Diva Recipe: Easy Veggie Quesadilla

By Tania Reuben

Quesidilla is a quick and easy meal that is on most mom’s go to list when they need something on the table fast.

The only trouble is that most quesadilla recipes are not healthy.

White flour tortillas with mounds  of cheese -  not that nutritious and full of fat.  Using a whole wheat tortillas, diced mixed vegetables, black beans and less cheese makes this version a much healthier choice.

Easy Quesadilla Recipe

4-5 Whole Wheat Tortilla’s – We use Trader Joe’s Organic

FILLING

1 1/2 Cups of Diced Mixed Vegetables

10oz Refried Beans – We use Refried Black Beans from Trader Joe’s

1/2 – 1 Cup of Shredded Cheddar or Light Mexican Blend

Cheese Chicken or Beef (Optional)

Salsa

Light Sour Cream

Refried Beans

DIRECTIONS

Microwave mixed vegetable for 4 minutes or saute in a small amount of olive oil until soft.

Spread Beans on one half of the tortilla, sprinkle vegetables on the other side, add about 2-3 Tablespoons of cheese.

Fold Over.

Place in a hot skillet and cook on both sides.

Serve with Salsa, Light Sour Cream, and more Beans for Dipping.

Adding the vegetables, black beans and whole wheat tortilla up the nutritional value of the meal. Reducing the amount of cheese and using lowfat cheese and sour cream also helps lower the saturated fats. I don’t like the fat free cheese, who knows what is in that, but a cheese or sour cream made with reduced fat milk – I’m OK with that.

I’m lucky because both of my kids love black beans. You can make this a vegetarian meal, or add some already cooked, diced or shredded beef or chicken for variety and added protein. You could also add a side of Brown Basmati Rice (I realize it’s indian rice, but IMO this is the best tasting brown rice).

If your children are picky eaters, start light and build up to more with the veggies and black beans.  They are more likely to accept a few speckles of veggies vs a whole lot… start small and build up.

This recipe will serve 4 light eaters… adjust your measurements accordingly.

Welcome back to PND. It's good to see you again!Diva Recipe: Easy Veggie Quesadilla

Ask Diva: “Safe” Mascara

Dear Diva,

Help – what is your favorite “good-for-you” mascara?

Twitter follower @at1968media

Dear Twiva,

Good question.  Mascara is a product that we wear right next to our eye, so being careful with this selection is a prudent idea.

My  approach to converting to”safer” cosmetics and bodycare products has been to use up what I own, then replace that product with a safer product.  With Mascara I must have hit a good sale one day because it took me a long time to use up what I had, I finally switched to natural mascara earlier this year.

Part of switching to natural products has been to change buying patterns, my old habit of buying a few of one item and keeping them until I needed them no longer works.  Better for you products don’t contain as many preservatives, so they often don’t last as long.  I digress…

Very randomly one day I was at the drugstore (a rare event these days) and happened across Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara.  They were offering a rebate making the mascara free, cool deal and a win – win.  So I picked one up to try.  The mascara rates a 3 in the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.

This is an improvement over my longtime favorite L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara, which rates a 6 and the always mentioned Maybelline Great Lash Mascara which scores a 5.

For those who are really committed to purity, check out Coastal Creations Mascara, which scores 0.

Another brand I’d like to try is 100% pure fruit pigmented mascara which scores a 2 in Skin Deep.

There you have it, 3 different natural or organic options for you to try out!  Let me know how it all works.

Love,

Ask Diva: “Safe” Mascara

Diva Review: Allison Mooney Design Jewelry

By Tania Reuben

I love Etsy!  Their motto is Buy, Sell and Live Handmade.  Those who aren’t familiar need to check it out!  Etsy is a site for designers and artists to list and sell their wares.  One of the best parts about buying from an Etsy vendor is knowing that you are a part of truly supporting the person who made your item. My only problem with Etsy is there are so many vendors you can sometimes get lost browsing for hours.

One of my favorite finds on etsy this year is Allison Mooney Designs – CLICK HERE – to view her etsy shop.  Allison creates beautiful Jewelry, browsing through her site I wish I had most of her designs in my collection.

