured me that in most cases the hole closes and not to worry, she insisted that our baby had an extremely small VSD and that it didn’t even show up on all of the images. She set us up with a specialist in another town for a few weeks later just to be safe. So we prayed. "Jesus, please close this hole. Jesus, please, listen to me, I need you to heal my baby, I NEED YOU TO CLOSE THIS HOLE IN HIS HEART."<br />
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Those few weeks later come and I drive to the specialist a few hours away. I wait for my appointments. I'm nervous. But everything should be fine, right? I mean, we are normal people-- something like this couldn't happen to people like us... wrong. Oh, and I forgot to mention, my husband couldn’t come with me, so I’m by myself.<br />
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The tech does the scan. Then, the doctor comes in. I can tell by his face the news isn't good. "Multiple defects." He says. "Double outlet right ventricle, transposition of the great arteries, a large VSD, an ASD, a small pulmonary artery with minimal blood flow." I am stunned. I told myself I wouldn't cry, but I feel the fiery, streaming tears race down my cheeks and fall onto my neck. I can't hold them back. I'm by myself, David is working, and there aren't any freaking tissues in the room. (Why the heck aren't there any tissues?!)The tech runs to go get some. He shows me them on the screen but I can barely see. My eyes are burning and I just want him to stop. I want it to be yesterday. When I didn't know. When my baby was just my normal baby. But it isn't yesterday, and my days of normal are over, so I listen. I am speechless. The doctor continues "minimal quality of life (worthless)," he says. "Failure to thrive (worthless)." "Failure to grow, possibly inoperable (worthless)," he says. "Possibly a chromosomal anomaly." Long Pause... "Considering all these things most people in your situation would choose to terminate."<br />
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Silence.<br />
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I know my worth and my child's worth and I never doubted it but I am thinking...he believes our baby is worthless... "Mrs. Hebert, do you understand what this means? Did you hear me? Most people in your situation would choose to terminate." I lift my head and look him the eyes. "I am sorry, but we are not most people." (He. Has. Worth.)<br />
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This is how we found out about our son’s severe heart defect when I was 24 weeks pregnant. I somehow managed to get to my car and call my husband to deliver the news. I sat in the parking lot for what seemed like an eternity until I could gather my thoughts and calm down enough to drive the almost 3 hours home. The words delivered to me on that day, and HOW they were delivered are still ingrained in my memory. I will never forget them--and we never went back to that hospital.<br />
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My husband, the fixer, started researching pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiology programs in the United States. We knew we needed to find a hospital that wanted our baby to live and we also knew we’d have one shot at saving our kid’s life, so we wanted the best. We happen to be about a 90-minute drive from Houston, where Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) is located. At the time I was pregnant in 2015, Texas Children’s had the #2 Pediatric Cardiology program in the nation (now #1), second to Boston Children’s. By the time I arrived home, David had called my school to deliver the news, my OB to get forms for a second opinion, and TCH to get the ball rolling with appointments. We had to have the referral from my doctor first, which took about two weeks because they did not want me to transfer my care. (If you are reading this and new to the complex medical world--no doctor should EVER deny you a second opinion.) Many people asked us why we traveled out of town or why we chose Texas Children’s. The answer was simple, our kid was worth it. Our back up plan was to go to Boston Children’s if we didn’t get into Texas Children’s. There are many good children’s hospitals out there...but when it comes down to the wire, do you want the person holding your kid’s heart (literally!) to be good, or do you want them to be the best?<br />
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Three days after TCH received our paperwork we were in Houston for a set of two-day appointments. We met with Maternal Fetal Medicine, Genetics, Cardiology, NICU team, etc. Appointment, after appointment, after appointment. Those two days were a whirlwind. I remember them, but they are so foggy. I was in survival mode at that point. We met our wonderful fetal Cardiologist, Dr. Nancy Ayres, and she was a breath of fresh air. Yes, our baby had a severe heart defect, yes, he could have genetic anomalies, yes, he could die. She assured us we were at the best place for our sweet precious baby. She didn’t sugar coat anything, and I appreciated that. Case’s official diagnosis: DORV (double outlet right ventricle), d-TGA (transposition of the great arteries), VSD, ASD (holes in his heart), Pulmonary valve anomaly and pulmonary stenosis. Basically, his aorta was pushing good, oxygenated blood to his lungs, his pulmonary artery was pushing deoxygenated blood to his body and both arteries stemmed from the right side of his heart. He had a large hole between his bottom two chambers and a hole between one of his top and bottom chambers, a funky pulmonary valve, and a tiny pulmonary artery. I wanted to know what real scenarios we were looking at for the next few months and she told me.<br />
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I had a relatively normal and healthy pregnancy. The next 4 months flew by and in December we moved to Houston to wait on the arrival of Case. We stayed at a friends apartment for two weeks and then at the Ronald McDonald Holcombe House.<br />
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Case was born January 7th, 2015 at 4 in the afternoon. He was quickly whisked away to the NICU to be assessed by his team. His stats look good, but he was being closely monitored as his heart adjusted to doing all the work. That night, his oxygen saturation plummeted into the teens and he almost coded. Apparently, he caused quite the stir for the night shift because a few hours later he had a bedside Atrial Septosomy to open up his ASD to allow more blood flow because he wasn’t stable enough to move to the cath lab. He rallied, and in 4 short days was back on room air.<br />
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Because his pesky little pulmonary artery wasn’t big enough to function as his aorta, we were left with very few surgical options. We had a difficult time finding a surgeon, even at TCH, that would try a full repair (or any repair) on Case, and time was not on our side. The world-renowned, Dr. Fraser took him on and said he would try to mend Case’s heart. The window for a full repair for a d-TGA baby closes at the 6-week mark. When Case was exactly 6 weeks old he had a 13-hour open heart surgery that saved his life. In the weeks leading up to his surgery, he became very ill. He wasn’t and hadn’t been, gaining weight, he was lethargic, and overall, just puny. Dr. Fraser made us no promises. He was going to try and do the full repair, but he had other options in case that didn’t work out. We handed our boy over a little before 7am and didn’t see him again until after 10pm that night. It was an extremely long and emotionally draining day.<br />
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Case’s recovery was up and down, 1 victory matched with 1,000 defeats. His kidneys were wrecked on bypass. The machine that kept him alive during surgery, did a number on his tiny body. He had a difficult time coming off bypass and recovering from its effects. Case was in the CVICU for 8 days. On day 7, he turned a corner and really started improving. We were sent to step-down shortly after and stayed there for about 8 days and then we were discharged locally for 2-3 weeks before we could go home.<br />
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Case was born in January and finally, mid-March we were home! It was a wonderful feeling to finally be home as a family of 3! Looking back, I sometimes can’t believe we made it. David and I lived apart for about 4 months. Our income was cut in half and our living expenses doubled. We had support from our friends and family but it is hard for people to understand what it’s like to sit by your child for days, weeks and months on end waiting to see if he will live or die. The emotional roller coaster is overwhelming.<br />
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We had a really tough first 4 months, a rough first year and then things settled down. We were able to recover financially, we had another baby--a heart-healthy baby girl, and have had a string of fairly good reports from cardiology! We are in the “unknown” phase right now as far as the next surgery goes. Case’s aortic valve needs to be replaced, but we are basically waiting on his body to tell us when it’s ready. Dr. Fraser’s goal was to get Case to his first birthday. We just celebrated his 4th! We are so proud of our little heart warrior and his bravery. He is kind and gentle, yet fierce and brave. He is a force to be reckoned with, that’s for sure, and we couldn’t be prouder to call him ours.<br />
