lemonpoppycake

Blogging for Fishes.... A Sneak Peak

2012-01-28T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have been BUSY BUSY working on this recipe book for the
"Fish" family....

And I am really excited!

This is a combined GRASS ROOTS effort by more than 40 bloggers to help raise money, share recipes and spread the word!

We will release this book on February 25th at a big fundraising event called "Share the Love" fundraiser

at Lone Peak High School

More details here

(This recipe book will be available to buy online starting March 1st)

You can follow the Fish family over here www.fishesformarrowwishes.blogspot.com

Here is a little sneak peak of the recipes in this book.....
The recipes are AMAZING!!!

PLUS LOTS MORE......

This recipe book will be FULL COLOR!
And will sell for $15.00 (with 50% of the proceeds going directly to the Fish family!)

Coming Soon......

2012-01-26T00:09:00.000-08:00

I added a few more FAVORITE chocolate recipes, plus re-designed the recipe cards. More details and more cuteness coming your way! You are going to WANT this book (plus one for your sister, mom and girlfriends for Valentines day). 6 bucks is as cheap as it gets around here!!! So you better stock up! Stay tuned...this offer is only good February 1st- February 14th.

P.S. If you already own "When Life Gives you a Chocolate Craving" consider yourself lucky because you now have the original collector's edition!

(but you are going to want this one too)...

Just sayin.

Roasted Beet Salad

2012-01-23T12:13:00.000-08:00

Day 21: Why you need a DAY OF REST! (and me too....)

2012-01-21T22:50:00.000-08:00

I love Sunday. Everything goes out the window on Sunday.

I chill out a little, do some cooking, go to church, relax, read good books and try not to think about anything work related!

Because lets be honest. Everyone needs a day off. You.....me.....everyone.

We all know that the BIG Guy Upstairs recommended taking a day off in the Bible...... and I was just reading about the Buddha and the Buddhist culture and how they observe a "Sabbath" day or something similar where they CHILL OUT, focus on spiritual matters, their higher self, reconnect etc.

Hmmmmmm there must be some wisdom in the Sabbath Day!!!
I certainly think so. After a long week, late nights, busy days, hustle and bustle everywhere WE ALL NEED A DAY TO RECHARGE OUR BATTERIES! So find a little time today to re-group, look at your goals and for goodness sakes TAKE A LITTLE NAP! Because finding JOY in health means finding BALANCE. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday! Cheers.

P.S. Lemon Poppy Updates: My intention this month was to create lots of healthy recipes, and share pictures, recipes and "how-to's".....Well that changed a little after I dove head first into the "Fish Family Cookbook" (WHICH I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT). So I have been cooking and taking pictures every day working on this project (and still trying to eat healthy along the way....I actually did not eat any of that chocolate cake below, believe it or not). Here are few recipes we tried out this weekend..... Also a big thanks to Andrea (my awesome BYU intern) for helping me do the cooking! This book should be available in mid-February...I will keep you posted!

30 Days of Joy: What's for Dinner (DAY 15-19)

2012-01-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

YES...I am slacking in the blog department. But I have NOT slacked in the healthy eating AND I FEEL GREAT! I hope that you are finding JOY in healthy eating too. Here is what I am learning.

1-Sugar is a drug....but when I am not eating a lot of sugar the craving literally disappears. I know it's crazy!

2-Food is just AMAZING, and the variety seems endless. If you are bored with cooking, try a new recipe, or take a stroll through Whole Foods.

3- Exercise is fun....and doesn't have to be complicated.

4- Dark chocolate is still my go-to treat. If it's really dark (85%) than it doesn't take much to satisfy a little craving. But I don't have to have it.

5- You should enjoy a good cookie, or cupcake once in awhile....I like the 80/20 principle. Check out this girls blog..... www.eat8020.com

6- I don't have to be perfect. Phewwwwww!

Also I wish I could offer some dinner ideas, but like I have admitted in the past. I rarely use a recipe when it comes to dinner...I know...I know.... But it doesn't have to be complicated. I usually think Protein plus veggies. For instance (above picture), marinate and grill a chicken breast. Make a fresh salad or salsa....a little brown rice, sautee some zucchini and top with parmesan cheese and you are in business.

And if you don't have time for that...There's always Little Ceasars 5 buck pizza. Josh and I are going to dinner tonight for his birthday (Possibly CHEESECAKE FACTORY) and........... I am pretty sure my kids will be eating Little Ceasars. So don't stress! I am over the "Perfection" thing. If you haven't read this article by Dan Pearce check it out HERE...

Good luck with all your goals and dreams and happy Friday!

Ali

DAY 14: Heart to Heart about 30 Days of Joy

2012-01-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday night. Kids are in bed. I am sitting in bed with my laptop. Josh is chillin' here next to me reading a book. Life is good.

I have been thinking about the last couple of weeks, and my heart is certainly full. FULL OF JOY! Seriously.

Something magical happens when I organize my life and my health. Everything else falls into place. It is kind of a miracle but I actually get things done (well my husband might disagree....but I think so). My mind is much less obsessed with "what am I going to eat", and more concerned about personal goals, my kids, my family. And THIS MONTH I really need to be at the top of my game because I have A LOT going on!

In fact I have been working behind the scenes on an even bigger project called "Blogging for Fish's". Even though I have been trying to be diligent with this 30 DAYS my heart is over here thinking and praying for the "Fish" Family, working on this project, designing recipe cards, rallying support from other bloggers so we can raise some SERIOUS CASH for this family in need!

You can check out their family blog over here www.fishesformarrowwishes.blogspot.com

I will let you in on more details later.... but in a nutshell I am creating a recipe book of BLOGGER'S Favorite Recipes! It will be a BIG FAT book with lots of amazing recipes and the best part is that the proceeds will benefit the Fish Family!

I feel blessed to be able to help with this project, and I feel even more blessed that God has given me the strength the stick with my goals, stay up til all hours of the nights, find time to get my workouts in and manage to TRULY FIND JOY IN HEALTHY LIVING! When these two projects collided (time-wise) I was a little worried that I could pull it off. Now I see the BENEFITS of putting my health FIRST and how everything else is falling into place.

So the moral of the story is to START FINDING JOY in whole, delicious, nutritious food and make time for exercise (even just 20 minutes) you will find a renewed HOPE and PASSION to set goals, manage your stress, and follow your bliss!

Good Luck!

DAY 13: Game Day!

2012-01-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

If you love the BRONCOS (like we do at our house) than you will need a good recipe for the game tonight. We are cookin' up some soup, chili and some fresh salsa (recipe below)!
I know Saturdays are busy but try and get in a 20 minute workout
Pick one of Sara's AMAZING circuits here
www.workoutwithsara.blogspot.com

Have FUN!!!

Chopped Garden Salsa/Salad

with toasted whole wheat pita chips

SALSA:

1 cup grape tomatoes, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

1 yellow pepper, choppe

1 orange pepper, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

1 jalapeno, chopped

1 bunch of cilantro

1 avocado, chopped

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

Combine ingredients in a large bowl.

(Feel free to use any veggies you have, I also like jicama, yellow squash, cucumbers and anaheim peppers)

DRESSING:

1 clove fresh garlic, minced

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 t. dry mustard

3 T. honey

juice of lime

pinch of salt, to taste

Whisk ingredients together and pour over veggies.

Whole Wheat Pita Chips:

10-12 whole wheat pitas or tortillas

3 T. Olive oil

sea salt

Cut pitas/tortillas with a pizza cutter into triangles and arrange on a large baking sheet. Brush pitas with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 350 degrees 20 minutes, stir chips and broil for about three minutes, or until lightly crisped.

DAY 12: More Healthy Treats (Haha....)

2012-01-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

Last week my husband Josh said, "could you add a barcode to the Chocolate Book...we need to re-order it"...So I designed the back cover and then continued to re-design the WHOLE DANG BOOK! I am crazy! Probably spent 30 hours the last 3 days working it! But I am finally DONE!

Anyways I have been feeling GREAT and having FUN finding JOY in HEALTHY, NUTRITIOUS FOOD! Thanks to Sara for the great workouts too.

