The Language Of The Fitness Industry Needs To Change

Last week and the week before my friend and I hosted a screening of the Embrace movie. A movie centered around the body positivity movement. Every time I watch this movie I leave feeling more love then ever for my body and the fellow women of the world. 

Then each morning I wake up to reality I feel like. 

A friend tagged me on Instagram to win a free 3 week pass to a fitness studio. Awesome. Don't mind at all. HOWEVER. The imagery used in this contest was of a women in a tiny bikini in the water from the back side with "perfect" skin and a very small waist and legs. Followed by an image of a women with her legs in the water, again very slender legs, followed by the last image of a woman in another small bikini, thigh gap and abs. Not even showing any of their faces. Literally just their young "perfect" bodies. Like they aren't even people or something.

The anger begins to build inside me. 

We have so far to go. We aren't going to change traditional media anytime soon. (That doesn't mean to stop trying). BUT fitness studios and trainers and teachers and instructors and gyms have the choice. Especially these small studios. They have a choice to embrace the women they are advertising to, rather then telling them they are not good enough through imagery.

To further my frustrations, I go to Facebook to see someone selling their fitness equipment saying "get those legs summer ready". 

You have legs. They are fucking summer ready.

We have choices. We can choose to change the world by saying things like "invest in yourself" and "workout for you" and "exercise for your health", rather then "get abs" or "grow your booty".

Abs do NOT equal happiness. That shit comes from the inside. Workout because you feel strong or empowered. Workout to feel and be healthy. 

The language of the fitness industry needs to change. 

It starts with us as consumers. We can put our dollars into businesses that support positive body statements and images. 

"Language Matters" as Mayim Bialik talks about in one of her videos regarding how we talk about women. Same rules apply how we talk about our bodies. If we keep sharing and buying products telling us to "get summer bodies" the cycle continues. BUT we have a chance to take notice of this language and advertising and fight with our wallets.

#REALBODYADVERTISING

Outdoors No Equipment Stairs Workout

Outdoor Stairs Workout

Nice warm weather calls us to places like city stairs for workouts. Stairs are a great workout cardiovascularly and for the the butt and legs.  Add a little bit of upper body work and you've got your full body workout in!

First Set

Walk up the stairs for the first set. Reaching the top you can do a few stretches if you;d like before coming back down 

Second Set

1. Pick up the pace a bit (if you can) going up the stairs. 
2. At the top do 10 Tricep Dips. Can be done off a bench, rock, top stairs or from the ground.
3. walk down the stairs.
4. At the bottom for 10 push ups. Can be done from the ground and feet, ground and knees, of off the last few steps.

Third Set +

For the third set up to as many as you can do, repeat steps for the second set, just adding a bit more speed either up and/or down. 

TIPS

• Bring a small rock from the bottom of the stairs up each time you do a set to keep track of how many you have done.
• Set goals for the amount of sets you want to do. Maybe each week you add a set.
• Set time goals for how quickly you complete sets or workouts.
• Increase the reps of the push ups and/or tricep dips occasionally to 12 or 15+.

Spicy Garlic Kale Recipe

I mostly eat Kale in raw form in a salad, but I might have left it in the fridge a tad too long and it lost some of it's crispiness, so I thought I would cook it up. Since I didn't leave it to cook to long, it still have some texture to it, because I HATE soggy greens!

Ingredients

• Bundle of kale. I get mine organic from The Organic Box.
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• pinch of chili flakes
• salt and pepper
• Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Preparations

1. Heat the oil in a pan on medium.
2. Rough chop the kale, leaving the stems in. Leaving the stems in will add more crunchiness if you like more texture like me.
3. Toss the kale and garlic into pan and mix around to get well coated with the olive oil. I may have also added a touch more oil then the 2 tbsp listed above. 
4. Cook until warm but still slightly crunchy. Each type of kale will take a different amount of time, also depending on the texture you like. Here I have dinosaur kale (also known as black kale).
5. The last minute of cooking add the chili pepper flakes. Of course adding to the heat you like. Remember with chili flakes a little can go a long way!
6. Add salt and pepper to tasting and remove from the pan.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve and eat right away. 

