Support Local Businesses

Reminder: Support local businesses and small business chains. 

Farmer Boys in San Jacinto are generous with their fundraising donations. They are donating just shy of $100 to my after school program with LINC Housing/Cares. These funds will be used to supplement a field trip in the near future. They are also doing ongoing fundraisers for my after school program.

I am grateful to LilPixieBOWtique for their very generous donation valued at $2755 to the LINC Cares after school program. The owner donated personalized and handmade bottlecaps and dog tags with accessories to our End of Year Resident Appreciation Event. We had a jewelry making table open to all attending residents free of charge.

I am also thankful to Cooking and Kids for their generous offer of 10 dozen shortbread style “sugar” cookies for our event mentioned above. She donated a healthy spin to the typical holiday sugar cookies. They were made with flax seeds (I think this is her personal signature!) and the extra  bonus was that they were cut out into cute shapes – stars, flowers, circles, and gingerbread men for decorating. 

Last but not least, I am thankful to K. Ville Designs for donating a diaper cake. This was one of several raffles given to the residents who remained at the event for its duration.  Thank you Karla for making this item extra special! (Diaper cake pictured on the table.) Karla doesn't have a website so if you're interested in learning more you may contact her at Sensory Time Center in Murrieta. (The gal smiling is the property manager for the 55-unit (200 resident) community.) 

In the past six months, I have received donations from Walmart, Stater Bros, Vons, Sprouts, Hemet PAL (Police Activities League), a local home schooling mother, and cupcakes from So Good Gluten Free Foods. 

Thank you to everyone above who has participated in giving back to a local community who is grateful for your generosity.


Signed, 
Jessica wearing 1 of many hats - Resident & Youth Services Coordinator/After School Program Coordinator

Favorite Health Tips for 2011

For dry, chapped lips – Put a little coconut oil in your navel and follow it with some on your lips. Do this 2-3x a day for a few days and watch the improvement unfold! No more chapped lips! Bottom line: Coconut oil is not only good for consuming but excellent for improving your skin’s suppleness!

My favorite natural product for 2011 – by far is Silver Shield with Aqua SolTechnology. We picked up the cosmetic gel from a local herb cottage when we were looking for a safe, natural antibiotic. We removed the neosporins and alike from our medicine cabinet and needed a suitable replacement. This is it!! Perhaps costly as compared to the alternatives but wins in the faster healing process, it is safe – no harmful ingredients and backed by research (no bad reports)...just to name a few of the benefits. After talking to a friend about this product, she told me that her family consumes the silver shield liquid version in their water and that she gives her 2 year old the product by a medicine dropper daily. The next time I went to the cottage I purchased the liquid and started adding a capful to .75l of water daily.

The second runner up (a very close first) - Arnica Gel. We use this for bumps and bruises and it also helps with muscle soreness. It comes in a tube that costs about $8. It seems to last awhile! A little goes a long way. 

My favorite new membership for 2011 – Nature’s Sunshine membership is free with your first $40 purchase and thereafter you receive 20% off for every purchase that is at least $40. Purchasing the two silver shield products qualifies you for the discount each and every time. They have many other great products. (I am not affiliated with them.) Besides I don't know what happens after the first year. I haven't gotten that far yet. But, for right now - I'm happily taking the discounts for two products that have helped my family heal faster. 

Green Smoothie Recipe

I'm in love with vegetables (and fruit)! I love nearly everything in the green department for vegetables. I know this is not a favorite color among many. So, I recommend two things: 1) Take a whole food supplement and 2) blend up a smoothie!

This morning we made a green smoothie comprising of banana, pineapple with its core, fresh spinach and kale, water and ice. Fill Vitamix in this order. Blend for 30 seconds.

*Benefits of banana: potassium, rich in vitamin B6, elimination properties (think electrolytes)

*Benefits of pineapple: antioxidants and inflammatory properties, highest in Maganese, digestive benefits

*Benefits of spinach: antioxidants, carotenoids, highest in Vitamins K, A, C and folate

*Benefits of kale: cholesterol lowering benefits, Omega 3 properties, detox support, several dozen flavonoids, high in vitamins K, A, and C, inflammatory properties

What is your favorite green smoothie recipe? Don't have one? Try this one! Then share with us your favorite smoothie (one that you make). 

