Story Time on an Ipad can be a great bonding experience and just as enjoyable as reading normal books

My family drives a lot as we live between 2 homes. During the week we live in Brooklyn NYC and during the weekends we live 90 miles North of NYC in the township of Rhinebeck Upstate NY. To break that down, on a good day, it is a 2 hour drive each way. But, when traffic is bad it has been known to take 5 hours for us to get from one to another.

Because of this, our Son has had his very own Ipad from a very young age – 7 months to be exact! As Miles has grown the apps on his Ipad have also changed. At first, we just used to put movies on for him to watch, but as he became older he wanted to interact more and play with games. Thankfully, there are so many learning applications on the Ipad with programs specifically designed for toddlers. As he is now hitting the 3 year mark, his choices are again changing, with him currently really being into stories.

One of the issues I have had with downloading stories on his Ipad is that, for the most part you can only download one story per each individual app which is really annoying. I have been looking for an app where you can have one with many stories inside it and this week I was super excited to find one from good old Walt Disney. The new Disney Storytime houses up to 20 stories on the one app – LOVE that! I downloaded 10 books straight off the bat for Miles Storm which is keeping him busy!

Here are a few reasons why I am a big fan of this app at the moment;

•  I love that you can design your own avatar with your child’s photo in it (see my Son’s below, I think he looks cute as a cartoon character) with options including choices on hair color and shirt color
• I love that you do not have to leave the app to add new books, you can do it all on-screen by adding credit and then Miles can choose the books he likes
• I love that there are so many books to choose for, this app actually has the largest collection of Disney stories available, with Miles choosing – Always Time for A Laugh, Starry Night, Rapunzel’s Story, Puppy Trouble, A Tight Squeeze, Down to Earth, Super Annoying, A day without Pumbaa, Watch Dug and Radiator Springs Road Trip
• I love that viewing options can be personalized to either “Read by Myself” and “Read to Me”
• I love that you can record your own voice in place of the default reader which I actually did for Rapunzel’s Story, so now every time Miles listens to it he will hear his Mummy reading the story to him (cute)
• I love that when a story is being read by the default voice each word is highlighted on the screen, meaning that Miles can start to associate words/letters with the sound when it is pronounced

I know, I know there’s a lot of LOVE going on around here!

Disney Storytime is available for $1.99 on iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. Parents can buy credits (2 credits for $2.99, 5 credits for $4.99, and 17 credits [all books] for $8.99).

I definitely recommend checking it out if you are looking to simplify your child’s online story choices. And how can you go wrong, Walt Disney was a great storyteller with a wonderful imagination who loved children so very much! His stories definitely brought me great pleasure growing up, and it’s wonderful to see the same thing happening with Miles Storm.

What’s your favorite Disney Story?

Miles Storm as the Avatar on his Disney Storytime book shelf

Jack n Jill toothpaste and NOW YOU KNOW!

My Son’s first tooth grew in around 1 year of age. The same time my first tooth popped up when I was a little girl. With this came the simple enough realization that my husband and I would have to start brushing his teeth. Another New Experience, yep welcome to having your first child!

I struggled on this journey with my Son because he HATED having his teeth brushed – he would keep his mouth closed shut like lockjaw, cry and would jump around making it difficult to brush all of his teeth, not to mention dangerous. I tried all kinds of things – playing games, singing songs and bribery but nothing seemed to work.

Eventually it dawned on me that maybe the taste of the toothpaste was not pleasant to him. Additionally, I wondered if there were harmful ingredients in his toothpaste we were using at that time. I mean, why wouldn’t there be? There are toxins everywhere; toys, shampoos, body lotions, food, drinks! You can’t get away from them.

After doing some research I found I was right about the toxins. Take a minute to look at the list of ingredients on your child’s toothpaste – do you know what most of them are, I didn’t. And, I want to mention here that the FDA does not even require studies or testing to ensure the safety of products (like toothpaste) before they are available to the public. To me, that is just crazy especially as our Little Ones bodies are new and still developing making them more sensitive to chemical onslaught.