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My Blog where I wrote our story over 7 days during CHD awareness week a few years ago: <a href="https://diaryofaheartmom63192930.wordpress.com/">https://diaryofaheartmom63192930.wordpress.com/</a>theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-33998317395427543722019-02-01T07:00:00.000-06:002019-02-01T07:00:00.976-06:00Heart Month Spotlight- Connor, Truncus Arteriosus type 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy Heart Month! </span></u></b></div>
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This month I will be sharing the stories of families who have had <a href="https://www.texaschildrens.org/departments/heart-center" target="_blank">Heart Babies at Texas Children's Hospital</a>. I hope to spread awareness for all CHD's and to give hope to newly diagnosed families. My first story comes from Courtney, Momma to Connor, who was diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus type 2 as well as 22q 11.2 deletion syndrome.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, my name is Courtney. I’d like to tell you that our story isn’t full of sadness depression and only hope, positive thinking, and strength but that’s not how this story goes. Instead, this story is full of all of those things woven together. Though, like in most great stories, there is a “happy ending”. <span style="background-color: white;">I am many things: a daughter, a spouse, a registered nurse, a lover of literature, good food, and “binge-worthy” series. Out of all the things I am my favorite is that I am a mother to a very special little boy! </span>My son, Connor, was born at Texas Children’s Hospital on 01/17/2017 with a chromosomal abnormality called 22q 11.2 deletion syndrome. A fairly common condition that can cause 180 different health manifestations one of them being heart defects. Connor was born with Truncus Arteriosus type 2. He was prenatally </span>diagnosed with an uncertain heart defect at our twenty-week anatomy scan. We were both terrified and heartbroken at the same time. After the 22q diagnosis from an amniocentesis, we decided to transfer our care from the small town hospital we were currently receiving care to Texas Children’s Hospital. My spouse, Matthew, and I both felt that TCH was going to give our son the best possible chance at life!<br />
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Connor did really well until he was ten days old his condition deteriorated and he had to be intubation. I will never forget getting that call at 2:00 a.m. It was one of the many times I thought that I would have to tell this sweet little baby, whom I hadn’t gotten a chance to really know, goodbye. He had his first open heart surgery at two weeks old. It lasted eleven hours The thought of losing him combined with the idea of not being able to the normal “baby” things with him brought me into a depression. My emotional state could only be described as zombie-like on an emotional roller coaster. I went through every day thinking that this was my last day with this little baby. I did my best to try to hold it together but I was failing horribly. Matthew and I both had twelve weeks off from work so we were able to stay close to Connor. We slept in hotels, bedside chairs, bedside couches, both in the hospital Ronald McDonald House and down the road Ronald McDonald House. It was at times chaotic not always knowing where we were going to sleep but we were committed to not being far away from Connor.<br />
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Back then I felt a lot of resentment for the people in my life having average healthy children. I couldn’t relate to their problems that seemed so small and trivial and they most definitely couldn’t relate to mine. To honestly tell the truth most of the time I still cannot relate to the average parent. The resentment, though, has lessened. Nobody gets to choose the hands they are dealt. Connor stayed hospitalized until he was seven weeks old. Most of his recovery went smoothly except for feeding difficulties and for that, I know we are extremely lucky!<br />
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Connor came home with an NG tube and stayed on it until he was four months old. Until Connor turned fourteen months we did not take him anywhere except doctor appointments for fear that he would get sick. It was hard and lonely at times. When Connor came home the depression for me did not go away. I obsessively thought about our experience every hour of every day. I cried A LOT. I could not shake the feeling that Connor would soon die. It affected every aspect of my life but life demands to be lived so as Connor healed and grew so did I. It been a journey, I think, for all of us. He is two now and life is super busy! Both Matthew and I work full time (him four 12 hour days week and me three 12 hour days a week) we are luckily able to self-schedule so I have been able to attend every appointment. Unfortunately, that also means every week is different for me. On the days we both work my mother in law is able to watch Connor. Speaking of appointments Connor has a lot! Due to his 22q, he sees a lot of different doctors. He sees cardiology, immunology, pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, audiology, ENT, gastroenterology, endocrinology, neurology, psychology, orthotic specialty, and high-risk dentistry. He has had ear tube placement, dental surgery to remove four front teeth, four failed hearing exams, a sedated ABR, two swallow studies and of course lots of echoes! He has speech therapy once a week for speech delay, occupational therapy once a week, physical therapy once a week for pronation of his feet (he will soon be wearing braces) all about fifty minutes away from our home. He has an ECI in home teacher that comes twice a month and a in home dietitian that comes once every two months. Like I said life is busy!<br />
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His list of diagnoses is long with a recent diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder. We are big advocates but I try to give him an average childhood! He loves Disney movies, light up musical toys, swimming, and playing outside. He is a mixture of sweetness, silliness, and mischievous! He runs around and gets into everything just like any other two year old. He has been lucky enough to not have to be hospitalized again since his birth. His second open heart surgery is on the horizon but hopefully, we will get another year or two before that is needed and has not needed any other cardiac interventions.<br />
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I would like to say how lucky to have such a good support system. I am so thankful for Matthew for being there for me and for Connor he never left our side. Some days are really crazy but when I look at Connor I know that I am the luckiest person in the world to be his mom! See I told you it had a happy “ending”.<br />
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<br />theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-43290143233590622102019-01-21T14:48:00.002-06:002019-01-21T14:48:31.803-06:00Envy Apple and Blueberry Baked Oatmeal*This post is in collaboration with Envy Apples. All opinions are my own.<br />
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Envy Apples was kind enough to reach out to me to see if I'd like to attend a cooking class presented by Central Market. Of course I would! The husband and I rarely get to get out of the house together, sans kids, any more so we were so grateful for the mid-week date night opportunity!<br />
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The entire night was tasty and the class (which was really a cooking demonstration as we did zero cooking ourselves) was entertaining and informative. None of the recipes demonstrated were mind-blowing in their ingredients or complexities, but I think that's the point of a class like these; recipes you can easily make for yourself at home.<br />
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One thing we both learned about Envy Apples specifically was that these apples don't turn brown for at least 3 hours after they're cut! That's pretty nifty information for all the Mommas and Daddy's out there who like to pack lunches in their kiddos snacks/lunches, right?<br />
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I posted all of the pictures from our evening and then asked my Instagram followers which recipe I should share. I mean, they were all really great! There were votes for every recipe and it was really a close race. I chose to share this Baked Oatmeal recipe first as I feel it's something that I'll be making for breakfast often- we have some oatmeal lovers in my house!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Envy Apple and Blueberry Baked Oatmeal</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Serves 6</span></div>
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2 cups Rolled Oats</div>
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1 cup Walnuts, chopped</div>
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1 tsp Baking Powder</div>
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1.5 tsp Cinnamon</div>
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1 tsp Fine Grain Salt</div>
