How To Make Low-Fat Sugar- Free (no added sugar) Banana Muffins

A great breakfast or party treat for Valentines day.

   Valentines day is almost here. This day of love is usually filled with chocolate and lots of sugar. If you have kids in school that usually means they have a party at school with lots of sweet treats and a bag of candy to take home. I always try to send healthy items when my boys have parties at school. Surprisingly, baby carrots are a big hit at school parties, especially the rainbow baby carrots. This year I wanted to send something different, as requested by my son. So I decided to make healthy banana muffins since my boys love banana bread. I found a recipe and made some changes to it to make it a healthy version of banana muffins. Did you know that you can substitute applesauce for vegetable oil in most recipes? It is an easy switch and the applesauce gives incredible moisture too. Since applesauce and bananas are naturally sweet, you can omit the sugar too in this recipe.

   Another great way to bring great flavor to healthy recipes is by using vanilla extract. Now I am not talking about the artificial stuff you find at the grocery store, I am talking about 100% organic vanilla extract that comes from vanilla beans from Madagascar.  I use Jiva Organics Vanilla Extract in all my baking as they use a proprietary cold extraction slow percolation method that takes nearly one month to complete! This ensures that the rich, deep flavor and delicate bouquet of each vanilla bean are preserved in their vanilla extract. They never add any sugar or flavorings so you get a wonderful true vanilla flavor. I also love that Jiva Organics Vanilla Extract comes in a big 8-ounce bottle so I always have plenty on hand for all my recipes.

Here is the place to get this wonderful vanilla extract.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186HPMHE

Low-Fat Sugar-Free (no added sugar)Banana Muffins

4 large ripe bananas

1  egg

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon Jiva Organics Vanilla Extract

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt 

Preheat oven to 350°. Place muffin papers into a 12 cup muffin pan.

Mix the bananas and other wet ingredients until the mixture is mostly smooth and only slightly chunky.  In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients, well. Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.  Fill muffin papers with the mixture and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Let cool. 

"These opinions are my own and I received the above mentioned product to facilitate this recipe."

My GameDay Soup For Souper Bowl Sunday #GameDayTraditions

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/P&G

   My husband and I are not huge football fans, but we love watching the big game at the end of the season. Our GameDay Tradition is to watch the big game at church with all our friends and family. Our church goes all out for the big game and throws a wonderful party. The party includes the game on a big screen, plenty of food, and plenty of conversations. There is also plenty of fun too. Our church members love to cook also, so we always have some sort of contest for the best food. One year the food contest was for the best soup. My husband and I both love to cook, we also try to out cook each other with our cooking. So we each made a soup for our Souper Bowl Sunday party at church. I made a wonderful Vegetarian Mushroom Barley White Bean Stew and my husband made one with meat. I don't remember if our soups won or not and don't ask me which team won that year. All I remember is the fun I had eating and talking with my friends. I may have watched some great commercials too.

     My GameDay Tradition starts off with a trip to Walmart to pick up all the ingredients to make my soup. While I am shopping for food, I also use this time to pick up a few items that are needed for my husband and I to look our best for the big game. We needed some toothpaste to keep our breath smelling fresh for all the conversations that I will be having during the big game. Into the cart went my favorite toothpaste. Crest Prohealth Advance Toothpaste does a great job of keeping my gums healthy. Crest also gives me stronger teeth.

 While I was shopping for toothpaste, I discovered a cool rechargeable toothbrush that I just had to have. I love that the Oral B Vitality has a round brush to remove more plaque than my manual toothbrush. It also has MicroPulse bristles to clean between my teeth. The two-minute timer will help me to brush longer and a rechargeable battery means I don't have to replace batteries. Another cool feature to this toothbrush is the indicator bristles that fade to let me know it is time to replace the head.

 While I was shopping at Walmart for all my other GameDay Tradition items, my husband called me. He was out of razors and needed me to pick up a new one for him. My husband did not need to tell me which kind of razor to get as he will only use Gillette Fusion ProGlide on his face. I don't complain at buying him a new razor as I love a clean shaved face on my man. My man needs a smooth, clean shaved face while watching the game if he wants any touchdown  kisses from me. The Gillette Fusion Proglide has all these cool features to give my man a smooth face.

