The Helpful Sister

Meal Planning #12: Super Bowl Special: Food to feed your team.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:06:59 PST

The Super Bowl is coming up in a week. So this edition of Meal Planning (over 50 recipes), I have put together a huge assortment of Super Bowl snack/appetizers, along side the standard meal lineup. I also have quick breakfasts covered, kids snacks (chocolate pudding), a delicious wine option and lots of other delicious items.

This week you can make the men in your life say "is there any more?," while tempting your taste buds.

I have kicked it up a notch, well for me anyways. I do not like much heat in my cooking. But this week there are some recipes which could heat things up (Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita and Jalapeno Rosemary Fritters). Know someone who loves to eat Pop Tarts, well then shoot this to them because they can now make their own, and with whole wheat flour or Gluten Free.

What about the kids or kids at heart, in your life? They might not enjoy veggies right now, so make Fruit Tacos. Don't fret about breakfast, there are 20 + recipes to feed your brain and body. Lots more to choose from, including six Helpful Links.

Helpful Links this week are (below photos and recipes):
1. 15 Fantastic Super Bowl Dips
2. Ideas for when you are so hungry you could eat a plate
3. 7 recipes when you want some peanut butter
4. Meal planning for a family on $250 a month
5. Learning all about green drinks
6. A month of stir fry recipes

PS. In some of these recipes it calls for cream cheese, milk, sour cream. A great alternative is Greek yogurt. To thin it out, you can add almond or coconut milk or use those in place of milk. If it calls for sugar you can try these alternatives from the Gluten Free Goddess Gluten Free Baking Substitutions & Gluten Free Baking Without Sugar.

Meal #1

Simple Bites

Coconut Ginger Chicken Vegetables (slow-cooker-challenge)

Meal #2

The Healthy Diaries

Veggie Lasagna Roll ups

The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen

Raw Kale Avocado Salad

Meal #3

Sprouted Kitchen

Black Bean + Butternut Squash Soup

Meal #4

SkinnyTaste.com

Coconut Chicken Salad with Warm Honey

Meal #5

The Kitchn

Asparagus Bean Salad over Arugula

Rawmazing

Spicy Veggie Raw Food "Stir Fry"

Worth Trying

Snacks/Appetizers {14}

Super Healthy Kids

Fruit Tacos, When They Don't Like Salad

The Little Epicurean

Homemade Samoa Cookies

Coupon Clipping Cook

Baked Herb and Parmesan Potato Slices

Redefined Creativity

Herded Cream Cheese

The Curvy Carrot

Vegetable and Quinoa Bites

Martha Stewart

Creamy Deviled Eggs

From My Lemony Kitchen

Apple, Salmon and Capers

Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Sweet Berry Bruschetta

Six in the Suburbs

Bite Size Pizza Puffs

Women's Health

Nachos with Chicken and Black Beans

Can use Greek Yogurt instead of Light Sour Cream

The Indolent Cook

Jalapeno Rosemary Potato Fritters

CHOW

Caramelized Union Dip

Hungry Foodies Pharmacy

Roasted Sweet Potato Cube with Cilantro Jalapeno Aiolo Dip

I Eat Trees

Raw Vegan Magic Truffles

Drinks {4}

Gastro Chic

Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita

Sing for Your Supper

Greener or Brownish Monster Smoothie

Healthy Blender Recipes

Vegan Chocolate Spinach Shake

Cupcake Vineyards

Red Velvet Wine

Lunch {4}

Skinnytaste.com

Roast Beef, Arugula, Shaved Parmesan

on a Baguette

Closet Cooking

Spinach and Feta Quesadillas

Oh She Glows

Vegetable and Edamame Pasta with Basil Cream Sauce

Keep it Skinny

Avocado, Tomato, Sprouts and Pepperjack with Chive Spread

Breakfast {24}

101 Cookbooks

Herbed Cream Cheese Scrambled Eggs

My Baking Addiction

Zucchini Cookies/Muffins

Our Best Bites

20 Quick and Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Martha Stewart

Quinoa Cakes

Deliciously Organic

Pop Tart Two Ways (Gluten Free or Whole Wheat)

Misc {5}

The Family Kitchen

Vegan Walnut Pesto Sauce

The Coconut Mama

Deceptively Delicious Chocolate Pudding

100 Days of Real Food Challenge

Overnight Homemade Chicken Broth

Annies Eats

Homemade Veggie Broth

Whole Foods

Gluten Free Pie Crust

Helpful Links

1. Dips for your Super Bowl party? This should give you some ideas.
Our Best Bites
15 Fantastic Dips for Super Bowl Sunday

2. When you are so hungry your finger looks good.
Helpful Pursuit
Oh-my-gosh-if-I-don’t-eat-right-now-I’m-going-to-die-Snacks

3. Peanut Butter 7 Different Ways
Chocolate Covered Katie
7 Uses for Peanut Butter

4. Finding a budget for your family. Found out what you can put on your meal plan with this example.
Keeper of the Home
What I Would Feed My Family on $250 a Month

5. Learning all about green drinks. This is for the whole family too!
The Diva Dish
All About Green Drinks 101

6. Get Stir Fry recipes for every day of the month.
The Tip Nut
Stir Fry Recipes

I got meat, raw meals, gluten free, Vegan, kid friendly, finger food, hearty soups and everything in between. Did anything sound good? Maybe caught your eye, that you might not of ever tried?

This was fun to do. I so enjoy finding recipes for me and you too. Catch you next week. I hope you enjoy the game, commercials or the company for the Super Bowl.

Take care!

Linda Jacobson
The Helpful Sister

Meal Planning #11: Healthy, Wholesome, Mouthwatering

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:26:44 PST

I typically spend a few hours, each day hitting different sites to find recipes I would love to make, showcase or just have on hand. From all this searching, I have come to find out two things. First, you may have noticed Facebook, Twitter, websites, blogs are filled with delicious recipes for Vegan and Gluten Free meals, snacks, desserts etc. I have really changed how I search and save recipes. I want to make sure the ingredients are not created in some lab, no refined sugar (American eat over 140lb of sugar a year) and as little flour (baking, bleached/unbleached flour, nut flour is optimal) as possible. I might even consider making a Pinterest Board, that says, Recipes to Remake.

So for this week, there are 25 spotlighted recipes.

{NEW} this week, there are almost another 100+ recipes in my Helpful Links. These are links that I thought might interest you.

I found some great Vegan, Gluten Free recipes with ideal (in my mind) ingredients. I think they are worth trying. You will definitely get your vegetables. There are a few recipes that have zucchini and chickpeas in them. The reason for this, is as a family on a budget, I tailor my grocery list around what I am buying. If I could get a few recipes out of the same ingredient, well than my buck goes further.

This weeks Helpful Links are (found below spotlighted recipes)

Kids/Toddler Snacks Recipes
Baby Food Recipes
Stocking your Pantry, Freezer and Fridge
Clean Eating Recipes
Winter Bowl Recipes

Meal #1

Kath Eats Real Food

Best Vegetarian Lasagne

Joy the Baker

Spinach Feta Blood Orange Salad

Meal #2

Not Rachel Ray

Whole Grain Risotto with Kale & Carrots

The Family Kitchen

Weeknight Zucchini with Shallots and Parmesan

Meal #3

The Lunchbox Bunch

Fully Loaded Kale Salad

Meal #4

Healthful Pursuit

Homemade California Rolls

Meal #5

The Healthy Foodie

Squash Coconut Wild Rice Curry

Worth Trying

Dinner/Lunch {5}

Martha Stewart

Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Herbs

Spices and Spackle

Vegan Chickpea Piccata

The Copycat Cook

Creamy Chickpea Salad

No Face Plate

Sick Hubby Soup

High Heals and Frijoles

Fall Harvest Sandwich with Roasted Butternut Squash Apples and Stilton Cheese

Snacks {6}

Vegan She Knows

Apricot Pretzel Pops

Vegan She Knows

Cashew Pineapple Carrots

Joyful Abode

Grain & Gluten Free Graham Crackers

The Blueberry Girl

No Sugar Oat Drops

The Versatile Vegetarian Kitchen

Chickpea Crackers

The Copycat Cook

Nutty Fruit Bars

Breakfast {3}

Vegan/Gluten Free Muffin

Family Fresh Cooking

Chai Carrot Pear Muffin

Cake Duchess

Clementine Cranberry Scones

Healthy Food for Living

Peanut Butter Granola

Drinks {4}

Scaling Back Blog

Green Detox Smoothie

The Copycat Cook

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Deliciously Organic

Homemade Coffee Creamer

Marcus Samuelsson

Mint Julep Juice

KIDS/TODDLER SNACKS
Do you struggle with snacks for your kids/toddlers? This link will give you some great recipes, with photos of snacks that they should love (some you might have to try a few times, don't give up.)
Vegan Snacks for Kids from JL Goes Vegan

BABY FOOD
Baby food can easily be bought in the store but what if you had a site which had it all. Different links based on the age of your child. Would you make yours at home?