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1/3 cup Maple Syrup</div>
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2 cups Milk</div>
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1 Large Egg</div>
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1.5 tbs Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly plus more for buttering the pan</div>
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1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste (or vanilla extract)</div>
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1 large Envy Apple, washed and chopped</div>
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6 ounces Blueberries</div>
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1. Preheat oven to 375* F<br />
2. Butter the inside of a square 8" baking dish<br />
3. In a bowl combine the oats, half of the walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl whisk together the maple syrup, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.<br />
4. Spread chopped apple pieces in the bottom of the buttered pan, top with the oat mixture and drizzle the liquid mixture over the oats. Scatter the walnuts and the blueberries over the oats.<br />
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the oats are set.<br />
6. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This recipe has been adapted from Heidi Swanson's Baked Oatmeal, Epicurious, September 24, 2015.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was compensated for this post. All photos, opinions, and experiences are my own.</span>theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-84565681640454288352019-01-09T15:40:00.005-06:002019-01-10T20:52:29.296-06:00Foods to Incorporate Into Your Diet When You're Trying to Lose Weight<span id="docs-internal-guid-f3ee9e72-7fff-9d54-e684-9c5b97273adb"></span><br />
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January tends to be a prime time of year for weight loss. There are various factors that result in increased numbers of people actively trying to shift weight and get in shape. Festivities over the Christmas period in December can see us indulge in more unhealthy foods than we generally would at any other time of year. After all, who can turn down mince pies, Yule logs, hot chocolates, and piles of potatoes and stuffing on our Christmas dinner? January also represents a new page in the calendar and a fresh start to our lives - we <span id="docs-internal-guid-23b5200d-7fff-6da3-a7ef-9df0cf5c4e83"><a href="https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resolution.aspx" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">come up with resolutions</span></a></span> that can help us to prosper and flourish over the next twelve months. A change in attitude is extremely positive. But losing weight successfully requires a little more than an optimistic and progressive outlook alone. You’re going to have to conduct a fair amount of research that will allow you to make the right decisions in regards to your exercise and diet. Let’s focus on diet for now.<br />
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<b><u>Eating in Moderation </u></b><br />
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The first step towards losing weight by changing your diet should revolve around eating in moderation. Sure, you should cut out fatty foods, sugary foods, and foods with excessive levels of salt. But you can still maintain weight by eating too much in general. Make sure that your diet is balanced and that you tick off all of the major food groups. This will ensure that you are getting sufficient calories to fuel your body throughout the day, that your digestive system is getting enough fiber, and that you are getting other essential vitamins and nutrients. Once you have achieved this, you can then start incorporating some of the following foods into your diet as well in order to benefit from their different properties.<br />
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<b><u>Ginger </u></b><br />
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Ginger has plenty of health benefits. This flowering plant, which originates from China, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, as it contains gingerol, which has medicinal properties. It is highly effective in relieving nausea and vomiting. But in regards to weight loss, it is a natural appetite suppressant and also speeds up the emptying to the stomach, aiding indigestion. It comes in various forms, with some of the most popular being whole, powdered, or as an oil. If you aren’t the best chef and can’t see yourself realistically cooking up a storm in the kitchen, incorporating ginger into your usual meals, then remember that the <span id="docs-internal-guid-e86c6d4e-7fff-4174-0fb1-2d4c2293e6b5"><a href="https://www.thequench.com/wellness/ginger-weight-loss-benefits/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">benefits of ginger shots</span></a></span> are the same as eating ginger in any other way - if anything, you get to consume a more intense dose all in one go.<br />
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<b><u>Leafy Greens</u></b><br />
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Leafy greens are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a great filler if you’re looking to lose weight. You can use them to fill your plate and bulk meals up without having to worry about gaining pounds while eating them. On top of this, they have the bonus of being packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals such as calcium. Some leafy greens that you might want to try out could include:<br />
-Kale<br />
-Spinach<br />
-Collards<br />
-Swiss Chards<br />
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<u><b>Cruciferous Vegetables </b></u><br />
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Chances are that you haven’t heard the phrase “cruciferous vegetables before”. But there’s a good chance you have eaten them - they include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and <span id="docs-internal-guid-c49c7506-7fff-4855-7404-7a154ca82731"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/why-do-some-people-hate-brussels-sprouts/" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Brussels sprouts</a>.</span></span> These types of vegetables contain a lot of fiber and they tend to be filling, which makes them pretty filling. But they have low energy density and could spur your weight loss journey on in the right direction!<br />
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<b><u>Avocados</u></b><br />
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Avocados are becoming an increasingly popular addition to people’s diets. Demand has spiked in the past few years alone. This goes to show that it’s pretty tasty! But on top of being genuinely enjoyable for most, avocados are loaded with the right type of fats that your body needs to function well. If you don’t like the taste of olive oil, but want to incorporate monounsaturated oleic acid into your diet, eating avocados is one of the best ways to achieve this.<br />
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<b><u>Apple Cider Vinegar </u></b><br />
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Apple cider vinegar is another food item that has gained significant levels of popularity in the past few years. Held on a pedestal by the beauty community, this type of vinegar can also be incorporated into vinaigrettes or salad dressings. If you’re feeling brave, you could even <span id="docs-internal-guid-3692266f-7fff-df2d-d8c1-d4bb861ccbac"><a href="https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/apple-cider-vinegar-every-day/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">dilute it</span></a><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span> and drink it. Having some of this at the same time as eating can make you feel more full, encouraging you to consume fewer calories throughout the day.<br />
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There are, of course, other foods out there that are great for weight loss. But try incorporating these few into your diet to start with!theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-2904226456557980942018-09-24T16:22:00.001-05:002018-09-24T16:22:55.612-05:00Vacationing in Rockport, Texas<span style="font-family: inherit;">One year ago <a href="http://www.cityofrockport.com/" target="_blank">Rockport, Texas </a>was hit by Hurricane Harvey. The destruction was unimaginable. This little fishing town on the coast of Texas took an incredible blow which resulted in many homes and businesses being flooded and destroyed. But Rockport is rising. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently took a long weekend trip to Rockport with a girlfriend, our kids, and her parents. We stayed in a house right on Copano Bay. Driving in, the destruction left by Harvey was still very visible. While there were a sprinkling of houses that were rebuilt and like-new, there were more homes that were clearly still being recovered. Many of these home-owners did not have hurricane insurance and the repairs can quickly become too much for any homeowner to manage.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7f8ccmxKq0M/W6lSsZF9-tI/AAAAAAAAbQg/T4X1yIXBLB4XpPtswYx8p8NNpoOTlox2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7f8ccmxKq0M/W6lSsZF9-tI/AAAAAAAAbQg/T4X1yIXBLB4XpPtswYx8p8NNpoOTlox2QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0668.