gluten

Friday Fun Facts #22

I know, it’s Saturday. My Internet was having issues yesterday. So, Friday Fun facts is featured on Saturday.

1. This week I went dumpster diving for the first time. That is something I truly never expected to do, but I was on the hunt for my boys beloved mugs from Belize. They had used them to drink a green juice in, and instead of putting the mugs in the sink, Isaac threw 2 mugs in the trash. Keep in mind, he is only 2 years old and sometimes gets confused that food scraps go in the trash and dishes go in the sink. Sadly, it wasn’t until I had dug through the entire trash bag in the house, that I realized the mugs were in the trash bag I had taken outside to the big trash can (so not really a dumpster, but still gross) the night before. I am happy to report that the mugs are saved, but one has a broken handle. I’m never doing that again.

2. Right now, I want to eat ALL the bread like items I can find. Any kind of bread like substances will do: garlic bread, pasta, sourdough bread, tortillas, pita bread… and it hasn’t even been one week yet. Pray for me, y’all.

3. This past Sunday I was on TV!… For like, 2 minutes, but it was fun. I’m part of the Corpus Christi Moms Blog, and they did a segment on it. If you’re a mom, you’ll definitely want to go and check out what moms are writing about on CCMB. It’s great for connection, and knowing you’re not alone in this thing called #momlife.

domingo-live

4. I’m currently doing some research on gardening, because I want to start a garden this spring. I’m kinda at a loss where to start because it’s been years since I gardened. Right now, I’m starting with herbs and onions. Check out this cute little broccoli I found at the local nursery I was visiting.

broccoli

Does anyone have any gardening tips? I need some fool proof produce!

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Chocolate (Avocado) Fruit Dip

So I only had a couple of hours left before my essential oil party. What on earth am I going to make for the party? I still have to go to the store when Nathan comes home… and the bank to cash my check first… Crap! I’m running out of time. This is what I was thinking as Nathan walked in the door. I frantically left to get to the bank before it closed, leaving Nathan behind with our rowdy noise, I mean boys. And dinner. And a messy kitchen. (Sorry, sweetie!)

While I’m at the store, all the fruit looked amazing, so I decided on a chocolate avocado fruit dip that is absolutely delicious and gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free. I had made it a couple of times before at different events and it’s always a big hit. Sounds a little too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not! Read on.

I gathered all the ingredients and only slightly sped home. I was able to make the fruit dip, chop up the fruit, and put it all on a tray in 15 minutes. So, not only is this dip healthy, but it’s fast and easy. It’s just plain awesome.

fruitdip

Now, I should say I did not originally come up with this recipe, it was given to me by my friend, Amy (who probably found it somewhere on Pinterest), and I adapted it a little bit. If anyone knows where it originated from, please let me know and I’ll update this post to give them credit and a million thanks for this awesomeness. Here ya go!

Ingredients:
• 2 ripe avocados
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup agave nectar (or honey)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons soy milk
• 2-5 drops of a citrus essential oil of your choosing (I like Tangerine!)
• Dash of salt

Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients together in a medium sized bowl using an electric mixer, except the essential oil. Mix very well and try to get out as much avocado lumps as humanly possible.
2. Add one drop of essential oil at a time, adjusting to taste.
3. Serve alongside a plate of fruit or simply sneak a spoonful here and there when you want a treat.

Notes:
• The original recipe calls for coconut milk. I don’t usually have coconut milk handy unless I’m making my curry chicken, but that wasn’t on the menu this week. So, you can substitute any milk here: soy, almond, cow’s milk, or I have even replaced it with yogurt.
• You want to mix the avocados really well or else you will have green lumps here and there.
• You can make this dip without essential oils and it still tastes great, but I love it because citrus oils are known to be a mood uplifter.  For more information on the only brand I trust to use internally, email ingo@amandagerber.com.

What other essential oils do you think would go well in this dip? Let me know what ya think!