My name is Shawna. I'm married to my highschool sweetheart and we have been blessed with 3 incredible kids. We desire to experience whole living- to live life to the fullest in relationships, our jobs, our health, our free time, and grow along the way. My prayer is that I would live loved by my Maker, love others well, and live grateful.You will find things I love here-recipes, pictures, health tips, ideas of how to better life/enjoy the present and random bits of info that mean nothing.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Back To School Nutrition
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This morning, I was reading the paper, and this headling caught my eye, "Nutrition plays a key role in academic performance." Mary Alfaro, clinical manager of the division of nutrition therapy at Cincinatti Children's Hospital Medical Center states, "Studies have shown that children who eat healthy, balanced breakfasts and lunches are more alert throughout the school day and also earn higher marks than those who have an unhealthy diet."
We try hard to serve our kids healthy meals and snacks, but once they hop on that bus it's hard to know what they may or may not eat regardless of what I pack in their lunch. I am grateful for the Shaklee vitamins they take each morning to ensure they start the day off right and help keep their focus throughout the day.
My kids' daily routine includes:
2 Shaklee Incredivites
Shakleekids Incredivites is the first children's chewable multivitamin in the U.S. with lactoferrin, which helps kids' immune systems stay supercharged.* Packed with 23 essential nutrients, it's the world's best kids' supplement-with 600 IU of vitamin D to support strong bones and teeth, and 100% of the Daily Value of all eight B vitamins and vitamin C
2ChewableCalcium Magnesium (one in the morning and one at night)
Chewable Cal Mag Plus provides 1,000 mg of calcium to help build bones and optimize peak bone mass,
maintain bone density, and slow bone breakdown, reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life.Now with NEW higher levels of Vitamin D, clinically supported for bone, heart and immune health.
2 Mighty Smarts Omegas
Shakleekids Mighty Smart is scientifically formulated with a power-packed blast of 100% natural, ultra-pure DHA. DHA is the most abundant omega 3 fatty acid in the brain and eyes and each great-tasting chew provides 100 mg. Great Brain Nutrients!
1 Vitamin D
The "sunshine vitamin"—offers a multitude of benefits including supporting healthy heart function, immune and bone health. But, up to 80% of Americans may have insufficient levels of this essential nutrient. Boost your level of vitamin D with Shaklee Vita-D3. The perfect choice for overall health and well-being, Vita-D3 provides 1,000 IU of high potency vitamin D3 to help your body thrive.
Twice a week or more if necessary:
I give them an Optiflora Probiotic
Normal, healthy colonies of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of intestinal microflora. Unlike other probiotics that may disintegrate prematurely and never reach the lower intestine, Optiflora’s state-of-the-art, triple encapsulated, seamless capsule is guaranteed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach to deliver live beneficial bacteria to the intestine.
I try to help them get DAILY exercise and plenty of water and sleep. This is KEY to their overall health!
Why not start the school year off right with these gauranteed-to-work supplements created by Shaklee.You won't be disappointed. Hope you have a great end to your summer!
Come back soon to read up on some LUNCH BOX ideas!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Happy Summer!
Carne Asada with Confetti Salsa
Serves 6
For the Meat:
2 pounds organic sirloin tips
2 Tbsp. of lime juice
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 tsp. black pepper
3 cloves of garlic, smashed and chopped
For the Salsa:
1 yellow bell pepper, cored and diced
3 tomatillos, diced
1 avocado, pitted and diced
1 mango, pitted and diced
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 to 1 Tbsp. adobo sauce (depending on desired heat)
1 garlic clove, minced
3 Tbsp. lime juice
1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
~Combine the sirloin tips with the following 6 ingredients and seal in a ziploc bag, shaking to coat meat. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the bell pepper, tomatillos, avocado, mango, tomato, red onion, chipotle, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice and cilantro. Stir well, then season with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate until 30 min before serving. Let warm to room temperature before serving. When ready to cook the steak, heat a grill to high. Drain the meat, discarding the marinade. Sear on the grill, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Serve with the confetti salsa, spooned on top.
Try this along with a salad, chips and salsa and our own version of Sangria!
