Coconut Cream Datebars

So my blogging has been lacking the last couple of weeks. Where the time has gone, I have no idea, but there just hasn't been enough hours in my day, thus this was put on the back-burner. Such is life, however, and it is with much joy that I bring you today' delicious recipe!

I started my love affair with dates most recently. I have purchased my first container a couple months before Christmas, but was saving them for such as thing as today's recipe, in the hopes that I would have a processor before Christmas. I had never eaten a date on it's own. Then dawned that fateful day, at my in-laws abode. There are always ever-present dishes, laden with yummy delights, that are tantalizing and beckoning to be scoured for that one favourite treat. I know this sounds like their house is filled with candy, but really, these delicious treats are usually the fruit and nut variety. That day was no different, and in one dish, sitting along, sat a date. I was curious about the taste, thus I picked it up and bit into the soft, sweet flesh to discover a taste that was divine. As soon as I got home, I opened my container and proceeded to consume a few dates a day. Before I knew it, the container was gone and a new one added to my next grocery list.

It was only recently, with the arrival of my very own food processor, with all thanks going to some dear friends who blessed me with this gift, that I was finally able to use the dates for what I had first intended. The result was worth the many months of waiting.

Thus I share with you today the first flavour of datebars I have tried, the homemade version of the store available and widely loved "Larabar". Today's flavour is coconut cream and later on today I'm going to attempt some key lime bars, as my coconut cream ones are almost gone! I'll share that flavour with you another day. :)

I found this recipe on another fabulous blog, My Whole Food Life and you can see the original post here.

COCONUT CREAM DATEBARS
(gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan)

Ingredients:
(makes 10 bars)

15 Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw cashews
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 Tbsp virgin coconut oil
2 Tbsp filtered water

Directions:

- Add the almonds, cashews and coconut to a food processor.

- Blend on high until a fine, crumbly texture is reached

- Add the dates, coconut oil and water. Pulse until a dough forms. Scrape the sides of the bowl periodically to be sure all ingredients are incorporated.

- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper, being sure it comes up the sides of the pan. This is so the bars are easily lifted out once chilled, to cut.

- Pour the dough into the pan. Press down the dough mixture firmly, so it is well packed. Place in the fridge to set for an hour or two.

- Pull the bars out, via parchment paper and slice with a pizza cutter.

- enjoy and wrap for individual use, or place in an airtight container. Keep bars in the fridge. These should keep for a couple weeks, but I doubt they will last that long :)

Happy Eating!

Monday Feature: From Womb to Cradle Doula Services, Inc

Being a mother and now having experienced pregnancy, labour, child birth, and life beyond as a momma, I understand the fear of the unknown. A new mom doesn't know what to expect with the stages of pregnancy, what it will be like to go through labour and child birth, and then the up-side-down life of craziness, lack of sleep, and whirlwind of newness that encompasses every moment thereafter. It's quite a ride. Even if you are a reader or a researcher (as I am), one really has no idea what to expect as every experience is as different as you are.

This is where having a support person can be absolutely invaluable. Your spouse support is pivotal, however if you're doing this for the first time, chances are, they are too. What I mean is, it's nice to have a third person who can help calm you both and is able to keep their head in any situation that may arise. I, myself, did not have a midwife (there are none that I know of in my city, or I would have tried!) or a doula. I did, however, have a dear friend who was with my husband and I and present for the birth of my daughter.

Having a doula can be just the saving grace you need. They can capture the moments, give you a massage (every labouring woman said "Amen!"), help you deal with the pain, and support you afterwards as well, with nursing and home life.

Today's feature is on just such a doula and a lovely woman, Michelle Maisonville of From Womb to Cradle Doula Services. A friend of mine, who had her daughter shortly after my daughter was born, had Michelle as her doula and could only speak praise of the experience. For all of you soon-to-be or one-day-to-be mommas, read on! This could be the key to a beautiful experience in childbirth for you.