When she sent me a pair of her White Topaz and Filigreed Sterling Silver Drop Earringsto review I was thrilled.  So thrilled that I couldn’t chose on just one of her designs and had to order a pair of the Brushed Vermeil Trapeze Earrings too!  I’m glad that I did, the Trapeze Earrings are comfortable enough to wear all day long, super light and delicate yet dressy enough to wear out for date night.

The Silver Drop Earrings are gorgeous.  They are exrta light and comfortable. Dressy enough to wear at a cocktail party, but you could just as easily wear them with jeans and a t-shirt to add a little sparkle.  You do need to take care with the drop earrings, they will tangle if not stored correctly and you may find yourself spending a minute or two setting the dangle straight, such is the life of any dangle earring.

Allison’s designs are whimsical, elegant and have a timeless feel to them.  At the same time her pieces are perfectly current. Achieving that balance is a remarkable feet in design! I’m sure it was this balance that caught the eyes of Nordstrom buyers where her jewelry has sold.

Allison is a vendor with Nordstrom, but hasn’t shipped any new styles to them this year.  Her focus has shifted from volume production to motherhood.   She has missed attending Nordstrom trunk shows where she was able to meet her customers, socialize, and showcase over 200 pieces  allowing her to show her full range.

Allison is thankful for the positive response to her jewelry & her etsy store. She loves having a creative outlet that allows her to help support her family while still enabling her to be with her daughter during the day.

The holidays are Allison’s busiest time of the year, so she is grateful to have a supportive husband who steps up to the plate.  Taking care of the majority of the cooking, cleaning AND babywrangling.  Allison claims he’s her biggest fan, but I might have to fight him for that position!

Allison squeezes in her business with support from her husband, between baby naps (she’s lucky that little Mooney continues to take 2 naps!) and by sacrificing sleep, often staying up till midnight to complete orders during the holidays.

Take a few minutes to browse Allison’s store – you’ll be sure to find something you can’t resist!  If Santa didn’t bring you something shiny this year, pick out something yourself.

Congratulations to Carrie C, the winner of this great prize!

WIN a $30 Gift Certificate to Allison Mooney Designs!

HOW TO ENTER:

There are a few ways you can enter, leave separate comments for each entry.

Mandatory:

Become an Email Subscriber to PND using the form in the sidebar.

- The subscription must be confirmed. You will receive and email that you must reply to for your entry to be valid.

- Already a confirmed Subscriber. Complete any one of the additional entries options – Leave a comment letting Diva know you’re subscriber name and the entry option you selected.

Additional Entries

1. Go to Allison Mooney Desings at Etsy and share your favorite design here! I promise it will be tough to keep it to one!

2. Stumble, Digg, Kirsty, or Technorati favorite this post. Leave a comment with your name and the link.

3. Follow @purenaturaldiva (use link on the sidebar) on twitter. Leave your twittername in a separate comment.

4. Become a Fan of Pure Natural Diva & Allison Mooney Designs on Facebook. Post this giveaway as an update, leave your FB Name or Name with a copy of your update in a separate comment. One entry for each.

5. Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste “WIN Gorgeous Handmade Baubles!!! Diva Giveaway: $30 Gift Certificate from Allison Mooney Designs http://bit.ly/52PMSh @purenaturaldiva”. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.

6. Write a post on your blog linking to my blog and to the – Good for two entries. Leave this comment twice so you get both entries!

This giveaway will run through midnight on Dec 30, 2009 PDT, with winner being announced December 30, 2009. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen.

Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S and Canada.

alt=”MckLinky Blog Hop” longdesc=”http://www.mcklinky.com” />

target=”_blank”>Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List….

Diva Review: Allison Mooney Design Jewelry

Diva Review: Sprig Toys Dolphin Explorer Boat

Founded in 2007 by an award winning trio of toy veterans Sprig Toys set out to create toys that would inspire children’s imaginations, be responsibly manufactured and green.  A tall order in the toy industry.

In a few short years they have made their mark.  Winning prestigious awards like, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2009, Creative Toy Award from Creative Child Magazine, Dr. Toy’s 100 best toy products of 2008 and others. This company has had a busy few years!

Sprig toys are made from Sprigwood™ a proprietary bio-composite of recycled wood and reclaimed plastic.  So it looks almost like a plastic toy, but not quite.  They use Sprigwood™ to make an assortment of eco friedly toys that they have broken into Series:

Sprigwood is dishwasher safe on the top shelf, so their non electronic toys can get squeaky clean with a little help from one of my favorite kitchen appliances.

