HOMEMADE PESTICIDE RECIPES AND TIPS

Begin treating for insects as soon as you notice signs of an infestation, the sooner you start the easier it will be to get rid of the critters.  Most recipes takes from HERE.

Note: Some recipes online require liquid dish detergent but I recommend you  substitute with a gentler liquid soap such as liquid castile or a perfume free, gentle liquid hand soap.

WEBSITE TO CHECK OUT:  I also love planting herbs and flowers that NATURALLY repel bad bugs...here's a great website to know what you can plant, where and why.  

(Misty's favorite) ALL PUPRPOSE PEPPERMINT PESTICIDE SPRAY:  great for almost all bad bugs

• 1/2 tsp of liquid castile soap
• 10 drops of essential oil PEPPERMINT
• 2 cups of water.  Place all ingredients in water bottle, shake well before application.  NOTE:  will also repel bee's (which you DON'T want) so do NOT spray on blooms.  APPLY LATER IN THE DAY because the oils can actually burn the leaves.  

Rhubarb Leaf Mix

1 cup rhubarb leaves
6.5 cups water
1/4 cup liquid castile soap

• Cover rhubarb leaves with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 20 minutes then remove from heat and cool. Strain then add 1/4 cup liquid soap. Apply. Good for aphids, june beetles, spider mites, thrips.
• Rhubarb leaves are poisonous, take care when preparing and handling. Do not use on food bearing plants.

Garlic Tea

• Make your own garlic spray by boiling a pint of water, throw in roughly chopped garlic cloves and steep until the water cools. Remove garlic bits then apply.

Cockroach Killer

• Mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa, 1 cup Diatomaceous Earth.  Sprinkle around baseboards or where you see roaches.  If in your home, you can place in a tray or bowl.  Roaches will carry it back to their homes and it kills all stages of roaches.

MARIGOLDS:  Plant marigolds all around the garden and even between plants to repel many different bad bugs, but they can also attract spider mites and snails.

Garlic, Peppers & Onion Insecticide

2 hot peppers
1 large onion
1 whole bulb of garlic
1/4 cup water

• Toss in the food processor and add water, blend until a mash is made. Cover mash with 1 gallon hot (not boiling) water and let stand 24 hours. Strain. Spray on roses, azaleas, vegetables to kill bug infestations. Bury mash in ground where bugs are heaviest. Good for thrips, aphids, grasshoppers, chewing and sucking insects.

Tomato Leaves Mix

• Crush leaves from a tomato plant and soak in water for a couple days. Strain then spray. Good for grasshopper and white fly control.
• Tomato leaves are poisonous, take care when preparing and handling. Do not use on food bearing plants.

Basil Tea

4 cups water
1 cup fresh basil (or 2 TBS dried)
1 tsp liquid castile soap

• Bring water to a boil then add basil. Remove from heat, cover and steep until cool. Strain. Mix in the liquid soap then apply. Good for aphids.

Onion Insect Repellent For Plants

Save Onion Peels & Bits To Make Your Own Garden Brew

• Save onion skins, peels and ends then refrigerate in an empty margarine-sized tub or ziploc bag until the container is full.
• Once you have enough, place the onion pieces in a pail and fill with warm water. Soak for a few days, up to a week. Optional: You can keep this on the patio in the sun to steep.
• After one week, strain the onion bits out and store the onion water in spray bottles. Bury the onion bits around plants that are prone to aphids, spiders and other pests.
• Spray both house and garden plants with the water to fight aphids and pests.

*You could also mix your garlic trimmings in with the onion pieces, bugs hate garlic too.

Salt Spray

2 TBS salt
1.5 gallons warm water

• Mix salt and water to dissolve, allow to cool to room temperature. Use for spider mites, caterpillars, cabbage worms and chewing insects.

Epsom Salt Spray

2 ounces of salt
2 gallons water

• Benefits: Helps with Black Spot, Mildew, Wilt and Rust

Slug Bait Trap

• Set out beer in shallow containers to attract slugs, they’ll drown in the beer. See more tipson this page.

Diatomaceous Earth:  found in local farm store

• An all natural solution for insects of all kinds (ants, snails, slugs, etc.). Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on top of soil around plants with pest problems.  NOTE:  KILLS BENEFICIAL INSECTS AS WELL SO NEVER PLACE DIRECTLY ON PLANTS/LEAVES. (SAVE THE BEES!)  

Horticultural Oil Mix

1 TBS vegetable oil
1 tsp liquid castile soap
2 cups water

• Fill a spray bottle with the ingredients then shake to mix.

Hot Pepper Recipe

1/2 cup hot peppers (or 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper)
1 quart water
1 tsp liquid dish detergent

• Bring water to a boil, remove from heat and add peppers. Cover and steep until cool. Strain then mix in soap. If using cayenne pepper, no need to bring water to a boil first. Apply.

