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A Lunch Salad Full of Plant Protein!

This is my favorite on-the-go and go-to salad.  It is very filling, healthy, delicious, and full of wonderful plant protein! Edamame, quinoa & chickpeas make this a plant protein powerhouse! I pick it up at Trader Joes, but don’t worry if you do not live close to a Trader Joes, because this salad can easily be made at home!

Here are the ingredients:

Spinach –about 2 cups

Cherry Tomatoes –2-4

Shredded Carrots – a palmful

Quinoa –1/2 cup cooked (directions here)

Chickpeas –1/4 cup, drained & rinsed

Dried Cranberries–palm-ful

Edamame –1/4 cup, cooked

Pumpkin Seeds –palm-ful

Salad Dressing —Carrot Ginger or your choice.

These are ingredients I now have on hand at home most of the time, exempt pumpkin seeds.  I live right by a health food store that has pumpkin seeds so that is not a problem.  The Carrot Ginger Miso Salad dressing it comes with is really good, but I have made this at home and really this salad goes well with any type of dressing.  For some salad dressing inspiration, click over to my Salad Dressing Pinterest Boards.

Drinks/ Healthy Eating/ RECIPES

Post From The Past: Amazingly Healthy Turmeric Chai Tea

This is a past post from the New Nostalgia archives.  I love visiting post from the past, especially seasonal type posts.  It is a great reminder to me of what I love, and what was post worthy!  I will be taking a trip down “past posts” road occasionally in the month of October. 
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This is a guest post from Andrea at Frugally Sustainable.  I am so happy to know Andrea.  She is a faithful linker to our Anti-Procrastination Tuesdays, and I know you all love her because she often gets “most clicked on link” of the week.  
I love everything about this guest post, but I especially love that it contains TURMERIC!  I have read over and over that as one who has had cancer, I need to find ways to get turmeric in my diet.  This is a wonderful, simple way to do just that!
Thanks so much, Andrea!
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We all have our go-to-remedies and today I would like to share with you one of mine.

Turmeric is one of the world’s most powerful natural healers. Its’ active ingredient curcumin, has been known for centuries to have extremely potent medicinal properties and is documented as being effective in treating a variety of conditions.

Other than the occasional curry, I struggled to add this beneficial root herb to our diet. That was until I created a Turmeric Chai Tea! 

Although my palate rejoices simply at the thought of this drink, I must warn you…this is some pungent stuff! Tasty, but definitely a pretty serious tea. 

10 Reasons Why Turmeric Is One of My Favorite Remedies

  1. Turmeric is an anti-microbial. That means it will attack both bacterial infections and viral infections and destroy both. It is particularly effective in treating illnesses of the respiratory system (this makes it a superb remedy for the cold and flu season).
  2. It has shown to prevent and stop the growth of prostate, breast, skin, lung and colon cancer
  3. Known to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes
  4. A natural liver detoxifier.
  5. Research shows it may prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
  6. As a potent natural anti-inflammatory, turmeric may work just as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs. Furthermore, reducing the risks associated with the side effects of those types of medications.
  7. It’s a natural painkiller.
  8. Aids in fat metabolism (i.e. helps with weight management)
  9. Trusted for many, many years in other cultures as a treatment for depression.
  10. Speeds up wound healing and assists in the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, uneven pigmentation, and lackluster skin.

I’ve added it to a list of my most favorite medicinal herbs. In fact, it’s right up there with garlic, ginger, parsley, sage and rosemary.

Turmeric Chai Tea Recipe


Turmeric Chai Tea Powder 
(4 servings) 

-3 tablespoons ground turmeric
-4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
-1/8 teaspoon ground clove
-1 teaspoon ground cardamon
-2 teaspoons ground ginger
-1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions: Mix all ingredients together and store in a glass jar.

Note: Cayenne pepper, although optional in the recipe, will speed the turmeric through the blood stream by relaxing blood vessels down to capillaries allowing more turmeric to get to the infections faster. 


Tea Prep
(single serving)

-4 teaspoons of Turmeric Chai Tea Powder
-1 cup water
-sweetener to taste
-1/2-1 cup warm milk (i.e. cow, goat, almond, hemp, coconut, etc.)


Directions: Bring 1 cup of water to boil. Pour water over spices and steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or a cheesecloth. Add sweetener and milk.


Notes and Tips

-WARNING: Turmeric will turn everything it touches yellow. 

-Using fresh herbs is always the better option. If using fresh turmeric and ginger increase steep time, during the prep, to 20 minutes.

-Turmeric, along with the other spices required in this recipe, is available in a well-appointed health food store, the spice aisle of most grocery stores, and in bulk online through companies such as Mountain Rose Herbs and The Bulk Herb Store.

-Because it stimulates the uterus, turmeric is not recommended for pregnant women. It is also contraindicated for those with gall bladder disease or gallstones. As a good general rule, please consult your physician prior to the use of any herbal/spice remedy.