                                                                          FlexBall Technology for maximum contact
                                                                          Precision trimmer on the back for accurate edging
                                                                          Gillette's thinnest, finest razor blades for less tug and pull
                                                                          Enhanced Lubrastrip for smooth glide


                                      What are your GameDay Traditions?
                                                                     

           http://wm6.walmart.com/Game-Day-Traditions.aspx

            Vegetarian Mushroom Barley White Bean Stew

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium-size onion, chopped

             1 cup barley                             

    8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced

6 cups vegetable broth

2 cups cooked white beans

1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until lightly brown, about 5 minutes.

2. Place all the remaining ingredients in a 4-6 quart slow cooker crock. Cover the crock with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Add 2 cups more broth to make a soup.

Serves 4 to 6

Transform Your Skin With Strivectin So You Don't Have To Act Your Age

  Getting older is not always fun. The one part I hate about getting old is the lines and wrinkles that appear on my skin. I remember when I was in my thirties and that first smile line began to appear. I, of course, rushed to the store to buy my first anti-aging cream in hopes that I could slow down time on my face. I had not even thought about skin care products before that first smile line showed up. I was young and a busy mom, fine lines were the last thing on my mind back then. Today it is a different story as using skin care products is a must as I want to keep my skin young looking as long as possible. I am thankful for the research that companies do to make skin care products that keep my skin looking young. Over the years, I have tried many different anti-aging products and it seems like they keep getting better. Some people like to tell me that I am blessed with young looking because of my family genes. I think I have young looking skin because of my early use of anti-aging products when that first line appeared and because of the great products that are available. Having young looking skin also means that I don't have to act my age. I can be a 50-year-old mama that still wears mini skirts and hangs out with the younger crowd.

  One of my favorite companies in anti-aging skin care products is Strivectin. They sell so many wonderful skin care products that work to keep my skin looking young. I love their products because they work. This company has 35 years of research so they know what works to keep the wrinkles away. They have introduced a new product into their skin care line and it is one that makes me smile. This new Multi-Action Restorative Cream is a cream that multi-tasks to help my skin stay young looking. That means that I only have to use one product for all my skin care needs. As a mom, I am way too busy to use more than one product on my face.

  This cream combines their patented NIA-114 technology with Pro-12 Youth Optimizing Complex and is scientifically proven to target the 12 most visible signs of aging from Day 1. Just look at what it can do for your skin as it targets these  12 visible signs of aging.

                                            Fine Lines          Sagging               Discoloration
                                            Wrinkles            Texture                Clarity
                                            Density               Dehydration        Resilience
                                            Firmness             Dullness              Enlarged Pores


   I love that I can use one product twice a day! My skin feels so soft and smooth. This cream gives great results. My fine lines almost disappear and my face seems tighter.Why should I have to look my age when I can use a multi-action cream to have young looking skin. As long as there are anti-aging products that work then I will use them and keep those wrinkles away. The calendar might say I am getting older, but my skin doesn't have too.

Check out this new Multi-Action Restorative Cream and other products that Strivectin makes at their website and social media sites.
                                                         
                                                     http://www.strivectin.com/
                                                     https://www.facebook.com/StriVectin
                                                     https://twitter.com/StriVectin

So tell me, do you want to look your age or would you like to transform your skin?


"These opinions are my own and I received the above mentioned product in exchange for a review."

What To Pack For A Day At The Pool

   My boys love the water and are always wanting to go to the pool. In the summer, we go visit grandpa a lot as his apartment has a pool. Grandpa lives in a senior complex so the pool is never crowded, so my boys get the pool almost to themselves. That means they can swim underwater and not crash into anyone. In the winter my boys miss the water so we try to plan a couple of stay-cations at a local hotel so my boys can have fun swimming. My husband and I surprised the boys with a hotel stay the day after Christmas a couple of weeks ago. It was a perfect Christmas present for my boys, as the weather was cold and snowy. My boys and I enjoyed being in an indoor pool having fun instead of being stuck inside the house. Since it was the day after Christmas, the hotel was empty and we had the pool to ourselves. I just love swimming at a hotel pool in the winter as not only is the pool indoors, but they provide the towels and I don't have to go out in the cold when I get out of the pool.