Citrus Spray

2 cups orange peels (or lemons)
4 cups water

• Bring water to a boil, remove from heat and add peels. Cover and steep until cool. Strain and use. Use the lemon mixture to repel white flies.

Dish Detergent & Baking Soda

2 TBS liquid dish detergent
2 TBS baking soda
1 gallon water

• Mix all ingredients together then use.

Japanese Beetle Bait Trap

2 cups water
1 mashed banana
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup wine
1/2 tsp yeast

• Mix ingredients together and put in an old margarine container, cover with lid and set container out in the hot sun for a day. The next day, remove lid and set in garden where the beetles have been spotted (use a shallow container).

Potato Leaves Tea

1 cup potato plant leaves
2 cups water

• Chop leaves then cover with hot water. Seal container and leave 24 hours in a sunny window. Strain then use.
• Potato leaves are poisonous, take care when preparing and handling. Do not use on food bearing plants.

Neem Spray

1 TBS Neem soap (shavings)
1 liter water

• Add soap to water then let sit for an hour. Shake bottle then use.

Mineral Oil Mix

3 parts oil per 100 parts water

• Benefits: Helps with Aphids, Codling Moth, Leaf Roller, Mealybugs, Scaled Insects, White Fly

Easy Soap Flakes Spray

2 TBS soap flakes (don’t use detergents)
dissolved in 1 quart water

• Benefits: Aphid control

Tips

• Apply the treatment on top of the leaves as well as underneath–don’t overdo it, excess can cause damage.
• Most recipes can be used effectively with just a weekly treatment. Excessive use may affect the plant as well as kill the good insects you want to encourage in your garden (earthworms, bees, ladybugs, etc.). If you aren’t seeing results with a 7 day treatment, you can bump it up to 5 days but watch carefully to make sure plants can handle it without being damaged.
• Avoid treating during hot sunny weather, do so later in the day to reduce the risk of burning.
• If it looks like rain, delay until the weather is clear since any rain will wash away the new application. If it has recently rained, wait till greenery is dry before applying to prevent the mix being diluted with water.
• When trying a new recipe, test on just a couple leaves first (apply then watch how the test leaves react after two or three days, if no signs of damage proceed with spraying the whole plant).

Organic Garden Aids

With a little bit of planning you can help cut down on pests and disease organically by growing natural repellents near problem areas. Here are a few suggestions…

Rosemary, Mint, Thyme: Grow near cabbage
Benefits: Repels cabbage worms

Nasturtiums: Position near cucumbers, melons and squashes.
Benefits: Repels squash bugs

Summer Savory: Position near beans
Benefits: Repels bean beetles

Radishes: Grow near cucumbers
Benefits: Repels cucumber beetles

ISAGENIX CLEANSE AND PACKAGE OPTIONS...There's something for everyone!

The MAIN THING to keep in mind:  there is something for your budget.  These are OPTIONS but they aren't the ONLY options.  If you see something you want to "tweak" or discuss personalizing your OWN CLEANSE to meet your body's needs (and your budget), contact me!  

SPEND $160 OR MORE AND GET FREE 

1  YEAR MEMBERSHIP!  

(must sign up by 2/1/15)

CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL AT:  happyhearthomeproducts@gmail.com

CONTACT ME VIA CELL:  816-668-4517 (text is fine as well)

CONTACT ME VIA FACEBOOK GROUP PAGE:  Happy Heart Homes

$150-$225 OPTIONS:  

OPTION A:  THE 30-Day MODIFIED PAK  $175.90+S&H

HOW TO USE: substitute 1 meal/day with shake, ionix daily, 4 full cleanse days.

1. 2 Cannisters of Isalean Protein Meal Replacement Shake (vanilla, chocolate, or black sesame flavor)
2. 2 bottles of Cleanse for Life (this will be used on the days you fast...its a juice you'll drink 1 day/week...total of 4 days over 30 day period)
3. 1 bottle of Ionix Supreme:  this is an AWESOME juice to boost energy but also will help you sleep better!  I love this stuff.

OPTION B:  The 14-DAY DEEP CLEANSE PAK  $186.90+S&H

HOW TO USE: substitute 2 meal/day with shake, Ionix daily, 4 full cleanse days.

1. 2 Canisters of Isalean Protein Meal Replacement Shake
2. 2 Bottle of Cleanse for Life
3. 1 Bottle of Ionix Supreme

OPTION C:  THE 30 DAY-SLIGHTLY MODIFIED PAK  $223.80 +S&H 

HOW TO USE:  Substitute 2 meals/day with protein shake, 4 full cleanse days.