Baby Food from Once a Month Mom

GROCERY SHOPPING/BUDGET
Grocery shopping on a budget can be a little easier when you create recipes from things that are already in your house. This link will help give some ideas of what to keep around so meals can be planned a little easier.
Stocking Up from The Pioneer Woman Cooks

EATING CLEAN
Did you New Years Resolution have anything to do with cleaning up what you were putting in your mouth? This link will give you 10 Clean eating meals which you could throw into your normal weekly meal routine easily.

10 Clean Eating Meals from Healthful Pursuit

RECIPES FOR HEALTHY EATING
Winter is a great time to dive into comfort food. This link will lead you in a direction of a different version of comfort food.

10 Bowls for Healthy Winter Eating

Did you find some that you are looking forward too? Is this helpful in your weekly meal planning? Share with me your thoughts in the comments. You can also follow along with me at the Helpful Recipes Group, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Have the best week ever!

Linda Jacobson
The Helpful Sister

Weekly Recipe Plan #10: Homemade, light & delicious

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:09:51 PST

So the other day, I was feeling overwhelmed. The kitchen looked like a tornado, followed by a mudslide, followed by some sort of dish earthquake hit. It was the end of a day of watching my two wonderful young boys, naps, work and making dinner. They were having some Dad time, while taking a bath. I looked at the massive pile of food, dishes and cutting boards and gave out a big gasp. Then after taking a few big breathes, I thought "I would much rather have this disaster in front of me than take-out, fast food bags in the trash."

This weeks meals, might dirty up your kitchen. They might take time away from that weekly television show you like to watch. BUT they are light and fun. I have found a few blogs that just have a never ending reach of recipes, so keep an eye out for some of them. Do you like Greek food? Great recipe for you below. Are you juicing or want to change up your routine? I got a great recipe for you. Lots of fresh veggies, soups, snacks and some additional meal options which you can eat now or later.

Enjoy the 24 recipes and all those dirty dishes.

Meal #1

Healthy Happy Life

Arugula Salad: Mango, Macadamia & Avocado

Lighten up a bit with this salad. I do love macadamia nuts and oh they will go so well with the mango and homemade dressing. There are days that a salad just hits the spot. For some, it takes an act of all the planets lining up to get a salad into your weekly meal plan. No fear, salads are the perfect pre-meal food (eat less of the other stuff) They are also great just by themselves. Work a few into your monthly routine and see how great you feel. Plus, go to bed and have your body love you because it does not have to work very hard to digest this delicious salad.

Meal #2

Side Stitches

Lentil Burger

Food For My Family

Potato Chips with Avocado Ranch Dip

Lentil Burgers? Never tried them nor thought about making lentils into a burger shape. Very intrigued on how they will taste. Another light meal that might perk up some of those taste buds that might of stopped working awhile back. WAKE UP!

Meal #3

Eating Well

Chicken & Spinach Soup with Fresh Pesto

Winter might just be getting started for some of you. Can not believe it is the middle of January and my home state barely has snow (Montana). Just because temperatures might be a little higher than normal, that does not mean you and I can not sit back and enjoy a hearty soup, filled with lots of scrumptious ingredients.

Meal #4

A Couple Cooks

Greek Quesadilla

Lentils with Pearl Couscous and Mint

Greek food is not something you find on our recipe lineup. I think because I just don't think to look for the Greek flavors. But these two recipes caught my eye. What are your thoughts on Greek food? Are you going to try these recipes out?

Meal #5

Homemade by Holmon

Chicken and Mushroom Dinner

A Couple Cooks

Tuscan Raw Kale Salad

Pair a delicious homemade meal of noodles, chicken and cheese with a raw kale salad. Go, I dare you. You might have room for desert after this slightly light meal. Plus leftovers, for the next day. Love it when a plan come together.

Worth Trying

Appetizers (2)

Sugar Cooking

Japanese Cucumber Salad

A Couple Cooks

Cucumber Rye Toasts

Meals + (4)

Pure Mamas

Raw Vegan Red Pasta Sauce

Hungry Cravings

Pasta with Arugula, Roasted Peppers and Italian Sausage

Wishful Chef

Chickpea Kale Salad

Joy of Clean Eating

(SLOW COOKER)

Arroz Con Pollo

Drinks (5)

Never Home Maker

Not so Green Smoothie

The Wishful Chef

Sugar Free Vegan Milkshake

Goji Berries & Bananas

The Wishful Chef

How to Make Almond Milk (with photos)

JUICER RECIPE

Savory Simple

Basil Apple Lime Juice

Eating Bird Food

Vanilla Coconut Chia Smoothie

Treats/Snacks (5)

The Wishful Chef

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies with Coconut

The Wishful Chef

Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies

(Almond Milk Recipe above in "DRINKS")

5 & Spice

Ginger Banana Bread with Cardamom Crunchy Topping

Can't Live Without

Cardamon Flavored Chocolate Truffles

Mommie Cooks

Homemade Strawberry Breakfast Bars

This weekly recipe lineup, might help you/your family but this is what we do every week.I enjoy finding truly homemade recipes that are delicious and can provide nourishment for my growing boys. Yes, we can eat better. Yes, we can cook less, but we do the best we can. I am proud I do not let little time, and low grocery budget hinder what I can provide my family.

So long for this week. Look forward to hearing from you about what you liked, enjoyed, won't make again or want to see more of.

Have the best week ever. See you around Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Linda Jacobson
The Helpful Sister

Recipe Lineup #9: Pinterest Pinfest of Yumminess (70+ recipes)

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:19:29 PST

So my motivation to make a weekly recipe list (over 70 recipes this week) for my family took off early fall of 2011. Some how, I came across a website called Pinterest. It is the new craze for social media. It truly is the mother ship of visual information. So, this is where I get most of my weekly recipes (the secret is out.) I also have found, over 400 other recipes sites, I stumble through when Pinterest has given me my fill.

So this week, what have I pinned? Oh a little of this and a little of that. Some great recipes for your little ones. A little selection of snacks and treats. A salad in the middle of it all. You will find some take out or restaurant recipes, which you can make in your home. Find some smoothies that will refresh and revive you. Scroll down to find over 20+ recipes for you, your family, friends, co-workers (if you have leftovers to take to work) to enjoy. Plus a link to find 50 healthy recipes to jump start your 2012 off from Two Peas & Their Pod.

Meal #1

Taste of Home

Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops

The Family Kitchen

Hasselback Baked Sweet Potato

Apples & pork chops, you just can not go wrong. I have never had a sweet potato cooked this way so it will be fun to see how it turns out. Let me know how it goes at your house.

Meal #2

Zen Family Habits

Veggie Laksa

The Family Kitchen

Homemade Pot stickers

This just seems like a fun pairing. I am hoping the finger food will be enjoyed by the our kids as much as us. I love it when I can find a delicious recipe that is a typically ordered for take out. Who here loves this pairing?

Oh, The Zen Family Habit link is not just for the Laksa. You can get 4 other quick recipes using 5 ingredients. The Laksa is the second recipe, so you might have to scroll to see it.

Meal #3

Eating Well

Baked Cod Casserole

Turntable Kitchen

Roasted Squash with Mint, Pepitas and Balsamic

Pepitas....or no shell pumpkin seeds. Had no idea that was what they were called. What a rich meal. I think I will be using Talapia instead of the cod. Like Trader Joes selection of that kinds of fish over the cod. Might have to follow this one up with something sort of sorbet to get the taste buds back to normal.

Meal #4

Mama Loves Food

Corn and Potato Chowder

Nicole Hunn

Cornmeal Dinner Rolls -Gluten Free

Yah, me and Dry Active Yeast are not the best of friends. Every time I try to use the stuff, the product never makes it to the oven. It might be that I don't have the patience or the skill. I would much rather make a muffin or a bread stick. Those always turn out. :) I probably will not try this because of our past experiences. However, I did think it was a fun recipe. Will any of you going to be mixing it up and putting these Gluten Free Rolls in the oven?

Meal #5

iVillage

Chicken and Lasagna Roll-Ups

paired with

Iowa Girl Eats

Homemade (3) ingredient Spaghetti Sauce

Seasoned with Love

Bucca Di Beppo Apple Gorgonzola Salad with Italian Vinaigrette

This is going to be an Italian meal for friends to enjoy as well. Happy to find this recipe for Bucca Di Beppo, which is a family style Italian Restaurant.

