Digging & Building a Raised Garden Bed

7 mo pregnant and happily
digging in the dirt

So... COVID-19 Stay At Home Order... It's been... Interesting. I am currently 35 wks pregnant and have been working from home since Mid-March. That has had the unforseen bonus of spending much more time in our yard with the kids and the gardening bug has struck hard. I had so many amazing gardening plans for our new property that we were house hunting for but seeing as we are placing that on hold for a moment, I figured I might as well grow a produce section in my yard... and so it began.



Here was the very begining of the garden space. I dug down about 6 inches and realized I actually have pretty good soil. NICE!









I added another 2 wheelbarrows of the sandy soil that had 15 years of black leaf compost in it from out by my shed - (black gold there folks), 2 wheelbarrows of top soil and an entire day's worth of wood ash from the fire pit and mixed that together really well while digging down a bit further... I mean... I was already there so what the heck. 

As a side note, I am pretty sure my neighbors were like "Woman! you are 7mo pregnant, but honestly it made me feel GREAT!" What's good for the goose is good for the gander?

I squee inside with pure joy when I look at these.

And then my husband and step-son were absolute angels and built me raised beds for my garden as a Mother's Day Gift!!! So much love there! These beds are 40"x10' and 8" tall. The post are 4x4 and 16" tall so I can add another 2x8 and raise them up to 16" when I am ready... (I figured I better pace myself with a toddler and a baby on the way - errr something like that)  So then I added 40lbs of manure/compost and 25lb of peat and some perilite and mixed it in really well. I knew it would be raining for the next couple of days and that would be great for the soil and help to marry all the ingredants together. There are already a bunch of earthworms in there so that is a great sign.


You know... There is something about freshly cut wood that immediately brings me back to my childhood and reminds me of my father working on the house I grew up in.  Nostagia there folk. Watching my husband get down with a circular saw was pretty hot too... yep. Hmmm Hmmmmm... sorry rabbit trail 



Now speaking of rabbits... or rather to keep them out... because we have LOTS of those pesky critters... I suddenly feel so much less sympathy for Peter Rabbit... Perspective there. 

T-Posts are my friends and it was COMPLETELY worth the purchase of a post driver. Serious satisfaction at watching those T-Posts go into the ground as I pounded them down. Progress is being made every day. 

I ended up moving some of the T-Posts when I put up the fencing. I used a whole 50' roll which covered 2 sides and used part of another roll to complete the third side which also had the gate.  The gate is kind of a makeshift gig, but it does the job and I rather like that it looks rustic.

 

There is enough space around the garden beds to place pots to grow flowers and herbs in and still push a stroller around the perimeter of the garden beds.

We were enjoying the coolness of the morning. The air smelled like lillies of the valley and lilacs. There was a tiny breeze and the birds were chirping happily in the morning sun. It was quiet peaceful... A perfect time to take a little morning snooze.

Progress continues. The bamboo trellises are in.

Fast forward to today... 6/14/2020

  

Wild Orange Essential Oil

Wild Orange Essential Oil is number 2 on my most favorite list of oils. I LOVE its fresh scent! There are several ways to use it. Here are a few of my favorites…

ALERTNESS - A drop of Wild Orange and Peppermint inhaled from your hands is the perfect afternoon pick-me up. Wild orange was one of my favorites during my pregnancy. Being pregnant there are days where I was just plum tired... it’s a thing. Its citrusy scent is invigorating and uplifting and during pregnancy, when you’re am not supposed to be drinking a large amount of coffee, I definitely took advantage of what I could! A couple of drops in my palms and 5-10 deep inhalations of this – ooo so good!

MOOD - I have found that this particular oil is a really good mood lifter for me. There is just something about its clean citrus scent that puts me in a great mood. It reminds me of sunshine in the morning, when the day is all fresh, new and dewy. I actually put 2-3 drops of Wild Orange and Lavender on my pillow at night for a happy restful sleep.

COOKING / FLAVORING - I use it in my water (1 drop) and in cooking. So the other day made Orange-Blueberry Coffee cake and I used Wild Orange in my batter. Yup - You can ingest this oil from doTERRA.  I also use it in my Orange Marmalade. By the way, that coffee cake was AMAZING!!!

