Protein Bites

These little bites pack a big punch as far as protein on the go. Made these for lunches and quick snacks and they are a huge hit.
What you will need-

1 cup of peanut butter
1/2 cup protein powder
1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup honey
chocolate chips or coconut flakes (if adding make sure they are a good quality chocolate and unsweetened coconut)

MIX it all together. Now this is a recipe you may have to add a little peanut butter and honey if yours is too dry or if its too wet add a little more almond flour. Roll them into bite size pieces and store in the fridge.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins

I have been making muffins with a healthy twist for several years. Every once in awhile I get a good recipe out of my experiences and by good I mean- everyone even the kids will eat them. hahaha
This one packs protein, fiber, and a lot of nutrition which is great for helping with those snack attack moments or if you are a busy mom like me, most of the time these end up being my breakfast while driving.
So have some fun add a little of your favorites or take away some of mine and create something healthy that tastes yummy too.
Recipe

Mix wet ingredients first
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
-2 eggs
-1 teaspoon of vanilla
THEN add
-1 can of organic pumpkin
1/2 cup maple syrup (more if you like it sweet but don't go too crazy)
MIX

Add the dry and keep on mixing
2 cups oat flour ( you can grind up raw oats very fine and that is your flour)
2 scoops of a healthy vanilla protein powder (by healthy I mean not a GNC brand-get something gluten free and if its whey make sure its grass fed and read ingredients)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon flax seed
1 tablespoon of chia seed
1/2 cup dark cocoa chocolate chips

as you mix add 1/2 cup of Milk of choice ( almond-cashew-or regular)

Mix well and scoop into muffin tins ( spray first or use muffin papers)

Top with pumpkin seeds-raw oats-and cinnamon
Bake 25-30 min at 350 degrees.

Juniper Tree Wellness Center and Juice Bar

Excited to announce that we will have an official new location that will also offer products, essential oils and  a fresh pressed juice bar!  Wellness workshops will also be scheduled and up on the website soon. More details coming soon as far as a Grand Opening!

Dear Uncertainty...

Yeah I just wrote a letter to " Uncertainty", seems odd but strangely enough seeing it made me think about the last few years of my life. According to the dictionary, uncertainty:is the unknown, the doubtful, the one thing that has not been revealed. In the last few years uncertainty has been the one thing in my life that has been constant among other things.  If anyone knows me well enough and close enough they know that things have not been easy. I have at times questioned, wondered and prayed about these uncertain times.
And guilty mostly at allowing it to ruin my day sometimes. I get caught up in the sadness, disappointments, or setbacks. I have had to ask forgiveness, reset, and regroup over and over again.
There are so many things that we will never understand. The past few years I have dealt with all of this personally or have seen this happen within my inner circle: the death of those we loved or didn't have a chance to love, rejection from those we trusted in, accidental deaths, incurable sickness, the bipolar and untreated toxic family member who continues to cause chaos, mental illnesses, the job losses, the financial crisis, depression, loved one's who betray us, loved ones who choose not love you or be part of your life! All of it happens and all of it hurts,confuses, and bewilders even the strongest of souls.
How does anyone even get past it all? How can you go on with this darkness in your spirit sometimes that you feel is beyond being lit again, how can you soar when you feel like you have lost all will or reason?
I have learned that to question is ok... but in times where it seems "bittering" we need God. Not a god, but the one true GOD. We can stand on the corner of bitter or better and choose to walk in bitter but if we do it will destroy you from the inside out. We need a hope to believe in, we need a foundation stronger then who we are, and what we think were made of, and it only comes from obtaining faith. Faith is not a crutch, faith is the reason and hope that we all need when we go through things we don't understand.
We must choose in our minds that today will not be a day we will allow uncertainty to ruin us.
Whatever it is that you are going through today, you have to know that you are certainly not alone, this time is only temporary, and tomorrow is a new day.
But as for today... do not allow what you don't understand keep you from all that God has purposed you for in this lifetime.

Kale Apple Salad

Recreating something amazing I had last week... too yummy not to share.