Worthy Trying

Drinks

Wishful Chef

Dandelion Green Smoothie with Pears & Coconut Water

Jeannette's Healthy Living

Green Tea Smoothie

Epicurious

Joint Relief Green Juice

Treats/Snacks

Thursday Night Smack Down

Meyer Lemon Curd

Fat Free Vegan Kitchen

Skinny Figgy Bars

The CopyCat Cook

Fruit Roll-Ups

The Wannabe Chef

Raw Dark Chocolate Peppermint Pudding

Weelicious

Avocado Honey Dip

Breakfast

Martha Stewart

French Toast Kebabs

The Kitchen

Apricot Yogurt Scones

Salad

Oh She Grows

High Protein Quinoa Almond Berry Salad

Happy times in your kitchen and stomach!

Isn't it a much better experience when you step into that grocery store and you have a list with you? Even better, isn't a great feeling to have meals planned out? Are you making any changes to how you are planning, shopping, preparing your meals since 2012 is so fresh? Do share in the comments.

I would love to hear what your favorites were. Ones you just won't try or maybe something you tweaked. Come on, don't be shy. If you knew me you would be jumping on the comment bandwagon and shouting from the laptop all you feel.

Many thanks to YOU, for making it all the way down to this sentence. I know your days are filled with your everyday ventures, so thanks for seeing what I do each week. If you liked this, share away. If it helped you, it might help your circle of cool people.

Want even more inspiration to have a healthy new year? Here is a great link from Two Peas & Their Pod which has 50 recipes with ingredients that could make it on your grocery list. Oh they all sound yummy.

Munch, Munch, Yum, Num, Mmmmm Good.

See you next week.

Linda Jacobson
The Helpful Sister

Recipe Lineup #8 New Year New Tastes

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:09:02 PST

So how did 2011 end for you? How is 2012 looking?

With 2012 now in full swing, it is time to start getting some recipes in the works. During my recipe search this week, I was really drawn to less of the cooked foods category. Have any of you ventured off into the Raw/Living food arena? We did, have and are. Not so much now, with two kids. I love the amazing depth of the tastes. As well as how the raw/living foods are digested easier and you receive much more nutrients with eating less.

Call me crazy but I do find it a tad bit fun to see how a recipe that typically take eggs, flour and an oven can be made without any of those ingredients. So for all of you out there who are not used to this kind of eating, take a seat and enjoy the ride. I will of course have some other delicious cooked recipes in every lineup. Keep your eye out for the recipe that has bacon in it. Have fun on this weeks journey into deliciousness. Here are this weeks picks.

Meal #1

The Girl Who Ate Everything
Baked Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Dipping Sauce

Sharmis Passion

Raw Mango Rice

Zesty, light and not so much what you would eat as winter food. Pop in your favorite beach movie and catch a wave, feel that crisp beach air hit your face and ENJOY!

Meal #2

Pham Fatale

Vegetarian Pot Pie with Lentil Pasta

Sweet Happy Life (Baking and Books)

Rustic Sweet Potato Muffin with Sweet Sage

This should warm you up while giving a little bit of a sweet taste. Looking forward to trying both. I love sweet potatoes in everything!

Meal #3 100% Raw

The Ravenous Couple

Asian Inspired Raw Zucchini Noodles

One Green Planet

Cashew Cream Cups

A raw meal which will be delicious with family and friends.

Meal #4

Picky Palate

Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

eCurry

Barley and Spinach Fall Salad

with Maple Syrup Vinaigrette

By now you have noticed that I love pomegranate, especially since I found a fast and easy way to get the seeds out with NO mess. A Little Red House will show you how it is done. Now you and your family can enjoy this bright, sweet and high in Vitamin C fruit in every meal.

Meal #5

Smokey Wok

Chinese Celery and Pork Stir-Fry

Chop Chop A to Z

Bacon Wrapped Bean Sprouts

A Sweet Chef

Maple Ginger Glazed Carrots

Thought this meal would work well with two side. Stop the press. Add bacon to anything and it becomes a successful meal. :)

Worth Trying

Drinks (2)

Zoom Yummy

Detox Smoothie

Good Life Eats

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Treats (4)

For the Love of Food

RAW Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes with Avocado Frosting

Munchin with Munchkin

Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge

Leite's Culinaria

Gluten Free Chocochip Cookies

(p.s lots of ingredients but still wanted to share)

Vegan Yack Attack

RAW Apple Cinnamon Almond Bars

Sides (2)

eCurry

Roasted Garlic

The Duo Dishes

Garlic Grits Fries

(scroll down to see recipe on the site)

Breakfast (3)

Barefoot in the Kitchen

Whole Wheat Zucchini Waffles

The Meaning of Pie

Gingerbread Pancakes

Healthy Happy Life

(100% Vegan) Vegan Breakfast Burrito

The list is complete. Did you see any on there that you have seen before? Are there any that you might dive into full steam ahead?

Our family is going to enjoy this weeks lineup and I hope yours does too. From our family to yours, congrats on 2011 and keep your eyes open for a wonderful 2012. I am excited to see what this year brings for our family. I am going to intend to have less worry, more joy. Less stress and more Linda meditation time. Less need to change myself and more love for myself and everyone I come in contact with.

Oh yes, I work hard to make sure I give proper credit where it is due. So when you are on a page and it calls to you, show some love and follow them. I have never met any of the people behind the links I post, but just by what I see, they are talented souls. Without their recipes, where would my little family be. :)

See you next week as I dive even deeper into cups, tablespoons, timers and ingredients. Thanks for stopping by and seeing what our family is eating every week.

Nameste,

Linda Jacobson
The Helpful Sister

Stay connected with me:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Recipe Lineup #7 Bring It Home for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 22:01:20 PST

When I think about 2011, it has gone by so fast. The deadlines, appointments, meetings, plans, and visitors, and I made to this day. Our kids are one year older, even I turned a year older this past week! So with 2011 coming to close and this blog turning it pages to another January, I have come up a lineup which will help bring this last week of December home with a bang. I have some comfort food (even a red meat recipe....gasp), some drinks to celebrate 2012, and some odds and ends which are sure to tried. Make sure you make it to the bottom. I have included two links which will give you even more recipes to par-ooze. Plus, I give a tiny shout out to my Georgia born Mom (my angel on earth.)

Grab your favorite tea, or coffee. Close your office door turn off your latest iPhone and logout of Facebook Enjoy the recipe that made it into this weeks lineup. Find a favorite or find one which gives you a challenge. Accept, conquer and drool!

Meal #1

Wonderful Joy Ahead

Chickpea Patties with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

with

Shelterific

Nepenthes chopped salad w/ roquefort vinaigrette

I am excited to try these recipes. There are a few salads in the mix this week. Feel free to make the dressing in the recipe or use your favorites.

Meal #2

The Pioneer Woman

Penne a la Betsy

with

Girl's Gone Child

Aunt Dot's Chopped Salad

I so love Pioneer Woman and I am going to love to make this pasta dish. Paired perfectly with a light and wonderfully deep salad.

Meal #3

Desktop Cookbook

Slow Cooker Yellow Split Pea Soup

with

How Does She?

Delicious Dinner Rolls

I have not tried to make yeast bread in so long and this darn photo is going to make me try again. Don't those just look delicious. Yellow split pea is the new Green Split Pea soup. Going to try that one out.

Meal #4

Annies Eats

Panko Crusted Salmon

with

Gluten Free Goddess

Red Quinoa with Butternut Squash

Do let me know if Quinoa is making it to your table to often, but for our family, I am just getting started. This should be a great fall recipe.

Meal #5

Handle the Heat

Take Out-At Home Mongolian Beef

with

Epicurious

Lucky New Year - read about this below

Hoppin John Salad with Molasses Dressing

Oh yes, beef has made into the lineup. Still don't know if I will make this recipe but I had to post. What a great concept....finding your favorite take out and then making it yourself. Hum.

Worth Trying

Appetizers

Eat Drink Pretty

Caprese Skewers

I think these are delicious all year round.

Cake & Allie

Southwestern Egg Rolls with Avocado Ranch

The Curvy Carrot

Savory Spinach Bites

Sweet Treats

17 & Baking

Red Velvet Cheesecake

The Galley Gourmet

Peppermint Crisps

Vegalicious

Raw Cherry Tart

Quenching

Martha Stewart

The Blizzard Cocktail

Epicurious

Pink Gratefruit Strawberries and Champagne Granita

with Sugared Strawberries

Annies Eats

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

Breakfast

Framed Cook

Ham and Eggs Crepe Squares

Odds/ Ends

Jane Laurene

Grill Cheese Reinvented

Blue Jean Gormet

This one is for my Mom!

