Give the gift of health this holiday season

Stephanie | November 22, 2014

Over the years, I have come to appreciate the gifts that have some thought and meaning behind them. I enjoy giving gifts that matter and really enjoy giving (and receiving) gifts that compliment my healthy lifestyle. What could be better than giving the gift of better health? I’d love to share some of my ideas with you.

Great teacher gifts!

1. Herbal Blend Multi-Purpose Cream … $7.75

Our cooling mentholated formula is enriched with natural extracts, including rosemary, chamomile, corn oil, and salvia to nourish stressed skin. This nongreasy formula leaves skin soft and refreshed. Perfect for soothing dry, chapped and rough skin including callouses on knees, elbows and feet.

2. Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Wipes & Germ Off Wipes … $15.50

Basic H Wipes: Powerful, all-purpose cleaning wipes.

Basic G: Leaves your bathroom and kitchen fresh and clean. The smart way to clean and disinfect.

3. Meadow Blend Cleansing Bar & Herbal Blend Multi-Purpose Cream … $14.65

Bar: Meadow Blend is a mild, soap-free, pH-balanced, biodegradable cleansing bar that thoroughly washes away impurities. Enriched with soothing oatmeal, vitamin E, and wheat germ oil to leave skin clean, healthy and soft. Ideal for those with sensitive skin.

4. Meadow Blend Cleansing Bar, Herbal Blend Multi-Purpose Cream & Lip Balm … $21.35

Lip Balm: This nourishing lip treatment provides protection against peeling and chapping while smoothing the appearance of fine vertical lines. Softens and firms with Cocoa Seed and Shea Butter. SPF 15 provides broad spectrum protection against UV-induced collagen breakdown.

The gift of a safe, non-toxic home

5. Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate $ Three Pack Spray Bottles … $17.25

Basic H: This little 16 oz bottle creates an unbelievable 48 gallons of super-safe, really powerful, all purpose cleaner, or 5,824 bottles of window cleaner. We challenge you to use it up any time soon to clean everything from spilled milk, to bug guts on the window, to splattered spaghetti sauce.

6. Hand Wash Concentrate & Pump Dispenser … $20.00

This super mild, sudsy wash makes it so nice to do as you’ve always been told – go wash your hands. It has wheat germ oil and algae extract to moisturize; soy protein to condition; aloe, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), and linden flower (Tilia cordata) extracts to soothe; and rosemary and arnica extracts to energize. So now it’s more like, “go take your hands to the spa.”

7. Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Wipes, Germ Off Wipes & Scour Off … $22.75

Scour Off: Here’s an exclusive scouring cleanser that sets a new standard. It’s a paste, so it doesn’t form dust clouds, yet it gently removes stains other cleansers can’t and is great for cleaning tubs, ovens, sinks, and tiles and it will even remove rust, and is great for cleaning these surfaces: copper, grout, cement, ceramic, and imitation marble.

8. Get Clean Water Starter Kit … $57.50
The green way to cleaner water. Get Clean® Water is a revolutionary new water pitcher filtration system certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to reduce up to 99% of lead*—as well as dozens of other nasty contaminants that can turn up in your water and may be harmful to your health. This Starter Pack contains all you need to get started on healthier, great-tasting water.

* See Performance Data Sheet for complete contaminant reductions.

9. Get Clean Starter Kit … $99.00

All you need to start cleaning your way to a healthier home.

The gift of a healthy, stress free holiday

10. B Complex & Vitamin D3 … $29.65

11. Sustained Release Vitamin C & Defend and Resist Complex …$39.00

12. Stress Relief Complex & Shea Butter Cream … $57.50

Stress Relief: Natural stress relief you can safely take every day.

Shea Butter Cream: Luxurious shea butter is extracted from the fruit of the shea tree, and has amazing moisturizing properties.

The gift of healthy children (great idea for grandparents to give too!)

13. ShakleeBaby Massage Oil & ShakleeBaby Soothing Lotion …$36.15

14. Incredivites MultiVitamin & Mighty Smarts DHA Chews … $56.70

Great for athletes!

