Easter Egg Hunt Ideas Without Candy

A friend of mine posed a question the other day about non-candy Easter Hunt Ideas so I thought maybe I would share a few of my ideas but would love to hear yours. Easter in our home is really about the gift that Jesus gave us and this is not to be overshadowed but bunnies, eggs and candy. Our home, church and their school really surround them with the true celebration for Easter and I can't give enough thanks for the love we have been given.
Since Easter is such a celebration, we do enjoy having a little fun with the girls.  Every year we have set up an egg hunt for the girls and their cousins.  They may find one or two pieces of dark chocolate in an egg but for the most part there are filled with other fun ideas.

 

Here are a few ideas of things that we have put in our eggs:

1. coins (who doesn't like adding to a piggy bank)
2. tattoos
3. barrettes
4. hair elastics
5. lip gloss
6. nail polish
7. socks 
8. shoe laces
9. band-aids
10. beads
11. glow sticks
12. lego
13. play-doh
14. seeds for the garden
15. pieces of a puzzle
16. notes of things to do (give out a hug, jumping jacks, act like a tiger etc.)
17. questions about the Easter story
18. notes of where to find another egg
19. pieces of a treasure map to find a larger treasure (I tend to use practical ideas for the treasure ie. night light, crafts, markers, outside toys, games, books, new bathing suit)

 

Read More →

Creamy "Ceasar" Dressing (Dairy Free)

After a busy weekend and having eaten not a typical diet for us, I decided to make a hearty salad for lunch.  Salads are great meal when combined with a lot of greens, some protein and fresh vegetables and herbs.  It is the dressing that can often make salads, not so great anymore.  This dressing is rich and creamy, yet lower in refined fats and higher in fibre.  Go ahead enjoy!   

Ingredients (makes approximately 1 cup)

• 1 cup soaked raw cashews*  
• 1 cup water 
• 1 lime juiced
• 1 clove garlic 
• 1 tablespoon chopped onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder
•  teaspoon dried parsley or use 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil or use 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1-2 drops liquid stevia (optional)
• black pepper to taste
• cayenne pepper to taste

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.  
2. Place in a sealed container.  Will last at least a week in the fridge.

*cashews can be soaked 2 cups water for 1-7 hours to soften, this may be helpful if using a less powerful blender in order to get a creamier texture. 

Read More →

FITNESS IS ABOUT TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES

How many of us stand in the truth of our life or live in denial and non-acceptance of the actions that clearly rebel against a healthy lifestyle?  I wish I could see a show of hands and have a world-wide workshop to discuss this issue.  Standing in our truth has everything to do with being able to become a healthy person, and can be applied to all areas of our life: relationships, careers, fitness, and overall health which represent a moderate list that encompasses our existence as a human being.

Being honest with our self is the first step to being able to change those things that are weighing us down physically and emotionally.  If we are unable to be honest with ourselves, then being honest with others will not happen.  When lying to ourselves is at the forefront of or life, behaviors are usually exhibited through bitterness, anger, blame of others, argumentative reasoning, defensiveness, unhappiness, and a clear nonacceptance of responsibility. On the other side of that come acceptance of our truth and realizing that we can be healthier, happier people if changes are implemented each day to begin the process of adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Our responsibility is to stand in our truth and make the choice to go one way or the other.  Do we want to be healthy or not, do we want to continue in self-destructive behaviors or not, do we want to be happy or not, do we want to be an honest person or not?  Standing in our truth opens the door to trust of self and that can eventually be shared with others as we become examples of how to live a healthy life.  We can only live in the path of not standing in our truth for so long before serious consequences begin happening in the form of illness, depression, broken relationships, loss of friends, and even disengagement of family members.  A healthy person exhibits a happy outlook on life and is willing to share their experiences freely and with an open heart to sincerely help others because they know first- hand the work it took to stand in their truth.  The person that remains in denial continues to show a negative view of life, self, and people around them, and generally repel any meaningful relationships. 

