Chia Seed Recipes - From Pudding to Muffins

We've been talking over in our Facebook Group about eating to support healthy hormones and we all seem to like chia seed which is one of the foods mentioned in our article.

Here are a few recipes based around consuming more chia seeds which are beneficial for us into recipes.

Chia Pudding
Ingredients:
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh fruit and nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Mix chia seeds, almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla in a jar or bowl.
Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to thicken.
Top with fresh fruit and nuts before serving.

Chia Jam
Ingredients:
2 cups berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat the berries over medium heat until they begin to break down.
Mash the berries with a fork or potato masher.
Stir in the chia seeds, honey, and lemon juice.
Simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens, then let it cool.
Store in a jar and refrigerate.

CHIA SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup spinach
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup almond milk or juice
Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chia Granola Bars
Ingredients:
1 cup oats
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat honey and peanut butter over low heat until melted.
In a large bowl, combine oats, chia seeds, and dried fruit.
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix well.
Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Slice into bars and store in an airtight container.

Chia Seed Pancakes
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine flour, chia seeds, and baking powder.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and maple syrup.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
Cook pancakes on a lightly greased skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
Serve with your favorite toppings.

Chia Seed Muffins
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup sugar or sweetener of choice
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a muffin tin.
In a large bowl, mix flour, chia seeds, sugar, and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, whisk milk, oil, egg, and vanilla.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Fill muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Chia Seed Pudding Parfait
Ingredients:
1/2 cup chia seeds
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1 tbsp honey
Fresh fruit (berries, mango, etc.)
Granola or nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Combine chia seeds, coconut milk, and honey in a jar or bowl.
Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Layer the chia pudding with fresh fruit and granola for a delicious parfait.

Chia Crust Pizza
Ingredients:
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 egg
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings of your choice
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine almond meal, chia seeds, egg, olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder.
Press the dough into a thin circle on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm and golden.
Top with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

Chia-Infused Water
Ingredients:
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup water
Fresh lemon or lime slices
Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Add chia seeds to a glass of water.
Stir well and let sit for 10-15 minutes until the chia seeds swell and form a gel-like consistency.
Add lemon or lime slices and mint leaves for flavor.
Drink immediately for a hydrating boost!

Chia Seed Salad Dressing
Ingredients:
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Stir in chia seeds and season with salt and pepper.
Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the dressing and thicken.
Drizzle over salads for tangy, nutritious dressing.




From my newly revised e-Book GREAT GRUB FOR KIDS.

Kiwi Cooldown Smoothie
Ingredients:
2 kiwis, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup pineapple
1/2 cup oat milk
1/2 cup ice
Toppings: Kiwi slices, chia seeds

Grape Escape Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup green grapes
1/2 banana
1/2 cup rice milk
1/2 cup ice
Toppings: Fresh grapes, chia seeds

Enjoy
Renay

xo

  

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What exactly is Whey?

Whey or milk plasma is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained.
A by-product of the manufacture of cheese or casein, it has many commercial uses. 

Sweet whey is manufactured during the making of rennet types of hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss.


Acid whey (also known as "sour whey") is obtained during the making of acid types of cheese such as cottage cheese.


If you are looking to avoid dairy, be careful when choosing products like rice or vegetable cheese. Look for casein on the label, many do contain it and yes, that means there is dairy in that non dairy cheese!


My best,
Renay 

xo

Avocado and Chickpea Salad

 Avocado and Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cucumber, diced

1 small red onion, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Add the diced avocado to the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.

Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately.

Renay

xo

Wishing You Gratitude

 

Life Style - Indigenous Mourning Day

 

For our Great, Great Grandfathers and Great, Great Mothers and their parents and their parents, parents, who were pulled from their tribes, not allowed to speak their language or eat their food and forced into slavery, I honor you today.

Renay

xo  

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Lifestyle - Words - Halcyon

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Lifestyle - Night Lights cause Sleep Problems?