Black Kale also known as Dinosaur Kale

Nutritional Information about Kale

• One cup of kale has 70% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C!
• Minerals include: Copper, Iron and Calcium
• Vitamins include: B1, B2 and E
• High in chlorophyll, carotenes, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Common Curly Kale

Muscle Balm That Wont Leave You Smelling Like Grandma

I am currently obsessed with the Pure Living Enthusiast Root Down Muscle Balm. Think a way better and more natural version of the traditional chemical filled (and smelly) muscle creams. You may love your grams, but that stuff can smell yucky.

This Root Down Muscle Balm was originally designed for use in the yoga room. Developed to bring in some mobility during practice and body awareness, it was realized just how good it was for soreness and inflammation.

I've used this on people in my yoga classes to rub on their neck and shoulders in savasana to help them relax and ease the tension, as well as on my own neck and shoulders after a night of sleeping funny and waking up with a stiff and sore neck. The tingle gives some of that immediate relief and then it lingers allowing time to relax the muscles. 

A few weeks ago I did a really heavy leg day workout and was sore for days after and I was able to use this muscle balm to help ease some of the soreness from DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness.

I have yet myself to need it for the purposes of a cold, but I'm told it's also a great replacement for Vick's when you have a cough or cold. Rub a little on your chest to help ease congestion.

So basically this balm is a household catch all. Use it for stiff necks, sore muscles, coughs and colds. And the pleasant smell of frankincence and peppermint wont leave you smelling like grams! (No offence grandma).

What The F%$# Is A Fiddlehead?

I must be honest here, I haven't even heard of fiddleheads until this year. I just saw everyone asking about them and saw them on The Organic Box when I was making more order and thought I would check them out. 

A quick little bit of research lead me to find out they grow naturally in Canada. They are mostly found in Eastern Canada, hence why it seemed like all my friends originally from the east coast where the ones posting about them! My mother's side of the family is from Ontario and Prince Edwards Island so my mom helped me figure them out a bit. 

If you google them quickly however, you may come across a few articles telling you to be careful cooking them because they can make you sick. Apparently you need to cook them thoroughly to cook off the toxins they have in them. Boiling for 15-20 minutes is needed before cooking them any further. (My mom suggested butter in a pan).

Soooooo... after I boiled them for actually like 25 minutes and cooked them in butter I was ready to try them. I was a bit scared. But I figured hey, they have to be pretty yummy in order to risk getting food poisoning right?

WRONG.

Okay they weren't bad actually, but I didn't think anything to special. Sort of a nutty taste. In my opinion probably not worth all the prep and worry. However, I imagine if you grew up eating them they probably taste pretty special. My mom seemed a bit nostaligic about them
 

Sooooo that's what the F$#% A Fiddlehead is. 

If you're curious you can still get fiddleheads at The Organic Box. And you can use the code ORAGNICBUNCH20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more. (so you can get lots of FREE Fiddleheads!)

Full Body Home Workout

A free full body workout from home or the park. 

The weather is warmer and you likely don't want to be trapped inside a gym. Take your workout to the backyard or playground with your kids with this full body workout.

You can do as many rounds as you'd like but I recommend three with breaks in between. Warm up with some jogging (actual or on the spot) and/or jumping jacks. If you are a postpartum mom and need less impact (read Why You Pee During Your Workout) take to some bodyweight squats. 

Cool down with some stretching and remember to rehydrate!

• High knees - get your knees up toward your chest. 20 per leg
• Glute bridge raises - lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the ground. Lift the butt off the ground and squeeze the glutes. 
• Pushups - hands on the ground outside of the shoulders. Start from knees and work up to from feet. 
• Squat jumps - squat down, keep the chest up (look forward) and jump up. Option to bodyweight squat instead or grab your toddler/baby on your back.
• Walking lunges - hands can be on the hips for balance. 20 per leg
• Tricep dips - hands on the ground or a bench with fingertips pointing toward your feet. Bend at the elbows, do not swing hips up and down. 

