Dear Theresa,

I have been wondering what is the difference between juicing and whole food smoothies? Which one is better if you are trying to healthy?

Thank you,

What to Drink?

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Dear What to Drink?,

Interestingly both are good for people on different journeys.

Juicing is the process of removing juice from the pulp of vegetables and fruits.  It concentrates the nutrients of many whole foods into a form that is easy to assimilate .

Whole food smoothies use a high speed blender to turn those same vegetables and fruits into a nutritious drink while retaining the pulp.  This makes a nutrient dense food that supports health and weight loss as well as increasing cravings for more healthy food choices overall.

The main difference, as you may have noted, is the presence of pulp in the smoothies.  The added fiber in smoothies makes them move more slowly through the digestive system.  Our Standard American Diet (SAD) is seriously lacking in fiber and removing even more causes me to be concerned with the concentrated sugars.

While juicing can be very helpful in creating a healthy environment for people who are healing their body, I believe using juices indefinitely can deprive the body of the whole food.  When you begin to take foods apart, elements we have not yet identified are lost from our food.

Nutrition is a very young science and there is more that we don’t know about food and it’s impact on our body than we are clear about.

Working with my clients I encourage them to use smoothies over juicing for this reason. If a person is trying to heal a severe illness, juicing can be a faster way to clean out the body (see the movie “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead”).  But if you are healthy and just want to increase your nutrients or lose weight, add whole food smoothies to your diet and you will get all of the benefits without losing any of the good stuff our bodies need.

Love & Light,

Theresa

Theresa Grisanti has studied nutrition and psychology with experts in this field for over 20 years. Using her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s degree in Nutrition, along with Energy Medicine, she coaches people to understand how their body works and ways to eat that promote health and vitality. You can find more information about Theresa’s work on her website: http://theresagrisanti.com

Summer is almost here!  Or so the calendar tells me.  We haven’t really had much of a spring here yet this year.  This weekend is in the 70?s though, so maybe it has finally arrived!  To get you ready for summer, I made you chocolate    You know, because summer means ice cream!  You can’t have ice cream without hot fudge, it is just wrong.

So what do you normally put on your ice cream?  Obviously I am a hot fudge kind of girl.  I also like caramel sauce if it is an option.  I am not much into fruit toppings though,  which is unfortunate because my husbands favorite topping is strawberry sauce.  Maybe I will have to give in and make that for him this summer.  So stay tuned!

This sauce is so smooth, velvety, and rich.  It comes together in 10 minutes, and lasts in the fridge for at least a month.  You can see I used it here to top some brownies.

My 8 year old (man it is hard to get used to typing that!), had some on his ice cream last night for his birthday dessert.  It does harden up in the fridge, but all you have to do is microwave it for a few seconds, and it gets all smooth and glorious again.  The biggest challenge is, actally having it make it to the fridge.  I ate way more spoonfuls of this stuff than I care to admit.

Hot Fudge Sauce

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter

• ? cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup sugar

• 6 oz evaporated milk

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

1. In a saucepan combine butter, chocolate chips, evaporated milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium until it starts to boil. Boil for 7 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla extract.

3. Serve while warm

Notes

Store in the fridge for up to a month

Sweet Mercy

Stunning coming-of-age drama set during the Great Depression and Prohibition

When Eve Marryat’s father is laid off from the Ford Motor Company in 1931, he is forced to support his family by leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, and moving back to his Ohio roots. Eve’s uncle Cyrus has invited the family to live and work at his Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge.

Eve can’t wait to leave St. Paul, a notorious haven for gangsters. At seventeen, she considers her family to be “good people,” not lawbreakers like so many in her neighborhood. Thrilled to be moving to a “safe haven,” Eve soon forms an unlikely friendship with a strange young man named Link, blissfully unaware that her uncle’s lodge is anything but what it seems.

When the reality of her situation finally becomes clear, Eve is faced with a dilemma. Does she dare risk everything by exposing the man whose love and generosity is keeping her family from ruin? And when things turn dangerous, can she trust Link in spite of appearances?

Interview with Ann Tatlock
Author of Sweet Mercy

Is this your first book or have you published before?

Sweet Mercy is my 10th book. It was in 1998 that my first book hit the bookstores at the very
time I was over in China with my husband picking up our baby daughter. That was a big month
for me.

Are you working on anything else?

Yes, I’m doing research for my next book. But since I don’t tell anyone what my books are about
while I’m writing them (not even my husband, much to his annoyance), I’ll stay mum on the
story line for now.

Do you have any advice for authors wanting to publish?

Persistence is the most important thing. You’ll most likely wade through a flood of rejections at
first, but don’t give up. Every successful author has been down that same road. Very few have
reached success by sailing down Easy Street.

What is your favorite writing snack?

Strawberry or raspberry yogurt (eating some right now!).

What gets you in the mood to write?

I can’t say it’s a mood so much as discipline. Whether I feel like working or not, when my
designated writing hours roll around, I’m at my computer.

Who is your favorite character and why?

