Homemade Deodorant

I am a huge fan of this amazingly easy to make deodorant that is super effective and a much better alternative to aluminum filled anti persperants.

6-8 Tbsp Coconut oil(solid state)

1/4 cup baking soda

1/4 cup arrowroot powder

* I have found that it requires more baking soda and arrowroot,but add a teaspoon at a time until you get the consistency that is about the same texture as a commercial deo*

Directions:

Combine equal portions of baking soda and arrowroot powder.

Slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon or hand blender(i used my fingers and a spoon) until it maintains a firm but pliable texture. It should be easy to apply, if it is too wet add the arrowroot to thicken.

You can either scoop this recipe into your old deodorant dispensers or place in a small container with a lid(I used an old body butter round container).

Apply with fingers with each use.

Makes about 1 cup. This recipe lasts about 3 months for two people with daily use.

*Thanks Taylor for passing this on**

Turkey Meatloaf

Super easy meatloaf that tastes great!

2 T butter
1 cup onion chopped
3 cloves of garlic
1-1 1/2 pounds good quality ground turkey
1/2 cup steel cut oats or bread crumbs(I highly recommend the steel cuts oats)
1 egg
3/4 cup ketchup
2 t worcestershire
3/4 t salt
1/2 t pepper

1. melt butter
2. add garlic and onion- saute 5 minutes
3. combine turkey,steel cut oats,egg,1/4 cup ketchup,worcestershire,salt,pepper
4. press into greased loaf pan and add remainder of ketchup
5.cook at 350 for 45-1 hour

Pinto Beans Rancheros

These days I am loving a one pot/dish meal. One of my favorite things to put together is beans,rice,and fresh home made salsa with some whole wheat tortillas for dipping.

Pinto Beans Rancheros
1 lb dry pinto beans(soak overnight)
4 slices bacon
1 med onion chopped
1 med red pepper chopped
1 med green pepper chopped
3 lg garlic cloves minced
1/2 t cumin
1/4 t thyme
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 sm bay leaf

cook beans till tender 30-40 minutes
meanwhile cook bacon till crisp
add onion,peppers,garlic and cook a few minutes on low stirring
cover and cook 10 minutes till vegetables are tender
drain beans stir into large pot with vegetables,bacon,cumin,thyme,bay leaf simmer uncovered on med heat till liquid is evaporated and beans are soft-10 -15 minutes
add salt and pepper
* throw in some cooked rice and any other vegetables on hand*

Zucchini Cake

I have heard that zucchini can be plentiful in one's garden and found a favorite recipe of mine that will put those zucchini's to work..

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 1/4 c oats
1/2 c honey
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t salt
2 cups chopped zucchini
1/2 c softened butter
1/4 c plain or vanilla yogurt
2 eggs

Mix all ingredients.
Spray a 8x8 pan and bake uncovered 35-40 minutes.

This is one of our favorite breakfast items;)

Whole wheat Choc chip banana muffins

Elliott asked if we could make muffins the other day and I was not feeling up to making home made muffins and figured I'd just use a box mix. After searching the cupboard I came out empty handed and decided to just buckle down and make them after all. I had my kitchen helpers come in and we set up shop. My mood instantly perked up after seeing my guys so eager to work and make something so yummy to eat not to mention the conversation we enjoyed together while mixing,mashing, and pouring. My two high energy kids were more relaxed and focused which in turn makes me more relaxed and focused. It was a fun time in the kitchen had by all..So, the next time you are tempted to take the easy route in the kitchen with the kids,remember how precious time well spent is to all of us and do the more time consuming healthy recipe.Your kids will learn about healthy eating and you will learn about your kids.



1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar

3/4 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

1/4 t ground nutmeg

1 t vanilla extract

3 bananas mashed

1/4 cup honey

2 lg eggs

2 cups whole wheat flour

2/3 cups choc chips



1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line a 12 cup muffin pan.

2. Beat together the butter,sugar,baking soda,salt,cinnamon,nutmeg,and vanilla in a med bowl until smooth.

3. Add the banana,honey,and eggs,beating until smooth.

4. Add the flour about 1/4 cup at a time,stirring til just mixed.

5. Add the choc chips,stirring til smooth.

6. Divide the batter into the muffin cups,filling to the top. Bake about 23-28 minutes.

7. Remove from oven and after a few minutes transfer to a rack to cool.



*to lighten these up a little I sub in 1/2 cup to 1 cup of white flour.*

Beef Barley Soup

I was looking for something to do with barley and found this recipe a friend gave to me, it's very yummy and even my pickiest eater found enjoyment in this tonight..

2 cups chopped yellow onion
1-1 1/2 stew meat
1 1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chard or any other green chopped
5 cloves of garlic minced
1 cup of barley
5 cups of beef broth
2 cups of water
1/2 cup of tomato sauce
1-2 t salt
pepper
2 bay leaves

1.In large soup pot add 2 T of olive oil
2. add onion and meat and cook for 10 minutes on med high
3. add carrots,celery,garlic and cook another 5 minutes
4. add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil
5. simmer for 1-2 hours

* don't be afraid to throw in whatever is in your vegetable crisper* the more veggies the better!

Life without fear

Our six year old son just learned how to ride a dirt bike this past year and he rides it well. So well, that it seems he has always ridden one. This surprisingly does not make me fearful of all of the "what ifs. Instead I enjoy seeing him doing something with a passion and determination and focus. He is doing something that I can not control. I have to let go of my fears and not cast them onto him. I need to be his cheerleader, encourager, and supporter.. I have made a clear decision this year for fear not to be my motivator and I am doing things I never imagined I could. How about you? Can you imagine living without fear?2 Timothy 1:7For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.