Meet Guest Blogger: Grace “Going Organic” Simpson

Hey guys, I'm going to be busy for a little bit, so I've enlisted a special guest for my blog and her name is Grace Simpson. She’s very educated about organics and is great at helping people get their feet wet into a more natural way of eating.

It's been on my mind for awhile and I figured I learn more about it before  the holidays creep up on me, and I throw thoughts of 'cleaner eating' out the darn window!

How you ever thought about going organic? What does going organic really mean other than paying more money out of pocket and purchasing food that spoils quicker, lol. Can it really be done on a budget?



She’ll be here for the next little while sharing great advice and tidbits, so I’ll let her introduce herself…


Hi, I’m Grace. I’ve been studying organic living since the USDA introduced national standards in 2002 and my family has been eating fully organic since about 2006. This subject means a lot to me because I want my family to have the healthiest meals possible.  A few other related subjects that I feel are important are our nation’s health, our wildlife and the sustainability of food production.

Even though certified organics have been around for a decade, I know there are still a lot of questions surrounding organic food. That’s why I am so happy to be here to talk about many of those concerns people have.

Here’s what you can expect in the next few posts:

- Why eating organic is important…to you and the world around you.
- How to introduce organics, even if you’re on a budget.
- What does organic really mean and are you really eating organic?
- We’ll also discuss issues surrounding, meats, and produce in more detail.
- Being your own source of organic foods.
- Do you need supplements?

We’re going to cover a lot, but remember, as you start consider the organic lifestyle; you don’t have to do this all at once. Just take it one step at a time adding healthier options slowly and keeping this great earth of ours in harmony.

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Thank you Grace! Can't wait to see what you have in store!

Have a great weekend folks and if you're in the area, come check out me & and a few local authors signing our books! Click this link for more details!

http://www.southjerseylocalnews.com/articles/2012/09/25/region/doc5061e8756026a695578014.txt

Do You Think The Microwave Is Healthy To Use?

Have you heard that microwaves causes cancer?!

How about that microwaves emits radioactive waves which can cause you to get ill or may turn you into "Radio Active Man! or Woman!"

Or for the Preggos out that there, that pregnant women should stay away from microwaves?

I think this is freaky....that you can change a food's DNA and/or lose most or all of the food's nutritional value when you use the microwave.

It even gets scientific and a plant dies in the process!!!

In one experiment, two plants were watered with two different types. One with microwaved water and the other with regular water. The end conclusion is that the plant watered with microwaved water died after days of contact.

Snopes busted that story here: http://www.snopes.com/science/microwave/plants.asp

I've been hearing so much controversy about using the microwave, and I think it's poppycock!

Unless you're taking a part of your body and placing it in the microwave or leaving the door open and pressing 'Start' I don't see any harm in it...Or at least no greater harm than cooking on a gas or electric stove. Each appliance you cook with comes with its own set of precautions and I urge you exercise them completely!

Now are you ready to cook a nice, healthy, and wholesome dinner in the microwave?

Great!

Liking that picture above and want to know what it's all about? Read below :)

I used Glad Steam Microwave Bags to steam some Tilapia (with garlic, olive oil, butter, 2 slices of lemon (lemon juice is cool too) and parsley).

Brussels Sprouts got tossed around a bag with cracked pepper, 1 tablespoon of Earth Balance butter, sea salt, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of rice flour.

Lastly, I diced up one sweet potato, dried apricots, and some craisins with 1 tablespoon of nutmeg, splash of vanilla, 1 tablespoon of Earth Balance butter, 1 tablespoon of organic brown sugar, and started dancing while singing shake, shake, shake!

All items took less than 9 minutes in the microwave. My frozen Tilapia took 7 minutes, the Brussel Sprouts took 6 minutes and the Sweet Potatoes, 9 minutes.

Your cooking times may vary.

Want to read up more on microwaves and the myths vs. facts?

Check out this link:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/microwave-radiation-ovens-460709

Tell me what you think about using microwaves?

What's your favorite thing to prepare?

I'd love to hear it!

A SMOOVE MORNING .....

Sometimes you simply don’t have time to cook breakfast. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a nutritious start to your day. Consider these breakfast drink ideas and tips if you need something nutritious for your picky eater or someone who isn’t really eat breakfast. When you need something  extra quick, breakfast drinks are a great option, especially if you prepare and freeze them for later use.