2 cups organic chopped kale
1 small chopped green apple
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped red onion
Crumble goat cheese (optional)

Mix with dressing and devour!!!
Dressing:
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
BLEND -- serve over salad.

Dog bones and baking pans

The title does not barely do what I am about to show you any justice. I think the fact that I found those two items is more hilarious than anything but somehow I found a small piece of a life lesson to ponder.
I decided to clean my purse. I usually do this every couple months. I hate to admit it takes that long but it does. So I began to empty the contents all over the counter and this is some of what I discovered. I found among the treasures of my every day life that I also had 2 dog bones, a mini baking sheet (from my daughters easy bake oven), and a bottle of bug spray from the fourth of July fireworks that I had been carting around for a couple months and since we are the week before Thanksgiving... I would say that is pretty bad.
I did not intentionally mean to carry this stuff around for months with me, I just didn't think it was that big of deal and left it there. Days turned into weeks and weeks months...
Now that I had the time to rid my purse of extras... I can see how we also do this in our own lives.
Have you ever known a "stuffer"? A stuffer is someone who never really deals with things at hand and just stuffs it away until later living then in constant avoidance.
I think the purse illustration is a candid display of stuffing and one I wanted to share because honestly who finds dog bones in their purse with a baking sheet? This busy mom does and I am sure a lot of the moms out there can relate even with some fun stuffing stories of their own. However, there are big things...huge things...deep things that people end of "stuffing" away into their inner souls.
I think its time to clean the clutter. Clutter only makes it hard to see your way through and it's easier to stuff things away. It takes very little effort to just keeping stuff hidden...its the time and effort put into the "cleaning" that makes for a fresh start and a new way of thinking and living.
In my case with the purse, it really is a lot lighter of a weight to carry. And I know when we let go of things that we have been avoiding or confront something that makes us uncomfortable, it is then you really can be free to live without hindrance.
I knew those dog bones were in there somewhere because at some point I put them there! Same with that mini baking sheet, it fell out of  box when we moved and I knew it was important so I put it where any good mom would; in my purse!  But over time, I just left it... no big deal... I would get to it. And today I did get to it but when there are bigger issues we start to "stuff away" that is not a good thing.
Avoidance only delays the actually outcome. Don't do that to yourself! So for all of those other moms out there who are pulling diapers, underwear, and maybe even a sandwich out of that bag... I get it! I really do, just let it stop at the purse and as women let us be more real about things and stop living with an avoidance mindset. Take on today with confidence in cleaning out your "stuff!" xo- laura

Living with hurt

This is a tough article I have been mulling over for months, maybe years. I have thought about it, journaled about it, prayed about this very topic. "Hurt...." It is not an easy word, the very pains I feel in my heart as I write this article makes me deeply sad to revisit times, people, and places that have ever so carved a deep cavern within me. To say anyone is free of hurt this side of heaven would be false. No matter how good you live your life, no matter how much you strive for a better way of life, no one is exempt from the painful pangs of hurt from other individuals.
I have been there, I have laid on the ground and cried my heart out at the foot of rejection, I have lost sleep over gut wrenching situations I just did not understand, and in some cases still do not. I have lived with hurtful people, I have hurtful people in my family, I have worked with hurtful people, and shamefully in my own hurt or stress have also hurt people.
The kind of hurt I am talking about here though is the intentional, deep and meaningful hurt of rejection.
Rejection is knowing what is in front of you and making an attempt to keep it away. Why do people, and organzitions hurt those around them?
Hurting people hurt people. Healed people can then help others...
I have heard that before and really up until about two years ago I really did not think too deeply about it until going through a very dark season in my own personal life.
When people are hurting from their own past, their mistakes, wrongs done to them, or even dealing with their own personal frustrations there is a part of their being that is bleeding hurt. They don't take healing time, get help through counseling, fail to grieve properly, and in turn they continue to "bleed" all over the people around them with toxicity. Toxicity surfaces in many forms.
I can only pray that in time the counseling or accountability that is needed will somehow show itself as important and sought after for complete healing or restoration of broken lives.

Running on empty...