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Ultimate List Of Edmonton Summer Fun Runs 2017

The Ultimate Edmonton Run List 2017

There are so many great fun runs popping up, I've rounded up this list for you. Get some friends together for a team  or train for a long run. Either way have some fun!

Edmonton Gorilla Run May 13th

Be a gorilla for a morning. Dress up your costume to enter to win prizes too!

Teddy Bear Fun Run May 13th

Supporting the children of the Stollery Hospital and you can be entered to win a Mothers Day Spa Retreat in Edmonton.

Super Cities Walk for MS May 25th

Walk/run to support MS research.

Big Gifts For Little Lives 5km Walk/Run May 27th

A run hosted by the parents of a child on the heart transplant list. Funds raised going to the Pediatric Heart Transplant in the Stollery.

Edmonton Shoppers Run For Women May 27th 

Supporting women's mental health programs. This run also has a little 1k for the kids!

Edmonton Defeat Depression Walk May 28th

Raising funds for CMHA and mental health programs and awareness. 

Woman 2 Warrior May 28th 

Supporting Easter seals and families overcoming the challenges of disability and mental conditions

Color Me Rad Edmonton June 10th

Find your white shirt and shorts and get covered in colour bombs!

Edmonton Pride Run & Walk June 11th

Celebrating our diverse community and raising funds for the new Edmonton Pride Run Endowment.

5k/10k Ice Cream Run June 11th

Post run massages and a community potluck afterwards! 

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes June 11th

Supporting finding the cure for Diabetes.

Kids running for Kids June 12th

Supporting the efforts of Jacob's Wish 2.5 km  and also 5km and 10km options.

Pheonix Fun Run June 18th

Walk/run supporting Endometriosis Awareness.

Do It For Dads June 18th

Raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer.

Run for H20 - June 24th

Supporting efforts to bring clean water to rural parts of Ethiopia

Superhero Run/Walk June 25th 

Helping support Edmonton's inner city youth.

Pets In The Park June 25th.

Walk with your pet in Hawerlak Park supporting the Edmonton Humane Society

5K Foam Feast Leduc July 1st 

A fun way to cool off from the summer heat, running/walking in foam!

Mega Bounce Run July 8th

Whats better then bouncy castles? Running on them and supporting the Ronald McDonald House! 

Run to Quit July 9th

Focusing on a healthy lifestyle with the aim to support those quitting smoking.

Spartan Sprint & Super(Red Deer) July 22-23

Get a little dirty and test your skills. 

Edmonton Ice Cream Run July 23rd 

Benefiting the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Society. This event has a "little scoops" 1k run for the kids too.

Foam Glow - August 11th

Foam. Glow In the dark. Fun

Mud Hero (Red Deer) August 12-13

Get dirty on the hills and show of your skills. 

Hope Run 2017 - September 2nd

Supporting the Make A Wish foundation of Northern Alberta.

Instabox Dog Jog September 9th

Running to support Second Chance Animal Rescue.

Insane Inflatables September 16th

A chance to let out your inner kid. Bounce and run around!

Terry Fox Run September 17th

Continuing the legacy 

Night Race September 23rd

Pull out the headlamps and flashlights or even glow sticks for this fun in the dark race. 

Cinco De Mayo Salsa

Cinco De Mayo Salsa

Happy Cinco De Mayo! The tradition behind Cinco De Mayo is actually around Mexico beating out the French in a war in the 1860's, but mostly in today's time we are celebrating the unity of cultures from Mexico and America. Like for example the fact that we all know and LOVE salsa amaright?

I got my Organic Box yesterday and the tomatoes and red onions were begging me to make a salsa with them!

I've got a tad bit of a twist to my salsa to bump up nutrition too!

Ingredients

• 1 tomato
• 1/2 bell pepper (adding chunkiness and vitamin C)
• 1/4 red onion
• 1 tbsp cilantro (sometimes fresh, sometimes dry, sometimes left out)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper (omit or add more to your spicy salsa love level
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 lime

Method

1. Chop up onion, tomato and jalapeno finely. I know some people like to use the food processor or knife for chunkier. I actually have a Tupperware chopper that makes it half chunky and half mushy. 
2. Knife cut bell peppers and add in. 
3. Add chopped garlic
4. Squeeze in half a lime.
5. Add cilantro, salt and pepper to taste. 
6. Add chips and enjoy!