Sangria
1/2 bottle of red wine, 2 cups of orange juice, 2 cans of Hansen's Mandarin Lime Soda or another type of sweetened spritzer and a sliced orange. Place all in a pitcher, top with ice and serve.
Cheers to Summer!
Enjoy!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Celebrate Earth Day with Green Cleaners
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Spring. About six years ago, I began using Shaklee's Get Clean Line of Household products. They are amazing and in celebration of Earth Day, I want to highlight Shaklee's official EARTH DAY product - Basic-H. Basic H2 is one of Shaklee's pioneer products from over 50+ years ago. It is super concentrated and has TONS of uses - see below.
Some of our favorites.... mix 2 drops to make a window and mirror cleaner, 1/4 teas. for an all purpose cleaner, & degreaser (2 tsp.) Pre-spotter for our laundry, one spray in tub before a bath (no ring left), insect repellant, fertilizer for our lawn, wall cleaner, carpet cleaner, hard wood floor cleaner, plant food, fruit and vegetable wash, removes grease spots from driveway, etc. etc...
And it is SAFE for YOU, your HOME and the PLANET!! Your kids can use it and clean FOR YOU! :)
Shaklee is offering an Earth Day Special for brand new members- a free membership with ANY order until April 30th.
Here is the low-down on Basic H:
PHOSPHATE-FREE
100% Organic
Non-Toxic
Biodegradable
Not a Soap
Not a Detergent
NON-POLLUTING
Non-Toxic
Non-Irritating
Non-Magnetic
Non-Volatile
HOUSEHOLD USES
General Cleaning: Use 1½ teaspoon to quart of warm water. It cleans kitchen doors, woodwork, walls, ceilings, etc.
Appliances and Bathroom Fixtures: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. It leaves refrigerators odor-free and sanitary. Great for bathroom tile!
Windows, Mirrors, All Glass: Use 1 – 2 drops in 4oz spray bottle. Wipe dry with paper towel. Do not use a lot of Basic-H or glass will smear.
Dishes: Use ½ teaspoon in the dishpan. Fill dirty pans with water, add ½ teaspoon Basic-H2 and let stand to loosen stuck particles.
Automatic Dishwashers: Use Shaklee Get Clean Dishpowder.
Floors: Use 1 tablespoon to a gallon of cold water, wring mop and wipe up dirt. Leaves floor shining.
Dusting: Squeeze sponge out of solution of ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. With almost dry sponge, wipe of dust, fingerprints, candy spots, etc. Or use spray bottle and clean cloth. Everything disappears from furniture, leaving wax finish beautifully bright and non-magnetic, making it unnecessary to dust as often.
Fruits and Vegetables: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. Wash and rinse. It removes residues of poisonous sprays and grime of handling in transportation. Also removes grit from leafy vegetables.
Woolens, Silks, Nylons, All Fin Fabrics: Use ½ teaspoon to basin of water. For sp apply a drop or two directly on the spot and press in with thumb. Immerse garment in cold water solution of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, let stand a few minutes, then rinse by squeezing water through and laying out to dry.
Spot Remover: Apply Basic-H2 directly on spotted area. Use a toothbrush or finger to rub Basic-H2 into area. Wipe off with damp cloth or rinse in basin of water (Coffee, lipstick, ink, grass, etc).
Frying Vats: Use ½ cup to 3 gallons of water. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. It dissipates stubborn crusts without damage to vats.
Concrete and Mortar Mix: Use ½ oz. to a gallon of water. Makes cement and mortar spread easier and smoother, set harder.
Knives: Use a few drops on cutting stone for sharpening knives. Keep moist and add as needed. Doesn’t clog stone, which is very important in sharpening tools. Stone rinses free of residue.
Phonograph Records: Use same solution as for glass. Clean with soft, dry cloth. It leaves no residual magnetism.
Wallpaper: Excellent in removing wallpaper.
Aquariums: Use 1 teaspoon per quart of water. Clean coral, rocks, entire aquarium with Basic-H2 solution. Rinse thoroughly.
Diapers: Use ¼ teaspoon of Basic-H2 and 1 teaspoon of Basic-G to pail of water. It eliminates odors in the washroom when diapers must stand.
