Mango Goji Smoothie - Recipe

One of my favorite snacks is Goji Berries. I have been adding them into salads, with yogart and granola, now I found this great smoothie recipe that calls for them. Nolan, of course, love them, and calls them "go-ge"!! I also have a raw granola recipe that uses them (look under "recipe" posts).

Mango Goji Smoothie:
(1) fresh mango
(2) cups coconut water, or more to desired consistency
(2-4) Tbs Agave nectar
1/4 cup Goji Berries
Juice of 1 Lime
Ice
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth!! Enjoy!

Green Goddess Smoothie - Recipe

Our bodies are Earth - whatever you find on Earth, you will find in our bodies. If you look at the Earth from a distance, you see alot of green and blue! That means you - your body - should comprise of alot of greens and blues (water)!
In celebration of Earth Day, I am encouraging everyone to start drinking green smoothies. We do it everyday! They are different every time, but here is a good starting recipe and you can change it up as you want.

Green Goddess Smoothie:
In a blender combine almond milk/coconut milk (or both), a huge handful of fresh raw spinach/kale/collards/lettuces (or a combo of all of them), a banana, an apple, lemon juice, a little flax seed, a little shredded coconut, a tablespoon of spiralina (or any super green mix you like) and ice. Blend until smooth and ENJOY!

5 Ways to be a Green Mama

Today is Earth Day - and I couldn't think of a more wonderful way to say "thank you" to Mother Earth then sharing, encouraging and inspiring other Mamas to become a little more "GREEN"! My Earth Day post last year gave a few ideas, and here are a few more.....

The Natural Mams's Top 5 Ways to be a Green Mama:

1. Baby Food 101: Making your own baby food is easy! It does require a bit of pre-planning, but the true reward is knowing exactly what is in your baby’s food. In commercial baby food, the fruits and veggies are cooked for so long that they are depleted of their vital nutrients. Then they are diluted with water, and preservatives are added. Not a very nutritious meal for a growing baby. When we eat raw and as close to the earth as possible, we cut dangerous preservatives from our diet and eliminate all the jars, containers and boxes that become waste. All you need to start making your own baby food is a steamer, blender or food-processor, an ice-cube tray and reusable storage. (Visit my blog posts on "baby food" and "recipes" for more details.)


2. Think Local, Be Local: Supporting locally-owned businesses helps build our local economy. Buying locally grown foods is healthier and environmentally-friendly. Walking and bicycling to your local stores is a great chance for exercise, fun family time and reduces pollution. Visit your local farmers market to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies or check out your community vendor fair next time you need a gift. A recent study shows that shifting just 1% of consumer expenditures to direct purchasing of local food products would increase farmers' income by 5%.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Before you buy, think about if you really need it. Can you swap baby/maternity clothes and products with a friend? Can you reuse items from baby #1? Or maybe pick up gently used items on consignment? Remember, every time something is produced, packaged and shipped, there are harsh effects on the environment. Continuous factory pollution and over-flowing land fills are a priority concern. You can even donate or consign your used clothes, accessories and furniture to make a little extra money. Reusable shopping bags, reusable coffee/water bottles, and cloth baby diapers saves money and our environment!

4. Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness: Next time you are about to clean your house, do your laundry or give your baby a bath, look at the back of the bottle. Do you really know what is in it? Do you really want those unknown chemicals on your floor, your clothes, dishes AND your baby? Those chemicals also wash down the drain, right into our water system and destroy our environment. Much research shows that exposure to these toxic chemicals can lead to neurological disorders, respiratory problems, cancer, and more. Homemade cleaners are easy, effective, non-toxic and inexpensive, utilizing items you probably have in your house already (vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, lemon juice and essential oils). Castile or Shea is a gentle soap for everyone in the family. If you do use store-bought cleaning products and detergents, please make sure they are phosphate-free. (Visit the blog post on "Cleaning the House Naturally" for more details and recipes.)