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The goal of our trip was to have a simple, relaxing, low-key weekend where we could fish, enjoy some cocktails on the deck, enjoy the sunsets, and unwind. That is exactly the trip we got. We had moderate luck with the fishing and crabbing but maybe that speaks more of the fishermen than the fish? The sunsets were lovely and the weather, although humid, was really great. The rain that was forecasted all weekend held off for the most part and the breeze was consistent and lovely.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJQ9BVIB_88/W6lTAWTokWI/AAAAAAAAbQs/3MtASFQUPtEmgx-Rx6jDzoaYuPV6OIESACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJQ9BVIB_88/W6lTAWTokWI/AAAAAAAAbQs/3MtASFQUPtEmgx-Rx6jDzoaYuPV6OIESACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0717.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOftHS79rc8/W6lTAWVeF_I/AAAAAAAAbQw/Uvw2O_qRLEMtyGoqwgahl53ayIdPFdBYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOftHS79rc8/W6lTAWVeF_I/AAAAAAAAbQw/Uvw2O_qRLEMtyGoqwgahl53ayIdPFdBYACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0726.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Though we spent the majority of our weekend at the house, we did spend some time one afternoon at <a href="http://www.rockportbeach-texas.com/" target="_blank">Rockport Beach Park</a>. Texas does not boast white-sand beaches. Until you get closer to Mexico, Texas beaches are good for fishing and shrimping, but exceptionally beautiful beaches they are not. However, the babies had never been to the beach so they have no frame of reference! Lydia loved splashing in the water and was extra surprised when a wave popped her in the mouth and the water was salty! The water at Rockport Beach Park was warm and there was almost zero current making it the perfect first beach experience for my little mermaid. Thomas also had a good time at the beach, but it turns out he's a sand man. He wasn't too thrilled with the water that moved by itself. He was perfectly happy playing in the sand under the fabulous straw-topped umbrella canopies that dot the beach.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaUiZkivmNg/W6lTBVsA7QI/AAAAAAAAbQ8/hpM9NpYh6scwcYhICH9S7GF6lYJCqsldwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QaUiZkivmNg/W6lTBVsA7QI/AAAAAAAAbQ8/hpM9NpYh6scwcYhICH9S7GF6lYJCqsldwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0813.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smwsw8SFeV4/W6lTAu2P11I/AAAAAAAAbQ0/pqw6yCeIbJUQl9vBogsN1FBgj5wlD4A9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smwsw8SFeV4/W6lTAu2P11I/AAAAAAAAbQ0/pqw6yCeIbJUQl9vBogsN1FBgj5wlD4A9wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0796.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Something else to note is that Corpus Christi, Texas is just a short 30(ish) minute drive away which means making a trip to the Texas State Aquarium or U.S.S. Lexington is super easy.<br />
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*All photos are mine, all opinions are mine. This is not a sponsored post.<br />
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theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-72677651299068736562018-08-03T22:17:00.000-05:002018-08-03T22:17:01.924-05:00Don't Overlook These Aspects of Your Health<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are lots of aspects of being healthy that people talk about a lot. In particular, you hear about staying a healthy weight, being physically fit, and looking after your heart, among other things. But there are other areas of your health that we perhaps don't talk about enough or as much about as other things. It's important to consider your whole body, and your mind, when you're thinking about your health and </span><a href="https://siteman.wustl.edu/prevention/take-proactive-control/8-ways-to-stay-healthy-and-prevent-cancer/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">how to stay healthy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. If you want to be a healthy person, take a look at these key areas of health that can be overlooked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Your Digestive and Urinary Health</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some aspects of health don't get as much airing as others because they're a bit embarrassing. We can often struggle to talk about issues with our digestive or urinary systems, although digestive health does get a bit more attention. Your diet can make a big difference in how healthy you are in these areas, but there are other aspects to consider if you want to be healthy. If you take a look at </span><a href="https://www.urologygeorgia.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.urologygeorgia.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, you can find out more about urinary health and what you can do if you have a problem. Seeing a doctor can help you find the truth if you feel like something is wrong with either your urinary or digestive health.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.maxpixel.net/Meditation-Woman-Fitness-People-Yoga-Health-2587069" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Max Pixel</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Your Reproductive Health</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reproductive health can also be difficult to talk about, and many can feel like when they do open up, their problems aren't taken seriously. Research has shown that in a hospital ER, women </span><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/how-sexist-stereotypes-mean-doctors-ignore-womens-pain-a7157931.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">wait longer</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be seen for abdominal pain than men. This could partly be due to the view that women's pain is more emotional, as well as an assumption that it's just normal pain related to the reproductive system. It's important to be aware of what's normal and what isn't, not just for women in general but for you personally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Your Sleep Quality and Energy</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting enough sleep and having enough physical and mental energy is essential for your day-to-day life. If you're having trouble sleeping or finding that you have no energy during the day and you can't think of any reason for it, don't just brush it off. Sometimes, it might just be that you're stressed or you've been pushing yourself too hard. But lacking energy or struggling to sleep could indicate underlying problems, ranging anywhere from </span><a href="https://www.lorigeurin.com/10-ways-to-prevent-lyme-disease/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lyme disease</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to depression.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Your Mental Health</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The conversation about mental health is growing, but many people still don't think about it enough. It's important to consider how you feel emotionally, and not just your physical health. You don't have to have a diagnosed </span><a href="http://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mental health</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> condition to take care of your mental health. Everyone can get stressed and experience emotional problems, and it's important not to ignore them. Being more aware of your own mental health can help you to be there for others too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You should keep an eye on every aspect of your health if you want to be healthy. Consider your body and mind as a whole to improve your health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*This is a collaborative post*</span></div>
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theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-25665717172975955912018-07-30T12:21:00.000-05:002018-07-30T12:21:38.619-05:00What Would Happen if Everyone Went Vegan Right Now?