Hey there!
Have you ever considered growing your own Kitchen Garden?
I'm over at Artistic Expressions today sharing my tips on starting your own Kitchen Garden. Come on over!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
"If You're not going to workout then Eat Bacon"
Do I have your attention? My husband said it...Honest!
We missed the gym this morning because neither of of slept very well last night. Since I had a bit of bacon left over from THIS recipe I decided to make Doc a nice lunch of eggs, bacon, homemade bread and pear preserves. When he came into the kitchen to bring in dishes he said "If you're not going to workout then you need to eat bacon!"
We both had a good laugh...I feel better already and we'll be back at the gym tomorrow!
For a while I had completely cut out meat from my diet but continued to feed Doc his regular meals. It was a learning experience. I never set a timeframe for avoiding meat and I didn't beat myself up mentally if I slipped. It was really just a chance to learn. I learned that I can live without meat but I still enjoy it (in moderation).
Now that I've eaten my fair share of Bacon however, I'm in need of a Fat-Fighter. Yes...Ask me about Fat-Fighters!!!
The Real Food Challenge also taught us quite a bit about where our food is coming from, what's in our food and how to be more prepared for meal time.
Stay tuned...More healthy recipes coming your way AND a Giveaway!
We missed the gym this morning because neither of of slept very well last night. Since I had a bit of bacon left over from THIS recipe I decided to make Doc a nice lunch of eggs, bacon, homemade bread and pear preserves. When he came into the kitchen to bring in dishes he said "If you're not going to workout then you need to eat bacon!"
We both had a good laugh...I feel better already and we'll be back at the gym tomorrow!
For a while I had completely cut out meat from my diet but continued to feed Doc his regular meals. It was a learning experience. I never set a timeframe for avoiding meat and I didn't beat myself up mentally if I slipped. It was really just a chance to learn. I learned that I can live without meat but I still enjoy it (in moderation).
Now that I've eaten my fair share of Bacon however, I'm in need of a Fat-Fighter. Yes...Ask me about Fat-Fighters!!!
The Real Food Challenge also taught us quite a bit about where our food is coming from, what's in our food and how to be more prepared for meal time.
Stay tuned...More healthy recipes coming your way AND a Giveaway!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Our Real Food Challenge Day #7 Wrap Up
Good Morning!!! Just in case this is your first time checking out Mary's Kitchen...
Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Kristina @ Mother's Niche
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
I switched it up a bit this morning. I drank Basil Water (not lemonade this time) before I had my coffee. I also drank only 1 cup of coffee...Mostly because I was running late to get to work. Breakfast of course was Oatmeal!
Lunch on the other had was AMAZING!!! I'm eating meat again in moderation. I was inspired by Michelle at The Purple Pumkin. She shared this amazing Brussels Sprout Gratin. I made my usual tweaks and we LOVED it!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Ingredients:
3 pounds washed Brussels Sprouts, ends removed and halved
8 ounces Bacon, cooked but not crispy
small handful of fresh garlic, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1/2 cup water (or milk)
salt and pepper
Directions:
Mix the mayo, greek yogurt, water and spices in a bowl.
Add in brussels sprouts, cooked bacon, garlic and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and place in a large casserole pan.
Bake at 400 for approx 30 minutes.
I served the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon with Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower...Recipe coming tomorrow!
Overall I enjoyed Our Real Food Challenge. I cheated one meal on Day #6 but got back into the challenge for the next meal. I would like to extend an invitation for YOU to join the next challenge.
There are 2 opportunities: August 18th 2013 will be the first day of Our 7-Day Real Food Challenge #2
AND
Joyce and I are planning another Real Food opportunity VERY soon.
Send an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com
for details on the next 2 opportunities or to sign up.
At the moment we are 8 bloggers (and more) participating in this challenge:
Joyce @ It's Your Life Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Kristina @ Mother's Niche
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
I switched it up a bit this morning. I drank Basil Water (not lemonade this time) before I had my coffee. I also drank only 1 cup of coffee...Mostly because I was running late to get to work. Breakfast of course was Oatmeal!
Lunch on the other had was AMAZING!!! I'm eating meat again in moderation. I was inspired by Michelle at The Purple Pumkin. She shared this amazing Brussels Sprout Gratin. I made my usual tweaks and we LOVED it!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Ingredients:
3 pounds washed Brussels Sprouts, ends removed and halved
8 ounces Bacon, cooked but not crispy
small handful of fresh garlic, chopped1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1/2 cup water (or milk)
salt and pepper
Directions:
Mix the mayo, greek yogurt, water and spices in a bowl.