Free-Range, Organic,
Grass-Fed, Local Baby

5. Breastfeeding Leaves No Carbon Footprint: So breastfeed your baby as long as your can! Not only does breastfeeding save you money on bottles and formula, but the amazing immunological benefits of Mother's Milk protects your child against illnesses no matter how old they are. This can save on numerous doctor visits, medications and missed days of school & work.


"Nature needs no help, just no interference"

Vegan Pasta Salad - Recipe

Summer is here! Most of my recipes now will be cool, light and fresh foods. Summer-time makes me think of picnics with pasta salad, and here is a much healthier version - still easy, raw, vegan and gluten free!

Vegan Pasta Salad:
(you can change the quantities depending on how many people you are serving)

(1) 8 oz organic rice or quinoa pasta in small shapes (elbows, shells, twists) - I like Mrs. Leepers and Tinkyada brand.
(1) 1/2 cup each of (organic): red peppers, green onions, celery, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower - chopped. (You can add in different veggies if you want)
2/3 cups +/- Vegan "mayo" (recipe below)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 Tbs Paprika

Cook pasta and let cool. Combine mayo with pasta and veggies. Stir well, and then add in black pepper and paprika. Stir again well and serve.

Vegan Mayo:
2 1/4 cups EVOO/EVCO
1 Cup almond milk
1 Tbs agave nectar
3/4 tsp sea salt
2-2 1/2 tsp Lemon juice
1/2 tsp Dijon or spicy mustard

Combine all ingredients, except lemon juice, in blender and blend until smooth. Slowly add lemon juice until liquid thickens.

** I like to use this instead of mayo, but it is thinner, so you may not need as much for the pasta salad. This also makes a nice salad dressing, and will keep for a few days in the refrigerator. There are pre-made vegan mayos out there if that is easier, just read the label!!

~Enjoy!

The Story of Purple

Anyone that has met Nolan, has met Purple. Anyone that has seen a picture of Nolan, usually can spot Purple in the corner of the picture. Purple is Nolan's security blanket, and I get questions about him (Purple) all the time.

Here is the story....
Purple started out as a large chenille throw blanket. He went camping with me, was on my bed and then ended up on the couch when we bought our first home. By that time, Purple was starting to thin out and had an "interesting" smell to him!

Nolan came along, and Purple usually curled up with us on the couch for cuddling and nursing. Purple got spit up on and sprayed with breastmilk, which gave him an even more "interesting" smell. Nolan must have been captivated with this smell, because holding Purple close to his face was the only thing that calmed him down. I'm sure he smelt Mama and Dada on Purple, along with milk. That smell must have comforted him!

Well, eventually, Nolan had to have Purple anytime he needed to go to sleep. We cut Purple up into several small pieces, so he was easier to carry around. Purple went everywhere and was a constant source of comfort.

Now that Nolan is almost two, we have been working on some separation time from Purple. Purple does NOT come with us when we are playing with friends at the library, gym or school. If we are playing at the park or taking Roxy for a walk, Purple says in the house. Nolan has been doing very good with this, and I am sure he will only use Purple for napping and night-time very soon.

I do not worry about kids having little loveys, or attachments. That is their security, and it is very hard to rationalize with a toddler. Even as adults we have things that make us feel warm and fuzzy inside - when we see a favorite item, wear a special sweater, smell a specific smell or hear a childhood song. We somehow made it through school, college, jobs, life without that attachment 24/7 and our kids will too!

Right now, I just enjoy watching Nolan with Purple, threading the strings between his fingers, tickling his nose. So cute and innocent. I love him.

Apple Beet Chutney - Passover Recipe

A modern twist on this Passover classic. Super easy and....raw, organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian (vegan if you substitute the honey!). Plus this yummy side dish is more then a "side dish" - try over pasta and veggies for a sweet taste, over pancakes or waffles, or on a piece of toast.

Apple Beet Chutney:
1-2 apples, peeled and grated
1-2 beets, peeled and grated
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
2 Tbs raw organic honey, or agave/coconut nectar works too
2 Tbs juice and 1 tsp zest from an orange
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp sea salt

Stir all ingredients together in a large bowl.