15. Performance & Physique … $45.70
Performance is a pure hydration drink with no artificial flavors, sweeteners or added preservatives.

Physique is a recovery shake that supports muscle repair.

All prices are based on member Price and do not include tax or shipping.

You can learn more about the advantages of becoming a member here.

My hope is that this gave you some ideas for gifts for those that you love. Give them something to truly treasure like the gift of better health!

To your health,

Stephanie

If you enjoyed these tips and would like to hear more, please subscribe (on the middle right sidebar) to get our SATZ newsletters. To stay connected with Sharing A to Z, please see Facebook or Pinterest.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting my blog and small business! (Please review the disclosure tab at the top for the full disclosure.)

Slovak Kiffels

Stephanie | November 20, 2014

Kiffels are Slovak nut roll cookies. This recipe is from my Baba, which means Grandmother in Slovak. So, you know it is authentic. That being said, it isn’t the healthiest of cookies, but it is delicious, especially with a cup of coffee! I did use white whole wheat flour to try and do something a little healthier, but my dad (who grew up eating these) said it gave the cookies a little different taste and consistency. I really enjoyed making these with my mom and carrying on this Slovak family Christmas tradition. veselé Vianoce! (Merry Christmas in Slovak!)

Kiffels

Filling *Make the night before

12 ounces of walnuts
2 T sugar
1 c milk
1 T butter
1 tsp vanilla

Chop nuts in a food processor.
Heat the milk, sugar and butter on medium-low heat.
Stir to melt.
Add the vanilla.
Add half of the milk mixture to nuts.
Stir and add more to make a thick, but spreadable consistency. (Please see picture below).
Refrigerate mixture overnight.*

*If you are like me and normally forget to do the prep work ahead of time: You don’t have to make this overnight, but doing so allows the everything to meld to ensure the desired consistency. It should look like the picture below.

2 sticks butter (soft)**
2 cups of flour (I used white whole wheat)
2 eggs (set out a few hours before)**
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 heaping tsp sour cream
1 BOX of powder sugar (according to my Baba it has to be in a box)

**Set out the butter and eggs a few hours before you begin.
Mix everything together until it is soft, but not sticky.
Break until small balls.
Roll in powder sugar.
Use a rolling pin to roll one side and then the other (think one roll horizontally and one roll vertically)
Put a spoon of the nut mixture on the rolled cookie.
Use the back of your spoon to cover the cookie.
Roll in a tube shape and cover in powder sugar.
Form into a crescent.
Bake on an ungreased pan at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove immediately from pan.

This recipe makes approximately 35 cookies. The pictures below should help for a better understanding of how to make these cookies.

This is how you roll the cookies. Roll once vertically and once horizontally.

This is how much nut mixture should be put in the cookies (enough to cover almost all the cookie) and how to spread it with the back of your spoon.

Roll in powder sugar and pinch it in the middle (if needed), so it doesn’t puff out.

Enjoy!

Sweetly yours,

Stephanie

To stay connected with Sharing A to Z, please see Facebook or Pinterest. You can also subscribe (on the middle right sidebar) to get our SATZ newsletters.

This recipe was shared at:

http://littlefamilyadventure.com/lets-get-real-link-party-69/

Holiday Survival Guide 2014 – Crafts and Self-care {Week #8}

Stephanie | November 19, 2014

Hello and welcome back to the Holiday Survival Guide 2014! If you are new, you can check out a few of our other weeks Here and Here. Get excited because this week we have crafts and self-care! At this time of year, we probably push self-care to the bottom of the list, but we shouldn’t! Hopefully, this weeks post will help you change that thinking. We’ve also have your top links from last week’s link party and a new, fresh link party for all your awesome crafts and DIYs!

Welcome to the eighth week of the Holiday Survival Guide 2014! This week we’re talking adorable Fall crafts and delicious self-care recipes (because you NEED to take your well-deserved time off during the Holidays)! We’ve also got your top links from last week’s link party and a new, fresh link party for all your awesome crafts and DIYs!