PREGNANCY – “When you are ready to give birth, I recommend two oils be in your birth bag: Wild Orange and dōTERRA Balance. Both are incredible at easing anxiousness.” - Stephanie Fritz  - You can bet those were in my birth bag! I had a very long labor with my first child and I remember how exhausted I was. I used this to keep calm and stay focused. I also used this on my pregnancy pillow at night with Lavender for a refreshing and relaxing nights sleep.

If this is an oil that sounds like something you would like to try, feel free to message me or you can click HERE to purchase Wild Orange.

If you would like to learn more about essential oils, please fill out either of these surveys and I will response accordingly.

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Other Posts related to or containing Wild Orange Essential Oil

Thanksgiving... Leftovers

Orange Marmalade

Baby Food Recipes - STAGE 1

So... yes, we had a baby... and Mr. Meatball is getting big! I decided that this time around I would be making his baby food; which I have found to be quite fun to watch him enjoy new flavors and textures. I wanted to avoid the baby food that may have been sitting on a shelf in a warehouse (and possibly be older than he is) or on a hot truck during transportation or that may contain other ingredients that weren't "natural" to a new digestive system. So I embarked on making baby food... I got to say folks... it is super easy. Essentially from start to finish it is: wash, steam, smush/puree, package, freeze, thaw, feed. The only variation I did to any of these recipes is I used breast milk instead of water to thin out anything that was too thick.




Here are some of the baby food recipes that I have used and been happy with.

Banana
Peaches
Pears
Avocado

Green Beans
Carrots
Peas
Squash
Sweet Potatoes

Chicken
Beef
Turkey

So part of this adventure is also about be self-sustaining, healthier and closer to food and source. Baby Food… I love canning and preserving so why wouldn’t I make baby food from scratch?! It is so easy…

Apples / Applesauce

I prefer Gala, Braeburn, Fuji, Michigan or MacIntosh. Just my personal preference.

Vitamins & Minerals: A, C, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium

Directions

Step 1: Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks

Step 2: Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples and boil/steam until tender; be sure to check on the water level and stir

Step 3: Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not achieve a puree type of consistency, then follow steps below:

Step 4: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples

Step 5: Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.

Step 6: Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree – add cereal (if desired) to thicken. Ask your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes.

If your baby is constipated, you might also use the juice that is left over from the cooking to mix into cereals, or with water in a bottle or sippy cup.

---

Avocado (yes, avocado is a fruit.)

When you are hangry and you take that first bite... Ahhh
I think Mr. Meatball is a fan of Avocados

Vitamins & Minerals: A, C, Niacin, Folate, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium

You will need 1 ripe avocado

Directions

Step 1: Peel and take out the pit of a ripe avocado – do not cook

Step 2: Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked.

---

Apple ‘Cado (4)6-8months+

Ingredients:

• 1/2 of a peeled and pitted avocado
• 1/4 cup applesauce

Directions

Step 1: Mash the avocado half.

Step 2: Mix mashed avocado with applesauce (homemade or natural) and serve.

---

Bananas

Mr. Meatball puts EVERYTHING in mouth;
gets banana, eats none, but is very happy. 
Go Figure

Vitamins & Minerals: A, C, Folate, Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Magnesium, Calcium

You will need 1 ripe banana

Directions

Step 1: Peel ripe banana – do not cook

Step 2: Place banana in a food processor/food mill or blender and puree

You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork – heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness

Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

Bananas and banana puree may be frozen. Using a bit of lemon juice will help to prevent the browning of a banana (and most other fruits) when freezing it. It is the citric acid or the ascorbic acid that aids in the preservation of fruits. The exposure to oxygen and the enzymes in a banana (and most other fruits) are what cause it to go from green to yellow, and then brown to black, as it ripens. A blackish or brownish banana is not necessarily rotten or bad.

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Banana Applesauce Mush

Ingredients:

• 2 apples (gala, braeburn or mac)
• 1 ripe banana

Directions

Step 1: Peel, core and cut apples into slices/chunks.

Step 2: Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples

Step 3: Boil until tender; be sure to check on the water level.

Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency or you can puree in a blender or food processor.

Step 4: Peel a ripe banana and mash in a bowl with a fork (heating in the microwave for approximately 20 seconds will soften the banana up if needed).