Ingredients in Children’s toothpaste usually include Sodium Fluoride which is an ingredient in Rat Poison, Hydrated Silica which if you dried out becomes the little packets you see in some packaged foods saying “Do Not Eat”, Sorbitol and Glycerine which ironically are both forms of sugar alcohol, Sodium Saccharin an artificial sweetener, Cellulose Gum which is an artificial thickener and not forgetting Methylparaben which is a preservative linked to cancer, skin and eye damage and male fertility issues!

Wowser, do you still want to use products with these ingredients on your children’s teeth twice a day!

After learning more about toothpaste I was determined to find the safest product I could find for my peace of mind, but also for my Son a flavored one that he loved. Thinking back to when I was growing up in Australia I remembered a banana Jack n Jill brand toothpaste that I brushed my teeth with.

Miles Storm brushing his teeth this morning

As you can imagine I was super excited to realize Jack n Jill is still being made. It is in my opinion, the healthiest toothpaste available for children anywhere. It is safe to swallow & is rated by the Environmental Working Group with the SAFEST rating they have!!! Australian based Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste has been around since 1949.  It is all natural, hypoallergenic. SLS Free, with no fluoride, preservatives or added Color. Not to mention the best flavors – banana, blackcurrant, blueberry, raspberry and strawberry.

Did I mention that Jack and Jill also make a compostable and bio-degradable toothbrush. I know, there is WAY too much good stuff going on here!

Miles Storm absolutely LOVES his Jack n Jill toothpaste, and I am happy to write – problem solved – I have no issues brushing his teeth anymore. In fact, it is quite the opposite as now all as he wants to do is brush his teeth all the time!

Thanks for reading my BLOG!

Mills Mansion Upstate NY Staatsburg

My family lives in between 2 places; during the week we live in bustling New York City in an apartment and during the weekends (and all holidays) we live upstate NY in the gorgeous historic township of Rhinebeck in a house. Rhinebeck is located a stones throw away from the Hudson River about a 2 hour drive North of NYC. My family has done this commute for 7 years now, and we love the contrast of being surrounded by trees and animals one minute and then surrounded by skyscraper buildings with barely a tree in site, the next!

Rhinebeck is one of the oldest settled areas in the United States dating back to the year 1686 – over 320 years ago!! And, with all those hundreds of settled years comes with it, old mansions and properties that are no longer lived in but have instead been donated back to the public to explore, enjoy and love. Which I am personally so very thankful for!

One of my husband and my favorite places to explore with our dogs, before our Son was born, was (and still is) Mills Mansion on top of a grassy hill in the neighboring town at the Staatsburgh State Historic Site. Mills Mansion itself is an Awesome renovated Beaux-Arts mansion which includes 65 rooms involving 14 bathrooms and 23 fireplaces!! Wowser, can you imagine living in such a place with all fires burning? So glorious!

Mills Mansion was extended circa 1895 (from when the original house was burned down in 1832 and rebuilt) and is situated on 1,600 acres of Hudson River footage of awe and pure beauty!! I can vouch for that. Mills Mansion is now the property of the State of New York and thankfully open to the public.

During winter months, local children and families sled down the snow-covered hills. During the warmer months couples are married on the scenic water front, while families hike/play/run/laugh to their heart’s content. It is truly a gorgeous part of upstate NY which is pristine and protected and will always be there for ANY OF US who want to take advantage.

Last week, we visited Mills Mansion with our 2.5 year old – Miles Storm – walking and able to hike with us (for the first time since he was born) and the dogs along the River on the tracks. HE LOVED It. He pointed out all kinds of things like lighthouses, boats, sand and birds. Children grow up SO fast don’t they? I literally feel like I was at Mills Mansion yesterday, where my Son was a few weeks of age and I was pushing him around in his pram with him unable to talk, and me just totally confused as to how I was a Mother all of a sudden!

Fast forward.. almost 3 years and here we all are enjoying the Great Outdoors and Loving Life!

If you are planning a trip upstate New York, I definitely suggest a stop at Mills Mansion. Bring a picnic blanket and some food and lay down with your loved ones and enjoy the surroundings!

