No Sugar Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bites

June 3, 2016 / mysenkid / Leave a comment

Let’s be honest for a minute. When you see a recipe called, No Sugar Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bites do you really think they are going to be good? I mean, sure sugar is the devil since it makes you crave more of it throughout the day. And let’s not forget the sugar crash and belly bloat! But, alas sugar makes those sweets you love even sweeter! And if you are anything like me, I love me some sweets! I was so skeptical about this recipe. I decided to make it one night when I really wasn’t even in the mood for sweets. I didn’t want to get my hopes up and still be stuck with a craving after all the work! But, I was so wrong! These are really, really, really (did I say really) good! And simple. Good. And. Simple.

Ingredients:
3 Ripe Bananas
1/3 cup Apple Sauce (no-sugar added/natural)
2 cups of Oats
1/4 cup Rice Milk (Almond, Flax, Coconut)
1/2 cup Chocolate chips (I use dairy free chips)
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 tsp. Cinnamon

As you can see, the ingredients are all very easy to find and most might even have it already in your pantry! Also, notice, these cookies are egg free, dairy free, nut free, no oil, no sugar and are Vegan! Great allergy friendly recipe!

Directions:

The directions are simple. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients together. Spoon onto cookie sheet (I sprayed with a coconut oil spray) into small mounds. Press in the center to flatten a bit. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven. The shape stays the same as how you placed on the cookie sheet. Watch for a little color to show on the bottoms or cut one open to see how it looks! If you want these to come out with a smoother texture, place your oats into a food processor then add to the mix. I like mine a little heartier, so I keep the oats as is! You can add raisins, dried cranberries or a dollop of nut butter to the batter as well! The possibilities are endless!

*Tip: After they have cooled, store in an air tight container in the fridge. They keep longer and you can place in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy some warm, gooey goodness whenever your craving hits. Enjoy!

Namaste~
joy

Overnight Beach Waves: No Heat Needed

May 19, 2016September 4, 2016 / mysenkid / 1 Comment

Overnight Beach Waves Rock!

My hair is thick. My hair is frizzy. My hair is wavy. And let me tell you, there is a difference between wavy and beach waves on me. Wavy on my head looks like a total mess. Continue reading →

PB & J Sandwiches Made NUT-FREE

May 10, 2016May 11, 2016 / mysenkid / 2 Comments

A good old fashioned PB & J sandwich used to evoke many pleasant memories from my childhood. However, PB & anything now evokes a queasy feeling in stomach that only be described as fear and anxiety. This simple, yet tasty combo can send my boy into anaphylaxis shock. When more than half his lunchroom brings this sandwich to school, needless to say I worry. He has had a nut allergy since he was barely a year old. Not a day goes by without thinking about all the possible outcomes. It is just something we have gotten used to. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, and I am thankful his reactions have been few and far between.

As his mom, and former lover of peanut butter it is now ridden from my diet. I do crave that PB & J sandwich on a hot summers day at the beach or late at night for quick snack! There are many products on the market nowadays. This is great for the food allergy community, but not all of them are quite good! Sorry, but it’s the truth! I was happy to find alternatives that actually tasted good! I have narrowed down my favorites for making a tasty, nut-free PB & J sandwich!

Lunchbox Ready: Just thaw & enjoy! Perfect for lunch, after school snack or trips. Really anytime is the right time to enjoy!

Dr. Praegar’s Sunwiches: Sunflower seed butter with grape or strawberry jelly! Only 200 calories, 4grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein! These crustless wonders pack a nutritious bite, made with ingredients you can recognize!

Annie’s Homegrown Pea B&J Pockets: Featuring 9g whole grains, these crustless sandwiches are layered with real strawberry fruit spread and golden pea butter made from a legume variety that’s cousin to the green peas you scooted off your plate as a kid.

Make Your Own Sandwich: These nut free butters are the real deal. Pair it with your favorite bread and jelly or add some bananas and marshmallow fluff! Or just eat if right from a spoon! I won’t judge!

Don’t Go Nuts Organic Chocolate soy butter: Their bestseller! Almost 2X more protein & fiber and 1/3 the sugar per serving as chocolate-flavored hazelnut spreads! It features organic cocoa. Way better than Nutella!

