Free Flirting Advice

It's been awhile since I've thought of the dating game (6 1/2 years actually).  But Wonderfully Made posted this great article a few months back and I thought it was worth sharing!  Even though I'm not single and searching anymore I know there are women out there who are, and this is a refreshing, godly look at "flirting."  Sound like an oxymoron?  Read the article!  And for us married women, we might take a note or two, remember those dating days and recreate some of that in our marriages today!

Quinoa (KEEN-wah) - The Amazing Superfood!

I have actually been eating Quinoa since college (which I won't say how long ago that actually was), but I keep finding more awesome benefits of this seed (not grain) and really enjoy finding new ways to eat up this awesome superfood!  I thought I'd give a little info about it and share some of my favorite recipes...try something new!  It's a personal goal of mine to try new foods, recipes, and activities often!  Let me know what you think and if you have any good NEW FOODS to try!!


Benefits:
1. Complete Protein - Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles.
2. Magnesium - helps relax your muscles and blood vessels and effects blood pressure. Quinoa contains high levels of this vital nutrient.
3. Fiber - Quinoa is a wonderful way to ensure that you consume valuable fiber that eases elimination and tones your colon.
4. Manganese & Copper - Quinoa is a good source of these minerals that act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of dangerous cancer and disease-causing substances.


"Quinoa is close to one of the most complete foods in nature because it contains amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients." - Go here to read MORE about the health benefits of Quinoa!


Recipes:

Cooking with Quinoa is a blog that's loaded with recipes.  Quinoa Protein Bars & Quinoa Pancakes look pretty awesome! I haven't tried these recipes yet but can't wait!

Quinoa Sweet Cakes are ah-mazing!  They make a great breakfast.

There are 2 GREAT tasting Crock pot recipes HERE by ToneItUp. Savory Fall Stew and Greek Chicken. Yum!

Breakfast Quinoa (so good!)

Safe Swaddling

I just read about Hip Dysplasia in a magazine article recently and didn't think much about it until I realized we are having a new baby and I have to actually think about swaddling again!  So I thought I'd share this video with all you new moms or moms of newborns (or go here for the website).  The whole video is a bit long, but very informational and shows 4 or 5 different ways to safely swaddle your little bundle.

How to safely swaddle your baby:

Bouncing Back and Setting Goals...

I know it's already been a few weeks since the holiday rush, parties and all, but I just came across this Tone It Up article from last year around this time.  I really like keeping balance, not having to be so extreme to get healthy - and these tips are just that.  Take a look at their article and see if you can apply any of these pointers! It's never to late to start setting goals and getting healthy, don't worry if it isn't January 1st! =)

Freezer Stock Up Recipes!

Well we are in that season again, stocking up on freezable meals for the family that will make life so much easier for me once this fourth little one arrives!  I posted last pregnancy about some of my favorite recipes and freezing tips, and here are a few more to add to the list:

*Number ONE freezing tip, freeze individual items for an hour or so on a plate or sheet before dumping into a bag, that way they stay easy to grab and don't freeze into one huge chunk.  Here are a whole lot more...

Egg Muffins Recipe

Mini Muffins 

Choose your favorite muffin recipe, bake in regular or mini size and freeze!

Frozen French Toast or Pancakes

Whether homemade or not, cook up a bunch of extras one morning and freeze the leftovers for a quick morning breakfast.  Heat in the microwave or toaster, and make it fun for kids by cutting the french toast into sticks or shapes.

QUICHE Recipe  

Easy to make two one night, eat one for lunch or dinner and freeze the second one!

Enchiladas Recipe
I love that you can take any basic recipe and make it what you want!  We've tried cheese and chicken enchiladas, you can go as healthy as you want, or not!  Enjoy finding what your family likes best (these freeze really well also)!

Pot Pie Recipe
These are on the menu this week, haven't tried them yet but planning to make a double batch and freeze half for later.  Again, you can choose the types of ingredients you use to make this extra healthy if you want!


Soups, Stews and Chili
Whatever you like most, make some extra and freeze in individual bowls for a quick and easy lunch, snack or dinner.  Serve with cornbread, rolls, salad...you get the idea!

Stir-fry and Rice
I love taking leftover stir-fry veggies and meat and freezing them for an easy dinner later.  Rice can freeze as well!


Homemade Turkey (or Meat) Balls Recipe
This recipe is also on my menu this week.  It looks so good, I'll just trade the ground beef for ground turkey.  I'd love to try with her meal suggestion or over whole wheat pasta or as an appetizer!

Here are some more recipes to check out!


Steam-able Frozen Veggies are super handy to have around and I also made up some extra cookie dough during the holidays and froze for easy desserts later on!  Have any good ideas or recipes? I'd LOVE to hear em!!!

7 Things God Says About Me!

What better way to start a fresh year than focusing on what GOD says about you!!??

Inspired by Debbie Morris' blog post "10 Things God Says About Me", I set out in search of my own list, which has taken me quite a while to put together and really search out.  But it's been so worth it! I highly encourage you to do the same, and start memorizing those scriptures!  Here are my top 7:

1. Entrusted -  "For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News..." 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT); The Great Commission - Jesus has entrusted ME (and you) with this! Matthew 28:19-20 (also Luke 12:48).
2. Glorious - "Delightful, wonderful, completely enjoyable, brilliantly beautiful or magnificent, splendid." I am made in His likeness and being changed more and more into His Glorious image! 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (and Psalm 139:13-14).
3. Named - I can rejoice because my name is registered in Heaven! Luke 10:20. He knows my name, and sometimes even choses to rename His children (Abraham, Sarah, Israel, Paul...the list can go on and on).
4. Branch - He is the Vine, and I am the Branch...(read) John 15:1-8. I have been grafted into the God's "special olive tree," and now I can also receive the blessings God promised Abraham and his children! Romans 11:16-18
5. Remembered - Read Ps 136:23! "How precious are your thoughts about me...they cannot even be numbered!" Ps 139:17-18.
6. Beloved - "Greatly loved; dear to the heart." John 3:16 says it all, to all of us...."For GOD loved the world (you and me) SO MUCH that He gave His One and Only Son..."
7. Leader - To be a leader, I must be a servant Mark 10:43.  Let everything I do reflect integrity Titus 2:7-8. (read also 1 Tim 4:11-12).

38 Weeks + Final Maternity Pictures!

We were 38 weeks on Saturday and tomorrow we will see the doctor again to find out if we are going to induce this Thursday (1-12-12) or next week, closer to baby's actual due date (1-21-12).  I'll keep you posted through my Twitter and Facebook accounts (you can link up through the tabs on the top right of the website).  For now I thought I'd share some fun belly shots my friend Kim took around my house this week.  Check out her website too!

Thanks for all your love and prayers!  Can't wait to have a beautiful new addition to our family and an exciting new adventure!!