Eco-Trucks – Excavators, Dump Trucks, and loaders oh my.  Playing in the sand and dirt is good clean fun with our affordable trucks.

Sprig Hallow -  Join Bee & Butterfly and other characters on adventures in the sand, garden, or pool. Includes playsets, vehicles, and outdoor tools all in one!

Story Builders – allow children to build and tell their own stories. They are a complete building playset and classic storybook rolled together.

The Adventure Series – a world full of vehicles, characters, and animals to stimulate fun filled expeditions on both land and water.

They recently sent Little Diva and Dude The Dolphin Explorer Boat from their adventure series.

The set consists of:

2 boats – Explorer Boat (largest item in the set) and smaller Rescue Boat
1 Life Preserver
2 Dolphins – Mother and Baby
1 Adventure Guide – Captain Owen
1 Adventure Hat – Interchangeable!
1 Backpack Accessory

Little Diva exclaimed on seeing photos of the Dolphin Explorer set “dolphins are my most favorite ocean animal ever!!!”  Picture the hands clasped over her chest.  She was so excited when the actual package arrived.

When I  opened the package for a sneak preview I was surprised to find the dolphin’s bottoms were hollowed out.  But after observing it in action I can see how this helps them float.  This also solves another common problem with toys that get water time… Mildew.  We have had so many toys end up thrown out because they had been taken over by mildew.  The open bottom of the dolphins enables for thorough cleaning.

The boat and dolphins float and their simple design allow your child’s imagination to dictate how they play with the set.

One Lucky Reader will win a Dolphin Explorer Boat, but if you just can’t wait find it on Amazon:

The winner has been announced in this weeks newsletter!  Check your inbox!

HOW TO ENTER:

There are a few ways you can enter, leave separate comments for each entry.

Mandatory:

Become an Email Subscriber to PND using the form in the sidebar.
– The subscription must be confirmed. You will receive and email that you must reply to for your entry to be valid.
– Already a confirmed Subscriber. Complete any one of the additional entries options – Leave a comment letting Diva know you’re subscriber name and the entry option you selected.

Additional Entries

1. Go to www.sprigtoys.com and share your favorite new toy here!

2. Stumble, Digg, Kristi, or Technorati favorite this post. Leave a comment with your name and the link.

3. Follow @purenaturaldiva and @SprigToys on twitter. Leave your twittername in a separate comment.

4. Become a Fan of Pure Natural Diva & Sprig Toys on Facebook. Post this giveaway as an update, leave your FB Name or Name with a copy of your update in a separate comment. One entry for each.

5. Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste “Diva Giveaway: WIN the Dolphin Explorer Set from @Sprigtoys http://bit.ly/7pc4mK @purenaturaldiva”. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.

6. Write a post on your blog linking to Pure Natural Diva and to Sprig Toys – Good for two entries. Leave this comment twice so you get both entries!

This giveaway will run through midnight on Jan 3, 2010 PDT, with winner being announced on January 4, 2009. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries.  Winner will be notified via PND Newsletter – Keep your eyes posted! Winner will have 24 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen.

Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S.

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List….

Diva Review: Sprig Toys Dolphin Explorer Boat

Diva Cold & Flu Tool Kit

Every mom has it, a cold and flu survival kit.  An arsenal of go to remedies that helps their family survive cold and flu season.

In our home we take a number of preventative measures.  Then I have the tools I use before the storm and then the whole arsenal is in rotation if we end up in the eye of the storm.

I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice, it’s just one mom sharing her toolkit.

PREVENTION

Hand Washing

It’s the most important tool in fighting cold & flu.  We use the PND Foaming Handsoap and water and wash for 30 seconds. We often sing a song. Don’t use antibacterial soaps which likely contain triclosan and aid in the development of Super Viruses. Wash often, wash well!

Multi Vitamin

I give both my children a daily multivitamins. My pediatrician thinks it’s a waste of money, but harmless. My Internist (an Integrative Doctor) thinks it’s worth while.

Vitamin C

Lil’ Dude & Diva get a daily dose of Vitamin C (250 mg) during the school year.  I feel like it helps their immune system.

