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Books/ Spiritual/ Sponsored

Peace in the Pressure Cooker + A Book Giveaway




“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned: struck down, but not destroyed.” 
2 Corinthians 4:7-8


I have been waiting and waiting to share this amazing book with all of you!  I can’t think of a better time than Christmas to give you all the gift of knowing this beautiful woman’s story. Boy, do I wish I could give one of her books to each and everyone of YOU!  But since I cannot, I decided to celebrate this Christmas season of giving by having a book giveaway.


I am giving away 5 copies of Peace in the Pressure Cooker to five wonderful readers.  If you would rather not wait to read Patti’s story, then order her book right here, right now! 


I watched the powerful video below of Patti talking about her life story a few months ago.  I had the honor of being one of the first to watch it, while it was still in the editing phase.  Even then, I knew that what I had seen and heard from Patti would be life-changing for me.  I finished watching the video with tears streaming down my face and chills covering my body.  I became very passionate about sharing her story, and even felt frustrated that I had to wait until the book came out and the video was done! 


There is so much that struck me about watching and hearing Patti’s story. It is very rare to see someone who has overcome the challenges Patti has, yet still see joy and peace in their life. Peace & joy just flow from Patti.  Patti has shown me exactly what it looks like to love our God with a giddy love (she even gives a giddy giggle in the video a couple times, so watch for it..it is my favorite!) It is a  passionate, intimate and trusting love.  She also showed me what it looked like to just hold on, as she grasped tight, pushed back, and found peace despite the extreme pressures life brought..

Some of the pressures that Patti has overcome?
 ~physical and sexual abuse
 ~breast cancer
 ~divorce 
~single-parenting
~ living with a chronic pain and a brain injury from an auto accident 
~depression and homelessness. 

Yes, she has had her share of life’s pressures, but what peace she has found in the midst of them.

When I finally got my hands on her book, Finding Peace in the Pressure Cooker, the timing was perfect.  If you have been following along, you know that since mid-October I have been going through breast cancer reconstruction surgery.  It was a much longer process than we thought it would be, with many, many complications.  Reading Patti’s book truly helped get me through it all, and reminded me to keep giving my concerns and burdens to God.  I found myself highlighting  many pages as I read.  

Here are some of her words that really touched me:

“That’s Mom; she was never going to change. But something changed inside me. I had gained new ground by standing up to her, and I was healed of the emotional injury that day in church. I was never going to let her bully me again. She tried, but I stood my ground for the next eight years.”
“Then the Lord spoke to my heart telling me to make a choice: I could either carry the offense of my Mom’s actions or carry the burden of her lost soul. The choice was mine to make. What was it going to be?  I felt a strong burden for Mom’s soul.”
“…if I carried fear, resentment, and malice—then these emotions would keep me from sensing his presence.”
“What have I told you that you can do with all your burdens?” I answered him, “You said I can give all my burdens to you.” God promises he will not just walk with us when we are burdened, but that he would also take our burdens upon himself. Isn’t he amazing? I love him so. I was instantly released of the heaviness in my heart, and peace took its place.”


Patti writes with an honesty that I could relate to.  She is authentic and vulnerable.  I kept finding myself nodding my head at the book in my hands…I could so identify with her feelings.  Her honesty was very refreshing.  

Here are some examples:

         “Angry people frightened me.” 
         “Personal criticism made me defensive.”
         “My life was shaped by the demands of the people around me, and I lost all sense of my own      identity.”
         “I confused love with pity by protecting the addicted or depressed people in my life, rescuing them from their problems.”
          “I felt responsible for the damaged people in my life and tried hard to help them change their behavior or attitudes.” 
          “I trusted the addicted or depressed person’s promises, even if he or she had broken countless promises before.”
          “I had unhealthy boundaries and couldn’t say no without feeling guilty.”
          “I avoided pain by working, spending, serving, and clowning around—anything to not feel.”
 Can you relate to any of these things?  I know I could…most ALL of them. Patti tells us how she overcame and found peace.  