Here is a nice alternative to the traditional chocolate chip cookie (This recipe is supposed to be similar to Great Harvest's Oatmeal cookie). Enjoy!

P.S. If you want to read your kids an AWESOME book (one of my favorites) check out this guest post I did over at WannabeBalanced.com

I'll be back tomorrow with some healthy recipe ideas for the BIG football games this weekend! Cheers!

30 Days of Joy-Day 10: Sweet workout with your FRIEND and CHOCOLATE DREAMS!

2012-01-11T00:56:00.000-08:00

Tres Hatch the author of Miracle Pill lost 110 lbs (seriously)!

One of the 10 truths she learned through her
experience
was to have a TREAT EVERY DAY!
YES you heard me right!

She says... in order to stick to a LONG TERM healthy eating plan
you should allow yourself a treat
every day....
As long as you are eating healthy meals and snacks, and an abundance
of fruits and vegetables it is OK to spoil yourself once in awhile
and find JOY in CHOCOLATE!

HALLELUJAH!

Now here's the workout for today...It looks really FUN..

PLUS you can enjoy this workout with a friend, your spouse or kids.
Keep it up! You rock!

P.S. The picture above is for Molten Chocolate Cake and this recipe will be in the second edition of my "Chocolate" book coming in 2 weeks! This recipe simply has dark chocolate (antioxidants right?), eggs (high protein) and a little sugar.... served with fresh fruit....A perfect little treat.

DAY 9: Ode to Running (Cardio, Cardio, Cardio)

2012-01-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

(Sara running the RAGNAR)

Here is Sara's workout for today....This one's going to be a challenge for me not gonna lie...BUT I AM DOING SARA'S WORKOUTS EVERYDAY and I FEEL GREAT!!

Running day or Walking (with running intervals! )

ODE TO RUNNING!!

Running is one of the best types of full body exercise there is! Not only is running great for your cardiovascular system (heart and lungs!), IT’s FREE!!! All you need is some time and a good pair of shoes and you can have a great workout. No special equipment or scheduled appointment needed, you can go out for a jog any time of day (or night… ,) and any place! Running helps me burn off steam, is some time for me to think and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while breathing fresh air (hopefully, not during this inversion however…) The best part or running/cardio is you feel GREAT after ! Running is a high impact workout, which can be troublesome if you have bad knees or ankles but the good news is walking at an up tempo pace (faster than your average walk) can give you a lot of the same cardiovascular benefits you get from running, with less impact on your joints. Running is a great way to see the world and have new adventures, just ask Forrest Gump J

TODAY, grab a friend, your stroller, husband, friends, kids, or head out by your lonesome (I like this way every once in a while!) and GET MOVIN! You can head to a park with a trail, your neighborhood, your own treadmill or elliptical trainer, or just map out a route and get er done!

* If you are a runner (or at least aspire to be a good runner, like me!) try to do between a 5K and 10K (between 3-6 miles)

*IF you are not into running (yet) or can’t take the impact, get a good 2-3 miles of walking with a running interval every couple min, run/jog for as long as you can, then walk again.

Get a nice good sweat going and try challenging yourself a bit- get that last mile under your pace or jog a little longer each interval, maybe even throw in a SPRINT!!! We all have inner strength just waiting to come to the surface and exercise is a great way to bring that out! ENJOY!!

30 Days of JOY-Day 8: How to cook barley and some pantry inspiration!

2012-01-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

From ABOUT.COM :Whole grain barley is a healthy high-fiber, high-protein whole grain. boasting numerous health benefits. When cooked, barley has a chewy texture and nutty flavor, similar to brown rice. Although soup is the most popular way to eat barley, you can use it like any other grain such as couscous or rice. Serve a curry or stir-fry over barley instead of rice or make a barley pilaf.

Barley cooks the same as rice (YES IT'S EASY).... Just use a 2:1 ratio (2 cups water to one cup barley). Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 30 minutes.

Or you can simply add uncooked barley to any soup and cook until tender.

I added barley to a leftover turkey soup and it was tasty! Good luck!

I have been better about buying BULK products lately and I am really loving it! Check your local health food stores for delicious NUTS, SEEDS, GRAINS, RAISINS, LENTILS, BEANS, and COCONUT!

(My granola recipe coming soon)

The great part about eating "WHOLE" foods is that you are getting more nutrients, and higher protein NATURALLY! Also I found these SWEET little containers at IKEA, only 3.99! I know it's exciting!

Day 8: Workout! Wake up Circuit (Happy Monday)

2012-01-09T09:35:00.003-08:00

Day 7: Breakfast is the MOST important meal of the DAY!

2012-01-07T22:54:00.000-08:00

Remember to eat a healthy Breakfast!

Enjoy your Sunday (Sara say's to take the day off)! Enjoy your family, and find time for yourself! Monday we will be back with a new workout and more healthy recipes!

Cheers!

Day 6: A Few More Vegetarian Recipes...

2012-01-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Just running out the door for Preston's basketball game....Here's a few healthy recipes to inspire you! As for a workout today just get MOVING! I think my kids and I are going to have a dance party later! Have a great Saturday!

P.S. If you have "When Life Gives you a Garden" you will find all these recipes in there.

Day 5: The Secret to Cooking Brown Rice plus Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

2012-01-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

Brown rice is seems to be a little more temperamental to cook than white rice...... but over the last few years

I have perfected my method

(well at least I think so).

There are 2 VERY IMPORTANT RULES

when cooking brown rice:

1- NEVER USE SALT (trust me... this helps the rice soften quicker)

2-Use FRESH brown rice (well "fresh" as in..... bought from the store within the last 6 months-1 year....brown rice does not have a 30 year shelf life like "white rice" and if it's TOO OLD it doesn't cook well and is often tough and chewy)

I know it seems simple.... but these two rules will help you cook perfect brown rice (long grain or short grain) just like P.F. Chang's brown rice!!

Now there are as many methods to cooking brown rice as there are varieties of rice (7,000 varieties if you can believe that) but if I use FRESH RICE and NO SALT I can cook short grain or long grain rice on the stove with a 2:1 ratio (2 cups water to 1 cup rice). Simply bring rice and water to a rolling boil for 2 minutes, cover and turn the heat to low. Allow to simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Check rice after 15 minutes...if the water seems too low just add a little (don't stress). When your rice is done you can season it with salt......

Also if you like to roll your own sushi you can use short grain brown rice. Simply cook it and add seasoned rice vinegar to taste and a little bit of sugar (this helps with the stickiness).

Good luck with your brown rice!

Here is a simple vegetarian recipe using brown rice

(this one's for you Megan!)

Vegetable and Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers

I have a confession....I rarely share dinner ideas because I almost NEVER use a recipe when I am cooking dinner???

I know....I Know.... I am sorry!

It's usually like "Chopped" at my house, I open the basket ingredients and try to be creative? Here is what I did last night and it turned out really good!

1-cooked some brown rice

2-sauteed some veggies (eggplant, red onion, garlic)

3-Added some chopped tomatoes to the sauteed veggies (this helped make a tomatoey sauce like you would find in traditional stuffed peppers.

4-Seasoned it all to taste, and added a little "Better than Bouillon" to give it a nice flavor.

5-Combine veggies and rice.

6-Added a little cheese

6-Cut tops off peppers and cleaned out seeds

7- Stuffed peppers with rice and veggie mixture

8-Baked in the oven 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.

9- The last 5 minutes I placed a slice of provolone cheese over each pepper.

Anyways it was YUMMY! I love the taste of cooked peppers, and the rice mixture was delicious, My kids loved it (minus the pepper)....it was glorified cheese and rice inside a pepper... who wouldn't love that! Enjoy!

30 Days of Joy: More JOY in sore muscles (Thanks Sara)!!!

2012-01-06T00:07:00.000-08:00

I am posting this workout right now (1:00 a.m.) because I might sleep in tomorrow.

Just Sayin'.

You are going to love this workout! I was the camera girl for this video, and Sara made me do this circuit at the park ( I am still recovering).....remember if you are a beginner like me take 'er easy...

Well..... not too easy. Have fun!

30 Days of Joy: Day 4 Finding Joy in a Vegetarian Lifestyle (from my friend Megan)!

2012-01-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

Why Vegetarian?