<span id="docs-internal-guid-0a496a93-ec31-8f48-7095-81f0b607604c"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The dangers of eating meat are becoming more and more apparent. Recently, the World Health Organization increased the risk of eating meat to the highest level. According to the WHO, the red stuff has the potential to cause cancer. It’s up there with the likes of cigarettes, alcohol, and soaking up too many UV rays. If ever there was an excuse to take up veganism, this is it right here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vegans and vegetarians love to imagine what the world would be like if everyone jumped on the bandwagon. In most people’s mind, the planet would become a utopia where there were peace and harmony and enough resources for all. On the flip side, the haters argue the change wouldn’t be as dramatic as some like to imagine. There is no way to answer the question until there is a dramatic shift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, it is possible to evaluate and to guesstimate at the likely changes. After all, there is plenty of research on the topic of veganism. So, what might the world become? What are the potential changes under the revolution? Take a look at the following to find out more. What you read might shock and surprise you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="484" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/CT0rSRqWu5G7V2L-zDY2mCz9_icog9ZuqQySPibPqB9hH24toAit-r8krGQdw3Bxa-8es4-3kZ0aoUmwz7G-9Jx6nUZPNHb_DUJB0J33n4wz1Y9I2ZYbWAVSLEMtDFvcK1-ozo1y" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1370137" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pxhere </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reduction In Greenhouse Gases</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Livestock plays a major role in the destruction of the planet. To begin with, they are gassy monsters with no etiquette. Cows are particularly bad as they let out tons of methane each year, which helps to break down the ozone layer. And, the amount is set to increase as the population rises and there is a run on meat. Then, there is the agricultural element to consider. Farming cattle and sheep and poultry requires heavy machinery such as tractors and harvesters. The CO2 which emits from these machines is huge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A study by two animal researchers found that veganism would cut these contributions </span><a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2017/11/07/1707322114" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by 28%</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It’s worth pointing out in their research, livestock emissions were at 49%, so they wouldn’t disappear off the face of the planet. There would be some kind of overlap due to cultivating plants to fill in the gaps. Still, 28% is over a quarter and is a significant chunk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even if the remaining 21% continued to spew into the air, the planet would be a healthier place. Veganism looks like the initial step humanity needs to take to get the ball rolling. Then, society can concentrate on cutting emissions to the bone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Healthier Society</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speaking of today’s society, let’s not forget the impact meat has on men, women, and children, old and young. In the US, levels of obesity are at a staggering rate with </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">over 39%</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of all people classed as obese. To put it into perspective, there are more obese men and women in America than there are fat. The introduction of technology has played its part, but there is no doubt average people have an unhealthy food attitude.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To begin with, red meat is consumed in tons all over the world. Officially, there is nothing wrong with a steak or a lamb chop regarding health; however, it should be a treat. Modern Americans are eating mutton, lamb, and beef on a regular basis and consuming the saturated fats. Because the levels of exercise are at an all-time low, it is causing families to put on unhealthy amounts of weight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Veganism adds a balance because </span><a href="http://www.healthylittlevittles.com/vegan-pumpkin-chili-with-wild-rice-kale/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the nutrients</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in plant-based products are mainly useful. When it comes from the earth, you can be certain there are very few heart-clogging fats. In fact, vegetables contain low amounts of calories so anyone would struggle to put on weight even if they did overeat. Also, organic ingredients fight diseases as well as regulate the body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Less Alcohol Reliant</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s a good chance the majority of readers didn’t know alcohol contained animal products. Depending on the type and where it comes from, beer and wine might not be vegan. So, taking up the lifestyle means there will be less reliance on getting intoxicated. You might find partying with friends fun and enjoyable, yet </span><a href="https://www.hotelcaliforniabythesea.com/what-we-treat/alcohol-abuse/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">alcohol treatment</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for related illnesses and injuries has skyrocketed recently. The number of people on the transplant list hasn’t been higher, and veganism can help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is also the knock-on effect of leading a healthy life. Yes, not all alcohol contains dairy and vegans can get drunk. But, it’s not as appealing when you see the benefits. Once the weight begins to fall off of the body and you feel great in the morning, the brain starts to wonder. Is drinking regularly a good idea? Won’t it undo all of the hard work? The answers are yes, and this encourages people to drink less.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The world wouldn’t be an alcohol-free place, but the attitude towards drugs would change for the better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="476" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/obyvcjY_MwC9sM3RunJBoOkzYft2KQVBsRuhADpNcDAsDXqaNjq6FBvYYtg1sEek8mC1mEWeY3tjNe0UzrQUGzmTzB5qt0H1GtlGj0akjdffEDC6AFgJVbFGGiHIVs3iOzjZo-_r" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="624" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://pixabay.com/en/alcohol-bar-2275837/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pixabay</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Breakthrough In Poverty</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Poverty is a vague term because it applies to a range of things. Let’s focus on food poverty for now. </span><a href="http://www.foodaidfoundation.org/world-hunger-statistics.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">800 million</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> inhabitants of the earth don’t have access to enough food to live a healthy life. In developing countries, the ones hit the hardest, 13% of the population is malnourished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What makes this difficult to stomach is the way the western world treats food. Millions of tons of crops are used to feed livestock to sustain the population. The only problem is that the ones in the most need don’t get their fair share. Veganism helps to distribute the wealth as there would be no reason to feed hungry animals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instead, the crops can go to nations in Africa and Asia and help an extra </span><a href="https://www.meatfreemondays.com/feed-an-extra-4bn-by-growing-crops-for-humans-not-animals/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4 billion</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> starving men, women and children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Animals Will Benefit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In all of this, the welfare of the animals hasn’t been mentioned. Breakthroughs in organic farming have been welcome, but there are still a lot of dodgy practices. The fact that livestock wouldn’t be raised to be butchered is an obvious pro.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, there is the impact on wildlife too. Greenhouse gasses are destroying habitats and killing nature. Veganism would help the planet recover, which includes plants, animals, and organisms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you look at it from this perspective, isn’t veganism a no-brainer?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*This is a collaborative post.*</span></div>
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</span>theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-63842281761938310112018-05-16T07:00:00.000-05:002018-05-16T07:00:09.512-05:00What's for Dinner? Beef and Broccoli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I prepped this meal during nap time today, cooked it while the babies ate their snacks, then packed it up and took it to go! We had to be at the kickball fields by 5:30 tonight so I packed it up in a lunch box and we had a little picnic!</div>
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I added two red bell peppers to my broccoli because 1) look at that color, so pretty 2) they're so good for you! and 3) we just really like bell peppers in this house, we eat them all the time. It worked out really well. The sweet pepper with the salty/spicy sauce... yum!</div>
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I can't believe I didn't get any other pictures! Everyone really liked this one and we had plenty of people coming up to us while we ate wanting to know if we brought any extras!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Beef & Broccoli</span></b></div>
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Meat</div>
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2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak sliced 1" thick against the grain</div>
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1.5 tbs low sodium soy sauce</div>
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1.5 tbs rice wine vinegar</div>
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Combine the meat, soy sauce, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Toss to coat well and let sit in the fridge 1hr to overnight.</div>
