I’ve always been a believer of holistic approaches as a first attempt to treating illness and battling disease. It only makes sense that what you put into your body will affect how you feel and how your body functions. Ever since I saw the documentary Food Inc. I have changed the way our family eats. Though we don’t cut out processed foods completely, we have made a dramatic change in our lifestyle. It’s a gradual process and I feel we are ready to move to the next level of wholesome nutrition by becoming even more discerning with our food choices. I have decided to cut white and even wheat flour out and just use almond flour (for now and will experiment with other types later on). I really want to take on the challenge of  a truly healthy (and maybe eventually Primal) diet.

My first experience with almond flour was today when I made Zuzana’s Powerballs. Zuzana is a badass chick from bodyrock.tv. I can say that her FREE workouts are hardcore and will produce results. She is a true health nut. Anyway, on to the recipe! What I really love about these powerballs is how insanely healthy they are and the fact they taste so good you wouldn’t really know. The coconut oil adds just a hint of the coconut flavor and because carrots are naturally sweet, the flavors really come together so well.

Every single ingredient in these powerballs has a health benefit:

Honey is a natural sweetner that is high in antioxidants.

Almond flour is low carb and gluten free.

Carrots are also high in antioxidants as well as vitamin A and recent research has found that the phytonutrients in carrots can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells.

Spinach ( I added this, it wasn’t an original ingredient) is of course another well known antioxidant super food. According to the WH Foods (World’s Healthiest Foods), spinach was ranked number one for nutrient richness. WH Foods also mentions how in a recent study “spinach showed evidence of significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.”(2011)

Coconut oil Plays an important role in the prevention of diabetes and kidney and gall bladder disease. Mark from Mark’s Daily Apple wrote up a great explanation of the health benefits of coconut oil here.

Almonds have so many health benefits to list that it’s better to just link the source. Read about all the many reasons these nuts are so good for your body.

Now on to the recipe!  I changed a few things about how I put all the ingredients together and I also added spinach because it has such a mild flavor, yet is so good for you. I honestly couldn’t taste the spinach at all. I used our Vitamix blender for making these, but a food processor would work fine too.

First, grind up one cup of oats to form an oat flour.

Then add 2 cups of almond flour to the oat mix and 3 tablespoons of baking powder.

Here is where I did it just a little different. I combined the 4 tablespoons of honey and the 4 tablespoon of coconut oil in a bowl together and mixed them up a little. I then stuck the bowl in the microwave on medium setting for 30 seconds.

Heating up the honey and coconut oil makes the mixture much easier to stir into the flour mix. After taking the bowl out of the microwave I found it was easier to use a fork to mash up the bigger pieces of coconut oil.

Dip your pinkie finger in and have a  taste. mmmmmm.

Add the coconut/honey mix to the flour and stir up. It will be clumpy.

Next add about a cup of carrots to the Vitamix blender and puree until mostly smooth. Then add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of spinach to the carrot puree.

If you don’t have a vitamix, you can do as Zuzana suggested and cook the carrots until soft and then mash them up with a potato masher and add chopped spinach to the mix.

Add the carrot mix to the bowl and stir well. I kind of mushed it all together with a spoon.

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Then roll the dough into balls (I made 20, but it depends on the size you roll). Then take some crushed almonds,  and roll the balls in the almonds.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Then let cool for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

Btw, my kids loved these! I had to take the plate away

My now 20 month old son has had issues on and off with sleep for the last 6 months. There have been nights where he is up screaming for hours at a time. I have researched everything under the sun and have gone to different doctors (one of whom told me to just let him cry it out for however long it takes, seriously?!) I’ve looked up restless leg syndrome, acid reflux, night terrors, separation anxiety, asthma, food allergies and just about any sleep disorder that exists. On the nights he isn’t sleeping he seems very uncomfortable and will squirm his body and kick his legs, which is why I thought it could be restless legs or acid reflux. As a parent it’s heart-breaking to know your child is struggling and to feel so helpless. It’s also frustrating and extremely exhausting.

His sleep isn’t a chronic issue though. It seems to occur sporadically, specifically after we travel. So logically I felt  there had to be something causing it, I just didn’t know what. I wasn’t sure if it was mental or physical, but something was causing my child to have sleep issues. The lack of sleep wasn’t just affecting my son, it was causing a lot of strain at times on our family because when no one is getting sleep, no one is at their best.