Holiday Survival Guide 2014

We’re going to get you decluttered, organized, cleaned, decorated, and ready for all the holiday fun…without you needing to be committed to the looney bin before New Year’s.

It takes quite the team to pull this off, but we’re here for you! We’ll be here every Monday through the end of the year to make sure you’re on track and able to enjoy everything you have planned.

Ready to meet the team?

Sheri from Career Girl Interrupted

Dani from Dani Schnakenberg Studios

Katie & Jairus from KatieMarcum.com

Jessica from Jessie Bee Healthy

Kristen from From Son Up Til Son Down

Stephanie from Sharing A to Z

and our lovely co-host Amanda from It’s a Fabulous Life

Each week we’ll take turns bringing you something awesome to help you stay on track preparing for the major Holidays of the season. Be sure to come back and link up your holiday posts each week so we can share the fun!

From our friend Kristen:

Thankful Tree

Mumkins

Cabinet Door Chalkboard Menu

When you’re done crafting, it’s time for some relaxing “Me-Time”! So how about trying these delicious beauty DIYs from our friend Jessica:

Dreamy Homemade Coconut-Almond Body Cream

The Easiest Brown Sugar Body Scrub Ever!

Now, who’s ready to party? Share your Halloween-inspired crafts, printables, and activities with us this week!

Link Party Rules:

Follow all hosts: subscribe, FB, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter…whatever you prefer!
Be sure to link directly to your specific post, NOT your blog’s homepage.
Don’t link and run! Be sure to visit the last couple links before yours and let them know how you found them through #HolidaySurvivalGuide2014!
By linking up, you give all hosts permission to pin and share your projects (with links back to you, of course). We’ll also be sharing the top three clicked through with each following week’s project!
Be sure to follow the Holiday Survival Guide 2014 Pinterest board, too!

Healthier Buckeye cookies

Stephanie | November 18, 2014

If you are from the great state of Ohio, you probably have had buckeyes. They are a delicious candy/cookie concoction made essentially from peanut butter, chocolate and powdered sugar. One day, I came up with the brilliant (well, I think it is brilliant) idea to use my no-bake protein “cookie” recipe (click here) as the base for a healthier buckeye cookie!

Healthier Buckeye cookies

No-bake protein cookie recipe
approximately 2 cups of chocolate chips
Coconut oil

Make the No-bake protein cookies
Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes
Coat the pan (to melt the chocolate) with coconut oil
Melt chocolate*
Use a toothpick to dip the cookie into the melted chocolate*
Let cool
Enjoy!

*The pictures below better explain this process. Many thanks to my lovely and talented mother for her buckeye making expertise.

It is best to use a double broiler to melt chocolate. However, I don’t have one, so my genius mom put a bowl on top of a pan of hot water.

The water doesn’t need to be boiling, just hot. Stir the chocolate to melt and to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Make sure the chocolate is melted, but that it isn’t too hot (you don’t want it to burn).

Using a toothpick, dip most of the cookie in chocolate. Place on a plate or cookie sheet to cool.

Enjoy and try not to eat the whole batch!

Sweetly yours,

Stephanie

To stay connected with Sharing A to Z, please see Facebook or Pinterest. You can also subscribe (on the middle right sidebar) to get our SATZ newsletters.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting my blog and small business! (Please review the disclosure tab at the top for the full disclosure.)

I shared this recipe at:

Mimi’s Snickerdoodle Sugar Cookies

Stephanie | November 16, 2014

My MIL has been making these delicious cookies for a long time. Everyone loves them! While mine never seem to turn out as good as her’s, they are still delicious.

Mimi’s Snickerdoodle Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Mix first three ingredients in one bowl. Mix remaining ingredients in bowl. Roll into balls and dip into sugar ( I didn’t roll it in sugar and I used a melon scoop).
Bake at 400 on an ungreased cookie sheet for approximately 10 minutes.
Sprinkle with cinnamon
Enjoy!