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Veggies</div>
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1 lb broccoli chopped</div>
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2 small/medium red bell peppers sliced thin</div>
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Sauce- whisk all ingredients in a small bowl and set aside</div>
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3/4 cup low sodium beef broth</div>
1/4 cup water<br />
1-2 tsp crushed red peppers to taste<br />
2 tsp sesame oil<br />
6 tbsp oyster sauce<br />
6 tbsp low sodium soy sauce<br />
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar<br />
1 tbsp minced garlic<br />
1 tbsp brown sugar<br />
2 tbsp cornstarch for thickening<br />
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<u>Cooking</u><br />
In a skillet or wok heat 1 tbsp cooking oil and cook veggies until they reach your desired doneness- we like ours a bit charred so I left the veggies in for awhile and stirred occasionally. Remove veggies and set aside.<br />
In the same skillet or wok heat another 1 tbs cooking oil and add meat. Stir occasionally while cooking. Once the meat turns mostly brown add the sauce and veggies tossing to coat. Let simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.<br />
Serve over steamed rice or cooked ramen noodles.<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Make sure you're following me on <a href="http://www.fb.com/thefoodette" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thefoodette" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for more dinner ideas!</span></b></div>
theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-43541473011482999652018-05-15T07:00:00.000-05:002018-05-15T07:00:02.329-05:00What's for Dinner? Tuna Steaks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I shared our dinner menu for this week on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theFoodette/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and had some interest in the recipes. I joined a local Moms club a couple months ago and every Monday we share our weekly meal plans. This has sort of gotten my creative juices flowing again in the dinner department. It's made me more creative which I think Derek and the Bigs are appreciating!</div>
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I've been doing a lot of the prep work during Lydia's nap time. This lets me basically throw whatever into the oven or in the skillet come dinner time. I've also been using ingredients that are sort of pre-prepared such as this spice blend and the bagged slaw mix. I don't have time to dig through my spice cabinet and measure out a handful of different spices! I don't have time to chop and slice all those veggies!</div>
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As I'm meal planning I'm always thinking about leftovers. I like to make things with extra protein so that I know I'll have some for lunches the next day. Tonight I decided to throw in a pound of shrimp with these tuna steaks just to be sure I have a good lunch tomorrow.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tuna Steaks</span></b></div>
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2 Tuna steaks</div>
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3-4 tbs McCormick's Asian Spice blend</div>
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Black pepper to taste</div>
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EVOO</div>
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<b>Sides</b></div>
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1 lb shrimp sauteed in sesame oil</div>
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stir-fried power slaw and mushrooms in sesame oil, salt, pepper</div>
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steamed white rice</div>
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wasabi sauce</div>
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1) Start rice in the rice cooker. While that is cooking prep tuna steaks by patting them dry on both sides, pour spice mix onto a small plate and give each steak a light spray/drizzle of EVOO. Press each steak into the spice mixture and grind black pepper on top to taste. Make sure both sides of the steaks are completely coated in seasoning then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.<br />
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2) Cook shrimp in a teaspoon or so of sesame oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.<br />
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3) Saute slaw/ stir fry veggies and mushrooms on medium-high heat with some sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside when done.<br />
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4) Heat a teaspoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat for a minute or two, spread it around the pan to make sure the steaks won't stick. Cook steak 4-5 minutes per side. Tuna steaks should be red-pink in the middle.<br />
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I would've gotten a better picture of the finished product but by the time I was done cooking everything my house smelled heavenly and stomachs were growling! I do believe this dinner may be in the regular rotation.theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-54398404205967281972018-05-10T14:07:00.001-05:002018-05-10T14:07:04.013-05:00Making Improvements to Your Family's Health<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It can be hard to keep your family healthy in the modern world. We all lead sedentary lifestyles, but we also lead busy lifestyles. Work and school life can be so hectic that we often let ourselves believe that there just isn’t enough time for healthy living. However, you don’t need to “make time” to be healthy - you just need to work it into your existing daily routine. Here are some improvements you could make to your family’s health.</span></div>
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<b id="m_-8332485424497060706gmail-docs-internal-guid-45d54fe6-4b71-227c-3cb0-e80a24e77289" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-frying-pan-with-spaghetti-sauce-near-brown-wooden-ladle-and-ripe-tomatoes-691114/&source=gmail&ust=1526065524953000&usg=AFQjCNF2Bq7UJU3LVrz6Hz2ZkUiBaDfV2g" href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-frying-pan-with-spaghetti-sauce-near-brown-wooden-ladle-and-ripe-tomatoes-691114/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Picture Source</span></a></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cook together.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It can be hard to cook healthy homemade meals every night when you’re a busy parent, but it’s so important to eat healthily even in this hectic day and age. A good way to incentivize yourself to make healthier meals for the family might be for you to cook with the kids. If you promise to make a meal together then you won’t feel tempted to resort to a ready meal on a busy Monday night. You can use this as a chance to teach your kids how to make nutritious meals. Of course, you could always do some research on </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.heathercarey.com/&source=gmail&ust=1526065524953000&usg=AFQjCNGBDERn-_tOk7xN9xxgWctnaP8Zdg" href="http://www.heathercarey.com/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">nutrition</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> if you’re wondering what you should include in a healthy and filling diet. You’ll notice a massive improvement in your family’s health if you ensure they get all the vitamins and nutrients their bodies need for sustenance. There’s a science to nutrition, but it’s simple for anyone to understand.</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exercise together.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Much like eating healthily, it can be difficult to stick to a regular exercise routine. You might go to the gym every now and then, but the workout is so grueling and strenuous that you don’t want to go again for weeks or months afterward. Obviously, you’re not going to see any physical improvements to your health if you exercise so infrequently. However, making the move to exercise as a family might be just what you need to maintain regular physical activity. After all, they say the </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.thefoodette.com/2012/09/another-tip-worth-passing-along-support.html&source=gmail&ust=1526065524953000&usg=AFQjCNGNTPCIE3Tfxl_ENr_yB35e5uY3Rw" href="http://www.thefoodette.com/2012/09/another-tip-worth-passing-along-support.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">buddy</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> system helps you to keep focused and dedicated to exercise (you’ve no excuse to slack when you’ve got a friend or a family member by your side). You don’t need to do some sort of “boring” exercise. You can keep it interesting. Maybe your family could join a karate class if you want to try something fun. You just need to find some way for the family to exercise on a regular basis.