  Unfortunately, my budget does not allow for too many hotel stays. So most of our swimming is at grandpa's outdoor pool or the public pool. When I take my boys swimming, I pack a pack with items that I know we will need for the day. So what do I put in my swim bag? I have a big bag when we go swimming to hold all the needed items. Here is a list of what goes into my bag.
                                           
                                                           Swim bag items
                                                   towels- I pack a towel for everyone
                                                   swimsuits- important for swimming
                                                   sunscreen- a must for an outdoor pool
                                                  Frogglez swimming goggles- my boys hate getting water in their eyes
                                                  a hair tie- to keep my hair out of my face
                                                  snacks- swimming makes boys hungry
                                                  bottles of water- great for keeping hydrated
                                                  water toys

  When my boys swim they like to go underwater so a pair of goggles is a must. The goggles that my boys prefer is Frogglez. These are the most comfortable swim goggles for kids. My boys are able to put them on without my help and I know longer have to adjust flimsy straps. These goggles do not put hair nor do they slip around. The cool colorful strap keeps my boy's goggles in place and they are very comfortable to wear, unlike their old ones that hurt their head and eyes. The strap also helps keep the goggles in place so no water gets into their eyes. The strap also floats so no more having to dive to the bottom of the pool to retrieve lost goggles.

    Frogglez where created by a dad who noticed that his daughter was struggling, like everyone else during swim lessons, trying to make her goggles more comfortable. This dad noticed that normal goggles pull out hair, create that Dumbo ear look, push on eyes, and water can seep into them as kids splash around. How are kids suppose to learn how to swim with frustrating goggles? So this dad cut up an old wetsuit that he had and created goggles that would stay on without the stress. The prototypes worked so well that other parents asked him where they could buy a pair. That's how Frogglez® Goggles, Made by my Dad™ was born.
                                           
                                           
                                                    Frogglez® Goggles are:
                                         
                                                            Latex-Free
                                                         Phthalates-Free
                                                             Lead-Free 
                                                        Formaldehyde-Free           
                                                            Hassle-Free
                                                        Continuously Tested 
                                                       AND, THEY FLOAT!                              

        You can get this stylish solution to archaic swim goggles at                                                                 www.frogglezgoggles.com

 They're also available NOW at Bed Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy Baby, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Amazon.com, Costco.com, Target.com and several swim shops across the U.S.

"These opinions are my own and I received the above-mentioned product to facilitate this post."

The Plans I Have For You Devotional & Journal + Giveaway (US & Canada)

   Last year my two younger boys, ages 7 and 9, attended a Christian day camp at a place called Glorieta in New Mexico. This day camp was a week filled with plenty of fun activities like swimming, zip line, and archery, but it also was a time for the children to learn more about Jesus. My boys had a blast with all the activities and learning. I was thankful for the energetic counselors who helped my boys further develop their relationship with Jesus.This camp helped my boys know more about the love Jesus has for them. It was at this day camp that my 9-year-old gave his life to Christ. I was so happy for my son. I know it won't be long before my other son gives his life to Christ.

   I am always looking for books for my son's that help them to learn more about Jesus. I discovered a wonderful devotional and journal set that will help my boys to know more about the love Jesus has for them. The Plans I Have For You Devotional and Journal inspires kids to dream about their future; to focus on faith, love, and joy; and to recognize that God has a plan for each and every one of us. This book set will help my boys learn and discover more about the love and plan God has for them.

The Plans I Have For You Devotional is a 160-page hard-covered book and is geared for kids 8-12 years. I love the brightly colored and easy to read pages. Each daily devotion is only one to two pages long, making them perfect to read just before bed, Each page starts off with a verse from the bible and follows with a short paragraph to help the child understand the verse. I love reading this book with my boys at bedtime and the book has opened up some great discussions about God's plan.

The Plans I Have For You Journal  is 208 pages and geared for kids 11-14 years-old. This is a book that helps kids think through bible verses and questions. There is plenty of space for them to write down their thoughts and questions. There are even pictures in the book to help kids think and write down their thoughts. I just love the first page of the journal that tells others to keep out of their book. This journal is perfect for my 9-year-old son who is an advanced reader.

