Herbal Tea Bath - For Cold & Flu Season

This soak is great for combating the aches and pains associated with colds and flu, also great after an intense workout. (or use it nightly to soak sore achy feet)

In your Bath - fill with hot water (temp is up to you), add 1 cup of Epsom salt (2 cups for large tubs), 1 to 2 tea bags (do NOT open) of mint (and chamomile or green tea), and relax in the water for about 20 min allowing the steam to envelope you, place a washcloth soaked in water on your neck/forehead for added comfort.

I usually do this once a week, it's very relaxing and great for the muscle and respiratory systems!

xox,
Ursula

*COOKIE*

COCONUT MACAROONS (Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book)

2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/3 flaked coconut

oven 325 degrees

In a mixing bowl beat egg whites and vanilla till soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat till stiff peaks form (you can turn the bowl upside down and the stuff stays in the bowl, be daring, its fun). Fold in coconut. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto greased (olive oil spray is awesome) cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
(makes about 30 light and airy cookies)

xox
Ursula

Ditch the store bought salad dressing...

Because they are making you FAT and BROKE! I'm not kidding. There are so many salad dressings out there that have so much crap in them (that they don' t need), with hidden fat and calories and it's ruining your salad, your diet and your waistline. Not to mention you budget! Because I know you can find healthy organic alternatives, but at what cost? Yeah... YOUR MONEY! The recipes I've tried are not only TASTY but CHEAP to make. So... PLEASE enjoy! (I mix the ingredients in one of those old fashion ketchup squeeze bottles from the dollar store and keep in fridge, mine usually doesn't last more than a week, cause I eat it every day)

honey mustard dressing 1 tablespoon = 85 calories
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 (local) honey
1/4 lemon juice
1 tablespoon mustard (yellow, but try other flavors for a spicy change)

classic french dressing 1 tablespoon = 80 calories
(will become creamier as it sits in fridge)
1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
 1/2 teaspoon paprika

herb vinaigrette 1 tablespoon = 80 calories
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs
1/2 tablespoon of dried parsley
1 tablespoon of dried onion
1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flake (optional add to taste for spicy flavor)

xox,
Ursula

Have Your Cake & Eat It Too.

Attention all you BPBTs (B positive blood types) I know how hard it is to give up wheat, like sugar (and the sweetener substitutes) it in EVERYTHING. So we must modify our diet to reflect this exclusion, yet we want our cake (cookies, pasta, bread, pizza, donuts and everything)! So, how do we have our cake and eat it too?

SUBSTITUTION: It's a challenge, but worth the effort. I am on a mission to find delicious alternatives to our favorite foods, that are healthy and exactly what we need to be eating. I hope you enjoy and if you discover a product or recipe, feel free to post a comment and share :O) The following are manufactured foods, that I've picked for convenience and taste. Although, be warned that the labels say may contain traces of soy and peanuts, I can only assume that means they are manufactured in plants that contain these ingredients. So, if you are truly allergic to these types of foods, I can only offer you a caution. As with all foods, we must consume them in moderation. But hopefully you will find them as enjoyable as I do!

Mac & Cheese:
Annie's rice pasta & cheddar
not only is it gluten free, but it's totally natural and vegetarian! YUMMY

Crackers:
World Table original rice crackers
these are truly a delightful cracker and are great as a snack or complimentary to any meal

Snacks:
Quaker Rice Cakes - Lightly Salted (no other flavors)
a great vessel for cheese, jams, almond butter

I'm still looking for cake...

xox,
Ursula