Michelle recalls her journey to becoming a doula, "[It] began in my childhood. I've always had a heart for expectant mothers and their little ones, always keeping them in my prayers. I was a sensitive child, emotionally and physically. As far as birth was concerned, I had been told by a relative that I probably would have to be "knocked out" by the doctor, as I wouldn't be able to handle the pain. This statement made a huge impact on me."

Michelle gave birth to her first child in the Spring of 2003. After opting for an epidural within an hour of arriving at the hospital, her decision led to a "cascade of interventions", each growing more serious. This, coupled with the fact that her daughter was in an odd position, led to a forceps delivery after 4 hours of pushing and all other measures were tried and exhausted.

"I don't remember her being born. I didn't bond well with her and she never breastfed. Never. We both had significant birth trauma."

After this first birth experience, Michelle wanted something different. "When I became pregnant with my son, shortly after my daughter's first birthday, I sought out the care of a midwife (we lived in Edmonton), however midwives were not covered by Alberta healthcare at the time. We tried a funded program in Stony Plain, but could not continue to make the journey. I sought advice from other mothers and they suggested I hire a doula. We found one who shared our family's beliefs and was able to meet us where we were financially at the time. My birth with my son was so healing! Our doula supported us through everything. She met with us during my pregnancy, supported my decision to breastfeed (which was a big reason I wanted a doula and a natural birth) and shared many resources and a lot of encouragement. When I went into labour, she was there. She used massage and accupressure to help me find relief. She took amazing photos of my husband and I and our son after he was born. The birth? Well, it was natural and beautiful. I felt every movement and remember each moment clearly. My son latched on right after birth. I felt so empowered!"

Michelle awaiting delivery and then holding her boy, Nicolaus

Michelle and her family moved from Edmonton to Medicine Hat a few months after her son was born. She then began researching natural birthing options in the area. Where they were living, there was only one practicing doula. "I decided in 2008 that I wanted to share the amazing experience that birth can be with other women and their families." Thus she began her training as a doula, first with DONA International, and then she later certified with Childbirth International.

"Over the past four and a half years, I have been blessed to support families in Southern Alberta, through the most amazing time in their lives, the birth of their children. It's awe-inspiring, humbling work." Michelle has recently relocated from Medicine Hat to Lethbridge and is working on establishing her practice there. "As a doula, I offer emotional, physical and informational support to mothers, their partners and their families. I feel that because birth is such an intimate event, it is very important to build a relationship of trust with the families I work with. For that reason, I try to make sure I see families monthly during pregnancy. We discuss the mother's wishes for birth, practice labour positions, write a birth map with ideal scenarios for birth, as well as the possible detours that may arise. We explore feeding options; doulas are very supportive of breastfeeding and love to share resources! We also work on a postpartum plan for when the family brings home their new baby."

Once labour commences, Michelle is with the family as soon as they want her to be there. She stays throughout labour, the birth and a few hours following the birth. "One thing that is unique about my practice is that I also try to give a lot of support postpartum. I usually do several visits within the first six weeks to see how mom is doing emotionally and physically. I love to help out with household chores. Just hand me a basket of laundry and I'll go to it! We also discuss any feeding concerns mom may have and I provide references to lactation professionals, etc."

"Having a doula during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period is like having an encyclopedia, a bag full of labour tools, and a birth-savvy servant, all in one."

Traditionally, women have always attended women in childbirth, which you will still find in many cultures around the world today. So then, why is a doula helpful? Well, if what has been shared already isn't enough, Michelle explains a bit more. "We know exactly how it feels to give birth. We know how it feels to want to give up because it gets so hard. We also know the amazing feelings of elation that go along with having the birth you desire. In addition, we are trained in the physiology of birth, so we can "see" how it works, just by closing our eyes. We have learned comfort measures to help you make it through labour, without using pharmacological pain relief, if that is what you desire. We also understand how different pain relief methods work and effect labour, if you are thinking about using medication. We're mothers, so we understand any fears or concerns you may have during your pregnancy or after birth. Most importantly, we know how much your partner means to you and how important he or she is to the birthing process. For that reason, we never replace your partner as your primary support person. We can help him or her work better with you and overcome any fears of 'doing something wrong.'"