Fish Odors: Use ½ tablespoon per quart of water. Basic-H2 cleaning solutions work wonders around boats, docks and other “fishy” places.
Boat Algae: Use ½ tablespoon to gallon of water.
Spray Snow or Poster Paint on Windows: Remove it with ¼ teaspoon to quart of warm water.
PERSONAL USES
Protecting Hands: Apply at full strength to hands for lasting protection as an industrial skin guard. It is great as invisible gloves before painting.
Cleaning Hands: Put a few drops in palm. Rub thoroughly over both hands and add a little water. Continue with usual washing action. Add a touch more water as needed and rinse. Removes tobacco stains, onion and garlic odors. Variation – mix ¼ Basic-H2 and ½ water in a 4 oz squeeze bottle.
Gum: Use full strength to remove gum from skin or carpeting.
Painting and Dyeing: Apply full strength to hands before painting or dyeing. Paint or dye will wash off easily. Be careful not to get Basic-H2 in eyes.
Shoe Cleaner: Use 1 drops on a wet cloth. It will not remove wax. Shine with dry cloth.
AUTOMOTIVE USES
Washing: Use ½ tablespoon to gallon of water. Wash small area at a time, and hose off. Wiping dry is not necessary. Wipe windshield, windows and chrome with paper towels after rinsing. Bugs and road grime float away.
Engines: Use ½ oz to one gallon water to clean engine. It will not affect paint, gaskets or insulating material. Best results can be achieved when the engine is hot for fastest drying of the ignition system.
Battery Terminals: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. Spray on battery terminals, let soak for 2 minutes and clean with wire brush. Use full strength Basic-h on battery terminals to avoid corrosion or galvanic action.
Automobile Radiator: Use ½ tablespoon to radiator full of water or anti-freeze. This prevents rust.
MISCELLANEOUS USES
Air Filters: Use ¼ teaspoon to quart of warm water. Air filters are cleaned with excellent results, leaving them free of dirt, oil, or chemical residue.
Rose Bushes: Use ½ teaspoon to gallon of water. Spraying rose bushes will protect them from red spider and other diseases, and also fertilize them.
House Plants: Use a few drops in water. Water plants and they will flourish. Use to wipe down leaves also.
Green Lawns: Use 1 tablespoon to “ortho-type” bottle applicator full of water. This should let 2 gallons of water through applicator to spray on lawn like liquid fertilizer.
Outside Windows: Use ½ teaspoon to “ortho-type” bottle applicator full of water. This should let 2 gallons of water through applicator to spray on windows and screens.
Humidifiers: Use 1 or 2 drops in water to help prevent rust and scum.
Water Soluble Gum Tape: Use 2 to 3 drops in a 16 oz spray bottle, or tape dispenser with water tank.
ACCESSORIES
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Fill toilet tank dispenser with Basic-H2. Place in toilet tank. It will automatically release a measured amount of Basic-H2 when you flush, to keep toilet bowl clean for months.
Basic-G : Can also be used in toilet tank dispenser full strength or diluted. Basic-G cleans with biodegradable agents while it disinfects and is even veridical when used as directed. Basic-G will deodorize bathroom areas, garbage cans and other areas where bacterial growth can cause unpleasant odors. Basic-G is concentrated for economy.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER!!
Basic-H2 is the most economical cleaner you can buy. One quart makes 192 gallons of cleaning solution by following directions.
Do Not Use More Than Recommended. A little goes a long way! Save $$!
Basic-H2 contains no acids, no alkalis, no kerosene or solvent, and has no offensive or detergent odor.
Basic-H2 has s pH factor of 6.5, right in the range of human skin.
Basic-H2 makes water many times wetter.
Basic-H2 is a fantastically versatile cleaner. The successor is soap!
Basic-H2 does not hinder bacterial action of septic tanks or cesspools.
DO NOT put fingers or foreign matter into Basic-H2 container. Large amounts of bacteria can cause degrading action and weaken your cleaner.
If a heavy-duty cleaner is required, use Scour Off
Ironing: A few drops in steam iron will keep the jets and interior clean.