1. 4 Canisters of Isalean Protein Meal Replacement Shake (vanilla, chocolate, or black sesame flavor)
2. 2 Bottles of Cleanse for Life

OPTION D:  ATHLETE'S PAK $199+S&H

HOW TO USE:  Use 1 scoop of Isapro and 1 scoop of Isalean as RECOVERY DRINK after workouts.  Meal replace 1 meal/day with Isalean.  Use Ionix Supreme and "Want More Energy" before and after workouts as needed.  

1. 2 Canisters Isalean Meal Replacement Protein Shakes (28 meals)
2. 1 Ionix Supreme
3. 1 IsaPro Recovery Protein Shake
4. 1 box Isalean Protein Bars
5. 1 "Want More Energy" drink mixes

OPTION E:  CRAZY CAFFEINE $180 +S&H

HOW TO USE:  Use the E+ shot (just 1/2 a bottle) first thing in the morning to replace your coffee.  Mid-morning take a shot of Ionix Supreme.  During the afternoon slump take a "Want More Energy" drink and every night take some Cleanse for Life.  This Pak will help those who are extremely fatigued 

1. 2 bottles Cleanse For Life
2. 1 Bottle Ionix Supreme
3. 2 Boxes "Want More Energy" packets
4. 12 Bottles of E+ Shots (these do have caffeine but are a great substitute for coffee and pop and you only need a half a bottle/day to get a good "kick")

OPTION F: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PAK $161.85-$238.85

HOW TO USE:  Replace 1-2 meals/day with isalean shakes, cleanse 1/week, take enzymes with meals, take daily supplements of Joint Support, Product B and use the Pain Relief Cream as needed w/ pain. This is a great way to eliminate foods that could be causing inflammation in the body.

1. 3 Isalean Shakes
2. 1 Cleanse for Life
3. 1 Multi-Enzyme Complex (optional)
4. 1 Ageless Joint Support
5. 1 Ageless Pain Relief Cream (optional)
6. 1 Product B (optional)

$250+ OPTIONS:  

Get the most bang for your buck!

OPTION 1:  HEALTHY MOMMY HEALTHY BABY PAK for nursing or pregnant mommies!  $269+S&H

HOW TO USE:  replace 1 meal/day with Isalean Shake.  Snack on Isalean Protein Bars when you need extra calories.  Use the Want More Energy whenever you feel like you want to reach for caffeine.  Add the IsaFruits and IsaGreens to give your shakes or water a powerhouse to aid in energy, mental clarity, health and performance.  This is also an AWESOME gift for a new mom.  

1. 2 Canisters of Isalean Shakes (replace 1 meal/day)
2. 1 box of Isalean Protein Bars (use as snack or replace 1 meal)
3. Want More Energy drink mix:  use whenever you need it!
4. 1 IsaFruits:  add to water or shake for an awesome antioxidant boost and promote good health
5. 1 IsaGreens:  Fight free radicals and get an antioxidant boost by adding to your shake or water

OPTION 2:  HEALTHY AGING & TELOMERE SUPPORT SYSTEM  $283+S&H

HOW TO USE:  Replace 1-2 meals per day with shakes.  Take Ionix Supreme when you need energy OR right before bed to help you sleep.  Take Ageless Essentials both am/pm.  

1. 1 Ionix Supreme
2. 1 Cleanse for Life
3. 2 IsaLean Shakes
4. 1 Ageless Essentials with Product B

OPTION 3:  ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PAK $161.85-$238.85

1. 3 Isalean Shakes
2. 1 Cleanse for Life
3. 1 Multi-Enzyme Complex
4. 1 Ageless Joint Support
5. 1 Ageless Pain Relief Cream (optional)
6. 1 Product B (optional)

OPTION 4:  30 DAY CLEANSE PAK/SYSTEM  $284+S&H

HOW TO USE:  Complete oak with everything you need to do a thorough and complete 30 day cleanse.  Gentle yet effective, this system will flush out what your body doesn't need yet feeds your body what is DOES need.  This cleanse is NOT a "colon" cleanse but rather gets down to the cellular level.  GOAL:  replace 2 meals/day with Isalean Shakes, Cleanse 1 day/week, take supplements to speed metabolism and help aid in digestion.  

