Monday, March 31, 2014

Clean Eating Party Snacks


I wanted to be able to enjoy the snacks at my own party so I planned the menu to fit my needs. I stuck with my healthy eating motto - Simple, Clean, Organic, Healthy. 


Simple & Easy Clean Eating Snacks for a Party

sliced red peppers - pea pods - Hummus
fresh organic salsa - organic tortilla chips
organic dark chocolate covered pretzels
organic guacamole
organic crackers - sliced cheese 
skewered cherry tomatoes - mozzarella balls - fresh basil
I served baked pita chips for those who wanted an alternative to chips. 
I also made a great salsa but it could work as a salad too.


Black-eyed Pea Salsa



1 can black-eyed peas, rinsed & drained
1 cup chopped red pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 chopped (seeds removed) jalapeno
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp minced fresh garlic
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper


More Ideas

Simple & Yummy Organic Salad

sliced artichokes, chopped roasted red peppers, chopped avocado, chopped fresh basil with olive oil 


Air Popped Popcorn
drizzle olive oil mixed with your favorite spice: paprika, curry powder, garlic powder or coconut oil or grated Parmesan cheese.

Pinwheels

Whole wheat tortillas wrapped with your favorite sandwich fixings. I used provolone, turkey, ham and spinach leaves. I mixed a little garlic powder with some mayo or you can use yogurt or cream cheese. 

Organic Wine

Of course what party would be without wine. I bought all organic wine and we combined the jewelry party with a little wine tasting. 


Monday, March 24, 2014

Recipe: Grilled Pineapple Chicken & Vegis


4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 red pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 sweet Vidalia onion
1 package whole button mushrooms


Marinade

MARINADE:
½ cup Agave
6 oz pineapple juice
¼ cup organic soy sauce
¼ cup organic teriyaki sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 cloves crushed garlic
1 finely chopped scallion

Place all ingredients in an airtight container. Shake well to combine, makes 2 cups. 


Use 1 cup to marinade chicken & 1 cup to marinade vegetables.  Cut up vegetables into large pieces. Marinade for at least 2 hours.  Grill.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Simple Skin Care Naturally

It's Not To Late To Start Taking Care of Your Skin

Getting older stinks! Our bodies just aren't the same as when we were younger. If I only knew then what I know now. When I was in my 20's and 30's I would have taken a little better care of my body and skin. Less sun, healthier eating and most of all better skin care. A little too late to turn back the clock now. But it's not to late to start taking care of my skin.


(Updated December 2023) As we get older our skin starts to wrinkle, loses it's elasticity, and tone becomes uneven. Spending hundreds of dollars on those fancy skin care products isn't the answer. There are simple and natural ways you can take care of that precious skin -- ways to rejuvenate and tighten up your skin. 


Read the Labels




If there are a lot of names on the label that you have no idea what they are I would suggest not buying it. There is also a lot of information on the internet about the nasty chemical sodium laureth sulfate and it's connection to cancer. 

My son would constantly get canker sores in his mouth. His dentist recommended he switch to a toothpaste that didn't have this chemical in it. Now that we've switched his toothpaste, he no longer gets canker sores. I'm going to play it safe and stick to the basic and natural ingredients.

You can pamper yourself without all those expensive skin care products. You can give yourself your own spa treatments at home for dollars less.  Create a regular skin care regiment now, it is so important as you get older with your skin losing its elasticity, wrinkles are forming and skin becomes dehydrated.

Simple and natural ways to take care of your precious skin

  • Exfoliate 
  • Dry body brushing
  • Hydrate your skin 
  • Natural skin-firming 
  • Natural skin mask
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat raw foods
  • Weight training
  • Calisthenics
  • Get massages
  • Avoid harsh soaps
  • Sun protection
  • Vitamin C & Retinol 

With all the skin care cleaning products for your face out there, it can get quite confusing. Trying to figure out what to use and when to use it requires a skin care manual and who has the time. There are exfoliation scrubs, toners, tonics, moisturizers, hydrate sprays and cleansers. 

First we need to be careful not to over clean our face as this does more harm than good.  Skin care doesn't need to be that complicated. I've broken it down into some basic, simple steps.


In the Morning

Cleanse: If you've properly cleansed your face in the evening all you need to do in the morning is splash your face with warm water. In the evening make sure you use a small amount of cleanser on your face, and use gentle circular motions. A thorough rinse is important to get rid of all the soap residue. Soap residue left on the face clogs your pores and attracts more dirt.

Exfoliate: Proper exfoliation makes a big difference on your skin. This will remove the dead cells on your skin and any left over dirt and oils. 

Toner/Tonics: These products are meant to remove leftover soap residue, make-up, dirt and oil. If you've done your job cleaning and exfoliating this step is not necessary. However some toners can help you reduce your pores.