WOWBUTTER Creamy Soynut butter: 1200mg OMEGA-3 essential oils for good health; peanut butter has 0mg! Best thing about this product is that it comes in CRUNCHY as well! It tastes like peanut butter- but better!

Even if you don’t have an allergy, these are great to have in the house for your kids to bring to school or playdates. Allergy parents truly appreciate when other moms & dads go out of their way to make their kiddo feel safe around food!

Food should bring people together, not tear them apart!

Label Daddy and Summer Camp: A Winning Combo

May 6, 2016 / mysenkid / Leave a comment

Have a little one getting ready for summer camp? Label Daddy and Summer Camp are a winning combo! Here’s the deal: Save 25% on Label Daddy peel and stick custom name labels!

Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! No ironing or sewing . . . just peel and stick. How easy is that! Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others.

These convenient labels are great for adults too! — Put them on your sunglass/eyeglass case, phone, camera, sports equipment, tablet, e-reader, hats, clothing, and more. I am going to use these labels for my son’s Epipen, inhaler and allergy medication as well! He is going to be thrilled when he sees the design I chose for him… You all will have to wait and see!

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels — they’re washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.

Save 25% on your entire Label Daddy order – this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code FUNFAM25 at checkout here: http://www.funfam25.labeldaddy.com/

Celebrate Spring at Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

May 3, 2016 / mysenkid / Leave a comment

If you are local to Rhode Island, or luckily enough to live over the border in neighboring Massachusetts, you need to get to the Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, the only u-pick tulip farm in New England! They are located in Johnston, RI diagonally across from Dame Orchards! Picture this, you’re frolicking through a field of perfect tulips of every size and color while your favorite melody plays in the background, with not a care in the world. Wait, you don’t have that fantasy in your head? It must be just me then! But, I bet you like flowers! I knew this place would be for you! I’ll do the frolicking and you can do the picking! I already picked enough flowers to last me for weeks anyways!

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm is a US Grown, pesticide free, bee friendly and unique farm! With over 250,000 tulips planted in more colors, shapes and sizes than you could dream of, this is surely something that everyone can enjoy! Think of the family pictures! Get your “selfie” face ready! Once you enter you will see their show garden (no picking here) and you can view all their varieties and pre-order them for fall delivery at the bulb tent (white tents). Beyond the show garden is the picking garden where you can walk up and down the rows and choose as many tulips as you desire for $1/stem. They have buckets for your convenience. Once your done bring your tulips and bucket to the wrapping station where you will wrap up your tulips in paper for the ride home. There is staff able to assist if you need help!

I am a huge supporter of an organic lifestyle! I am so happy that Wicked Tulips Flower Farm offers organic tulips and is a bee friendly farm! This was the biggest reason I decided to check them out. Just because we are not eating the flowers, choosing organic and bee friendly products is better in the long run. Bees, flying insects such as butterflies/dragonflies and some birds are in danger due to the overuse of pesticides in farming. This includes your little flower farm you have created in your backyard. These creatures collect pollen, eat seeds and drink the water that is contaminated with pesticide runoff. Even if you don’t use pesticides in your garden, chances are the bulbs and seeds you planted might have them hidden in there. Please try and buy organic bulbs for your garden and support local farmers like Wicked Tulips who choose to leave the “junk” out of their products!

Things to know before you go:

You need a ticket. If you visit during the weekend you must pre-purchase your tickets online. No tickets will be sold at the door on weekends. Children 3 and under are free. 4-15 $2.50 and 16 plus $5.00. They are already sold out for Mother’s Day weekend. However, you do not need a ticket for the weekday (it is less crowded as well).
Hours: The u-pick field is open 7 days a week. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 6pm. Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-7:30pm. Weekends-Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 7:30pm.
Purchase bulbs: You can purchase bulbs for next fall. They are locally grown bulbs and pesticide free! You can order online or at the farm.
Cash/Card: Cash or card is accepted, however cash is preferred!
Photography is allowed and they love seeing all the photos on social media! But please no tripods!