"I love my work. I adore it! Not a day goes by that I'm not studying or involved in some sort of work pertaining to birth and parenthood. Passion is very important in my line of work! My greatest joy is seeing a happy, healthy family beginning their journey together. I cherish being included in these special moments."

If you are considering starting a family, or are pregnant and feel this might be what you would like or need, please look into the option of a doula, and if you're in Lethbridge or area, please check out Michelle. You won't be disappointed!

For further information on Michelle Maisonville, CD(CBI) of From Womb to Cradle Doula Services, Inc, or to find more information on having a doula, please go to Michelle's website at www.wombtocradle.ca

You can also contact Michelle directly by either email wombtocradle@gmail.com
or by Phone at 403-942-6276.

Please check out From Womb to Cradle's Facebook page here for information and "like" it too!
You can also follow From Womb to Cradle on Twitter https://twitter.com/wombtocradle.

If you are currently looking for a doula or find yourself in the situation of looking for one in the next several months :), From Womb to Cradle is offering Growing Green readers a special discount on doula services. Simply use the PROMO CODE: wombtocradle on growing green and receive a discount of $100 on doula services within the Lethbridge city limits or receive a discount of $50 for births in surrounding areas (i.e. Taber, Raymond etc). This special expires November 30th, 2013!

Happy Birthing mommas!!!!

Monday Feature: B2Pur

With the green, natural movement that is ever growing, so is the pursuit of finding natural ways to calm us, help us sleep, ease our pain, strengthen us, nourish us, etc. No longer are we content with drugs and medications, lotions and balms, filled with ingredients that are hard to pronounce and who's reason for presence remains uncertain. We've been taught to look to the artificial sources to aid our ailments, soften our skin and help us radiate and glow. Those same products who all have warning labels of who shouldn't use the product, what to do if it comes in contact with our eyes or is ingested, and which contain lists, a mile long, of possible risks and side-effect. If we look around us, we find ourselves surrounded with a glorious and vast nature that offers us the very same benefits - if not greater - but without those unnecessary risks or side-effects.

So why do we continue to run to the store instead of our garden? Mostly, it's an innocent naivety that keeps us blinded and an unquestioning trust of major corporations, companies and the medical field and thus we continue supporting the trillion dollar empire of beauty products and pharmaceutical companies. There's a lot of money to be made in sickness and disease. Another reason why the all natural "little guys" are always viewed as a threat. Please know in saying this, I'm simply referring to being aware of ourselves, what we eat and use on our bodies beforehand and stopping the sickness and disease from ever occurring in the first place (eg, sunscreens have been linked to causing cancer all on their own, while giving the promise of saving us from it.) But I digress….

Thus, it is with much elation that I bring you today's feature. Similar to another recent feature, Riverstone Studios, who offers natural, wholesome alternatives to everyday products, so does today's feature, B2Pur, offer us an amazing, all natural alternative to items we look to daily. Using no "fragrance" but only pure, essential, good-for-you oils, B2Pur brings the highest quality of sprays, lotions, burning oils etc, and you can always expect the best.

Owner and creator of B2Pur and the creative mind behind all their products is Kristen Banks.

Kristen and I crossed paths through a mutual friend and I will freely say that her products have changed mine and my husbands life. We have had the opportunity of trying out several different products and have yet to be disappointed with the results. I will admit, we were a bit skeptical at first, regarding one of our, now favourite, products, B2Pur's After Injury Lotion. It boasts of aiding and relief of pain using only natural forms of acetaminophen and other helpful, natural oils. We decided to put it to the test one night, as my husband strained his back. I rubbed some of it on and within five minutes he was back to normal and amazed that he hardly felt any pain. Sold! And that was only one instance with one product. I could go on for a much lengthier time, but I want you to know about Kristen, her wonderful business and how it was the she came to hone her craft in essential oils and the mixing therein.