Eat (or drink) Well. Live Well. 


*WHFoods dot org

November is ...

Did you know that November is peanut butter month?! I surely didn't until I started planning activities for the children at the after school program I run. 

This month we are doing several activities...

For snack, we've incorporated peanut butter with our freshly sliced apples, graham and regular crackers. We'll be doing a bird feeder with pine cones, bird seed and peanut butter and later we'll be doing a "how to make a peanut butter and jelly" sandwich written activity. Each child will write up how to make a PB&J sandwich including every step and we'll make them according to their directions. I did this activity years ago in the third grade. I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was fun and out of the children in my class only one included most of the steps. After the activity, I will make sandwiches for the children and serve it with a cup of 2% milk for their snack.

November is not only peanut butter month but also Native American Heritage month. We'll be making rain sticks this coming week in honor of my late grandpa who passed away last August. He was from the Oneida tribe. RIP Pops!

It is also the month that we recognize and attribute acts of gratefulness in the public sense through the holiday, Thanksgiving. Growing up this holiday meant a day or 2 out of school, friends over, lots of food to eat, and play time while the adults watched football. As an adult, it is simply a day where phone calls are made to touch base with family members and friends who live far away. It is also a time to have a heart of thanksgiving. Let not just one day of the year be in remembrance of all that God has given but make it a priority to thank Him daily! In the after school program, we'll be doing an activity where the children will talk about what they're thankful for. I hope to receive many responses. Perhaps adding to this will be cards the children can write to their parents to thank them for what they do. 

First 5 Riverside (County, CA)

November is Celebrate Children's Literacy Month and First 5 Riverside is giving away free books to children ages 0-5 who reside in Riverside County CA. Their program is Read Early Read Aloud and you may contact them at 1-800-266-3880 providing them your children's ages and mailing address. Call soon because supplies will run out!!


I just learned about this opportunity yesterday while reading the IE Family Magazine. There was an ad in the November issue. I called them yesterday to request books for the After School Program (ASP) I run for children with LINC Housing / LINC Cares in San Jacinto. I had just taken notice a few days ago that my bookshelf needed more books for the Kindergartners who are ambitious about reading. 


In my ASP, we are in our second month of the "Fall Into Reading" Literacy Program. The children earn bucks for reading and summarizing books (or drawing pictures for those under 7) and they can use these to buy fun items at my "store" that I open once a week. There will also be prizes for the top 2 performers at the end of November for the children who've participated the most. Currently, one of my 5 year olds is in first place! 


First 5 Riverside dropped off 10 books to my program today. I don't know how many they send to homes but it's worth checking. So. Call. Right. Now. (Or wait until the next business day!)

Christmas Cards - White House - Military Children

Military OneSource
The First Lady is asking military children from around the globe for some personal contributions to the finishing touches on the White House decorations this holiday season.

The request is for military children to submit 5x8" handmade holiday cards with words of appreciation for their military parents, as well as pictures and drawings. The White House will display as many of the cards as possible.

Participants are asked to send holiday cards to the following address along with information from where they are sending it by November 16, 2011: Reservation 1, Attn: Social Office, PO Box 8070, Washington DC, 20032

A King's Daughter

After nearly 14 years since receiving my salvation, on Sunday, October 16th, I was water baptized! Why did it take so long? Probably formalities or missed the announcements over the years. I first showed interest in doing so in 2004 but when the church scheduled it, I was on my way out of the country so I missed it. Then when I attended the church overseas, it took a few years before there was enough interest per se for it to be held - who knows this is just speculation. Well, I knew this year that when the opportunity came up I was going to do it rain or shine (figurative/literal) and that's just what happened! I heard the announcement two weeks before and committed to it! Why did I do it? I want to deepen my relationship to and with Jesus Christ. To me, it's not about religion, it's about relationship! Honestly, that's how I treat everything in my life. Relationship trumps everything.  Business cannot be conducted without first having a relationship with people. It's not about products or services, it's about them! So with this baptism, it is about Jesus! I want to fulfill my calling to be a Prayer Warrior for the Most High. It is a pleasure to pray with and for others. How did I feel while it took place/afterwards? I had much peace and sheer happiness. Everyone said they were excited to see me because of the joyful expression I had on my face. I felt my body shake a little after coming out of the water. Matter of fact the feeling was much like surrendering to the Holy Spirit right before you "fall out". I was thankful my husband was there along with my son. My little one after seeing me come out of the water yelled, "my turn!" then proceeded to hand me my towel. What a sweet boy. This was a public declaration that I call myself a Christ follower. I'm a sinner but I am forgiven. I am grateful for a gracious God, Someone who will always love me, One who has chosen me and has equipped me for this journey. Thank you Heavenly Father. #JesusReigns