Vegetarian eating became a way of life in my household about 2 years ago when I began to experience arthritis pain in my hands and joints after the birth of my 3^rd child. Subsequent tests showed it’s likely the result of an autoimmune problem. At the same time, my sister in law just happened to be binge reading on the subject of health & nutrition and directed me to a few books that discussed health benefits of decreasing/eliminating the consumption of animal products (i.e. The China Study and Eat to Live). Not wanting to spend the rest of my life popping obscene amounts of Advil, I read up and figured changing my diet was worth a shot.

With some skepticism, I began to first, eliminate meat from my diet and second, significantly increase my consumption of fruits and veggies. In a short time, I noticed the swelling and pain in my joints had diminished. However, after about a month of vegetarian meals, I had a hankering for a big hunk of meat and indulged at Texas Roadhouse. Within hours, the inflammation in my hands had returned and I knew my eating habits would need to change permanently.

I don’t call myself a vegetarian. Because honestly, I eat meat a few times a year. I know some people feel very passionately about vegetarianism and I have definite strong opinions about it myself, but I’m not into labels. If I eat meat, I don’t want to feel like I’ve failed. Instead, I just pick up where I left off and continue to follow my vegetarian menu. I also LOVE cheese, so veganism is out of the question, but I do try to limit my dairy intake as well.

How Can Your Family Stand Eating Vegetarian Food?

Luckily, I am married to the least picky man on earth. Only occasionally does he joke about being deprived of meat and then I remind him he is welcome to make his own dinner anytime he wants. He and the kids do eat meat when we go out, but even then, he still might order a vegetarian dish. My kids complained A LOT at first, but now I’ve found they don’t complain any more or less about dinner than they did before. It doesn’t matter what I make, they just complain, period. But obviously I try to cook the vegetarian foods that they actually like to eat and I don’t make them eat vegetables they haven’t acquired a taste for (yet!).

What Do You Eat?

The easiest way to transition to vegetarian eating is to determine what you already like to eat and then think about how to make it vegetarian. Or you can just let Google think for you – that’s what I do. So when I wanted “vegetarian shepherds pie”, I googled it and found a recipe that looked good or adaptable, at least. There are also a number of vegetarian/vegan blogs out there to inspire you to broaden your taste bud horizons – VegKitchen and OhSheGlows are just a couple of good ones.

I’ve found that there are certain staples of some vegetarian diets that I just don’t like – tofu is one, cooked greens are another. Believe it or not, you don’t have to eat tofu to be a vegetarian. I incorporate plenty of beans, lentils, and nuts into our foods to make them more substantial. Since I have a texture issue with most cooked greens, we instead eat raw salads almost everyday and drink plenty of green smoothies to get all of the nutritional benefits of leafy greens. It may sound disgusting, but trust me; if you throw a ripe banana in your smoothie with leafy greens and other fruit, it will taste fruity. All 3 of my kids will testify to this. We even drink them enough that my extremely cheap husband splurged on a BlendTec blender for Christmas – woot! (And in case you are in the market for a BlendTec or VitaMix blender, the best deal I’ve found is to take a 20% off coupon into Bed, Bath & Beyond and order it from them if it’s not in stock).

Occasionally, I purchase vegetarian “meat” products and have actually found them to be pretty decent. Tofurkey Italian Sausauge is good in tortellini soup and Morningstar meat crumbles are good in chili if you want it to seem meatier. Boca and Morningstar burgers are also good - I bring them along to BBQs frequently. Be advised, vegetarian “meats” purchased from the store are heavily processed and nothing you should consider as a health food.

Recipes to Get You Started

(disclaimer: I have 3 kids and a budget. I don’t do gourmet vegetarian.)

Easy Peasy Vegetarian Dinner – Tasty Lentil Tacos from Allrecipes

Vegetarian Comfort Food – Shepherds Pie – I am notorious for changing recipes, so I cook 1 cup of dried red lentils and add it to the veggie mixture. I use Normandy Blend frozen veggies and season the creamy sauce with poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. (If there’s one thing I learned from Rachel Ray, it’s that you can throw pretty much anything together and call it dinner). This is probably my kids’ favorite meal.

Favorite Soup – WholeFoodsVeganMomma: Vegan Zuppa Toscana Soup - FYI, nutritional yeast can be found in the health food section of grocery stores or in the bulk section of health food stores.

Kids (or grown up kid) Snack – homemade Lara Bars from Enlightened Cooking

Whether or not you want to transition fully to a vegetarian diet or just have Meatless Mondays at your house, vegetarian food is not scary or hard. Use Google wisely and know that those really popular vegetarian and vegan bloggers are popular for a reason – they make tasty, beautiful vegetarian food!

30 Days of Joy: Day 4 Workout "Crazy 8's"

2012-01-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

Enjoy Sara's "CRAZY 8's" workout this morning (I am looking forward to it)...Also this afternoon look for a guest post from my friend Megan. She is going to share her thoughts about "going vegetarian", why her doctor recommended it, how she has incorporated this change into her everyday cooking, and a few of her FAVORITE VEGETARIAN RECIPES! Stay tuned.....

30 Days of Joy- Day 3: Snacks and a Workout

2012-01-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple healthy snack ideas...
Potato Chips and Trail Mix

Try making your own potato chips. Just slice potatoes, beets and sweet potatoes as thin as possible (if you have a julienne slicer that works perfectly), Toss in Olive oil, sea salt and pepper, arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until crisp.

For a quick microwave recipe click HERE

For a high protein snack try making your own trail mix. I like to use raw peanuts, almonds, raisins, cranberries (look for the apple juice sweetened variety), sunflower seeds, dried unsweetened coconut, pumpkin seeds or anything else you would like. Combine everything together and put trail mix in little snack baggies so you have a go-to snack when you are in a hurry.

Let me know what your favorite HEALTHY SNACKS are.....and don't forget to get moving today!

Cheers!

30 Days of Joy- Day 2: Let's get MOVING!!

2012-01-02T22:38:00.000-08:00

Today is your lucky day!!!! You get your very own personalized workout from Sara...

Read her BIO here....She is the Coolest!

Sara Cowley-Your Personal Trainer for 30 Days of Joy!!

2012-01-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

I met sara when I was zero......yep ZERO.

well actually I was 10 months old. Our moms were good friends so I went to visit Sara at the hospital when she was born. It was the start of a beautiful friendship... what can I say. Sara and I grew up 2 houses apart, and spent almost every waking moment hanging out, goofing off, wasting time, rollerblading or schooling the neighborhood boys at a game of basketball. After high school Sara and I went to College and of course we were roommates. Every morning Sara's alarm would go off at 6:00 a.m. (much to my dismay) and she was out the door to go train with the Utah State Soccer Team. She was an animal.... Then Sara would come home around 9:00 a.m. and I was just rolling out of bed. Not much has changed since then, Sara is still working out and I am still sleeping in too late (until NOW because Sara is helping me get my act together) Sara seriously INSPIRES ME IN THE FITNESS DEPARTMENT! Every day she is running, jumping, coaching soccer or doing something active.

Sooooo I have twisted Sara's arm and talked her into being OUR PERSONAL TRAINER for the next 30 days!!! Check back every morning for a daily video clip of some exercises you CAN DO RIGHT AT HOME! I WILL BE DOING THIS EVERY DAY RELIGIOUSLY (so join in the fun)!

Check out Sara's Bio here.... She is more than qualified!!

Sara (Buie) Cowley

I am a fitness enthusiast (probably more like a fitness addict…) Some think it’s strange but I absolutely love the feeling of being totally exhausted, dripping in sweat and the endorphin rush I get after completing a good workout, or something physically challenging. There is something powerful that is created in these moments, and there is no substitute for good old fashion hard work! My connection to fitness started very early on in life, as a child I loved playing outside, playing any sport, riding bikes, playing catch, basically anything that involved being active! I discovered very early and still find great JOY in moving and being physically active. As I have gotten older I have been exposed to TONS of different kinds of exercise… and to be honest I LOVE all of them! My background comes mainly from sports specific training, in the last 15 years it has been all Soccer. I have had lots of those” dripping in sweat, bend over feeling like I was going to die… but loving it and would do it again experiences” as a College Soccer Player at Utah State University. It was during my college years that I discovered this connection to Fitness and being active was more like a passion and I cherished those college years as I studied and learned so much about the great benefits and need for physical activity, I received my degree in Sports and Exercise Science and love to continue to learn and experience all different types of fitness and ways to be active.