How Are You Sleeping?

Findings were published online in the journal Molecular Psychiatry by lead author Tracy Bedrosian, doctoral student in neuroscience and colleagues. Tracy from Ohio State University, said hamsters exposed to light at night for four weeks showed evidence of depressive symptoms, but those symptoms essentially disappeared after about two weeks after exposure to normal lighting conditions.

Even changes in the brain that occurred after hamsters lived with chronic light at night reversed themselves after the hamsters returned to a more normal light cycle, Bedrosian said.
"The good news is that people who stay up late in front of the television and computer may be able to undo some of the harmful effects just by going back to a regular light-dark cycle and minimizing their exposure to artificial light at night," Bedrosian said in a statement. "That's what the results we found in hamsters would suggest."

Exposure to light at night can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall health. Here's how:

Disrupts Circadian Rhythms
Light exposure at night can interfere with your body's natural circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, leading to difficulty falling and staying asleep.

Suppresses Melatonin Production
Light exposure, especially blue light, inhibits the production of melatonin—the hormone responsible for signaling to your body that it’s time to sleep. This suppression can delay or disrupt sleep onset.

Reduces REM Sleep
Exposure to light at night can also reduce the amount of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep you get, which is crucial for restorative sleep and cognitive function.

Increases Heart Rate
Studies have shown that light exposure during sleep can elevate heart rate, potentially disturbing your rest and affecting cardiovascular health.

Impairs Insulin Sensitivity
Research indicates that light exposure at night can lead to higher insulin resistance the following morning, which makes it harder for your body to manage blood sugar levels effectively.

If you must use a night light, opt for one that emits red light, as it has the least impact on your sleep cycle. Alternatively, consider gradually reducing your reliance on night lights to help your body adjust to sleeping in the dark.

Renay

xo

Life Style - Get Unstuck

We are a community of women dedicated to making meaningful changes in our lives. We don’t just dream about transformation – we take actionable steps toward it.

 Through a structured Life Coaching plan called She is in Balance, we empower ourselves with the knowledge and tools to understand why we self-sabotage, why we settle for less than we deserve, and why we often find ourselves repeating the same patterns or staying stuck in unfulfilling habits. 

Together, we are committed to breaking free from these cycles and creating the lives we truly desire.

You can join us and get our entire ....

Women's Self Coaching Bundle for $10 (limited offer)   www.PractitionerRen.com 

You can join us for #FREE in our Join Our Private Facebook Group

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The Food - Baby Butter Lettuce Salad

5 slices eggplant bacon, pork bacon or turkey bacon
2 avocados, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
6 oz. sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/4 cup ketchup 
3/4 cup vegenaise available at http://www.followyourheart.com/
2 tablespoons chopped scallion
3 tablespoons pickle relish
1 pint cherry tomatoes
12 cups butter lettuce, torn into bite size pieces
1 cup thinly sliced red onion

Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces; set aside.

Toss bread chunks into 1-2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil and spread in single layer over baking sheet. Bake until crisp and lightly golden.

Combine vegenaise, ketchup, relish & scallion. In serving bowl combine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onion with bacon and croutons.


Toss with your favourite dressing and serve.
This recipe serves 8.

Renay
xo

Lifestyle - Words

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Lifestyle - Maybe?

 

Women in History - Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker or rather

Freda Josephine McDonald

Josephine Baker was a world-renowned performer, WWII spy, and activist, known for her extraordinary impact both on stage and in the fight for racial equality. One of the most successful African American performers in French history, Baker’s career demonstrated the powerful ways entertainers can use their platforms to create social change.



Born Freda Josephine McDonald on June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, Baker grew up in a family of entertainers who performed in the segregated Midwest, often bringing her on stage. Despite their efforts, her parents' careers never gained traction, and Baker often had to take on odd jobs to survive. At times, she would dance in the streets, collecting money from passersby. Her street performances eventually caught the attention of an African American theater troupe. At just 15 years old, Baker joined the group, and in doing so, adopted her husband's last name, becoming Josephine Baker.