I will end this with some of my favorite words from Patti:

What drives me to sit before women? I love to get eye to eye with them so they can see into my heart.  I share the pressures of life, not to pick a scab, not to trigger anything, but just to show them that I understand pressures of life–prolonged, consistent pressures that can crush you–but because of what we have in God, because of the empowering of His word & His promises, we can push back from the inside out.   

Maybe our surroundings won’t change, but we change.  This is the God I serve. He changes the conditions inside my heart.  He didn’t take me out of anything, He kept me in everything. I’ve been hit by cancer, I’ve been hit by cars, I’ve been tied in chairs, I’ve had my nose torn open–but I’m NOT going to be quiet about my God.  The world has done alot to us, but my God has taken it back by His design.  You CAN have peace in this pressure cooker world.

Join the Giveaway!



Get to know Patti Davis:




~Follow Peace In The Pressure Cooker On Facebook


Don’t forget to watch the video above! 

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Uncategorized

How To Make Mantecaditos – A Puerto Rican Christmas Cookie + Dreaming Of Puerto Rico

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puerto Rico, The All-Star Island for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’ve had lots of downtime lately, having 3 surgeries since mid-October.  I’ve got resting and relaxation down!  I can tell I’m at the end of all this reconstruction because I am ready to get up and be out and about!  I’ve had time to lay around and dream, and lately I’ve been DREAMING OF PUERTO RICO!
I’ve been watching some amazing  videos about Puerto Rico.  Puerto Rico Tourism recently partnered with popular Trip Advisor to transform real traveler 5-star reviews into stunning short films. These stunning short films are narrated by Puerto Rican stars, and has helped me   realize that Puerto Rico is filled with world-class attractions that will turn any trip into a 5-star vacation story!
Just watch the above video to see the beautiful El Yunque National Forest.  I just sat and stared wide-eyed at that waterfall.  This is the only rainforest under US national park service.
 
A few other reasons I’m dreaming of Puerto Rico:
~Flamenco Beach in Culebra, cited as one of the best beaches in the world.
~I want to glow like and angel in the water in the Bioluminescent bays.  
~I’d visit San Juan and enjoy its old world charm.
~The foodie in me would love to explore some of Puerto Rico’s delicacies.
Speaking of Puerto Rican food, since a trip there is not in the plans , at least until I heal more, I thought it would be fun to experience some authentic Puerto Rican food.
I explored the internet and found this recipe for Mantecaditos.  It is a Puerto Rican Christmas Cookie, a buttery, almond- flavored shortbread cookie, and we happened to have all of the ingredients to make it on hand.  My little 10 year old baker was ecstatic to try a cookie that is eaten on a beautiful island at Christmastime!  Magical!
Mantecaditos-A Puerto Rican Christmas Cookie
1/3 cup almonds (grounded in food processor)
1/2 cup (8 tbsp)  vegetable shortening (cold) *I used butter in place of shortening
1/4 pound salted butter (one stick, cold)
3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1  1/2 tsp pure almond extract
Selection of  toppings: multicolor nonpareils, cinnamon sugar, colored sugar crystals, guava paste or maraschino cherries (halved). Also, you may dredge in super fine sugar (10×10) while still hot to make a sugar coating.
Directions:
1.  Preheat oven 350ºF.
2.  Place almonds in a food processor an pulse until finely ground.
3.  Add butter, vegetable shortening, sugar, pure almond extract and flour to finely chopped almonds in food processor and pulse until all ingredients are incorporated.  Finish kneading mixture by hand in a bowl.
4.  Measure a scant tablespoon and start making tiny balls with your hands (about the size of cherry tomatoes) and place in baking pan about 1 inch apart (I use a 12×17 inch jelly roll pan).
5.  Once you have finished making the balls,  make a “dent” in the middle of each ball gently (like thumbprint cookies, just that I don’t use my thumb I use my middle finger, but use whatever finger makes you happy.) Use your other hand to hold the dough so that you don’t make too many cracks in the sides while pressing down.
6.  Fill “dent” with nonpareils or the topping you wish to use.
.  Bake for 20 minutes at 350º F.  Remove from oven and leave in the pan for about 15 minutes to cool down.  Store in air tight container.
These are DELICIOUS! 
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Puerto Rico is also knows for their Rums.  Of course I had to find a fun Puerto Rico rum drink recipe, and I found a Puerto Rican Eggnog recipe.  It is called Coquito.  I can’t imagine drinking this on a tropical island, but I’m gonna close my eyes while I sip and sure try!  It sounds like a delicious, cozy & warming drink.
Coquito-Puerto Rican Eggnog
2 cups coconut milk
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups Puerto Rican Rum
4 egg yolks, slightly beaten
Ground cinnamon & sticks , to garnish
Blend milks, rum, and yolks in a blender until frothy; chill. Pour into glasses, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve with cinnamon sticks.
_________
One last reason that I would love to visit Puerto Rico is that there is no need for Passports or foreign money!  We would just hop on a plane and go.  Yes, please.
If this sounds good to you and you would like to Live your own 5-star vacation story in Puerto Rico.live your own 5-star vacation story in Puerto Rico make sure you enter this contest where you can win a trip for two that includes:
~Airfare
~3-night stay (in one room)
~Food Credit
(Total prize value up to $2,000 dollars!)
How to Enter:
1. Leave a comment on the blog post about your favorite amenities in Puerto Rico-find your favorite here: PuertoRico.com
**Examples: Flamenco Beach, San Juan, etc!
For additional entries
@. Tweet out a message about what you would like to do in Puerto Rico with a link back to the participating blog post and the hashtag #5StarPR.  Make sure to leave your tweet URL in the comment sections of the participating blog’s post.
3. “Like” seePuertoRico.com on Facebook  Leave a comment on the blog post stating you Liked them on Facebook.