Chipotle

One of my favorite "fast-food" places is Chipotle. When I first learned of this restaurant 7 years ago, I ordered a chicken burrito and could not finish it in one sitting let alone two. It was definitely large enough (if filled with enough ingredients) to last 3 meals for someone like me. After last year when I decided to become a flexitarian (someone who chooses to eat meat every once in awhile) I fell in love with their veggie bowls. I always get rice, black beans, peppers/onions, corn and tomato salsa, lettuce and guacamole. I take it to go and it serves me two meals. My 3-year old son enjoys eating the veggie bowls too.


Calories for my veggie bowl round out at about 530 and most times I order chips (570 cal.) for a total of 1100 calories. This is fair considering I do not eat this meal all in one sitting. 


What is your favorite item from the Chipotle menu?

Electrolytes

Yesterday I fell sick. =(  It was really like falling out. I called out of work. I am not sure if I caught a 24-hour bug or if it was a delayed effect from my intense workout that I started last Monday. Either way, I know that my electrolytes are low. I am doing my best staying hydrated with good ole water but I'm on my way to the store to pick up foods natural in electrolytes like avocados, bananas, and oranges. I choose to opt out of Gatorade or any "pick-me-up" drink filled with artificial ingredients. I'm looking forward to these yummy foods to not only replenish my electrolytes but to make my belly happy. 


What do you do to replenish your electrolytes?

Food Day!!

Today is Food Day!


I encourage you to stop by a local farmer's market or at a grocery store and visit the produce section and share with your children, co-workers, friends, and family members - "real food" to celebrate this very important day in history. It is advocated by one of my favorite people, Michael Pollan. You may know him through the documentary that came out a year or two ago called, Food Inc. The non profit organization that created this event is Center for Science in the Public Interest.

More information about this event is here: http://foodday.org/participate/.

I am personally into wellness so I do my best to stay abreast of the latest nutrition news like the My Plate and what ingredients to avoid. At my program where I service limited income children (ages 5-13), we did a craft over the summer focusing on My Plate and read info on the "5 a Day" campaign. I learned that most of my LINC Cares children do not eat any fruit or veggies at all during the course of one day. It is sad but I can be a ray of light in this realm and bring goodness to their eyes and tummies. Buying fruit is cost effective and don't be discouraged if children don't want to eat it, they will! It takes on average of 5 introductions of a food before children will try it. I provide a healthy snack daily. I choose foods free of artificial ingredients - colors and sugars and no hydrogenated oils. I serve fresh produce at least once a week. Since these children do not eat much produce, I won't offer a back up snack on days because I choose to not "give up" and I will encourage them to eat something healthy. Two of the children would not eat anything but oranges but now after 2 months of fresh fruit on Wednesdays, they will eat pineapple and plums.

Today we will be partaking in the Food Day event that I created called, "Fruit Kabobs" from a recipe I found online. I purchased the ingredients for this event for $7 to feed 10 children. I bought granola (no preservatives), apples, pineapples, bananas, lemon juice and a tub of blueberry yogurt (no artificial colors, preservatives or processed sugar like high fructose corn syrup). The granola can be used for more than this occasion. We probably will do kabobs again until we run out. I purchased 2 cups worth.

Here's the recipe on the kabobs: http://www.kinderart.com/kitchen/kabob.shtml

On average I spend $5 a week on produce for 10 people. I buy everything from Henry's (now called Sprouts). They have fantastic sales on Wednesdays. Call your local stores for more information.

If at any time down the road, you desire some help in the nutrition/wellness realm, I invite you to correspond with me. I'd love to share what I've learned and have done with the children at LINC cares and for my own family.

New Promotions!!

Now that it's October, I'm doing a new promotion. For all new orders placed this month, your name will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift card to Target. Winners will receive the gift card by the 10th of the following month. Good luck!