---

Banana ‘Cado

Ingredients:

• 1/2 of a peeled and pitted avocado
• 1 small ripe banana

Directions

Step 1: Mash the avocado half and mash the banana

Step 2: Mix mashed avocado with banana & serve

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Pears:

Vitamins & Minerals: A, C, Folate, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium

You will need 2 ripe pears

Directions

Step 1: Steam gently until tender if baby is between 4-6 months old otherwise peel & mash – removing the seed portion

Peel and cut into chunks so as to avoid the little seed portion.

Or

Cut the pears in half (no need to peel unless your little one has issues with digestion) and cut out the seed/core portion then dice the pear halves. Peel and cut into chunks so as to avoid the little seed portion.

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a shallow pot with a steamer basket insert.

Add the pears to the steamer basket in the pot and then steam until soft and tender.

You may also add the pear dices to wee bit of boiling water and steam them this way if you do not have a steamer basket. Using a scant amount of water ensures that you are not boiling them.

Place in a blender/food processor and puree until smooth. You may be able to just use a fork too.

Use the leftover cooking water if needed but Pears tend to

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Apples & Pears

Ingredients:

• 1 apple – cored & peeled
• 1 pear – cored & peeled

Directions

Step 1: Dice apple & pear and simmer together until tender. Mash or puree as needed.

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Green Beans (OR Peas) (4) 6 months+

Vitamins & Minnerals: A, C, K, Niacin, Folate, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium

Step 1: If using Fresh Beans, snap the ends off the beans and wash the beans. If using Fresh Peas, open the pods and scrape out the peas from the pod. If using frozen of either Peas or Green Beans, cook according to package directions.

Step 2: Place fresh beans into a steamer basket in a pan with a just enough water to slightly show through in the basket.

Step 3: Steam until very tender; be sure to check on the water level.

Step 4: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the beans.

Step 5: Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. It is best to use the setting that makes the finest liquid purees – green bean and pea skins are rather difficult to completely puree.

***Using a blender rather than a food processor or stick mixer might be better as well. ***

6. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency

7. You may wish to push the green beans (or peas) through a sieve or mesh strainer to get rid of any remaining skins.

Mr. Meatball and his messy face and fingers.

Lavender Essential Oil

LAVENDER…

Oh my sweet, sweet, lavender! There are so many reasons that I LOVE lavender. It is one of top 5 oils that I am constantly running out of because it gets used so often in our home. I can not say enough good things about lavender. Here are my favorite reasons and ways to use Lavender.

CALMING – Lavender is a go-to with my son as he tends to have anxiety with school. We made an essential oil sensory bracelet that he can wear with a couple of drops of Lavender on it. He can inhale the soothing benefits of Lavender anytime he is feeling anxious or stressed for an "incognito help me. (The bracelet also gives him a sensory tool to fidget with.)

STRESS – Enjoy a relaxing bath at night by adding 5 drops to the water. This is one I really enjoy. Sometimes life can be stressful. My family has unique needs that can be quite demanding. This is a great way to unwind, decompress, and just relax. Lavender is so gentle that I can even use it with my kidos, because every mom knows, tired kidos = tired mama's and overtired kidos have no interest in going to bed. Lavender is my GO TO for this.

SKIN – Lavender can help ease skin irritations & bug bites by rubbing 1-2 drops into the skin. I have an essential oil Roll-on that I keep just for this. Here in Michigan nice weather = bugs. I can hand this right to my boys and they can roll it right on the itchy spot for some relief. The other thing that we use it for is injuries. Because BOYS WILL BE BOYS. (and that is no joke). One of my boys is perpetually getting cut, scraped, bruised, bumped, stitches, staples, casts.... you name it. This particular child has proven that for those pesky cuts and scrapes that lavender oil really does help with the healing process. That roller bottle gets used... A LOT. This is one that definitely goes into my camping bag.

POLLEN & ALLERGIES – Relieve eyes & nose during the spring season by rubbing on nose or placing on hands, then cupping around nose & mouth and breathing in. (combine with peppermint & lemon). This is a great blend to help bring some relief from those pesky symptoms. I usually add these to a roller bottle and rub a little on my nose on the high pollen days if I am super itchy.