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Christmas/ DIY/Crafts/ FUN/DIY/ Holidays/Parties/ Sponsored

Last Minute Simple But Thoughtful Christmas Gifts With Easy Homemade Gift Tags

I have so many sweet friends, but I only buy Christmas gifts for a select few of them.  Every year I try to come up with something simple but personal. This year I decided I could not go wrong with a coffee gift card — they ARE my closest friends after all, so of course they all love coffee!  I smile when I think about the precious time I have had with each one of them sharing our hearts over a cup of coffee.  
Another thing I know my close friends all love is chocolate.  Coffee + chocolate + a fun gift tag, “homemade” by the help of a kit and my love for Metallic Sharpies = a fun & simple gift!
Sharpies have always been my favorite brand of marker– by far!  I love that you can always expect them to work long and hard for you.  They are dependable, predictable, come in all types of point sizes & colors.  My new Sharpie crush is the Metallic Sharpies. Gold, Copper & Silver –they are so pretty!
Right now is a great time to purchase Sharpies.  Staples is having an amazing deal. They are selling the 12 pack of Sharpies for only $6.00!  I bought a 12 pack of black Sharpies and a 12 pack of multi-colored fine-point Sharpies both for $6.00, and a 4 pack of assorted metallic Sharpies for only $5.00.  
I store mine in mason jars (of course!) and they sit out on our art desk so I can easily grab a single marker or a whole set if needed.  My 10- year old Avery drew this amazing owl using the metallic Sharpies and some crayons.  She is crushing on the metallic Sharpies, too!
On to my fun project.  I stamped the tags with white ink, and envisioned how I could embellish them with metallic Sharpies just to make them a bit more special.  
I used the metallic Sharpies to add a bit of shiny & shimmer to my gift tags.  Just a touch here and there made a huge difference.  I also used metallic Sharpies to to write who the gift was ‘to’ & ‘from.’

I got out my ribbon and some jute, stacked the coffee card and chocolates, and tied the shiny gift tags to the gifts.