1. 1 Ionix Supreme
2. 2 Cleanse for Life
3. 4 Isalean Shakes (56 meals)
4. 1 Isagenix Snacks
5. 1 Natural Accelorator (speeds metabolism)
6. 1 IsaFlush (to help bowel movements)
7. 4 Want More Energy drinks (to help you fight effects of detox)

PRODUCT OVERVIEW/DESCRIPTION

&/OR ADD-ONS

1.  Isalean Shake:  Full Meal Replacement Shakes made from Grass Fed Undenatured Whey, low glycemic carbs and healthy fats.   Chocolate, vanilla or black sesame $39.95
2. Cleanse For Life:  A synergistic blend of gentle, whole body cleansing herbs and other natural compounds formulated to help the body remove toxins and impurities.  $32
3. Ionix Supreme:  Natures answer to stress & fatigue.  An herbal tonic infused w/ natural vitamins, minerals and plant-based adaptogens.  Use for energy during the day or right before bed for a perfect nights sleep.  (that's why they call it "Adaptogenic"!)  $32
4. IsaPro Whey Protein Shake:  Fule muscle growth, jump-start your metabolism, or add more protein to your Isalean Shake to make the perfect recovery shake.  (Not considered a full meal replacement)  Vanilla or chocolate $39.95
5. Isalean Bars:  Low glycemic, high-quality whey protein, healthy fats and energy-fueling carbs make these the best bars when on the go or to reduce cravings.  Chocolate, Oatmeal, Lemon, Peanut Butter $26
6. E+ Energy Shots:  Selection of adaptogen herbs and B Vitamins ideal for giving you a "kick" when you need it, provide mental clarity, and promote physical performance.  $36 for 12 bottles
7. IsaDelight Plus:  Chocolate PLUS so much more!  Contains green tea extract, amino acids, antioxidants, B vitamins and minerals to help ease those chocolate bar cravings.  This is a favorite at our house...these little bars taste like Hershey but SO much better for you!  Dark or Milk $39.95
8. Want More Energy:  a refreshing drink powder contains Vit A, C and B complex, electrolytes and nutrients that are lost during stress and exercise.  And of course...NO artificials!  Replenishes during and after workouts.  $21
9. IsaFruits:  Loaded w/ essential nutrients to promote health and mental performance.  Acai berry, mangosteen, noni, pomegranate and wolf berry are cold-processed to keep the primary active ingredients intact.  Add to water, your shakes, or your kids juice for a powerhouse of anti-oxidants!  $35
10. IsaGreens:  NOW GLUTEN FREE!  Chlorellla and spiraling, ginkgo biloba leaf, green tea, grape seed; helps fight free radicals and antioxidant rich.  $35
11. Ageless Essentials with Product B:  30 day supplement for your best health and longevity.  Targets the root causes of accelerated aging.  $138
12. Product B:  Revolutionary blend of complex botanicals and minerals designed to offer the best telomere-supporting product on the market.  Increased energy, improved fitness, youthfulness and vigor.  $77
13. Ageless Joint Suppport:  triple action support through natural nutrients as well as botanicals to help soothe joint flare ups and works to strengthen cartilage.  $24.95

TOXIC FOODS/INGREDIENTS TO AVOID AND WHY: 101

TOXIC/INFLAMMATORY Foods to Avoid and Why:

1. Stick Margarine: Most brands of stick margarine are loaded with trans fat — the toxic fat that increases bad cholesterol, lowers good cholesterol, promotes clotting, and damages blood vessels.
   1. BETTER: real butter, Coconut Oil
   2. BEST: EVOO (and Heavenly Olive Oils/Vinegars has butter olive oil that is awesome!)
2. SODA: One hundred percent of the calories in regular soda come from sugar or high-fructose corn syrup — that's why I call it "liquid candy." In fact, these empty liquid calories are largely responsible for fueling our nation's obesity epidemic. Drinking soda also damages your teeth and promotes cavity formation — and some studies show cola may weaken your bones.
   1. BETTER: Tea sweetened w/ honey or stevia
   2. BEST: water flavored w/ stevia and fresh fruits.
3. GLUTEN/WHEAT FLOUR/WHITE FLOUR: Gluten acts like “GLUE”. It literally STICKS to any symptom you may already have and INFLAMES IT/EXAGGERATES it considerably. Most people cannot digest gluten well at all, although there are exceptions. The best way to know is to completely remove it for THREE MONTHS (it takes that long to exit your system completely). There are many wonderful substitutes for gluten and now adays is MUCH easier to replace.
4. NITRATES/NITRITES: found in many sliced deli meats, bacon, hot dogs, etc this preservative is a known carcinogen and can also cause other effects such as migraines, sinus problems, etc. Fortunately, some large companies like Oscar Meyer are hopping on the “nitrate free” bandwagon and you can find non-organic meats now preservative free!
5. HFCS (high fructose corn syrup): this sweetener is completely man-made in a lab. Nothing about it is natural nor good for you body. It is bad for anyone and everyone. Period. And its in EVERYTHING. You will have to purposely seek out foods by reading labels that contain no HFCS…and don’t assume its only in “sweet” things. Think again…its in dressings, breads, condiments, soups, cereals, etc.
6. MSG: has many names. Monosodium Glumate, HIDDEN NAMES:  autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed protein, sodium caseinate, mono-potassium glutamate, and textured protein. This is a huge, HUGE migraine trigger for many people, but that’s not all! MSG is processed, it can cause many adverse reactions, including skin rashes, itching, hives, nausea, vomiting, migraine headaches, asthma, heart irregularities, depression and even seizures. Like HFCS, you’ll find this in many many foods and companies are using different names for it to “hide” it so you need to know what it is. It can also not even be listed in some foods and is a ‘hidden’ ingredient. Why do companies use it? It’s cheap and is an un-natural flavor enhancer; companies can use less quality ingredients but toss in MSG and it will make it taste better. Like HFCS, this is bad for EVERYONE.
7. SOY: you will find on some research that not ALL soy is bad…but I disagree. It’s a hormone disrupter so especially for women I think its just best to stay as far away from it as you can. Even “organic/non GMO” soy is bad. It can throw off our thyroids very easily. This is also in many foods. Soy lecithin for instance, is in most chocolate. Limit as much as you can. Avoid soy milk and opt for Hemp or Coconut milk instead, or go for fat free organic milk.
8. MOVIE THEATER POPCORN: oh friends…this is one of the WORST things you can eat. A medium sized popcorn is AT LEAST 1,200 Calories and that is WITHOUT THE BUTTER…which isn’t even butter but hydrogenated fats flavored w/ artificial chemicals that mimic the taste of butter. What do I do? I pack my own. Yes, I know it says “No foods allowed” but I will just tell them that I have very special dietary needs. Worst case scenario they take it from me. Oh well. But that’s never happened.
9. Refined (white) sugar: you knew it would be on here! Did you know coming off sugar is like coming off CRACK? Actually, all the science reports I’ve read said its actually a little bit WORSE! Sugar is killing America and especially our kids. Get off it asap. Switch to natural sweeteners like honey, maple, organic agave and stevia. Sugar is the cause of many diseases, inflammation, gut-related problems, insomnia, thyroid/hormonal issues, and the list goes one. And cancer LOVES it.
10. Feedlot-Raised Meat: Animals who are fed with grains like soy and corn contain high inflammation. These animals also gain excess fat and are injected with hormones and antibiotics. Always opt for organic, free-range meats who have been fed natural diets. What they eat, you absorb. This is called bioaccumulation.
11. Artificial Sweeteners: remember when zero-calorie sweeteners used to be the “trend”? Guess what…they are WORSE THAN SUGAR! Why? Sugar at least comes from a plant: sugar can. Artificial sweeteners are made in a lab and have not the slightest resemblance to nature. Run for the hills if something is “sugar free” or “zero calorie”. The only 0-CAL you should eat is STEVIA. Not Truvia, not nustevia. Just 100% ALCOHOL FREE STEVIA. (powder or liquid is fine)
12. “Artificial Flavorings”….in many protein shakes and most foods on shelves. This is why shopping the perimeter is always best. You may “pop in” for those few canned or frozen items (like frozen organic fruits or veggies!) but if you see that in the ingredients list your body will suffer for it.
13. Artificial Dye’s: you’ll see this listed in the ingredients…yellow, red and blue being the most common. Red has been linked to many many behavioral issues such as ADHD, autism, and anxiety/depression but they are all bad.
    15.  Coffee/Coffee Cream:  Instead of using a coffee creamer that has loads of ingredients, why not opt for something like Coffee Mates Natural Bliss Sweet Cream which only has cream, milk, and sugar?  That's a LOT better than so  many.  An even BETTER option would be to use a milk alternative with a  little natural sweetener (like honey) or a pinch of stevia.  ALSO:  be sure and buy ORGANIC coffee when you can as it is high in pesticides.

In summary: if you read a label and you can’t pronounce or don’t know what it is: its bad. Occasionally this is not the case, so do you research and google the ones you don’t know. Seek out people who are knowledgable (ahem…hello? I’m here!) and ask lots of questions. Read read Read!

Really serious about your health? I recommend starting a very narrow list to eliminate inflammatory foods for you and after 3 months gradually drifting to other lists to see how your body responds.

LIST: http://www.soulcraft.co/info/food_chart.htm

Book on Blood Type Diet Foods and the Science behind it: “Eat Right 4 Your Type” by Dr. Peter J D’Adamo

Another book that looks at the science behind why gluten MIGHT be bad for you:  Wheat Belly by William Davis.

