FAVORITE Waffle and Pancake Mix!

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Just got our Amazon shipment of our all-time favorite waffle and pancake mix- Bob’s Red Mill High Fiber Pancake and Waffle Mix– and just in time for tomorrow morning’s waffle with strawberry syrup birthday breakfast for my oldest! Whenever I make this, I double the recipe, replace the 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed, add a bit of cinnamon, and some vanilla extract. You can place them in the fridge if they will be eaten in the next few days (and they will!), or you can freeze them and pop them into the toaster. We also love peanut or almond butter, raisins, honey and pure maple syrup on this breakfast favorite- enjoy!

Pukka Refresh Tea – My New Nighttime TREAT!

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My friend Kate, owner of Blue Morpho Skin Spa (who gives FANTASTIC organic facials!!!) recently introduced me to Pukka’s Refresh Tea. It’s a blend of  peppermint, fennel, and rose and, while I thought this combination was a bit odd, it turned out to be slightly sweet and the perfect way to complete my evening. Replace your current nighttime treat with this tea, and I promise your sweet tooth will thank you!

A Kid’s Meal – Earth’s Best Baked Chicken Nuggets & Lettuce Wraps

Last night, Scott was off at church, I mowed the yard, and the kids cleaned and vacuumed the Armada. So this seemed like the perfect night to surprise my kids with one of my Whole Foods purchases from the other day- chicken nuggets! Earth’s Best Baked Chicken Nuggets were on sale at Whole Foods, I had 2 store coupons, and 1 manufacturer’s coupon making these a deal I couldn’t resist! The kids LOVED them and are thrilled that I have another box in the freezer. Here are Earth’s Best Baked Chicken Nuggets ingredients (and these are the reasons I’m okay serving this as a dinner “treat”):

Chicken Meat, Water, Contains Less than 2% of the Following: Evaporated Cane Juice, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Rice Starch, Sea Salt, Spice. Battered & Breaded with: Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Wheat Flour, Corn Starch, Evaporated Cane Juice, Sea Salt, Leavening (Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar), Garlic Powder, Yellow Corn Flour, Yeast, Onion Powder, Spice, Sunflower Oil, Extractive of Turmeric. Breading Set in Expeller Pressed Canola Oil and/or Soybean Oil and/or Safflower Oil.

nuggets

Along side these nuggets, I served large romaine leaves and our container of pre-cut veggies. My kids have recently begun to create their own lettuce wraps with fresh veggies and dressing, and it seems to be a fun “trick” to get them to eat more vegetables. A fast and easy weeknight dinner (served on paper plates 😉  ) – a need we all have on those crazy nights!

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A Gruesome Discovery – Planters Peanuts

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How do I know my kids listen to my nutrition tidbits? As we were doing homework and snacking around the kitchen table the other day, Aleyah, as she was eating her Planter’s Lightly Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts, announced that there were corn syrup solids in the peanuts. I declared there certainly wasn’t (thinking that these are lightly salted peanuts and that would mean the ingredients should be peanuts and salt). Nope. My label-reading daughter was right. Here is the list:

Ingredients: PEANUTS, SEA SALT, MALTODEXTRIN, CORNSTARCH, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS.

WHAT?! That’s ridiculous. I bought them on sale but will not be buying them again.

Thank you Aleyah for being my co-detective! detect

My “Mom-trepreneur” Article in the Florida Today Newspaper

Some publicity for my Sweet Hummus!

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Pick up your Florida Today newspaper this morning and read the article, or go to their website and read it there and watch the video!

 

On a Lighter Note, Pumpkin Pie

This pumpkin pie was one that I made for Thanksgiving. I used Wholly Wholesome’s organic frozen pie crust (which I found at Publix and it was deliciously wonderful!) and adjusted the recipe on the can of pureed pumpkin to fit my “eating clean” lifestyle.

Pumpkin Pie

  • 1 15 oz can pureed pumpkin

  • 1/2 cup organic sugar

  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

  • 2 cage-free eggs or 4 egg whites

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger

  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves

  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk

  • dash of salt

Mix sugar, syrup,  cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs or egg whites  in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and then add sugar mixture. Slowly add in almond milk.

Pour into frozen pie shell.

Preheat oven to 425° F. Bake for 15 min. Reduce temperature to 350° F and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Loosely tent with foil if crust begins to brown past your liking.  Cool on wire rack for 2 hours.

Homemade Sweet Hummus for Sale!

Coconut Lime Hummus

Coconut Lime Hummus with Cucumber Slices ~ Or try it with graham crackers for a Key Lime pie-like treat!

As a wife and mom, I strive to feed my family healthy and nutritious foods so we can work and play to the best of our abilities. As I was feeding apple slices and peanut butter to my kids one summer afternoon, the wheels in my head started turning, and I  decided to try making a sweet hummus and came up with a yummy creation- Cinnamon Raisin Hummus! From that, several other flavors evolved and I began to sell them to family, friends, and friends of friends. Now my product is available at Downtown Produce in Melbourne as well as The Melbourne Beach Market. About twice a month, you can find me at the Brevard County Farmer’s Market at Wickham Park on Thursdays from 3:00-7:00 PM.