Billie Jeans Fried Orka

More Options = More Recipe & Great reads

Epicurious has a great post about what food to eat to have a lucky New Year. No, I did not double check to make sure all the recipes in this post will bring you good luck, but it is a great read with lots more recipes.

Luck of food

Gluten Free Goddess, put together a HUGE list of Gluten Free Recipes. I could use just this one post for about 3 months worth of recipes. All delicious, gluten free and perfect for anyone who is trying to get rid of the gluten.

Gluten Free Holiday recipes

Enjoy my hungry friends. I will be spending this week, enjoying the moments I have with my beautiful boys, my marvelous husband and loving dogs. I am looking forward to what this next year has to offer. What planets are aligning as we speak and what changes are about to knock on our door.

What are you most looking forward to for 2012?
What was your top 10 favorite moment of 2011?

Cheers to 2011 and Bring on 2012!

Have you joined the private group on Facebook? It is to comment, meet and interact with those who are making the same thing you are every week. Come find me at Helpful Recipes, Follow me other undertaking on Facebook The Helpful Sister and keep up with my latest tweets at Helpful Sister.

Happy New Year,

Linda Jacobson
Helpful Sister

Recipe Lineup #6- Holiday Edition Dec 19-23 (30+ recipes)

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:05:54 PST

I wonder how many of the population are increasing stress levels and coffee during this last week before Christmas? It seems every year the holiday commercials/ decor, in retail stores, come even sooner than last year. With all the added to-do lists items, cleaning of the house and for some, the winter travel, there is little time to really sit down to prepare a meal plan.

With this Recipe Lineup- Holiday edition you should find some time to spare. I have included over 30+ recipes this go round. Main course meals which should be time saving as leftovers. Look for salads which will make your heart and stomach happy. Snacks for the family gathering/or party. Want some breakfast ideas for the holidays coming up? There should be few which you bookmark. There is even a few holiday cocktails to put into on your menu to make your time with family even more chipper.

Happy Holidays from my family to yours. May you find peace in the simple things and wonder in the eyes of little children.

Meal #1

Linguine with Clams

with

Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate

Oh I have been craving seafood. I truly think these two are going to go so well together. Yes, yet another quinoa recipe, but it is just so good and can be used in so many ways.

Meal #2

Smokey Corn Chowder

with

Homemade Cheddar Crackers

Soup is just so darn good. It warms me up and it is so easy as a leftover. The crackers I have been making all week. They are so yummy. No, I can not get mine to puff like the photo but the kids don't care. I am loving that I know what is going into them and I do not have to buy a box of them when I run out. Use whatever cheese you like. I found a great Gruyere/White Cheddar cheese at Trader Joe's that is just perfect for these crackers.

Meal #3

Tortilla Casserole

with

Parsley Quinoa Salad

Mexican food is so delicious. I found this casserole so I could have lunch the next day. It serves (4) so change accordingly if you have a larger group to feed. I find that I just love having a light salad to pair with any dish. Quinoa shows us its face again, this paired with cucumber and parsley. Light and perfect.

Meal #4

Pear Salad with Walnuts & Feta

with

Kale & Potato Gratin

I do things a little strange sometimes and that is put two sides together. Whoooo hold up. We do not eat a lot of red meat so I have to somehow get creative. Veggies are a great friend to us. So in this meal we are getting some living foods and then some cooked. Not a bad friendship.

Meal #5

Pomegranate Orange Salad

with

Grilled Fish Tacos

Fish tacos.....oooh one of my favorites. These seem to be excellent since can use our indoor grill. Don't know about those trying to do this on a outdoor grill. Might have to scratch these till next spring. :) The salad is a simple, quick addition to any meal.

Worth Trying

Holiday Cocktails

Jingle Juice

Cranberry Mojito

Smoothie Peanut Butter Banana

(if you have extra put this in a popsicle mold for the kids, add some green algae or vitamin C powder too)

Snacks

Homemade Cheez-Its (Gluten, Soy, Dairy Free)

60+ Holiday snacks prepared in 20 minutes or less

Breakfasts

9 make ahead recipes

Spinach and Bacon Quiche (homemade pie crust)

Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Sweet Treats

Sparkly Red Velvet Brownie Bites

One dough-6 cookies

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pie

(ps. I am using coconut oil for the oil)

Cinnamon Rolls

Well what did you like the most? What are you bookmarking for a later time? These recipes are found all across the world wide web, so it is so exciting to see what pops up every week. See you next week. If you think your neighbor, best friend, family, boss might like to use some of these recipes, do share. Fill free to join/comment on the private group on Facebook called Helpful Recipes.

Remember these are all ideas I put together for my family. You can pair other things I have with one you like of your own or from a previous post. I sometimes put a pasta dish, after a pasta dish. You can easily save these and come back next week. Just make the options what you want out of them.

Cheers and many blessings.

Linda Jacobson
The Helpful Sister

Stay connected with my daily on goings at:
The Helpful Sister ~Facebook
Helpful Sister ~ Twitter

Recipe Lineup (#5) for Dec 12-19

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 09:43:34 PST

This week I seem to have found some more hearty meals. I did put together some great mixes. So much fun finding recipes and pairing them together. You could possibly turn you heat off in you home, because these recipes will keep toasty, warm and cozy. Meat has made more of an appearance this week, feel free to take the meat out if you so desire. I most likely will be doing the same.

Meal #1

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
(cream of broccoli soup recipe -using gruyere cheese)

SALAD: Brussel spouts, kale, & Turkey Bacon

I have been really enjoying eating Quinoa in the past few recipes. So much better for the body compared enriched flour noodles. What do you think of Quinoa?

Meal #2

Honey Marinated Pork Chops

Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus and Tomatoes

Time to have pork back in the menu. Have not had it around much these days. Pair the Pork Chops with a great organic Orzo and fresh veggies.

Meal #3

Beef and Barley Stew with Mushrooms

Buttery Homemade Cornmeal Crescent Rolls

I am still not sure if I am going to use the Beef. I might go with turkey or add other veggies to the mix. I think a great roll will make this a perfect match.

Meal #4

Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Cranberry Avocado Salad with Spiced Nuts,

White Balsamic Dressing

The salad could almost be a stand alone dish, but thought I would go well with a heavier main dish. Do you use whole wheat noodles, organic or the standard noodles? What is your favorite style of noodle?

Meal #5

Stuffed Zucchini

Roasted Potatoes with Polenta

Enjoy! I am so excited to try the stuffed zucchini. The Roasted potatoes could be used for a breakfast even.

WORTH TRYING

SOUP:

Fakes Soupa (Greek for Lentil soup)

BREAD:

Artisan Bread

SMOOTHIE:

Mudslide Smoothie (Raw/Living)

SNACKS (Holiday)

No Bake Vanilla Cake Batter Truffles

(homemade cake mix link)

Sea Salted Honey Maple Shortbread

Festive Cheddar Tree

Holiday Baking Recipes

DRINKS:

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Hot, warm, full-fulling, whatever you might describe these recipes, they are sure to make your home even hotter. Enjoy and let me know what you think on the private Helpful Recipe Group on Facebook.

Happy Holidays and many many best days ever!

Linda Jacobson

The Helpful Sister

Recipe Lineup: Dec 3-9 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:40:34 PST

Happy December everyone! Time is flying by. Since winter is officially here, more so in other parts of the country. This means the holiday season is knocking on our door. During this month you will see some recipes which tie into winter and the oh so much fun, holiday season.

I am going to be adding some recipes I have found which use some traditional ingredients (white/brown sugar, yeast, eggnog etc.) Yes, some might have sugar added. I may not make them myself, but thought you might want to dabble. I will also be including more living, vegan holiday treats to try out. You typically find the recipes in the "Worth Trying" section, near the bottom. No stone will go unturned to find a wide range of recipes for each week. Maybe you want to try these recipes for a party, for a teacher, for a friend.

It is truly amazing how time flies.

Hopefully your time won't fly as much with these recipes for the week of Dec 3-9th.

Meal #1

Quinoa Burger with Zucchini Fries

This looks both light and yummy. Paired with some crisp, fries of the vegetable sort, I believe this will be a great dinner. The fries call to be made in a dehydrator but I believe you can do that same in an oven at around 200 degrees. Has anyone made these before?

Meal #2

Slow Cooker Caesar Salad Sandwiches & Homemade Caesar Dressing

with Italian Fries

So I was really wanting a Caesar salad but then found this recipe. Do what you will with the dressing. Use your favorite store bought, or the recipe I provided. If you have one that you love, do post. My computer was acting up (not a fan of PC's) so I had to run a quick search on dressings.

Meal #3

My favorite friend Salmon cooked in coconut oil

paired with (living food) Morton's Wedge Salad

Nothing wrong with this mixture. Light and fresh. Smooth and rich. Oh delicious just got even better.

