Find the pearl within you

Tips & Tools

Stuffed Turkey – OK, Stuffed You – Not OK

As we approach the big Thanksgiving feast, we probably think about family get togethers, favorite dishes, maybe football and some piece of that delicious turkey (stuffed or not). Most likely we will find ourselves tempted to try all kinds of dishes and having a hard time saying no to second servings of pies and cakes.

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, Posted in Blog, Wellness Tips |

Discover the Beauty of Romania Info Session

Come learn about this Wellness & History Retreat on December 13, from 5:30PM to 6:30PM, at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Library. Let your escort, Coach Alina, help you discover the rich culture of Romania while you benefit from her wellness tips (did we mention that Dracula’s Castle is on the itinerary?). Light refreshments will be

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, Posted in Blog, Events |

Gnarly Barley

Did you know that barley is an excellent source of molybdenum, manganese, selenium and magnesium and helps lower cholesterol and control blood sugar? Why “Gnarly Barley”? Because my kid decided it sounds funny! Here is a delicious recipe that I presented at the National Czech and Slovak Museum. Be aware: your kitchen will smell really good,

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, Posted in Blog, Recipes, Wellness Tips |

Savory Squash Soup

Here is one of my favorite fall recipes, using in season ingredients to help warm up your soul. 1 medium butternut squash or 2 smaller acorn squash 1 carrot 1 medium onion 1 stalk celery 1 zucchini (peeled) 2 tbs butter or olive oil (vegan option) Salt, pepper to taste ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp

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, Posted in Blog, Recipes |

A pretty salad? Why not?

I have to admit I am very proud of my garden. Although I can not take much credit for the early spring tiling and prepping, and even some planting, I do take good care of my garden afterwards. I learned that if I do not pick the goodies every other day, the zucchini and cucumbers

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, Posted in Blog, Recipes |

No Bake Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients: For the truffles: 2 cups pitted dates, coarsely chopped 1 cup boiling water 1 cup almond butter 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¾ cup coconut flour 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder For the chocolate coating: 5 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao content or higher) cut into small pieces 1 teaspoon coconut oil

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, Posted in Recipes |

Breakfast Chia Pudding

Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened coconut or almond milk 3 Tbs chia seeds 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 mango or pear Preparation: Mix chia seeds and coconut milk in a container, stir until seeds are soaked, add vanilla. It will become gel like in about 15 mins, but it is best to cover and store in the

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, Posted in Recipes |

Avocado Pudding

Ingredients: 2 large avocados – peeled, pitted, and cubed 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp honey 1/3 cup coconut milk 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp ground cinnamon Preparation: (10 min) 1) Blend avocados in food processor. 2) Add cocoa powder, sugar, honey, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon and blend until

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, Posted in Recipes |

Guacamole

Ingredients: 2 avocados 1 medium tomato 2 cloves garlic 1 small lime 5 pieces cilantro chopped Salt & pepper Dash of hot sauce (optional) Mash avocados with a fork in a medium bowl. Add lime juice. Add minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Cut onion into small cubes then add. Last, include the spices.

, Posted in Recipes |

Savory Easy-Peasy Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients 2 big sweet potatoes peeled and cubed 2-3 cloves garlic chopped 2 green onions or some chives chopped 2 TBS olive oil 1 TBS slivered almonds (optional) Rosemary, Thyme or Italian seasoning (depending on your taste) Salt, pepper Preparation (10 mins) Boil sweet potatoes until tender (not mushy), drain water and set pot aside

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, Posted in Recipes |