Smoothies are rapidly becoming my best friend, especially since I've found that coffee has been breaking me out. :(

Is there a benefit to preparing a smoothie over drinking an instant breakfast shake you can purchase at the store? The biggest benefit to making a smoothie from fresh or frozen ingredients is that you know what is in your smoothie. Some of the store-bought don’t have all-natural ingredients. They may even have synthetic ingredients or nutrients.

Is it possible to gather items so smoothies are easy to make? If you have ever made a fruit smoothie, you know you need fruit, ice and some type of liquid. Of course, you can use other ingredients, too.

* Be sure to start with a clean blender.
* Cut up your fruit the night before.
* Freeze some fruit to avoid having to use ice cubes.
* Include green, leafy or other vegetables for added nutrients.
* Measure out the liquid you will use and place it in a specific container in the refrigerator.

The more you can prepare the night before, the quicker it will be to make your smoothie when you need it. And if time is at a premium, having those few extra moments can be important.

The biggest question I've seen people ask about smoothies is this:

Can you make smoothies with other liquids besides cow’s milk?

The liquid you use to make a smoothie is entirely up to you. Some people like to use cow’s milk, some rice milk, others coconut milk. You can also use almond milk, kefir whey, fruit juice or vegetable juice.

I personally love Almond Milk. :)

How about trying this protein-packed milk shake using 1 1/4 cup milk, 1 large ripe banana, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and 3 ice cubes. Put all ingredients in the blender except for the ice cubes. Cover and then blend for one minute on medium. Add the ice cubes, cover and then blend for another minute on high.

These breakfast ideas can enable you to prepare nutritious alternatives for your family. These breakfast beverages are nutritious and taste great. Of course, if your family enjoys these choices they may not want cereal or a cooked breakfast again.

BestIndieBook Fest TUES & WED ONLY -WIN Amazon GIFT CARDS!

I'm so excited! I was able to interview a finalist from, The BEST INDIE BOOK FESTIVAL, and network with an amazing group of bloggers and authors. I've posted on Facebook and Tweeted about the events leading up to today and the contest is going on now! It's happening today and tomorrow on the World Literary Cafe! 10 award winning authors AND a chance to win Amazon gift cards (no purchase necessary)! Can’t beat that! Check it out here http://bit.ly/Q93gVK

Sharing is encouraged and greatly appreciated.

Interview w/2012 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Award Finalist, G.M. Frazier!

G.M. Frazier is the author of A Death on the Wolf, a 2012 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Award finalist.  A Death on the Wolf, is an interesting story of how sixteen year old Nelson Gody's 1969 summer experience in Mississippi changes his life. A story that deals with first loves, homosexuality, and even shooting someone on the very first page! I'm happy to say, G.M. Frazier, was able to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for me.

What inspired the creation of the character Nelson Gody in your book?

I don’t start off a story with a fully developed main character.  Typically, all my characters develop as the story unfolds.  Hence, I may be 20,000 words into the story before I have to go back and flesh out substantial portions of earlier chapters because of the way the main character or other characters have developed.  As with every novel I’ve written, A Death on the Wolf started with just the snippet of a scene in my head: A teenage boy struggling with a grown man on the banks of a river and the boy winds up shooting the man.  The development of the plot and the character of Nelson Gody began the minute I started asking: “Who is this boy?  How did he wind up on that riverbank with that man?  Who is the man?  Why are they fighting?”  The inspiration for Nelson’s character came in the answering of those questions rather than from a preconceived notion of who Nelson was.

Your story takes place in the summer of 1969.  Based on the current events of today, how do you think views have changed towards homosexuality?

The obvious answer to that question is that homosexuality is much more openly accepted as a legitimate lifestyle than it was in 1960s.  In 1969, homosexuality was listed as a psychological disorder in the DSM.  But you have to remember that my novel is not just set in 1969, it’s set in rural Mississippi and told from the perspective of a teenager who had grown up in the relative isolation of that setting.  Nelson’s own words are best used to describe the perspectives on homosexuality that were prevalent for him in that cultural milieu: “This was southern Mississippi, not California or New York or any of the other places where we assumed ‘alternative lifestyles’ were tolerated or even openly accepted.  The extent to which homosexuality was even acknowledged among my peers was to use the terms and behaviors associated with it as degrading predicatives while hurling what we perceived to be humorous insults at each other.”  When Nelson learns that his best friend is gay, he is forced to come to grips with just what friendship means to him in the face of an intolerant society.

