Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts

Thursday, August 13, 2015

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.




Tuesday, August 11, 2015

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!!! 


Friday, July 10, 2015

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. 

Monday, August 25, 2014

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.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Juice for Life! Just because it is green does not mean it is gross!

 We juice often, it helps us keep our busy family strong and full of vitamins. Here are some of our favorites!



 In a JUICER-
Orange Kick in the Pants!
 Carrots-small bunch 3-4
I apple
1/2 cup pineapple
1/2 stick celery

Gingerooo
1 apple
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger root
3-4 carrots

Beet IT!
1 beet
3 carrots
1 apple

Green Smoothies- in a blender or VITA MIX- will make a bunch so cut it down for one person.
MINTY MADNESS-
1 cup frozen pineapple (or fresh)
1 cup mango frozen or fresh
2 cups raw organic spinach
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup water
4-5 fresh mint leaves

GREEN GOODIE- makes an entire pitcher so may have to cut the recipe for one
6 cups fresh organic spinach
1 cup organic strawberries- can be frozen
1 cup organic peaches-can be frozen
2 bananas
2 cups organic orange juice
1 TBSP of chia seed
1 TBSP flax seed
1 TBSP raw honey

Green Swiss ! ( again use less for one person)
3 leaves of swiss chard
2 cups spinach
1 cup pineapple
1 cup orange juice
1 cup strawberries
1 banana

Orange-Peach-Kale
  • 1 orange, peeled
  • 2 medium peaches
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 8 ounces of water

Pineapple-Kale
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
  • 1 medium apple, cored
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 8 ounces of water
Juicing and "Smoothing" is supposed to be a wonderful thing. Get some ideas that you love so it can be enjoyed by everyone. If its green it doesn't mean it has to be gross. It can taste amazing if you experiment!

Why teaching your kids about healthy food is vital for them to make healthy choices!

"It's time to take action! We need every child to understand where food comes from, how to cook it, and how it affects their body. This is about setting kids up with the knowledge they need to make better food choices for life! Jamie Oliver
I get the critics believe me, those who feel I am being "picky" about choosing to give my kids organic, or buying foods that are organic. As if choosing health is some sort of "curse" upon you that you should feel weird about. Also, I get the comments about price, "organic is so expensive etc." I will say this, yes it is more then other generic brand food. However, have you seen the price of junk food, chips, cigarettes, and cancer lately? The other day I walked down the "chip" aisle, and I actually could not believe the price of chips. Some of the family size bags are almost $5.00 for a bag of chips!! I have a choice, you have a choice. I could buy a bag of chips with little or no nutritional value for $5.00 or I can buy a bag of organic apples. It really is about trade offs. Making different choices.  Those who "put down" for choosing to be healthy just spend their money on different things than you do...that really is it!  It is a thought process. For me it is a pay now or pay later mentality. Now can I totally avoid cancer causing elements in this lifetime? Probably not, we are surrounded by it, the computer I am typing on, no doubt it probably giving me some sort of vibe. We all have cancer cells in our bodies, but what we feed our bodies helps keep us alkaline or acidic. Disease can not thrive in alkaline bodies.
We are teaching the future generations how to eat by what we make available for them. If you are the one making the food purchases, you are the one responsible. I get it's staggering and you can serve up some guilt trip to as to why we don't have time to make healthy options. But we do! We all do! We all have the same amount of time actually, we just choose to spend it differently. I am not saying every item in my pantry is 100% organic and I live off the land, I cant possibly do that where I reside. But I encourage you to look for local organic farms that you can support and buy your food from, where it is fresh and has more LIVE nutrients. There are money saving tips even when buying organic food.
You can stay along the outside edges of the grocery store to keep you from spending money on things that are not necessary. Purchase fruits for smoothies in the organic frozen aisle. It is cheaper and lasts longer! Try to have a meal plan and elliminate having a meat type dish every night. Organic meats and poultry can be expensixve if you buy for every night of the week. Limit the meat you consume weekly, it will keep you healthier , save you money, and you can get just as much proetin from plant sources.
I love my girls, I know that I can not keep them protected from everything. I do know that their health will be very important to them as they get older. Right now, I can not teach my kids at their young age of all the chemicals and how to read words they can not pronounce on the back of labels. But what I can do is SHOW them what is good and healthy! I can make food fun for them, I can make a green smoothie delicious enough for even a two year old to slurp down and that is what matters. Our bodies crave what we give it. To this day, my five year old does not drink soda. I do not buy it and I do not offer it. Someone offered her one and she took one sip and said it was TOO sweet and she did not like it. If you give kids healthy options they will not want crave the bad ones. Will they have stuff when we are visiting friends, probably! I am not going to circle over them and demand all my friends and family abide to our standards of eating. But I do know it is important to us when we are home. WE need to set the standard for our eating habits! Kids are depending on us.


Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Minty Madness Organic Green Smoothie

A great new smoothie recipe!! LOVE IT! My kids love it too so we all can celebrate this one!
1 cup frozen pineapple (or fresh)
1 cup mango
2 cups raw organic spinach
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup water
4-5 fresh mint leaves

Turn on Vita Mix or blender...BLEND it up!! Delicious, quick and packed full of healthy live nutrients!! Mix it up and share some of your own!!

I thought you were a friend?

Have you uttered those words under your breath or maybe even said that to someone in your life.I know I have, especially as of late. Some times in life we are faced with utter and complete betrayl, lies, and hurt by those who you have trusted and loved.  Friendship, one of the best gifts in a lifetime. I have heard that in one's life span you are blessed if you ever have 4-6 really good and deep friendships. Friendships that are healthy are the deep, unconditional kind of relationships that bring you as close to someone or closer than an actual blood relative. Those are the the kinds of people that hold you accountable, love you when you are hurting, support you when you are trying to succeed, and will laugh,cry,and celebrate all of life's ups and downs with you.
A real friend will not be a "yes" person and tickle your eyes with what you want to hear all the time. Someone that cares about you will tell you what you need to hear and listen when you need to talk. There are few people that you can be that transparent with and should be careful with whom you confide in.
Characteristics of a lifelong friend:
Loyal
Trustworthy
Honest
Integrity Driven
Responsible
Stable
Establishes Boundaries
Respectful
Value System
Moral and Ethical standards
Healthy
The best thing you can do is to be a lifelong friend. There are some who will come and go...but those who you always can depend on will shine in time! 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Spa Gift Set- Pampering Gifts for Mother's Day or ANY day!

A beautiful gift set that is ideal for Mother's day or special days in general. It includes
What the set includes:
1- 1/2 pint size of our decadent sugar scrub made with sunflower/grapeseed oil and essential oil.
2- Gorgeous square handmade all natural soaps with shea butter and coconut oil individually wrapped and tied with an adorable bow.
1- 2 oz. "Everything" spray that is essential aromatherapy and overall perfect for refreshing the air,skin,or linens!
1- Body serum infused with all natural oils, shea butter, essential oils, and Vitamin E to provide all over moisture to any skin type.
2- Vanilla organic lip balms!
******************************************************

This set is gorgeous!! A perfect gift for anyone or a treat for yourself.
This is a set which comes packaged in a beautiful basket ready to go!!

What are people saying?
Reviews
"Love the INSPIRE scent- "-Rebecca
"This set is all around an amazing purchase!"- Robin
"My skin is soft for days after using these scrubs!"- Melissa

If you want to order 2 or more please contact me so I can help you save on shipping fees!
PLEASE NOTE: Some essential oils in the" Everything " spray can stain white linens. Spray accordingly.
Check it out HERE!

Organic, vegan, skincare, health and beauty!




After years of looking for quality skin care for me and my family with healthy ingredients, I started making my own. I have been doing this for years and now want to share this with other people. Please check out the online store. I have soap, all natural and organic air freshener,sugar scrubs, and lip balm. Everything I use is all natural, organic, and beneficial for overall health and beauty. Most of our soaps are vegan as well. Every order can be customized to suit your needs.
Contact me if you want to order in bulk so I can save you some shipping costs!!