My sister had suggested keeping a journal of all the things he eats because the more knowledge I have, the more I can explain to a doctor. I basically needed to be our family’s researcher  I had started keeping note of the foods he ate and what (if any) effect were taking place. I was keeping a written journal and then just got busy and didn’t keep up (bad idea of course). But mentally I was paying attention to what I fed him. We are really healthy most of the time and limit processed foods greatly. We incorporate a lot of fruits and vegetables in our daily diet, which I thought was a good thing.

One of my favorite snacks ever is this honey greek yogurt sold in our grocery store. I love to add frozen blueberries to it. Of course every time I eat it, my kids want it too. Well last week I had a feeling and an idea ( a hypothesis!) to stop feeding it to my son just to test it out. Well the next night and then the next 3 nights after that he slept in his bed all night! After more than six weeks of frequent night wakings, we finally got a few full nights of sleep. Hallelujah. I was talking with my husband about it and wondering if it was just coincidence, but just to be safe decided against giving  him the yogurt or blueberries.

This past Tuesday night I made teriyaki chicken. I made the sauce homemade and it was delicious! However that night my son woke up in the middle of the night and ended up sleeping in our bed. He has had diarrhea since(today is Thursday) and I’ve been trying to figure out what the heck could be causing him to have it.

Last night for dinner I made roasted potatoes, broccoli and pork loin for dinner. I made sure to give him plenty of broccoli since it’s just so healthy. Well at around 1am he woke up and was very irritable, so I brought him to our bed.  He tossed and turned the entire night, poor mommy and daddy!

So this morning I googled “toddler sleep broccoli” to see if anything would come up and I found a site talking about salicylates.

http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/factsheets/Factsalicylates2.htm

The symptoms listed for salicylates from the above site include:

·         headaches or migraines

·         itchy skin rashes such as hives (urticaria), eczema and others

·         irritable bowel symptoms – reflux in babies or adults, nausea, vomiting, stomach bloating and discomfort, wind, diarrhoea and/or constipation

·         bedwetting, cystitis

·         asthma, stuffy or runny nose, nasal polyps, frequent throat clearing,

·         behaviour problems such as irritability, restlessness, inattention, oppositional defiance, symptoms of ADHD

·         sleep disturbance – difficulty falling asleep, night terrors, frequent night waking, sleep apnoea

·         anxiety, depression, panic attacks

·         rapid heart beat and arrythmias

·         tinnitus, hyperacusis, hearing loss

·         joint pain, arthritis, and more ….

The reason I thought he could have asthma is because he has had 2 respiratory illnesses (inflammation in his airway) in two months time. Sometimes he sounds like he’s wheezing, but it’s also hard to tell if he is just doing it to get my attention. (He knows to cough and that sort of thing to get my attention). As his last doctor’s appointment the doctor listened to his lungs and said they sound fine. Which from what I’ve read doesn’t actually mean anything because he could still have asthma related symptoms that just worsen at night. Also, asthma isn’t technically diagnosed until age 3, so I’m still not ruling that out as a possibility.

Anyway the symptoms of sleep disturbance, skin issues (he has several dry patches of skin on his body), stomach bloating and diarrhea are all symptoms he has. Those symptoms in combination with the foods he has eaten gave me my AHA moment.

I found several sites listing the foods, products and medications that are high in or contain salicylates, they include:

  Fruits: Apricots, avocados, blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, cherries, cranberries, dates, grapefruit, grapes, guava, kiwi fruit, loganberry, lychees, melons (all types), nectarines, oranges, mandarins, satsumas, tangerines, peaches, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, plum dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants, prunes)

  Any product made from the above fruits, e.g. jams, marmalade

  Soft drinks and fruit juices of the above fruits

  Vegetables: Alfalfa sprouts, artichoke, broad beans, broccoli, chicory, chilli, courgette, cucumber, gherkins, okra, olives, peppers, spinach, radish, sweet potato, tomato & tomato products, watercress, zucchini

  Nuts & seeds: Almonds, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, peanuts with skins on, pistachio nuts, water chestnuts

  Tea, coffee

  Wine, beer, cider

  Ice cream

  Sweets: Liquorice, chewing gum, fruit flavoured sweets, mints, peppermints

  Honey

  Maize, corn, sweetcorn and products made from corn or maize, e.g. fast food French fries, maize-based snacks, popcorn