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" height="261" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jNjFalCf0CgKXdkUmIGx4bgzC8XPWC2wN-rMEfIyEQDEwgn431qK92R4zX7wJ8s-VqRTXFmCmgFszMHizUmmovO0jEYsaBdyNbhcRSCUp5vo6oZkrWjOkQ3690Ze5p-QECo61RaF" style="border: none; cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" width="392" /></span></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sleeping-935777/&source=gmail&ust=1526065524953000&usg=AFQjCNHVF1U578FNtfAD9SsNtOEsk8T7Dw" href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sleeping-935777/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Picture Source</span></a></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://wellnessmama.com/61142/health-improvements/&source=gmail&ust=1526065524953000&usg=AFQjCNGg1VnaaDuCGIOrk_NZrMktzdE3lg" href="https://wellnessmama.com/61142/health-improvements/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleep</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is so important to your health, but many of us neglect it in the modern age. Maybe your kids are going to bed late because of homework (and talking to people on Snapchat), or you’re all simply getting up ridiculously early to get to work or school on time. Whatever the case, you need to make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night for the sake of your physical and mental wellbeing. You should set your family the goal of going to bed at the same time as each other. Whilst your kids might not want to stick to a strict bedtime as they get older (and your partner probably won’t either), you could come to a compromise such as 10pm or 11pm to keep everybody happy. This will help to ensure that your family is getting enough sleep every night if you do have to get up ridiculously early in the morning. Start prioritizing sleep and you’ll notice an improvement in your mental and physical health.</span></div>
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*This is a collaborative post.</div>
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theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-78124272847166985962018-04-10T07:00:00.000-05:002018-04-10T07:00:20.607-05:00My Vows to my Stepkids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itC5ElYQjZY/Wsw4GbVSpAI/AAAAAAAATp4/BuytwCr9pp8MCcA2ynOyOYLaeoM1WZRwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itC5ElYQjZY/Wsw4GbVSpAI/AAAAAAAATp4/BuytwCr9pp8MCcA2ynOyOYLaeoM1WZRwQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Three years ago today Derek and I got married. It was our three year dating anniversary.</div>
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I was not only gaining a husband and becoming a wife, but I was gaining two kids and becoming a mom.</div>
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I actually knew Mackenzie and Mason before I knew Derek. I had a relationship with them long before I even had a friendship with their dad. So it was important to me that they were involved in our wedding day; I wasn't just marrying their dad, but I was vowing to love and support them for better or for worse as well.</div>
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Three years ago today these were my vows to them:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">Mackenzie and Mason:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">Today I not only make vows to your dad but to you as well, because while I love your dad, I loved you first.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">As you grow I promise to be a role model to both of you. I promise to be a strong and loving mother figure. I promise to encourage you when you struggle, celebrate your victories, and mourn your losses. I promise that no matter what life hands us, I do, and always will, love you as my own. I may not have given you the gift of life, but life gave me the gift of you.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">Most importantly I promise to teach you what matters the most in life. FAMILY.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">The people here with us today are your family. Being blood-related isn't the only way to be a family. What makes you family is love, support, trust, sacrifice, honesty, protection, acceptance, security, compromise, gratitude, respect, and loyalty.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">From this day forward we are family and we will always be here for you.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PalbuFvBS08/Wsw4GVRMpuI/AAAAAAAATp8/m22O_v2RxIMLaOkuqxuPpsyX556tu1a6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PalbuFvBS08/Wsw4GVRMpuI/AAAAAAAATp8/m22O_v2RxIMLaOkuqxuPpsyX556tu1a6QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-79223096294254856352018-03-28T15:56:00.000-05:002018-03-28T15:56:11.846-05:00CHD Diagnosis- Now What?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVMZoUFdcH8/WrlUM6lty0I/AAAAAAAATOY/Pb-mCgvPJZMICOO9rGXTHAmViyexmrpjwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVMZoUFdcH8/WrlUM6lty0I/AAAAAAAATOY/Pb-mCgvPJZMICOO9rGXTHAmViyexmrpjwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7644.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we got our CHD diagnosis I had no idea what to do first. None. I hate Dr.Google and did not let myself or my husband Google our diagnosis until we had seen the specialist for confirmation. I didn’t want to spend the weekend reading horror stories and get myself worked up for something that wasn’t a 100% certainty.</span></div>
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<b id="m_945823155232998512gmail-docs-internal-guid-eb6b4e84-63f3-d452-f065-8a4983116319" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we did start Googling, honestly, I didn’t find much that was exceptionally helpful. I wish I had come across some sort of resource that had given me some instruction! I just wanted someone to tell me exactly what to do!</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While we were in the hospital I realized that with this platform I could create exactly what I wished I would’ve had just 12 short months ago! So here we are.</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I polled some fellow heart momma friends on what their reactions were when they got their CHD diagnosis. I also asked them to share with me what, if anything, they would have done differently knowing what they know now. Here are their responses.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">CRY.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every. single. answer. began with this word. Most said “ugly cry”. So go on, CRY! Grieve for days if you need to. The news you were just handed is life changing and there are so many unknowns. It’s okay to scream, it’s okay to be angry, it’s okay if you need to punch a pillow or throw something (just please don’t hurt yourself or the baby!).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brandie said- “Lots of ugly crying. Lots of praying. Lots of researching, even when we shouldn’t. Lots of trips to Texas Children’s (we aren’t from Houston). A lot of guilt and feeling like it was my fault. “I’m 24, in good health, I had a normal pregnancy with my firstborn, why does this happen?” It’s something I had zero control over but struggled with. Now that we have had time to process, a lot of those negative and sad feelings have gone away. Having a great support system really helps!”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mandi said- “Worst day ever. The only appointment I had ever gone to alone. Panicked. Denial. Should not have driven home, could not see through the tears. Prayed. Reality set in. Gave it to God. The rest was a blur. I’d say accept help. Prepare and plan the best you can. Accept reality.”</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jaime said- “We cried. And gave ourselves time to mourn the loss of what we thought was losing all resemblance of a normal life. And we talked about worst case scenarios. And cried some more. Then we went into crisis management mode - make the appointments, do the research, check with insurance, rinse and repeat. And slowly we started to adjust to the new normal.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">Research.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Educate yourself as soon as possible. In the beginning, I remember feeling so overwhelmed and thinking that I would never be able to understand it all. It’s a lot to take in at once, no matter what your diagnosis. The more you can research and learn before your baby is born, the better all around. Research your specific diagnosis but also hospitals and surgeons. Schedule tours, talk to cardiologists, schedule a meeting with a surgeon or two if you can!</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Emilia said- “Once diagnosed do your homework search for the top surgeon, hospitals, what the survival rate at that hospital is, how many deaths as well, as hard as that question is. get second or third opinions if necessary. join groups like these that can help you get information as well as be supportive”</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tiffany said- “Alway go to a ranked facility!!!! If they act like your defect isn't a big deal, run away!!”</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Isabel said- “I went to google and started researching his defect and the best places for his OHS etc. and then started working on getting him to a doctor at TCH (we live in Nicaragua). I cried and prayed so much through all of it.