Meal #4

Kale Waldorf Salad ( Living Foods, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian)

Eggplant, Provolone, Green Olive Pizza

Yes, we had pizza last week. I enjoyed how easy it was so I thought I would find something that might tempt the taste buds. This might do it. Plus, I so love Kale so here is a great version of a classic salad. Make your tweaks or keep it the same.

Meal #5

Lentil and Sausage Soup

Reese's Peanut Butter (or whatever your favorite treat is) Banana Bread

Indulge after a week of work, driving, planning, traveling, scheduling. Treat yourself to a simple and tasty soup. Follow that with a delicious bread and your favorite cup of tea.

Worth Trying

Eggnog Cupcake

Incredible Hulk Green Smoothie with Lime

Apple Zucchini Crumble (use any leftover Zucchini)

Focacia Bread (Yeast needed)

Come to Breakfast with my family. This is most likely my favorite breakfast, besides the Weyler Famous Buttermilk Pancakes. Enjoy!

Toast with coconut oil and avocado

Spread coconut oil on warm toast. Spread ripe avocado on toast. Sprinkle with a dash of Celtic Sea Salt.

Scrambled eggs:

Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

Eggs

Cumin

Sea Salt / Pepper

Coconut oil coats the pan. Mix eggs, cumin, salt/pepper. Cook until they are done to your liking.

So another week has passed. What did you enjoy about the recipes you tried? Did you share with friends? Make extra to take to work? Is this helpful to have some recipes to gander at during the week? Share with me how this helps you at Helpful Recipes group on Facebook.

Connect with me also on Facebook and Twitter. I post about everything for the family.

Namaste friends!

Linda Jacobson
The Helpful Sister

Kindle Giveaway! Be Kindle to Harper.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:41:33 PST

Tis the season for being grateful and appreciate all you have.

In the spirit of this holiday season, Harper from Hope4Harper is giving away a Kindle. Harper is a beautiful 18 month old little girl, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder called CDLK5. This giveaway is to gain more awareness for her and the research project.

Even if you do not want one, enter to win it for a friend. The more you share the more entries.

Get the details here (takes 5 minutes)

Be Kindle to Harper Giveaway

Creating Holiday Memories. Craft Ideas Galore.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:41:24 PST

I am getting my craftiness back, which is a great thing. For many years I have been doing the standard "holiday shopping." I have been doing a lot of thinking about what this holiday season is all about. Came to a conclusion, I or our family, needed to get back to the what the basics. It might have to do with being a one income family and also digging deep and finding myself again. To me this holiday season is about being genuine. Giving a gift because I want or desire too. Giving a gift which then creates long lasting memories.

What is important? Memories or money?

This year, I am going to start a tradition of heart warming, long lasting, treasured, gift giving. This means it is time to find the crafty part of my brain again. Find the bin of paints, ribbon, stamps and card stalk, then scan my collection of cool website, blogs and DIY sites and get going.

Who is with me?

Make your own holiday treats. Click on photo

I found some great starting places which I am sure will get you motivated. Look through, find a favorite, tell me about it, post your finished product on my Helpful Sister page. We are going to make this holiday filled with gratitude and life long lasting memories, all tied up in a hand-printed ornament or a popsicle Christmas Tree.

First off, crafts for those little people to create from Happy Hooligans . Give them the tools then allow them to do whatever they want with it.

What about this site, Everything Etsy which lays out 101 ornament ideas? Nothing like finding everything in one place. This is one example. An old puzzle piece used as a gift tag or ornament. So cute.

or get more ideas here at Red Thread DIY. I think you might have enough to get started after looking at these.

I love this idea. A footprint Christmas Tree from Craft Rookie Blog. Scroll a little bit to see it. There are not any instructions but I think I will figure it out.

Martha always has to be included in any holiday crafting. Learn how to use any cookie cutters you no longer put to work and make an ornament.

Another favorite is making hand-print Ornaments from Home Made Grits Blog. A few basic ingredients, a hand or foot pressed into your mold and poof your own little special gift.

Those canvas prints get pretty pricey so Better Homes and Gardens made a DIY just for you. Why not make them yourself?

Was this year filled with big moment, like a new job, new house, graduation? Make it last with these great ideas from In My Own Style

Lastly but not the least. This super adorable hand print ball ornament from A Sort a Fairy Tale Blog.

Finally, what do you do with your stuff for the next craft hour, day or weekend? Store it with these ideas from Crafty Storage.

Well, did you find anything you liked? I hope so. Come find me on Facebook or Twitter. Share with me what you did. I am so excited to get going on my own crafty gifts.

Happy Holidays to you and your family. Enjoy all the memories you have made this year. Cherish them.

The Helpful Sister

A Christmas Tree is Speaking

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:26:55 PST

Every year, families around the world, put up a Christmas tree. Each tree is different. Each family has their own tradition, their own way of decorating. Take a look at this tree and the two precious girls sitting in front of it. This tree was put up to celebrate them and when it comes down, it could quite possibly change their lives.

Why do you think this tree is so important to these two little girls?

Well, the youngest, Harper, has a rare genetic disorder, CDKL5. This disorder effects less than 300 worldwide. Children suffer from intense seizures, sensory issues, gastrointestinal difficulties, visual impairment, scoliosis, along with severely delayed developmental growth.

This tree is hugely important to them. When it comes down, December, 31, 2011, the project Harper is waiting to get started, needs to be fully funded. This project is funded through the Children Hospital of Boston and you can read more about it here.

The project must have $40,000 before December 31st, 2011.

But how can this be done?

Not everyone can give to the project but some can give $5, some $100 and it all adds up. Some can not give money, but you can give your time. Share her story. Maybe a local business would like to give to her cause. Just maybe her story will reach someone, in this world, who can help.

Here is how a little goes a long way.

31+ days to raise $40,000= $1290 a day

1290 a day= 1000 people a day giving $1.29

or 100 people a day giving $12.90

or 10 people a day giving $129.00

Why would you want to share Harper's story? Why would give your hard earned money to a cause that does not affect you? What makes this cause one to follow and help out?

It is truly simple. If your heart wants to act, then follow your heart. If not, then at least share her story and her cause on your page and let others make the same decision.

Watch this video to see how sweet this little girl truly is.

Life is worth living and worth living with an open heart/mind and a grateful soul. This child was put here to make a difference. She is here to help others just like her not suffer from seizures anymore. Yes, you might not be a part of the research,or know someone who suffers from seizures or even have $5 to spare. Do one thing while reading this, listen to your heart and go from there.

The tree bring life to whoever looks at it, it is marvelous, beautiful and amazing. This too is Harper. She and the project just need a little help (whether it be your voice or by giving any amount) before December 31st, 2010.

You can stay connected with Harper:
Facebook
Twitter
Website

Namaste,

Linda Jacobson
The Helpful Sister

Recipe Lineup #3 End of November and Beginning of December

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:50:45 PST

Are your taste buds getting back to normal after Thanksgiving? If you had leftovers, what are you doing with them? This weeks lineup has a variety of dishes for you to take a gander at, with a few that can use some of those leftovers in the fridge.

Like pizza? Enjoy the pizza rolls.
Like salad? Enjoy the warm Autumn Salad.
Are you a Mac & Cheese connoisseur? Take a dabble in this crock pot recipe I found.
Enjoy and see you next week.

Recipe Lineup #3,
Week November 28- December 2

Meal #1

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

with Pizza Rolls

I wish I could whip up dough like my Mom, but until then. I will be using the pizza dough from Trade Joes or make your own. Most likely will find some organic pasta sauce to use as well.

Meal #2

Turkey Sweet Potato Soup

Perfect soup for those leftovers and it will warm your belly.

Meal #3

Orange Chicken (Crock Pot) with
Roasted Beets

with Balsamic Glaze

These two might work great together. You will get your orange fix. If you don't enjoy beets, sorry. I love them and they are so in season right now. Feel free to use something else that you might enjoy. Do share what you use.

Meal #4

Turkey Pot Pie

The Pioneer Woman has an incredible blog for all things LIFE. Her story is one that is inspiring as well. I found this recipe a midst many others, that I will be using in the future. She also has her own show. Have you seen it?

Meal #5

Crock Pot Mac & Cheese with your favorite Salad

This is going to be worth trying. Can you say tasty?

Meal #6

Quinoa Fried Rice and Autumn Salad

Another Quinoa recipe which I am excited to try. A salad with walnuts, sweet apples and blue cheese to round it out.

Must Try Recipes

Oven Baked Parmesan Seasoned Fries

Happy end of November and a happy start to December. This month is going to go fast. Cheers to you as you round out your year. Did you accomplish everything you wanted too? What do you want to finish before December 31st? Dream big and then go for it.