It's a Monday and coming off a weekend full of celebrations... I am feeling it.  I love new weeks, days, and new phases of life; but I have to say that running on empty has been how I've felt for some time.
I glanced down at the car this morning and couldn't believe I again had to fill this tank up, where did the miles go? Am I leaking fuel or just driving an insane amount of miles to keep up with our routine.
It's a dilemma and I'm feeling it. The constant battle for balance has again struck a chord.
I have a business, two young kids and husband who runs a business. Our lives are full,stressful, and demanding. And I strive to be the women that holds true to who I am in the middle of a million things pulling me in different directions.
I feel like the gas tank today, running on empty. No one can run on empty for long. We can't give anything from an empty well. Encourage you to take time to refuel and refill your spirit today too.
Life's full of opportunities that I don't want to miss because I'm too tired and too worn out.
In a world where everything can seem to bombard you, hurt you, or wear you down...take time for you.

Thanks for voting!

To everyone who placed a vote for the Zoup recipe contest this past month. Thank you! I did win and was presented with a gift card to Williams Sonoma for 1000$. It was truly one of the best experiences and made my summer. So excited to go shopping and enjoy the fall.

The Sister Act... that got my attention!

OK, so I haven't blogged much lately. I have been growing my business, in the middle of a move, and raising a family. I have been posting lots of recipes, and to be honest most of the time, I post them so I don't lose them! I guess somehow I figure if I take the time to put it out there then somehow I can always look it up on here. Anyway, this past week I was waiting in line at the market and stressed beyond measure. Needed to take myself somewhere and have a real little heart to heart life coaching on myself and kick myself in the pants.
I needed a vacation, I needed just 5 minutes of quiet time alone... but what I had instead was far from it. I also was waiting in a ridiculous line of people to pay for a small basket full of items while my two Little's where none the less fighting over who would scan the yogurt pops first at the self checkout line, my husband was calling me to inform me of yet another stressful event as we pursue getting a mortgage, and I really think I had gum on my shoe. I was literally aching to run into a hole, but the nearest bathroom looked awesome.
I stood there wanting to just scream.... and then I saw her.... the sister. And I mean no disrespect but she was indeed, a sister. A nun, who had made her solemn and virtuous vow.
I watched her, as she laughed, and made effortless conversation with the clerk, she smiled, she looked calm, she looked happy, she looked realllllly really clean, and her hair....well, she didn't need to fuss about the perma pony I usually try to figure out. She just looked and seemed amazing... and there it was.... BAM! It crossed my mind..... yep it did....why was she so happy? And I have to honest.... I really thought to myself...wow.. I know why she is happy, she made a vow to love God, pursue her life, and live alone!  I know what you're thinking; how awful of me. I have two amazing kids, a husband who works hard, two business's and yet somehow in that very tough moment I wondered.
I wondered what her life was like, why did mine seem so overwhelming, and why did I feel so bad about it all.
I know we all have those days, whether you are single or married. I have been on both sides. I have cried when I wasn't married and had someone to come home to every night and I have cried because I had it too. Been there and both are not easy. The biggest thing I have discovered is that we have to be content and cultivate the things and people which make us feel that way.
We have one life, one shot at this and it really is up to me to make the most of every day,thank God for what I do have around me, and keep hope and faith about what is to come in the future.

BananaCoco- NUT Oat Protein Muffins

These have been a hit to satisfy breakfast movers and shakers or to curb those snacking times of the day... Enjoy! Healthy Protein muffin recipe

In a mixer bowl blend the following:
5 bananas
2 scoops vanilla vegan protein powder
1 cup almond milk
1/4 coconut sugar
2 1/2 cups oat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamon
1 teaspoon organic coconut extract
1/4 cup finely shredded organic coconut flakes
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 eggs


then add the topping

Mix Topping:
1/4 cup raw oatmeal
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut flakes
mix well... top the muffins before baking

Makes 20 muffins

After mixing place batter in greased muffin tins and bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

I need your vote! ZOUP! recipe contest....