Add in brussels sprouts, cooked bacon, garlic and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and place in a large casserole pan.
Bake at 400 for approx 30 minutes.
I served the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon with Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower...Recipe coming tomorrow!
Overall I enjoyed Our Real Food Challenge. I cheated one meal on Day #6 but got back into the challenge for the next meal. I would like to extend an invitation for YOU to join the next challenge.
There are 2 opportunities: August 18th 2013 will be the first day of Our 7-Day Real Food Challenge #2
AND
Joyce and I are planning another Real Food opportunity VERY soon.
Send an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com
for details on the next 2 opportunities or to sign up.
Thanks for checking out Our Real Food Challenge!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Our Real Food Challenge day #5 and #6
Good Morning!!! Just in case this is your first time checking out Mary's Kitchen...
Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Kristina @ Mother's Niche
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
Have you seen the pattern yet? I like my coffee and I love lemon water! Both day 5 and 6 went the same for the morning. Oatmeal for breakfast. I managed to make Basil Lemonade for tomorrow.
Day 4 was fun. For lunch we had a fun creation that I definitely make again. Egg in a Pepper!
It was so easy to make. Slice a 2 thin rounds of bell pepper. Cook for about 1 minute on high in approx 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add an egg to the center and cover. Flip after approx 2 minutes. It should be cooked for an additional minute and then it's done!
Dinner for Day #5 was another delicious protein shake.
Double Chocolate Gone Greek!
1 scoop ProFIT chocolate protein powder
1/2 cup organic greek yogurt
8 ounces dark chocolate Almond Milk
1 banana
Ice
Add all of the ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth.
I have a confession to make for Day #6. I totally cheated for lunch. While at work a friend came in and she was so upset. My husband and I took her to lunch to cheer her up. I could have suggested a healthier option but I know they both love cuban food.
I ate grilled chicken, beans and spanish rice, chips and salsa. And Yes, all but the chips are real food but for ME the challenge was to eat everything from scratch.
I was so full from lunch that I didn't even eat dinner. I fixed my husband a protein shake and I ate a few pieces of watermelon.
Not the end of the world! Tomorrow is Day #7 and I have a few fun food things planned. Stay tuned!
How has the challenge been for you? Do you have a recipe to share?
The REAL Food Linky is still open AND Lydia set up a Pintrest board. Stop by and share your real Food creations!
I am considering hosting another Real Food Challenge in August. Sign ups have already begun.
At the moment we are ?? bloggers (and more) participating in this challenge:
Joyce @ It's Your Life Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Kristina @ Mother's Niche
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
Have you seen the pattern yet? I like my coffee and I love lemon water! Both day 5 and 6 went the same for the morning. Oatmeal for breakfast. I managed to make Basil Lemonade for tomorrow.
Day 4 was fun. For lunch we had a fun creation that I definitely make again. Egg in a Pepper!
Dinner for Day #5 was another delicious protein shake.
Double Chocolate Gone Greek!
1 scoop ProFIT chocolate protein powder
1/2 cup organic greek yogurt
8 ounces dark chocolate Almond Milk
1 banana
Ice
Add all of the ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth.
I have a confession to make for Day #6. I totally cheated for lunch. While at work a friend came in and she was so upset. My husband and I took her to lunch to cheer her up. I could have suggested a healthier option but I know they both love cuban food.
I ate grilled chicken, beans and spanish rice, chips and salsa. And Yes, all but the chips are real food but for ME the challenge was to eat everything from scratch.
I was so full from lunch that I didn't even eat dinner. I fixed my husband a protein shake and I ate a few pieces of watermelon.
Not the end of the world! Tomorrow is Day #7 and I have a few fun food things planned. Stay tuned!
How has the challenge been for you? Do you have a recipe to share?
The REAL Food Linky is still open AND Lydia set up a Pintrest board. Stop by and share your real Food creations!
I am considering hosting another Real Food Challenge in August. Sign ups have already begun.
Friday, July 26, 2013
I won't Sell my Soul for my Blog!
Please understand that this post is not condemning bloggers who get paid for sponsored posts or don't share my same views.
I try to be drama-free around here!
I advertise very few products both at Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics. The products that I've shared I believe in. Sometime you have to stand back and think about whats truly important to you and then take action. We are working to eliminate the use of GMOs in our home and business.
Read Are GMOs Poisoning our Children and Pets?