BUG BITES – So I live in the Mitten State. We have A LOT of mosquitos and other lovely small creatures that like to bite in the woods or by water. Lavender is a great little oil for those bug bites; especially if you have little ones that tend to scratch them. Lavender is great at killing germs that reside under the nails of kids. It is also known for helping to speed healing. I have an all-purpose healing balm that I make just for kido bug bites, scrapes and scratches. It works great. Also, it is a natural bug repellant.

BURNS - Ok first off, I am not a doctor, so I am just sharing what I have experienced and what some of my friends have experienced. Burns... Sun burns, steam burns... burns... YOUCH!!! Lavender is one of those blessed oils that is so gentle but yet so amazing.

Example 1: My son gave himself quite a sun burn this summer and we put lavender on him before bed to help soothe those angry tissues. The next morning his skin was 3-5 shades lighter than that BRIGHT RED LOBSTER color and he felt so much better and NO BLISTERS.

Example 2: Other burns. Ok first off if you get a really bad burn, go to the doctor. Seriously. Burns are no joke. That said, I have burned myself with steam, on hot pans, curling irons (yes... I am super graceful... Not) and Lavender is my go-to. It is great by itself, but I usually mix it with a little Melaleuca(Tea Tree) Oil and some Fractionated Coconut Oil and it is like insta-relief. I recently let my friend Ellen try this on a nasty burn and she was very thankful after she tried it.

SLEEP - This oil relaxes the nervous system and supports a great night's sleep. Place 3 drops on your pillow before bedtime (or on the airplane if you travel) to help you fall asleep. This is also a great one to diffuse during the night for restful sleep. You can also add it to epsom salt for your bath before bedtime to help relax. 

I used this on my pregnancy pillow at night with Wild Orange for a refreshing and relaxing nights sleep.

So when my teen was a little boy he was afraid of those dreaded monsters that frustrate so many of us parents, so we made "Monster Spray" (because monsters don't come around if they think Mom is near and if they can smell her, she is near) - It literally was a spray bottle of water with 2-5 drops of my perfume and 10 drops of lavender oil. It worked like a charm. He never went to bed without it right by his bed. Not only did it give him peace of mind, he was getting the aromatherapy benefits of Lavender for a good night’s sleep.

If this sounds like something you would like to try, feel free to message me or you can click the link HERE to purchase Lavender.

If you would like to learn more about essential oils, please fill out either of these surveys and I will response accordingly.

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OMG - We Had a Baby - Part 2

Favorite Fit & Healthy Pregnancy Resources

DIY Corn Husk Dolls

OMG We Had A Baby part 2

When I had my first child 15 years ago at 22yrs old, I was clueless. I did not realize this at the time of course. I didn’t watch my weight during my pregnancy, I didn’t fret over anything.  I pretty much just assumed my body would just instinctively know what to do and while that is true the adage “Older and Wiser” could be applied here.  What a completely different experience!

Here are just a few things I have learned since baby No. 2 (whom by the way, I am completely smitten with)

Saying “No” is ok. To guests, to other mom’s “donations” (aka spring cleaning their baby hoard onto you), to smokers who want to hold your baby… Yep, it’s ok and in fact it is good for you to have boundaries… and to enforce them.

Breast-milk is sticky so clean that shiz up with a quickness. (ok I probably learned that one before, but I got a reminder… a few times now)

My schedule is the only one that revolves around baby’s schedule. Duh. Everyone else’s life carries on. (This is the difference between having a baby at 22 and 37). Don’t expect people to stop their lives in their tracks because OMG YOU HAD A BABY…. But yeah I get it... OMG YOU HAD A BABY! (Strong work)

Sleep is precious. I will cut you if you wake this baby… or me. Ok just kidding. Sorta… Amazing how I don’t have endless energy at 37. I know… Shocker right?!

Video games are golden… (NEVER thought I would say this) I love that my husband is a night-owl… can we say “Your turn”…? One of my most favorite scenes in my house is handing my just fed and changed babe to my husband for him to cuddle in the crook of his arm while he slays hordes of zombies… until 2 am. Good stuff here. He is epic amazing for this. Do you know why I love this? I CAN SLEEP or CLEAN or SHOWER or just SIT (how to decide?)!!!

Essential oils are well… ESSENTIAL. Lavender for sleep, Frankie (Frankincense) for my tummy skin. On Guard to ward off the cooties (germs), Serenity for well… Serenity! Because what Momma doesn’t need some serenity!?