Humidifier

Lil’ Diva has been having ongoing issues with a morning cough this fall. We’ve put a humidifier in her room to help her sinus’ move any congestion and it seems to help. The extra moisture in the air is supposed to help the little hairs in the sinus’ clean better (according to Dr. Oz).

Personally I take a plethora of vitamins that help keep me healthy – more on that another day.

Neti Pot

I don’t use this for prevention, but many people do and swear by it.

Perhaps you’ve seen Dr. Oz demonstrate the Neti Pot on Oprah or now on his own show.  I haven’t tried it with my kids, but have seen pictures of children using them on flckr.

Using the Neti Pot with a solution of warm salty water will help thin out mucus, clear your sinus cavity and flush out the very area were the little buggers are multiplying. While I know there are benefits to using this daily, I use mine when I’m feeling a bug come or when one has set it.

What they don’t tell you when you see it being demonstrated?  The first time you use the Neti Pot it feels almost like you’ve taken a dive in the swimming pool and the water went the wrong way. The good news, you quickly get used to it.

The Neti Pot is also useful for people with Chronic Sinus Problems.  Dude uses “Sinus Irrigation” for his asthma and feels that it helps (he uses the plastic bottle – it looks more like a nasal spray).

If you must use the plastic bottle, don’t feel compelled to buy the packets to add to water… simple table salt will do the trick just fine without the waste and expense.

WHEN YOU KNOW IT’S COMING

They aren’t sick yet, but you can see the signs. You have multiple children and one is sick, it’s time to give the siblings systems a little help.

Echinacea

If one child is sick and the other healthy we give echinacea to the healthy child only. My understanding is that echinacea doesn’t help once the virus has settled in – it only aids in building immunity prior to being sick. It also shouldn’t be used for more than 14 consecutive days.

Tiger Balm

If they are showing signs of congestion I will rub them down with tiger balm. It can be a little burning on sensitive skin, so I’ll use a layer of Un-Petroleum Jelly first and add the tiger balm on top. I rub the chest and glands on the neck.

Methylcobalamin B12

My understanding  of Methylcobalamin B12 (Melthylated B12 or MB12) is that it is Vitamin B12 that has been  to enable the body to absorb vitamin B12 better, in it’s regular form B12 doesn’t readily absorb.

My first experience with MB12 was in a nasal spray.  To get a nasal spray you need a prescription and a compounding pharmacy – this is the only one I know of that produces the spray.

The good news is this is now available without a prescription in a lollipop form called Revita Pop!  Much easier for the kids!

The minute I get a sore throat I take the MB12. It typically instantly makes it go away, if it comes back again the next day, I take it again. I also give this to the littles when they are coming down with something.

Many people are using MB12 in their battle with autism, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and other maladies as well.  It’s worth looking into if you have health concerns.

Look for a review and giveaway for Rivita Pop soon!

Zinc Gluconate

This is a remedy that my husband and I use, but not as consistently as other remedies and I haven’t used it for the children.  Zinc is found in Cold Ease and a few other products. It’s great to take if you are going to fly and helps prevent you from getting sick if you’re around others with cold and flu. Apparently it works because it attaches itself to the same part of the cell that the virus would attach to, so if the real estate is occupied it has no place to go. Zinc may interfere with the absorption of antibiotics.

Neti Pot

When I know it’s coming – I start the irrigation. It would be better to use it daily – I just don’t have the time!

General Prevention

I have stopped using all Splenda and never give this or any sweetener to the children.  I have no scientific data, I used to use splenda in my daily coffee and I would drink Diet Black Cherry Hansen’s soda everyday.  It seemed that I would get every bug the kids dragged through our home, I was healthy for a week or two, sick for a week or two – seriously.  Since eliminating splenda – no cold or flu.

NO MORE DENIAL – THEY ARE SICK

Black Elderberry

Apparently Black Elderberry contains an enzyme that inhibits the ability the virus to spread. There seems to be evidence to support it helps with both Influenza A & B.  We use the liquid form.  It actually tastes pretty good and the kids are always trying to cough so they can have some.

I was careful with Little Dude, because he has some berry allergies, he was fine with the Elderberry.  Meaning the first time I gave it to him I tried a small dose during the day.