#1 is Mary's Heirloom Seeds!
As co-owner and operator of Mary's Heirloom Seeds I believe that heirloom seeds are the ONLY way to go in the garden. I do not recommend store-bought plants cuz you never know what you're going to get. Also...Small business is the way to go! I was born and raised by 2 small business parents and it's in my blood.
#2 It Works! No really...It's called It Works and it actually works.
Check out My Results from using the Ultimate Body Applicators. Also, I use the Greens (non-GMO) and the Ultimate ProFIT Protein Powder (also non-gmo). The compensation for It Works is fantastic. It's a great business for anyone to get into. Call me or send me an email for info. If you are looking for something to earn a little extra income or a LOT of income this is an amazing opportunity.
#3 Books! On the Kitchen Tools page you'll find tools and books. These are links to my amazon store. Keeping this blog may be free but I spend losts of time to keep it up and 'time is money.' By purchasing from my amazon links I might get a small commission from your order. Every little bit helps.
We just announced Grow your Own Cat Grass Kits at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.
A portion of ALL Kits purchased through July 31st will be donated to a local non-profit, no-kill cat/kitten Rescue.
Check out the Announcement
I get emails asking to "guest post" on my blog about products or services. Personally, I'd rather have fellow bloggers with real tutorials guest post here and at Back to the Basics. With that being said...I am considering adding a few ads to this blog. I'm not sure what at the moment but they will be fully vetted companies that I know I can trust the value of their products.
Do YOU have a small business or Etsy shop to promote? Send me an email and I'll consider featuring you shop here at Mary's Kitchen.
mari_backtonature@yahoo.com
I try to be drama-free around here!
 |
| Rocky loves his picture taken! |
Read Are GMOs Poisoning our Children and Pets?
#1 is Mary's Heirloom Seeds!
As co-owner and operator of Mary's Heirloom Seeds I believe that heirloom seeds are the ONLY way to go in the garden. I do not recommend store-bought plants cuz you never know what you're going to get. Also...Small business is the way to go! I was born and raised by 2 small business parents and it's in my blood.
#2 It Works! No really...It's called It Works and it actually works.
Check out My Results from using the Ultimate Body Applicators. Also, I use the Greens (non-GMO) and the Ultimate ProFIT Protein Powder (also non-gmo). The compensation for It Works is fantastic. It's a great business for anyone to get into. Call me or send me an email for info. If you are looking for something to earn a little extra income or a LOT of income this is an amazing opportunity.
#3 Books! On the Kitchen Tools page you'll find tools and books. These are links to my amazon store. Keeping this blog may be free but I spend losts of time to keep it up and 'time is money.' By purchasing from my amazon links I might get a small commission from your order. Every little bit helps.
We just announced Grow your Own Cat Grass Kits at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.
A portion of ALL Kits purchased through July 31st will be donated to a local non-profit, no-kill cat/kitten Rescue.
Check out the Announcement
 |
| Lucy loves homegrown Grass! |
I get emails asking to "guest post" on my blog about products or services. Personally, I'd rather have fellow bloggers with real tutorials guest post here and at Back to the Basics. With that being said...I am considering adding a few ads to this blog. I'm not sure what at the moment but they will be fully vetted companies that I know I can trust the value of their products.
Do YOU have a small business or Etsy shop to promote? Send me an email and I'll consider featuring you shop here at Mary's Kitchen.
mari_backtonature@yahoo.com
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Our Real Food Challenge Day #4
Good Morning!!! Just in case this is your first time checking out Mary's Kitchen...
Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Kristina @ Mother's Niche
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
So here's how Day 4 went...water...Coffee...then some more water and then another coffee!
Oatmeal again for breakfast but this time with almonds, cinnamon and honey. YUM!
Lunch was delicious! I made vegetarian lentil soup.
Vegetarian Lentil Soup
adapted from food.com
Ingredients
3 cups dried lentils
7 cups water *I used water*
OR 7 cups vegetable stock (may need more)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups onions, minced
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
3 stalks celery, minced
1 sweet potato, diced
fresh ground black pepper
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Direction
Add all ingredients to a stock pot and bring to a boil then turn down to low.
Simmer for approx 60 minutes.
Optional: mash remaining pieces of sweet potato. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
(use vegan cheese for a completely vegan recipe)
Dinner of course was Ultimate ProFit Protein Shakes!
How has the challenge been for you? Do you have a recipe to share? The REAL Food Linky is still open AND Lydia set up a Pintrest board. Stop by and share your real Food creations!