My baby is gangsta. True story. He doesn’t care what I am doing or why. Can we say: “Give me all your boob OR ELSE” he also knows how to con (er charm) the pants off his dad!

I may love my cat a little less… “Get your dirty paws away from my baby. Girrrr get away from the breast-milk! No! Mocha get out of the bassinet!” … Poor Mocha. L I was not aware that kitties can have some regression too with a new baby… she was quite naughty those first few weeks. Now she could care less.

Going somewhere requires a LOT of planning. Feed baby, diaper baby, pack stuff, get ready, feed baby, diaper baby, soothe baby, and finish packing up, blah blah blah… what a production!

I am sure there are more revelations that are earth shaking (kidding) but Mr. Meatball is insisting on some mommy time and he is too cute not to oblige.   So until next time.

OMG We had a baby!!!

Baby has arrived! I have been pretty MIA these last 6 weeks due to spending some very precious time with our new little bundle of joy. “Mr Meatball” joined us at the end of October and has been a wonderful addition to our family unit. He is a chunky one for sure!

I had forgotten how consuming having a newborn can be. Getting 2 meals in a day while nursing and going on very little sleep was a serious accomplishment for my husband and I in those first couple of weeks for sure! But among all of that was the abundant snuggles and heart melting coos and baby noises and precious bonding that made every moment worth it. 

Actually there were a few things I had forgotten about. So here is a list of the top 5 things I did not anticipate:

How much we would NEED premade meals. I mean we had meals in the deep freezer but I didn’t realize how important they would be. If you know someone who just had a baby in the last 3 weeks, make them a meal or two. The kind that they don’t have to do anything other than heat up. Drop it off, and then just leave. (Parents of newborns do not want to entertain you – they are too tired and their time is too precious.) Cooking an entire meal was out of the question.   

Post-partum care packages can be great – they can make a new mom happy because it means she doesn’t have to go to the store to get things AND it makes hubby happy because he likely isn’t thrilled at the idea of having to shop for these items either... Just Sayin…  (Ideas: mesh panties… yep super sexy (stock up on them at the hospital). Ice packs for south of the border, Witch Hazel, Large pads, peri-bottle, numbing spray, Epsom salts, LavenderEssential oil, other random toiletries.)

How messy a house can get in that first week – you will not have time to clean it. Period. The up side of that is you will probably be too tired to care (or notice). And then there is the laundry (OMG the Laundry!) I went from doing a load of my personal laundry 1x a week to 1x a day. Not to mention the rest of the family’s laundry (Thank goodness my husband handles that like a boss!)

Nursing Tanks… These are GOLD. You want these. You need these. You just don’t know it until after the fact. Can we say hello Boob-City? Yes, you may as well just change your address to this.

Colic… So I sorta scoffed at this when I had my first baby. He was SUPER easy. Yeh… not a joke. I now understand why it has been called “The Witching Hour or The Arsenic Hour” by some. Lucky for us, he is beyond cute and he has trained us well on what he likes so Daddy and Mommy know the routine now… Sorta.

Slowly but surely life has returned to a more normal routine and pace. I began canning again (ahhh happy place), made a bunch of baby food pouches, went to appointments, and visited with family.

OK funny story (rabbit trail here) I had made a dentist appointment scheduled for what ended up being a week after Mr. Meatball was born (what was I thinking?!). I was SO sleep deprived (he nursed every hour that first week) that I fell asleep during my dental cleaning. How do I know I fell asleep? I woke myself up snoring. Yep. I was pretty embarrassed and apologized profusely. To which the lovely tech said “Sweetie you just looked so tired I just let you sleep and kept working. Your teeth are all set and you are good to go. It actually happens more often than you would think but usually with our older patients.”... Best nap I had in a week. So that happened.

Life with Mr. Meatball has been a wonderful, snugly, heart captivating, roller-coaster of joy full of blessings.  I wouldn’t change a thing.

Merry Christmas!!!

Freezer Meals for Postpartum (or just because)

Progress of my freezer meals so far: 30 meals 

Ok, so I have a family that likes to eat (Can all the Mom's of boys out there give me an AMEN?!) and the last thing I want to worry about is "What am I going to cook for dinner?" after this baby is born while I am sleep deprived and nursing. SO... here are some crock-pot and freezer meal recipes that I knocked out on 1 Saturday. Yes, I did all of them in one day... TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!