     Baker quickly flourished as a dancer in various vaudeville shows, which were popular in the early 20th century. She later moved to New York City, where she became part of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement celebrating Black life and art. A few years later, her career took her to Paris, where she became an international sensation. 

   Known for her distinctive dance style and innovative costumes, Baker’s performances, which often incorporated African themes, captivated audiences. One of her most famous acts involved dancing in a banana skirt during her show Danse Sauvage. In addition to her dancing, she was also a talented singer and appeared in several successful films in Europe.

    When World War II broke out and the German army invaded France, Baker took up the fight against the Nazi regime. Using her position as a performer, she gathered intelligence from German officials and passed it on to French military authorities. She cleverly concealed secret messages on music sheets written in invisible ink, contributing to the war effort. After the war, Baker returned to the United States, where she was confronted with the racism and segregation that she had not experienced in France.

    Baker's commitment to fighting discrimination led her to refuse to perform for segregated audiences, forcing many venues to integrate for her shows. Her advocacy for racial justice was recognized by the NAACP, and in 1963, she was one of the few women invited to speak at the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In her speech, she reflected on her experiences as a Black woman, both in the U.S. and abroad:

    "You know, friends, that I do not lie to you when I tell you I have walked into the palaces of kings and queens and into the houses of presidents. And much more. But I could not walk into a hotel in America and get a cup of coffee, and that made me mad."

     Baker's activism extended into the 1970s, and her personal life mirrored her political values. She adopted 13 children from different countries, calling them her "rainbow tribe" and using her family to promote racial and cultural harmony.

    She continued to perform well into her later years, with her final show in 1975 selling out and earning her a standing ovation. Josephine Baker passed away on April 12, 1975, leaving behind a legacy as both an entertainer and a fearless advocate for racial equality.

Such a wise, creative activist, I wonder how she was truly like on a personal level.

Renay

xo

Women in History - Isabella Aiukli Cornell

Isabella Aiukli Cornell

Activist and Designer

In 2018, Isabella Aiukli Cornell, a member of the Choctaw tribe, used fashion as a powerful tool for activism. 

   With the assistance of designer Della BigHair-Stump from the Crow tribe, she created a prom dress to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. 

    The gown was red, a color believed by many tribes to be visible to spirits, guiding restless souls back to peace. This color has since become a symbol of the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) movement, which was further amplified by artist Jaime Black's REDress Project.

Today, Isabella's dress is housed in the National Museum of American History. Through her efforts and the work of others, the issue continues to gain attention, inspiring many to take action. Such an inspiration to see a young powerful, wise, woman.

Renay

xo

Lifestyle - Shout Outs to some Top Women's Health Practitioners in America in 2024

When it comes to health and wellness, women need healthcare providers who understand their unique medical needs and challenges. Across the United States, a number of female doctors are making significant strides in the field of women's health, offering not only groundbreaking treatments but also compassionate care. Whether through leadership in medical research, providing top-tier clinical care, or advocating for women’s health on a broader scale, these doctors are changing lives. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most influential and respected female doctors who are leading the way in advancing women’s health as of 2024.

Dr. Nancy C. Lee

Dr. Nancy C. Lee is a leading expert in the field of gynecology and women's health. She has held a position as the Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center. Dr. Lee is known for her work in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers, particularly ovarian and cervical cancers. She has authored numerous influential publications and actively contributes to medical education and training in her specialties. Her approach to patient care emphasizes not only cutting-edge treatments but also personalized care, making her one of the leading doctors in the country for women's cancer care.