Moisturizer/Hydration Sprays: Keeping your face hydrated through out the day is important. When our skin gets dried out the wrinkles start to form. Proper moisturizer for you face is important.

Facial Masks: These should only be used twice a week. The masks are meant to tighten up your skin and reduce the size of your pores .

And remember all you moms with Jeeps -- some important accessories you will need.  A hat, sunscreen, water bottle and plenty of lotion!
    

Monday, March 10, 2014

Crock Pot Chicken, Barley & Okra Stew


Jeep Momma’s Slow-Cooked Chicken Barley Okra Stew 

  • 32 oz low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tbsp thyme
  • 1/2 tbsp basil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tbsp  black pepper
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup uncooked black-eyed peas
  • 1/2 cup barley
  • 1 medium sweet Vidalia onion
  • 1 ½ cups celery chopped
  • 1 ½ cups okra chopped

  • Fill a crock pot with broth, 1 cup water, garlic, herbs and pepper. 
  • Add the cubed uncooked chicken breasts, black-eyed peas and barley. 
  • Then layer onion, celery and okra overtop. For a firmer okra add it 2 hours before cooking is complete. Or you can replace the okra with carrots. 
  • Liquid should just cover vegetables. Do not stir. Cook on low for at least 4 to 6 hours. Remove bay leaves and stir before serving. 





Wednesday, March 5, 2014

What is the Jeep Wave?

It's  Not Just a Code, It's a Lifestyle 


Jeep wave - 4-Finger Salute 

The Jeep Wave

Generally, when two Jeeps pass each other on opposite sides of the road, one of the drivers initiates the wave, and the other waves back: a symbol of camaraderie between jeep owners. The wave may be modified to suit the circumstances. Typically it's Wranglers owners, CJ owners, and sometimes XJ owners who wave.

How to Jeep Wave & The Jeep Wave History 👉 Watch Here


The Jeep Wave Origin

Some say the Jeep wave began after the war when the soldiers returned home. During the war, the Jeep had earned a place in the hearts of many soldiers, and as a result, many of those who made it home wanted to own their own Jeep. Often the drivers of Jeeps passing on roadways would wave at each other, as they knew most likely each other had served.

The Birth of Jeep 👉 Read More 



Jeep Wave - Out the Window Wave

Unspoken Code of Jeep Wrangler Owners: The Jeep Wave

Owning a Jeep Wrangler is not just about driving a vehicle; it's a lifestyle. Jeep enthusiasts understand the unspoken code that comes with their four-wheeled companions. Among the various codes of conduct in life, the Jeep Wave stands out as a unique tradition that binds Jeep owners.


The Jeep Wave: A Sign of Unity

In the vast world of vehicles, there's a sense of unity among different groups – truckers have their codes, police officers have theirs, and every group has its own unique set of principles. Similarly, Jeep owners have their own code of conduct, and at the heart of it is the Jeep Wave. This simple yet meaningful gesture is a way to connect with fellow Jeep enthusiasts on the road.

The Disappointing Wave – A Missed Opportunity

As passionate Jeep owners, we understand the joy that comes with receiving a friendly Jeep Wave from another Jeeper. It's like a secret handshake, a silent affirmation of our shared enthusiasm. However, it can be disheartening when some Jeep owners fail to return the wave.

Embracing the Jeep Lifestyle

Owning a Jeep goes beyond just having a capable off-road vehicle. It's about embracing a unique lifestyle. While the Jeep Wave may not be written in your Jeep manual, it's an essential part of being a true Jeep enthusiast. It's not about how complex the gesture is; it's about the spirit and camaraderie it represents.

Owning a Jeep Wrangler is more than just driving a vehicle; it's about embracing a lifestyle and being part of a unique community. The Jeep Wave is a simple yet powerful gesture that unites Jeep owners and drivers, and by embracing it with enthusiasm, you can strengthen the bond within the Jeep community. 

             

Monday, March 3, 2014

Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup



  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cup frozen Okra, chopped 

**If you want your Okra a little firmer add it 2 hours before cooking is finished, if you are cooking it on low. 1 hour before if cooking on high. 

**You can also replace Okra with carrots.  I prefer Okra because they aren't as starchy as carrots. 

  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Combine onion, okra, celery, garlic, wild rice, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper in crock pot. Top with chicken breast halves. 

Add the chicken broth. Cook on low heat for 6 to 6 1/2 hours or on high-heat setting about 3 1/2 hours. Carefully remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker and stir. Remove the bay leaves. Add the parsley and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

It's a Jeep Thing

More Than Just a Phrase In the automotive culture, certain phrases and slogans become emblematic of an entire community. Among them, "I...