Through the years I have done tons of different work out programs, Tae-Bo (Billy Blanks is the man!), Jillian Michaels DVD’s , Running , lifting weights at the gym, Interval training, Insanity, P90X, Cross fit, Zumba, just to name a few J They are all awesome! All of them provide great, calorie burning work-outs, and get you sweating in a hurry! But I also love the aspect of being outdoors, Trail Running, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Snowshoeing etc. This type of fitness brings inner peace and Joy as we enjoy the beauty of nature. There are so many ways to Exercise and add more physical activity to your life- I am convinced there is a type of working out to meet each individuals taste and desires, and help you get what you want out of Exercise. We all have heard the phrase, “You get out what you put in,” I believe that is true with exercise. It requires action, thinking about it is good, and having every intention to start/continue your commitment to exercise is good, but untimely it comes down to, “In the Now, ACTION.” Moving the thoughts to action and taking control of that aspect of our lives. There are probably a million reasons and good ones at that, why it’s easy to put your personal health and well-being on the back burner, wait for a time or phase of life that isn’t so busy, or when you feel better, or when the dr. says it’s a priority, etc etc. But I can assure you that as you keep some “personal time” (only 20-30 min 5-6 days a week!!) You will have more focus and energy to accomplish your lives missions and keep yourself on a path of health and happiness, and be able to share that with your kids and those you love!

For the next 30 days I will be sharing some of the ways I have found practical and fun to get my exercise in, it can be personal or grab whoever you are with, kids, family and friends, it will benefit everyone! Have fun with it and remember studies have shown it takes at least days 21 to make something a habit! If you truly have the desire to get more fit and healthy stick with it and don’t get discouraged, exercise is about stress relief and feeling good both physically and emotionally! Whatever your reasons are for exercising and recommitting to health, embrace them and have faith in yourself and believe those desires will come true! Good things are to come; Today is the day to make it happen!!

CARPE DIEM!!

Jana's Multi-Grain Rolls....

2012-01-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

Comfort food. Yes. Full of whole grain goodness. Yes.

Here is a recipe you will LOVE!

Jana's Multi-Grain Rolls

1/2 cup cracked wheat or 9 grain cereal (you can find this in the bulk section of your local health food stores...I always use the 9 grain)
1 cup milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
2 cups wheat flour
2-2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I have used all whole wheat flour before)
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. yeast

Cook the cereal in 2 cups boiling water until done (about 15 minutes). Cool completely. Soften yeast in 1/4 cup warm water and a pinch of sugar, set aside. Mix cooled cereal, milk, eggs, sugar, oil, wheat flour, oats and salt until combined. Add yeast and mix gently. Slowly add all purpose flour and knead for 5 minutes. Cover and let rise 1 hour. Punch down and shape into 16 balls. Arrange in two oiled 8 inch round cake pans. Cover and let rise 20-25 minutes. Heat oven to 375 degrees.

For seeded rolls: In a small bowl combine 2 egg whites and 2 Tbsp. water. Brush tops of rolls right before baking and then sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds and sea salt. (I love to add the seeds, but the picture above is without seeds)

Bake approximately 25 minutes until dark golden brown on top. Let cool in pan 10 minutes before removing.

30 Days of Joy: Day 1: Expanding my Squash Horizons

2012-01-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

A variety of squash from Grandpa Paul and Anita's Garden...Also my sweet little Elizabeth when she was about 3 months old....she was a tiny little thing.

Today is the first of 30 wonderful days of food! Delicious, nutritious goodness! I secretly love all things "Whole"...And I could spend a pretty penny at Whole Foods.....

if I just had a pretty penny....

Anyways I met the cutest girl the other day (personal trainer, nutritionist) and was picking her brain about healthy eating. She said one of the best things to eat in the winter was SQUASH, because HELLO it is the perfect pre-packaged, vitamin packed, winter vegetable! It is loaded with goodness, fiber, vitamins and minerals (info here). You can grow squash in the summer and it will keep throughout most of the winter.

Her FAVORITE breakfast was SQUASH (winter, acorn, or spaghetti) topped with a fried egg and a little real maple syrup. She bakes the squash the night before so she can make a quick, powerhouse breakfast first thing in the morning.

Who knew?

Also I learned that you can eat every part of the squash, the pulp, seeds, stem, everything. The seeds make a great snack! Just clean and bake on a a cookie sheet like you would pumpkin seeds.

200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Season with little salt and pepper.

Here are a few more recipes from the Pioneer woman

Click here...

Remember this month is all about finding Joy in healthy living and exercise. 2 goals:

1- Get Moving! make an effort today to play with your kids, go for a walk, jump rope or whatever you'd like for 20 minutes.

2- Eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible! (less packaged food...more grains, more vegetables, more good sources of protein like nuts and seeds)

Stay tuned for recipes and workouts from my friend Sara.

Happy Monday!

30 Days of Joy: What to eat....

2011-12-30T22:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a good rule of thumb...

If it grows on a tree or in a garden...eat it.

If it's in a package or can....don't eat it.

Simple enough.

As for dairy, meat, oils, sugars etc. Just remember that your body wants TOP quality fuel! So a hot dog is not equal to a t-bone steak. Give your body the least processed food as possible. Choose honey over refined, white sugar, and choose sprouted whole grain bread over Wonderbread.....YOUR BODY WILL THANK YOU!!! MY JOB IS TO SHOW YOU OVER THE NEXT 30 DAYS THAT NATURAL, HEALTHY, NUTRITIOUS FOOD CAN BE WONDERFUL!!

Here are a few ideas...(more to come)

Breakfast:

Eggs

Vegetable omelet (red peppers, onion, mushrooms etc.)

Crock pot oatmeal

Squash with an egg

Green Smoothies

Yogurt berry smoothies

Granola (not too sweet) with almond milk

Wheat berries

9 grain cereal

whole grain pancakes wheat and almonds

kamut

Greek yogurt with fresh berries

Lunch:

Chicken salad with greek yogurt

Wraps, whole grain tortilla, turkey, avocado

Lettuce wraps,

Salad with safflower oil and rice vinegar

Black bean taco with salsa

Green beans and grilled chicken breast (leftover)

Quinoa salad with sweet peppers

Garlic kale Salad

Tuna fish wraps

Open face tomato sandwich on whole wheat bread

Snacks:

Sweet potato fries

Granola

Trail mix

Veggie stix with hummus

Celery with peanut butter

Raw almonds, cashews, walnuts etc.

Seeds

Dried berries

Dates

greek yogurt

Dinner:

Balsamic chicken with spinach and tomatoes

Stuffed Peppers

Black bean tacos with fresh salsa

Squash soup

Turkey meatloaf

White chicken chilli

etc.

Go ahead....spoil yourself with good food!

Also I will be teaching you how to cook grains, beans, lentils, quinoa, etc. so you can add them to your diet too!

30 Days of Joy!!! Health and Happiness to come....

2011-12-26T22:54:00.000-08:00

I love good food...But I have been enjoying the sweet, gluttonous variety too much lately and it's time to make some serious changes! I have recruited my BFF Sara Cowley (health and fitness guru and soccer coach) to help me get my act together in the exercise department, and I am drawing my inspiration in the food department from Tres Hatch, author of Miracle Pill (She lost 110 pounds, doesn't count calories and eats cookies occasionally...my kind of girl!!). If you are looking to make some lifestyle changes and want to see if you have what it takes.... I challenge you to take on 30 DAYS....Just 30 Days, applying 2 basic principles. First......

#1- GET MOVING and second.....

#2- EAT FOODS THAT ARE AS CLOSE TO THEIR NATURAL STATE AS POSSIBLE

I am not making any unrealistic claims here, cannot guarantee that you will lose 10 or 20 pounds, the main goal is to inspire you (and me) that eating healthy and exercise can be a blessing not a curse, that nutritious food can be delicious and exercise can be simple (no gym required)!!!