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">Insurance</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy cow, insurance can get complicated quickly. Get on the phone with your insurance provider and get a case manager as soon as possible. This is the person who will follow you and your child. They can help you understand what is and is not covered, deductibles, co-pays, etc. etc. etc. They are your go-to for any and every insurance question. Also, every time you speak with your case manager you should write down the date and time you spoke along with notes from the conversation and any important names or phone numbers they give you. You will be glad you have this documentation, trust me!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">Second Opinion</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a second opinion! This is a HUGE, life-changing diagnosis and both you and your baby deserve to have the correct diagnosis as soon as possible!</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shelbie said “At the first facility we were sent to after we found out initially about a possible vsd, we got the full-blown diagnosis and the prognosis was extremely grim. Like multiple doctors told us to terminate. We obviously got a second opinion—at TCH. I think that’s something many people don’t realize they can do, is go somewhere else, see another doctor. The diagnosis did NOT change, it was actually worse..but the plan of care and quality of care did. I was pregnant when we found out, so we had time to plan. I could see how it would be overwhelming if you suddenly found out as soon as your child is born or shortly after. But a second opinion and research of facilities are worth it. For most of our kids, they have 1 shot at a successful surgery, and it’s the difference between life and death, so go to the best place possible. “</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rebecca said “We decided that clearly, our ultrasound tech was incompetent, then, of course, started googling while waiting for our referral visit. After our follow up with a specialist, we were given two options, both TCH. We were told Dallas was closer but does far fewer surgeries than Houston, so we agreed then and there to go to Houston. While we waited for our appointment with TCH I googled again and told myself maybe so far two ultrasound techs were incompetent lol. Side note we didn't get a correct diagnosis until we got to TCH and they made us feel very hopeful about Ragnar's outcome.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">Find a Support Group</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank God for social media, am I right!? Facebook alone brings people all over the world together and with Facebook groups, we can join groups like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/295983527209966/" target="_blank">TCH Heart Families</a> or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/42186681910/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">HLHS Facebook group</a> and we don’t feel so alone on this journey. I didn’t join any of these groups right away and that is one of my regrets. These Heart Families have the knowledge, experience, and an abundance of empathy and compassion because…. they know, they get it. And to be honest, until you’re living it, you don’t know… you don’t get it. You can’t.</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shelbie said “I also didn’t have Facebook at the time Case (HW) was born and felt extremely isolated. Not many of my friends had kids and I wish I would have known or thought to look for support or groups like this one.”</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sarah said “No way we can do this alone.”</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">Pad Your Savings Account</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even if you have the most fabulous insurance on the planet you are going to need some extra funds… soon! Hospital expenses add up quickly, plus there will be travel expenses, and in most cases, families who have to temporarily relocate to be close to their hospital will have to rent an apartment and pay utilities. It all adds up fast!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shelbie said “We started saving money. Like every penny we could. We were already doing Dave Ramsey but doubled living expenses is no joke. Hospital living is expensive. Insurance for sick kids is expensive. We didn’t make a huge dent but it helped somewhat….. still feel like we are recovering financially 3 years later”.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbxrYEDjy8A/WrwBEf8VLiI/AAAAAAAATQw/Ch9aYIgqrDgTxjUzjoSag0E8jH4yBFfjgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="960" height="378" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbxrYEDjy8A/WrwBEf8VLiI/AAAAAAAATQw/Ch9aYIgqrDgTxjUzjoSag0E8jH4yBFfjgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>BE STRONG</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your baby needs you. You are now not only their parent(s), you're their greatest advocate. Above all else you need to be strong, steady, and full of love for your bundle of joy- and trust me, you may not think you'll feel joy over this child right now, but you will. <i>So Much Joy.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remember, you've been chosen to enter this world of Heart Parents because you are strong enough to do it! </span></span></div>
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theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2143248072709042000.post-53241181569836858172018-03-07T13:34:00.001-06:002018-03-07T13:34:39.962-06:00Springtime Busy Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saXFhjHm5YQ/WqA3r9nAW0I/AAAAAAAASyE/92A9sSfLImk5KDf_JU7iSfne_YYnW4HewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saXFhjHm5YQ/WqA3r9nAW0I/AAAAAAAASyE/92A9sSfLImk5KDf_JU7iSfne_YYnW4HewCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7474.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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In a perfect world, both babies would nap every day at the same time. But more often than not when Lydia wakes up from her nap, Tex is still asleep so I need to keep her quiet. Have you ever tried keeping a two-year-old quiet? This Springtime Busy Box was my answer!</div>
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In all honesty, when I taught Pre-K and Kindergarten I hated our sensory bins. They were always messy, the kids fought over them, and, umm, <i>germ city!!! </i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgZUeWqXoCk/WqA3znDw7kI/AAAAAAAASyY/wqV5T1sYmjoaIH0Y7W64GaklUngJorwYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgZUeWqXoCk/WqA3znDw7kI/AAAAAAAASyY/wqV5T1sYmjoaIH0Y7W64GaklUngJorwYgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_7450.jpg" width="231" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1FuEnhKCLJo/WqA3sNimfdI/AAAAAAAASyU/GISxNDMUMpY0EhcSg2hRYaK-S5KsRGtHgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1FuEnhKCLJo/WqA3sNimfdI/AAAAAAAASyU/GISxNDMUMpY0EhcSg2hRYaK-S5KsRGtHgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_7458.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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BUT, as an early childhood educator, I do understand their importance.<i> Sensory bins provide small motor practice</i>; pinching, scooping, squishing etc. <i>They're also great for scientific exploration.</i> Children can experiment with different weights, textures, and sounds. Lydia really enjoyed scooping up this mixture with the eggs, snapping the eggs together, and then shaking them to see what noise it made! The puffballs make a quiet noise whereas if she scooped more rice or "sparkles" it made a louder noise. Sensory bins engage the child's sense of touch, smell, sight, sound, and... let's be honest, sometimes taste. </div>
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We are also going to use our Busy Box to learn the letters of her name, reinforce colors, and practice matching!</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b>For my Springtime Busy Box I used</b></span></div>
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uncooked rice</div>
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puffballs from the craft section</div>
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plastic Easter eggs</div>
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sparkly gemstones from the craft section</div>
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tools such as spoons, measuring cups, and funnels</div>
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large plastic tub with lid</div>
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<span style="color: red;">NOTE: </span>Use what is safe for your child. Lydia doesn't put things in her mouth and never really has so I know these materials, though small, are safe for her. Always supervise your child during play!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jeR7ei2Knq8/WqA3shGLFvI/AAAAAAAASyY/Dpq-ixbxu_sT-o5flyx7K8qd-BK-9lebgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jeR7ei2Knq8/WqA3shGLFvI/AAAAAAAASyY/Dpq-ixbxu_sT-o5flyx7K8qd-BK-9lebgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_7475.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b>What would you use for your Busy Box?</b></span></div>
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theFoodette & Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14957091579577064983noreply@blogger.com0