At the moment we are ?? bloggers (and more) participating in this challenge:
Joyce @ It's Your Life Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Kristina @ Mother's Niche
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
So here's how Day 4 went...water...Coffee...then some more water and then another coffee!
Oatmeal again for breakfast but this time with almonds, cinnamon and honey. YUM!
Lunch was delicious! I made vegetarian lentil soup.
adapted from food.com
Ingredients
3 cups dried lentils
7 cups water *I used water*
OR 7 cups vegetable stock (may need more)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups onions, minced
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
3 stalks celery, minced
1 sweet potato, diced
fresh ground black pepper
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Direction
Add all ingredients to a stock pot and bring to a boil then turn down to low.
Simmer for approx 60 minutes.
Optional: mash remaining pieces of sweet potato. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
(use vegan cheese for a completely vegan recipe)
Dinner of course was Ultimate ProFit Protein Shakes!
 |
| Get more recipes |
How has the challenge been for you? Do you have a recipe to share? The REAL Food Linky is still open AND Lydia set up a Pintrest board. Stop by and share your real Food creations!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Our Real Food Challenge Day #3
Good Morning!!! Just in case this is your first time checking out Mary's Kitchen...
Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
Yesterday I completely forgot to post my day #2 until late. To be totally honest...I ate the same thing for day 2 and I did for Day 1. Boring maybe but super easy and I hate to let leftovers go bad.
I started Day #3 with lemon water and coffee...Again! I LOVE lemon water!
For Doc's lunch, I fixed him a slow cooker chicken sandwich on whole wheat bread and fresh tomato slices.
For my lunch I made Easy Eggplant Stirfry only this time I added about 1/8 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar instead of soy sauce. It was SO good!
Snacks throughout the day included shelled, raw sunflower seeds, hummus with carrots and more delicious watermelon.
For dinner we had Blueberry/veggie Protein Shakes.
We went to the gym yesterday for the first time in 2 weeks. We usually workout 3-4 times a week but we had family in town and then Doc wasn't feeling well.
Overall I feel good. Doc has been a bit under the weather before we began so I'm not sure about him. I can say that I totally blew it on drinking enough water for Day 2 and 3 so I'm really going to make sure I hydrate the rest of the week.
How are you doing with the Real Food Challenge? Share in comments or the LINKY!
At the moment we are ?? bloggers (and more) participating in this challenge:
Joyce @ It's Your Life Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
Yesterday I completely forgot to post my day #2 until late. To be totally honest...I ate the same thing for day 2 and I did for Day 1. Boring maybe but super easy and I hate to let leftovers go bad.
I started Day #3 with lemon water and coffee...Again! I LOVE lemon water!
 |
| I bought the San Diego cup for my husband when I went to visit my family |
For my lunch I made Easy Eggplant Stirfry only this time I added about 1/8 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar instead of soy sauce. It was SO good!
Snacks throughout the day included shelled, raw sunflower seeds, hummus with carrots and more delicious watermelon.
For dinner we had Blueberry/veggie Protein Shakes.
We went to the gym yesterday for the first time in 2 weeks. We usually workout 3-4 times a week but we had family in town and then Doc wasn't feeling well.
Overall I feel good. Doc has been a bit under the weather before we began so I'm not sure about him. I can say that I totally blew it on drinking enough water for Day 2 and 3 so I'm really going to make sure I hydrate the rest of the week.
How are you doing with the Real Food Challenge? Share in comments or the LINKY!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Real Food Challenge Day #2
Oops!! I was totally unprepared for my Day #2 post AND I'm late! I co-Host Tuesdays with a Twist at Back to the Basics so at least I got THAT posted on time!
I'll give you all of the details from day #2 tomorrow (totally boring) along with Day #3.
Just in case this is your first time checking out Mary's Kitchen...
Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Kristina @ Mother's Niche
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
If you have a REAL Food post feel free to share on Day #1
I'll give you all of the details from day #2 tomorrow (totally boring) along with Day #3.
Just in case this is your first time checking out Mary's Kitchen...
At the moment we are 8 bloggers (and more) participating in this challenge:
Joyce @ It's Your Life Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen
Maureen @ It's All Connected
Melinda @ Auntie Em's Guide
Courtney @ The Crunchy Deliquent
Kristina @ Mother's Niche
Taylor @ Mama has Pink Hair
and me...Mary @ Mary's Kitchen and Back to the Basics
If you have a REAL Food post feel free to share on Day #1
Follow along...
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