15 MINUTE FAMILY FRIENDLY MEALS

EASY FAMILY FRIENDLY “TWEAKS”:

it’s not about RESTRICTING; it’s about REPLACING

1. SPAGHETTI (GLUTEN FREE!): Buy an organic Spaghetti sauce from Trader Joes or Ragu LIGHT (the one that contains no sugar). GLUTEN FREE OPTION: switch to spelt or brown rice noodles. Rice noodles take a tad longer to cook but are very good and taste just like normal pasta.
   1. PALEO MEATBALL RECIPE:  CLICK HERE for recipe
2. HOMEMADE PIZZA NIGHT: This is a favorite b/c its quick, easy and delicious.
   1. GLUTEN FREE CRUST OPTIONS:
      1. Pamela’s Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix: this is so awesome and so easy. You can buy at HyVee or Natures Pantry/Whole Foods. You just add oil/water. Consistency is more like cake batter. WET HANDS OR SPATULA WHEN SPREADING ONTO PAN FOR EASIER SPREADING. It takes a bit to get this down since it doesn’t feel like regular dough…but so easy and my family LOVE LOVE it.
      2. PORTABELLA MUSHROOM “CRUST”: buy the large portabellas and turn upside down (gill side up, brush w/ olive oil and top w/ whatever you would your pizza. Sauce, cheese, veggies, etc. Bake at 350 until cheese is melted. Delicious!
      3. SPELT OR BROWN RICE TORTILLA PERSONAL PIZZA: Take a tortilla, top w/ normal pizza toppings, stick in oven and bake about 10 minutes. Super quick and easy.
   2. PIZZA SAUCE OPTIONS:
      1. SPAGHETTI SAUCE: We usually just use whatever spaghetti sauce we have on hand. Our favorite sauce? Trader Joes Organic Marinara Sauce.
      2. PIZZA SAUCE: you can buy pizza sauce. Our favorite is Trader Joes. It’s $1.99 and makes 2 large pizza’s.
      3. HOMEMADE: you can easily make your own w/ tomato paste. (we buy our organic tomato paste from Costco) Add about 1 tsp of EVOO and toss in Italian seasonings like basil, oregano, parsley. I add a TINY amount of honey and a little salt/pepper.
3. ROTISSERIE CHICKEN:
   1. CROCK POT VERSION: toss in organic red potatoes, big chunks of yellow onion and carrots in bottom. Add some water to cover veggies. Sprinkle on some sea salt (NOT table salt which strips salt of everything wonderful) and Pepper. Take your whole chicken, pull out gizzards if any, and pat dry w/ paper towel. Stuff cavity w/ anything you think would be good flavor: half onion, apple, carrot, celery, herbs like rosemary and/or oregano/sage, etc. In a small bowl mix about ¼ cup of EVOO and any spices you want. I love to mix it up…sometimes I use just salt/pepper with some lemon juice and sage. Sometimes I use Italian type seasons. No right or wrong. Using clean hands, rub the oils/spices all over chicken. Turn on low and cook 6-8 hours. SO easy and good.
   2. OVEN VERSION: Preheat oven to 350. Using a large casserole dish, grease it first then toss in some veggies like organic red potatoes, onion chunks and carrots. Sprinkle on some sea salt (NOT table salt which strips salt of everything wonderful) and Pepper. Take your whole chicken, pull out gizzards if any, and pat dry w/ paper towel. Stuff cavity w/ anything you think would be good flavor: half onion, apple, carrot, celery, herbs like rosemary and/or oregano/sage, etc. In a small bowl mix about ¼ cup of EVOO and any spices you want. I love to mix it up…sometimes I use just salt/pepper with some lemon juice and sage. Sometimes I use Italian type seasons. No right or wrong. Using clean hands, rub the oils/spices all over chicken. COVER CHICKEN W/ FOIL AND BAKE 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES. Remove foil and turn on broil and cook for an additional 10 minutes until skin looks brown and crispy.
4. FAGE ENCHILADA’S (FREEZER FRIENDLY!)
   ***FREEZER FRIENDLY*** (freeze BEFORE baking)
   
   • 12  wheat tortilla's (highly recommend Costco's raw wheat flour tortilla's)
   • 1 can (20 Ounce) Enchilada Sauce:  CHECK INGREDIENTS.  I love an easy homemade recipe off of weelicious.com.  It only takes a few extra minutes to whip up my own.  For her recipe, click HERE.
   • 2 cups FAGE (strained greek yogurt...can find anywhere but now selling at WalMart and Costco!)
   • 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Grated (DO NOT BUY ALREADY SHREDDED CHEESE)
   • 1 cup Sliced/chopped Green Onions
   • ½ teaspoons Ground Cumin
   • ¼ teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
   • Fresh Cilantro (optional...but YES)

5.  ALMOND BUTTER SHRIMP PAD THAI

FOR FULL RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS, CLICK HERE.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce OR BETTER:  coconut aninos
1 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp almond butter (or organic creamy peanut butter)
1 Tbsp sucanat (original recipe called for brown sugar)
1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar (I use raw/unfiltered but I'm sure whatever would work)
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 tsp of minced garlic
1 tsp of minced ginger root (Yes, buy the real root and stick what you don't use in your freezer.  they freeze GREAT)
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/4 cup finely sliced red pepper
1/4 cup finely sliced yellow pepper
12 medium sized shrimp, cooked (i cooked mine before hand in a little EVOO and set aside on a plate)
1/4 lb of whole wheat pasta...thin, spaghetti, rotini, pick your fav
crushed red pepper to taste
a little cilantro (OPTIONAL) to garnish
sea salt IF NEEDED

6.  CHICKEN SALAD W/ GRAPES, APPLES AND CURRY

2 chicken breasts, boiled and cut into cubes

1/2 cup-3/4 cup of grapes cut in half.