If you lay your zip-lock bags flat,
you can get several on a shelf.

You will notice on some of the recipes there is an option for essential oils in the recipe itself. This is entirely optional. I have done my research on essential oils and I know that I can trust doTERRA's oils for safe ingestion and I know which ones I can use safely. I also have seen how they have improved my health and wellness and my family's. If you are interested in the oils, feel free to click on the links on the oils otherwise these recipes are delicious with or without the essential oils.  Enjoy!!!

Finished Deep Freezer

Cheesy Taco Bake

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 20 oz lean ground beef
• Green pepper, chopped
• 1-2 tsp fresh lime juice
• 2 T Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Oregano
• ½ tsp Thyme
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1/3 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• OPTIONAL:  1 drop of doTERRA Lime Essential Oil
• OPTIONAL:  1 drop of doTERRA Thyme Essential Oil
• OPTIONAL: 1 drop of doTERRA Oregano Essential Oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9X13 baking dish with EVOO, set aside.
2. Boil brown rice in water on stovetop. Set aside
3. In a 12” pan, spray with EVOO or cooking spray, add onion, garlic & jalapeno & sauté over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
4. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook for about 5 minutes & add peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink.
5. Add lime juice and seasonings. Stir to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste.
6. Remove from heat – add rice, tomato sauce, essential Oil & 1/4 cup of cheese to the skillet and stir to mix well.
7. Pour mixture into baking dish. Top with remaining Cheddar, cover, and freeze.
8. To cook while frozen, cover with foil & bake for 40 minutes.
9. Remove foil & bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted & edges are bubbling. Remove from oven & let cool for 10 minutes.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 (16oz) box of bow-tie pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press
• ½ tablespoon dried basil
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into 8 pieces
• 8-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed, drained and chopped
• 2 cups milk
• 6 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste, if needed
• 1 cup of chicken, cooked and cubed
• OPTIONAL: 1 drop of doTERRA Oregano Essential Oil
• OPTIONAL: 1 drop of doTERRA Rosemary Essential Oil

Instructions

1. In a medium pot or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring the whole time. Stir in the dried basil. Add the cream cheese, stirring with a whisk until the mixture is smooth. It will look curdled at first, but with constant whisking for 2-3 minutes, it will become a smooth creamy paste. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes.
2. Over medium heat, add the milk and whisk quickly and constantly until it becomes into the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, pepper and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is the desired consistency, 5-10 minutes. Add essential oil & Stir. Serve over hot, cooked noodles. I put my chicken on top, or you can mix it in. You actually don’t even need chicken you don’t want it!
3. When making them into freezer meals – put the noodles and sauce into two 9×9 foil tins. Wait until it cools down a little, place foil on top, and stick in the freezer.
4. To cook when frozen: Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until heated through
5. To cook when frozen but then thawed: Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Freezer Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2lb, grass-fed beef chuck roast, fat-trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• ½ onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup barley
• 7 cups beef broth
• 1 gallon-sized plastic freezer bag
• OPTIONAL: 1 drop of doTERRA Rosemary Essential Oil
• OPTIONAL:  1 drop of doTERRA Thyme Essential Oil

Instructions

1. Label your freezer bag with the name of the recipe, cooking instructions, and “use-by” date.
2. Combine all ingredients (except beef broth) in a gallon-sized plastic freezer bag, adding the beef to the bag last so it’s the first ingredient poured into the crock-pot.
3. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
4. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water.
5. Add to crock-pot with beef broth and cook on “low” setting for 8 hours or until carrots are soft.
6. Remove the bay leaf and enjoy!

Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a resealable gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip bag closed.
2. When ready to eat, remove from freezer and thaw in fridge for 24 hours. Cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours). Sprinkle with fresh or dried rosemary for serving.

Freezer Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 boxes elbow pasta
• 3/4 a stick of butter
• 1 cup milk
• 3 eggs beaten
• Stir together, then add:
• 16 oz mozzarella cheese
• 16 oz cheddar cheese
• Add some salt and pepper to taste and stir well.