Kristen recalls, "I'm from a small town in Northern Manitoba called, Flin Flon. There's not much to do up there except fish, play hockey/baseball, party and drink… plus it's cold, and they have HUGE mosquitoes. I don't like mosquitoes and I swell up bad from the bites." The mosquitoes alone would give me reason to leave :P

Kristen moved to Medicine Hat in September, 1999, and soon afterwards began experiencing numb fingers, hands and then eventually a line of pain up her arm, which turned out to be from the job she had been doing in December.

"I was bounced around to different health care professionals without anyone providing relief. Chiropractor, Doctor, Massage Therapist - none of whom had the proper training to understand what was wrong with me. The Dr's answer to my numb fingers was "Carpal Tunnel and it needs surgery." I was 19 at the time."

"Not happy with his lightening quick diagnosis (without any testing done), I looked around for something else to help my pain. I ended up being sent to Dr. Sean Bourassa, a Chiropractor that also does A.R.T." He is my personal Chiropractor as well and is absolutely phenomenal, just on a side note :). "He was the first person to ask me questions about my pain (what finger does it start with, where does it travel up, when does it happen, etc). I asked if he could help me and he said yes. Long story short, he fixed my fingers, arm and shoulder blade, where the problem actually started."

"During our sessions, I mentioned I would like to help people like he helped me, so I decided to become a Massage Therapist." It was during this time in College that Kristen discovered the wonderful world of essential oils and how she could change her life.

"I am a multi-allergy sufferer. Spring to Fall I sniffle, cough, and can't breathe through my nose." Can anyone else relate? "Claritin, Allegra, Benadryl, nothing helped for long. Perfumes, scents, laundry detergent, and candles all gave me a headache and made my nose run, sometimes with hives to any part of my body unlucky enough to come into contact with a scented product. I also have a severe problem with cats, and very severe one (requiring an epi-pen), to fish. I'll stop there, I'm sure you're shocked enough. The 'Aromatherapy & Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils' class was being offered as an add-on for all the massage therapy students, so I decided to check it out."

Kristen was hesitant at first due to the fact that it was a 'scent', but the Instructor, Blaine Andrusek, let her sit in for the first day see how she did. It was nothing short of fantastic! "I coughed and sneezed for the first hour, just clearing everything out of my lungs and nose. Then I took a deep breath and could finally SMELL!!! I had been so stuffed up for so long, I forgot what the world around me actually smelled like. Some of the oils Blaine passed around were Tea tree, Eucalyptus, Ravensara, Sage, Oregano, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Black spruce, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lime, Cardamom, and Bergamot. Some were like heaven, others not so much (I still strongly dislike Patchouli), but learning about the 'why' and 'how' the essential oils work gave me a better appreciation for all the oils, even the ones I don't like. After that workshop I purchased a few basic oils to start my collection." And thus began Kristen's relationship with breathing (and living) better.

Kristen continues, "I began to get massage clients asking for the oil blends I was using on them and the ones I'd made to disinfect the room when one of us was sick. They then started asking if I could make something for coughs, something for sleeping, something to relax etc. Alas, B2Pur was born."

"A friend began helping me do trade shows, and people seemed really interested in healthy alternatives to care for themselves, but didn't understand anything about essential oils. I spent half of my time explaining WHY essential oils work and half why the product I made works."

"One day after work, I noticed a rash was forming on my forearms - not a good spot for a rash when that's my main area of contact on a massage client. Then 2 coworkers and a few of our clients reported the same thing. We figured out it was the lotion we were using. After mentioning the rash to my friend and my husband, they suggested I try making lotion as well. My saying was always, "I have a spray for that!" and now includes, "I have a lotion for that!" I now make eight different kinds of cremes and lotions, including my own massage lotion, with Sunflower oil as its base."

A few of B2Pur's best sellers include: Sickness Killer (spray and oil drops - disinfectant and infection fighter). Which I will add is A-MA-ZING! My husband and I eluded sickness this past Christmas by using this fantastic product.