I am just so excited I have to share that I entered one of my raw and ultra healthy soup recipes in a national contest with the restaurant chain, ZOUP. I actually made it to the top four!! They are holding one week for friends and family to cast votes. There is nothing required of you as far as entering information. Just one click.

If I win, they will give me a $1,000 Williams Sonoma Card and feature my healthy soup on the menu!!

I am really excited.

Please just take a moment, and vote by clicking below and my recipe is the on the top and labeled. Peach Melon Gazpacho by Laura Parker. 

If you want to share please feel free to share with as many as you can. I would be so happy to win this contest and see more people getting to enjoy healthy food while out!!

Here is the link-

Vote daily for the next week... please... Thanks so much!!! 

http://www.zouprecipecontest.com/?post_id=943672642340682_943672629007350#_=_

Blueberry Bliss Power Bars

I love these bars. I think you will too. They are hearty and packed full of protein! A healthy recipe for the entire family. Great way to start the day off right with a balanced breakfast or snack on the go!

Berry Bliss POWER Bar

First Step: BAR BASE

In a blender mix the following-

4 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon

2 bananas

1 1/2 teaspoons of Vanilla

1 scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder

BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH

Pour into a bowl and add the following:

2 Cups raw Organic Oats

1 Cup slivered almonds

1 teaspoon of flax seed

Stir together until well blended

PREHEAT OVEN: 350 degrees- spray a piece of parchment paper with coconut oil and lay on a cookie sheet or 9x9 baking pan. Pour the mixture on the parchment paper and shape into a square about 9x9 if using a cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes. 

While the base is cooking away....

SECOND STEP: BAR TOPPING

In a bowl mix the following:

1/2 cup raw oats

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup almond milk

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon 

1 teaspoon of chia seed

MIX WELL then --add 1 cup fresh blueberries mix gently to combine. 

After the 8 minutes is up from the base baking pull that pan out of the oven and spread the topping on top and press down gently to set and replace back into the oven for another 15-17 minutes. 

Allow to cool and slice into bars. 

Chocolate Sea Salt Dip

The sound of it doesn't sound healthy, but what a treat this was tonight. My little ones have already developed the female love of chocolate and it's up to me that they stay healthy so when they asked if I could make them this dip I was all over it!
It is easy and tastes so great. Slicing up some fruit to go along with it and you have a power packed snack that is incredibly good and good for you! Eating clean and loving it!
So here's the deets.

Chocolate Sea Salt Dip

1 avocado ( peeled and pitted)
6 TBSP organic cacao powder
1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk (can use almond too)
5 TBSP pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt

Place it all in a food processor or vita mix and blend it up! Process till smooth! 

What is the cause of poor church leadership?

A question that all of us ask ourselves at some point or another. The one aspect of this that is especially hard is when you have been hurt within a circle of people in which you should have been safe. A general assumption would be that a church leader could lead with integrity and strength, but when church leadership lets you down, where do you turn? It is so easy to be angry and confused. All of which are completely justified emotions.

In the church the leaders appointed should lead to a higher standard, but we live in a fallen world and unless those leaders are really called to be leaders and supposed to be in those positions... they will hurt people along the way because of several reasons. 

- The title they were given was based upon desperation/ seniority versus real qualifications. 
- There is a lack of real training.
- They are filling a position and that's it, they are not really called to be in it.
- Complacency, jealousy or stagnation set in. 
-Terrible accountability such as appointing board who pay the salaries and are their buddies , it is a I will pat your back if you pat mine...mentality. 

Whatever the reason don't underestimate the damage a poor leader can have on people. A leader that is allowed to operate in this way will be driven with selfish ambition and will most likely sabatoge anyone or anything that could get in their own way or agenda that will change their culture and what makes them feel comfortable.

What to do if you have been hurt by poor leadership?
Seek some counseling to heal from the hurt and betrayel.
Stay far away from those people who have hurt you.
Seek truth and know that God wants you to be in church and staying away from them because you have been hurt is just a way for you to be aliented from real friends.