**Mills Mansion is on Old Post Road, Staatsburg 12580 with the outdoor area open from dusk to dawn every day of the year. January through March there are guided tours of the Mansion 11AM – 3PM. There is no cost to enter the property and is quite a large car park. However, there is nowhere to buy food or drinks so do not forget to bring yourself. There are also portable potties scattered around the property.

Thanks for reading my BLOG!

Oh how we love Mills Mansion

Daddy Time

Family shot – Mummy, Miles, Rockstarr and Mohawk

Brussel Sprouts

Far Out Brussel Sprout! Growing up as a child Brussel Sprouts were probably one of the WORST things that I could ever think to eat, and I feel like the feeling was mutual among other children my age. Fast forward 20 or so years and now it one of my favorite vegetables ever.

Brussel Sprouts are low in cholesterol and saturated fat, being a great source of Vitamins B6, K, C & A! I love you little green Brussel Sprouts!! Not to mention Folate (great for if you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant by the way), as well as Potassium, Iron, Riboflavin, Phosphorus, Dietary Fiber and Manganese.

As most people know who read this Blog, I do not eat animals and along with my 2.5 year old Son we both eat an abundant supply of vegetables. Another thing we LOVE to do in my family is bake vegetables, usually with olive oil and garlic as a staple base. Today, however I felt like doing something different.

Voila – let’s Bake up some Brussel Sprouts baked with Capers and Miso Sauce.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Organic Brussel Sprouts (I used 2 small bags being about 80 pieces)
• 15 organic garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons Miso Paste (I use South River Miso Paste)
• 6 tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons White Balsamic Vinegar
• Fresh Ground Pepper
• Capers (I used around 25)
• 4 teaspoons Caper Brine (taken from jar of capers)

Additional ingredients – Capers, pepper, garlic, mixture of olive oil and white balsamic vinegar and miso paste

WHAT TO DO

• Pre Heat oven to 350 Farenheit
• Line a baking tray with olive oil and toss full garlic cloves in
• Place Brussel Sprouts in a big bowl (outer leaves removed, bottoms cut off and then sliced in half)
• In a separate bowl mix olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, caper brine, miso paste, pepper and capers and whisk till the miso paste mixes in well
• Pour mixture over Brussel Sprouts and mix well with 2 big spoons

Make sure the Brussel Sprouts are covered well

• Spoon Brussel Sprouts into baking tray

Spoon Brussel Sprouts into baking tray

• Cover with aluminium foil
• Bake on 350 Farnenheit for 1 hour
• Remove aluminium foil
• Bake on 400 Farenheit for additional 30 minutes
• SERVE

Made with Love

**Thanks to my MUM (visiting from Australia) for helping me take the photos , who has also just started her own BLOG titled “Magical Moments; Growing up in the 60′s” which you can check out HERE.

Christening – A religious sacrament marked by the symbolic application of water to the head or immersion of the body into water and resulting in admission.

I was brought up, in my home country of Australia as a Christian, specifically the Church of England faith. I went to Sunday School often, and I was Christened AKA Baptised before I was one year of age; which is tradition. Although, I now consider myself a Pagan, being of a nature inspired religion, I still hold on to a lot of the values I learned during my time within the Christian faith.

One thing, I was very adamant about when my Son was born, was that he would be Christened as soon as possible. However, my husband who is Jewish (not practicing) did not want Miles Storm to be Christened at all, his reasoning being that if neither of the parents were Christian what was the point? Hmmmm, so I had to ask him – what was the harm? Personally, I wanted to set a tradition in place and for my Son to be blessed by a Priest, as well as laying a foundation for him and his spiritual choices as he grows. As a result of my husband and my different opinions, we fought about it a bit, but eventually he backed off realizing how important it seemed to me and thus I was able to start planning the Christening.

On Saturday the 18th of March 2012, while I was visiting my Mum and Dad in the small small country town of Bunyip where I grew up, Miles Storm was Christened to the musical backdrop of kookaburras and magpies singing in surrounding trees. It was such a beautiful experience! He wore the same gown I wore, and my brother and sisters, when we were all Christened many many years ago; fitting into it perfectly! He was barefoot on a beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze and the smells of eucalyptus in the air. I could not have imagined a better scenario.

