Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

It's that Time Again- Holiday Helper


Every year I adopt a family or child over the holidays. I'm focusing on giving back in my locally again this year and would love for you to join me! I will be donating unwrapped gifts to the Crisis Nursery's Holiday Helper Program from now until December 14th. (More details below) Make a donation and you will receive $10 off any of my single services or packages of $30 or more as an added bonus!   *Scheduling a service is not required in order to make a donation! CLICK HERE to view the services I offer. 


Holiday Helper Program 2018

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery's Holiday Helper Program supports families who access our services during the winter season of giving.  Gifts received from the Holiday Helper Program are distributed to families based on their specific needs and what has been donated. Gifts are given to families beginning on Monday, November 19th, 2018 - Monday, December 17th, 2018.


Wish List for Families:


New Toys: For children newborn - 6 years (no toys that require batteries)

*Educational activities
*Games/puzzles
*Sports balls
*Books

*They are especially in need of toys and gifts for older kids ages 5-6 years.

Gift Items for Parents:

*Personal care items (lotion,
bath salts)
* Journal and pen
*Winter accessories
*Kitchen items

Gift Cards Amounts of $25 or More: Retails stores

*Target, Kohl’s, etc.
* Amazon

Gift Wrap:

*Wrapping paper
*Scotch tape
*Bows and ribbon
*Large black trash bags
(for transporting gifts)


Items they CANNOT accept:

*Used items

*Items that promote violence (toy weapons or cartoon characters with weapons)

* Items that require batteries (many families cannot afford to replace batteries)

* Religious themed items (including gift wrap featuring Christmas, Santa, etc.)

* Pre-wrapped gifts (The families are grateful when they are able to give their children gifts.
It’s important that the families have the opportunity to wrap their gift so they are an active part of the gift giving process.) 



Important Information:

Nearly 90% of the families are of minority status.

Items that promote cultural diversity are encouraged.




CONTACT ME with questions or to schedule a time to drop off your donations! Thank you! 



Copyright, 2018, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

Cupid's Arrows



CUPID KABOBS

INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible) 

Oranges
Strawberries or Watermelon
Purple Grapes or Blueberries

DIRECTIONS:

Use small heart cookie cutter to make strawberry/watermelon hearts. Assemble on wooden skewers as shown in the the photo. 




Copyright, 2018, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

G is for Ginger (Bread)


PALEO GINGERBREAD CHIA PUDDING (Serves 2-4)  

INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible)  

1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk 
2 tsp maple syrup 
1 tsp molasses 
1 tsp pure vanilla extract 
1/2 tsp ginger 
1/2 tsp cinnamon 
1/4 tsp cloves 
1/4 cup chia seeds 

DIRECTIONS:  

Mix all ingredients together except the chia seeds. Stir in the chia seed. Pour into small glass containers. I used four 4 oz. mason jars. Cover and place in fridge overnight. 



Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

Holiday Helper



Every year I adopt a family or child over the holidays. I'm focusing on giving back in my local neighborhood again this year and would love for you to join me! I will be donating unwrapped gifts to the Crisis Nursery's Holiday Helper Program from now until December 17th. (More details below) Make a donation and you will receive $10 off any of my single services or packages as an added bonus!   *Scheduling a service is not required in order to make a donation! CLICK HERE to view the services I offer. 


Holiday Helper Program 2017

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery's Holiday Helper Program supports families who access our services during the winter season of giving.  Gifts received from the Holiday Helper Program are distributed to families based on their specific needs and what has been donated. Gifts are given to families beginning on Friday, November 24th, 2017 - Friday, December 22nd, 2017.


Wish List for Families:


New Toys: For children newborn - 6 years
*Educational activities
*Games

Gift Items for Parents:

*Personal care items (lotion,
bath salts)
*Winter accessories
*Kitchen items

Gift Cards Amounts of $25 or More: Retails stores

*Target, Kohl’s, etc.
* Amazon

Gift Wrap:

*Wrapping paper
*Scotch tape
*Bows and ribbon
*Large black trash bags
(for transporting gifts)


Items they CANNOT accept:

*Used items

*Items that promote violence (toy weapons or cartoon characters with weapons)

* Items that require batteries (many families cannot afford to replace batteries)

* Religious themed items (including gift wrap featuring Christmas, Santa, etc.)

* Pre-wrapped gifts (The families are grateful when they are able to give their children gifts.
It’s important that the families have the opportunity to wrap their gift so they are an active part of the gift giving process.) 



Important Information:


Nearly 90% of the families are of minority status.

Items that promote cultural diversity are encouraged.





CONTACT ME with questions or to schedule a time to drop off your donations! Thank you! 



Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



www.OptimumWellnessMN.com


Sexy Conversation

Over the weekend I had a plethora of "real" in-person conversations! Living alone and not having a typical office job sometimes prevents me from having authentic, meaningful, human interactions! One of the best feelings is talking to my mom for hours about life while I'm back in Iowa, which I've done since my college years. In a world that is bustling with new technology and the latest gadgets it's easy to just shoot a text, email, or social media message instead of having an actual conversation with another human being. The current fast-paced world will swallow you up whole if you do not take the time to slow down, be mindful and intentional, and focus on the relationships with your "real life" family and friends and not your "followers."  The ones who are closest to you deserve the best version of you--present, focused, and your undivided attention, not the sloppy seconds. Cheers to future sexy, real conversations this month! 


Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

S'more Goodness


S'mores are a 4th of July staple for most families! Here are a few things to use/add to make them a tad bit healthier! 