Pumpkin Puppy Treats

Maybe it is the bitter freezing weather or maybe I wanted to try something new. So looked up something yummy for my puppies and while I am a busy mom and business owner, I thought if they came out well, I can serve them up as kid snack too. (multitasking?!) Well I am kind of serious about that last part. But mostly for the pups. It is healthy and packed full of goodness for their bodies.
So a friend gave me a recipe and I went for it. Here is the recipe and it honestly is pretty quick and easy.

 

Needed:

2 eggs

1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin

1/2 cup applesauce

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 1/2 cups brown rice flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk the eggs and pumpkin together- then add in the salt, applesauce, and flour.

Mix well. Spread on a floured surface ( can use the rice flour) roll out and then cut into shapes and place on a cookie sheet. 

Bake for 20 minutes then take them out and turn them- put them back in for 20 more minutes.

Allow to cool completely before giving treats out to your furry friends. 

** (note if you want to try them or let your kids try them they are not that bad, pretty hearty actually. I had some with honey for lunch!)  But my sweet pups love them so HUGE plus for all of us!

Brand new website!

It is a new year and a brand new look. What a great way to kick off the new year. Check out some of the changes and resources. http://www.allthingshealthycoaching.com/

Thankful even when you are discouraged

So the holidays are upon us and they should be amazing but for many the celebrations are also coupled with sadness. During the holidays we think of those we may have lost, or miss the ones we love so much but may be far away or even worse too busy.
This holiday like so many others... my husband and I are both feeling a little bit discouraged. Being far away from both our families means we have to figure out what to do each holiday. Traveling for us is not always possible because of our jobs, and of course packing up kids and dogs is no easy task.
We decided to spend this year giving back, looking for a place or community center that could use some help. I think the best possible way to get past your own situations is to go help someone else.
Thankfully that evening we will be able to come back and open our home to friends who have no where to go themselves.
I am so grateful for my mom and dad, two people that no matter where we are always make an effort to try to bring all of us together, unfortunately, everyone goes there own ways sometimes.
I love family. I have the best brothers and sister, I am missing them today.
Somewhere between colleges, jobs, and marriages we all have found our places in the world and we are not as close in miles, or spirits anymore.
I really hope that we can all find some time this year to give to others, those who truly have no home, no family, or a warm meal together with someone they love.
If you are feeling this way this holiday too...look for a way you too can give back. To be thankful for the little things can make a huge difference.
Thankfulness is an attitude of our hearts and I am doing my best with that this holiday. Looking for the beautiful, little things and the amazing people I have right here around me.
My lovely little girls, my hyper little puppies, and my husband. I am thankful I serve a real and living God who provides hope when my heart is heavy. I am thankful for times of quiet and peace. I am so thankful for miracles...that come when you are not even looking.

Chocolate Protein Krispy Treat

I love these little protein bars and the best part is, the kids will too. Enjoy. You can change it up to use whatever you like better peanut butter or almond butter.

What you will need:
2 cups Organic Peanut Butter/or  Almond Butter
 1 cup Agave Nectar
  4 scoops Chocolate Protein Powder (I use Arbonne, because it is vegan and has a good taste)
1/4 cup almond milk or organic milk
 3/4 box of  Crispy Rice Cereal (organic)

 Mix the peanut butter and agave nectar in a bowl in microwave for 60-90 seconds....or can melt in saucepan on stove.
Add protein powders to milk and stir then add to melted mixture and mix well. Add crispy rice cereal and mix gently. YOU NEED A BIG BOWL!
Spread in 9x13 pan. Can form into small balls if you choose. Refrigerate 1 hour.

**If you notice the end result is too dry, just melt more peanut butter and agave and add in.
**Can also use honey if you do not have agave. 

Green Glow Smoothie

This recipe is so delicious and I can't take all the credit. I was inspired by my church. (I know! A church with green smoothies!? It's true... And I LOVE that.) I did add a few extra touches but I hope you enjoy it.

Green Glow
2 cups chopped kale
2 cups almond milk
2 bananas
2 cups frozen pineapple
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon chia seed
1teaspoon flax seed
Blend in Vita Mix or blender
DONE!
This makes about 3 large smoothies. Reduce amounts for one.
Have fun...add or take away to your liking.