Each day we will share recipes and simple exercises (videos and demonstrations too). For the most recent updates you will want to follow us on FACEBOOK CLICK HERE.

The ultimate goal is to make simple lifestyle changes that will become habits after 30 days... Essentially this 30 day program will become a GATEWAY TO HEALTH AND HAPPINESS!

More details coming soon..... In the meantime get to cleaning out your pantry, start weeding out the foods that are processed, made with white flour and sugar because we are going to have some serious FUN HERE!

Coming Next Christmas...

2011-12-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

From my Heart...

2011-12-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

Behind the scenes- Trying to find balance in my CRAZY life... Click here
Sorry this is a little after-the-fact...

Last Minute Christmas Gifts and a FREEBIE!!!

2011-12-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

Psssst. Here is a little secret. From now until Christmas you will get a set of 25 FREE Lemon Poppy recipe cards ($4.00 value) with each recipe book purchase. Makes a perfect little gift for your friends, neighbors, mom or sister. PLUS FREE SHIPPING!!

Happy Shopping.

Happy Holidays...

2011-11-23T21:08:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for Holiday Recipes, Parties and great deals!

Light-Up Cowboy Boots, Spring Rolls and Some Mommy Wisdom....

2011-11-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

We just got back from Colorado. It was crazy and fun!

First.... real quick....we made these delicious spring rolls one night, and I wanted to share the love. If you haven't ever attempted spring rolls don't be intimidated it is actually quite easy. You can find the rice paper wrappers at Whole Foods (only 1.99) . You just quickly soak the rice paper to soften and then wrap your sliced veggies, chicken, tofu, noodles etc. like a burrito. See it's easy!

Give it a try. For a yummy recipe CLICK HERE

Secondly I had an epiphany about motherhood this last week that I wanted to share. I sent my husband to the store to buy some pants and a pair of boots for my 4 year old, Will

(note: my husband doesn't usually do the shopping).

Anyways the boys came home from their shopping trip with Black, cartoon plastered Toy Story, light up cowboy boots.

Needless to say my 4 year old was ecstatic!!!

And I was a little shocked.

My first thought was "What in the world..How could you spend money on those things!!!", but I held my tongue due to the pure delight on Will's face.

He strutted around on the wood floor like Will Rogers.

I couldn't resist a smile.

And then I realized in a brief instant how FAST my kids are growing up. In a year or two he won't want to wear the light-up cowboy boots and the obnoxious spiderman shirts.

So I am embracing it.

And loving it. Life is too short.

Besides...

I think we all need a pair of light-up cowboy boots.

Carpe Diem

Seize the Day.

If you do get a pair of light up cowboy boots remember to tuck your pants in like Will does.

That way everyone can enjoy them .

And the Winner is Lucky number 34...

2011-10-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

I used random.org to generate a number for our give-a-way and lucky number 34 and Leslie Moss is the winner!

Congratulations Leslie!

Thanks everybody for entering!

Hope you are having a wonderful Halloween!

Ali

P.S. I didn't eat any Halloween candy this year...Still not eating sugar (I know it's crazy) just a a couple weeks to go. Anyways my daughter asked me tonight what is my favorite candy bar and I replied "Dark chocolate candy bars" Ohhhhhhh wow (like CHOCOLOVE)! Then the wheels started turning. What if there was a holiday where all the moms dressed up and went door to door getting FREE DARK CHOCOLATE CANDY BARS. That would be awesome. When I am the president of the United States I will make that an official holiday. It's a deal.

A Halloween TREAT and a SWEET Give-A-Way

2011-10-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a simple and FUN Halloween treat!

Make your favorite cupcakes and frost with your vanilla frosting.

Using a decorative frosting (store bought) make 3 circles starting in the middle and go toward the outside (see picture below)...

Using a toothpick start at the center of the cupcake and pull toward the outside edge...this will make a spiderweb.

Top with a spiderweb ring.

Easy, and cute...

Now for a SWEET Halloween Give-a-way!

You can win this entire set of Lemon Poppy books

Just leave a comment and tell me what you like to bake/cook on Halloween (include your email address).
You can enter this contest up to 3 times.

I will select a winner using random.org on

HALLOWEEN NIGHT at 10:00 p.m.

Good Luck!

Last Chance....

2011-10-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

Only one day left to buy

"When Life Gives you a Garden"

for $6.99!!

plus FREE SHIPPING!

This offer ends Tuesday night at midnight.
CLick here to BUY

Also stay tuned for a really exciting

give-a-way later in the week!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER! ONLY 6.99 -5 days only!

2011-10-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Just one year ago I launched this little business Lemon Poppy Inc.

It was all on a wing and a prayer.

The first three books "When Life Gives you Lemons" When Life Gives you Friends, and "When Life Gives you a Chocolate Craving" was my debut into the unknown.

There was ALWAYS a good reason to talk myself out of it, but I felt that it was inspired.... so I kept moving forward.

My friend, and business partner Christine told me to have VISION for the future and suggested that I should promote my next two books on the back cover.

I didn't really have anything planned but I still said

"Coming Soon...."

When Life Gives you Kids and

When Life Gives you a Garden

(that sounded good)

Somehow over the span of the last year I pulled it off!

(It's been a crazy year too).

This "Garden" book was a big undertaking. But that was my fault. I love fresh vegetables, salads, sides and I couldn't narrow it down to 20 recipes. Sooooo this book has 44 of my favorites and YES I made every ONE and I took EVERY PICTURE.

I don't know if anyone really understands the amount of time that goes into these little books.

It's a lot....times 10!

but I love it.

AND I THINK YOU are going to LOVE this book!

Snatch it up fast for only $6.99!!!!

(5 days only)

Thanks for all your LOVE and support over the last year!

Love, ali

Cucumbers in your Garden???

2011-10-10T14:40:00.001-07:00

Late night Inspiration...

2011-10-09T00:17:00.000-07:00

I always feel inspired late at night.

It must be the quiet.

4 exhausted kids, and one tired husband all snoozing away.

I should really sleep...but sleep is for people

without goals and vision (no offense)...

but I have learned a few important lessons in my life and here is just one.

If you want to accomplish anything PLAN ON A BIG SCOOP OF SACRIFICE...with a cherry on top.

Which sometimes means no sleep, and no excuses.

It's the truth.

Anything in life worth doing is not going to be easy, it will not fit perfectly into your organized schedule or
miraculously happen with no effort?

Just sayin?

So here is the moral of the story.

I know that YOU HAVE SOME GREAT DREAM,
some lofty goal.
You want to write a book, start a business, take up photography, write a song, start a non-profit or create a multi-billion dollar computer company like "Mac"

in your garage?

Every great accomplishment started with an idea.

Just one simple idea.

The key is to never let go of that idea, even if it means losing sleep, sacrificing your personal time,

falling on your face, being ridiculed.

If you believe it. You can do it.

I just watched an incredible video clip of Steve Jobs giving a commencement speech at Stanford. He spoke truth like a

TRUE dreamer and a TRUE leader.

One point that he made beautifully was TO FOLLOW YOUR HEART!

Each of us has a PURPOSE, a passion and a path.
(I know that is true)

The etymology of the word LEADER is a PATH FINDER.
Leaders find the path.

Most often that path is uncharted, you just have to trust your heart, look for the clues...

Steve Jobs said it like this...

"You cannot connect the dots looking forward.
You can only connect them looking backwards,
so you have to trust that
the dots will somehow connect in your future.

You have to trust in something...

--your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever--
because believing that
the dots will connect down the road will
give you the confidence to follow your heart,

even when it leads you off the well-worn path,
and that will make all the difference."

I just wanted to say Amen to that.

Good Luck with your dreams.

Look for YOUR PATH.

It's waiting for you.

That is all.

Good Night.

No Wheat, No Dairy...No PROBLEM! "Raw Foodie" Cheesecake!

2011-09-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have a WONDERFUL friend named Kris Bayer....

She is such an inspiration to my life! One of the many things she has taught me is the absolute DELICIOUSNESS of the "RAW FOOD" Lifestyle!