  Cake mixes

  Spices, condiments & sauces: Commercial gravies & sauces, all-spice, aniseed, bay leaves, basil, black pepper, caraway, cardamom, cayenne, cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, fenugreek, garam masala, ginger, Marmite, Vegemite and other yeast extracts, mint, mixed herbs, mustard, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, pimiento, rosemary, sage, tabasco, tarragon, thyme, turmeric, pepper, vinegar, Worcester Sauce

  Oils: coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, walnut oil

  Meats: Any processed meat/fish in sauces (check), canned, processed meats
Read more at: http://www.mealplansite.com/medical-salicylate-sensitivity.aspx

The teriyaki sauce I made this week had soy sauce in it. We had broccoli for dinner last night. Soy sauce and broccoli are both high in salicylate. Also on the list…honey and blueberries. It’s all making sense now….

In my research I also found this interesting,: “Researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia found that three-quarters of 86 children with ADHD reacted adversely to foods containing salicylates.” (http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1631) Actually the evidence appears to be very strong that diet and ADHD are directly linked.

Anyway I feel like I have found the problem.  Part of this post is an AHA moment and the other part is a vent. I am so sick of doctors trying to mask the symptoms of my child instead of trying to source the problem. I have learned as a parent it is our responsibility to do our homework and challenge doctors who just want to push medications at us. I strongly believe in holistic approaches to healthcare. Our bodies are very sophisticated machines and while I’m not against modern medicine I do believe there is a balance.

Why don’t doctors ask about diet? Why haven’t I had a doctor suggest I keep a journal of what he eats? Why haven’t I had a doctor mention issues like salicylate intolerance being related to sleep disturbance?

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH HEALTHCARE THESE DAYS???

I am not lumping all doctors into this category. I know not all doctors are like this, but gosh darnit why is it so hard to find a doctor that seems to give a damn? I will say in my experience I do appreciate the German doctors because I do feel like they generally are more holistic and actually try and find the problem. I just want to say

Before giving up.

Before injecting your children with medications.

Before just accepting a life of little or no answers.

Think about the simple things. Trust your instincts. Food and body go hand in hand. What we put into our bodies does greatly affect our entire being. Logically, that is what makes sense. The air we breathe (exposure to pollutants, chemicals, toxins), the food we eat and anything else we expose our bodies to affects us.

I’m curious to know if anyone else has had experience with illnesses/disorders being improved by diet/lifestyle changes. Please leave a comment if so!

Will share pictures form our trip to Rome later.

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving!

xoxo

B

I am having SO much fun planning this party. I hope to make it my best yet. I have a whole board on my pinterest with fabulous ideas, check it out.

Can’t wait to catch up on blogs and share more stuff! I’m working on a sparkly craft and will share it later on.

xoxoxoxo

B

This Cookie Dessert table by Regina was created for guests attending a Golden Wedding. She chose the brown, dark red and golden color scheme to fit the theme and to comliment the changing of the seasons.

Regina's Sweet Table

All cookies, macarons and cakepops are homemade by Regina. 

Cake pops by Regina

I just love these cake pops! She also created the labels, tags and the bunting with the names of the Golden Couple. To see more pictures and for details on her event check out her blog.

This next table comes from Christine of Weddingstyle.de

Christine styled this wedding dessert table for the magazine. Beautiful isn’t it?

Should have more tables to share in the next few weeks! Germany is looking good so far

xoxo

B

First I’m on amazon and qvc searching for Christmas gifts. Trying to be very cost effective and practical this year.

 and then….

I switch to buying outdoor Christmas decor. I want a pretty wreath for the front door and a garland and two little trees on each side of the door.

and then…

I go to my Target.com window hoping to find some shirts for little Wright and a winter coat for baby Wright.

And then….

I realize I still haven’t found a place to stay in Rome for our trip this month. Hotels are expensive as heck and there are thousands to search through. I want to book an apt, but they are non refundable and I’ve heard we may get dumped with snow soon….so ugh I cant decide what to do.

and then…

 I go on fb to see what everyone is up. Cute costumes and fun parties from Halloween!

Then…

Im on people.com not at all surprised by Kim Kardashian or Jessica Simpson.

and then…

 I realize I need to start getting stuff together for the holiday party I’m doing for my husband’s taekwondo students.