If you would like to receive my Health & Wellness newsletter, you'll need to follow me on Twitter @ConveyAwareness and send me a direct message giving me your email address with permission to add. The newsletter is delivered in a PDF. It's a 4-page spread and covers the months - October, November and December because it is delivered quarterly. The newsletter is a collaborative effort and features several authors along with various promotions. 

Sunday Dessert

I’ve had a taste for chocolate pudding for a minute now but nearly, if not all, pudding packages and pre-made in the cup types have controversial ingredients that I’m not willing to bake from (i.e. high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), hydrogenated oils, and artificial dyes). I know there’s the “in-moderation” factor but that usually comes in the territory of eating at someone else’s house (a restaurant, etc) and not pigging out. Ha!

Before I knew about HFCS, I used to make a dirt cake. Its main ingredients I’m sure you’re familiar are cream cheese, pudding, and of course, Oreos!

I’d like to share a new version of the dirt cake below. It varies a bit from the traditional dirt cake. You’re welcome to substitute or add ingredients to your liking.

Dirt cake, new version:

Crust:

9 Graham Crackers, finely crushed (Trader Joe's brand is a good option)

6 tablespoons of melted butter

1/3 cup of organic cane sugar

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Mix together. Spread in pan of your choice, bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes.

Filling:

Organic chocolate pudding (Dr. Oetker's brand is a good option) - cooked on the stove top.

Toppings:

16 Newman-O's chocolate sandwich cookies, divided; finely crushed and coarsely chopped (filling removed and not used)

Whipped Cream

Recipe for whipped cream:

1 pint of heavy whipping cream

6 tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar (you can use cane sugar but may have a grainy taste)

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

While preparing ingredients, put the mixing bowl in the freezer to facilitate the mixing process of the cream.

Mix on medium 1 pint of the whipping cream until peaks form. Do not over mix. Stir in sugar and vanilla. Refrigerate until ready to use.

After Graham Cracker crust cools, spread pudding on top, apply a dusting of finely crushed cookies then spread whipped cream on top. Finally, sprinkle coarsely chopped cookies over cream. Cover with foil and chill 3-4 hours. (Note: You can use serving dishes or whatever fancies you.) 

Buon Appetito!

FREE Backpacks with School Supplies - Temecula Valley only

I received a flyer today and wanted to extend the information to you. If you live in the Temecula Valley or near, you must bring your school aged children on Saturday, August 13th from 9:00 to 10:30 to receive a voucher for a free backpack with school supplies. It's a first come first served basis because the pre-registration ended on Aug 1st. You'll receive a voucher as supplies last. Bring a utility bill to prove residency AND proof of school attendance. You can live in Murrieta, Temecula, Winchester, Wildomar, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Perris and other extended communities in order to be eligible. 


Address and location is Greater Works Church at 25823 Jefferson Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562. You may call 951-940-5997 for more information as well.


Pass on this great information to families in need. 


Thank you!!

Foot Soaks

I love to soak my feet after a long day and for treating symptoms! I am a member to a public group - Healing 101, group on Facebook that offers a plethora of information on all natural remedies. Over the last few years, I’ve gotten away from relying on Big Pharma for ‘treating’ random symptoms. (Side note: When it comes to routine and preventative care, you can find what you need from natural sources – eating fruits and vegetables, using herbs, drinking teas, acupuncture, foot soaks, etc. (Pharmaceuticals are definitely needed for life or death situations, diseases and disorders that when medicine is not used can cause negative consequences, etc.))

A couple weeks ago I developed sudden joint pain in my feet/ankles and wrists. I thought perhaps I slept weird?!? I totally get having joint paint upon awakening from a sweet, err not sweet, perhaps a rough night’s rest, but two days in a row? Then when it happened 3 and 4 and 5 days in a row, I knew something could not be right and the first thing I did was post in the forum asking what to do. Within minutes of posting my concern on the wall, it was suggested that I soak in ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar; see its benefits) feet only or do a full body soak. Another suggestion was Epsom salt. A third suggestion was infused ginger. I looked up some suggestions online in addition to what was being shared in the forum and found many similarities. One that stood out different was adding chamomile and peppermint teas (or the dried herbs) to the Epsom salt. It was time to hit the store!