Love,

Jen The Bichin' Housewife. 

Get $20 off your The Organic Box order with the code ORGANICBOX20

PS Check out my Guacamole recipe on the new Alberta Mamas blog!

Put On Some Dry Shampoo & Handle It

Have you heard of/tried dry shampoo? I've been a hairstylist for over 16 years (oh my gosh I feel old expressing that out loud). And dry shampoo has been around a lot longer then people think. I used to use it 15/16 years ago when I would go to the hospital to cut people's hair that were bed ridden. It wasn't as fancy back then and it was more chemical then anything I'm sure. 

Luckily Pure Living Enthusiast has made a awesome natural dry shampoo that is THE BOMB, made from clay, arrowroot and essential oils.

So naturally I had to put this no chemical dry shampoo to the test. Lately I have been waking up at 5:30 am to head to the gym. Meaning I get my workout in and then rush my butt home to make breakfast, school snacks, get kids dressed etc etc etc before we rush out the door.  99% of the time I DO NOT have the time to wash my hair. So I put on some dry shampoo and handle it. 

Washing hair too often can actually lead to greasier roots and drier ends. Seriously. Each time we wash our hair we strips the natural oils from it, causing the oil glands in the scalp to freak out and go all "oh no guys, we have no oil, let's produce a WHOLE BUNCH OF IT". Two problems here.

1. The oil stays mostly on the scalp and doesn't get to the ends, making the roots greasy and ends dry.
2. We hate the greasy look and want to wash it more so it looks pretty, but it makes the cycle worse and we are stuck.

Solution: DRY SHAMPOO! 

I'm actually on a bit of a "wash schedule". I teach hot yoga three days a week and workout so I have perfectly timed my hair washing days on two specific days a week. Yep you read that right. I only wash my hair twice a week. Saturday happens to be one of my wash days. So usually by Friday my hair is a bit flat and getting on the greasy side. Not a problem if I am staying home to watch Netflix. However if the girls want to go for a drink.......

Dry shampoo to the rescue. I add a bit to the roots and greasy is gone, PLUS+ I get a bit for volume to my hair so it doesn't look so flat and lifeless! 

I have some of the days in the middle of my wash schedule where I'm feeling blah and just need a pick me up and doing my hair always makes me feel a bit better. Again not wanting to mess with my flow I add some dry shampoo after my workout/sleep/whatever and off I go. 

But wait... the best part (my bad attempt at a funny infomercial) they have one for DARK HAIR! *que ray of sunshine beaming in*. For YEARS all there was for dry shampoo was chemical filled white sprays/powders. Pure Living Enthusiast has made an awesome dark hair version and I love it. 

So put on your dry shampoo and HANDLE IT.

Love, 

Jen the Bitchin' Housewife

Spice Up Your Life Kale Chips

These Kale chips are nutritious and more importantly satisfyingly delicious. Last week in my Organic Box order I got some curly kale. I LOVE kale. Sadly I forgot about it in one of my crisp drawers (because my whole fridge was FULL of awesome fruits and veggies!).

When you leave kale a bit to long it starts to turn a tad bitter and gets a slight yellow colour. Usually people throw it away, but before you do this make this kale chips. You wont regret it. You can leave the spice out if it's not your thing or add more so tiny little hands wont want any. Muah ha ha ha. 

The science:

Kale is rich in beta-cerotene, Vitamin C, K an folate. Kale is also easily absorbed, has antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps lower cholesterol, balance hormones and stimulate digestion.

Nutritional yeast is vegan option for a cheesey and nutty flavour, packed with nutritional goodness including B12, which is good for stress management. It can be found at bulk stores and some grocery stores and health food stores. If you dont have it use garlic powder instead for some flavour!