Organic dark chocolate bars: http://us.greenandblacks.com/organic-85-dark-cacao-bar.html

Grain-free graham crackers: http://powerhungry.com/2015/01/easy-paleo-graham-crackers-gluten-free-grain-free-almond-flour/


Refined sugar and artificial coloring-free marshmallows: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/healthy-marshmallows.html

Fruit: Bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples.

Nut butters: Almond, peanut, cashew, macadamia, etc.

Even more protein and fiber: Chopped nuts and seeds!



Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.








Jackie's Health Tip of the Week 12/18/16





Instead of using a hot chocolate powder mix loaded with sugar try making this recipe using protein powder!


PALEO HOT CHOCOLATE


INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible)


1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I like to use Truvani chocolate plant protein powder)
8 oz. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 tsp. real vanilla extract


DIRECTIONS:


Heat almond milk on stovetop. Once heated add protein powder to the almond milk. Stir in vanilla extract and sprinkle cinnamon on top! If it's not sweet enough for you try adding a little bit of liquid Stevia! Another option: Add a drop or two of peppermint essential oil for a minty chocolate taste!






CLICK HERE to follow me on Facebook for more healthy clean eating recipes! 





Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.



Jackie's Health Tip of the Week 10/23/16


Some healthier alternatives for Halloween Night!


Mini dark chocolate bars- buy in bulk to save money! 

Yummy Earth Products – these are some of the cleanest candies out there… soy free, dairy free, nut free, GMO free, high fructose corn syrup free, and the list goes on.  (They make: gummy worms, gummy bears, gummy spiders, fruit snacks, sour beans, lolli-pops, etc)

Xylitol gum – Xylitol is a healthier option than aspartame (an artificial sugar), which is found in most sugar-free gum. Fortunately, there are many gums sweetened with Xylitol hitting the market. Even recommended by dentists!

Annie’s Fruit Snacks – yes, they have sugar but they are free of artificial dyes, gluten, hydrogenated oils, and a lot of other nasty stuff. Plus, they have fun Halloween packs that are great to giveaway!

Raisins – an oldie but goodie, this dried fruit is a natural as it gets.

Fruit leather – Made of 100% real fruit, this is a great treat that doesn’t rot the teeth.  Check out Target for some less expensive options!

Stickers – Who doesn’t love stickers?! Find some cute Halloween-themed ones and give them away.  Walgreens sells them in small packs!

Spider rings – A treat that doesn’t involve food, spider rings are fun and scary at the same time! Very in-expensive too!

Halloween pencils- Anyone will love a practical and useful treat! Check out your local dollar store. 


CLICK HERE to follow me on Facebook for more health tips like this! 





Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.


Health-Conscious 4th of July Picnic Options




Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

Orgasmic Fudge




NO-BAKE, NO-SUGAR ALMOND FUDGE

Ingredients: (all organic if possible)

2 cups creamy raw almond butter (unsalted)
1/2 cup coconut oil, softened
1/8 teaspoon of stevia concentrated powder - (sweetness to taste)
1 teaspoon sea salt


Directions:

Simply mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl, until smooth and creamy. A handheld mixer works fine. (Tip: It helps if all the ingredients are at room temperature, to keep the coconut oil soft.)

Transfer the mixture to a square baking dish, or container, lined with parchment or wax paper, then smooth with a spatula, and freeze until solid (about an hour).

Remove the fudge by lifting the paper out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve immediately. Due to the nature of coconut oil, this fudge will melt if left at room temperature for long. Store in the freezer for best results. If you want to add a chocolate flavor try adding a scoop or two of Garden of Life Organic Chocolate Plant Protein Powder to the mix.



CLICK HERE for more Clean Eating Recipes! 



Copyright, 2015, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.


www.optimumwellnessmn.com


Your Kids Will Love These


STRAWBERRY BANANA SANTA HATS

Ingredients:(all organic if possible)

Strawberries
Bananas
Cream Cheese

Directions:

Slice a banana into pieces. Next, cut the stem off a strawberry. Make sure the berry is about the same size as the banana slice. Place a dab of cream cheese on the banana and press the strawberry on top. Roll a little more cream cheese into a ball and press on to the top of the berry. 

Serve on a Christmas-themed plate and you're done! 


CLICK HERE for more healthy children's recipes! 



Copyright, 2015, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com




Nogging in a Winter Wonderland


 

I stopped at a regular grocery store when I was back home in Iowa for Thanksgiving and noticed all the varieties of egg nog! You may be one of the many who purchase this holiday favorite every year and I wanted you to be informed. 

 

Here is a typical label on the store bought versions: 

 

Ingredients

Nonfat Milk, Cream, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup,  Sugar, Egg Yolks, Grade A Whey, Natural And Artificial Flavors,  Spices, Salt, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Sodium Carbonate, Potassium Phoshate, Sodium Citrate, Tumeric And Annatto (colors)


Translation: Full of antibiotics and growth hormones from conventional cows milk, high fructose corn syrup, added sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives! Time to whip up a batch of homemade goodness instead! 

Clean Eating Egg Nog- Makes about 4 Servings) 

 

Ingredients: (all organic if possible)

 

1 12oz can coconut milk, at room temperature
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 organic eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1 to 2 packets stevia
1/2 tsp. nutmeg (fresh if possible)
1/4 tsp. cinnamon



Directions:

 

In a blender, combine coconut milk, almond milk, eggs, vanilla, stevia, nutmeg and cinnamon. Blend on high speed until the mixture is frothy. Chill before serving. Pour into glasses, and garnish with a dusting of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick. Happy holidays!

Note:
 
If you’re concerned about the risk of salmonella or other food-borne illness, simply dip the eggs in boiling water for 30 seconds. This will effectively sanitize the eggs, if they have been properly refrigerated.





Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com