I picked up ACV, Epsom salt, both teas (didn’t want to mess with fresh/dried herbs – tea bags are a lot simpler!), and 5 pieces of 4 inch ginger root. 

Everything I had read said to alternate each ‘treatment’ and soak at least once a day for a minimum of 20 minutes in as hot water as I could stand it.

The first night I added ACV to boiled water then added enough cool water to the basin for the soak. Felt a little tingling. I guess toxins coming out? Personally, I don’t enjoy the smell of vinegar so I soaked for 20 minutes.

The second night, I cut up the ginger into thin slices and infused it in a pot of boiled water covered for 15 minutes. I added this mixture to some cold water in the basin. Soaked for 25 minutes.

The third night I infused the teas in a covered pot for 15 minutes; added this mixture to the Epsom salt in the basin. Added cold water to basin until I could stand the heat. Soaked for 25 minutes.

These are the 3 soaks I did alternating for 2 weeks.  I thoroughly enjoyed the ginger out of the three – it smells and feels great!! I feel totally relaxed afterwards. The joint pain dissipated and hasn’t returned. If it should, these soaks are what I plan to do! BTW, I didn't need to see the doctor. Thank you earth of plenty!

Lunch at Delaney's

It was a nice day, not too hot, mid July in So Cal and we spent the afternoon in Old Town Temecula.  After picking up some cinnamon (naturally flavored) kettle corn and some artichoke garlic spread, we decided it was time for lunch so we headed to Delaney’s. Matter of fact, Jordan, owner of Delaney's daughter made the spread and was selling at the Farmer's Market. (I later made baked tilapia with it that my son gobbled up!)

Sorry pic is dark.

I ordered a lemon-poppy seed muffin for my son and he and I split a vegetable panini. I took a picture of it after we had eaten most of the potato salad (it was delish) and a corner was gone from the sandwich. I asked Jordan to sell the potato salad as a side. I hope she considers it!

We ate half of the panini and took home the rest. The cost for both was $11.

Lunchtime and toys to keep son busy while we waited. =)

  I enjoy supporting local businesses. =)

Recipe: Banana Bread

So I was searching the internet scouring banana bread recipes. I’ve made some in the past that just came out far too dry. I always make my bread recipes in mini loaf pans to ensure even cooking in the oven.

I found a recipe on All Recipes dot com that had 4.5 out of 5 stars but the first several reviewers’ comments led me to think this could be a winner. I was right!

I waited for the bananas to get nice and over ripened. I let the Smart Balance butter soften slightly and creamed the brown sugar with it for 5 minutes. I think this was key. The recipe called for regular flour but I don’t use white flour anymore. I like stone ground whole wheat flour by Bob’s Red Mill.

Ingredients:

2 cups of whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup butter slightly softened

¾ cup brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

4-5 medium sized bananas, over ripened (2 1/3 cups)

Pam non-stick spray, I use organic olive oil Pam

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and salt. In a mixing bowl or with hand mixer, cream together softened butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and mix thoroughly. Add bananas and stir thoroughly. Batter will be somewhat watery looking. This is a good thing. If it’s not, you probably didn’t use enough bananas. At last, fold in flour mixture until just moistened.

Spray 4 mini loaf pans with Pam and pour batter evenly into all pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until nice brown color and toothpick comes out clean. You want it to be somewhat spongy on top. Do not over bake. Bread will have pockets of banana throughout.

Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans. Continue to cool for 10 minutes then wrap in foil and store in air tight container.

Slice and serve warm, if desired.

Buon Appetito!

My Personal Quotes

These quotes are being added to my blog to ensure copyrighting protection. They are my words. 



"[Good] nutrition is the foundation for which your health is found [based]". ~ Jessica A. David 


“Time and money can be two hindrances to fulfilling your goal(s); however, once you become knowledgeable, you begin to shift priorities creating value in your complete health.” ~ Jessica A. David

"Do not mistaken my open-mindedness as a compromise in faith. Won't happen. Nothing and no one can change my heart from Jesus." ~ Jessica A. David

"When people seem out of funk and things just don't make sense... I remember whose I am and what this world offers doesn't always line up with what God wants for me." ~ Jessica A. David

"Reach for the stars and if you miss, you'll still land upon the greatest of mountain tops." 