Saturday, April 19, 2014

New! Handmade Products. All Natural Soap


These beautiful custom made soap bars can be ordered now from my online store. Please check out the site for other products too like sugar scrubs and lip balm!! https://www.etsy.com/shop/JuniperTreeNaturals
All the products are made with organic and natural ingredients. Your skin is your largest organ so whatever you put on your body gets into your system. Make sure you are choosing healthy options even for bath and body products and skin care.  Most of the soaps are vegan as well. Any order can be customized if you do not see a scent you like, just ask!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Creating "The Space"

This year I am adding an all new service to the coaching business. A personal love of design and creative spaces has inspired me to add this as a specialized coaching service.
Finding that perfect space in your home or office that fosters overall well being is essential to focus, regroup, and find peace. What the ideal space looks like will be up to the client and their over all goals for their personal space. If people can start to rethink and redesign small area's at a time in their lives and homes, the transformation can be limitless.
Creating a space and designing the life you want takes time..but it can only happen if you make the choice! Choose today to start living the life you were meant to live!
Design elements considered will be, but not limited to : mood, organization, storage, function, and style.Visit www.allthingshealthycoaching.com for contact information.
photo credit: hgtv.com

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Sugar Scrub Sale!! Buy one... Get one FREE!

This week only- Juniper Tree Naturals is offering a BUY ONE GET ONE deal on their all natural sugar scrubs.
If you order from Etsy this week, please place order for one and I will include another when shipped.
Find the etsy store here-https://www.etsy.com/shop/JuniperTreeNaturals
Find Juniper Tree Naturals on Facebook and LIKE! - https://www.facebook.com/JuniperTreeNaturals
Lavender Scrub

Pumpkin Spice


Healthy Pumpkin Seed Granola

This is by far one of my favorites and easiest granola's . It takes minutes to make and it is amazing. You can eat it alone as a snack or with yogurt. I can not stop eating it!
1 cup of pumpkin seeds (green)
1 cup of organic puffed rice cereal
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup maple syrup (organic)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon of corriander
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 275 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Check on it to ensure you are not getting it to brown. You want the cereal lightly toasted but not burnt.
Allow it to cool at least 20 minutes before storing.
Can be kept up to a week in airtight container.
For more recipes see link to the right or check out allthingshealthycoaching.com

Raw Berry-Nut Treats

This is a great treat that is packed full of fruit and protein for kids of all ages big and little. They can be cut into squares or even shapes you desire with a cookie cutter. I found this recipe this week and tweaked it to our family's preference.
Needed:
1 1/2 cups raw cashews ( can use almonds to or a mix of both-consistency will be nuttier)
2 cups strawberries
1/4 cup rasperries
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup agave nectar
1/2 cup coconut butter
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

- Soak the cashews at least 6-12 hours in water. Drain then rinse well.
- Add the cashews to a food processor and blend well. A few minutes will be fine, scrape down sides and blend again. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again several minutes.
-Pour into a 9x13 pan and place in freezer for about 2 hours.
-Cut into squares or shapes and enjoy!
-Store in freezer in air tight container.



Thursday, March 6, 2014

Questions to ask and consider before joining a church.

Alarming that even in churches today there can be a lack of integrity and accountability. When flesh gets in the way and people are then overtaken with jealousy, slander, and insecurities there is no end to what can happen. Never underestimate the power of insecurity in people and organizations. Insecurity is a bad friend that makes people believe things about others that aren't even true.
A strong leader will not be affected by positive change. A fearful leader will always self sabotage growth even on a small scale.
Establish healthy boundaries and know that no one is above failing you- God is your source and strength.
If you are getting involved with a church look for healthy signs: Ask questions and get involved- know that you need answers before you get involved with an unhealthy place.

-Are they open to including and reaching out community?
-Are the finances being accounted for accurately?
- Is there protocol and systems in place for organization and safety?
-Is the pastor getting accountability or does he have friends on his board? Yes people are not accountability.
-Is there an openness to getting involved and working with other churches for the greater good of God's kingdom?
-Is there a clear vision for where the church is going?
-Are leadership tasks delegated and not much being done by the leader himself? Delegation only works when the leader is working too.
-Are children and youth valued and seen as the future of church and nation?
-Is personal growth and progress encouraged?
-Is progress welcomed when it is positive change or is it sabotaged and seen as threatening?
-Is the pastor disrespectful?
-Have you seen others gossiping about members?
-Does the leadership staff have a small mindset and inward way of thinking?
-Has the church been thriving or surviving?
-Ask around, see if the church has a positive history before you came on the scene?
-Is the church just existing by a handful of people who adore their long term friends?
-Is there a lack of caring for the overall building and God's house?
-Is a sense of stewardship and ownership encouraged as a standard?