The petit township of Bunyip is in Gippsland, being in the state of Victoria which is situated about an hour’s drive north of the major city of Melbourne. And, when I say small I mean tiny. Bunyip is literally the exact opposite to where I live now in New York City! To create an understanding, the road my parents live on is still a dirt track. It is a gorgeous untouched spot of the world, which I miss tremendously.

Miles was Christened at 109-year-old St Thomas’ Anglican Church which is a short stroll down the Street from my parents house. It is Bunyip’s oldest church, perched high on top of a hill. It is beautiful and quaint setting on a lovely property with gigantic eucalyptus trees blowing in the wind. Bishop Michael Hough, who performed the ceremony, was wonderful. What a lovely gentleman he is, stopping by our family home a few times to work out the details, as well as spending some time with Miles to get to know him. Love him!

The Christening was conducted during the regular Sunday service, and as a result the Church was full of both my extended family members and local Church goers (who all loved my Son).

And, as for Miles Storm, he loved it also. He was so very intrigued, and made himself at home walking around saying hello to everybody, without batting an eyelid. He had a great time full of laughter and memories.

What about you, did you do any specific religious ceremonies with you Little One?

Miles Storm being blessed with Holy Water by Bishop Michael Hough

Miles Storm taking it all in

Miles Storm, yay I have officially been Christened

Miles Storm enjoying his time in my home town, amongst the Gum Trees!

Miles Storm barefoot after his Christening, you know, mingling!

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Being a Stay-At-Home-Mum in New York City is not always easy, especially during the colder weather. It is definitely not like the environment where I grew up in Australia where my Mother told me and my brother and sisters to go outside and play every day; you just do not have that choice here as a parent.

Thankfully, there are options. The indoor play spaces are a rapidly growing trend which are a godsend to young city-based families. Not just because they are indoors, but also because they are safe and friendly venues specifically targeted towards our Little Ones.

Here in Williamsburg Brooklyn where I live, there are a few options, with one of my top preferences being Klub 4 Kidz, which is located off Bedford Avenue on North 4th Street.

On Halloween 2010 K4K was officially opened by mother herself, Tina Klideris, who had dreamed about opening something-of-the-like for over 10 years; see dreams really can come true!

For the older children, 2 years to 10 years of age, there is a 18 foot rock climbing wall, and 4 tier state-of-the-art playground which includes zip line, crawl tubes, mazes, and slides. Pretty amazing right!

THE NEW TODDLER ROOM

For the younger children, like Miles Storm, K4K recently introduced a “Toddler Room” which we had the opportunity to check out last week. My Son loved it, we were there for 2+ hours and he actually started crying when we had to leave. Now he constantly asks if he can go back to the “Kub 4 Kidz” -  really cute!

The Toddler Room is specifically for newborns to children 2 years of age, which is reassuring because it means Little Ones will not be scared or knocked-about by the bigger children in the playground. There is a soft mat on the floor with plenty of toys and books to explore.

Klub 4 Kidz also has a café which offers, wait for it, gluten-free and organic food choices, not to mention coffee! They offer a variety of Pop-In classes like my favorite Eco friendly Pop Art. There is also Pre-school Klub, Music Class, PeeWee Pop Art and a Science Class which are held on Tuesday and Thursday. You can find more information about that HERE.

Another awesome offering from K4K is $10 Tuesday, which is exactly as it says only $10 for unlimited Open Play ALL day. This definitely has to be one of the best deals in the local “Willy B” area, $10 is such a relief compared to some of the prices of other activities available! At the end of the week K4K holds Funtastic Friday which is from 3PM – 6PM and includes free rock wall and face painting. Additionally, the party room is open with board games and WII music and dancing. Woo Hoo!

If you are in “Willy B” I definitely suggest you stop by. And, if you are visiting Williamsburg Brooklyn feel free to check it out, I know your children will Love It, like my Little Boy does.

Thanks for reading my Blog!

Miles Storm enjoying the Toddler Room at Klub for Kidz

Dark Chocolate Chips, Coconut Oil and Kiwi Fruit. All Organic and Vegan!