Then I spend most of my  time on pinterest getting even MORE distracted. 

AH! SOL! (scream out load. Im totally starting that as a new abb btw)

Anyone else completely obsessed with that site? It’s the climax of all the things pretty.  I’ve always been a visual person. I used to do google image searches for ideas and would save inspiring images to my desktop. I LOVE how pinterst allows me to stay organized with ideas. It’s overwhelming how creative people are and I want to do and see every craft I find. If you’re on pinterest find me or let me know so I can find you! I’ve put together some boards for holiday party ideas and holiday crafts.

How does everyone else stay calm and focused during this nutty season??

Oh and please send me positive energy…will find out about internet in 2 weeks!

XOXOX

B

It is SO incredibly beautiful here. The seasons are spot on perfect. Summer gradually simmers it’s was from 80′s to 70′s to 60′s in September and now 50′s in October.

The people are the friendliest yet. Our little village is full of such sweet and kind people. I love my daughter’s kindergarten so much and definitely appreciate the blessing of it being only a few minutes away.

I love traveling throughout Europe still.

But.

I am at a point of just wanting to go crazy because we still don’t have internet at home. It’s such a complicated mess and really quite ridiculous. It is 2011 isn’t it?? How is it possible to live somewhere without internet. I am able to use my iphone (thank God), but I have very few days a month where the connection is decent. I miss blogging I miss being a part of the party/blog world I miss downloading Real Housewives of every city in America. *sigh*

So yes Bavaria is beautiful, but the bugs and distance and lack of internet are really sucking.

There is one more chance of us being able to get DSL. If this doesn’t work, then no internet for us while we live here. Sooooo…I’m hopeful. And aside from no internet (being a MAJOR CON) I have Rome to look forward to next month (the MAJOR PRO).

Until we meet again world wide web…..

B

These are just the perfect fall time treat! The combination of fluffy pumpkin cake with a just sweet enough frosting is simply delicious. I followed Paula Deen’s recipe which is for pumpkin bars, but I turned them into cupcakes and it made 24.

Mmmhmm. Delicious. Would even go great with a cup of coffee in the morning

As Paula would say, enjoy y’all!

-B

Photo from TheSubrubanMom

I have been searching the internet for Christmas gifts already. I have compiled a GREAT list of very cost effective, creative and highly rated toys for kiddos and everyone on my list actually. I’ll be sharing that later, but in the meantime check out this SUPER cute product I found on amazon. It’s called The Elf on the Shelf.

The product is a story book and a little elf.  The idea is to tell the kiddos that Santa sent the elf to watch over the kids and the elf reports to Santa each night. Us parents are supposed to move the elf into a new spot each night so it looks like he “left” for the North Pole and came back. There are over 200 positive reviews on amazon and many claim how excited kiddos were each morning to see where the elf was in the house.

Isn’t this just the cutest idea ever for a family tradition for young kids?? I’m ordering one right now and thought I’d share

xoxo

B

Calling all party planners! The 2011 Sweet Table Contest has officially launched! Last year the competition was just in Europe, but this year international contestants are eligible and encouraged to enter. I am the judge representing Germany for 2011, but if you live in another country you can find your national judge here.

Last year Belle Amour’s stunning Snow White Themed table was the Sweet Table Contest winner.

She is an incredibly talented and creative party party planner and is the U.K judge this year. She wrote up a wonderful post with many tips for creating your own sweet table. Check out some examples and entries from last year for even more inspiration.

It’s easy to enter…
1) The contest ends Friday December 9, 2011
2) If you live in Germany please email one high resolution picture of the tablescape to me and include your name, url with more images (facebook link, blog, picasa album, etc) and city. If you are not in Germany you can find your national sponsor here.
3) The contest is open to everyone worldwide except for professional party/event planners or professional caterers.
4) Voting will be based on the following: 
Creativity
Colour harmony
Presentation & harmony of the table
Accordance with the chosen theme
Overall look & feel.

Find out more about the competition by checking out the Sweet Table website, becoming a fan on Facebook or following it on Twitter.

I am looking for a sponsor to award a prize to the German winner. Please send me an email if you are interested in being a sponsor and learning about sponsorship benefits. The Grand Prize will be awarded by the Sweet Table Contest Team.

Looking forward to seeing all the creativity pary planners worldwide have to offer

-B