Go tiptoe through those tulips and have a wonderful time!
Namaste~

Fun Foodie Friday: Shakeology Mug Cake

April 29, 2016April 28, 2016 / mysenkid / Leave a comment

We all have seen mug cakes right? A few ingredients mixed together in a mug and pop into the micro and out comes a cake! About a few months back on one particular day, I found myself looking at the clock and realizing how late it was. My first thought was; I still have so much to do before I can go to bed. My second thought was that I didn’t drink my Shakeology yet! I was in the mood for something sweet. So, I decided to make a Shakeology Mug Cake! My friends all rave about them, so I decided it was time I tried it for myself.

It was so easy. And so delicious. Did I mention it was so easy? Even if you don’t drink Shakeology, any protein powder will do. You can satisfy your sweet tooth all while watching your weight, adding protein to your diet and doing so in under 2 minutes! Everyone has time for that!

Shakeology Mug Cake Recipe:
Serving: 1 serving, 1 1/2 Red containers (21 day fix equivalent)

1 scoop of Shakeology/protein powder
1/4 tsp. baking powder
Pinch of Himalayan salt (my preference, but any salt will do)
3 Tbsp. of water
1 egg

Optional Toppings *
Fruit, nut butters, honey, seeds, coconut flakes, whipped cream…

Directions:
In mug, mix together the Shakeology/protein powder with the baking powder and salt. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, add in the egg and water. Mix until most of the clumps are gone. Place in your microwave for no more than 90 seconds. If this is your first time making this, microwave for 60-70 seconds first. Some microwaves are a tad stronger. Mine usually cooks perfectly in 80 seconds! I like my interior to be a little gooey. It reminds me of a molten lava cake! Remove from the mug and add your toppings! ENJOY!

What’s your favorite mug cake recipe? What toppings do you like? I would love to hear your take on this (healthy) dessert!

Namaste~
Joy

Brick Fair is here- Lego lovers rejoice!

April 13, 2016 / mysenkid / Leave a comment

Brick Fair is here! Have a lego lover in your family? Maybe it is you! I know I can spend hours creating something without the presence of my son! The love I have for Legos runs deep… They are one of my favorite toys of all time. I find it so amazing the way people can create magnificent structures with these bricks!

May 21st & May 22nd, 2016

At the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA. Do you want to be SuperMom and SuperDad? Bring your kids to BrickFair LEGO Fan Expo! Endless LEGO creativity and inspiration, games, moon bounces, shopping, Derby Racing, Bingo, and more!
40% OFF – Limited time only $7.20! Use promo code “USFAM2016” to save 40% Off the at-the-door price of $12.00 – and gain early access! Pre-purchase ticket holders get in at 10:30am instead of 11:00am. Click here to purchase!

Will I see you there?
Joy

Fun Foodie Friday: Crockpot Paleo Monkey Bread

April 8, 2016April 8, 2016 / mysenkid / Leave a comment

Crockpot Paleo Monkey Bread is in the house! I can’t take the credit for this amazing recipe. But, I can take the credit for eating the whole first batch I made! I stumbled upon this recipe on Pinterest when looking for crockpot recipes. I love Pinterest. It honestly is like the best thing since sliced bread! I am an obsessive pinner! Are you? I pin things all day long- then go back and either take them out or re-pin them to a different board. I like to be organized- even in cyber space! Enough with the chit-chat, it’s Fun Foodie Friday and you are here to see a delicious recipe come to life!

I love comfort food. I remember monkey bread was the first thing I ever made in 7th grade home economics! I was the most popular kid on the bus ride that day. The bus driver was less than pleased with all the sticky handprints left all over the seats. I think I added way to much honey back then. I made sure I didn’t follow that same path this time! These are nothing like the version I grew up with, yet everything like the version I loved! They have the same sweet taste, light as air texture and mildly sticky feel. But- they are wicked healthier!