Vitamin C

When I feel a bug I start to load up on Vitamin C, I’ll also boost the children’s dosage.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

I use acetaminophen to reduce fever in for my children, and when I get headache and such. Others may opt for more natural alternatives. For the number of times we actually use Tylenol, I’m OK with it. It is so effective at relieving symptoms and easing the discomfort.  I am careful not give them more than they really need.

Neti Pot

When I’m actually sick, I use the Neti Pot to help keep my sinus’ moving. I will use it multiple times a day.

Tiger Balm

I keep this going until we’re healthy again.

Closing

I’m sure there are many other remedies that work for you. This is simply a compilation of what works for us.

Please remember, I am not a doctor. The information in this post is simply to share what we use in our home and what works for me. It is not a substitute for advice from your own doctor!

Love PND? Please support our work and take a minute to visit our sponsor hessnatur – a world leader in the natural clothing industry.  They offer a great selection of organic and natural fashions for the whole family.

Diva Cold & Flu Tool Kit

Diva Guide: Greener Holiday Giving

By Tania Reuben

Time is counting down for the holidays and if you are looking for way to green your gifting this year, check out some of these ideas.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite finds to make gift giving a little easier!

Don’t miss our current giveaways!

TOYS

Plan Toys

Plan Toys is an industry leader in making fantastic eco friendly toys for children. These toys are non toxic, durable and will allow the child in your life to play creatively for hours.

Purchase PLAN TOYS through amazon.

Green Toys

Green Toys Made in the USA from recycled Milk Jugs! These toys are non toxic and instead of plastic being wasted, they are turning it into great toys. Look for Trucks, sand toys, garden kits & this cute tea set that is food safe! Win a Dish Set from PND – CLICK HERE.

CLOTHING

Hessnatur

Hessnatur  offers a great selection of well priced classic menswear and children’s clothing. Organic whenever possible, Natural, Non Toxic and Fair trade from concept through execution.  I’ve never met a woman who wasn’t happy to receive the gift of Cashmere!  Save 25% for the holidays.

Sub Urban Riot

Sub Urban Riot makes super hip, yet still relaxed t-shirt that have been seen on Entourage and It’s always Sunny In Philadelphia.  Note – there line is slimmer cut, so if you are looking for an ‘American Cut’ T-Shirt Choose from these styles; horse tee, RIOT, tee, hell yeah, and majestic panther.

ACCESORIES

Baubles

I love Etsy – it’s an online site for artisans to showcase their handmade and crafted wares.  You can spend hours getting lost in the sites of all the vendors.

Here are a few of my current favorites!

Allison Mooney Designs

Allison designs are stunning and have broad appeal – I would love to receive any one of her designs as a gift!  Her etsy store is full of necklaces, bracelets and my favorite – earrings.  CLICK HERE for the PND Review & Giveaway.

JewLyrie

This mother of two designs simple, unique treasures from her studio in the Garden State.  With an Etsy shop full of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets you are sure to cross someone off your list with a visit to her shop.

Beads For Blanche

I love all the fantastic color choices this etsier employs in their line.  A great etsy shop to check out, full of colorful necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

 

Intimates

 

Couture Cotton

If lingerie is on the list, go organic where pure really counts!  Couture Cottons makes organic underwear and cozy organic pajamas.  Yet another example of design breaking down the barrier of what “organic” looks like.  Check out our Review and Giveaway CLICK HERE.

Shoes

NeuAura

Who Doesn’t love a fabulous new heels for all the great parties!  NeuAura makes fabulously stylish vegan and eco friendly designs to step out for the holidays in style.  They make styles to walk you through your entire year. Don’t forget to check out their fantastic Thames boots!

Handbags

Urth Handbags

The ultimate Eco Asscecories!  Made from recycled juice boxes, magazines and newspapers and stylish too!  Check out the Diva Giveaway and Review – CLICK HERE.

Yellow Wallpaper

Based in Los Angeles – This Etsier makes a nice selection of gorgeous handbags that have a slightly retro feel to their design.  In a day and age when most handbags are made in China Yellow Wallpaper is handmade.  What a stylish way to buy Made In the USA.

Skin Care

Juice Beauty

Juice Beauty has some lovely sets that are perfect the holidays.  CLICK HERE to read our review of their Green Apple Moisturizer and Juice Beauty.