The ingredients:

• 4 stems of kale
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or oil of choice)
• 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast (or garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• salt to taste

The method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Remove the hard stems and rough chop the kale. 
3. Toss kale in the olive oil, yeast, flakes and salt. 
4. Spread out on a sheet/cookie pan.
5. Bake for 10-20 minutes. Time really varies on how you like your kale chips. I like mine in between crunch and a tad wet so I leave them about 12 minutes. Check them regularly. 
6. Enjoy them ALLLLLLLLL!

Get $20 off your Organic Box Order (when you buy Kale right?) using the code ORGANICBUNCH20 !

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Edmonton Women's Show Giveaway

This weekend is the Edmonton Woman's Show and I have a 4 pack of tickets to giveaway!

This year they are focusing a bit more on self care, and well if you follow my Instagram or any of my Self Care Sunday posts, you know that's my jam!

They have some interesting demos like Qigong, therapy workshops and FREE massages!!! 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE celebrating us as women so enter to win a 4 pack of tickets to take your friends for some connection time. Enter below by sharing your favourite way to connect with your friends!

Extra entries on my Instagram and Facebook page!

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

The Lonely Mother

As Mothers we say all the time that we are never alone. We can't pee without children knocking on the door or rest on the couch without someone needing something from us. We forever seem to have other humans calling to us or crawling all over us. We can't catch any time to ourselves.

We crave to be alone. The moment we are alone however, we realize how lonely we are. How is it that we are always surrounded by other people and constantly in conversation and busy, but so lonely all the time? How can we stand in a room full or friends or coworkers and be so isolated?

Because what I think it is that we really crave is the honest human connection with another person about things of our interests. We don't NEED girls nights outs because we necessarily need to "let loose" (although that can certainly sometimes help), but because we want to talk to other adults about stuff we are actually interested in. 

We talk about potty training, our children's education, work and our spouses daily to other people. But poop and work life isn't that human connection we crave and need. Ever notice some of the best conversations you've had with someone randomly happen? Like you stop by for coffee and then a whole night has passed and it's 2 a.m? Those conversations that somehow feed some part of you we forget about. These conversations are the ones that help us feel connected to others. 

So how do we create this connection? It can be difficult in our busy lives, but connecting with people is a two way street. I am guilty of assuming maybe should just check on me. Assuming they aren't busy doing their own thing apparently! Reach out. Pick up the phone and ask for a coffee date. Rally some girls (or even just one) and head out for a drink. Try a paint night or a sign making class. 

How do you seek the connection?

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Cheddar Broccoli Quiche

Happy Easter! This weekend of course we made the obligatory Easter eggs and as usual I make quiche afterwards. When I was growing up we didn't hard boil the eggs. My mom would poke holes in the top and bottom and we would blow the yolks and white into a bowl. I'm assuming because my mom didn't want to waste the eggs. And rightly so. I hate wasting food so I do this as well and use the eggs for dinner!

I happened to have some pre made frozen crusts in the freezer I use but if you feel ambitious (or have special dietary needs) you can make your own!

Ingredients:

• 7 eggs 
• one pie crust (pre made or hand made)
• 1 cup of chopped up broccoli
• 1/4 of an onion finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups of shredded cheese
• salt and pepper
• (I sometimes will thrown in powdered garlic and/or dill)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place the crust in the oven for 5 minutes to prebake.
3. Mix eggs, broccoli, onion, tomato, salt, pepper and half of the cheese into a bowl. Mixing well. 
4. Put the mixture into the crust and use the rest of the cheese to cover the top.
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes in the oven. 

Super easy! Especially if you use the pre made pie shells!

Happy Easter!

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Feel Good Syrup Giveaway

Feel Good Syrup is a locally brewed elderberry syrup for immunity and good overall health. I use the Feel Good Syrup in the fall to help boost the immunity as we start to go inside and germs are everywhere! Anyone with kids knows, September and October is when everyone seems to get sick!

The main ingredient in the Feel Good Syrup is Elderberry. Elderberry is a powerful immune booster. But not as well known, this berry also relieves congestion and is great for Spring time to help with congestion in the sinuses and chest from allergies!