Plumbing: Will keep pipes open and clean when used regularly. It emulsifies grease and can eliminate cleaning of grease traps.
Want to check it out? Click Here
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Power Snacking
- Pick Protein- start the day with protein, you will feel fuller longer.
- Pick a better bar- look for one high in fiber, high in protein, and low in sugar. (It could just be a candybar in disguise!)
- Plan Ahead-- Stock the fridge/pantry with cut-up veggies, fruits, nuts and homemade snack options to have on hand so that when the munchies hit, we don't reach for the refined stuff.
Here are just a few examples of some Power Snack Staples in our pantry:
-Seeds!
Clockwise from Top: Sesame Seeds, Chia Seeds, Ground Flax Seed, Sunflower Seeds
I offer my kids sliced apples with a spoonful of peanut butter and a small pile of seeds to dip their apple and pnt butter into. They love it! 
-Nuts! We are nuts about them! A handful of nuts is a great hunger filler and good-for-you too!
-Shaklee's Cinch Bars!
These are high fiber, low sugar and packed with protein and we all love them! A great school snack or pick-me-up in the afternoon option. Check Them Out Here
This last recipe has the Shaklee Soy Protein Powder that is an incredible source of healthy and safe protein. It’s amazing.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Good Health is a Choice
Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the start to 2012. I cannot believe January is almost over!It seems everything I read these days is focused on health- how to improve it, exercise more, eat less, eat healthy, you name it. I came across this quote last week- "Everyday we make choices that will either improve our health or harm it. Studies show that if we don't eat right, get to a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and supplement our diet with proper nutrients, we increase our risk of developing certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Good health is a choice, which means that disease (in many cases) is a choice." ~Time, June 22, 2009 (Center for Nutrition Research)
A few stats of our Current Health in the United States:
2 out of 3 people are overweight
50% of meals are eaten away from home
25% of our calories are from sweets
Since 1980, obesity in kids has tripled- kids are eating too much & moving too little
1/3 kids have asthma
Stress is making us sick, 3/4 people have stress-related diseases or symptoms
70% of Americans on average, do NOT exercise 10min/week
These types of facts are everywhere!
Did you know that only 20% of genetics play a role in our health, the other 80% is OUR choice!!!
"Benjamin Franklin was absolutely right back in the 1700s, when he said: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." But more than 200 years later, prevention is still a radical concept to most Americans." ~From the office of the Surgeon General, 2003 (a great read, click here)
We want to be thankful for each day of life given to us and seek to live whole lives- seeking good health, helping others and bringing hope to a hurting world. One of the avenues we have chosen to invest in our health is through the company of Shaklee. We really view it as a family investment in our health. We will spend the money either now in preventive measures or later in symptom management.
Shaklee is the #1 Nutrition Company and we have seen amazing results from the use of their products. If you haven't yet considered the many Shaklee products available, check out this 7 minute clip explaining what sets Shaklee apart from other companies. Worth your time! Click Here
This beginning of the year is a great time to start fresh on ways to improve our overall health. I have access to a wealth of resources to help answer questions regarding your health needs.
Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great week!
if you want to learn more about Shaklee check this out, Shaklee Scientific Research
A few facts about Shaklee and their environmental focus...
Shaklee's over 50 years of environmental leadership is being recognized with many prestigious awards.Here’s what we’ve achieved in just the last 12 months achievements:
88 million – Number of pounds of greenhouse gas emissions eliminated with the Get Clean Starter Kit*
10.2 million– Number of pounds of packaging waste kept out of landfills with the Get Clean Starter Kit*
1 million – Number of trees planted through our Million Trees. Million Dreams.™
Campaign with 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai
Top 20 - Designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of the Top 20 Green Companies in the US.
Awards – ◊ The 2009 Business Award for Sustainability from Acterra◊ The Clean Air Award for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions from Breathe California◊ The Stevie Award for Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program
How would you like to partner with a company that’s been leading the way in environmental sustainability for over 50 years? Be part of a movement to make people and the planet healthier? And ride the wave of one of the fastest growing consumer market trends in the country – green products?