1-1 1/2 stalk of celery, sliced

1 granny smith apple cut into chunks (or whatever apple you have on hand, but I like Granny's)

2 tbsp or so of green onion *optional

juice of 1/2 lemon (or 1 tsp of lemon juice)

a handful of chopped walnuts (or slivered almonds would work) *optional

a handful of raisins or dried cherry or dried cranberries *optional

2 heaping tbsp of PLAIN GREEK YOGURT OR FAGE...add more if too dry but always start w/ less than you'd think, stir and then decide if you need more or not.

A generous squirt of dijon mustard

Sea salt/Pepper to taste

1/2 tsp-1 tsp of curry...I'm always conservative but end up adding more at the end.

**If you love the mayo taste but wanna skip the fat, just add a heaping teaspoon for the best of both worlds. DO NOT use Miracle Whip.

Toss everything into a big bowl and stir. LET SIT FOR AT LEAST 3 HOURS, OVERNIGHT IS EVEN BETTER.

These measurements are APPROXIMATE since I just toss it all in and call it a day. I love serving this w/ A brown rice or spelt tortilla. Delicious!

7. SAM’S BREADED CHICKEN FINGERS

Ingredients:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or more if you want leftovers), cut into nuggets or strips

1 1/2 cups almond meal, cashew meal, or GF flour blend

Paprika 

garlic powder

sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

ground cayenne pepper

paprika

dry oregano

milk

a little vinegar

Ok. This is super easy but it's done in STEPS. So stay w/ me.

1. Make some buttermilk. About 2 cups of milk and 2 tsp of vinegar in a large bowl. stir and let sit while we fix everything else.

2. In a medium bowl, combine almond meal (or flour) w/ whatever spices you want. I used APPROXIMATELY 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt and a little pepper. I didn't measure anything...just tossed it all in, so this is a guess. :)

OK...let's make an assembly line and bake these babies!

ORDER OF BOWLS: 1. Chicken Fingers 2. Buttermilk 3. Almond meal/Flour/spices 4. Cookie sheet WITH WIRE RACK SETTING INSIDE.

Dredge chicken in buttermilk, roll in Almond meal/flour, place on wire rack/cookie sheet.

Bake 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees.

**We didn't have any left over chicken fingers, but if you did, I would suggest freezing them and you could reheat.

**make some honey mustard...take out your spicy brown mustard from frig and add a little honey until desired sweetness.

**check your bbq sauce for High Fructose Corn Syrup

8. CREAMY CHICKEN BURRITO’S

(Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbsp EVOO

1 garlic clove

2-3 oz neufchatel cheese or goat cheese

1/3 cup FAGE

3/4 cup (or more) salsa (for my favorite recipe, click here)

1 tsp of freshly squeezed lemon

1/2 can black beans (or you could use a whole can if you want)

1/3 cup organic Yellow corn (could be scraped off fresh cob or frozen) *optional

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Fresh Cilantro (*optional)

2 Chicken Breasts, shreeded

Some shredded cheese (please, buy blocked and shred yourself!)

SPELT OR BROWN RICE Tortilla's

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat EVOO in large skillet over med heat. Add garlic and cook just a minute. Turn down heat to simmer and add salsa, Fage, Neufchatel cheese, lemon, beans, corn, and chicken, salt and pepper and simmer just until heated through. If it's too thin (runny) just turn up the heat a tad and let it simmer a little longer to evaporate some of the juices. If it's too thick, just splash in a little chicken broth or water.

2. Fill flour tortillas w/ chicken mixture and sprinkle on some cheese and cilantro. Wrap it up, and TWAH-LAH! A really REALLY tasty burrito.