So I've teamed up with Feel Good Syrup to help you get some relief this Spring. Enter here on the blog to win a bottle of this amazingness by telling me which spring time irritants do you suffer the most from?

Then head over to my Instagram and Facebook for additional entries!

Winner must live in Edmonton and Area to pick up from St. Albert. Good Luck!

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Wear The D@mn Bathing Suit Anyways

I am a straight up advocate for all things loving yourself. Last night I even had the pleasure of speaking at the Xtend Barre screening of the Embrace movie. Which is a powerful movie about loving and embracing the body you have. I, along with my friend Kaye are also screening this movie in June!

Anyways. I preach and practice self love. Key word PRACTICE. I'll get to that point in a moment though. But as a self love advocate, I have my moments of not loving myself so much. 

Last week was Spring Break and on the Monday I decided to take my kids to the mall Waterpark. (Don't do that by the way. Spring break I mean). That morning I had a total melt down. I put on my bathing suit and just couldn't handle it. 

I admit it. I couldn't. I'm human. 

BUT I wasn't going to let it stop me from making memories with my kids. 

So after teaching that morning we headed to the Waterpark. I put on my bathing suit and had a moment in the change room. BUT. BUT then I said to myself. 

"You are going to wear that damn bathing suit anyways. You have two choices. You can hate every moment and try to cover and scower, OR you can rock the shit out of it."

I chose to hold my head in high regard and walk out there like Queen Bee herself.

In reality, we are going to go to the event, head to the beach, or whatever else it is anyways, so we may as well just love ourselves and keep going. Own our bodies like we actually love them. 

Back to my point on the practice of self love though. So I head out and I have my head held high. Minutes later I maybe see someone that has a body I don't. I go to my "negative place". But I take a moment (and a breath) and realize I'm still the EXACT SAME person and body I was 5 minutes ago when I loved myself. I can CHOOSE to love myself still. This process happened maybe 20 times that day. It's a PRACTICE. A practice to CHOOSE to love ourselves. 

I can CHOOSE to feel defeated or I can choose LOVE. 

Let me tell you a little secret. Love feels WAAAAAAY better. 

And you know what ladies? Each time we do this we are basically super heros saving the world. Each time we choose to love ourselves and express it in the world, we send that message out. We can feel it from each other. Encourage each other to love ourselves, in turn helping more women enjoy their bodies. The more "real" bodies we see and women loving them it send that message to other women telling them to EMBRACE theirs! Then it catches like WILDFIRE and the world changes.

YOU CAN BE A SUPER HERO!

Just WEAR THE DAMN BATHING SUIT ANYWAYS. 

As my mom's friend gave her the advice. Choose the memory you want your child to have. Of you watching them play in the water or of you playing with them.

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

36 Hours of Sweat and No Stink - Pure Living Deodorant Review

Have you ever tried switching to a all natural deodorant? I made the switch about two years ago after I learned some staggering statistics regarding the harmful things put into our deodorant and the relation to breast cancers. At first it wasn't good. I will admit. There is a couple week phase as your body sort of detoxes from the chemical filled stuff. But after that, life gets better. I promise!

Since switching I have tried MANY natural deodorants. Some good, some just plain bad. I may however have found the ultimate deodorant from Pure Living. I am not even kidding people. I am a busy mama. I get up at 5:30 am to workout, rush kids to school, teach bootcamps and yoga all day and night, and add all the usual life of a mom (laundry, cooking, boo boo kissing and basically everything else am I right?). I have found in the past, about 1/2 way into my day, I start to smell a bit. I either just let myself smell or need to reapply.

Well, let me tell you a little something. I put this deodorant to THE TEST yesterday. Let me set the scene:

Tuesday evening I come home from teaching hot yoga, shower and sleep.

Wednesday morning apply deodorant after being up early with a sick kid and missing the gym.

Teach bootcamp, pickup kids, make lunch, teach yoga, do a fast and hard leg day workout, meditate, teach two more yoga classes, put kids to bed and pass out on the couch.