Inspirational Resources:
Turmeric Superfood 
20 Health Benefits of Turmeric 
New Findings Show Disease Fighting Powers of Turmeric

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Andrea is a Registered Nurse turned Frugally Sustainable Homemaker.  Her blog, Frugally Sustainable, is “one of the most featured blogs in its niche! It is host to 4-5 informative posts per week that catalogue the why, the how, and the how-to on: frugality, simplicity, health and nutrition, motivation and inspiration, homeschooling, up-cycling, recycling, and designing a life that is interdependent on like-minded others, ecologically responsible and centered around the home.”

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A Adjustable Bed? Yes, Please.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Leggett & Platt for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

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If you follow me on Facebook, it is not a secret that I LOVE retreating to my bedroom after we get the kids settled down. I often am giddy as I update my Facebook status, telling of my excitement to be in my bedroom! It is one of my most favorite places to be. It is a place to unwind and relax; a haven. I grab a cup of tea, my phone, my laptop, and any books I am reading.  I make sure my TV remote is close and of course, some dark chocolate. My husband knows where to find me if he wants to chill with me, and my kids often come in for one last hug before bed. What else could a girl want?

Well, I thought nothing, until I saw these awesome adjustable beds by Leggett & Platt. Gone are the days where one has to sacrifice style and a put- together look for an amazing, comfortable, adjustable bed.These beds are beautiful, don’t you think?  There are 4 headboard sales and colors to choose from, and I am finding myself thinking I’d like to have one!

It seems like I am not alone in bedroom activities & desires.  In a recent survey by Leggett & Platt Group, a majority of consumers (89%) expressed a desire to transform the master bedroom into a tranquil retreat, a place to relax, read or watch TV while 69% said they feel a little luxury is important in their lives.  Yep, we are on the same page, people!

 

Leggett & Platt  bed would give the perfect customized comfort for reading, watching TV or what I do most often–surf the web. Too often I am piling up numerous pillows to prop myself up, and then my Todd comes up, takes one for himself, and I am litterally deflated and sunk!  Not the best way to greet my husband when he comes to bed, huh? With the Leggett & Platt adjustable bed, this would not be an issue, and when I am ready to sleep, all I have to do is push a button, the bed glides into a favorite position for sleeping. 
 
If this sounds awesome to you, then wait until you hear about this Pinterest Contest.
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Emily Henderson- host of HGTV’s Secrets of a Stylist and Leggett & Platt home style expert wants to put your bedroom design skills to the test through the “Design You Dream Space” Pinterest contest, launching September 17th!
 
How it works:
~”Like” the Leggett & Platt Facebook page; click on the Contest Ta[ and flow the instruction to enter
~Create a board under one of three themes (Coastal Getaway, Modern Elegance or Eclectic Inspiration)
~Include at least on image of a Leggett & Platt bed that you’d like to design a room around 
~Pin a minimum of 7 additional item of your liking to help decorate your bedroom.
 
Emily will choose a grand prize winner, who will receive a free Leggett & Platt queen-sized adjustable bed base and headboard and 1,500 cash toward their own bedroom makeover! The runners up will receive a $500.00 gift card.  The contest ends on 10/15 but winners will be announced after 10/31! –good luck!
 

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Potted Rosemary Topiary for Winter Color & Flavor

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Rosemary Topiary

I’ve wanted to grow a Potted Rosemary Topiary indoors for awhile now, and I’m excited to be doing just that!  I love the simple beauty of a topiary, and I love the practicality of having rosemary in the house.  I plan on using it on my roasted potatoes all though out the fall and winter season!

I’m super eager to get this awesome potted rosemary in the mail.  It is being shipped from Amazon, and will come in a plastic container, which means I will need to pot it.  I am not intimidated though, as I have been browsing 

(1) Miracle-Gro

 

The Gardenieres are hand-picked green thumbs led by master gardener, William Moss.  They are real-life gardeners who have a passion for all things green!  
 
The Gardenieres site contains lots of different videos featuring real gardeners and gardening projects.  I found the perfect video to help instruct and empower me as I start my potting project.  
 
In the video her uses Miracle-Gro® potting mix and Miracle-Gro® liquid feed.
 
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~ideal for all kinds of container or potted plants
~feeds plants for up to 6 months with Miracle-Gro® Continuous Release Plant Food.
~Rich, organic materials help improve drainage and air flow
 

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~Makes feeding as easy as watering
~feeds plants through leaves and roots
~for use with all flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs
 
My personal favorite Miracle-Gro® products is the Miracle-Gro® Organic Potting Mix and the Miracle-Gro® Organic Plant Food.  I love that they put out a product that is organic, especially when I am growing edibles!
 