The only reason we are ever sick.....

The only reason we are ever sick is because we are either toxic with something or deficient in something that our body needs. Our bodies are smart, incredibly smart. God, or whatever you want to call him, has created our bodies so perfectly and has given us everything we need on this Earth that our bodies needs. However, when we put the wrong stuff in, or don't put the right stuff in, our bodies will try to adapt and many times we will then get sick. We are not sick because of bad genes or bad luck - our genes have not changed for 40,000 years! So, if it is not our genes, what is it that makes us sick? We were not born with a deficiency in allergy, blood pressure, cholesterol, acid reflux, eczema, etc. medications. All these conditions are generated by LIFESTYLE! They can all be decreased or eliminated by changing your lifestyle. Taking a medication just masks the symptoms. It does not prevent it from happening again, only your lifestyle change will! If you have these conditions look at what you ARE deficient in. You might NOT be getting enough proper food, EFA's, vital nutrients, minerals and vitamins, proper sleep and movement patterns, exercise, positive thoughts...these are all the things that keep us WELL!

Things we could be toxic in are:

• TOXIC FOODS - I always say that if it did not come directly from the earth, with little or no alterations, you should not eat it. It is not innate for your body. Your body does not know what to do with this stuff, so it becomes inflamed and sick. Although some people are more sensitive to certain foods then others, the same inflammation is still happening on the inside. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there! People express inflammation and disease differently, anywhere from a general cold to GI problem to eczema to infertility to cancer. So, if you are sick, you need to look at what toxicities you are putting into your body. Foods that cause toxicities are grains, dairy, all processed foods, sugars, food colorings and chemicals. Foods that are ANTI-inflammatory are F&V, foods high in EFA's (avocados, EVOO, almonds, wild salmon), spices, water, etc.
• TOXIC THOUGHTS - negative thoughts can reak havoc on your body. Stress the the main cause to High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease, Obesity, Headaches/Migraines, Insomnia, Fatigue, Fibromalgia, Ulcers and other GI problems, Skin Conditions, Fertility Problems and many many more! Practically EVERY DISEASE can be linked to chronic stress. If we can eliminate the stress, we can eliminate the disease. This doesn’t happen magically over night, but as soon as you start to remove the toxicity, you can start moving your body towards health and balance.
• TOXIC MOVEMENT - as humans, we are animals and we are meant to move. That is what separates animals from a rock. Movement is essential to our life; it is what allows us to be ALIVE!. Lack of movement, or faulty movement patterns cause degeneration and disease. Whatever your choice of exercise is, when you do exercise you relieve energy and tension, decrease levels of anxiety, increase the release of endorphins (makes you feel good!). You increase your ability to concentrate, reduce pain, sleep better and of course loose weight - which makes you feel better about yourself. Exercise balances your body. It’s your body’s innate way to deal with stress. It is essential to include all 3 components of fitness into your exercise routine, so if you are unsure, consult with a Certified Personal Trainer for more info. Movement does not only include gross movement of the large muscles (legs, arms, back, core, etc) but also the tiny movements of each individual joint. Movements that we do not even think about as we go throughout the day. But if these small joints are not moving properly, they can cause pain. Take Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): A medical doctor will call this a "wrist problem" and recommend surgery. However, it is really a posture problem, and it starts up in the neck and shoulders. The nerves from the neck run down the shoulders into the arm and fingers. Poor posture causes the nerves to be compressed and causes pain, numbness or tingling. Correct posture can correct the CTS without the need for drugs or surgery! AMAZING! The most important area that needs to be assessed for proper movement is the spine. Since the nervous system is housed in the spinal cord, which is surrounded by the spinal collum, it is imperative for the spine to be moving properly to keep the nervous system functioning properly. If the spine is not moving properly, it can cause disk degeneration or herniation, pain and disease. The only doctor that is an expert in the nervous system AND the musculo-skeletal system is a chiropractor. 