The other day while online I stumbled across Cathy the ShowFood Chef’s Blog. While I haven’t explored Cathy’s blog so much, I was totally inspired by her Kiwi Fruit covered icy-poles and decided to try them out for myself.

My 2.5 half year old LOVED this icy treat and literally tried to eat 5 of them at one time, which was very cute! They are really really easy to make, and a great activity to have your Little One help you out with. They are also a healthier alternative to most icy-poles you would buy in a store. Of course, I used all organic products and I love that it is all vegan.

Five at a Time

WHAT YOU NEED

• Organic Kiwi Fruit. Peeled and Sliced in 1 inch pieces
• 1 cup of organic dark chocolate
• A half cup of coconut oil
• Wooden Icy Pole Sticks

WHAT TO DO

• Peel and cut kiwi fruit into 1 inch pieces
• Place Icy Pole stick into the center of the fruit

Sticks in the kiwi fruit

• Place on tray and place in freezer until frozen (I left mine overnight to be sure)
• In a double boiler, (or just a metal bowl placed in some boiling hot water), place the chocolate and coconut oil and stir till melted

Melted Chocolate and Coconut

• Dip the frozen kiwi fruit into the chocolate, and turn in your hand until the chocolate mixture is set

Time to dip the frozen kiwi fruit in the melted chocolate

• Serve immediately, or return to freezer until you are ready to serve

Time to go back in the freezer

Thanks for reading my Blog, I hope you have a chance to make these and enjoy making them as much as Miles Storm and I did!

Sandy, Ugga, EEP, Grug, Guy, Thunk, Gran and Belt the Sloth make up this wonderful tale.

Last week, as a guest of the Mummy-Duo The Moms, Miles Storm and I had the opportunity to see a private pre-screening of the children’s movie The Croods at the AMC Theater on the Upper West Side in Manhattan.

It was my 2.5 year old’s second movie ever, and his first 3D-movie experience and he handled it surprisingly well. At first he did not really understand why he had to wear the glasses to see the effects of the 3D, but after me gently reassuring him he finally figured it out. From there on in, he was smitten. He happily sat through the whole movie, laughing at times (which was adorable) and throwing in a few “Wow Mummy, look at that” at some of the effects. He was particularly enthralled by the flying birds and butterflies throughout the movie and put his hands up, like many of the children in the Theater, to try to catch them.

The Croods is a wonderfully animated adventure comedy about a very interesting prehistoric caveman family who, are well stuck in a cave. It is indeed a mere existence. Eventually, by ways of a tragic natural disaster destroying the cave, the group is forced to move on. Although scared stiff, with the help of a mysterious boy named Guy, they are led on a spectacular journey through the many wonders of a world they had no idea existed – jungles, water ways and mountain landscapes. They are also met by many unthought-of-before hybrid animal characters that compliment the scenery. Not forgetting the genius concepts such as fire and tar pits that really throw everybody for a sixer (Australian for confuse the hell out of everybody)!

Father “Grug”, (voiced by Nicholas Cage), is beyond traumatized when his daughter “EEP”, (voiced by Emma Stone) falls in love with Guy. Of course, Daddy doesn’t approve and a power struggle erupts, well in Grug’s mind anyway.

As well as a spectacular movie to watch as far as special effects, there are hidden life lessons highlighted in the form of a struggling Father/Daughter relationship, coming to terms with in-laws, first time love and bonding together for the sake of survival.  All of these elements make The Croods an insightful, as well as entertaining, movie to take your family too. There is something in it for everybody – younger and older.

Of course there is a happy ending…… but you are going to have to go and watch the movie yourself, rather than me ruin the surprise for you.

The Croods starts showing today, March 22nd, in Cinemas across the United States. I have included below an official trailer of the movie, and to make it easier to find tickets in your area you can visit HERE.

Hope you love it as much as Miles Storm and I did!