All my hummus flavors are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan-friendly!

NEW, LIMITED-TIME CHRISTMAS FLAVOR-

Gingerbread – Chickpeas, Raisins, Almond Butter (Dry Roasted Almonds, Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar, Palm Oil, Sea Salt), Water, Orange Juice, Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Molasses, Sea Salt

Cinnamon Raisin – Raisins, Chickpeas, Almond Butter, Water, Cinnamon, Lemon Juice, Sea Salt – Click here for nutrition label

Orange Date – Dates, Chickpeas, Almonds, Orange Juice, Water, Cinnamon, Orange Zest, Sea Salt – Click here for nutrition label

Spiced Fig – Figs, Chickpeas, Almond Butter, Water, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, All Spice, Pure Maple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Sea Salt -Click here for nutrition label

Coconut Lime – Golden Raisins, Chickpeas, Almonds, Unsweetened Coconut, Water, Lime Juice, Lime Zest, Sea Salt – Click here for nutrition label

Sweet Hummus Ideas:

  • A dip for apple, pear, and peach slices
  • Spread on bananas
  • Jazz up the morning- spread on your whole grain waffle, toast, or english muffin
  • Great on whole grain crackers or pretzels for an afternoon snack
  • Turn it into a savory sauce over pork or turkey

These flavors are packed full of complex carbs, are high in protein, and have a good dose of healthy fats. This is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you feeling full!

PRICING:

$7 for 1, 8 oz container

$13 for 2, 8 oz containers OR

$18 for 3, 8 oz containers

To purchase, e-mail me at

wholetothecore@hotmail.com

or call

321-427-5217

I accept cash, check, or Paypal payment.

 If you have any questions, please e-mail me or call!

My Small Business

My oldest, Aleyah, recently asked me what I do with the money that I make from my hummus. I was happy to report that the money I earn from my sales goes towards paying for her and her sister’s ballet tuition. According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in locally-owned business, $68 returns to the community! I love selling my sweet hummus because it promotes whole and clean eating, it provides me with the means to allow my girls to dance, and I know that I am giving back to my community!

My Organic Facial – Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

I have been keeping my schedule as clutter-free as possible the past few weeks so that I could get “all my ducks in a row” for the beginning of my hummus-making career. I know life is about to get somewhat crazy, so today I sent all the kids off to school, the husband off to play golf (he was devastated I’m sure), and me off to run the causeway and then indulge in an organic facial.
I recently met a friend of my cousin-in-law who owns the Blue Morpho Organic Skinspa in Indialantic. Kate purchased some hummus from me and she showed me around her spa when I delivered the hummus to her. Last week, she gave a presentation to me and a couple of friends on what she does and the benefits of her services, the products she uses, and the foods that are vital to healthy skin. Here are three of the products that she uses and recommends:

Naturopathica Holistic Health

Tamahra’s Secret

Sequoia Beauty

My 45 minute facial included cleansing, a mask, a serum, eye cream, and all the pampering that comes with it- including a foot massage! She told me there was no rush and to take my time getting up, so I was tempted to stay right there and take a nap for the rest of the afternoon. 🙂
I know you’re thinking that this facial probably cost me an arm and a leg, but she charges a very reasonable $45. She also offers a 75 minute and a 90 minute facial. So if you are in need of a gift for someone or yourself, please contact Kate and schedule a facial with her. You won’t be disappointed, and you (and your skin) will be renewed!
Thank you Kate for sharing your talent and expertise with our community!

Nature’s Path Organic Cereal Deal – $2.27 a box!

I just got this great deal on Amazon’s Warehouse Deals for Nature’s Path Organic Mesa Sunrise Cereal- 6 Boxes for $13.59!  (Free shipping for a purchase of over $25) I recently purchased this cereal at Whole Foods when it was on sale and I had a coupon. I loved it! It is not only tasty and crunchy, but it is also gluten free if you need a wheat-free cereal or just prefer it.  Hurry though- only a handful of deals left!

Snack Break With Store-bought Snack Bars

I would love to send my kids to school everyday with a healthy, homemade snack. But reality is, there are not enough hours in the day to make everything from scratch. Here are three of our favorite grab-and-go bars when we need a little help from our friends…

Kashi’s Chocolate Soft Baked Squares – These are one of Aleyah’s new favorites. She gets a kick out of the fact that sweet potatoes and black beans are baked right in with the chocolate! They also come in almond flavor.

Nature’s Path Chococonut Granola Bars – We also like the NP’s Pumpkin-N-Spice Granola Bars, but the combo of chocolate and coconut in the Chococonut is preferred by our family. These are a little more on the dessert , but they are a nice organic and wheat-free treat on the occasion we need them.

Clif Kid ZBarThese kid-sized bars create shrills of excitement when I place a box into the grocery cart. The oat-based bars come in a variety of flavors including S’mores, Iced Oatmeal, and Peanut Butter to name a few.