So, to be healthy, to be TRULY WELL, we must eat well, think well and move well!

Some people think they are "well", but then why are they still sick? They think they eat well, but still get colds. They think they exercise enough, but still have aches and pains. They really might be eating and moving right, but why are they still gaining weight? There is still some toxicity or deficiency going on then.
Here are a few examples:

• Here in lovely South Florida, around this time of year, there is tons of pollen floating around. It lands on our cars, window sills and front door, eventually makes it's way into our house. It can cause allergy-like symptoms with stuffy and runny noses, eyes, soar throat and headaches. However, the reason we are sick is the pollen, (even though it is found in nature), NOT that we are deficient in Claritin or Allegra. Drugs are not the answer. They cause more harm then good. Instead we need to build our immune system by increasing F&V and water intake, eliminating grains and dairy (these cause even MORE inflammation in the body), using a neti pot (see neti pot post) for the nasal passages, drinking hot tea and Golden Milk (see recipes), getting plenty of rest, reducing stress and receiving regular chiropractic adjustments to keep the nervous system functioning properly. This spring, everyone in the family has suffered from a little "allergy" problem, but not that bad -  no medication, no missed days of school or work. By increasing what we normally do has helped keep us feeling fine throughout Florida's "allergy season"!
• I am going to use my wonderful husband as an example here: when he gets super stressed out, he does not sleep well. He is up and down all night, and then the next day he is tired and craving high-fat foods (that is what your body does when it is stressed!) Although he already knows this, I encourage him to attend my yoga class to de-stress and unwind. He drinks alot of water and green smoothies throughout the day. Then at night, we go though a very relaxing yoga routine and meditation right before bed. Sure enough, he sleeps well throughout the night. No need for sleep medications. He feels better in the morning, ready to start the day. We all get stressed from time to time. It is how we DEAL with the stress is what keeps up healthy or sick.
• My own personal indication that I am stressed out or not eating right is my face breaks out. Usually my skin is very clear, but stress and high-sugar and high-preservative foods kills it. 
• Nolan and I always get weekly chiropractic check-ups. Just to make sure everything is moving properly. Afterwards, I always feel better - taller, lighter, happier. It is amazing! If Nolan is really cranky or just can't seem to get comfortable, he will get an adjustment and a baby massage and always calms down immediately.

So, if you are suffering from a disease, condition, problem...whatever you want to call it, take a good hard look at your lifestyle and see if you are toxic or deficient in something. If you are not sure, call your Chiropractor or Holistic Lifestyle Coach and get an assessment. Live your best life possible!

Cleaning Out The Clutter

I just quit two jobs! And I am so excited about it! Elated! Free!

When I moved here about 9 months ago, I took what ever jobs came my way to make extra money while my Yoga classes built up. One was a computer-based job and the other was an aerobics instructor job at a gym, but it was about a 30-minute drive away. As my yoga classes grew and more and more opportunities were landing in my lap, I knew that I had to give up the ones that were not making me happy or conducive to my yoga practice. Although these jobs were OK at one point in time, they were not now. It is OK if priorities change. I needed to change my life around to meet my priorities.

I am by nature a "people-pleaser". I do not like to disappoint people, especially if I know they are counting on me. But, I needed to do what was best for me. How could I be a good mama and wife if I held onto things that got in my way of dong that!?

So, I had to clean out the "clutter". I quit the jobs, and was able to get rid of physical things too (papers, files, and space on my computer!) That made me feel better also! My schedule now is perfect - time for yoga, time for this blog, time with Nolan. Home at night to prepare a family dinner. And cuddling with my hubby instead of working late at night.

I have learned that when you clean out the clutter you make room for new things. And this does not only apply to the stuff in your house. It also means to clean out the emotional clutter from your mind. Clean out the time-wasting clutter from your life. I have learned to eliminate things, jobs, people and places that do not make me happy, productive or stress me out. Whenever I do that - the MINUTE I do that! - I feel a sense of freedom, allowing me to send those good vibes out into the universe!