Instructions:

• Cook elbow macaroni noodles as directed, drain and rinse and return to pot.
• Add remaining ingredients to the pot and stir well until cheese is melted.
• Spray a foil pan {these are so much cheaper if you buy them in bulk} with cooking spray and dump the pasta mixture in. You can freeze it at this point if you want to deliver it frozen.
• Bake at 350 for 1/2 an hour to 45 minutes {if this is frozen it will probably need to cook longer}

Southwestern Chicken & Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked brown rice 
• 15 ounces drain and rinse Black Beans, Canned
• 1 cup drain Whole Kernel Corn, Canned
• ½ cups Salsa
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
• 2 cups chicken, shredded
• OPTIONAL: 2 drops of doTerra’s Lime Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Cook Rice according to directions.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice, beans, corn, salsa, essential oil and cumin.
3. Divide among indicated number of baking pans and top with cheese.
4. Cover tightly with foil. Label and freeze.
5. Bake from frozen at 350 for 1 hour or until cheese is melted and rice is warmed through.

Pepper-Jack Chicken Taquitos

Ingredients:

• 8oz. cream cheese
• 3 c. chicken, cooked & shredded
• 1.5 c. shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 6oz. can green chilies or 1/2 cup salsa Verde
• 20 small tortillas
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 2 tbsp. lime juice 
• 1 tsp. cumin
• OPTIONAL: 2 drops of doTerra’s Lime Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Melt cream cheese in a bowl. Mix in the spices, lime juice, chilies (or salsa), chicken, essential oil, and cheese.
2. Add 2 tbsp. of mixture to each tortillas and roll.
3. To freeze, place on wax paper on a cookie sheet and stick in the freezer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from cookie sheet and place in a zip-locked gallon bag.
5. When ready to cook, bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Chunky Beef Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 2lbs ground beef
• 1 can tomato juice
• 1 c. water
• 2 cans tomato paste
• 1.5 cups onion
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix

Instructions:

1. Brown beef on stove-top and mix in remaining ingredients.
2. Place in freezer bag to freeze.
3. To cook, thaw and place in crock-pot on low for 4-6 hours.

Lasagna Roll Ups

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 15 oz. container Ricotta
• 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
• 2 c. Mozzarella cheese
• 1 24oz. pasta sauce jar
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 8 oz. ground beef.
• 2 tbsp. garlic powder
• 2 tbsp. onion powder
• salt/pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. basil & oregano (each)

Directions:

1. Brown beef in a skillet and mix in the pasta sauce. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
2. In a bowl, combine eggs with ricotta, Parmesan, and half of mozzarella and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
3. Cook noodles as directed and lay flat out on wax paper sheets. Place 1 tbsp. of meat mix on the noodle and spread evenly.
4. Place 1 tbsp. of the cheese mixture and spread evenly.
5. Gently roll up the noodle carefully, top with remaining mozzarella, and freeze.
6. To cook frozen, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Spareribs

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lbs of country-style pork ribs
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning (or seasoned salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Place pork in re-seal-able gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix remaining ingredients together in a bowl and pour over pork. Mix together in bag and zip closed.
2. When ready to eat, remove from freezer and thaw in fridge for 24 hours. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours

Crock-pot Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs
• 1 c. teriyaki sauce
• 1 c. water
• 2/3 c. light brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic
• ginger slices

Instructions:

1. Add contents to freezer bag and place in freezer. Make sure to get rid of any extra air in the bag.
2. To cook, thaw and dump contents in crock-pot and cook for 4-6 hours on low.

Beef & Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 2lb. flank steak
• 1 can beef broth
• 1/2 c. soy sauce
• 1/3 c. light brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. sesame oil
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 bag frozen broccoli (or 2 c. fresh)
• 2 c. brown rice
• OPTIONAL:  1 drop doTERRA Ginger Essential Oil.

