Apple Pie Smoothie

Apple Pie Smoothie

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee mix* or Vitalizing Smoothie Vanilla Mix**

½ apple peeled, cored, slice and warmed (you can boil to to soften it or just microwave it for about 45 seconds, or you can use ½ cup unsweetened applesauce.)

4-5 dashes cinnamon

2 dashes nutmeg

2 dashes cloves

1 cup milk (I use unsweetened almond, but you can use cow’s, coconut, rice or soy instead.)

ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions:  Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

*Get the 180 Smoothee Mix here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180meals/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-smootheesp

**Get the Vitalizing Smoothie Mix here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/protein/product-_p_vitalizing-proteinp

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 252   Fat 6g   Carbs. 31g   Protein 18g   Fiber 8g

***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk or applesauce instead of half an apple.

Cinnamon Spray Painted Pinecones

Cinnamon Spray Painted Pinecones

What you will need:

Pinecones (I got mine from a park, because I don’t have a pine tree in my yard & didn’t want to buy the ones in the store, trying to save anywhere I can. Plus the one’s in the store have chemicals on them to smell like cinnamon instead of real cinnamon.)

Spray paint (any color you want, I’m using silver that is low VOC so it’s even more green.)

Cinnamon

Wax paper or foil

Optional: Glitter

Directions: Place pinecones on the foil or wax paper, standing up if possible and spray each with spray paint, make sure to spray a good amount on each one.  However, you don’t need to completely cover them either.  Keep in mind that once you sprinkle with cinnamon that will cover a lot of the pinecones, so they wont be as silver, there will be lots of brown from the cinnamon. Immediately sprinkle with LOTS of cinnamon, I can’t stress this enough you need lots of cinnamon.  I bought a super cheap kind from Aldi for this purpose and used ½ the container.  If you don’t use enough cinnamon then the cinnamon smell won’t be very strong, but they will still look pretty.  If you are using glitter, sprinkle with the glitter.  You can immediately spray a second coat of paint and sprinkle with more cinnamon if you want.  Then let them dry on the sheet of wax paper or foil about 2 hours.  When they have fully dried, you can put them in any decorative bowl or container, they look best in a clear glass container so you can see them easier.

Holiday Survival Guide 2014: Dec wk 1

Even though it is the last week of November, we are going to give up a head start on the "To Do List" for December and get you organized with this weeks December printables.  December is most often the busiest month of the year, but with our help hopefully this December will be a little less hectic.  Giving you more time to enjoy the Holidays once and for all.  And, as always keep coming back each week for new tips and tricks to make the Holidays of 2014 a little less crazy and a lot more merry!

And we've made it to the last week of November!  I hope you are happily organized and settling in to enjoy your Thanksgiving festivities.  If you're like me, Black Friday is much less about shopping and much more about jumping into winter fun and festivities.  It's time to set up that tree (if you haven't already), finalize your gifts list, send out those cards and be ready to spend the last few weeks of the year enjoying family and hot chocolate!  So today we're bringing you the December Planning Printables and  we've also got your top link from last week's link party and a new, fresh link party for all your favorite printable and Winter fun!

We're going to get you decluttered, organized, cleaned, decorated, and ready for all the holiday fun...without you needing to be committed to the looney bin before New Year's.

It takes quite the team to pull this off, but we're here for you! We'll be here every Monday through the end of the year to make sure you're on track and able to enjoy everything you have planned.

Ready to meet the team?

Sheri from Career Girl Interrupted

Dani from Dani Schnakenberg Studios

Katie & Jairus from KatieMarcum.com

Jessica from Jessie Bee Healthy

Kristen from From Son Up Til Son Down

Stephanie from Sharing A to Z

and our lovely co-host Amanda from It's a Fabulous Life

Each week we'll take turns bringing you something awesome to help you stay on track preparing for the major Holidays of the season. Be sure to come back and link up your holiday posts each week so we can share the fun!

 

Click Here to Download

Now, who's ready to party? Share your Winter and Holiday-inspired posts with us this week!

Link Party Rules:

1. Follow all hosts: subscribe, FB, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter...whatever you prefer!
2. Be sure to link directly to your specific post, NOT your blog's homepage.
3. Don't link and run! Be sure to visit the last couple links before yours and let them know how you found them through #HolidaySurvivalGuide2014!
4. By linking up, you give all hosts permission to pin and share your projects (with links back to you, of course). We'll also be sharing the top three clicked through with each following week's project!
5. Be sure to follow the Holiday Survival Guide 2014 Pinterest board, too!

Top link from last week:

1. 5 Minute Whipped Cinnamon & Honey Pumpkin Butter - Just Only Home

An InLinkz Link-up

“Andes” Chocolate-Mint Smoothie

“Andes” Chocolate-Mint Smoothie

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Chocolate Smothee mix* or Shaklee Vitalized Protein chocolate Smoothee mix**

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, rice, soy or cow’s instead)

¼ tsp mint extract

Ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions: combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 210   Fat 6g   Carbs. 20g   Protein 17g   Fiber 7g

*You can get the Shaklee 180 Chocolate Smoothee Mix here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180meals/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-smootheesp

**You can get the Shaklee Vitalizing Protein Chocolate Smoothie Mix here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/protein/product-_p_vitalizing-proteinp

***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk.

Gingerbread Cookie Smoothie

Gingerbread Cookie Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, soy, rice or cow’s milk instead)

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Smoothee mix* or Shaklee Vitalizing Protein Vanilla Smoothie mix**

3 - 4 dashes cinnamon

2 dashes nutmeg

2 dashes cloves

½ tsp ginger

Ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 210   Fat 6g   Carbs. 20g   Protein 17g   Fiber 7g

*You can get the Shaklee 180 Smothee mix here:http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180meals/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-smootheesp

**You can get the Vitalizing Protein Smoothie mix here:http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/protein/product-_p_vitalizing-proteinp

***Nutrition Facts will vary if you use different milk.

Raspberry-Cocoa Macaroons

Raspberry-Cocoa Macaroons

These are much healthier than traditional macaroons, because these don’t have the refined sugar that the traditional kind has.

Ingredients:

⅓ cup coconut flakes, unsweetened

⅓ cup gluten free oats or sliced or slivered almonds

½ tbsp coconut oil, melted

¼ cup honey

3 tsp liquid stevia or 1 tbsp stevia in the raw

½ tsp vanilla

¼ cup raspberry puree, jam or jelly (unsweetened)*

1 tbsp cocoa powder**

Directions:  In a food processor chop the oats (or almonds) and the coconut until it’s a fine powder.  Pour into a bowl and add in all remaining ingredients.  Stir to fully combine.  Scoop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.  Bake at 275 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until the outside is firm but the center is soft.  Let fully cool and then enjoy!  Makes 6 macaroons.

***Nutrition Facts: Cals. 82   Fat 4g   Carbs. 12g   Protein 2g   Fiber 1.5g

*You can substitute any flavor puree, jam or jelly you wish.

**You can substitute Shaklee’s 180 protein smoothee mix instead of cocoa powder for added protein, you can get it here: http://jberinger.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyweight/shaklee180meals/product-_p_shaklee-180_supsup-energizing-smootheesp

***Nutrition facts are using oats, if you use almonds it will reduce the carbs but up the cals, fat and protein a little; the nutrition facts may also vary depending on the puree/jam/jelly you use.

Holiday Survival Guide 2014 November wk 4

The day of giving thanks and stuffing our mouths with delicious food is almost here and before we either host the feast or travel to get to one, wouldn't it be nice to look and feel just as delicious as the yummy food? Of courser it would, so try the super easy all-natural body regimes I've made, they'll do the trick. And, don't forget to check out the neat crafts too! I hope your Thanksgiving is joyous!

Welcome to the eighth week of the Holiday Survival Guide 2014! This week we're talking adorable Fall crafts and delicious self-care recipes (because you NEED to take your well-deserved time off during the Holidays)! We've also got your top links from last week's link party and a new, fresh link party for all your awesome crafts and DIYs!

We're going to get you decluttered, organized, cleaned, decorated, and ready for all the holiday fun...without you needing to be committed to the looney bin before New Year's.

It takes quite the team to pull this off, but we're here for you! We'll be here every Monday through the end of the year to make sure you're on track and able to enjoy everything you have planned.

Ready to meet the team?

Sheri from Career Girl Interrupted

Dani from Dani Schnakenberg Studios

Katie & Jairus from KatieMarcum.com

Jessica from Jessie Bee Healthy

Kristen from From Son Up Til Son Down

Stephanie from Sharing A to Z

and our lovely co-host Amanda from It's a Fabulous Life

Each week we'll take turns bringing you something awesome to help you stay on track preparing for the major Holidays of the season. Be sure to come back and link up your holiday posts each week so we can share the fun!

From our friend Kristen:

Thankful Tree

Mumkins

 

Cabinet Door Chalkboard Menu

 

 

When you're done crafting, it's time for some relaxing "Me-Time"!  So how about trying these delicious beauty DIYs from our friend Jessica:

Dreamy Homemade Coconut-Almond Body Cream

 

The Easiest Brown Sugar Body Scrub Ever!

 

Now, who's ready to party? Share your Thanksgiving-inspired crafts, printables, and activities with us this week!

Link Party Rules:

1. Follow all hosts: subscribe, FB, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter...whatever you prefer!
2. Be sure to link directly to your specific post, NOT your blog's homepage.
3. Don't link and run! Be sure to visit the last couple links before yours and let them know how you found them through #HolidaySurvivalGuide2014!
4. By linking up, you give all hosts permission to pin and share your projects (with links back to you, of course). We'll also be sharing the top three clicked through with each following week's project!
5. Be sure to follow the Holiday Survival Guide 2014 Pinterest board, too!

Top links from last week:

1. The Ultimate Virtual Cookie & Goodies Party & Giveaway from Life with Lorelai

   

2. Mississippi Pecan Pie from Life With Lorelai

 

 

 

3. Our Little Happiness Ja from Life with Lorelai

 

An InLinkz Link-up

Healthy Herbed Baked Potato Wedges

Healthy Herbed Baked Potato Wedges

Ingredients:

4 medium - large potatoes, washed, and cubed

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp dill

1 tbsp basil

1 tbsp oregano

1 tbsp parsley

1 tbsp minced garlic or garlic powder (if you’re not a huge garlic fan cut it down to 2 tsp)

1-2 tsp red pepper flakes (if you’re not a fan of spicy food, only use 1 tsp)

½ tsp sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

Note: When I make this I often just guest when sprinkling the red pepper flakes, & black pepper)

Optional add-ins*

1 tbsp olive oil, after baked

2-3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese, add in with other seasonings

Directions: preheat oven to 475 degrees, if your oven seems to cook things quicker than suggested cooking time only preheat to 450 degrees.  Put potatoes on a big bowl, coat with 1 tbsp olive oil and stir to fully coat each potato.  Add in all seasonings, then stir to blend / coat each potato.  Place potatoes on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.  Bake in oven about 25-35 mins or until a nice golden brown, flipping / stirring the potatoes halfway through.  Let cool a few minutes.  You can toss potatoes in 1 tbsp olive oil after you remove them from the oven if you desire, and sprinkle with a a little salt if desired.  Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts: Cals. 172  Fat 2.5g  Carbs. 40g   Fiber 6g   Protein 5.5g

*Nutrition facts do not include add-ins.

Dreamy Homemade Coconut-Almond Body Cream

Dreamy Homemade Coconut-Almond Body Cream

Ingredients:

½ cup almond or olive oil

¼ cup coconut oil

¼ bees wax or aloe vera

2-3 drops almond extract*

2-3 drops coconut extract*

1 tsp vitamin E oil**

*You don’t need these, they are technically optional, but I suggest to use them so the cream is more fragrant.

**This will help the shelf life of the cream, but it is not necessary, so you can omit it if you don’t have it.  However I suggest using it, because it also is moisturizing.

Directions: Put all ingredients in a glass jar.  I used an old empty jam / jelly jar, but a mason jar or wide open top jar will work just as well.  But, it needs to be glass not plastic.  Place the glass jar with ingredients in a saucepan with about 2-3 inches of water in the saucepan.  Put a lid on the jar, but loose, not tight.  Place on stovetop over medium heat.  Stir occasionally as the ingredients melt to combine them.  Once, all the ingredients are blended fully together, remove from saucepan.  You can either keep them in the glass jar you used to melt the ingredients or put them in another container, which can be plastic, metal or glass (I suggest glass).  However, I wouldn’t put them in a pump container, because it is so creamy it won’t pump well if at all.  

Keep in mind it’s not a lotion, it’s a cream, so a little goes a long way.  It’s great for cracked hands in this cold weather, and for knees, elbows and feet, but all over body too!

Store at room temperature for about six months to reap the most moisturizing benefits.  If you are concerned about mold or bacteria, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oils or 100% witch hazel.

Holiday Survival Guide 2014 Nov wk 3 - Thanksgiving Printables!