Dr. Ava Shamban

Dr. Ava Shamban is a renowned dermatologist and women's health advocate, specializing in skin care and aesthetics. She is the founder of Ava MD, a dermatology clinic, and she is recognized for her work in both clinical and cosmetic dermatology. She has been featured on numerous health and beauty platforms and is a sought-after expert for her insight into the relationship between skin health and overall wellness. Dr. Shamban is also a popular television personality, appearing on shows such as The Doctors, where she provides expert advice on skincare for women of all ages. Her work extends to creating a holistic approach to skincare, addressing issues like aging, acne, and skin cancers, which are key concerns in women's health.

Dr. Deborah C. Armstrong

Dr. Deborah C. Armstrong is an expert in breast cancer treatment and research. As a professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins University, she is widely respected for her pioneering work in the development of new treatments for breast cancer. Dr. Armstrong's expertise is in the area of clinical trials, and she is heavily involved in finding innovative therapies to improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer, particularly those with aggressive forms of the disease. She has also worked on advancing the understanding of the genetics of breast cancer and is regarded as a thought leader in cancer care for women.

These doctors are leaders in their respective fields, and they have made significant contributions to advancing women's health through research, clinical practice, and patient education.

Renay

xo

The Arts - Modernism's Gertrude Stein

The Arts of She is in Balance focuses this week is on American expatriate writer Gertrude Stein was a central figure in early twentieth-century

modernism, serving as a muse and patron to many who visited her legendary Paris apartment.

    She championed avant-garde art, including the works of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, and her own distinctive, repetitive prose influenced playwrights, composers, poets, and visual artists. 

   
   Among the many creatives Stein and her brother Leo befriended was sculptor Jo Davidson, who first met them during his trip to France around 1907. However, it wasn’t until 1922, when their friendship had already deepened, that Davidson sculpted a likeness of Gertrude.

Davidson, known for his busts, felt that a simple portrait of Gertrude would not do justice to her presence. “To do a head of Gertrude was not enough—there was so much more to her than that,” he remarked. Instead, he created a seated figure—a modern rendition of the Buddha. The comparison to Buddha was fitting, both in terms of Stein’s physical stature and her commanding personality. 

   Throughout Davidson’s lifetime, several bronze casts of the sculpture were made; however, this terra-cotta version is amazing. It is the only known life-size model, remains unique. A later bronze cast was installed in Bryant Park in New York City in 1993, marking it as the only statue of a woman—aside from the sculpture of Joan of Arc—in a New York City park.

Absolutely beautiful,

Renay

xo

The Arts - A lovely French Playlist

The Arts - A Rainy Day Driving in the Car Playlist

Renay

xo

The Arts - Mary Cassatt, An American Artist

Mary Cassatt, an American painter, pastellist, and engraver, was born into a wealthy family and spent part of her childhood in Paris, Heidelberg, and Darmstadt. She studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts from 1860 to 1864 before returning to France to study genre painting under prominent artists such as Jean-Léon Gérôme, Charles Chaplin, Paul-Constant Soyer, Édouard Frère, and Thomas Couture. She also visited the Louvre and made her debut at the Salon in 1868, exhibiting her painting Joueuse de mandoline (Mandolin Player) under the name Mary Stevenson.


From 1872 to 1874, Cassatt spent time in Italy, in Rome and Parma, where she copied the works of Correggio and studied engraving. She also traveled through Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium before settling permanently in France in 1874. At the 1874 Salon, her painting Ida caught the attention of Edgar Degas, and she was equally moved by two pastels by Degas that she saw in a Parisian gallery. The two developed a strong artistic relationship, united by their passion for the Old Masters, drawing, pastel techniques, and their shared interest in modern life and technical experimentation. They both rejected outdoor painting and gravitated toward intimate, modern subjects.