Just clean it out, let it go, eliminate the negative. Know that you deserve love, freedom and happiness. Go for it, find it, embrace it!

Coco-Flax Cookies - Recipe

Ever just looking for a little bite of chocolate? These simple little loves will make your day!

Coco-Flax Cookies:
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Raw, Organic Honey
1 tsp Vanilla
1/3 cup Flax Meal
3/4 cup Raw Coconut Flakes
1 Tbs Raw, Organic Cocoa Powder

Mix oil, honey and vanilla in blender or with hand mixer until creamy. Add dry ingredients until paste forms. Roll into little balls, place on parchment paper and refrigerate for 1 hour. Yummmmmmm!

~Enjoy!

Goji Cacao Energy Bars - Recipe

I found this recipe in Delicious Living and just had to try it, since I'm a sucker for granola bars! This is such a yummy granola bar, not too sweet and packed full of highly nutritious foods. Another plus...it's raw, vegan, gluten-free, fast and easy - and that scores high on a busy mama's check list!

~Enjoy!

Goji Cacao Energy Bars:
(1) cup raw almonds
(1) cup packed dates
1/4 tsp sea salt
3 tbs goji berries
2 tbs raw cacao nibs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Grind raw almonds to a powder in blender. Dump into separate bowl. Blend dates in blender into a "paste". Add date paste to almond powder, and add in salt and mix. Add in goji berries, cacao nibs and vanilla. Mix well (with your hands is best!). Press evenly into a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving. Cut into bars, or break up into pieces. Perfect alone, or added to yogurt!

Things to think about....
"Arguably among the most potent superfoods known, the goji berry offers an exceptional balance of daily macronutrients: containing carbohydrates, high-quality protein, healthy fat, and soluble fiber. The goji’s solid plant-based protein is packed with 18 amino acids -- including all 8 essential amino acids – which is 10% of the fruits composition. Also full of free-radical-devouring antioxidants, goji berries have been historically used to support the immune system and longevity. Rich in vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C, these berries additionally possess over 20 trace minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus, riboflavin (B2), vitamin E, and carotenoids which include beta-carotene. And to put things in perspective on just how powerful the little goji berry is, ounce per ounce it contains more vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots, and more iron than soybeans or spinach. Goji berries are a truly remarkable food."


"With their crunchy texture and intense flavor, cacao nibs are healthy, gourmet, and a delicious addition to all kinds of treats. From adding them into a brownie batter, sprinkling on ice cream, or even just tossing into a trail mix, there is virtually no wrong way to add more of this “real chocolate” into your life. Plus, with cacao’s soaring levels of antioxidants, and trace minerals like magnesium and iron, you can feel good in every way about enjoying this chocolatey superfood."

Summer Salad - Recipe

It's April in South Florida, which means...Summer is here! Here is a fun, filling and refreshing salad that will keep your energy up to continue bike riding, running and swimming all day long! Super simple, quick and easy...No cooking required....Fresh, organic produce from the Earth!

Summer Salad:
Cook up chick peas separately and set aside to cool.
Chop up and mix together: avocado, red onion, cucumber, red bell peppers, tomato. Add in chick peas. Toss and top with lime juice, chopped cilantro and feta cheese.
Optional Dressing: 1/3 cup EVOO, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1-2 garlic cloves, minced, Juice of 1 lime, sea salt and pepper to taste. Shake up and pour over salad.

This salad made for quite a romantic dinner, with white wine, good music and the windows open! Nolan enjoyed it, especially the avacado and chick peas. You can add more or less depending on how many people you are feeding. This could also be yummy in a wrap or pita, or over pasta (rice or quinoa pasta).

~Enjoy!

The "Modern Mother"

What is a "modern mother"? I hear this word alot. Is she a full-time working mother, or a self-employed mother, who is able to stay at home? Maybe she doesn't work at all? Does she have every modern convenience and baby product available? Is she eco-conscience, and insists on buying organic produce only? Business attire or urban hippie? Nannies or play-dates? Natural births, breastfeeding, push-up bras, tummy tucks?