I do not shower. (sorry hubby)

Thursday morning 5:30 am head to the gym, back day and 30 minutes on the stairmill (or sometimes referred to as the Death Machine) 

Get back home to make breakfast and have coffee.

I DO NOT STINK!!! Yeah re-read that. Seriously guys. I am 100% impressed.

So I think it's safe to safe I 100% recommend this deodorant. And of course another side benefit? They are local to Edmonton! You can support our local city and get a great product. Win - win right? Check out the Pure Living webpage and check back on the blog here for a more reviews of their stuff coming!  

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Low Sugar, Gluten and Dairy Free VitaFiber Bars

I like trying to make homemade granola and snack bars, but sometimes all the sugar (even honey) poured into them concerns me. And of course a lot of the store bought ones have it too. I like these for having lower sugar and its that perfect blend of sweet and salty , chewy and crunchy.

I've been testing out this new product called VitaFiber a higher fiber, low calorie natural sweetner in a syrup form. It keeps the sweetness but without all the sugar. They sent me a recipe to try for their Apricot Almond bars, and of course, me being me I made them with a little "bitchin'" flare. (Ok most of the change was adding chocolate.) Who doesn't like chocolate though?

Check out this recipe and let me know what you think!

• Calories: 172
• Fat: 11 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams (Net 9 grams)
• Fiber: 11 grams
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Protein: 4 grams

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup almonds (half almonds half cashews taste yummy too)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 10 dried apricots 
• 1/2 cup puffed rice cereal 
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1 bar of unsweetened dairy free bakers chocolate. (can also use Enjoy Life Vegan Chips)
• 1/2 cup VitaFiber IMO Syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla

Putting it together:

1. Toast almonds and coconut flakes at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes.
2. Chop up almonds and apricots.
3. Add almonds, apricots, coconut, puffed rice, flaxseed, chocolate and chia seeds into a bowl. 
4. Add VitaFiber syrup, vanilla and salt into a saucepan, bring to a bubble and let simmer for 2-3 minutes 
5. Add VitaFiber syrup to the fruit and nut mixture. Mix well.
6. Add mixture to a lightly sprayed 9x9 dish.
7. Let set up for 15 minutes in the fridge.
8. Take cooled mixture out of the pan and cut into 12 bars.
9. ENJOY!

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

The Secret Spot You Want To Know - A Dose Of Nature In The City

Spring has arrived and we are all wanting to get outside. It's too early for sports and splash parks, so what do we do?

There is something to be said for connecting with nature. There is even THIS blog post telling us there is certain bacteria in the dirt that makes us happier! Fresh air, birds chirping and some quality family time. 

I take my girls to this secret spot a lot and every time I post videos and pictures of us feeding the birds everyone wonder where we are. The secret? Smack in the middle of Edmonton. Whitemud Ravine Park. It starts just off Fox Drive but we take the Snow Valley Exit down to the first parking lot. Walk a few feet into the trees and the birds are chirping. Squirrels are following you. It's basically like you're Snow White. 

The birds are so used to people coming and going and feeding them, you find a spot where they are chirping and hold out your hands with seeds and they come within minutes. My 6 year old is the official Snow White of our family, with in one 15 minute span over 20 times birds feeding from her hands. 

You can buy birds seed at a local hardware store. Look for ones with black sunflower seeds in them. They seem to be the favourite. And if you walk far enough (maybe 10 minutes) there is a look out you can sit down at and feed the birds, or if you bring shelled peanuts (be careful if you have allergies) the squirrels come right up and eat them!

So get outside this spring and go for a stroll. Walking is known to help reduce stress and doing it in nature is just that much better. 

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Sweet Potato Chips

Super simple way to take healthy ingredient and turn it into something yummy!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 Sweet Potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees celsius.
2. Slice the potatoes thin. I used my mandolin for even cuts.
3. Coat in olive oil and a bit of salt.
4. Roast for 30 minutes or until desired crunch I like mine crunchy so left them a bit longer.
5. Top with a tad more salt!

That Easy!