Next week will come fast. See you then.

Namaste,

Linda

The Helpful Sister

Week #2

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:29:05 PST

Recipe Lineup #2 for the week of November 19-25

With Thanksgiving coming up this week, I am planning for my family some recipes that will be on the lighter and fun side. Plus, for some reason I am wanting to mimic some of my favorites from some local restaurants in town (and talented blogger Kristin from Iowa Girl Eats). You will see the pattern. This is our FIRST Thanksgiving just us four, so I am trying out some new recipes to see what might work within our own tradition and taste buds.

Meal #1

Homemade Chipolte Burrito Bowl

This recipe is easy to follow and involves some chopping but I think it will be super yummy. I have not tried this recipe yet but I have ate at Chipolte. I will be using a rotisserie chicken. Might but it in the crock pot for a while to gain some flavor.

Meal #2

P.F Chang's Lettuce Wraps

This will be third time making this dish and oh it is so delicious. I have made a few changes.

Ground Turkey instead of chicken (1 lb just does not feed 2 adults and 2 small kids, 1.5+ will get you some lunch leftovers)
Celery instead of water chestnuts (never been a fan)
Grama's Sweet Chili Sauce (Whole Foods or Amazon) instead of Chili Garlic Sauce
Raw Cashews (Trader Joes) instead of Peanuts (only because we always have cashews and never peanuts)
Bragg's Liquid Amino's instead of Soy Sauce.

SALAD: Root Veggie Slaw with Orange Cumin Dressing (Living Foods)

This sounds refreshing and a great mix for Autumn. I am going to look at just using my Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar instead of the Sherry. Anyone used Sherry Vinegar before? Can you do without?

Meal #3

Root Vegetable Soup with Meatballs

I am going to make this in my crock pot and low and see what happens. I am going to pair this with some homemade garlic bread (my own recipe) and a salad. Sounds different and it is going to warm us up, it gets down right chili in Vegas. I will be using, as you might of guessed ground turkey. Yes, it is right before Thanksgiving but ground turkey is nothing like a roasted big bird.

Helpful Sister Garlic Bread (optional)

1 loaf of bread

Half or 1 stick of butter

1-3 tbsp Olive Oil

1-3 cloves of garlic (depending on your love of garlic)

Basil

Heat over to 350. Get out baking sheet and cover with foil.

1 fresh loaf of french bread or your favorite type of bread. Cut to whatever size you prefer. Melt butter on stove or microwave, add in olive oil (eye ball it or by your taste) Take oil off stove. Dice up garlic, and basil and add to oil. Spread on bread. Bake until bread is warm. If you want it more browned on top, then turn on broiler to low and watch it like a hawk.

SALAD: GLUTEN FREE (Living Food)

Pomegranate Salad

A light and wonderful salad, I am hoping. I always see the darn pomegranates and wish I could use them. I stay clear of them, because they take time to get the fruit out. I am opting for the containers of fruit this time. Saving time is what it is all about.

Meal #4

Thanksgiving Ideas (Martha really has some great ones)

Dry-Brined Roasted Broad Breasted White Turkey (Say that 5x fast)

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Apples

Cranberry Pear Ginger Chutney

Kale and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Quinoa Skillet Bread

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cranberry Cream Cheese Diphold

Fresh Cherry Crumble or Crisp

MUST TRY RECIPES:

Breakfast:

Buttermilk Pancakes with Vanilla Pudding Sauce

(I take the sugar out of the pancake recipe)

Snacks:

Coconut Apricot Bites

Chocolate Granola Bars

Lunch:

Egg Salad with Greek Yogurt

Anytime:

Green Smoothie with Kale and Green Apple

Salad:

Maple Roasted Pumpkin and Chicken Salad

Week #2 is in the books. Happy Thanksgiving week or really year. What are you most grateful or thankful for? Will you be sharing your home this holiday or getting to help out at someone else's? What ever you make or where ever you go, enjoy the moments you share with those you are surrounded by. Memories are what last the most (as I remember my amazing Grandmother)

Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings to you and your family.

Remember you can share your thoughts on the recipes, what you liked, did not like on the Helpful Recipe Facebook Group.

Namaste,

The Helpfulsister

Weekly Recipe Lineup Nov 14-19

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:35:38 PST

Every week, I sit down and begin my search for delicious, nutritious meals for the week to come. I do not have a lot of time to grocery shop, so as a family we go every weekend and buy all we need for the week. It takes 2 hours sometimes to get my shopping list/menu together. Also, with one income household, I have found that our dollar goes farther when I purchase groceries for exactly what I need throughout the week.

So why are you reading about recipes and menus? A friend of mine suggested I post my recipes I have found for YOU. Maybe you will find one or maybe you will like all of them. Maybe this will save you some time/ a lot of time. Maybe this will get you back in the kitchen and having family meals together. Whatever this weekly post does for you, I just hope it helps in sort of way.

Here is what you will see (work in progress so things can always change)

2-3 living/raw foods recipes on the menu. Living foods offer the best nutrients which are highly soluble and are the easiest for your body to digest.
We are a family that does not eat red meat. So there will be some items mainly fish, turkey and some chicken. However, email me if you want me to search for something you might be wanting to make that includes red meat!
These are 98% of recipes I have NOT tried. So please give me feedback on what you thought by either coming back to the blog, emailing me or posting on my Facebook page. Also, if you liked the recipe, tell the owner. All posts will have a link directly to where I originally found it. So share the love.

I would like to make this a weekly newsletter but until then you can simply email me and ask to be added to "Recipe Lineup." Your email will never be used for anything other than the weekly recipe lineup.

Share with your friends and maybe they will enjoy the recipes and save some time along the way.

Happy Meal Planning~

Meal #1

ROASTED SALMON with WHITE WINE SAUCE

http://www.marthastewart.com/318680/roasted-salmon-with-white-wine-sauce

SIDE

Steamed Potatoes (feel free to use thyme instead of parley)

http://www.mrsbettierocker.com/2011/03/steamed-new-potatoes.html

SALAD (#30)
Grown Up Salad

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/dining/22mlist.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2

Meal #2

Stuffed Red Peppers

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/vegetables/stuffed-peppers/

SALAD:

Jicama Mint Salad (#9)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/dining/22mlist.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1

Meal #3

Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

note: I have since made this and it is delicious. Might even make it to our Thanksgiving menu. Feel free to pair something you like with it or try one of the "Must Try Add-on" below.

http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2011/10/butternut-squash-pasta-salad-846-recipe.html

Meal #4

Spaghetti Squash w/ chili

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/vegetables/spaghetti-squash-with-chili/

Meal #5

Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

note: I have since made this as well. Winner. Have some rolls on hand or some of your favorite cheese to melt on it.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp Canola or Olive Oil

1 Large Yellow Onion, finely diced

2 Ribs Celery, finely diced

1 Red Pepper, finely diced

1 Large Sweet Potato, cut into ¼" cubes

2 Tbsp Fresh Minced Garlic

1 Tbsp Cumin

1 Tbsp Kosher Salt

1 Tbsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Oregano

1 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1 cup French Lentils

½ cup Quinoa

6 cups Vegetable Stock

Directions:

Add all ingredients to crock pot and stir well. Cover and cook on medium heat for 6 hours, or until lentils and potatoes soften.

Must Try Add-Ons

Smoothies/Popsicles:

Yes I know it is getting cold, but we live in Vegas and my young boys still have 2-4 small popsicles a day.

Tutti Fruit-ti Chocolate Popsicles

note: I am going to blend till smooth to make a smoothie but then save the rest in popsicle molds for kids snack.

http://www.familyfreshcooking.com/2011/09/21/tutti-fruitti-chocolate-coconut-popsicles-recipe/

Peanut Butter Smoothie

http://www.familyfreshcooking.com/2011/09/21/tutti-fruitti-chocolate-coconut-popsicles-recipe/

Dessert:

Lemon Cranberry Bars

note: I have since made these too! I cut out half the sugar in the crust and did not use Vanilla. We use Pristine Vanilla Agave nectar as our sweetener. They were yummy. Link to recipe: http://bit.ly/sOPzPZ

Snacks:

Open Faced Bread Snacks

http://cookingloveandlife.tumblr.com/post/7201310355/is-it-bizarre-that-i-have-made-all-of-these

Superfood Brownie Bites

http://www.nataliakw.com/projects/superfood-brownie-bites/

Salad:

Autumn Chopped Salad

http://www.espressoandcream.com/2010/11/autumn-chopped-salad.html

That's all for this week. Look for another post either on Friday or Saturdays. I have not yet figured out how I am going to work this into my schedule yet.