Is it possible to be a little of everything? Or is it an "all or nothing" title? I think now, women have the opportunity to embrace the modern conveniences while still holding true to the innate gift that "mothering" really is. We have advanced technology that allows us to connect to any website, network, and virtually any other mother or group we wish to ask for advise, help or just observe. We have the opportunity of a world-wide support system. But, maybe, some mothers get lost. They get caught up in a trend or feel like they must personify a "type" of person. I fear more mothers getting caught up in this fake world with this new show, "Pregnant in Heels". I refuse to watch this show; I am not giving them a second of air time!! But judging from the commercial, it is train-wreck of clueless, self-absorbed women who have babies. (Is this wrong of me to judge? Yes. I can't help it. I just feel bad for the babies.) This show celebrates the high-profile type, with her perfectly matched clothes, stiletto heels and a live-in nanny (a la "The Nanny Diaries"). She had a scheduled c-section, of course, so not to disrupt her "busy" shopping schedule, and while she was under, she insisted on a "mommy-tuck". Hair and make-up before breastfeeding and bonding. But for the show to air, there must be a demand for this garbage - and, to me, that is sad. Is this a "modern mother"?

Our society,  lifestyles and jobs have evolved, but "mothering" has not. Or has it? Is being a modern mother so different then being a ancient Roman mother, or a turn-of-the-century mother? The external image certainly has changed. Inside, I want to believe that there is still a drive and desire for every woman to mother her child. Sadly, everyday, I see things that tell me otherwise.

Think about this: The ancient Roman mother did not worry if her 3 year old still crawled in bed with her early in the morning. She did not run out and buy every book on baby sleeping, talk about it consistently to her doctor and friends, thinking that something is wrong. Instead, I think she treasured this special time for what it is, because soon, he will not be doing that again.

The turn-of-the-century mother did not worry too much when her 18 month old stopped eating his favorite food, or alot of food for that matter, as long as he was seemed fine. She did not run out and buy a baby scale to weigh him every day and compare him to the "growth charts". She just gave him plenty of love and realized he will eat more when he is ready.

Everything in our "Modern" world is so calculated. The exact time to start solids, breastfeed for how long, start potty-training, height and weight charts, etc. The lists that we are "supposed" to be following goes on and on. If we just threw all that useless info away, opened up our eyes and TRUSTED our gut, I think we would all be happier, less stressed out and less self-conscience mothers. We would learn to read our children's cues instead of the clock. There should be no labels on clothes, so we would not worry that our 21-month-old is still able to fit into some 9-month clothes! Of course it is fun to talk about our children's accomplishments and, if you feel truly concerned about your child's development, certainly ask for advise and help. But really, if you kid is eating fine, sleeping fine, happy and alert - then who cares if they took a 1 hour nap one day and a 3 hour nap then next? Who cares if they stopped eating chicken for a month?
I wish to see more "Mothering" books out there that support mothers to trust their instincts. You do not see that, at least not in the big-chain stores! Most parenting books out there have a strict code to follow and make you feel completely dependant on that method. When it doesn't work (which most times does not!), the desperate mother seeks out another book or professional claiming to "cure" the child from whatever the case may be. I would like to see more books that encourage the mother to trust her instincts and "Mother" her child and not worry if it goes against the book's methods or any of her preconceived ideas.

So, in conclusion, I choose to embrace the conveniences of this "modern" world, while still reflecting on the primal and instinctual aspects of mothering. I do not care what people think when I breastfeed my now 21-month-old in public, co-sleep with my baby, and insist on organic, raw foods. I do not buy fancy clothes or get pedicures. I color my own hair, and I do not have an I-Phone. I would much rather be doing yoga, watching a cooking show or reading to my son then shopping. However, when he is napping, I love that I have a computer and can write this blog, research and connect with friends. And that is just me.

Who are you???

Permission to Mother: Going Beyond the Standard-of-Care to Nurture Our Children

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League International Book)

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition)