Fresh Vegetable Tropical Fruit Smoothie

March 19, 2014 Arielle

With spring just around the corner bringing warmer temperatures, smoothies have finally made a way back into our daily rituals!

I've started something new with making smoothies, which has been using fresh vegetable juice as the liquid base! Green spinach smoothies are so last year...(Ignore the fact that I had one for lunch.)

I've never been a huge fan of throwing raw veggies into a blender and praying that the frozen banana will mask all the flavors, and honestly..I'm not a huge fan of fresh squeezed juice. I don't get too excited to drink kale, lemon, ginger, and beets. Am I a horrible health food blogger or what?! I do believe though that If you play around with the ingredients enough, you can make the perfect combination of a fresh vegetable juice! Like my most favorite one of all I posted a while back!

But these type of smoothies are not only for adults, I actually prefer them for my growing girls! My 18 month old is still young enough to where she can't quite chew raw veggies and when I cook them I can't always guarantee she will eat them! This is another way that I can relax just a little bit more knowing that her body isn't relying on the few foods she does love.

Because if that were the case, she'd be living off of the fishy gold fish crackers she found on the floor at Target the other day...(That's probably why she is always sick.)

Consider this smoothie as the first step of fresh veggie drinks. It's a good step in the right direction, and eventually I'll create that kale & beet juice smoothie that my kids, and yours too, will go crazy for!

Fresh Vegetable Tropical Fruit Smoothie

Serves: 1-3

With Spring just around the corner, fresh tropical smoothies pair perfectly with the warmer temperatures! Instead of the typical 'green' smoothie, this drink uses fresh veggie juice as the liquid base followed by tropical frozen fruit!

Ingredients

2-3 stalks celery
2-3 large carrots
1- 1/ 1/2 apples
Handful of frozen mango
handful of frozen peaches
1/2 banana
1-2 TB. ground flax seeds
1 TB. honey
ice (optional)

Instructions

Using a juicer, juice the celery, carrots, and apple. You need enough juice to measure 1 c. of liquid.
Add the fresh juice to a blender, and add the rest of the ingredients.
Blend until creamy.
Enjoy!

The only bad thing about Spring approaching, besides allergies, is the fact that I've got to shave my legs on a regular basis. Can't get away with hiding behind leggings anymore!...

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Here is one of my favorite fresh green juices of all time!

Taste The Rainbow Fruit Parfait!

March 14, 2014 Arielle

I kind of feel like St. Patricks Day is my least favorite holiday.

Taste The Rainbow Fruit Parfait! - A Healthy and Colorful Treat via http://thediva-dish.com

Obviously any excuse to eat a bowl of Lucky Charms with green milk is a fantastic holiday, but the idea of wearing green bothers me. I remember being in middle school and making my dad rush me to the nearest store to find some hideous green t-shirt because EVERYONE would be wearing green at school the next day and I didn't have ANY green shirts. (Was that a run-on sentence?)

I still don't.

Do people even wear green shirts?

I wish I could say that my children don't know what Lucky Charms are, but sadly grandma and grandpa have taken care of that. And I'm not going to lie and say Lucky Charms are horrible and unhealthy and no one should ever eat them because, well...Marshmallows for breakfast?! Come on!! That sounds amazing...

When are they going to come out with Lucky Charms made with JUST dehydrated stale marshmallows?!

This is a healthy lifestyle blog.BTW.

With the holiday soon approaching, I could obviously share many 'Green' recipes, but this year I want to focus on the rainbow! For some reason when a plate is full of color and vibrant foods, it becomes all that more appealing. (At least to me and my babies.) This first 'rainbow' food post is all about fruit, and tomorrow I'll post a recipe made with veggies! I've got both your bases covered!

The idea of this rainbow fruit parfait is that it's topped with white clouds and a sprinkle of gold, because gold is found at the end of every rainbow! The fruit is interchangeable, and if you have more time you could make the shape of a rainbow on a plate. As for the white clouds, I used greek yogurt for added protein. You could easily use a non dairy yogurt or a whipped coconut milk cream! Yummmmm!

Rainbow Fruit Parfaits

Prep time:

5 mins

Total time:

5 mins

Taste the Rainbow!

Ingredients

Rainbow colored assorted fruit
Greek yogurt mixed with honey-or non dairy yogurt, or coconut milk whipped cream
gold sprinkles

Instructions

Arrange the fruit by color in a shallow glass. (You can also arrange in the shape of a rainbow.
Add a dollop of your 'clouds', or cream on top, followed by gold sprinkles.
Serve immediately.
(If wanting to make ahead, don't add the greek yogurt or cream until it's ready to be served!)

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Don't tell anyone, but I'm almost tempted to buy a St. Patty's day t-shirt at Walmart. Do you think the other moms will be wearing them too?? I hate feeling left out...

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Looking for a Shamrock Shake, similar to the one a popular fast food joint serves?! The big difference is it's healthy, made with natural sweeteners, and it's good for you!

A Better For You Shamrock Shake

The Best Way To Start Your Morning!

March 3, 2014 Arielle

I almost feel silly about posting the following 'recipe', because to some it might seem kind of like, "Well Duh!"

I realized though that this 'idea' wasn't always a 'DUH' thought for me, but more of like a, "Eh, who cares?"

Make sense?

Without trying to sound like an email in your spam inbox, the following is something that has truly helped me loose weight and keep it off. Sadly, I only recently discovered this a few months ago, because like I said before, this didn't seem like THAT big of a deal.

Every morning I've started drinking lemon water. Duh right? We've all heard how starting the day off with Lemon water can boost your metabolism and do many other things, but for some reason I never did it.

A few months ago I caught a nasty cold/flu bug and my throat was KILLING me! I starting drinking warm lemon tea every morning, noon, and night. I noticed that my cravings for, well chocolate (because that's ALL I crave), were minimal and I wasn't always reaching for something 'sweet'. I've learned that sometimes when we think we are hungry, we are really thirsty. But I've always just put carbs & chocolate in my mouth because I.Love.Food.

This was a life changer for me, despite how 'little' this really is.

SO, what do you do? I fill up a large pitcher in my fridge with lemon slices, juice of a few lemons, and water. I leave it in my fridge and pour myself a glass in the morning. (Sometimes I heat it up, and sometimes I don't.) Then through out the day I'll drink regular water, but if I notice I'm craving something sweet or like a Ding Dong, I pour a glass.

If I really want something sweet, like a Twinkie, I'll add a few drops of liquid stevia to my class. I don't know why, but I really look forward to drinking it sweet. I've been having it as I watch my nightly trash tv...

You can add many other things like mint leaves, cucumbers, fruit cubes, etc., but right now I'm loving just lemons.

It's small and simple changes like these that make a difference in living a healthier lifestyle, honestly.

(But don't worry. I still eat chocolate.Every day.)

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

February 27, 2014 Arielle

I'm not ashamed to say, but one of my favorite things to snack on is chocolate chip muffins.

It's the perfect combo of carbs & chocolate, which in my opinion are the most important food groups. (Is this a healthy living blog?) A lot of times I spread a dollop of my favorite peanut butter on top and I feel...so happy.

These past few days my kids have been sick AGAIN, and I'm starting to feel like the 'nasty bug' we got in January never left our house. There have been quite a few tears shed, and this morning my daughter kicked me in the face mid tantrum.

Luckily, I made these muffins the day before my kids both got sick, so I had something for them to snack on when they didn't feel like eating a whole meal. Especially Sweet Pea. Her favorite thing to do is carry them through out the house, take a few bites, and then leave them and their crumbs in random places for me to find days later.

My oldest daughter and I are a little more 'civilized' than Sweet Pea, and we enjoy ours crumbled in a bowl over greek yogurt with fresh strawberries. If you haven't done this...You must.

Don't worry. We use fresh crumbs, not the ones found through out the house that were left behind...

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 c. honey (or other liquid sweetener)
1/4c. coconut sugar
1/2 c. plain greek yogurt
1 egg
1/3 c. milk (I used almond)
1/2 c. natural peanut butter (or any other nut butter)
1 TB. vanilla extract
2 TB. melted coconut oil
1 1/3c. flour (spelt, Whole Wheat Pastry, etc.)
1/3 c. oats
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
dash of salt
1 c. chocolate chips

Instructions

Add bananas, honey, sugar, yogurt, egg, milk, peanut butter, and vanilla in a bowl and whisk together until combined. Whisk in melted coconut oil
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
Add the dry to wet ingredients and stir together, only until combined. (DO not overmix!)
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Add batter to greased muffin pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, or cooked through all the way.
Enjoy with a spread of peanut butter on top!

3.2.1255

I'm hoping by summer the girls immune systems are strong enough, and then maybe we can leave our house and not have cabin fever.

Oh wait.

I live in Las Vegas. We don't leave our house in the summer either.

&%$)W)&%(*$

Overnight Apple Cider Quinoa Breakfast Cereal (Protein Packed!)

October 21, 2013 Arielle

Overnight Apple Cider Quinoa Cereal from The Diva Dish

I soooo look forward to breakfast.

It's my absolute favorite meal of.the.day.hands.down.

For as long as I can remember, every morning I would chow down 3-4 bowls of cereal. No problem.

Lucky charms were like eating AIR to me. And fruity pebbles?! Holy crap, you don't even KNOW....

But then I grew up and realized a massive sugar crash and a 6th month pregnant looking bloated belly just wasn't worth it, no matter how incredibly delicious dried marshmallows in milk taste.

Since saying goodbye to sugary cereals I've tried my fair share of favorite breakfast, such as Green Smoothies, Waffles, etc., but some days I really do miss cereal.

Especially since my husband makes me buy him Reeses Pieces Cereal on a weekly basis...And he eats it in front of me. And he weighs like 110 pounds. Don't you hate him?

So I knew if I was going to create my own kind of 'cereal', it had to be easy, fast, flavorful, mom and kid approved! Not to mention, full of protein! Something that will keep you full, without giving you that 10 a.m. sugar crash.

The best thing about this cereal is that it can be made the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is add milk. Then have your kiddos add their favorite fruit/toppings and viola! You could also easily eat this as a parfait with maple sweetened greek yogurt! Or you could add dried marshmallows shaped like rainbows to it as well...

The possibilites are endless!

Protein Packed Overnight Apple Cider Quinoa Bowl/Cereal

Serves:

Need a quick ready made breakfast for the morning? Want something to look forward to when you wake up? This Breakfast Quinoa Bowl can either be dressed up in a cereal with cold almond milk, topped with your favorite toppings. OR you could warm it up with warm milk and toppings. OR you could mix it with greek yogurt sweetened with a little maple syrup!

Ingredients

1/2 c. quinoa
1 c. apple cider
1 c. almond milk
1 TB. maple syrup
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
(Toppings)
Almond milk, greek yogurt, diced apples, diced fruit, slivered almonds/nuts, extra cinnamon, maple syrup, etc.

Instructions

In a sauce pan add quinoa, cider, milk, syrup, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes, or when the quinoa is mostly cooked and there is still a little liquid left.There is more liquid to make it nice and creamy. (Note: Depending on the apple cider you use, you may have to add 1/4-1/2 c. more liquid.)
Add quinoa to a bowl, let cool a little bit, cover, and place in the fridge.
Technically you don't have to let this sit in the fridge overnight, but it's nice to have a ready made breakfast for you waiting in the morning!
In the morning top with cold milk, and your favorite toppings. OR you can heat up the quinoa with some added milk. OR you can mix it with maple sweetened greek yogurt! There are so many possibilities!

3.2.1255

Maybe a drizzle of nut butter would even make this taste like...Reeses Pieces?

Maybe...just maybe...

Stove Top Potato & Kale Dish

September 11, 2013 Arielle

Ok...I know potatoes aren't necessarily the type of food that makes you excited and eager to make ASAP...But i'm on a mission in my household, and in a few weeks I'll disclose all the details of what I've been working on. But to get you somewhat excited, you should know that it's all about healthy grocery shopping each week on a LOW budget. It's about stretching food, using the ingredients you have on hand, and not over spending each week at the grocery store!

Normally during the week I visit the grocery store 2-3 times. Eeeeeee!! Partly because my girls eat a flat of berries a day, and partly because I'm a food blogger. Sadly, I buy A LOT of food to go along with my long lists of ideas that I have planned for this 3rd child of mine (the blog), but I usually don't get to most of them.

HENCE I buy more than I need which equals...I spend more.

It's really a simple fix, but I've never been a simple person. Ever. Ask my husband. And my parents. I'm fantastic.

Near the end of the week I start to notice that the few things I have left in my kitchen are no where near what I want to eat, so at that point I head to the grocery store and buy what we would rather have...

But I'm changing.

So what happens when I open my fridge and see some rotting potatoes, a handful of kale, and a lemon? As my good friend Tim Gunn once said..."Make it work."

So I saved the lemon for the baby, and made a potato dish that was flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly didn't taste anything like 'the end of the week.'

*I love this dish because it contains a great variety of vegetables, which is always a plus! Feel free to jazz these up as a breakfast side dish, or top them like you would a baked potato!*

Stove Top Potato & Kale Dish

Ingredients

3 TB. coconut oil
2 TB. chopped garlic
1/2 sweet onion, diced
2 large carrots, shredded
1 green bell pepper diced
4-5 golden potatoes, peeled and diced
1 bunch curly kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
opt: a little veggie broth to add while the potatoes are cooking, about 1/4 cup
salt and pepper to taste
preferred seasonings (We like a sprinkle of paprika, garlic, hot sauce, and cumin)

Instructions

Heat your coconut oil in a pan on low/medium heat.
Cook your onions and garlic until onions become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Next add in your carrots and bell pepper. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add in your potatoes, toss, and cover the pan with foil. Add a little broth if you want the potatoes softer more than crispy. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, add your seasonings to taste.
Fold in the kale, cook for a minutes to warm kale.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

3.5.3208

These would be perfect with tons of toppings as if you were loading a baked potato, such as:

Eggs, cheese, greek yogurt, salsa, beans, hot sauce, etc...

But out of the above toppings, only one thing was in my fridge...Salsa. :)

Pink Guava Smoothie and Pre School Lunch // First Day of School Meal Ideas

September 5, 2013 Arielle

I now have had a glimpse of what it's like mornings before the kiddos run off to school...

Let's not mention the fact that I didn't shower, I was still gross from my workout, and sweet pea had a rats nest in her hair. And let's forget about the 10 minute melt down that occurred when a certain someone realized her princess high heels could not be worn to school. I just love mornings.

Which is why I've realized mornings for our little fam bam have to kind of be fun, because otherwise we will focus too much on the lack of sleep and "MOM WHERE IS MY LIPGLOSS!" And trust me, trying to find a tiny pink lipgloss container at 630 in the morning is...horrible.

So usually starting off the morning with our favorite color is a step in the right direction. Followed by a matching pink straw and all feels right in the world...

Printable Recipe Here: Strawberry Guava Smoothie

And nothing makes eating lunch at Pre School more exciting than having a pink lunch box!

Pretzels // Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins // Grapes //Almond Butter Princess Crown Sandwich

Our first morning before school was full of excitement and a little bit of tears, from both sides. But I'm excited for this next chapter in life and can't wait for all the fun things that come with it!

Except for the whole liking boys thing...For some reason I feel like that's going to happen sooner than later...

Mini Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins

September 3, 2013 Arielle

Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins from The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com

Let's talk about life.

How come life can be so incredibly fast at one moment, and insanely slow the next?

For example...A workout on a tired day seems like an ETERNITY. Running errands with two babies seems like a lifetime. And trying to make my husbands 11 hour work days go quickly is practically impossible...

Then I realize that in just ONE day my sweet Boo will be attending Preschool three times a week for THREE hours. What? 3 days...3 hours...But she's only a baby! If there's anything that I wish could slow down it would be the rate my babies are growing up!

Sometimes I feel like the most amazing moments in life go by so quickly, and if we aren't careful, we miss them. Which is why I've decided to put boo back in diapers and start feeding her bottles. It's the only way to keep her young...

Or I could just make her chocolate muffins for her little pink lunch pail that fits neatly in her tiny pink backpack...And as I send her off to school I will make sure to hold on to that moment forever. Because before I know it I won't be packing a tiny pink lunch pail anymore...Instead she will be asking for 20 bucks to go get Starbucks with her girl friends.

On second thought...Diapers and bottles sound a lot better to me.

Mini Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins from The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com

Recipe adapted from :HowSweetItIs

Printable Version:Chocolate Banana Zucchini Muffins

Now If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go wrap my three year old in a blanket and rock her to sleep like she's 3 months old. :)

Birthday Cake Pancakes-Natural & Healthy!

June 12, 2013 Arielle

Healthy Birthday Cake Pancakes from The Diva Dish

This weekend I advance to big girl status and turn 25 years old...

If you would have told me 10 years ago where I would be at the age of 25 I would have definitely said, shut the front door!..."I have TWO kids?! I live in Las Vegas?? I have a food blog?? Wait I have TWO kids?!"

10 years ago I was still in high school & looking to attend the FIDM fashion college (considering I'm the least fashionable person of all...) I ate corn dogs and chipotle burritos on a weekly basis, and every time I held a baby it started to cry.

You can definitely say my life isn't where I thought it would be, but I love exactly where I am. I'm glad the days of corn dogs and fashion school are long gone. Making pancakes coated in sprinkles with my two darling babies is a lot more fun anyways :). And plus, they don't cry when I hold them either.(Well..most of the time!)

A big special thanks so Kodiak Cakes for sending me some samples of their Flapjack & Waffle mix so we could make some special Birthday Cake Pancakes! Every ingredient is natural, readable, and recognizable! Not to mention you just have to add water and voila, you've got whole wheat pancake goodness.

All Natural-Healthy Birthday Cake Pancakes From The Diva Dish

But since birthdays are special, we dressed up this pancake mix with some fancy add ins to make any birthday morning one to remember!

Birthday Cake Pancakes from The Diva Dish

Printable Recipe Here: Birthday Cake Pancakes

I highly suggest topping with coconut cream and extra sprinkles!

And guess what, because I love you guys and so do the people over at Kodiak Cakes, THREE OF YOU have the chance to get a FREE box of their pancake mix. I may even throw in a surprise myself!

Like some sprinkles...

Or maybe a birthday cake...

Or maybe I'll just jump out of a sprinkle covered birthday cake when you open your door?!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have A Great Week Friends!! XO

60 Second Chocolate Fudge Cake-Single Serving

June 8, 2013 Arielle

Some days things don't go your way and chocolate is the only solution.

Just when you think you are on a roll, strolling along and happy because of your accomplishments...BAM! Life hits you...Or in Sweet Pea's case...Every.Dang.Piece.Of.Furniture.

No matter how much you try, or push, certain things just won't budge and make your life a little bit easier.

In this case, one should probably just resort to chocolate.

Sure you could grab a handful of chocolate chips and then come back 7 times just to make all those problems go away.

And of coarse you could always resort to that jar in the back of your pantry that holds a large chocolate bunny from Easter. I'm almost positive that would make you happy...

But why not whip up something that's quick, easy, and gives you enough sweetness to almost feel like you gave up...But you really didn't.

That way no chocolate bunnies or 12 ounces of chocolate chips will need to be consumed, because honestly, that would cause a lot more problems...

60 Second Chocolate Fudge Cake-Single Serving, Healthy. From The Diva Dish

Printable Recipe Here: 60 Second Chocolate Fudge Cake

Topping with a dollop of chilled coconut cream is definitely an option but in all reality, it's totally a necessity!

And soon enough those mountains (or furniture) that get in our way sometimes don't seem like such a big problem any more...

My Favorite Fresh Green Juice Recipe!

June 5, 2013 Arielle

The Best Fresh Green Juice-From The Diva Dish

There once was a time when I visited a local restaurant 3 times a week.

I was massively pregnant, and practically everyone in the restaurant knew us by name and had our order memorized.

The Yellow Deli was like visiting Disneyland for me. Only I didn't have to save 6 years to visit there, and instead I could buy the most amazing tasting waffle ever for only a few bucks. Everything was fresh, came from their farm, and I swear they put some type of addicting additive in their food...

The bread, the bars, the the salads, sandwiches, my favorite veggie burger...And let's not forget THE MOST delicious tasting Green Juice.

I've tried many fresh squeezed green juices at a lot of different restaurants, but this one actually tasted good. It was sweet, tart, and you really had no idea you were drinking chard, kale, or spinach. I've tried to recreate it multiple times, but I for some reason could never get the ratios right.

Recently I gave it another shot and let my husband take the first sip just in case I failed bad...

"You did it babe!" I jumped up and down and then said, "Yes! Now I just need to recreate everything else on their menu that way we don't have to move back!"

My Favorite Fresh Green Juice Recipe!

Recipe Type

The Best Tasting Fresh Green Juice

Prep time:

5 mins

Cook time:

5 mins

Total time:

10 mins

Serves:

If you are fond of grapefruit, then this juice has your name written all over it! It's the perfect combo of sweet and tart, along with packing in veggies and a lot of energy. Make sure all your ingredients are super cold, and don't forget to have a frozen glass sitting in the freezer ready for you to drink out of :-)!

Ingredients

1/8 c. chilled Yerba Mate Tea sweetened with agave nectar (or your choice)
1 1/4 grapefruit
handful of spinach
handful of kale
1 large swiss chard leaf
lemon slices

Instructions

Add Yerba Mate to a glass. Having is sweetened is important, otherwise the juice will taste a little funky.
Juice all the ingredients into that glass, minus the lemon, until done.
Add fresh juice to frozen glass and serve with a lemon slice.

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If you want a step by step explanation on how to make this juice, I've filmed a little tutorial for you. A few notes before you watch the film:

-Both kid were sleeping so I'm talking super funny because I don't want them to hear me.

-I apologize for acting completely and totally awkward.

Have a great day!

Watermelon Milkshake-Bathing Suit Approved

May 21, 2013 Arielle

So I had this bright idea to buy a blow up pool.

It was pink and princess themed, and I KNEW that Boo would go crazy once she saw it. I planned the perfect day to set it up, and talked it up to the girls multiple times. We were so ready.

First things first. Don't get the girls in bathing suits and then decide you will blow up the pool. A blow up pool that requires as much air from that of 10 men is quite difficult to blow up.

Next thing. Make sure once the pool is blown up that you have a hose.

Haha isn't life hilarious.

Now, after the pool is blown, hose is purchased, and water is filled it is time to swim! And when that's all said and done, make sure you have enough ingredients for something refreshing and cool like a milkshake!

Because you don't want to send you husband to the store for that stuff too. After all, he blew up the pool, went and got the hose, and cleaned up the water mess.

What a gem!

Printable Recipe Here: Watermelon Milkshake

I was going to ask the husband to build a from scratch tree house that I saw on pinterest, but luckily I remembered we only own a hammer and rench. Oh, and we have no trees. Whew! Close one hubs, let's just stick to the impossible blow up pool for now ;-)!

Morning Metabolism Booster Drink-Plus Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

May 7, 2013 Arielle

Most of my mornings begin the day before.

Usually around 11:30 p.m. I hear a faint cute little cry coming from Sweet Pea's bedroom.

Just Kidding.

It's the loudest 'I'm totally pissed off mom, you better come and get me right now' kind of scream. It's usually about the time my head hits the pillow and I close my eyes when this comes about.

It's lovely.

Since I'm neither a coffee drinker, soda sipper, or Monster Energy drink consumer, I needed something that would make me feel like a SuperStar! Of coarse a nice tug of my long hair and a drizzle of baby drool on my face at 5:30 a.m. is one way to get me out of bed quickly...But let's not go there shall we?

Consuming 1 Tablespoon a day of Apple Cider Vinegar is a great way to kick start amazing health benefits. If you are like me, you may have noticed the vinegar by itself is well...not very tasty! So here is a great way to get in that ACV, along with a zing from a little bubbly to wake those tired eyes right up!

Morning Metabolism Booster Printable Recipe Here: Morning Metabolism Booster

Oh, and if you don't share with a certain someone you are most likely to hear more loud & angry shrieks followed by the entire house being awake at that awful hour. This makes for a such a pleasant morning...

So whatever you do...Share. :)

Tomato Basil Quiche w/ Whole Wheat Pastry Crust

April 29, 2013 Arielle

"Mom, where are my glass slippers?!"

"I don't want to wear this dress I want my pink tutu! Where is my princess dress?!!"

"I need your pink lipstick mom!"

"Don't kiss me mom, you will ruin my lipstick!"

"I want my hair like this mom, like Sleeping Beauty. Long and beautiful."

"Mom can you do my makeup? I don't want to wear blush, I just want you to put some on my eyebrows..."

" Mom, I just only want to have chocolate milk. That would make Jesus very happy if I drank chocolate milk."

"I like this egg pie mom, it's making my belly very full!"

"Mom since I ate my dinner can you put pink lipstick on me, I want to look like a princess."

Printable for Tomato Basil Quiche

If only she knew that no amount of pink lipstick or eyebrow makeup would ever make her more of the beautiful princess she already is!

Berries N' Cream Crepes

April 8, 2013 Arielle

Basic Crepes/Berries N' Cream Crepes

Prep time:

1 hour

Cook time:

10 mins

Total time:

1 hour 10 mins

Serves:

6-8 crepes

Ingredients

(For the Crepes)
1 c. spelt flour
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
1 c. coconut milk
1 TB. vanilla
1 tsp. honey
3 TB. melted coconut oil
1/4 c. water-optional
(For the toppings)
1 can full fat coconut milk
1-2 tsp. maple syrup
assortment of berries
Dark Chocolate for shavings

Instructions

(For the Crepes)
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend for about 10 seconds, or until creamy. (If the batter seems to thick, add the water)
Pour into bowl, cover, and set in fridge for about an hour.
Heat a pan and add a little bit of melted coconut oil to coat pan. Add about 1/3 c. of batter and tilt pan around to thin and form the crepe.
Cook for 30 seconds on med/low heat and then flip crepe and cook for 10 seconds. Lay flat on a plate or tray, and cook the rest of the crepes.
(For the toppings)
Wash, cut, and prepare berries and set aside.
Open can of coconut milk and remove thick cream from can. Discard or save water for later use. Add maple syrup to cream and whisk together. Drizzle over crepes, top with berries, chocolate shavings, and additional maple syrup if desired.

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Sundays are one of my favorite days, especially twice a year when we are able to watch LDS General Conference! It's a day to stay in our pajamas, make a fancy breakfast, and be together as a family! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! We are still in crepe heaven over here, and I have a feeling the littles will be requesting them for breakfast a few times this week! Be back soon and have a great week!

Green Goddess Honey Cilantro Stir Fry (With Quinoa)

March 26, 2013 Arielle

I love a fancy dinner more than I love shopping for pants.

Whew! So glad I got that off my chest.

Honestly I've NEVER liked shopping for pants, so I would pretty much do ANYTHING to avoid seeing my bottom half in skinny jean after skinny jean.

And while we are on the subject of being truthful, our weekly dinners are rarely ever fancy. A lot of them require little effort and can be prepared by someone half asleep. (That last part IS a true statement...)

The picture above was taken last week. See, dinner time=total bore!

The only thing I try and strive more is high nutrition and little effort. Which is why my favorite dishes are the ones that involve throwing everything into one pot/bowl/ etc. And by everything I mean a ton of veggies, a good source of protein, and lots of flavor.

Easy right?

So easy you could do it in your sleep!