~ Jessica A. David

"Choose, eat, and live well! ~ Jessica A. David

Recipe: "Cake Bread" - Zucchini Bread

Recipe for Zucchini Bread

I use 3 mini loaf pans because the “cake-bread” cooks better and leaves the edges a little crisp and the middle nice and moist. I’ve tried the regular size and it didn’t cook evenly.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups of flour (I use whole wheat)

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp nutmeg

1 cup shredded unpeeled zucchini (I typically add more)

1 cup sugar

¼ cup oil (I use canola oil)

1 egg

1 tsp lemon peel zest (my zest doesn’t work so I use 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice)

Pam – or other oil to grease the pans

Optional: ¼ cup of walnuts, almonds, etc of your liking

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Grab two bowls – medium and large.

In the smaller of the two bowls, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In the other bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, egg, sugar, oil and lemon.

Pour the flour mixture into the bigger bowl and stir until moist. Divide into greased loaf pan(s).  Bake.  I let them cook for 30-35 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out dry. Cool in pans for 10 minutes then on wire rack until cool to the touch. Wrap in foil and store in air tight container. It keeps up to 4 days (but it won't last that long!)

Buon Appetito!

Recipe Time: Awesome Granola & Chocolate Chip Cookies

Awesome Granola-Chip Cookies

Original recipe is Awesome Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies by Dr. Bill Sears, The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood, 2006, page 304.

My version based on his *recommendations

½ cup honey

½ cup grapeseed oil

½ tsp. baking soda

1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla

¼ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. sea salt

1 egg

1 ½ cups of granola (preservative free & no added sugar)

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 cup of carob chips (*he recommended ½ cup here J)

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients except the granola, flour, and carob chips. Stir in granola, flour and carob chips. Drop the batter by teaspoonfuls on a cookie sheet and bake until light brown.

Notes: Use parchment paper. Cookies are thin and chewy so they’ll stick especially with the use of honey! J

I turned my oven down by 5 degrees and baked for 10 minutes. The batter is already brown so you’ll have to watch for a smooth brown appearance.  You may need to test one batch so bake only a couple until you get the feel for what they’ll look like when they’re done.

Buon Appetito!

Benefits of key ingredients used in this recipe:

Honey – natural energy booster; supports our immune system

Grapeseed oil – lowers bad cholesterol, rich in Vitamin E, and can help women feel better during menstrual cycle

Granola – good source of fiber

Local Shout-out: Pizzeria Venti

On Tuesday of last week, I met up with local Tweeps #smmtv at a new restaurant.

We all had the privilege of speaking with the owner, Frank Shaffer, first hand about his pizzeria venture. He owns Pizzeria Venti in Temecula with his wife, Diane. They've been opened for two months.  Frank said that he was tired of retirement (imagine that!) and said he was ready for a new adventure. So they looked into this small franchise (there are currently 13 franchises opened with another 9 coming soon in various states) by visiting another one and really liked the way the food tasted and the atmosphere. Frank is a "NY Italian" and he likes his food a certain way - HIS way! =) His family (parents) are from the outside of Sicily so his tastes have been shaped the right way!

Frank is in the red shirt. He's hands-on.

Their menu encompasses a nice range of Italian items like thin crust pizza, calzones, and pasta. They also offer 5 or 6 different salads (individual or a shareable item), beer and of course, vino (wine). 

Frank said that some ingredients are imported from the Tuscan region of Italy so that the food has a truly authentic feel and taste. As far as produce, he and his wife, support local farmers by visiting the Farmer's Market on average about once a week buying ingredients like peaches, lettuce and other items that spoil quickly. Other items that have a longer shelf life like apples and pasta he orders from a distributor for the franchise. 

A big bonus is that this restaurant has been selected as the pilot program for the iPad menu roll out they plan to do in the near future. A group of photographers were present to capture every single item on the menu to feature it as a "at your fingertip" ordering from your table. Customers will have an opportunity to order at the register or sitting down and ordering from their table and paying as well. Convenience at its finest! Don't worry though, the hospitality is high on the scale. You will still feel like part of the family. The staff took care of removing empty plates and asking us if we needed anything on a regular basis. To me, having lived in Italy, it felt like a true Italian restaurant atmosphere. In Italy, there is no rush to leaving any restaurant. Once you're there, you're like family! Many great memories are shared around the "dinner" table in an Italian family/setting. 