Instructions:

1. Mix beef and sauce ingredients, place in bag.
2. If you bought fresh broccoli, place in its own gallon freezer bag.
3. Thaw and cook on low for 3-4 hours

Freezer Tatter-Tot Casserole

• 2lb. ground beef
• 2 (10.75 oz) cans cream of mushroom
• 1 zucchini diced small
• 1 red bell pepper diced small
• 1 small onion chopped small
• 4 cans of corn or french cut green beans
• 2 bags frozen tatter tots
• 1 Tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tsp black pepper
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 6 cups shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown beef, onion, bell pepper, zucchini in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until beef is well browned and crumbled. Drain
2. Stir soup, garlic powder, black pepper and Worcestershire into skillet. Mix well
3. Spoon beef mixture evenly into 2 12x8-inch shallow baking dishes.
4. Spread 2 cans of corn or green beans over meat in each dish.
5. Sprinkle 2 cups of cheese over corn/green beans in each dish.
6. Arrange Tatter-Tots on top and sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over Tots.
7. Bake at 425 for 25 minutes or until potatoes are done.

o    NOTE: If freezing, cover with tin foil and let thaw prior to placing into oven.

Crock-pot Sweet & Sour BBQ Meatballs

INGREDIENTS

·         1-2 pounds of meatballs

·         1 sweet onion, cut into chunks

·         1 green pepper, cut into chunks

·         1 red, yellow, or orange pepper, cut into chunks

·         1 pineapple, cut into chunks

·         18oz bottle of BBQ sauce

 

DIRECTIONS

1. Add contents to freezer bag and place in freezer. Make sure to get rid of any extra air in the bag.
2. To cook, thaw and dump contents in crock-pot and cook for 4-6 hours on low.

Polish Dinner

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs of Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa (your preference) cut to 3-in pieces
• 1 large can of sauerkraut (I make and can my own so I usually use a quart)
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 Tbsp Caraway Seeds
• 1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar (depending on your preference

Instructions:

1. OPTIONAL:  You can caramelize/saute' the onions in a skillet first or not your choice
2. Place ingredients in freezer bag to freeze.
3. To cook, thaw and place in crock-pot on low for 4-6 hours.

Beef, Bean, & Cheese Burritos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 can re-fried beans
• 1 bag shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion
• 1 pack large tortillas
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brown beef in a skillet & drain well.
2. Top each tortilla with 2 tbsp. ground beef, 2 tbsp. re-fried beans, and 2 tbsp. cheddar cheese.
3. Top with onions and fold into a burrito.
4. Wrap burrito in wax paper and then in tin foil. Place in gallon freezer bag.
5. To cook, remove from foil and paper and wrap in paper towel. Microwave for 2-3 minutes.
   

Breakfast Burritos

Ingredients:

• 12 eggs, scrambled
• 1 lb. of your choice: bacon / ground sausage / smoked sausage (chopped / crumbled)
• 1 package shredded cheddar cheese
• Veggies you fancy: onions, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers (etc-optional)
• 1 pack large tortillas

Instructions:

1. Lay each tortilla on wax paper and top with either sausage or bacon, eggs, and veggies of choice.
2. Spoon 2 tbsp. shredded cheddar cheese on top.
3. Fold burrito and wrap in wax paper and then tin foil.
4. Place into gallon bags and freeze.
5. To cook, microwave for 2-3 minutes.

And for those Mama's out there that plan to breast feed... There are some foods that naturally help boost your breast-milk supply. Here are two postpartum recipes that are great for that.

Lactation Smoothie Packs

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon vanilla almond milk
• 1 container rolled oats
• 2 bunches of bananas
• 1-2 packs of frozen strawberries
• ground flax seeds
• 1 jar almond or peanut butter

Instructions:

1. To make each pack, place 1 banana, 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup oats, 1 tbsp. nut butter, and 1 cup almond milk in a Ziploc bag.
2. Sprinkle in flax seeds.
3. Seal bag and freeze.

NOTE: I usually just pop one in the fridge the night before, so in the morning when I drink my smoothies, it is thawed enough to put through my Nutribullet. (LOVE that thing!)

Lactation Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 c. oats
• 1/2 c. peanut butter (i used chocolate PB!)
• 1/2 c. ground flax seed
• 1 c. coconut, shredded
• 1/3 c. honey
• 1/2 mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and then mix in the wet ingredients.
2. Refrigerate this mixture for one hour.
3. Remove and roll into ping pong sized balls.
4. Wrap individually and store in a gallon freezer bag to freeze.

NOTE: You can leave the flax seed whole, but your body will gain more nutrients from them if they are ground up. I just use a small coffee grinder to do this. I found mine at a local big box store for under $20. I use it constantly for herbs, spices, nuts and so on.