In 1877, Degas invited Cassatt to exhibit with the Indépendants group, which she officially joined in 1878 after her work was rejected by the Salon. She participated in four of the group’s exhibitions, in 1879, 1880, 1881, and 1886. That same year, her painting Petite fille dans un fauteuil bleu (Little Girl in a Blue Armchair) was rejected by the American section of the Paris World’s Fair for its boldness. During her Impressionist period, Cassatt explored themes of gender and social codes, frequently portraying women in the theater with typical accessories like bouquets, fans, and opera glasses. She played a significant role in bringing Impressionism to the United States by advising her friend Louisine Elder Havemeyer, a major collector of Degas's works, and encouraging her brother Alexander Cassatt to purchase and exhibit works by Claude Monet and Degas in the U.S.

Cassatt was known for her innovative use of distemper, metallic paints, and mixed media techniques. She was a key figure in the revival of pastel and etching. Her drypoint and aquatint etchings were exhibited in 1889 and 1890 with the Société des Peintres-Graveurs Français (Society of French Painter-Engravers). In 1891, her first solo exhibition at the Galerie Durand-Ruel in Paris showcased ten color aquatints in the "Japanese manner." Over the course of her career, she produced more than 250 etchings, working meticulously on each plate, similar to Francisco de Goya. Through etching, Cassatt sought to make her art more accessible to a wider audience.


In the 1890s, Cassatt increasingly focused on pastels, particularly portraits of women and children. Her 1897 pastel Femme et enfant (Woman and Child), later renamed Mère et enfant (Mother and Child), was donated to the French state and is now housed in the Musée d'Orsay. She became famous for her depictions of mothers and children, a theme that allowed her to connect with classical Madonna imagery and express the sensuality of the human form.

A strong feminist, Cassatt was commissioned to create a monumental painting titled Modern Woman for the Woman's Building at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. This work solidified her reputation in the United States, where she held her first solo exhibition at the Durand-Ruel gallery in New York in 1895. In 1894, she purchased the Château de Beaufresne in Le Mesnil-Théribus, where she worked until 1914, when her eyesight began to deteriorate. In 1915, her work was included in an exhibition supporting women’s suffrage at Knoedler & Co. in New York.

Cassatt is regarded as one of the foremost American artists of the late 19th century. However, her recognition in France remains limited, with her works underrepresented in public collections and no major retrospective exhibition held in a national museum.

I hope you enjoyed reading about Mary Cassatt, a strong, intelligent and creative soul.

Renay

xo

The Arts - Classical Lofi -

Renay

xo

The Arts - Classical Lofi Playlist Avail on youtube / music EnJOY

Renay

xo

Women in History - Buffalo Calf Road Women

 

Buffalo Calf  Road Women

Buffalo Calf Road Woman, born around 1844, was a young Cheyenne warrior celebrated for her courage and leadership during the Battle of the Rosebud and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. She is truly an inspiration for women who desire the ability to believe in ourselves and take smart chances in life.

The Battle of the Rosebud took place in 1876 in Montana, where U.S. Army forces clashed with an alliance of Native American tribes, including the Crow, Shoshoni, Lakota Sioux, and Cheyenne, led by Crazy Horse. 

   During the battle, when the Cheyenne forces began to falter, Buffalo Calf Road Woman rode in to rescue her brother, reigniting their morale and helping turn the tide. While the U.S. Army referred to it as the Battle of the Rosebud, the Cheyenne called it The Fight Where the Girl Saved Her Brother. 



Buffalo Calf Road Woman also fought in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, famously known as Custer's Last Stand, where the U.S. Army faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the Native American forces. In 2005, after a 150-year vow of silence, the Cheyenne people revealed that Buffalo Calf Road Woman was the one who delivered the fatal blow to General Custer, a revelation that added a legendary chapter to her already heroic legacy. 

What an amazing women with amazing courage and love for herself and her people.

Renay

xo

Healthy Indulgences: Yummy Healthier Cupcakes

Healthy Indulgences: Yummy Healthier Cupcakes

by Renay Matthews. 

“Just one more please”,  my little one would say as he reached for his second cuppy cake as he calls them, eyes wide waiting for my reaction as his dimples take center stage and my smile follows with “okay, one more”.  