The consequences to not standing in our truth to adopt a healthy lifestyle are harsh.  Lying to self and others remain on the top of the ugly list when it comes to life in general.  Living a healthy life will take the action of standing in our truth, acceptance of that truth and the follow-through with daily choices and actions to move our bodies and minds in a healthy direction. 

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list, or if you want to receive my free updates, use the button below to select your feed preference. I look forward to responding to your comments and appreciate your shares. 

Stay Healthy ~ Darla

             DON'T MISS MY FREE UPDATES

Stay Healthy from my family to yours

Read More →

Lemon Poppy Seed Buckwheat Pancakes (Dairy, Gluten and Refined Sugar Free)

We love pancakes in this house.  They are not just a weekend thing over here but we generally have them one other time during the week as well.  I like to make a variety of flavours using whatever is around; pumpkin, sweet potato, apple, and banana pancakes.  Recently we have added lemon poppy seed to the rotation. I love the fresh flavour of the lemon in these pancakes, it makes a great start to the day.

Ingredients (makes 8-10 pancakes)

• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest or 1 drop lemon essential oil
• 1 lemon juiced
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond, coconut or cashew milk milk*
• 1 cup buckwheat flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca or arrowroot starch
• 1/2 cup sorghum flour
• 2 tablespoons sifted coconut flour
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 2 beaten eggs or 2 chia/flax egg replacer
• 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup or other natural sweeteners (optional)
• for cooking ( I used coconut or grapeseed oil)

Directions

1. In a medium size bowl, combine lemon zest, juice and milk and set aside.
2. In another medium size bowl combine buckwheat flour, starch, sorghum flour, coconut flour, baking soda, baking powder and poppy seeds.
3. Add eggs and maple syrup as well as lemon milk to the flour.
4. Stir to fully combine. 
5. Heat skillet with oil and pour desired size of pancake.

Read More →

Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten and Dairy Free)

My youngest recently had a birthday and wanted to bring something into the class to share.  I sometimes struggle with finding treats other children will enjoy and aren't filled with too much refined sugar and food colouring.  I recognize cookies are not necessarily healthy but are a treat so we decided to make a chocolate cookie and decorate with one smartie.  These were fun to make.  My girls loved them and apparently they were well received by her peers :)

Ingredients (makes approximately 16 cookies)

• 1/2 cup softened coconut oil 
• 2/3 cup coconut palm sugar
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup coconut flour, sifted
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon psyllium husk
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 F and prepare cookie sheet.
2. In a small bowl combine coconut oil, palm sugar, eggs and vanilla.  
3. In a medium bowl combine, coconut flour, cocoa, psyllium husk, baking soda, sea salt and chocolate chips.
4. Add egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined.
5. Place batter in fridge (if you don't want flat cookies) for about 15 minutes.  I didn't put mine in the fridge but do be careful, they do spread.  
6. Roll batter into 1 inch balls.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Read More →

NO ONE BUT YOU CAN MAKE HEALTH HAPPEN

In this world of comparison and getting pissed off at her or him for seeming to accomplish everything, and then spewing “what’s your excuse” in our faces, it’s no wonder women and men alike are throwing up their arms in frustration and happily giving a bird salute attitude at achieving fitness goals.  

Put on the brakes here and look at what has happened.  Letting others control what is best for our health and fitness is out right wrong, and does nothing for us.  That being said, why are we allowing people or media so much control over our decision making to create a healthy, happy life when they have little to no concern or care for us?  Why so pissed about it?  What it comes down to is that no one but you can make health happen.  You know that saying that goes, “whether you do or you do not, you are right.”  Well, that is true and the choice to get healthy lies squarely on your shoulders.  There is no amount of jealousy, blaming others, or putting up defensive posture because others are doing what you are not willing, that will get you closer to your health and fitness goals. 