I understand that you used to be an editor at Genesis Press.  Does that make editing your own work easier or more difficult?

I still do freelance editing and I’m one of the writers associated with the Open Door Critique Program offered through the Hub City Writer’s Project.  I don’t know if my editing experience is what helps me be able to edit my own work, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.  Some writers are able to do it, others aren’t.  Anne Rice has stated in interviews that she essentially does her own editing and when she submits a manuscript it’s done.  John Updike was described as a “self-cleaning oven” by his editor because of his ability to self-edit.

How do you find time to balance your work life, personal life, and writing life?

It’s not easy.  Because of my law practice, and trying to finish up editing a sci-fi novel for a local author, the writing of my next novel (The Taking of Trevor Ward) has been on hold for nearly two months.  I’m about to finish up the editing job, and even though I’ve got another to start, I plan to get back to my own writing in the next couple of weeks and get that novel finished.

How would you advise teenage boys of today who might be dealing with some of the problems Nelson had to deal with in this book?

One of the reasons Nelson is able to weather the many conflicts that confront him during the summer of 1969 is because of the way he was raised, the love of his family, and the role model he has in his father.  It’s unfortunate that so many teenage boys of today don’t have any of this to draw on for strength and guidance.  Nevertheless, my advice would be to remember that friendship and commitment are not abstract concepts, and how you define them, defines you.  Recognize that, to become a responsible adult, requires input from others who have learned from their experiences, and traveled the same road you’re on now.  If you don’t have a father, uncle or older brother who is a good mentor and role model, then find one.  Find a church and get involved in the youth group.  See if your town has a Big Brother program and go to them for help.

Me: Great advice! Good luck in reaching all your goals and thank you for your time. Please check out this 2012 Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Award finalist!

G.M. Frazier has been writing fiction for the last twenty years, with a talent that spans across multiple genres ranging from supernatural to this intriguing drama of A Death on the Wolf. To learn more about this talented author, please visit his websites at his Official Website of G.M. Frazier or on his G.M. Frazier's Facebook Page.

                                                                      

Join G.M. Frazier and 9 other award-winning authors in the

BEST INDIE BOOK FESTIVAL,

Featuring 10 Literary Fiction & Thriller Titles!
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10 Award winning books and SEVERAL chances to win a

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(3 lucky WINNERS will be chosen!)

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Banana Bread On A Rainy Day....

No Sugar - Banana - Apple - Bread -Excellent 

No Sugar B.A.B.E.

Hmmm....There was a national publication media blast that went out the other day and they are looking for low sugar or no sugar added recipes. The wheels started turning in my head and I thought about those old ripe bananas I got laying around wondered what a little bit of unsweetened applesauce can do for an old favorite of mine.

To make something truly sugar free, I'm going to have to rely on REALLY RIPE, squishy & darn near black bananas...the kind where fruit flies have to be shooed away from them, is just right in my book!

P.S. Genaurdi's sell a bag of really ripe, almost black bananas for pennies an ounce, so check to see if your local grocery store has that same deal too, if you don't have any lying around. 

Disclaimer: I hope there are no fruit flies hovering over your fruit basket:)



Applesauce/Banana Bread

Ingredients:
4 REALLY RIPE squishy bananas (I've found using the ones I had in the freezer made it extra moist) 
½ cup of unsweetened applesauce (eliminates the need for oil!)
1/4 cup of Almond Milk (or whichever milk you prefer)
2 eggs
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour, traditional or white whole wheat
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9” x 5” loaf pan. In a large bowl, slice the bananas and use an electric mixer to mash. Add the applesauce, vanilla extract, eggs and blend. Let mixture stand for 15 minutes. In another bowl, blend all the dry ingredients. Then mix in the dry with the wet ingredients. Pour into the greased loaf pan and bake for 55 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand again for 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Meet Jett Chu....(Character Interview)

Interview with T.T.Y.L. Magazine (Talk To You Later) w/reporter Janey Dane

Janey: This is Jett Chu! He's here with us today to talk a little about his upcoming book with ReCee Jay and Lily! Tell our readers a little bit more about yourself! Like where did you go to school?