Enjoy and please share your experiences with the recipes. I will be trying them with you. If you get something out of it, share with a friend and have them sign up too. I am enjoying putting this together and want others to benefit as well.

Many Thanks,

The Helpful Sister

Mobile me this, which mobile is the best?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sat, 07 May 2011 22:08:39 PDT

My blog has seen better days. While I have been getting accustomed to caring for an adorable 8 month old, and sharing time and affection with my love-bug, almost 2 year old, I rarely have time to shower. I have had some time to brain storm posts I would like to do, so here is one of them.

I spent some time, a few months trying to find the perfect mobile for my then, 1.5 year old and my newborn. I tried, it felt, them all. So here is the list of mobiles I went through. Find the cost,and the pros and cons. I hope I can remember all the reasons why I then sent some back. There are 3 on this list that I did keep, and have been pleased with. You will find at the bottom some sites I have found that have been time saving when trying to find a product and my favorite shopping site.

1. Tiny Love Classic Mobile
(returned)

Price: $39.95

Pros
1. Colors where fun
2. Easy to assemble and disassemble , snaps into or out of place
3. Good selection of music and sounds
4. 20 minutes of continuous music

Cons
1. There are plastic rings that clank when the mobile moves. It kept me up, so I assumed it was keeping my newborn from sleeping. (reason I returned it)
2. Night light seemed a little bright
3. Changing batteries better be done during the day, not easy.

2. Fisher Price Rainforest Peek-a-Boo Leaves Musical Mobile (returned)

Price: $47.91

Pros
1. Comes with a handy remote so you don't fiddle with buttons or disturb your baby
2. The motions, sounds and lights were great. They worked well to sooth.
3. Grows with baby-converts to a music box and night light

Cons
1. Have an electric screwdriver, cause this was a pain assemble. I almost shipped it back assembled.
2. One of the leaves (all three move) stopped working on day 2. Reason I returned it.
3. Could the name be any longer. :)

3. Fisher Price Precious Planet Melodies and Soother
(returned)

Price: $29.98

Pros:

1. Nothing to assemble

2. Play music without lights

Cons:

1. Polar bear makes a grinding noise as it moves up and down (could of been just on this one)

2. How it attaches to crib. There has to be a better way. Most of these types of mobiles attach with (2) plastic strips that you have to bend and loop. Not easy to do.

3. When on "motion and sound" it plays only 5 minutes (reason returned)

4. Fisher Price Luv U Zoo Crib N' Go Projector Soother
(kept for then 2 month old)

Price: $29.98

Pros:

1. Really does play up to 18 minutes of music, projection

2. Batteries have not been changed yet, (4 months of using it every day for naps and night time)

3. Super easy to travel with. I used a pack-n-play and it sat on the floor. Worked great. Detaches from base.

4. Once you figure out which buttons do what, easy to change from projection/sound, just sound, and off.

5. The music is very soothing. I use the classical mostly, but the nature is soft and fun animal sounds.

6. Night light is soft. I use it every night when I need to find where he is to change his diaper.

7. Projection has two cute animals/scenery images that moves back and forth (night and day images).

Cons:

1. How it attaches. Same as previous reviews. The plastic straps are thick and hard to maneuver to secure.

2. Base has a mirror (has have used it yet) Don't really know why if the projector works. Maybe will like once he gets older. Nice to have another option.

3. Nothing moves on the base. Thought this might be useful when the baby gets old enough play with the mobile or turn it on and off.

5. Fisher Price Rainforest Waterfall Peek-A-Boo Soother

(kept for my then 1.5 year old)

Price: $35.95

Pros:

1. Best feature: The toucan bird on the leave you can touch to turn on and off. My now almost 2 year old, loves it.

2. The sounds are great as well as the movements. All the animals move in a sequence as well as the waterfall.

3. 18 minutes of music and motion. You can turn the motion/lights off and just listen to music.

Cons:

1. Attaching it is a pain and when replacing the batteries.

2. I think the blue light (night light) is a little bright, but my oldest doesn't seem to mind.

3. I bought two and returned one because the water (some sort of oil) had leaked. The one I have now, there has not been a problem.

6. Wimmer-Fergeson Infant Stim-Mobile

(kept kinda)

Price: $23.77

Pros:

1. Great for early sensory and multi-sensory development.

2. Easy to assemble and change out or reverse cards.

3. Grows with baby. Images can be lowered for a newborn to see.

4. No batteries to replace! Simply add a cd player with your favorite lullabies or sounds and you have a perfect soother!

Cons:

1. Might seem simple to most who are used to the more stimulating sounds, and movements.

Note: I used this mobile with my first child until he was 3 months old. I thought it was a great mobile as it was used for the early development of the baby. I did not use it for my second, because we moved and I could not find the darn thing. Once I found it, I had found the above mentioned soother.

Sites that do the looking for you and have great reviews. Kid Crawl has a wonderful community where you can find answers and ask your own. As always, I have to mention Cool Mom Picks. This site is like the icing on the cake, or the comfy pajamas I never want to take off, it just make me happy. The CPM finds the sites, products, services, and MORE, I wish I could locate in my SPARE time. You can find the coolest mobiles too. If you have not checked them out, it should be on your to do list before you step away from your computer. The link below gets you started in your mobile quest.

1. Amazon.com

2. Kidcrawl.com

3. Cool Mom Picks

The links above for the different mobiles all go to Amazon.com but you can find most of these at your local department store. You can also google the names and usually find the different stores that is carrying them, or log into KidCrawl and this site does that for you, with reviews. Well, I am going to mark this post off my to-do list.

Summer Family Fun Giveaway (CLOSED)

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:38:27 PDT

Spring has sprung and now it is just a short time before Summer shows up. Summer for me involves many hours with friends and usually around water. You most likely have your favorite bbq recipe, favorite Summer drink, favorite place to hang with your friends and family, so let's up the ante.

You could win these unique and waterproof cards to play wherever there is water. Splash Jack is the perfect solution to increased fun and laughter. These are great to be used in any size swimming pool, hot tub even bathtub.

Enter to win a set of Splash Jack cards created by Milliwink out of Provo Utah. Milliwink just was awarded Babble's Best Bath Time awards for their Splashimals. Thanks to Milliwink someone will get lucky and win a set of Splash Jack cards.

Giveaway

(US Residents Only)

Mandatory Entry
After completing the entries both mandatory or Extra visit here (simple form):

1. "like" Milliwik (tell them Helpful Sister sent you) on Facebook

Extra Entries:

2. Follow Milliwik on Twitter

3. "like" Helpfulsister on Facebook (post on my page, and post who sent you)

4. Follow Helpfulsister on Twitter

5. Follow Helpful Sister Blog

6. Post on blog

Enter Daily for more chances to win by: enters links here

1. Post on Facebook page

2. Post on twitter (including Helpful Sister and Milliwik in post)

Good Luck and Happy Splashing!

Summer Fun Giveaway Rules

*Please use forms to leave your entries. Entries left in comment section below will not be used in drawing.

*All entries must be received by 11:59 pm (central) on April 14th, 2011.

*Giveaway open to US residents only.

*Winner will be chosen via Random.org and notified via email address.

*Winner has 24 hours to claim prize.If not claimed within 24 hours, Random.org will choose another winner.

Disclosure:

The product(s) offered for the giveaway are free of charge, no purchase necessary. Any opinions expressed are my own honest opinions and are not influenced by any form of compensation.

Imagine if you WON!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:49:45 PDT

What would it be like? Who would you tell? What if YOU won the Ecomom.com $75,000 Healthy Home Makeover. It is easy to enter. Even better invite your friends and family to join in the fun. This would be so wonderful to win. If you heard it from Helpfulsister make sure you let them know.

To all you bloggers out there, they have thrown in a special WIN WIN for us. You could win up to $3500 cash prize. You can win the $1000 random drawing by inviting people to enter the contest after you submit your entry. You can also add the Healthy Home Makeover widget to your blog. If someone enters the contest through you and mentions your blog, and they win the grand prize, you win $2500!

PLUS, A $1000 cash prize.
If you enter the contest, simply invite your friends to enter when you submit your entry. For every friends who enters this way, you will receive an additional entry to win a $1000 random cash giveaway.

Get to sharing, good luck and let me know if you WIN!

Art of Giving. 10 Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:34:48 PST

Giving to someone is one of the best feelings. You get a smile, a hug, you feel good, you most likely make that person's day. Everyone wins. Jocelyn Reading, with Phoenix Trading, has a great work at home job. She is an independent trader for Phoenix Trading, one of the top UK direct selling companies which provides all you need in the art of giving. Not only do you get products but there are many reasons to love this company. Top three in my book are:

Donates to charities every year.
Uses over 80 talented artist for their products.
Founded by three mothers in 1995 and has crossed over into Australia, France, New Zealand and the U.S.

Sit back, have a cup of coffee, or your favorite snack, 10 questions starts now.

1. What did you do before you had kids?

- I worked as an area sales manager for a big UK Building Society. I loved it, but with my daughter, the long hours, commutes and commitment didn't hold much appeal any more.

2. Describe your typical day.

- There's not really a typical day, which is one of the things I love about being an Independent Phoenix Trader. This week, for example, I've done a door to door brochure drop, I have a toddler group to go to on Friday with my cards, where I'll take my daughter for a play, too.

I'm making up a few baskets of cards, wrap and stationery to drop into workplaces for their staff to buy from, I'm planning a charity open house for next month, I've updated my website, Facebook page etc., and I'm expecting a stock delivery at the end of the week ready to bag up and drop to customers next week.

They're all different jobs, and can be done at times that suit me (often nap times & evenings in front of the TV!) I look after my daughter around this, so we'll also be at other toddler groups and visiting friends. The lovely thing is that the two merge really well. Some of my best customers are now friends, so another thing to thanks Phoenix for!

3. If you could listen to one song over and over, what would it be and why?

- Tricky one! I like loads of different types of music - old, current, cheesy and a little classier!, and veered towards Oasis' Whatever or perhaps The Beatles' Blackbird, but if it had to be just one, it'd be Elton John's 'Your Song'. I love the song and since my daughter was born, I've sung it to her to get her to sleep each night, so it always makes me think of her.

4. What lead you to begin with PT?

- I was looking for something that I could do from home, working flexibly around my daughter. Ideally, I wanted low set up costs, a company with a good reputation, the ability to get going straightaway, no targets so that I could go at my own pace, but with the potential to build a long term, challenging business. It also helps to be genuinely enthusiastic about the product you're selling, and that part's easy with Phoenix, so I signed up!

5. In three words describe your experience with Phoenix Trading.

- Flexible, Rewarding, Enjoyable

6. Tell us a little about Phoenix Trading.

- Taken from the website - 'As a direct selling, independent card publishing house, Phoenix Trading has sold in excess of 100 million cards. It donates a substantial amount of its profits to charity and has given over £1million to charities to date. Phoenix Trading does not sell its products through conventional retail outlets; instead it markets an exclusive range of cards and stationery through its international team of over 11,000 worldwide Independent Phoenix Traders. Its direct approach offers exceptional value for money without compromising on the quality of the product and design'

7. What is your personal favorite product from PT?

- It changes a lot! At the moment, it'd be LS20, Butterfly Cupcakes.

It's a gorgeous card, glittery with all the wings popping out, and has been used by my customers for engagements, get wells, anniversaries, as well as birthdays, so really versatile. It's also been one of Phoenix's most popular cards ever.

8. What's the best thing about your job?

- It's lovely to introduce Phoenix products to someone for the first time. They adore the designs, appreciate the quality and can't believe the price. It's nice to know it's genuine, too, when they start sending in their repeat orders!

9. If someone lives in the US, how do they find out a little more about joining your team?

- The best thing to do is drop me an email at joloreading@gmail.com or contact me via my website here with any and all questions! I'll email all the information over to you and you can decide what to do from there.

10. How do customers purchase if they live in the U.S?

- Phoenix Trading's website is here where you can find a local trader - happy shopping!

I enjoyed meeting Jocelyn. It is always nice to have gifts, cards, gift wrap in your storage box so you don't have to run out at the last minute. Here are my top 3 products from Phoenix Trading (picking 3 was the hardest part of this feature)

1. Accessories: Organizer boxes, family organizer
2. Greeting cards, of course
3. Gift Wrap-unique and perfect for any occasion

There is just nothing like the gift of giving. Go ahead see what you can find!

~The Helpful Sister

The be all to end all

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:27:15 PST

This Helpful Sister has been slacking on blog posts. I do have two wonderful excuses however. Today I am breaking through to the other side. I am going to let you in on a product that is a must have when nursing! Many have seen The Boppy nursing pillow. It seems many have tried to duplicate it as well. When I was first registering for things I thought I would need when #1 came, I did some research and found a nursing pillow that was different than all others. I found the Hazel Wood Children Nursing pillow.

This pillow is made here, in the US. It is beautifully made and easy to take care of. This amazing pillow has a very unique shape, not anything The Boppy. The pillow is filled with organic buckwheat hull. Why is this important? Well, it molds how you want it too, which is so great when you are learning to breastfeed. You can allow the baby to figure out what works but and have a pillow that works with you. It is sooo supportive and soft.

The washable cover is 100% organic velour. What have I used it for other than breastfeeding? Well, my now 4 month old uses it to sit up, while before he was able to lay on it, practicing strengthening his neck and tummy. I have used it many nights as a pillow. What I love is I was having a hard time getting comfortable nursing in our rocker. I got out my Hazel Wood nursing pillow and it contoured to me and my little man.

I highly recommend adding this to your registry or splurging and getting it for yourself. Take a look at how it is made, the desire behind the making of it and how you are able to become a nursing pillow magician, using it for everything under the sun, years after nursing ends. Learn more about this amazing pillow and the family behind it here.

Enjoy your journey!

The Helpful Sister

A few of my favorite things

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 10:18:46 PST

It is that time of year again, have you noticed? Time to make your wish lists, and get the kids Santa List's to the North Pole so the elves could get fast to work. In honor of holiday lists everywhere, here are a few of my favorite things and the sites to get them at. There are so many great sites out there. This Internet thing really has taken off.

TINY SPROUTS: This website hosts some adorable pieces and the hand embroidery is perfect. Check out the Holiday Ornament which has your own custom hand print of your child. I want one please... http://tinysprouts.com/

FAT BRAIN: Been to this site before? Easy to maneuver through and easy to find great toys for all the kids on your list. They have over 66K in product reviews. FB stocks almost every product they sell and you can see how many are in stock (HUGE!!!) http://www.fatbraintoys.com/

UNCOMMON GOODS: This site is GOOD. Find some unique gifts. Don't fret, just because they are unique your recipient will LOVE it. Got choices? Yes you do: home & garden, kids, office, leisure, jewelry and also a gift finder. Go off the beaten path of gift giving this year. Here are just a few of their ideas. http://www.uncommongoods.com/

SANDBOX THREADS: You can never have enough shirts, onesies. I mean things get stained, torn, or are just your kids favorite. Find a new favorite here at http://sandboxthreads.com/
Just a few clicks away to find a cute, funny, perfect gift for your little one or maybe a relative who is just hard to buy for. Look below, then go search for yourself. Enjoy the sandbox, no dirt required.

All for now. More to come. If you have a favorite let me know. It might already be a fav or could become one.

Happy Holidays

The low down on high chairs

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:52:36 PST

So...2 months into having two kids under the age of 2 and I am finally able to get a post up. This is huge.

My 16 month old has been using a high chair for some time, but we have recently moved and finally were able to have a dining table. At our other home, our dining area became his play area. Now that our home actually fits a table and we finally found one, we have been using more and more of the high chair. This whole high chair thing is not for me. Why? Well, if you have children or know kids, you know that when they eat they like to put food EVERYWHERE! My little guy would have food on the back of the chair, side of the padding. He was done and get food on the top of the padding, above his head. If these chairs came with an extra pad then maybe I would consider them again, but mine didn't. I seem to have to wash mine almost 3 times a week, maybe more. Maybe if I could do it again I would try something like the chairs at Baby Earth. The chair below, Stokke Tripp Trapp - Classic Collection is pricey $249 and had great reviews. However, seems a little hard on the rear end and not that comfortable.

After a little searching online I found a great Booster chair which I love. It is called the Fisher Price Deluxe Booster chair. I found mine on Diapers.com for $26.99. What I love is that the base is adjustable! It will grow with your child or change depending the table you eat at. Portable even. It comes with a strap that hides away and which you can use when you go out or to a friends home. Brilliant. The price is perfect too! There are two trays as well. My son found out how to take off the detachable one so we only use the one that clips. The tray that clips also adjusts! I believe I have found the chair to use for both my kids. I can wipe it off, even spray it down. Perfectly perfect. If you have friends that are expecting, fill them in on this secret of the high chair world. Save space, save money, and save time. Three things any parent can appreciate.

My kind of Rainbow...part of my diaper stash

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Jacobson) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:11:47 PDT

No words really... Just wanted to take a photo of part of my stash. Love hanging them out to dry. Have Fuzzi Bunz, GroBaby and Rumparooz. Rumparooz are by far my favorite for around the house. GroBaby are my favorite for out and about (with the disposable insert, do not care very much for the cloth insert)