When I tasted this cheesecake for the first time
I was BLOWN AWAY! It is UNBELIEVABLE!

If you have people in your life that choose a "Raw" lifestyle or have Gluten or Dairy Intolerance this is your
NEW FAVORITE RECIPE!

And FOR EVERYONE ELSE...you will LOVE this recipe too!

Enjoy!

P.S. You will find all of these ingredients at your local health food store. If you cannot find them locally check out NaturalGrocers.com

“Not So Cheesecake” CHEESECAKE

with Fresh Raspberries

Crust:

2 cups raw macadamia nuts

1/2 cup dates or raisins

1/4 cup dried coconut, finely grated

For the crust: Process the macadamia nuts and dates/raisins in food processor until fine crumbs. Sprinkle coconut in the bottom of a 8” spring form pan (works nicely to line it with foil too). Press macadamia nut crust mixture onto the coconut (this helps to prevent sticking) along the bottom of the pan and up the sides 1 1/4 inch.

Filling:

3 cups raw cashews, soaked for 1 hour

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3/4 cup raw honey

3/4 cup raw coconut oil, gently warmed

1/2 t. sea salt

1/2 cup water

To make “cheese-filling” combine cashews, lemon, honey, coconut oil, vanilla and salt and water in a blender. Blend until smooth and adjust to taste. Pour mixture onto crust and gently tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Freeze until firm. Remove the whole cheesecake from pan while still frozen and place on serving platter. Defrost in the fridge. Serve chilled.

Raspberry Sauce:

1-2 cups fresh raspberries, crushed

agave nectar (to taste)

Combine fresh crushed raspberries and agave nectar and chill. Spoon onto cheesecake right before serving.

Busy...

2011-09-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 5:00 a.m. this morning with a fussy baby. After giving her a bottle, waffles...goldfish crackers etc. she was wired..... Soooooo she destroyed my books next to the night stand, smashed a few crackers into the carpet and fell asleep in the middle of the hall.

(which is probably what I'll be doing about 3:00 this afternoon)

I figured I would use this quiet time to update my blog. Oh how I wish I could cook, photograph, give tips tutorials and recipes everyday...but lets be honest...that would be next to impossible.

So you'll have to do what I do....check out other YUMMY blogs. Like "The Sister's Cafe, and "Our Best Bites"

I am excited about the possibility of a new blog/website for Lemon Poppy Inc. with an actual online store etc. COMING THE FIRST OF NEXT YEAR. So check back often for updates!

Anyways I have been BUSY BUSY the last couple weeks finalizing/editing the "Garden" book and I am REALLY EXCITED about this project! I love cooking with FRESH, GARDEN ingredients! The only problem I have had is narrowing it down to the top 40 recipes (YES.....this book has twice as many recipes! front and back of each card). It will be here REALLY SOON and I am going to offer a CRAZY GOOD PRICE (The first week I have it available) SO check back soon!

Thanks for your patience and support!

Swiss Days Madness...

2011-09-06T23:29:00.000-07:00

Swiss Days was a dream come true!

We sold books like crazy!

I couldn't have done it without the help of my friends and family...so thank you, THANK YOU everyone!

me, my bff's sara and andrea and my sister-in-law emily

Also a BIG THANKS to "The Buies" for letting us

stay at the M&M (Midway Mansion)...

we were spoiled.

I did buy myself one thing, this cute little sign.
What can I say...
Our home is truly filled with DREAMS and LOVE
and endless BLESSINGS

from above.

(not that I have a "home" quite yet...but hopefully someday!!!)

Other good news...Elizabeth took her first steps this weekend

AND....

I happened across the most perfect
ketchup and mustard YIN AND YANG when I was
wiping the counter off (Seriously...not staged)
I thought it must be a good omen?

More GOOD NEWS: I have a few leftover "Swiss" books so I am going to offer them ONLINE until the are GONE!
THIS is a limited edition book so if you are a lemon poppy junky here's your ONE chance to buy it! Click on the yellow BUY button at the top right of this page to get yourself a copy...
always free shipping!!

P.S. We are at Bear Lake for a few days so if I am MIA...
you'll know why.

CHEERS!

Swissalicious!

2011-08-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

Click on the recipe to enlarge and print!

We have been working like crazy around here!

Tomorrow we head up to Midway to set-up for the big festivities (which start Friday and go through Saturday).

It's all coming together smoothly....thanks to all of our wonderful neighbors, family and friends that have helped with the production!!

Tonight we finished 3,000 books!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU EVERYONE!

To celebrate I wanted to share one of my favorite "Swiss" recipes.

This recipe for "Zopf" (Braided Swiss Bread) is the most perfect buttery, soft bread you'll ever taste!!!

I hope you can make it to "Swiss" days to get this EXCLUSIVE recipe collection click here to see pictures!

We'll see you there!!!

(p.s. If you do not live in Utah and you really want to add this recipe book to your collection...email me and I'll do my best to save you a copy... ali@lemonpoppycake.com)

Lemon Poppy Sweat Shop...

2011-08-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

I wish I had something else to blog about besides making recipes books...but that one simple task is consuming our lives momentarily....

The goal is 3000 books by next Wednesday...

We're half way there.

After the whirlwind settles down we are going to do something crazy...

like go on a family vacation for a few days,

(it will be well deserved)!

Here's the good news for all of you that are coming up to brave the crowds at Swiss Days...

a SUPER AMAZING GOOD PRICE on all of our books!

Here's the Lemon Poppy Sweat Shop...

And all my excellent employees.

Go team!

(We call it the "Sweat Shop" because it's CRAZY HOT in the garage mid-day...)

Tired with a Grateful Heart...

2011-08-12T23:50:00.000-07:00

I once heard a quote by Leonardo Da Vinci, he said "God sells us all good things at the price of labor".

I AM SURE HOPING SO!

Let me just say that it is almost 1:00 in the morning, my eyes are tired... but my heart is so full.

Disclaimer: This post is mostly therapeutic, so hang with me.

In three weeks I will be at a HUGE festival in Midway, Utah called Swiss Days..

100,000 people will be there, it's not very easy to get selected...the fee to have a booth is almost $1,000.00 dollars with insurance etc. So it's a pretty big deal.

BUT THE POTENTIAL TO SELL IS HUGE!

I thought numerous times over the last 8 months that creating a "Swiss" cookbook would be a real winner, but I just kept putting it in the back of my mind...mostly talking myself out of it...not realistic etc.

Well I changed my mind.

But only about 15 days ago.

(yes, you might think I am insane...sometimes I do too!)

So I jumped in!!!started putting in 10 hours a day...staying up til all hours of the night etc.

I JUST FELT really impressed to do it...Almost like God was saying "Come on Ali...you have been asking and asking for blessings, waiting for that door to open and here is your chance...

just go for it...I'll help you out"

Everything started to come together perfectly.

So even though my husband is out of town working, and I am trying to take care of four kids...
somehow I pulled it off.

And not a minute too soon.

(This book will go to the printer Monday).

AND IT TURNED OUT AWESOME..not to because of me...
it was completely inspired.

SWISS DAYS 2011

2011-08-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

JHS Girls Soccer FUNdraiser!

2011-08-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

35 girls, 5 moms, 1 coach, 800 recipe books!

WOW what a crazy couple of days! All I can say is the Girls Soccer team at Jordan High School is AMAZING

(at assembling recipe books and playing soccer of course)!!!

My BFF Sara (Buie) Cowley is the head coach and last spring we were throwing around the idea of creating a custom recipe book for a fundraiser. Somehow (between our crazy schedules/being moms etc.) we actually pulled it off)!!

I created a custom front and back cover along with a recipe card for Sara's AMAZING triple chocolate chip cookies. Then Sara selected 20 of her favorite "Lemon Poppy" recipes to include as well.

AND THERE YOU GO... we made a one-of a kind EXCLUSIVE recipe book for the Lady Diggers soccer program. If you want to get your hands on a copy of this EXCLUSIVE book (only 1000 copies) you are going to have to find a
JHS player or coach.

Better hurry quick they are going LIKE HOT CAKES!

Thanks again to all the cute girls on the JHS team, their dedicated soccer moms! Good luck this season!