About the Contributor(s)

Amy Parker
Amy Parker has sold more than thirty books for children, teens, and adults. She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son. Two of these collaborations are recipients of Christian retailing’s Best Awards, and she has also won three Mom’s Choice Awards. But Amy’s greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan.



Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter. Her passion for children’s books began when she came across The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats as a child in the 1960s. Growing up in a musical family who loved to sing, Vanessa’s illustrations are as fun and whimsical as a beautiful melody. Vanessa currently makes her nest in Charlotte, NC with her husband of 20 years, their daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named Stripes.

To find out more about these wonderful books and to purchase, just click on the below links.

                                The Plans I Have For You Devotional Official Website 

                                 The Plans I Have For You Journal Official Website 

                                                       ZonderKidz Facebook

                                                         ZonderKidz Twitter

                                                              Giveaway

I have a copy of both books, the devotional and the journal, to giveaway to one lucky reader. Just enter on the giveaway form below and good luck.

        a Rafflecopter giveaway

Propeller Consulting,LLC is generously offering one of our lucky readers their very own The Plans I Have For You Devotional & Journal.  Disclaimer: Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents 18 years of age or older. No entry is mandatory. Chances of winning giveaway depends on number of entries. All entries will be verified. Winner will be notified within 24 hours of end of contest and will then have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen. Sponsor is responsible for shipping out prize. Void where prohibited.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Oven Roasted Brussles Sprouts, Eggplant, And Zucchini With Pumpkin Seeds

A delicious way to enjoy vegetables. Roasting veggies adds a great sweet flavor and even those who don't like veggies will enjoy them.

This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases 

     Winter is here and the cooler weather makes me want to cook more. One of the things I like to cook is veggies. When I cook my veggies, I like to slow roast them in the oven. The roasting brings out a wonderful sweet taste to veggies. My veggie-hating husband loves roasted veggies and will eat them right out of the oven. I like to oven roast many types of veggies but my favorite veggie to roast is Brussels sprouts. I recently started oven roasting eggplant and love the way it tastes. The oven brings out a great taste to eggplant. I use to only eat eggplant covered in cheese and tomato sauce. I added the zucchini to the mix as I had some in the fridge that needed to be used up. The pumpkin seeds add a wonderful crunch to the roasted veggies. The one item that really brings out the flavor and sweetness of the roasted veggies is Real Salt. Now I know what you are thinking, salt is salt. I use to think that too until I tried Redmond Real Salt. This wonderful tasting salt comes from the sea and has nothing added to it, unlike other salts.

 

 Brussels Sprouts are:

~ Sweet

~ Healthy

~ Tender

~ Loaded with fiber

~ Full of nutrients

~ Delicious

~ Little cabbages

I was sent a bottle of Real Salt, along with onion, garlic, and seasoned salt from Redmond when I requested to try their Earth Paste toothpaste. I first tried it on potatoes and loved the way it tasted, so I just had to use it on my roasted veggie. I now have a new salt in my house as it is that good. This salt has some great benefits too. 

        Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Eggplant, And Zucchini With Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients: 

2 pounds Brussels sprouts

1 small eggplant

2 zucchini

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Redmond Real Salt, Organic Garlic, onion or seasoning salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 cup roasted green pumpkin seeds

 Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel off any yellowed or wilted leaves from the outside of Brussels sprouts and trim bottoms. Chop the eggplant and zucchini into bite-size pieces. Combine all veggies in a large bowl with oil, Real salt, and black pepper. Toss until coated. Place the veggies on a baking sheet and roast, stirring once or twice, until Brussels sprouts are almost browned and just tender when pierced at the base with a paring knife, about 25- 35 minutes. Place the veggies in the serving dish and toss them with maple syrup and pumpkin seeds.

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Looking for more recipes with Brussels Sprouts? 

 If you enjoy Brussels Sprouts, then you will enjoy these recipes. Click on the below links to discover new delicious ways to prepare Brussels Sprouts.

Roasted Rainbow Brussels Sprouts 

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2018/12/roasted-rainbow-brussels-sprouts-made.html

 Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pumpkin Seeds

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2014/11/maple-roasted-brussels-sprouts-with.html

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Blueberry Glaze 

https://www.momknowsbest.net/2015/12/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-blueberry.html

Have you tried roasted veggies? If so what is your favorite veggie to roast?