I had fun finding different ways to tie the gifts together and using different Sharpie markers to embellish and sign the tags.
So festive and fun!
Don’t you love how the gold Sharpie shines? I wish the camera could capture it better.  Take my word, it is PRETTY!
These little packages look so cute under my tree.  I cannot wait to give them to the special ladies in my life.  I hope it reminds them too, of our shared love of coffee and chocolate, and just how much they shine light into my life!  
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For a TON of fun Sharpie project ideas, make sure you follow them on:
Get inspired, then head to your nearest Staples this holiday season and purchase the 12-Ct multi colored pack of Sharpies for &6.00 and the Sharpie Metallic Assorted 4-Ct pack, as well as other Sharpie products for your holiday needs.  You will love them!
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Chalkboard Art Wall With Frog® Tape Textured Surface

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of FrogTape provided by ShurTech Brands, LLC for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Recently I was contacted by Frog Tape® and was asked to try out their FrogTape Textured Surface.  I have a whole house-full of textured walls, so my brain went into overdrive with all the things I could do with this new product…that is..if it was easy to use and actually worked!
Well, let me tell you, it is BOTH.  It is so easy to use that I may have done my project the day after reconstruction surgery. (shhh..don’t tell my Mom or I will get scolded.)
The product worked beautifully and I am giddy excited about what I will be able to do with it.

I decided to paint a strip of chalkboard paint in Avery’s room.  She is my little artist and is constantly creating in her room.  Being able to create on the wall adds another element of outlet for that art brain of hers.

The process was simple:
~I used my level iphone app to draw 2 straight lines across the wall.  I literally used the edge of the phone as my stencil and worked my way across the wall. So easy!
~I then taped the lines off using Frog Tape®.  My Mother-in-Law helped me reach the top line as I am not supposed to have my arms above shoulder height for a week.
~Frog Tape® for textured surfaces has very clear and easy instructions.  After taping off, you simply wipe the line of tape with a damp cloth.
~Then unscrew the lid to the Liquid Paint Lock and add the brush lid provided in the kit.  Give it a shake.

~Use the Liquid Paint Lock along the edge of the tape that will be painted.  This was a very simple, fast and easy step. 

~Wait 15 minutes & the proceed with paint!

I used 2 coats of chalkboard paint.  My project was done in less than 45 minutes and that included drying time.
When I peeled the Frog Tape® off, I was astounded at how straight the line was and there was not one area of paint bleeding through the tape.  It worked perfectly!

My little artist loved her new chalkboard wall.  She is so eager to use it, but the chalkboard paint has to cure for 3 days before she can put any chalk on it.  I think it looks so cute right above her hanging art wire, and it sure cheers this long wall up!
My girl has been talking about all the things she can use her new chalk wall for.  My favorite idea of hers?  A weekly Bible verse written to remind her of the truth of God’s Word.  THAT, my friends, makes this a priceless wall!

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Penne Broccoli Cheese Frittata

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Frozen Food Foundation for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

I am having {fingers crossed} my last stage of reconstruction for cancer tomorrow.  It was supposed to be yesterday, but the main materials they needed to use were stuck on a plane in Texas due to an ice storm. It was frustrating as we were on our way to the hospital when we got the call that surgery had been delayed, but as I always say, God’s timing is perfect. I have loved that these extra two days have given me even more time to prepare.

 

A big part of my preparation has been food for my family.  I was able to plan a few dinners which will be so helpful since I will be losing the use of my arms for a little while(range of motion, no lifting, etc.)

 

My family loves having breakfast type foods for dinner, and they really love pasta and quiche, so I suspect they are going to enjoy this Penne Broccoli Cheese Frittata.  I plan on slicing it up into serving sizes and freezing it. 

 

When prepping for surgery, I have found that convenience is everything.  My freezer has become my best friend.

 

I have partnered up with the Frozen Foods Foundation, and learned from A study conduced by the Frozen Food Foundation and University of Georgia that in many cases, the nutritional value– especially the amounts of Vitamins A, C and folate–of frozen fruits and vegetables is greater that that of fresh-stored produce. Often nutrient degradation is due to the average amount of time a family stores their fresh produce.  

This makes much sense to me as I know that frozen vegetables are picked at peak ripeness and frozen right away which helps retain nutrients.  This is why I refuse to feel ‘Mommy guilt’ when buying frozen foods from my freezer.  I especially refuse to feel it when I am preparing for surgery, and this is the perfect time to take advantage of the 7 vouchers I received in the mail to try.  