Do you plan on doing any growing this fall season?  What projects will you do?  What products will you use?  To add to a fun discussion and share your stories, make sure to ‘like’ the Miracle-Gro Facebook page

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Healthy Eating/ RECIPES/ Sides

11 Delicious Ways To Eat Squash

Brown Sugar Acorn Squash

How To Peel, Cut & Bake All Types Of Squash

Creamy Acorn Squash Soup

Squash Mac N Cheese

Spaghetti Squash

Squash and Potato Mash

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Chips

Butternut Squash Cake w/ Vanilla Spiced Icing




Squash Butter














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Planting Spring Bulbs with Dig. Drop. Done!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done. for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Every spring, without fail, I look wistfully at my neighbors yards and their beautiful bulbs popping out of the ground.  I love spring beauty, and every year I think “I should have planted some bulbs last fall!”

Well this year, I am completely inspired as I have recognized that it really is a matter of a quick dig, dropping in the bulb, and being done with it until spring.  I have been very inspired by a site called Dig, Drop, Done.  This site is beautiful, well laid out, and has tools that make the simplicity of planting bulbs even more simple.  I especially love the Garden Guru Tool.  It makes figuring out what bulb is perfect for my home depending on where I live.  It is super easy to use in just 4 steps:

Step 1. Pick Your Country

Step 2. Pick Your Location Within That Country

Step 3. Choose the Type of Bulb You Want to Grow

Step 4. Check Out the Planting Guide that Shows You How to Plant Your Bulbs

A fun and quirky part of the site are the 3 Dig, Drop, Done ladies.  I relate most with the super mom, who is always looking for simpler ways to do things because of a super busy schedule.  She sees bulbs as an easy way to bring beauty to life, and might even include her little ones in bulb planting fun!  

I have learned that bulbs go way beyond just gardening, and you do not have to be a gardener to succeed in bulb growing.  

Are you a gift giver?  They really make the best gifts.  I have a sister in law who has given me the gift of a planted bulb, she made it a tradition and it truly has been one of my most favorite, memorable and anticipated gifts.  Bulbs truly are a gift that keeps on giving! 

Dig, Drop, Done hosted a super fun yard makeover called Curbside Chaos.  The lucky winner received a $5,000 yard made over & got to choose a variety of bulbs to help bring the beauty of bulbs to their new yard.  Below is a video of the lucky winners.  How fun would that be?  What would you do with a 5,000 yard makeover?  I have all kinds of ideas, but it would for sure include bulbs so I no longer would be drooling over my neighbors bulbs each spring.  Oh, and a fire pit.  Bulbs for spring beauty, fire pit for fall beauty! 

Make sure to visit www.digdropdone.com to learn more.  If you are a Tweeter, every share with the hashtag #Curbside Chaos  “Bulbs. Dig, Drop, Done” will donate $1.00 to Rebuilding Together–the nations leading non-profit, working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities.

 

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Fighting Hunger Together

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

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September is hunger action month.  Have you ever gone hungry?  Really hungry?  I have not, but I personally know people who have.  My husband works for a non-profit organization.  I had the privilege of being a kitchen supervisor for a year, helping feed hungry little bellies on a weekly basis.  I know some of these kids have experienced true hunger, and it felt wonderful to be able to help fill those bellies.  I often shopped at Walmart, as their prices were inexpensive enough to get what we needed.
The kids I speak of are not alone.  50 million Americans will not know where their next meal will come from at some point this year–that is one in six Americans.
I don’t know about you, but that makes me what to do something about it.   In support of Hunger Action Month this September, Walmart will work with customers, suppliers and associates nationwide to donate up to 53 million meals to Feeding America and give $2.5 million for hunger relief!  That is an awesome number.
Through October 12, shoppers will be able to generate meal donations through Feeding America by purchasing certain products from General Mills, Kelloggs, Unilever, Kraft Foods and ConAgra Foods, at Walmart stores.  Just follow the instructions on the package of select products, engage in the “Give Meals” section of www.walmart.com/hunger, or (my pick) using a mobile app to generate meal donations for Feeding America.  These are awesome ways of Fighting Hunger Together!
Walmart is also giving $50K to one lucky community!   Walmart will randomly award 40 “Golden Sparks” valued at $50,000 each to people who participate in the Fighting Hunger Together Golden Spark promotion.  The winners will choose a community to receive the funding to start or expand a backpack program that will provide vital meals to children in need when they do not have access to free-and reduced-price school meals.
I personally am planning on buying Kashi products which are made by Kelloggs, who is one of the suppliers donating meals.  I am a already a fan of this product, it is something I buy anyway, and it will bring hunger relief to those in need.   Keep your eyes open for Fighting Hunger Together signs in your Walmart store.

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To get even more involved, go to http://www.walmart.com/hunger to learn more about the Golden Spark promotion.  On that website, you can learn all about the different ways to fight hunger, like the “Give Meals” where you can take one product and turn it into 7 meals for your community!

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