This is the third week in November, which means printables! They are fun and festive and will make getting ready for Thanksgiving a little easier. And, remember to keep coming back each Monday for new info and help making these Holidays happy and stress-free!

Welcome to the seventh week of the Holiday Survival Guide 2014!  This week we've got some festive Thanksgiving printables to share!  We've also got your top links from last week's link party and a new, fresh link party for all your your awesome Thanksgiving and Fall-ish posts!

We're going to get you decluttered, organized, cleaned, decorated, and ready for all the holiday fun...without you needing to be committed to the looney bin before New Year's.

It takes quite the team to pull this off, but we're here for you!  We'll be here every Monday through the end of the year to make sure you're on track and able to enjoy everything you have planned.

Ready to meet the team?

Sheri from Career Girl Interrupted

Dani from Dani Schnakenberg Studios

Katie & Jairus from KatieMarcum.com

Jessica from Jessie Bee Healthy

Kristen from From Son Up Til Son Down

Stephanie from Sharing A to Z

and our lovely co-host Amanda from It's a Fabulous Life

Each week we'll take turns bringing you something awesome to help you stay on track preparing for the major Holidays of the season.  Be sure to come back and link up your holiday posts each week so we can share the fun!

This week we've got a set of festive Thanksgiving-themed printables from Sheri at Career Girl Interrupted!

 

(Click HERE or on the image above to download.)

Now, who's ready to party?  Share your Thanksgiving-inspired crafts, printables, and activities with us this week!

Link Party Rules:

1. Follow all hosts: subscribe, FB, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter...whatever you prefer!
2. Be sure to link directly to your specific post, NOT your blog's homepage.
3. Don't link and run!  Be sure to visit the last couple links before yours and let them know how you found them through #HolidaySurvivalGuide2014!
4. By linking up, you give all hosts permission to pin and share your projects (with links back to you, of course).  We'll also be sharing the top three clicked through with each following week's project!
5. Be sure to follow the Holiday Survival Guide 2014 Pinterest board, too!

Top links from last week:

1. DIY Pillow Covers from Life with Lorelai

2. 2-Hour Turkey Recipe from Life With Lorelai

 

 

3. DIY Chalkboard Fall Banner from Vikalpah

An InLinkz Link-up

Jessie’s Easy Slow Cooker Veggie Chili

Jessie’s Easy Slow Cooker Veggie Chili

This recipe is low in sodium, fat and calories!  Plus, it’s high in protein and fiber!

Ingredients:

19 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

15 oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

16 oz. can vegetarian baked beans

14.5 oz. can chopped tomatoes in puree

15 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained

1/2 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder, or to taste

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

Directions:  In a slow cooker, combine black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, baked beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, bell peppers and celery.  Season with garlic, chili powder, parsley, oregano and basil.  Cook for at least two hours on High.  You can top with light sour cream or greek yogurt to add more protein, or cheese.  Or you can put it over whole grain pasta for a chili mac.  It also pairs well with cornbread or homemade herbed bread, yum!

Makes 8 servings.

*Nutrition Facts: Cals. 240   Fat 2g   Protein 13g   Carbs. 50g   Fiber 14g

*Nutrition facts do not include toppings or side items.

The Easiest Brown Sugar Body Scrub Ever!

The Easiest Brown Sugar Body Scrub Ever!

Ingredients:

¾ cup brown sugar

⅓ cup olive oil (extra virgin or extra light)

2 tbsp honey (local is best)

¼ - ½ tsp almond oil (optional*)

Directions: Stir all ingredients together until completely combined.  That’s it!  

I suggest storing in a glass jar or container, but can use a plastic or metal container.  You can go super inexpensive and use an old jam / jelly jar, which I do.  I also suggest to refrigerate this scrub.  It will last longer.  I understand it’s hard to remember and inconvenient to take it out of the frig. every time you want to use it.  Which for me is every shower when I have this scrub made, because I have dry skin and it helps to scrub the old skin off so my lotion will soak in better.  If not refrigerated it will last about a week, if refrigerated it will last about 3 weeks.

This scrub is great for all skin types not just dry, but normal and oily too.  It leaves the skin smooth and helps remove the old dirt, oil and dead skin off the top layer / surface.  Great for hands, feet, knees, and elbows!

*This oil will make it smell even more yummy and be more soothing to the skin.  If you don’t have almond oil you can add a few drops of almond extract to get the smell, but it won't be as soothing as the oil.