What you need:

DOUGH:
1/3 cup of coconut flour
3 eggs
1/2 tsp baking soda
5 tbs coconut oil or grass-fed butter
dash of Himalayan sea salt
2 tbs local honey

TOPPING:

1 cup of local honey or agave nectar
4 tbs grass-fed butter- melted
1 tbs of cinnamon or nutmeg * I add both!
The dough recipe is from one of my favorite sites to visit: Wellness Mama. Her recipe calls for 4 eggs, but I only had 3 and it worked out just fine! I used the coconut oil since I adore the taste. If you don’t like the flavor, stick with the butter! This recipe made 7 dough balls (medium size).

Mix all the dough ingredients together and form medium sized balls. Next, melt the butter and mix with honey and cinnamon. Dip each ball into the mix and place in the crockpot. If you wish pour any remaining topping on top. Cover and cook on low for 1-1/2 hours.

“This dough is like me when I was a teenage girl, hormonal and moody. After 1 hour, watch it every 5 minutes to keep it from turning on you”.

I suggest greasing the bottom on your crockpot with some spray or butter and keep a watchful eye after 1 hour of cooking time is complete. My first batch burned in a matter of minutes. I clocked my first batch at 1 hour and 23 minutes. My second batch was just about 1 hour and 19 minutes. It can burn/turn on you quickly! I immediately took them out and added a drizzle of honey and some more cinnamon to each! I dare you to only eat ONE! They are that GOOD!

Namaste~
Joy

J.O.Y.S Yoga Workshop

March 24, 2016 / mysenkid / Leave a comment

A few months ago, I was tasked with writing a piece on kids mental health for the Rhode Island Health & fitness magazine. For years, I have been practicing yoga, coloring and mediation for stress management. Throughout that time, I started sharing my experience with my son. Not only was my stress a little less “stressful” to manage, but so was my sons. Kids are not impervious to stress. So, my article began to write itself in my mind and it turned into a cover story and one I am so proud of. You can read my full article here: Helping Kids Stress Less and Live More.

When I started combining yoga, coloring and visualization into my son’s routine (weekly) I started to see a difference. Even for myself, the change was almost instant. After a quick yoga session or 15 minutes of coloring I instantly felt alive, awakened and an overwhelming sense of calm. This was the type of euphoria I was longing for as I sufferer of anxiety and depression most of my life. Yoga, coloring and meditation are just 3 more tools in the toolbox for coping with stress.

When I was editing my article, I realized that this would make a great program in schools. And then as quickly as the thought popped into my head, it went away. I never thought I would have the courage to branch out that way. About a month after I finished writing and sent the article to the editor, it was published. I received such great feedback. I truly believe the more tools we have at a younger age for combating stress, the easier it gets to recognize our bodies responses and what we can do to help ourselves.

Since the response was so great, I decided to take a leap of faith and present it to my son’s school. I grabbed the thought from the back of mind and J.O.Y.S Yoga Workshop (Journal Out Your Stress) was formed. And let me tell you it has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. It has helped me overcome some of my own anxieties’ and fears. The kids (all 15 of them) are so unique and so enthusiastic. We have one session left and they are already asking to sign up for more. Bless their hearts.

I spent 2 1/2 months planning the curriculum. Every session has a different theme and I make sure all activities follow suit, which was only capable by doing the research and putting the time in.

Beginning: Basic stretches and welcomes
Topic: Sleep and Relaxation: How do you feel when you can’t sleep? What do you do? Breathe? Visualize things? Stretch? We discuss our feelings as a group.
Yoga Postures: Go over 6 poses that help calm and are proven to help you sleep better. Invite a child up to teach with me.
Journal Prompt: C.A.L.M picture with the 1.2.3 breathe exercise
GAME: Walking Meditation: A simple way for kids to really be present and feel what it is like to be calm, hear calm, think calming thoughts…
Ending: Sun salutation; reduces the feeling of restlessness and anxiety. Hand out sun salutation paper in class to practice at home.

Of course, the children are the reason I am doing this, so I listen to the cues they give me. I might spend more time on something and skip something all together. I have made slight adjustments here and there. The kids asked for more journaling right from the beginning so I added an extra journal prompt. I am thankful for this opportunity to share my experience with them. I am grateful for their open minds and willingness to share their own feelings with me. I look forward to our final session and can’t wait to share a full report of the program when it is all said and done.

The light within me honors the light within you!

Namaste