 

~Bird’s Eye

~Green Giant

~Healthy Choice

~Hot Pockets/Lean Pockets

~Maria Callenders

~Buitoni

~Stouffer’s /Lean Cuisine

 

I often buy Steam Fresh Bird’s Eye vegetables.  I love just popping them in the microwave for a quick veggie side dish at the end of my meal preparation.

 

 My girls will view the Hot Pockets as a treat, and I will use the  Buitoni Refrigerated Pasta Sauce as another easy-to-make meal while I am healing.

 

I’ve decided to use Bird’s Eye Frozen Broccoli in the Penne Broccoli Cheese Frittata.  The original recipe is from Martha Stewart and does not call for any veggies, but I sneak veggies into our meals any chance I get.  The key to my girls liking the broccoli in this dish is chopping it up into very tiny pieces!  If you are serving adults, I would do more of a rough chop.

 

 

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Penne Broccoli Cheese Frittata 

(inspired by Martha Stewart recipe from Martha Stewart Living, June 2010)

 

6 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 cups cooked penne pasta {7 ounces dry}

1 cup Bird’s Eye frozen broccoli, cooked and chopped in to tiny bits 
1 tablespoon butter

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Whisk the eggs, milk, ricotta, Parmesan, salt & pepper together in a mixing bowl. Stir in the cooked pasta & chopped broccoli.
Heat a 10″ skillet over medium heat. Add the butter & swirl around to coat the skillet evenly. Pour in the egg mixture & cook until the edges are beginning to set {about 2 minutes}. Transfer to the oven & bake until completely set {10-15 minutes}. Let cool slightly & invert onto a serving plate. Cut the frittata into wedges & serve garnish.

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I hope this post encourages you to venture down the frozen foods aisle and purchase lots of fruits and vegetables! 

 

You can follow Frozen Food Foundation Facebook & Frozen Food Foundation Twitter for great information on frozen foods.

 

 

 

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An Amazing Site For Holiday Entertaining Tips & Recipes

This post brought to you by Bed Bath & Beyond. All opinions are 100% mine.
My birthday is at the end of November and I have always loved that fact.  It is the time of year where everything gets festive and twinkly.  I love bundling up and going out. I love child-like exhaling to see if it is cold enough for my breath to become visible.  I love snuggling up to my handsome husband as we walk briskly to our destination, holding hands a bit awkward as gloves get in the way.
My In-laws took our family out for my birthday last week.  They are members of a country club and the atmosphere and food there did not disappoint!  Conversation was sweet, and I sat back and felt so incredibly thankful as I watched my girls converse and enjoy their Grandparents. I am so very blessed to have In-laws whom I love and whom my children adore.
At the end of dinner my Mother-in-Law handed me an envelope. Inside was a gift card one of my MOST favorite stores — Bed Bath & Beyond.
I was giddy about the idea of going shopping, especially before the holidays, and especially because I get to spend the gift card on ME!  What fun!
As you all know if you have been reading recent posts, I have had to do a lot of resting lately due to surgery complications & reconstruction issues.  I was recently resting in bed, and decided to check out the Bed Bath & Beyond website to get ideas of what i would like to spend my birthday gift card on.
Can I just say I was blown away by the Bed Bath & Beyond website?  It is truly amazing, especially the Holiday Your Way section.  They have Holiday Recipes, Holiday Entertaining, and tons of inspiration & tips to create a “Holiday Your Way!”
I was especially drawn to the Entertaining Section.
There is a Holiday Checklist:

a Serveware Gossary

& my favorite…Holiday Party Themes!

Here are a few of their Holiday Theme Party ideas.  Click through to their Holiday Entertaining section for tips and ideas on each type of Holiday Party.
Cookie Party
Snow Party
Gingerbread House Party
Indoor Carols
Gift Wrapping Party
Ugly Sweater Party
White Elephant Gift Exchange 
Tree Trimming Party
Snowflake Party
I don’t know about you, but those fun ideas definitely get me in the mood to entertain.
Back to my birthday gift card, I found a few fun festive ideas of how I might spend it.  I’m all about small touches of the holiday season in my home.  I didn’t overdue it with decor this year, but a little holiday touch in each room makes me very happy!  Here are a few things from Bed Bath and Beyond that caught my eye that would add to the Christmas spirit in my home:

Felt Snowflake Coasters –how cute are these?  They are only $1.99!  Can you believe that price?