Make Up

Everyday Minerals

We reviewed Everyday Minerals earlier this year and love the quality of their products. Check out the review and be sure to enter their ENCORE giveaway!

House & Home

Glass Dharma

Looking for a unique gift for the hostess that has it all, the glass straw is a great solution! Prices start at $6 and gift sets of 4 start at $23.

EnviroVoque

PND has been encouraging readers to bring their own bags while shopping, you can encourage your friends to do the same, with style use an EnviroVoque Reusable Bags as a fun stocking stuffer or in place of wrapping paper.  They offer some great designs that will make you want to remember to use them! Retail for $7.95-9.95.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME

SPUD Organic Delivery

Buy the harried Mother’s and Father’s in your life a gift certificate to SPUD organic delivery if they are in your area.  If not check out Local Harvest for options that will work for your recipient.  We use SPUD and I have to say that not much is better than having trips to the grocery eliminated from your to do list and fresh organic products delivered to your door!

Use the code PURENATURALDIVA to save $25 over 4 orders.

IT’S A WRAP

I wish we could have covered even more ground this year!  There are so many great people and companies that with a little effort you can get into the swing of greener giving.

Don’t forget to wrap greener too! Use paper made with 100% post consumer waste, reusable gift bags, or try the Diva Solutions and make your own gift bags!

Diva Guide: Greener Holiday Giving

Diva Guide: Let’s Talk Turkey

By Tania Reuben

Thanksgiving is around the corner and plans are in the works for your holiday meal. A meal that will most likely center around a turkey.

Do you always wonder how big the turkey needs to be?   CLICK HERE to use this convenient tool to calculate the amount of Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy you need to make for your gathering. It allows you to specify adults, children, and eating style!

Many supermarkets offer free turkeys as a holiday promotion. we typically buy a free range turkey for our Thanksgiving Meal.   It’s a couple of times a year so I feel it’s worth spending a little extra to know how it grew and what it ate – although as of yet I haven’t been able to justify the bump up to the price of the Certified Organic Turkey.

Like most areas of grocery shopping these day, consumers have many choices. Within each type of turkey – you may want to learn about the individual farm that raised your turkey.  Each farm has their own set of standards.

Kosher – Kosher Turkeys are blessed by a Rabbi, they will be rinsed and salted, cleaned with fresh water.  The Kosher process tends to be a more time consuming way of processing meat and the process will typically produce a higher quality product.

Brined – Brined Turkey is prepared in a salted solution.  I’ve never purchased a brined turkey, but I’ve had good results brining a turkey and it was delicious.

Free Range – Free range is a bit of a nebulous term due to the fact that the USDA only requires the animal have access to the outdoors, due to this it can pay to learn a little bit more about the actual farm raising the turkey to ensure the turkey you are buying has actually roamed the range free.

Certified Organic – Certified Oraganic Turkeys should be truly free range, humanely raised with plenty of room to roam, with access to fresh water.  They should be fed an all vegetarian organic diet without GMO.  They should be raised free of antibiotics, growth stimulants, or chemical fertilizers.

Conventional – Convential Turkeys are raised in a confined space, about 1/4 of that of a free range turkey, will be given growth stimulants that will cause them to mature significantly faster than it would on it’s own.

What’s It Going To Cost Me:

We did a little shopping around to find out what prices are in the marketplace, this should give you an idea of what you can expect to pay.

Whole Foods:

Organic Free Range – Certified Organic – ate an organic diet $3.99 per pound.
Mary’s Natural Free Range $2.29 per pound.

Delivered:

Check out Local Harvest to find local Turkey Farms. Prices range from $59 – $150+.

Spud Delivery also offers Turkeys with their organic grocery delivery service. They have Free Range Turkey’s for $2.33 per pound (Delivered!).

Spud has an offer for PND readers – use code PureNaturalDiva in the promo code field to get $25 off your first  4 orders with Spud ($6.25 will be taken off each order).  Delivery with Spud is free with a minimum order (in LA $32 – a big improvement over the $150 minimum with Vons Delivery).

Spud delivers to: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, & in Western Canada, Vancouver, Vancouver Island & Calgary.

Spud will also have an offer posting before November 19 on www.Groupon.com and the offers can be combined!