Jett: I graduated from Cooper University in New York, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Little did I know, after enjoying a tuition free education from one of the most selective schools in the country, was that my free ride, in a sense was over. The Chemical Industry declined and my ideas of becoming the next Ge Hong or Fritz Haber were pretty much kaput when I tried to enter the workforce. 

Janey: (A few crickets chirp) Uh.... And what is chemical engineering exactly?

Jett: It's dealing with the transformation of raw materials and turning them into useful products such as oil, soaps and cosmetics.

Janey:  Oh...Okay! I get it now! You're like that one lady on YouTube that took salt and ice and gave herself third degree burns right?

Jett: (Blank stare) Uh, not exactly.

Janey: Moving right along! Your father is the famous John Chu! I've been to his restaurant so many times! After you failed at finding a job, did he take you under his wing and bring you into the food industry?

Jett: (Another blank stare and a pause) My family has been in the Korean food business for years and I would help him in his restaurant during my breaks from school. It was my father who introduced me to Mr. Larry Hortie who is the CEO of ZKD Food Industries. They recently developed a healthy food products line and Mr. Hortie needed interns to help Ms. ReCee promote it.

Janey: Ah! Chef ReCee! She's been in the news lately! Is is true that she had a baby and gave it to her sister to raise for her? Is she on drugs? Did she grow up in the 'hood'?

Jett: (Clears throat and gets up from chair). This interview is over Ms. Dane

Janey: Wait! Wait! I'm sorry! You know, I have to get the meat and potatoes to a story and you're kinda giving me light and fluffy biscuits.

Jett walks out the door.

Janey: I guess this interview is over. Hmmm.....who should I try and get next?

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An excerpt from, A Fair Killer: 

He strained his neck to see if his girlfriend was back from putting the teddy bear  he'd just won for her, in her car, when he felt a quick prick in his neck. Instinctively, his hand reached up and he looked around for where it might have came from. He looked at the person he was just speaking to, with a curious look on his face. “Did you just…?” He shook as his head as his vision started to blur.

His attacker smiled sweetly at him, “Are you okay? You look kind of pale.”

Sam, the game booth host, turned around and glanced at him with concern. “Hey man, you okay? It’s pretty hot today. Do you need some water?” He bent down to fish a cold bottle of water from his cooler and handed it to him.

“Thanks Sam,” the man took a swig of his drink, set the bottle back down on the counter, but then started to choke. He staggered back near the set where the cooking demonstrations were about to start. Then slowly, painfully, he collapsed to the ground.

Sam hopped over the counter top, told his other patron to call for help, and ran to the man as the crowd that gathered for the cooking demonstration, closed in on him. He placed his fingers on the man’s neck and felt a faint pulse, but there was foam starting to come out the man’s mouth, when his eyes started to roll into the back of his head.

“Hey mommy, what is that man doing to him?” A voice from the crowd shouted in panic. Pretty soon, everyone started to shout. Sam looked around and ran away towards the security office, at the end of the parking lot.  

Chef ReCee Jay pushed through the crowd, saw the body lying on the ground, and glanced at her interns. “Oh no! Somebody get help!” She reached down to touch the man’s wrist, and didn’t feel a pulse. She attempted CPR, but it was too late.

Her intern, Jasmine, looked at her with her mouth opened, “Isn't this the cook from the booth next to us?" Without waiting for a reply, Jasmine huffed, "I didn’t sign up for this ReCee. This is the second body we’ve come across since I’ve been working with you guys and I am too damn fine to die. I quit!” Jasmine took off her chef jacket, that bared the Chef ReCee Jay and Friends logo on it, and tossed it to the ground.

Jett, the other intern, squinted his eyes to scan the crowd. “This can’t be another  accident ReCee.” ReCee nodded in silent agreement and stared as Jasmine ran away from the crime scene.

 

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A Fair Killer Coming soon! Just in time for the holidays!
 It will be available on Amazon and Kindle ! 
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