If you are interested in doing a fundraiser for your high school/or club
email me at ali@lemonpoppycake.com
for more information.

And the Winner is LUCKY NUMBER 7!

2011-08-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody! Thanks for entering the latest contest

(and sorry I am a little late announcing the winner).

I use Random.org to generate a number (1-26)

and the winner is

LUCKY NUMBER 7!

Ashley Carter

CONGRATULATIONS!

You will be getting oodles of lemon poppy goodness in the mail next week!

When Life Gives you Kids... and a GIVE-A-WAY!!!!

2011-07-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

"When Life Gives you Kids" is FINALLY HERE!

Soooooo what are "Kids" saying about the

latest Lemon Poppy book?

"WOW" Izzy -Age 3

"I need one for ALL my brothers and sisters!" Thomas -Age 7

"Pinkalicious" Myka -Age 3

"I wish the food would just magically become real"

Preston -Age 7

"I WANT it!" Will -Age 3

"Mmmmmmm" Elizabeth -Age 1

"This is my FAVORITE recipe book yet!!" Addy -Age 9

You don't have to wait any longer to get your kids a copy! I am even going to give you FREE SHIPPING because I love ya! So check out the post below!

Also this book will be available SOON at all the wonderful stores that carry lemon poppy books.

Here's a little secret....I know who already has them in stock!

Randee and Co. Holladay, Utah,

Zermatt- Midway, Utah

Homestead- Midway, Utah

The Cupboard- Fort Collins, Colorado

Feather your Nest -Fort Collins, Colorado

The Paisley Pear- Hays Kansas

(and others coming soon)

Now for a SUPER AMAZING

GIVE-A-WAY....

includes:

3 "When Life Gives you Kids" books

1 "When life gives you Lemons"

1-When Life gives you a Chocolate Craving"

1 "When Life gives you Friends"

and an EXCLUSIVE LEMON POPPY APRON!

There are 3 ways to enter:

You can do all of them!

1-Leave a comment and tell me what you think should be the next Lemon Poppy book "When life gives you......"

2- Buy "When life gives you Kids" online HERE
or in-store.

3-Suggest LEMON POPPY to 5 of your friends on FACEBOOK

Just leave me a comment at the bottom of this post for each entry (tell me what you did/leave suggestion etc. and include your email address)
The number of your comment will be entered into a random drawing on August 5th 2011
The winner will be announced
August 5th at 5:00 p.m

GOOD LUCK!

Buy...

2011-07-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

ALL Recipe Books are $8.99

and the shipping is on me

(YEP...FREE)!

Lemon Poppy Books are ALWAYS printed in the USA,

and assembled with love.... "In HOUSE"!

Click on the "Add to Cart" button BELOW the book you want, if you have questions email me -ali@lemonpoppycake.com

THANKS!

For Wholesale pricing email Josh@lemonpoppycake.com

NEW!!!!

Coming Sooooooo SOON!!

2011-07-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Hello! I am really excited to announce that "When Life Gives you Kids" will be available to buy any day now(I'll keep you posted)! This cookbook has taken me forever, but with good reason!

You know me... I like to try, taste, photograph EVERY recipe I make and this book is no exception! In fact it probably has over 100 pictures plus I added more "How to" photos.

And I will be honest, the "Kids" recipes are SOOOOO MUCH FUN! My kids personally tasted, tried and decided on every recipe...so you know they are "Kid tested and YUMMMMMMMY"

Also I am including some blank "Lemon Poppy" recipe cards in the back of the book so you can add your favorite "Kids" recipes too! I am really excited...what can I say.

I think this might be the best "Lemon Poppy" book yet! Here is a sneak peak and I will keep you posted on when you can buy (plus we will get them out to our stores soon)!

CHEERS!

Cedar Smoked Salmon...YOU CAN DO THIS!

2011-06-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

If you haven't EVER attempted to make Cedar Smoked Salmon,

I am here to tell you that

YOU CAN!

It's actually super duper easy (plus you will really impress your guests).

Here is a simple way.

#1-Buy a couple planks of cedar.

You can find them at any specialty cooking/kitchen store or COSTCO has them.

#2-Soak the cedar for at least an hour.

#3-RInse the salmon and place on the cedar plank

#4-Season your salmon however you like.

(We especially like a seasoning Spade L Ranch)

#5- Chop cherry tomatoes and sweet onion, place in a bowl and add a little balsamic vinegar, add this on top of your salmon (also good to add asparagus-lay spears across top).

#6-Place the cedar plank directly on the grill

#7- Keep the BBQ lid closed and allow the smoke to flavor and cook the salmon. Salmon will be done when the center flakes easily when cut (20-30 min.).

HAPPY GRILLING!

Summer Squash Tian

2011-06-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

You are going to LOVE this recipe when Zucchinni is abundant this summer!

It is soooooo easy and TASTY, TRUST ME!!

This recipe is from Joy Bauer's cookbook "Slim and Scrumptious". All you do is arrange zucchinni, yellow squash, and roma tomatoes in dish. Add crushed garlic (I also added red onions). Drizzle with olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon, then add salt and pepper. Roast in your oven at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes or until veggies are tender and roasted. The flavors are amazing! I think you could add mozzarella the last five minutes and you would have a delicous healthy meal!

ENJOY!

Kids...

2011-05-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

I am STILL working on some "Kids" recipes....and I need your help.

What are your kids favorite snacks??? Looking for ideas here....
Leave me a comment below this post or over HERE on FACEBOOK.

THANKS!!!

Speaking of "Kids"...

I took mine to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point, and they LOVED IT!!!

Spring is FINALLY HERE...YEAH!!!

The Beehive Bazaar!

2011-05-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that Lemon Poppy Inc. will be at the BEEHIVE BAZAAR!

If you are in Utah County this weekend...stop by and see what the BUZZ is about.

Lemon Poppy Inc.
Lemon Poppy Inc.
Lemon Poppy Inc.

Chicken Soup for the Soul....

2011-04-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Click on the recipe to view and print

I keep waiting for spring...but it still hasn't SPRUNG

(at least not in my neck of the woods).

This morning I woke up to 8 inches of SNOW, and a 3 year old with a fever!

Just the other day I was bragging about the fact that we had made it through the entire winter without any real sickness, no ear infections, no flu, no long drawn out winter bugs (which is kind of a miracle with four kids)

Hmmmm.... I think I spoke too soon,

so today I will be eating my words

along with my chicken soup!

I hope the sun comes out soon...Happy Spring!

Chocolate Chip Cookies!

2011-03-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

Carrot Cake......Yummmmm!

2011-03-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Mixed Bean Dip....

2011-03-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

Greek Dip.....

2011-03-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Garden Fresh Corn Salsa

2011-03-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

Sugar Pecan Bakes Brie.....

2011-03-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

The BEST Texas Sheet Cake

2011-03-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

Ali's Lemon Poppy Cake

2011-03-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

Chocoalte Dream Cookies....

2011-03-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

Oatmeal Sugar Cookies

2011-03-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

A Great Recipe for a SNOW DAY!!!!

2011-02-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

This is a TASTY recipe, even my kids LOVE it. Click on the recipe to print.

When Life Gives you a Garden-One word of advice...

2011-02-21T21:46:00.000-08:00

There are a couple things that I love about February.

#1- The days seem to get longer (finally) and

#2- All the Garden goods appear at the store -seeds, dirt, flowers, shovels...it is Soooooooo much FUN, and it means that spring is around the corner !!!!

I might have a little obsession with gardens. Which probably explains why my friends voted me "most likely to be a farmer" when we graduated from high school (actually that is kind of funny considering my suburban upbringing).

I also got voted "most likely to be the President of the United states" That must be a good omen since I am writing this on Presidents Day. Ali in 2016!

Anyways...Back to the GARDEN- I just wanted to give you some good advice before you go and buy seeds this year for your garden. You should REALLY consider buying Non-Hybrid, Non-GMO seeds (heirloom if possible).

