Whistle While you Work

Alright, I know what you are thinking... Dani, this is a healthy food blog. Yes, yes it is. But, for some strange reason, today I feel inspired to write about cleaning. Why? Well, because I feel if you have a clean home, you have a happy family, a safe and fun environment that your kids and spouse want to be in.

My theory is, if you start it and stay focused... before you know it, you're done! (It's that staying focused thing that tends to get us.) In this day and age, there are so many distractions. Too many 'devices'. Yes, I said it.
We tend to neglect the things that need done. Ouch huh? I am totally guilty of this one. TOTALLY.

So, my simple challenge to you this week and maybe in the weeks to come, is too map out a cleaning plan, jot down what really needs to get done. For me, its that I need to go through every bedroom and GET RID of toys/clothes/accessories. Clutter. I need to get rid of things so that I can remain organized. Do not be afraid to get your kids involved. I have 4 kids. 6,4,2 and one. My 6,4,& 2 year old clean their own room. They know where their toys go, most of the time I have to go in there and remind them, a couple... ok like 15 times to clean and not play... but hey, they know it is their responsibility. As they get older they are excited to help around the house because they know their help, means a lot.

Jot it down, map it out, stay focused and get it done!

Blessings!

Dani

Whole Wheat Tortillas

We all know that we can buy 100% whole wheat tortillas, but you can also make them. I love making them, because if you haven't noticed on the ingredients label of your store bought ones, its not as simple as this recipe. And the words I can't pronounce, tend to scare me. :) 

My husband and I really enjoy these tortillas, they are delicious and filling. I hope you enjoy! This week try to focus on the main goal of this blog and that is Eat to Live, not Live to Eat. Have a great week! 

Blessings, 

Dani

Whole Wheat Tortillas

2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1/2 cup warm water

Mix flour and salt in bowl.

Add olive oil and stir until combined.

Add warm water Tbsp at a time.

Knead dough on floured surface for a few minutes.

Allow dough to rest for 15 minutes. (sometimes my dough doesn't get a 'rest' )

Roll dough into sausage shape and then cut into 12 equal parts.

Roll parts into balls, if you are wanting larger tortillas then only cut into 6 parts.

With a rolling pin, start from middle of dough and work out.

Heat a skillet over medium heat, I use a nonstick pan with no oil.

Place tortilla on pan when it starts to bubble/dry, flip.

Keep tortillas warm by wrapping in a kitchen towel, or placing them in a tortilla warmer.

U Picks, in Jackson County

Here is a list of 'U Picks' in Jackson county! Most of the time you can get a better deal, because we are doing half the work... and its fun! I would map out your route before going out and maybe calling just to make sure they are open. 

Blessings, Dani

Alta Vista Orchard - 2597 W. Stewart Ave Medford - BlueBerries!


The Berry Patch - 420 Sams Creek Rd. Gold Hill - Blueberries & Raspberries
Open 9-6 everyday in July, cash only


D & L Acres - 525 Fern Valley Rd Phoenix Oregon - Apricots
U pick price is .95 per lb. Open 7-Noon everyday


Sugar Plum Acres - 1850 Pioneer Rd, Phoenix -Cherries, Peaches, Roses, Tomatoes, Apricots


Valley View Orchards - 1800 North Valley View Rd Ashland - Peaches


Vaughn Farm and Orchard - 1014 Old Stage Rd Central Point - Blackberries & Pears, Available after august

Cliff Bars! Homemade

Ok, so... I know this is going to seem EXTREMELY cheesy. But, I have been far too busy this past week to stop, take pictures, download, size, post, delete, edit..... and so on. I mentioned to some friends that I made some Cliff Bars and a lot of people want the recipe I used, so... taken from another blog... here you go!

Hope everyone had a great 4th!
Blessings,
Dani

http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/2008/06/homemade-cliff-bars-no-bake.html

Summer Days!

Just some more fun ideas for these summer days! 

First off, we have coffee cubes, dropped into some vanilla almond milk! OK, thats amazing! I am totally doing this! If you haven't tried almond milk yet, drop EVERYTHING now, and GO BUY SOME!

Next we have a simply adorable idea for any kids birthday party! Skew grapes to make caterpillars! Add some frosting and a mini chip for the eyes!

Ridiculous right? RIGHT! So so cute!

Ok, this is a little boring, but a cute idea none the less! Bell Peppers for the dip dish! Pretty clever if you as me!

This is a great idea, because Watermelon and Cucumber are coming into season, check out some recipes for  watermelon salads. This one has mint, sugar, vinegar, chopped watermelon and cucumber. Nice and refreshing served COLD on a HOT day! 

Fathers Day BBQ

I thought in celebration of fathers day I would post about something that my father and my hubby enjoy and that is 'Grilling'. Yes a post of healthier BBQ options. I hope you all have a blessed Fathers Day. Don't be afraid to join in on someone else's fathers day celebration if you don't normally celebrate. Let it be a good day!

Happy Fathers Day!

Blessings,
Dani

Grilled Cabbage!1 tbsp EVOO, bacon bits, 2 tbsp Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire, 1/4 salt and pepper, 1 cabbage, quartered and individually wrapped. BBQ 20 minutes.

Honey Lime Chicken

 Grilled Corn is always amazing

 Grilled everything!

Salmon

Grilled Avocado stuffed with Salsa and some sour creme

Grilled Avocado stuffed with corn beans and tomato

Summer Entertaining Treats

Strawberry's dipped in Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Frozen

Fresh fruit salad with baked cinnamon pita chips

Watermelon Punch Anyone? YUM

Cute way to dress up your favorite Lemonade

Baked apples cored out with cinnamon and sugar inside. After cooled insert vanilla 

Ice cream and drizzle with caramel. Oh goodness! 

This is fun when entertaining. Individual fruit salads.