Peppermint Mocha Smoothie

Stephanie | November 15, 2014

To me, nothing says holidays like peppermint! I like to enjoy this smoothie anytime, but especially when my sweet tooth is calling.

Peppermint Mocha Smoothie

2 scoops of vanilla or chocolate protein powder (Check out my two favorites here and here)

8 ounces of almond, coconut or regular milk (chocolate or not)

1 tsp cocoa powder (you can add more or less depending on the desired chocolate taste)

1/4 tsp peppermint extract*

Ice to desired consistency (I use 2-3 cubes)

Optional extras: Spinach/kale, chia seeds, or maca powder. If you would like it sweeter, I would recommend adding medjool dates or coconut sugar.

*Be sure to use a spoon or something to pour in the peppermint as I have tried to eyeball it and poured in WAY too much. That didn’t taste very good.

Sweetly,

Stephanie

This recipe was feature on:

No-bake healthy “cookies”

Stephanie | November 14, 2014

No, these aren’t your traditional cookies. However, if calling them a cookie helps my kids choose a healthier option, then I don’t mind stretching the truth. My kids love these and I hope you do, too!

No-Bake Healthy Cookies

1 cup organic Nut butter (we like the all natural Peanut butter with natural oils)

1/2 cup protein powder (we LOVE this protein and this one. To learn more and/or purchase click the purple links.)

1/3 cup honey (to make this vegan, use agave or brown rice syrup and adjust amount for the desired consistency)

3/4 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

1 T milled chia seeds (optional, but more nutritious)

*You can add other ingredients such as nuts, raisins, chocolate chips or whatever sounds good.

Mix

Roll into balls or form to make the shape of a cookie. Refrigerate 30 minutes to firm (and for leftovers). They are so easy my seven year old loves to make them himself!

Enjoy!

I’d love to hear some of your healthier snacks and cookies. Please let me know in the comments below!

Thank you and best wishes,

Stephanie

You may also like these other protein ball recipes:

No bake healthier “cookies”
Healthier Buckeye Cookies
Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin protein balls
Valentine energy bites
kids protein bars

Easy whipped cream and icing

Stephanie | November 11, 2014

When I had my first child, I tried to limit his processed food. Therefore, I decided to make his first birthday cake complete with homemade icing. I searched the internet for ideas and this delicious concoction graced his first birthday cake! It can also be used whipped cream, too. Can you believe it is easy, too?!?!

Easy whipped cream and icing

1 cup organic heavy cream (for icing or whipping cream for whipped cream. I use Organic whipping cream, as that is the only organic version at my local store)
2 TBSP coconut sugar (regular sugar can be used if desired)
1 tsp vanilla extract or ground vanilla bean

Beat cream in a chilled bowl until it thickens. Add other ingredients and beat until soft peaks form. This must be refrigerated. This recipe may need to be doubled depending on the size of your cake.

If I am being honest (and lazy), I have just thrown everything in my blender to make this and it tasted great, too (although it wasn’t as pretty).

When looking at the picture, please keep in mind I took the picture outside in sunny Florida. This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional whipped cream and icing and is so delicious! My whole family loves it, which doesn’t happen often. I hope you enjoy it, too.

Warm wishes,

Stephanie

If you enjoyed this and would like to hear more, please subscribe (on the middle right sidebar) to get our SATZ newsletters. To stay connected with Sharing A to Z, please see Facebook or Pinterest.

Holiday Survival Guide 2014 – Printables {Week #7}

Stephanie | November 10, 2014

Hello! Thank you for stopping by for week #7 of the Holiday Survival Guide 2014. If you missed last week, here are some Thanksgiving recipes for you.

To celebrate this week, we have Thanksgiving printables for you. We’ve also have the top links from last week’s link party and a new link party for all your awesome Thanksgiving and Fall posts!

Holiday Survival Guide 2014

We’re going to get you decluttered, organized, cleaned, decorated, and ready for all the holiday fun…without you needing to be committed to the looney bin before New Year’s.