Yankee Candle–I can’t go to Bed Bath & Beyond without inhaling the new scents and I usually walk out with at least one.

Gorgeous & Unique Nativity Set–I may have drooled a little while looking at this.  So beautiful!

Burlap Polka Dot Place Mats–I love burlap.  I love polka dots.  I think I must have these.
So many fun items, it is hard to decide!
Be sure to check out the Bed Bath & Beyond Holiday Your Way site to help you plan your parties.  Remember to enjoy every moment of the season, especially with those you love!
What are some of your favorite holiday tips and treats?  Please share them with me!

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FAMILY/ Healthy Eating/ HOME/ How-Tos/ Organizing/ Parenting/ RECIPES

How To Establish a Balance Between Healthy Recipes and Non-Healthy Recipes For The Family


A Reader Question:
I can’t help but notice all the healthy things you post about and pin, and yet perusing through your pinterest pages I see that you aren’t shy about ‘non-healthy’ recipes as well.  I am starting to try to eat clean but am wanting to find a balance where I can still go on Pinterest and not have to shy away from everything I see and being able to bake with my kids and actually have them enjoy the finished product, etc.  How do you establish this balance for yourself and your family?


My Answer:
Great question!  We save the fun, unhealthy recipes for our Friday Family nights and for birthdays, holidays and special occasions.  On normal days, we still have some sweets, but they are made with healthy ingredients, like the Apple Pie Bites I just posted.  Most of the time the sweetest thing in the house is frozen or fresh fruit which is great, because then the kids will grab it and eat it!  I work very hard at not having junk in the house during the week, but then always make sure we have a treat on the weekend.

Expanded Answer:
We love food around here, so I make a point of finding a balance between healthy eating and less healthy eating.  I feel good about the fact that we eat very healthy during the week, but then indulge on the weekends or during special occasions.  It is amazing how often special occasions come about, so believe me, my kids are not deprived.  If anything they appreciate food and have a healthy understanding of food that is nourishing and food that is not. They also are aware of how good healthy food makes them feel and how crappy they feel after eating too many sweets….not that it stops them from indulging but it makes them appreciate the necessity of good, nourishing food.

I think key to eating clean and healthy is to know what you are eating.  You are already winning the battle if you are eating from home and making things homemade.  This eliminates fast food & processed foods, artificial flavors and colors, and chemical ingredients that are next to impossible to pronounce.
Another key is finding sweet recipes that have ingredients that are profitable for the body and health.  Below are a few great examples, and my Vegan Desserts board on Pinterest has a bunch more ideas.

Our Favorite Healthy Snacks

Lastly, get your kids involved in the cooking and baking process.  Explain to them why honey is better than processed white sugar, and why whole wheat flour is better than white flour.  Get them used to making recipes with wholesome ingredients and talk about what each of those ingredients will do for the body–i.e. nuts…they have lots of protein that help build strong muscles and give energy!  
My girls are so used to cooking in a mindful manner that this Thanksgiving my 10 year old was appalled at how much sugar we used to make a Cranberry Cake.  It was 1 1/2 cups, and I love that she noticed that it was not the way we usually bake treats.  We also made Potato Casserole and she had NO IDEA what cream of chicken soup was.  I never buy it, and she just couldn’t understand why anyone would want creamed chicken! Then I told her it was really just flavored like chicken, which she very dramatically responded “eww!”  It was a good example to me of how much our eating habits have changed over the years.  A few years ago just about every dinner I made had cream of ‘something’ soup in it…and cheese…and sour cream…and butter.  
Our Not So Healthy Favorite Snacks

Funky Fritos – we make these once a year during football season

I think a balance is important, and I am very comfortable with how we have chosen to eat in our family.  If you are trying to change your family’s eating habits, take it a little at a time, explain why you are making each change as you do, and be patient.  They will eventually adjust and might just start to appreciate mindful, healthy eating.

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