Miles Storm and I hanging out with one of the stars of “The Croods”, Belt the Sloth

Yoga on the Beach

Hi my name is Sarah Willis. I am a Mother of a 1-year-old Son, and an advanced certified Yoga teacher. I host a Yoga retreat in the beautiful Tulum Mexico every year. I have traveled to the Yucatán in the South Eastern part of Mexico since the 90s, and the magical beauty of this ancient paradise captivates me and draws me back again and again.

MY STORY

On the auspicious occasion of New Year’s Eve day 1999, the dawn of the new millennium, I was in Tulum with a group of adventurous women. We had decided to go on a jungle tour of an incredible emerald-green cenote (swimming hole) and experience an all women’s Temazcal (ritual Mayan sweat lodge ceremony) guided by a female Shaman who only spoke the native Mayan tongue. It was a special experience, truly a lifetime highlight. We worked with letting go of old patterns and behaviors, and making room for light and love in our hearts. Some of us were struggling with attachment to regrets or relationships that were no longer serving us, others with overcoming addiction and low self-esteem, others struggled with identifying who they were in the world and what they wanted to do. The ritual of the Temazcal offers us the opportunity to connect and support one another and then to set the intention to move forward embracing our dreams, creativity and making space for nurturing the soul’s progress, our Dharma, as it is called in Sanskrit. I remember feeling deep love and respect for the women with whom I shared this experience. Some are still close friends, others have drifted a bit, and others I never saw again, but I feel that we will always be energetically connected.

MAYA TULUM RESORT

A beautiful place to practice yoga

It was also during that trip that I discovered the Yoga retreat center and spa, at the resort Maya Tulum. Walking down the beach after a lazy morning, I stumbled on the most beautiful stretch of beach jettisoned by a stone formation extending into the water. The glimmering white sand is combed clean of the black hair-like seaweed that washes up on the shore, and chaises with white towels and beautiful natural palapa-style huts dotted the bluff above the beach. Venturing onto the property and winding my way through the manicured sandy paths connecting all the edifices and areas of the resort, I found the front desk and was able to get a tour. What a gorgeous spot! Beautiful rooms, with all the details—hibiscus flower and lily bouquets, mosquito netting draping from above the beds and some have luxurious bathrooms with views of the Caribbean. There are 2 high-roofed Yoga practice spaces with some resident Iguanas who like to lazily walk the perimeter of the structural beams, as if they were our ancestors supervising practice. The restaurant has ocean breezes and view, a juice bar, and gorgeous locally sourced food. Upon first sight, I was determined to bring my own group there some day.

Well, I am happy to say that I manifested that dream, as this April I am returning for our 4^th Annual Maya Tulum Yoga Retreat!

THE FOURTH ANNUAL MAYA TULUM YOGA RETREAT 2013 IS UPON US

I feel that it is hugely important to take vacations away from our modern chaotic world. Especially as Women and Moms! So often we are running around taking care of everyone else’s needs and neglecting ourselves so much that we can start to feel very off-balance.

It is essential for us to take care of ourselves Ladies!

Fun Times

Even if we feel like we can’t afford it financially, or time-wise, or we worry that our business will suffer (I have heard all the excuses), I argue that retreating to a beautiful natural paradise can reconnect us to deeper aspects of ourselves. By linking up with our basic bio-rhythms for a week instead of our WiFi hotspot (which is available in 2 main areas of the resort, by the way): being with nature, taking in fresh air and long sleeps, we can return to our regular lives with a healthier, calmer and more serene sense of being, and actually get more done. Even though I’m working during the week-long retreat, going to Maya Tulum once a year strengthens and reaffirms my connection to my Yoga practice. It also helps me to remove so many outside distractions and potential pollutants from my life and brings me closer to the source of my creativity and inspiration. I always leave feeling vitally alive, lighter, kissed by the sun, thinner and happier.

So whether you are a Yoga virgin or an advanced student, I urge you to be wise and come retreat to Maya Tulum with from Saturday April 13th until Saturday April the 20th. If you are a Mom, you can bring your baby (my, then 5 month old Son was with me last year), as babysitting can be arranged among the lovely staff, so you can do your daily Yoga practice.