Hopefully this gives you more information for your turkey shopping this Thanksgiving.

Check out the Diva Thanksgiving Menue – for all the recipes that we’ll be serving up for our Thanksgiving dinner.  We keep it pretty traditional around here.

On an unrelated note:

Love PND please support our work and take a minute to visit our sponsor hessnatur – a world leader in the natural clothing industry.  They are offering 25% off, plus free shipping and returns through Dec 29, 2009!

The offer a great selection of organic and natural fashions for the whole family.

Diva Guide: Let’s Talk Turkey

Diva Recipe: Whole Grain Buttermilk Pancakes

This recipe is from scratch friends.  Yes pancakes can be made without a store bought mix!
As long as I don’t add fruit it passes the hubby test too – either he’s getting used to my cooking or my cooking is getting better.

It’s a good thing!
I use primarily organic ingredients -  it will work either way of course.

The recipe will make about 20 smaller (4″) pancakes.

This apple cinnamon pancake is sprinkled with a powdered sugar – chosen by the children instead of maple syrup, so it would be just like their favorite restaurant.

1 2/3 cup Sifted Whole Grain Pastry Flour (sifting optional)
1/3 cup of Oat Bran
2 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
1 1/2 tsp of Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
2 Eggs
1 3/4 Cups of “Butter” Milk (Almost 1 3/4 cups of Milk with 2 tbs of Lemon Juice or Vinegar – total liquid 1 3/4 cups)
2 Tbs Melted Butter
2 Tbs Oil – I prefer Grapeseed Oil
1 – 2 Tbs Ground Flax Meal

Sift Flour Before Measuring.
Add the remaining Dry Ingredients and combine well
Beat your eggs and add to the wet ingredients.

Add 90% of your wet ingredients to your dry and mix until still a little lumpy. Add remaining liquid until you get to your favored consistency. The thinner the mix, the thinner the pancakes and the thicker mix will give you a thicker pancake.

Heat your cooking surface and prepare with a small amount of oil (I’m trying to move past the spray oils), a splash of water that dances will tell you the surface is ready.

I use a 1/4 cup measuring scoop for pouring my batter onto the fry pan.

If you want to add fruit – this is when I do it. I sprinkle it right on top of the poured mix. When there are plenty of bubbles – it’s time to flip.
Added diced white nectarines – yum!
Apple Cinnamon – Dice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon add a few Tbs of water, cook in microwave until fruit is tender.

This was SO easy to do, I don’t know why I kept thinking I needed a mix. It took all of 3 extra minutes to gather the extra ingredients. The first time I made it I didn’t add the flax, I knew hubby was eating them and didn’t want to scare him away. The next time, he wasn’t, so I threw it in. The truth is, once cooked you can’t tell it’s in there. The speckles blend in with the toasty color of the pancake tops.

Enjoy.

Diva Recipe: Whole Grain Buttermilk Pancakes

Green Toys featured on Smart Planet

PND recently posted a review and giveaway for Green Toys.

Take a few minutes to watch this clip and learn more about how Green Toys are made. So cool to see great things from an American company!

Green Toys featured on Smart Planet

Diva Review: Everyday Minerals

By Tania Reuben

THIS IS A SPECIAL HOLIDAY ENCORE – I first posted this review in the fall and loved them so much I wanted to feature them again for the holidays!

NOTE ~ If you are thinking of giving the little princess in your life some girlie make up to play from Santa.  Consider some of their shimmery light colors and be confident that you are giving your child a safer option for “play make up”.

Everyday Minerals offers a full line of Mineral Make Up. Their products are handmade in small batches to ensure product freshness. Stored correctly they should be safe for use for up to 2 years.

With a Diva Total of 13 points Everyday Minerals are: Divaliscious!

Click here for review criteria:

8 Points for Skin Deep Moderate Hazard Rating
0 Points for being Organic

2 Points for effectiveness:
I was easily able to achieve the looks I was going for with Everyday Minerals. For this review I used Everyday Minerals daily in lieu of my day to day make up. I had two functions to attend and I used Everyday Minerals for both. At a wedding I was told my skin was glowing!

1 Point for Texture:
Everyday Minerals Make Up was smooth, easy to apply and blended well. It felt light on my skin. I was also able to achieve a more dramatic look for evenings out.