After Injury/Arthritis Relief lotion (pain reliever, stops cramps/spasms, inflammation, and pain), Snooze/Doze sleepy sprays (works great on kids!!), Peaceful Travels (relaxing scent that also keeps you mentally aware - great for drivers or nervous fliers). This one was also helpful for our long drive home this past Christmas for our daughter. :) And Rosy Cheeks Barrier Creme (which is also cloth diaper safe!!!), just to name a few.

"Sickness Killer is a blend I made up when H1N1 started going around. I was debating if my family should go get the vaccine and made this to help disinfect my house and family, whenever needed. the blend is anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-biotic, anti-bacterial, and anti-septic. It can be used in place of hand sanitizer, hand wipes, or commercial disinfectant sprays." Hayden and I even shot it down our throat to kill a sore throat. Worked like a charm. "It works greats on shopping carts, door knobs, bottom of purse or dress shoes, cell phones (lightly mist from above and wipe down), gym/hockey bags and equipment, kids stinky shoes, hands after you cough or sneeze…you get the point."

Sickness Killer spray is sold at 5% strength, which is powerful enough to prevent germs from spreading, yet gentle enough to use around children and pets. All of B2Pur's products are made at levels safe for pregnant and nursing women, kids, and the elderly. "If there is something you don't like, I can make you a different version omitting the scent you don't like or are allergic to. Accommodating people with any type of allergy or sensitivity is always a priority for me because of the amount of hassle I endure with my own allergies. I pride myself on being completely adaptable to suit a customer's needs - something a larger company can't do. They don't care if you don't like Lavender or Grapefruit, you get what they make, end of story. I know people allergic to Eucalyptus - no Vicks for them - so I make two alternate versions of my Sickness Killer, because those people get sick too. If there is ever a product (lotion, bath bomb, deodorant, etc) you wish was available in the retail world and can't find it, come ask me. I may be able to make you one." And you can be assured it would be better for you too :)

"I love mixing up a new product, presenting it to a customer, and hearing the rave reviews about it later. Even my parents have that "I can't believe it worked" surprise in their voice when I talk to them. I once made up a random blend to prevent bruising/black eyes, infections and inflammation, before a trip home in the summer. My brother and I were both taking Kickboxing and had planned to do some sparring, so I needed an oil I could rub on right away so it didn't look like I'd been beat up during my vacation. We didn't end up sparring, but my Dad got to use the blend instead - for his abscessed tooth! His dentist was away on holidays and such as it is in a small town, he had to wait (the closest city is about 4 1/2 hours away). I gave my Dad my 'sparring' blend to put a drop on his tooth. I figured it should work because all the oils I put in it were for swelling, pain and infection. His tooth was so bad his cheek was swollen and red on the outside, he couldn't chew at all and the prescription pain meds weren't working very well. He started using the oils, one drop on the affected tooth/gum every couple hours, and by the next morning the swelling had decreased, the redness was gone, and he could chew soft food. By day 2, his face was back to normal and he was eating regular food. I left the bottle with him when I returned home, in case the tooth issue came back before the dentist did, which I'm proud to say it never did. [My Dad] took that bottle to work with him and started using it on his nicks and cuts from welding and working on vehicles. He would phone at night, "I had a burn mark on my arm, but I put that stuff on it and it got better!!!…Ronnie cut his hand and got grease in it the other day, but I put that stuff on it and it got better too!" I got weekly updates about the 'miracles' that oil blend performed, and for the life of me I can't remember what I put in it!"

Currently Kristen works full time as a massage therapist at Powers & Jans Centre, a chiropractic clinic in Medicine Hat, AB. She makes all her lotions and sprays in her 'spare time' between work, kids activities and the usual cooking/cleaning.

"I have two kids, ages five and seven, a wonderful hubby, and a black Lab that I adore.