9. TACO NIGHT
   1. TWEAK: use grass fed ground beef if possible. Add puree’d black beans and Quinoa for nutritional boost.
   2. Skip the Sour Cream and opt for FAGE instead.
   3. Make your own salsa or buy a freshly made one in the produce section.
   4. We will use Organic Tortilla Chips from Costco or Spelt/brown rice tortillas.
10. CHICKEN SAUSAGE AND VEGGIES
    1. Amylu's CHICKEN W/ APPLES AND GOUDA CHEESE SAUSAGES: We buy a huge pack of these at Costco. This is the PERFECT “I have no clue what to cook for dinner” meal! Just pull what you need out of freezer and broil…or even microwave! I serve w/ steamed veggies. (we buy organic frozen veggies during winter) I love to serve yogurt w/ dinner too. You can find these at HyVee and most organic/whole foods stores.
11. ORGANIC/EASY HOMEMADE FRIES:
    1. Cut/slice Organic Red Potatoes however shape you want. Toss in a large bowl. Drizzle some EVOO, salt/pepper and another other herbs or spices. (I’m partial to parsley and a little Cajun)
    2. Spread evenly on cookie sheet. I cover my sheet w/ foil and grease well.
    3. Bake at 425-450 for about 20 minutes or until crispy.
12. SOUP and “Sandwich”
    1. TRADER JOES/WHOLE FOODS/NATURES PANTRY/COSTCO/HYVEE all have PRE-MADE ORANIC BOXED SOUPS that are delicious. Pick from a variety of choices and simple pour into pan and heat up.
    2. “SANDWICH”: take a brown rice or spelt tortilla, fill it w/ sliced meat and freshly grated cheese, (and even a little spinach or kale!) fold over like on omelet and heat on stove top until cheese is melted. A perfect side to your soup!

13. EASIEST LASAGNA EVER! Simply replace your traditional noodles w/ sliced zucchini or Brown rice lasagna noodles! The recipe below uses ricotta or cottage cheese and step by step instructions. Freezer friendly, too!

         FULL RECIPE HERE:

SWEETS/DESSERTS

1. Homesteads Favorite chocolate Chip Cookies:  
   For full recipe and instructions, click HERE.

1/2 cup of almond meal or oat flour...or a mix of both!

2 cups of flour of your choice (please, avoid white!) Homestead pick: NAMASTE Gluten Free Perfect Flour blend (purchased at our local Costco or health food store) Your choice of flours will vary the consistency of your cookies so if you are trying some "new" flour blends like spelt, amaranth, buckwheat, etc it takes some trial and error. I recommend looking up flour blends with a higher protein content.

1 1/2 tsp of baking soda

1 tsp of sea salt

1/4 tsp of cinnamon *Optional. I LOVE cinnamon w/ chocolate, but if you aren't a fan leave out.

2 Tbsp of milled flax seed

1/2 cup of real organic butter, softened to room temp (1 stick)

1/2 cup of coconut oil TIP: use all butter if you wanna.

3/4 cup of sucanat (this is organic unprocessed brown sugar which you can buy at health food stores)

3/4 cup of organic sugar or turbinado sugar, such as Sugar in the Raw

1 1/2 tsp of pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp of organic lemon juice

2 farm fresh eggs

3 handfuls or so of choc chips (or use dried cherries or raisins) We use Soy Free Enjoy Life brand.

2. CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES (w/ Avocado or Sweet Potato Puree)

For FULL recipe and instructions, click HERE.

1 Cup of Sweet potato Puree OR avocado puree

1 Cup of Sucanat (found in sugar section of health foods store...or use Sugar in the Raw for a less clean version)

1 tbsp or so of honey...I don't measure, I just squeeze a "generous squirt" :)

1Cup of Milk (whatever you have in your frig) I'll be using a mix of coconut/almond

1/2 tsp of balsamic vinegar (I like to use flavored BV...today I used pomegranate balsamic vinegar)

2 large egg whites

2 cups of GF flour or Spelt, or mixture of both

1/4 cup of milled flax (you COULD leave this out...but why??)

1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder or carob powder

1 tsp of alum free baking soda

1/2 tsp of sea/kosher salt

3. RAW COOKIE DOUGH BITES

2 1/2 cups almond meal (feel free to use Gluten Free Oat Flour mixed w/ Almond Meal, too)

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup EVOO or Coconut Oil (I use a mix of both)

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1/4-1/2 cup of agave nectar, maple syrup, (or raw honey) (start w/ 1/4 cup, taste dough and add more until you reach preferred sweetness. I usually end up using about 1/4 cup plus 1-2 tbsp)

1 cup dark chocolate chips OR dried cherries

1/4 cup of raw chia or ground flax

*Optional: unsweetened coconut flakes

Combine dry ingredients. Stir wet ingredients together in separate bowl and then add to dry. Form balls and chill...or just put in an air tight container and form balls when ready to serve.

These are delicious and my kids can't get enough! Love all the raw goodness they are getting when they snack on these!

4. ALMOND BUTTER HONEY WRAPS
   1. Easiest “sweet fix” of mine: take a spelt or brown rice tortilla. Warm up just a little in microwave or on stove top. Smear almond butter all over it and drizzle on Honey, Maple or Organic Agave Nectar. If desired, sprinkle on some cinnamon. Roll up and wow! A GREAT GO-TO FOR SWEET CRAVINGS.