1 Point for Fragrance:
I didn’t notice any smell or fragrance while using Everyday Minerals.

.5 Points for Packaging Appearance:
Everyday Minerals has simple, elegant packaging. Individual items are not re-packaged in a box. The containers themselves have inserts to limit the “flow” of your make up – making application easier. A few of the small sized containers I received had a clear film over the insert (to prevent the product from leaking) that was challenging to remove. I noticed that other similarly packaged products had a convenient pull tab. My guess is the “tab” is the new and improved film. If you happen run into the tab free film – you’ll want tweezers to remove the film.

.5 Points for Packaging Sustainability
The plastic used is recyclable. Everyday Minerals suggests saving the sample containers to use on the go touch ups.

OVERALL
Watch a full make up application using Everyday Minerals – Check this out:

I was nervous about trying a “full” Mineral make up regime. Worried I would have powder flying everywhere and it would take me forever to do get my make up done. As a mom of two toddlers, spending more time on make up is not an option! My mineral applications are quick and easy. Tip – I keep a piece of paper for blotting my colors, almost like an artist’s palette.

One appeal of Mineral make up is that overall the lines often have better safety scores in Skin Deep. Everyday Minerals scores top points here, nothing in their line scores higher that a 3 in the CD – for me that means I can shop with confidence and just have fun.

You can’t beat the value of Everyday Minerals. Their prices ranging from $2.50 to $12 for a full size foundation. They also over fantastic promotions with their Perks Program – order 5-11 products and get 25% off – order 12 or more products at 45% off!

Everyday Minerals makes it easy for you to find the right colors for your skin. They walk you through the basics of selecting the best shades and will even send you color samples for free (you pay shipping). Once you have the product – they walk you through the application.

While I was able to use my own Make Up brushes, they do offer a full line of Bamboo Vegan Brushes. If you use your own brushes be sure to clean them when your new make up arrives so you don’t cross contaminate.

Colors Used in the Video Application:
Golden Fair Foundation
Fresh Hydrating Concealer
Wild Flowers – Eye Shadow (as brow liner)
Everyday Resort – Eye Pallatte (as eyeliner and crease)
Apple – Blush (as blush and lip color on top of lip balm)

I also loved:
Champagne Lucent Powder – It has a gorgeous shimmer and I didn’t feel guilty dusting it on my daughter when she asked for some.
Dark Brown – Brow Color (as eyeliner) – created a nice dark liner for a more dramatic look.
Rare Silk – Eye Shadow – created a nice shimmer on for the eyes.

WINNER:  Amy H Check your inbox!

Ready to try Everyday Minerals for yourself – Everyday Minerals has agreed to give a PND reader their choice of 4 Holiday Reissue Eyeshadows, blush & a 2 Lip Balms a $34 Value!

HOW TO ENTER:

There are a few ways you can enter, leave separate comments for each entry.

Mandatory:

Become a Confirmed Email Subscriber to PND.
CLICK HERE.
– After subscribing you will receive an email – check your junk mail – you must verify your subscription in this email to win!
– Already a confirmed Subscriber. Leave a comment letting me know you’re subscriber and would like to enter.

Additional Entries

1. Go to www.everydayminerals.com – share your favorite Everyday Minerals Color.

2. Stumble, Kirsty, Technorati, or Digg this post. Leave a comment with your name and the link.

3. Follow @purenaturaldiva on twitter (use link on the sidebar). Leave your twittername in a separate comment.

4. Become a Fan of Pure Natural Diva & Everyday Minerals on Facebook, already a fan – post this giveaway as an update, leave your FB Name or Name with a copy of your update in a separate comment.

5. Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste “Dive Giveaway – WIN $34 in Make Up from Everyday Minerals!   http://bit.ly/6oBeCy @PureNaturalDiva “. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.

6. Write a post on your blog linking to PND and to Everyday Minerals website – Good for two entries. Leave this comment twice so you get both entries!

This giveaway will run through midnight on Dec 19, 2009 PDT, with winner being announced the morning of Dec 21, 2009. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen.

Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

alt=”MckLinky Blog Hop” longdesc=”http://www.mcklinky.com” />

target=”_blank”>Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List….

Diva Review: Everyday Minerals

Next Page »