We love to indulge in cuppy cakes! So I had to find a healthier version so they can be enjoyed guilt free. If you end up trying these recipes get the kids involved, they just love being in the kitchen!

So what makes these cupcakes a healthier option?
We use is applesauce, this helps to cut the fat and of course that means fewer calories.

Coconut Champagne Cup Cakes
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups self-rising organic flour
2 cups granulated brown organic sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
 2 tsp baking soda
6 tbsp unsweetened apple sauce
2 1/4 cup organic milk
1 tsp pure organic vanilla extract

Filling:
1 cup organic soy milk
2 tbsp organic granulated brown sugar
2 tbsp organic cornstarch
1 cup flaked coconut

Champagne Frosting:
1/2 cup organic butter, softened
4 cups organic powdered sugar
1/4 cup champagne (replace with organic milk for kids)
1 teaspoon organic vanilla

Directions:
Complete the coconut filling first. Combine in a saucepan, the milk, sugar and the cornstarch, using a whisk. Bring to a boil and remove it from the burner and let it cool for about five minutes. Next stir in your coconut, cover with plastic wrap and place into the refrigerator for about an hour.

Next, in medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator until the cupcakes cool.

Next up cupcakes!
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190.5 degrees Celsius). Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.

In a different bowl, mix together the applesauce, milk and vanilla extract. Now you are ready to stir in the mixed dry ingredients. The batter is now complete and you can fill your cupcake papers halfway full. Add in about one tablespoon of the coconut filling into the center of the cup and then cover it with another bit of the cupcake batter.

Bake the cakes for about 25 to 30 minutes and once cooled top with frosting and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.

Enjoy!

Renay

xo

Beating that Soda Habit

It's the bubbly, raw, cold feeling, effervescent smell followed by a old favorite flavor for me that makes it hard to give up soda. I still have one, but only once in awhile.  I just can't 😞, it's not good for us.  Here is a quick soda solution in case you are going through withdraw. If you have one to share and are a member of this blog, please share! Try the low sugar bubbly waters from the stores. I don't mind these once in awhile, I just don't like the artificial sweeteners, flavor and colors LOL. I just came for the bubbleness!  We also have the at home soda machine options now a days, which I have used to make natural sodas, just never as bubbly! You can also simply mix 1/2 cup of bubbly water with a dash of orange juice, or some fresh mint. Bubbly water is  good with any essence actually. You can get your own flavors and make them at home instead of paying $4.00 a bottle for one.   Another cheat I use is Crystal Lite drink mix, I mix it in the bubbly water. It's wonderful! You can even add boba to it and drink it through a boba straw. My favorite is the blueberry option.

Renay 

'xo

Turmeric - Golden Milk Recipe and More

 Turmeric is a powerful, earthy spice known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, mainly due to its active compound, curcumin.

Here are five simple and effective ways to add turmeric to your diet:

                                                                      Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

Ingredients:

1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (helps absorb curcumin) 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional) Instructions: In a small saucepan, combine the milk, turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon (if using).

Heat gently over medium heat, whisking constantly until warm but not boiling. Once heated, remove from the stove and stir in honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and add ginger if desired.

Pour into a mug and enjoy this warming, anti-inflammatory drink.

Tip: Golden milk is perfect for a calming, relaxing drink before bedtime or as a morning energy booster.

Turmeric Smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 banana

1/2 cup pineapple or mango chunks

1/2 cup coconut water or almond milk

1/2 teaspoon ginger (fresh or ground)

1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)

Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions: Combine the turmeric, banana, pineapple, coconut water (or almond milk), ginger, and ice cubes in a blender.

Blend until smooth.

Pour into a glass and enjoy a nutrient-packed smoothie that combines the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric and the tropical flavors of fruit.

Tip: Add some black pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to enhance curcumin absorption.

Renayxo

Picture Credit: Image by flockine from Pixabay