Churches are part of our lives and should be a positive place encouraging growth. However, there are many teachers standing in the place of pastors. Many people have been hurt by "hirelings" with their own agenda's and complacent ways. It is sad, heartbreaking, and nothing can make the enemy more happy then to see churches failing and families hurt.
If you are in this situation- get out! If you feel you are not being appreciated, valued, or growing spiritually it is not the place God wants you in. If you have seen your leadership handle things improperly, ask questions! The integrity of a man or woman always will trump the image you have of them. 

_

Friday, January 24, 2014

Why taking ownership is so hard!

So many people want to know the secrets to success. What makes a business strong? What does it take to grow a church? What makes a great marriage? How can I be a good parent? Is it possible to be healthy and fit even when I am so busy? Can a mother really balance work and kids? Can a dad really be the leader he needs to be for his family? Is it possible to ever love again? Will I ever really get out of debt?
These are questions many of us have asked ourselves. Maybe even worked at from time to time. Anything worth it in life is going to require work, and lots of it. I am in the middle ground generation right now where the ones after me feel "entitled" to it all without the work, and the older ones have given up or are still working when they should be enjoying life. So here I am sitting here observing two opposite ways of thinking. I see it everywhere. I see a total lack of ownership over the situations and lives people find themselves living.
Most of us drown in our stress or drown out our circumstances by avoiding what it will take to change it. We have turned to work, ministries, addictions, relationships, social networking and every other possible thing to keep us "moving" along so we don't have to deal with the ROOT problems.
The root issue when things are not progressing in a positive way is lack of ownership.
We all have done this from time to time. We believe in a lie we heard or have developed a belief system that is really way too small.
It is never too late to start, and start small if you must..but please DO START! Falling down is part of life but getting back up is living it! Take personal responsibility for how you want to change things in your life. Taking ownership is hard because it puts you in a place where you stand face to face with your fear, insecurities, self doubt, and baggage all wrapped up in one and you push through it anyway. You stand there and wonder what in the world do you do with all of it and how do I change living this way? And then you take one step! One painful and uncomfortable step and then another and then another.Stop living the life you do not want to live and make choices towards a better tomorrow.
Is it going to be tough? Of course it is, its going to be a major pain in the rear some day's. Some times you may feel like you just want to give up,  believe that your not qualified, or rich enough, you may feel you don't deserve it, or you just have been dealt a bad deal you need to live with as punishment. It is not true.  It is really not true!! You have a huge battle in your mind. Jim Rohn said it best when he quoted, "forget about the thief waiting around the corner, what about the one in your mind!! " Your mind is where it all lays waiting dormant- are you going to allow your mind to sabotage your way of thinking or are you going to get out of your own way? The choice is yours and it is yours to make right now!! Today! Take ownership. Pull up the big girl pants or big boy pants your meant to be wearing- throw away the diapers and get out there and make your mark on the world. Life is passing by- don't get to the end of your own with regret and wonder.


Monday, September 2, 2013

Walking 60 MILES!!!

I am walking 60 miles in 3 days to help raise awareness about breast cancer and in memory of family members I have lost from cancer. I need to raise support in order to walk for the weekend. 100% of the support I raise goes towards cancer research, grants, and to fund free mammograms to women who would never be able to get them otherwise. This is a tax deductible charitable donation. Please consider helping me reach my goal. Any size donation is so appreciated. See my link below to donate.
http://www.the3day.org/site/TR?px=6987834&fr_id=1817&pg=personal

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Summer Peach Melon Chilled Soup

5 or 6 Organic Tomatos
1/2 Red Onion
1/2 Red Pepper
1/2 Yellow Pepper
2 cups watermelon
1 seedless cucumber
14/ cup chopped cilantro
1 peach
1 bottle of spring water
2 crushed garlic cloves
2 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Take 4 tomatoes and pulse them in a blender (make sure you still have some chunks, you don't want it to be total liquid)  to make the base for the soup. Pour that into a bowl. Then dice up the following and add: Remaining tomatos, red onion, peppers, watermelon, cucumber, cilantro, and peach. Add water, salt/pepper, olive oil, garlic, vinegar and cilantro and stir together. CHILL.
Serves 4-6