It does not matter how busy you are, I am, he or she is, because we all can say that we are too busy to carve out that very important exercise hour, and plan and prep healthy food time.  The “what’s your excuse” phrase does hit hard and can ruffle the feathers, especially when it comes from family and friends.  When it comes from the media, it is easier to be judgmental and hide behind our computers commenting on how cushy her or his life is and how they have the time to get it done.  I say bullshit to that and start accepting responsibility for our actions, stop comparing to others, and who gives a crap what anybody’s excuse is.  What is important are the excuses that we are making and why.  It is time to tune into self and let go of insignificant negative drama that weighs down our positive minds.  No one but you can make the choices to move past the excuses and the feelings that keep you from getting healthy. 

Darla Leal, Fit at 50

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list, or if you want to receive my free updates, use the button below to select your feed preference. I look forward to responding to your comments and appreciate your shares.

Stay Healthy!

                                                                                DON'T MISS MY FREE UPDATES

Read More →

Happy Birthday! Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Icing (Gluten, Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

My youngest is now 5!  Happy Birthday to our cuddly little bear. 

Today we celebrated with a few of her friends.  It was a busy, bug themed day.  Our youngest is is our little creature collector she is always out looking for lady bugs, frogs, snails, worms and even grubs. Thanks to Pinterest, I did get a few ideas for the theme.  Lady bugs became the idea for the cupcakes. Since we try to limit the wheat in our home as well as sugar and food colouring.  It can make birthdays a little more challenging, but I am usually up for a little "trial and error."

I revised my original cupcake recipe and am much happier with the results.  For the icing I used Chocolate Date Icing and they turned out really well.  The icing was great coverage and for the details on the strawberries.

For the Cupcakes

Ingredients (makes 20 mini muffins and 14-15 large muffins)

• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 1 1/4 cup palm sugar (add more if you want a sweeter cupcake)
• 1/4 cup tapioca or arrowroot starch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon psyllium husk
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup non dairy milk milk 
• 1/3 cup grapeseed oil
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups cook quinoa (approximately 3/4 cup dry)* 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.  Prepare muffin cups/tray.
2. In a large bowl combine cocoa, palm sugar, starch, baking soda, psyllium and salt.
3. In a blender combine eggs, milk, oils, vanilla and quinoa in that order and puree until very smooth. 
4. Pour liquid into dry bowl.  Using a wooden spoon, stir just until combined.
5. Fill cups until 3/4 way full.  
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes for large cupcakes and 12-15 minutes for mini cupcakes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
7. Enjoy!

* to cook quinoa soak it for 1-2 minutes to remove the saponin residue which causes the bitter taste and then cook with double the amount of water to quinoa.   Cook for approximately 20 minutes on a medium to low heat.

For the Icing
Again, this is not my recipe my slight adaptation  from Kelly Brozyna at The Spunky Coconut.  

Ingredients (makes enough for single layer cake or 12 cupcakes)

• 3/4 cup cashews
• 1 1/2 cup dates
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• 1 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot starch
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup raw cocao or cocoa
• pinch sea salt
• 1/4 cup ground palm sugar (optional-if you prefer it sweeter)

Directions

1. Soak cashews in 1 1/2 cup water for 2-4 hours to soften.  Drain and then rinse with clean water.  Set aside.
2. Soak dates in hot water for 1-2 hours to soften.  Drain water and set aside.
3. Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Set in refrigerator to harden for 1-2 hours.
5. Pipe or spread over cake.  

A Few Pictures of the Day

Happy Birthday!  I Love You!