Why? Well it is simple...seeds should be the way God made them, not genetically modified so they will not reproduce! Yes....If you never knew this dirty little secret-- seeds from Wal-Mart, and Burpee are all hybrids and have been genetically modified. They DO grow great beefsteak tomatoes, but you cannot save your seeds and reuse them. YUP...the seed companies have to make money too...if you could just save your seeds...you wouldn't be a good returning customer.

If you find this interesting or appalling you should watch the documentary "The Future of Food". It's eye opening to say the least.

But NO WORRIES.....

I found this AWESOME company in Utah that sells NON-GMO, NON-HYBRID seeds, stored in a #10 can ($only 21.00 that's a steal). You can buy one can that has 13 varieties of Veggies, and enough seeds to produce 2300 lbs. of produce this year!!! Also you can save your seeds and re-plant them FOREVER!! Great idea for your storage too. So stock up. Check out this link HERE, and have fun growing your garden!!

How to make (easy) Gourmet Cupcakes.....

2011-02-12T18:00:00.001-08:00

Want to know a little secret.

You don't have to pay $3.00 for a gourmet cupcake

You can make these ADORABLE cupcakes with just four things:

1-A chocolate cake mix

2- store bought frosting (or your favorite buttercream frosting)

3- a zip-lock bag

4- sprinkles

First bake the cupcakes according to directions.

Let cool and cut off the tops.

Put frosting into zip-lock bag and cut a small hole in the corner

(to make your own frosting bag)

Start on the outside edge and swirl frosting toward the middle.

Then do a second layer.

and a third layer. Continue to swirl up so it looks like an ice-cream cone.

Add the chocolate cupcake top, and decorate with sprinkles

or more frosting.

(Ooodles of frosting is the real secret)

Have FUN!!

These cupcakes are actually POMEGRANATE Cupcakes, and they turned out soooooo good!

To see the recipe check out

You can vote for your favorite cupcakes Feb. 14-Feb. 28

There will be a "like" button set up through FACEBOOK so if you "LOVE" my cupcake you can "Like" it. Cheers.

A FAVORITE RECIPE!!!

2011-02-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

This recipe always gets RAVE reviews from my friends. Enjoy!!!

(Click on the recipe to enlarge and print)

HEALTHY GAME DAY RECIPE!!!

2011-01-31T04:07:00.000-08:00

Healthy Game Day RECIPE!

"Garden Goddess" Salsa

with toasted whole wheat pita chips

THIS is a recipe that I made up last summer when I had an abundance of fresh garden veggies. Your Super Bowl guests will devour this TASTY, HEALTHY DIP!

Not only does it offer bright and colorful veggies it also has superfoods such as GARLIC, CILANTRO, OLIVE OIL and HONEY in the dressing. ENJOY!

SALSA:

1 cup grape tomatoes, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

1 yellow pepper, choppe

1 orange pepper, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

1 jalapeno, chopped

1 bunch of cilantro

1 avocado, chopped

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

Combine ingredients in a large bowl.

(Feel free to use any veggies you have, I also like jicama, yellow squash, cucumbers and anaheim peppers)

DRESSING:

1 clove fresh garlic, minced

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 t. dry mustard

3 T. honey

juice of lime

pinch of salt, to taste

Whisk ingredients together and pour over veggies.

Whole Wheat Pita Chips:

10-12 whole wheat pitas or tortillas

3 T. Olive oil

sea salt

If you LOVE this recipe help me win the "Healthy Game Day Recipe" at Everyday Health.com

In order to vote you need to register and become a member at everyday health.com Click here to register

Once you have registered Click here to VOTE look for "Garden Goddess Salsa"

THANKS SO MUCH!!!!

Healthy Game Day FAVORITE!!!!

2011-01-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

There are some things in life that I love.

Whole Foods (the grocery store) is right up there with hot baths, and good books. I secretly wander the isles checking out the deliciousness that someday I might actually be able to afford. I find myself dreaming about buying that

Sushi grade Tuna (at $40.00 a lb.) the Belgium Baking chocolate, and exotic organic fruits.

My slim grocery budget hasn't allowed for such luxuries the past few years (OK never) but that is about to change....with your help

The other day I saw a contest for a "Healthy Game Day Recipe"

and the winner would get......

O.K.......hold your breath........

A $500.00 gift certificate to

WHOLE FOODS!!!!!!!

YES, I am trying to control the adrenaline as I type. You know I love to cook, and I LOVE healthy garden recipes so I AM PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS!!!! I already have my grocery wish list ready to go!!!!But I need YOUR HELP.....

More to come soon!!!

A GAME DAY FAVORITE!!!

2011-01-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

Click on the recipe cards to enlarge. ENJOY!!!

Popeye Pancakes.....

2011-01-18T21:39:00.000-08:00

This recipe is a BREAKFAST favorite at our house.

Enjoy!

German Pancakes

(Popeye Pancakes)

6 eggs

1 c. flour

1 c. milk

½ tsp. salt

1/2 c. butter

Whip eggs in blender until thick and lemon colored. Add milk, flour and salt and blend again for 4-5 minutes. Heat butter in a 9 x 13 inch pan until melted. Pour batter into pan of melted butter. Bake at 400° for 15- 20 minutes (or until bubbly). Serve with hot maple syrup or powdered sugar.

German Pancake

You Can Blog about Life...or You Can Live it!

2011-01-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

A good friend once told me "You can BLOG about life... or you can LIVE it".

As of lately

I am living it.

I wish I could give updates, and recipes everyday but when you are

a mother of four that is just short of impossible.

My older (and wiser) friends always told me that the years would keep going faster and FASTER especially when your kids are young... and now I would have to AGREE!

2010 flew by!!

Lucky for me I set just ONE goal last year.

I had spent the two previous years cooking food, taking pictures and NOW 2010 was the year to make something happen. Once I set the goal everything fell into place. My dear friend Christine and her husband Scott offered to invest in my idea, gave me some priceless advice and pushed me over the edge to make something happen

(they were confident I would find my wings).

With the last trimester of pregnancy, a new baby, a week in the NICU, sleepless nights, and hours at the computer I finally finished up the first three books by September.

Lemon Poppy Inc. was official and my dream had finally become a reality!

But none of it would have happened if I didn't set a GOAL...

Trust me there were plenty of excuses.

So the moral of the story (since its New Years Resolutions time) is...

SET A GOAL, or two or three.

And believe in yourself.

Good luck with all your New Years Resolutions!!!

"You are never too old to set another goal

or to dream a new dream.

- C.S. Lewis

Christmas Traditions....

2010-12-16T05:42:00.000-08:00

Traditions are great.

But when it comes to the holidays, the FOOD traditions are my favorite!

Mom's orange rolls, Dana's cheeseball, stuffed mushrooms, chocolate fudge, sugar cookies, caramel popcorn, and on and on and on.....

Since Christmas is just around the corner I thought I would share a few family favorites.

Here is one of my favorite recipes because it is soooooo simple and delicious.

STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Here is what you will need:

1-8oz package of cream cheese

1 pound Jimmy Dean sausage (I generally use regular, but HOT is really good too)

1/2 cup green onion, chopped

1/2 cup red pepper, chopped fine

Large container of mushrooms (about 25-30 Large mushrooms)

Brown sausage. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese green onions, red peppers and set aside. Rinse mushrooms and remove stems. Stuff mushrooms with sausage mixture and place in a 9x13 pan. Bake, uncovered 25-30 minutes or until cheese is hot and bubbly.

Remove from pan and place on serving tray. Serve immediately.

Stuffed mushrooms are always a crowd pleaser, and will disappear FAST. You can prepare and stuff mushrooms a few hours before the party. Cover and chill in the refrigerator. ENJOY!!!

Soft Ginger Cookies!!

2010-12-02T05:33:00.000-08:00

The HOLIDAYS wouldn't be complete unless I made my mom's Ginger Cookies!!

This recipe is the BEST (not gonna lie)!!!!!!

Merry Christmas from me!

3/4 cups butter, softened
1 cup Sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups flour
2 t. ginger
1 t. soda
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. cloves
1/4 t. salt

Beat butter and sugar for 2- minutes. Add egg and mix until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix. In a separate bowl combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix. make Tablespoon size balls and roll in sugar

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Do not overbake. These cookies will be soft and YUMMY!