Green Goddess Honey Cilantro Stir Fry (With Quinoa)

Ingredients:

Serves 4-8 (small-large servings)

2 c. dry quinoa

4 c. vegetable broth

1 large TB. coconut oil

1 large shallot

4 cloves garlic chopped

1 green pepper diced

1 zucchini diced

1 broccoli floret chopped

1 tsp. coconut oil

3 eggs

3 TB. soy sauce

4 TB. honey

1 bunch cilantro chopped

Optional toppings: green onions, avocado, pineapple, and almond slivers!

Directions:

1. Add quinoa and vegetable broth to a rice cooker and cook until done, about 15 minutes. (You can also do this on a pot over the stove.)

2. While the quinoa is cooking prepare your veggies. In a large skillet over the stove, add your coconut oil. Add your shallot and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Throw in your veggies and cook for about 5-7 minutes.

3. Turn heat to low. Make a hole in the center and add coconut oil. Crack your eggs in the center and whisk them until scrambled. Once quinoa is done, fold it into the stir fry. Add soy sauce and honey and toss to coat. Remove from heat and fold in cilantro. Serve and top with desired toppings. (If needed add salt and pepper, probably not necessary though!)

Want to know something terrible wrong with this whole dinner. I made enough for leftovers for lunch during the week and well...

After dinner I got sidetracked and the littles got my attention and I forgot to store it in the fridge and kept it out over night.

Somethings you just can't remember when you are half asleep.

The Best Scrambled Eggs

February 22, 2013 Arielle

I know it might be odd to do a post all about scrambled eggs...

But I just couldn't keep this to myself.

Ok, it's actually not a big secret, it's more like, ok big whoop so ya know how to make some delicious scrambled eggs. Seriously guys, here me out.

I've probably gotten 3 hours of interrupted sleep every night for the past two weeks. This sickness has been slowly creeping up on my kids, and just a few days ago BAM..it hits them.My poor babies. Come morning, I'm exhausted and delirious and I'm pretty sure a a few of my meals have only been a piece of bread and a banana.

So in an effort to give myself a little extra something and not make a complete mess in the kitchen, I made my favorite eggs.

The secret is in the sauce...

Listen. When you cook your eggs in coconut oil it literally makes them taste...not like eggs.

I don't know how to describe it, but plain scrambled eggs make me gag and think about morning sickness. BUT, eggs cooked in coconut oil make me feel like I'm eating breakfast at a fancy cafe...Instead of the reality which is me wearing a bath robe in my dirty sickness filled house with two sad babies...

It's really easy too, not much effort or talent required.

1. Add a little coconut oil to coat the pan. You can use a solid coconut oil, or if you are lucky and find the liquid version like the one shown above, use that one! I used about 1 tb or so for about 3 eggs...

The next part needs no explaining, but if you haven't slept since christmas and need some help remembering, here's the low down.

2. Set your heat on the stove to low-medium. Whisk the eggs together every so often, letting rest every 30 seconds or so.

3. Eventually the eggs will start to stick to the pan as you are whisking. Continue to whisk, until the eggs scramble and are cooked all the way through. If you don't want them too scrambled, use a rubber spatula to flip the eggs here and there!

Honestly, I don't even add salt, to me it taste great the way it is! Of coarse, if you douse with 1/2 c. of ketchup, I won't judge because I've done that many many many times...

This morning I made a tortilla with hummus,eggs, avocado, and pepper. I felt somewhat refreshed, but of coarse it didn't last long! Come 8:30 I was ready for bed...A.M. Not P.M.

Speaking of bed time, it is now 9:18 p.m. and someone decided to wake up and play...

"Screw bed time!"

-actual quote from Sweet Pea....

Maybe when she's 12, she will sleep?

Healthy Ice Cream

January 29, 2013 Arielle

We are big fans of ice cream in our house.

My husbands like a woman during that special time when it comes to ice cream. Who the heck needs a bowl, give him a freakin' spoon and don't even think about looking in his direction as he eats it.

It's serious business.

Boo loves it too, yet with less drama.

She's all about the toppings at yogurt station. You know the ones that 150 sick kids ran their fingers through right after they picked their noses...

If your new to the blog I need to let you know that Boo has quite an attitude and unfortunately our house has had a little bit more chaos than normal. I decided to introduce a sticker chart for her, and every time she does a good job at something she get's a sticker. After so many stickers, she earns rewards. Her first reward was ice cream.

As fun as going out to an ice cream shop is, making it together at home is much better.

Oh...And it helps that 150 sick kids didn't touch the toppings.

Eat Me Ever Day Ice Cream

Ingredients:

1 1/2 frozen bananas

1 TB. Peanut Butter

1/4 tsp. vanilla

Eat Me Every Day Chocolate Drizzle

Ingredients:

Spoonful of cocoa powder

drizzle of water/non dairy milk

liquid sweetener to taste (opt.)