I enjoy gardening and we are still landscaping our yard (six years later!), so the challenging, yet fun, part is learning which veggies, herbs and shrubs work well together, and where to put them depending on shade/sun/soil needs. Last year was our first garden, we ate from our yard every night!! Nothing like fresh brushetta with cherry tomatoes, basil, oregano, chives and onions, picked five minutes ago." Could it be that we were all so lucky :)

"This year I plan to grow more of my own herbs and 'medicinal' plants, to compliment my essential oil blends for home usage. The kids already know to grab the 'owie lotion' if they hurt themselves, and Mommy makes the best sun burn cream :) My dream is to one day offer a "Subway Style" natural homemade product store, you can pick all the ingredients and I make it up for you."

Right now Kristen is in the process of putting together her first B2Pur Creation Night: She will teach a group of adults about the properties of 5-6 essential oils, they will create a Signature blend of their own, and either make it into a spray or a lotion (Kristen will provide a few lotion bases to choose from). Costs will be $25-40/person, depending on the number of guests and type of creations (bath bombs, lotions, sprays)." Please contact her directly for dates and times available.

For more information on B2Pur's products and pricing, please go their website at http://www.b2pur-essentialoilproducts.webs.com/.

Also check out B2Pur on Facebook and "like" their page here and stay up-to-date on what's going on! Right now, online ordering is only available on Facebook (you can pay through PayPal).

If you would like to contact Kristen personally to request a specific product or if you have any further questions, please call her at 403-952-7809.

And because Growing Green readers are so fantastic, B2Pur is giving you a special PROMO CODE! If you make an order online through Facebook, use the COUPON CODE: Grow Green and receive 10% off your purchase! Hurry and order as this special is only valid from Feb 25th - March 31st, 2013. 

next week's feature hint: The aide of life

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

Chocolate is a beautiful thing. Better yet, chocolate mixed with peanut butter is even more beautiful! As you may have figured out in previous posts, I have a deep love for chocolate. It's a hard balance to love chocolate while trying to eat healthier. Dark chocolate is always the best way to go for a treat of this nature. Hence my continued search for ways to still enjoy one of my favourite treats, yet not fill my body with all the refined sugars, empty calories, artificial colours and flavours, preservatives and other processed junk that fills the pre-made treats on shelves today.

Thus I was delighted with today's recipe discovery. Not only are these sweet treats rich and decadent and delightfully satisfying, they are made with natural ingredients which are less cause of guilt with the indulgence. These too, would also make a lovely treat for any Oscar party commencing!

I found this recipe on Detoxinista and you can see this recipe here if you so choose.

Enjoy this healthified version of the beautiful and complimentary blend of chocolate and peanut butter.

CHOCOLATE COVERED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
(refined sugar-free, gluten-free, can be dairy-free)

Ingredients:

Peanut Butter Filling

- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (crunchy or smooth. Whichever you prefer)
- 1/4 cup raw honey*
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- Pinch of sea salt

Chocolate Coating:

- 4 oz. dark chocolate, melted (use dairy-free chocolate for a dairy-free treat)
- 1 tsp coconut oil

*For a sugar-free option, use liquid stevia to taste and reduce the coconut flour.

Directions:

- In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey, and a pinch of sea salt. Add the coconut flour gradually, starting first with a 1/4 cup, then adding it in a tablespoon at a time, until a "dough" forms. This will depend on the texture of your peanut butter.

- Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Pick up chunks of "dough" and roll them in your hands to form smooth balls. If you want to make it quick, just use a small cookie scoop. (I recommend making the balls small, as these are extremely rich treats and a large ball may be too much for some people.)

- Place the peanut butter balls in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.

- After 30 minutes, melt the chocolate together with the coconut oil. (You can use the microwave or a double boiler. Any method should work just fine)

- Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer and dip each one into the melted chocolate mixture, coating them thoroughly. 

- Return the chocolate coated balls to the parchment paper to set.

- There will inevitable be some areas that won't get covered from where your fingers touch, so just spoon some extra chocolate over the the exposed areas.

- Return the balls to the freezer to set for another 30 minutes, then serve. They are delicious served cold or at room temperature! I found them more rich at room temperature.

- Store them in the fridge or freezer for a longer 'shelf-life', however you probably won't have to store them at all :) They are THAT good!

Happy Eating!