I enjoyed a 4"x8" slice of garlic broccoli pizza and shared their fresh apple salad with my friend @edecristo (find her on Twitter) and a piccolo (small) serving of hazelnut gelato. Thank you friend for treating me to an awesome lunch with your #smmtv group. I'm happy to be a part of a local Tweet Up but I'm happier supporting a locally ran and owned business. 

If you're in the Temecula Valley, do stop in and see Frank and Diane Shaffer at Pizzeria Venti. Ask to be added to their e-mailing list so that you can receive their specials. Buon Appetito!!

For more information on the Pizzeria Venti franchise: Visit http://www.pizzeriaventi.com/locations.asp.

Honeysuckles

A couple weeks ago, my son and I walked around a local lake and as we were finishing up our first lap, we could smell the fruity, sweet scent of honeysuckles. 


Honeysuckles bring me back to my childhood. I grew up on the East Coast and honeysuckles were everywhere! With the change of Winter to Spring and with the smell of fresh cut grass came the sweetness of honeysuckles. The honeysuckle season seemed to last only a month or so. They were gone well before Summer. Living in Southern California provides many benefits and in this particular case, honeysuckles lasting well into June (and possibly longer)!


I'm usually pressed to finish my laps but this particular evening, I decided to teach my son the beauty of eating the nectar from a honeysuckle. We stepped aside and popped a squat on the grass next to a shrub of honeysuckles. Looking around there weren't that many to choose from. The landscapers had came through the day before and cut most of them down. I don't know perhaps they're a nuisance of some kind? I hope that's not the case because they smell beautifully and the nectar is sweet to eat! I recently learned that there are over 100 species of honeysuckle! I had NO clue! I'm only familiar with the white flour type. I know there is a scientific word for it but I have some pictures below that will show you exactly what I am referring to.


After popping a squat, I picked out a few white flowered honeysuckles and showed my son how to pull off the bottom and pull out the "stamen [to] reveal a small drop of honeysuckle nectar" (M. Holt) then I gave him a few turns. He got it in no time. He's a fast learner for being 2. Here are some pictures of our adventure. 

For more information on honeysuckles check out eHow's site.

Enjoy the simple pleasures of life and Be Well. 

Healthy Fudge Recipe

Two weeks ago I attended a sampling at a local kids center geared towards children with sensory needs. I offered free samples of my products' chewables made from 25 fruits, vegetables, grains, berries and grapes. My product helps kids get more of their recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. I had also prepared a healthy version of what my community likes to call fudge. It's a fun, easy and healthy recipe! You can definitely get the kids involved as there is no cooking. I would recommend children ages 3 and up. 


Ingredients: 
Cooking non-stick spray of your choice, Juice Plus+ Complete protein powder (or your choice of protein powder), walnuts, dried cranberries, peanut butter (or almond butter), hemp plus granola, and maple syrup. Here are the ingredients I used:

Instructions: 
Mix together dry ingredients then stir in wet ingredients. (You may need some elbow grease at this point.) Press mixture into 9 x 13 pan.  Cover top with a layer of shredded coconut or sesame seeds (I omitted these); press into the surface of the mixture.  Refrigerate.  Cut into bars when mixture is solid.  Keep refrigerated between servings.


Allergens: 
gluten, nuts, milk


Benefits: 
1 cup Chocolate Juice Plus+ Complete powder (non-GMO soy protein)

2 cups Nature’s Path Organic Hemp Plus Granola (Omega 3s/6s)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (improves cholesterol)

1/2 cup dried cranberries (antioxidants - protects cells from free radicals)

1 cup maple syrup (amino acids – essential to cell maintenance, function and regeneration)

1 cup creamy peanut butter (non-hydrogenated; source of protein used to rebuild muscles)

Results: 

I handed out a sample of the fudge to all the parents of the children who attended the Early Bird special at the children's center. All but one refused. The mother who refused said since her children couldn't have gluten she didn't want to sample. Everyone who ate a piece commented on how surprisingly delicious it tasted after hearing the ingredients. Try them for yourself! 

Be well.