Read More →

Wild Rice and Mushrooms

I am a huge fan of wild rice and so are the girls.  I love the texture and heartiness, if that is even a word.  Wild rice is high in protein, B vitamins and fiber.  It is actually not even a rice but rather a grass, or the seed of a grass.  I find this recipe to be rather versatile.  We like to mix in a variety or vegetables, but keep in the mushrooms.  The girls like it with a little bit of shredded on cheese on top but it isn't necessary to make this a delicious entree or side dish.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water (or combination of broth and water)
• 1 cup wild rice
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup diced green beans, okra, spinach, kale or broccoli (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 diced onion
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms
• 1 cup diced green beans, okra or broccoli (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
• shredded Swiss cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium pot add rice, broth/water and salt.  Bring to a boil and simmer at a low boil for 15 minutes.
2. Add green vegetable (beans/okra, spinach, kale or broccoli) to the rice pot and continue to simmer another 15 minutes or until rice is cooked.
3. In a small frying pan heat oil.  Add onions and fry until clear about 3-5 minutes.  Add garlic and mushrooms.  Fry for another 5 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms cooked mushrooms etc. to the rice pot.  
5. Stir together to combine.  Continue to cook until vegetables are tender and rice is cooked.
6. Stir in cilantro and serve with cheese on top if preferred.

Read More →

Blueberry, Cranberry, Red Fife Muffins (Dairy, Egg, Refined Sugar Free)

My oldest daughter wanted to create her own recipe.  She decided she wanted to make muffins.  One of her favourite muffins is blueberry and she wanted to add in cranberries as well.  Since she has a low tolerance to eggs, these muffins are also egg free.  I am so proud of her for creating this recipe, primarily on her own and for even typing it up for me ;)

We used an organic red fife flour.  Red fife flour Canada's heritage wheat flour, which was introduced to in the 1840's.  Although this is a gluten grain it has not been altered by synthetic compounds, chemicals or GMO's.   Red Fife is much lower in gliadin (a protein present in wheat gluten) which makes this flour much easier to digest for those with gluten sensitivities.  I have been told this the only wheat some people can eat.  We enjoy its flavour and find it be a great flour for breads and hearty muffins.  We hope you give it a try!

Ingredients (makes 8-10 muffins)

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 ½ cups of red fife flour
• ½ a cup of maple syrup
• 2 chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground chia + 3 tablespoons water =1 chia egg)
• ⅓ of a cup of grape seed oil
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup cranberries

My Little Baker

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and prepare muffin tray.
2. In a large bowl add all the dry ingredients including the blueberries and the cranberries.
3. A medium size bowl add all the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
4. Combine the wet ingredients into the dry and stir to fully combine.
5. Scoop into muffin tray and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Read More →

PUSH THROUGH THE PAIN

I am not talking about pain that does not feel right when performing an exercise but what I am referring to is the emotional and mental pain that will enter each of our lives through differing circumstances.  Whether we are suffering crisis from a family member being ill, a death, divorce, or financial strain due to a job loss, these types of stressful situations can cause us to not take care of ourselves as we place health and fitness on the back burner.  We get so wrapped up in the pain of the event with our minds consumed, our emotional banks drained, and the energy to even put one foot in front of the other feeling like an impossible task. The burden feels heavy and the world can seem bigger than we are.  It will be in these moments where taking care of ourselves through exercise and eating right is even more important, and often times pushing through the pain even when we do not want to will be what keeps us healthy emotionally and physically.

It will not be easy and I share this personally as I am currently struggling with my father being gravely ill and rapid decline in health.  During sleepless days and nights of course I focus more on my nutrition and get in my exercise when I can, but do seek out exercise as being therapeutic and stress relieving. Studies have shown that exercise is directly linked to decreased depression and stress, which is why it is so important not to neglect this very important part of our life.  Our bodies are made to move and doing that helps prevent a spiral down into dark mental places.  All of us will experience pain in our life and that is unfortunately a part of this journey, and it will always be how we respond to the circumstances that will keep us healthy.  Journaling is another great way to feel comfort through painful situations, and if necessary a great counselor, and I am all for talking to God and prayer. The Blog is an outlet of expression for me and sharing my feelings with you also provides healing and hopefully a comfort for others going through a painful life episode. 

Life will not play fair that is a fact and we need to prepare ourselves by being healthy and happy to begin with.  Being fit helps us to cope better during emotional stress. Today is always the day to take the steps necessary to become your best YOU in all aspects.  Life is short, a gift, and taking it for granted is not only a shame, but will lead to a life of illness and unhappiness.  When the painful things in this life come knocking on your door, will you be ready physically, emotionally and spiritually?  Will you have the strength to push through the pain?