Directions:

1.In a food processor or blender, puree bananas with PB and vanilla until creamy. If the mixture becomes to thick to, add a few drizzles of non dairy milk and then break up the chunks a little. Let it puree, it may take a few minutes.

2. While it is pureeing, make the chocolate sauce by whisking all of the chocolate drizzle ingredients together until combined.

3. In a bowl, add your 'ice cream', drizzle with some chocolate, and top with desired toppings.

4. If you like to scoop your ice cream and have it a little harder than soft serve, place the pureed ice cream in a tupperware and spread it out. Let it sit in the freezer for at least 30 min-1 hour to let it firm up. Then you can scoop it out! :-)

You can definitely get creative with the additions and toppings in this ice cream!

If you want to check out what and how we did with making this ice cream, watch our video we made! Be warned that I talk a lot and 87% if it doesn't make any sense...

Awesome right? :)

Toddler Christmas Breakfast

December 10, 2012 Arielle

Every child, and do I dare say even I, love to wake up on Christmas morning excited for the day's festivities!

The spirit of surprise, celebrating our Savior, families fighting over who really has the best recipe for that family favorite dish, and hoping that your husband got you something shiny instead of something that goes vroom and sounds like/is a vacuum. It's all a beautiful and memorable time!

A long with Christmas comes sugarplums and food comas, and visions of 'I shouldn't have eating 587 of grandma's homemade rolls' dancing in your head. Christmas morning is always a treat, whether it's sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, mile high pancakes, or a pan crackling with bacon. Everybody enjoys a great meal after opening presents!

Whether you want to indulge all the way or dip a carrot in some spinach dip and call it good, it's almost a necessity that the food be fun, enjoyable, and especially as memorable as your grandmothers rolls.

GREEN SMOOTHIES: Coconut water/milk, handful of spinach, dollop of PB, banana, sweetener of choice, & Ice. (For a chocolate minty version, add fresh mint leaves along with cocoa powder!)

SNOWMAN PANCAKES: THIS recipe. Along with an apple hat, carrot nose, chocolate chip eyes/mouth, and blueberry buttons. Don't forget the Coconut Milk Maple Whipped Cream for the scarf and snow!

CANDY CANE FRUIT: All that's needed is one banana and a handful of raspberries or chopped strawberries. Form into a stripped candy cane! (Also seen Here.)

Don't forget to have your littles close their eyes!

(Ignore that Sweet Pea is wearing Halloween Pumpkin Pajamas...)

Then after breakfast comes more eating, buttered rolls, and unbuttoned pants...

Don't you just love Christmas? :)

Give Me Some Energy Granola Bars (No Bake)

December 4, 2012 Arielle

Tomorrow (Or Today if you are reading this on Tuesday) we are going to Disneyland.

You can't even begin to understand the excitement that is generating through my body at this moment. Each time that I've been to Disneyland in the past years, I've been pregnant. Which means each time I've smiled my way through Dumbo, Pirates, and the Carousel. All the while my husband runs around like a 5 year old hopped up on churrrrros smiling his way down every drop, turn, twist, and other exciting rides as I sit back and watch.

Not this time my friends.

Although my tolerability (word?) might have changed, and I may find myself looking for the nearest bathroom after one 'exciting' drop off of splash mountain, I plan on enjoying all that I missed out on! I will prevail...I will have the energy!

And I will have a Churrrrro.

Give Me Some Energy Granola Bars (No Bake)

Ingredients:

1/4 c. crunchy peanut butter (natural)

1/4 c. coconut oil

1/3 c. honey

1/4 c. maple sugar (you can sub brown sugar, date sugar, or coconut sugar too)

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. oats

1 c. brown rice cereal

1/8 c. ground flax seeds

1/8 c. chia seeds

1/4 c. chocolate chips (you can sub chopped dates, cocoa nibs, chopped nuts)

Directions:

1. Prepare an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl add oats, cereal, flax seeds, and chia seeds.

2. In a sauce pan, heat PB, oil, honey, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir often for about a minute. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Pour liquid into the medium bowl and mix all ingredients together until fully coated. Pour ingredients into pan and press firmly and evenly into pan. Press in chocolate chips on top.

3. Set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to harden. Cut and individually wrap and store in an airtight container. (I keep mine in the fridge, then let them sit out a little bit before eating.)

I've already wrapped and packed these bars for tomorrow just in case I find myself drifting off while waiting for a ride that pregnant people aren't allowed to ride on.

It's.Going.To.Be.Sick.

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Welcome to The Diva Dish! My name is Ari and I love Kale Salads and Chocolate Cake. I also love to blog about it...