As your teacher, I will offer 2 classes a day: the morning Yoga class is more rigorous Ashtanga-inspired Vinyāsa, and the afternoon class is beginner and prenatal friendly with restorative elements. Just hang out on the beach with a book the rest of the day, or partake in all kinds of activities and excursions, including a life-changing Temazcal experience. Give yourself some space away from it all!

One of my favorite Yoga masters, Sri Brahmananda Saraswati, was fond of saying: “When you have space in your mind, you are wise. When you have no space in your mind, you are otherwise.”

I invite you to set an intention to clear out old toxic stagnant energy, and bring forth the True Wise You. Moms, Dads, Singles, Babies – ALL are welcome.

Participating in my love of Yoga

LOGISTICS

All-inclusive packages range from $1605 – $2620 per person, but transportation is not included. Make arrangements to fly to Cancún (flying direct from JFK, Cancun is 4 hours, 3 hours direct from LAX). The resort van driver will meet you outside of customs, and take you straight to Maya Tulum. Please contact Melanie for reservations today!

Mention that you saw our blog post on WillyBMum.com when making your reservation and get $50 off!

Maya Tulum Reservations office: 888 515 4580 x231 OR visit http://www.MayaTulum.com

Namaste

First step – Cauliflower, Onion, Rosemary and Garlic into the oven to roast

I love cauliflower, it is absolutely one of my favorite foods on the planet. I love it roasted, as a salad and mashed just like potatoes. I have always wondered about making it as a base for a soup and this week while on the Treehugger Website I saw a recipe for “Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Aged Cheddar” and it got me thinking…..

The thing is, the recipe on TreeHugger calls for dairy products and I am not a fan of eating any animal products in my diet if I can help it. My Son also develops eczema when he has cow milk or cheese, and because of this, my husband and I stopped giving either to him a long time ago.

So, I decided to create a non-animal-product twist that is better suited to my family needs by using unsweetened coconut milk and a vegan cheese substitute instead. For my first go at it, it turned out really delicious, and because of the thick consistency can easily be substituted as a pasta sauce or even as a dip (like hummus) with veggie chips or raw carrots.

Total cooking time with preparation is around 2.5 hours and serves 4 generous adult servings.

Cauliflower has many health benefits including being a great food to eat if pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Cauliflower is full of folate B9 which protects from birth defects and low birth weight in babies.

It is also high in important B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and thiamine, can aid in weight loss and has been proven to considerably help prevent certain kinds of cancer like prostate, breast and colon.

This is just to start, there are also many other positives about eating cauliflower like aiding the body with digestion, supporting in anti-inflammatory issues like arthritis and being chock-a-block in antioxidants.

WHAT YOU NEED

• 1 whole organic cauliflower, cut into small chunks
• 1 medium organic onion, cut into small chunks
• 15 whole organic garlic cloves
• Small handle of fresh rosemary leaves (remove main stem)
• 4 tablespoons of organic olive oil
• 3 cups organic low sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup vegan shredded cheese (I used GO Veggie!™ Mozzarella Style Shreds)
• 2 cup of unsweetened coconut milk (I used So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk)
• Salt and Pepper to taste (easy on the salt)
• Sliced organic Kalamata olives to use as a garnish

**My family prefers only to serve & use organic foods as the whole vibe of eating pesticides and chemicals on your food is very frightening. More so, for my Son, I worry about him more than myself… but doesn’t every Mother!

ROAST THE VEGETABLES

• Pre-Heat oven to 350F
• Place the cauliflower, garlic, rosemary and onion into a baking tray lined with olive oil
• Cover baking tray with aluminium foil
• Bake for one hour and then remove foil
• Increase heat to 400F and bake for another 30 minutes
• Remove from oven

Ingredients in. Time to boil and blend – Yummo.

PREPARE THE SOUP

• Add the vegetable broth, coconut milk, veggie cheese substitute and the roasted vegetables in large soup pot
• Bring to the boil, then reduce to simmer for 30 minutes covered
• Puree the soup with an immersion blender

Awesome – you are done!

When serving, garnish with some sliced kalamata olives. Olives and Cauliflower really compliment each other well.

Thanks for reading my Blog, please feel free to leave comments with any questions and feedback you may have.

Roasted Organic Cauliflower Soup