I dedicate this Blog to my wonderful father who is a fighter, and my beautiful mother who stands strongly by his side and for 55 years.  Thank you for blessing me with life, faith and love.

My Beautiful Parents

Me and My Fabulous Father

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list, or if you want to receive my free updates, use the button below to select your feed preference. I look forward to responding to your comments and appreciate your shares.

 

                                                                                        

Read More →

Chocolate Date Icing or Frosting (Dairy and Refined Sugar Free)

This weekend was my niece's second birthday, I was in charge of the birthday cake.  I went with my Grain Free Chocolate Cupcakes recipe and then piped this Chocolate Date Frosting from The Spunky Coconut.  This frosting turned out so well.  It piped very easily and tasted great, thanks Kelly Brozyna for this delicious icing.

Ingredients (makes enough for single layer cake or 12 cupcakes)

• 3/4 cup cashews
• 1 1/2 cup dates
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• 1 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot starch
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup raw cocao or cocoa
• pinch sea salt
• 1/4 cup ground palm sugar (optional-if you prefer it sweeter)

Directions

1. Soak cashews in 1 1/2 cup water for 2-4 hours to soften.  Drain and then rinse with clean water.  Set aside.
2. Soak dates in hot water for 1-2 hours to soften.  Drain water and set aside.
3. Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Set in refrigerator to harden for 1-2 hours.
5. Pipe or spread over cake.  

Read More →

REASONS DO NOT ACHIEVE RESULTS

The truth about health and fitness is that we either want it or we don’t.  Let’s face it, we can all come up with reasons not to exercise today or pack our coolers with healthy food to have on hand.  All the reasons in the world are excuses that will eventually catch up to us in the form of illness or injury.  That also is the truth.  What we need to understand is that our lifestyle is our medicine, and that includes what we eat and how we move and rest our bodies.   We can’t continue to walk around in a state of un-health and believe that this is an acceptable existence.  Looking and feeling our best is what we all want, dream about, and talk about, but the action to make it happen never seems to occur.  Look at what is flooding our magazines, commercials, and television shows when it comes to getting healthy.  We need to be living the reality shows of achieving our best body not sitting in front of the tube with our chips watching other people taking action to get healthy. 

Reasons will not change how we look or feel and in fact will only make us feel and look worse if continued as a lifestyle.  Our first step to change this reality of reasons, is to own that we are doing that.  If you are coming up with reasons to stop by the fast food or restaurant, skip out on the workout, and party hardy until the break of dawn, it is time to stand in your own truth and ask why.  Looking at the truth can sometimes piss us off, cause us to throw our hands up with a profound “f” word salute, and that is normal.  It will be in that frustrated moment of anger or other emotion that will open the mind to what in the hell am I doing with my life and body.  It will be that slap in the face that will cause us to get serious about a healthy lifestyle becoming our medicine. 

The only person responsible for replacing reasons with action is you and me.  It is time to rearrange the priorities in our lives because no person is too busy to take care of their health.  Everyone can have their fittest body at any age and I will take on any backlash for making this statement.  A healthy fit body is obtainable and realistic for all of us and should be the goal while we are living this life.  Dependence on prescribed drugs to pseudo fix health issues is way out of hand, and although certain medications are needed for a small percentage of medical issues, I am addressing the general populous that continue to accommodate their “reasons” and unhealthy way of life.  Living a healthy lifestyle is not a half in and half out scenario either because occasional effort equals occasional results.  We want so much to change but are not willing to give the effort and this is the bottom line.  Results can and will happen, but the choice is up to you.

I dedicate this Blog to my husband, friend, love and support in my life.  

Happy Valentine’s Day Babe and I Love You Forever and a Day

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list, or if you want to receive my free updates, use the button below to select your feed preference. I look forward to responding to your comments and appreciate your shares.

Stay Healthy!

Darla 

               DON'T MISS MY FREE UPDATES

Read More →