If you mean of my own characters, I’ll have to say Tillie Monroe in Promises to Keep. She’s by
far the most eccentric person I’ve ever worked with in my imaginary world. She first came to
me about 25 years ago, but she didn’t let me write about her until just recently. When the time
was right, there she was, sitting on the front porch of a house she no longer owned, ready to tell
her story. I was never quite sure what she was going to say or do next. She definitely kept me
entertained while I was writing.

Tatlock/Sweet Mercy/2

Favorite book of all time?

I love so many books it’s hard to choose! One book that seems to rise to the top is Anne Morrow
Lindbergh’s Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead. I came across a copy many years ago in a second-
hand bookstore and I fell in love with Anne’s writing style and her eye for details. An incredibly
talented wordsmith, she challenges me to do my best.

What made you want to write this book?

Two things, really. I grew up hearing stories about Hoppe’s Island in the Little Miami River near
Foster, Ohio. It was a recreational island owned by my great-grandfather. A very popular place
in the 1920s and 30s, people came from all over to enjoy swimming, boating, picnicking and
dancing to the bands that played in the pavilion. For years, I’ve wanted to use the island as the
setting of a book, and I also wanted to set a story during Prohibition. I put the two together and
came up with Sweet Mercy.

I think breakfast says a lot about a person, what is your perfect breakfast?

As a creature of habit, I have the same breakfast every day: cold cereal and orange juice. Of
course, sometimes I add a little variety by slicing a banana on the cereal….lol!

Do you have a favorite period of time that you like to write about or would like to live?

I’m fascinated by the entire 20th century. It was 100 years of incredible scientific advancement,
yet throughout the decades people endured great horror and suffering, much of it man-made: the
World Wars, economic collapse, the crime wave brought on by Prohibition, Jim Crow laws and
the suppression of African-Americans.

While he wasn’t writing about our country or even our era, Charles Dickens did a good job of
describing 20th century America in these words: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of
times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was
the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the
spring of hope, it was the winter of despair….” (A Tale of Two Cities). I’m intrigued that we
should know such polar opposites at once.

Please tell us in one sentence why we should read your book!

Al Capone has a cameo role in the story and you wouldn’t want to disappoint him by not coming
to the party!

Thank you Ann for stopping by today.

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a copy of 3 of Ann’s Books

Sweet Mercy, Travelers Rest and Promises to Keep

Open to US & Canada Only

Ends 5/21/13

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All of Hope

To protect her heart, he left her behind.

To protect her life, he’ll leave the life he’s made behind.
Sometimes the safest distance between two hearts is no distance at all…

Kidnapping a baby wasn’t something Hope ever dreamed she would do. But she’s been burned by the legal system before, so when the court places her friend’s child into the custody of an abuser, she takes matters into her own hands. She steals the baby and fakes her death, hoping to make a clean getaway. She planned every detail, except one.

Her high school sweetheart and best friend, who left her years before, sees her at a gas station. Hope thinks all is lost, until he offers to help them.

Brennan had always been the love of Hope’s life, but he never wanted to be. She knows she cannot depend on him for long. However, as each day passes, it becomes painfully obvious that she is in way over her head. She goes with him, intending to keep him always an arm’s length away to protect her heart. But being on the run together sparks the old flames that once burned between Brennan and Hope.

Families, friends, and lovers must band together to save an innocent baby and a daring woman or both of their lives will be destroyed. Together, they’ll do it All for Hope…

   Purchase on Amazon

About the Author – Olivia Hardin realized early on how strange she was to have complete movie-like character dreams as a child. Eventually she began putting those vivid dreams to paper and was rarely without her spiral notebooks full of those mental ramblings. Her forgotten vision of becoming an author was realized when she connected with a group of amazingly talented and fabulous writers who gave her lots of direction and encouragement. With a little extra push from family and friends, she hunkered down to get lost in the words. She’s also an insatiable crafter who only completes about 1 out of 5 projects, a jogger who hates to run, and is sometimes accused of being artistic, though she’s generally too much of a perfectionist to appreciate her own work. A native Texas girl, Olivia lives in the beautiful Lone Star state with her husband and their puppy Bonnie.

Connect with her Online – Blog * Goodreads * Twitter* Facebook * Literary Addicts

Journey of Promise by Vickie Hall Blog Tour Sign Ups

Tour Schedule

Journey of Promise

When converts Richard and Leah Kenyon leave Wales and heed the call to Zion, they are unprepared for the toll exacted by the journey. To face the incredible odds mounted against them they call upon the Lord’s tender mercies to see them through and strengthen their love for one another. Their story will remind you where to turn during your trials.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

All That Was Promised

In 1847 Wales Methodist Minister Richard Kenyon converts to Mormonism. Richard’s newfound faith is put to the test when he faces the anger of his former congregation, his wife’s indecisiveness, his brother’s betrayal, and the murderous intentions of misinformed villagers.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Author Vickie Hall

Vickie is a native of Utah, but growing up, lived in the states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Nebraska. When she’s not writing, she’s composing music, or shopping with her sister. She loves animals of all kinds and camping with her family. Her favorite pastime is watching old movies on TCM, and unashamedly has a crush on Cary Grant.

Is this your first series or have you published before?
Journey of Promise is actually my third book. Although it is a follow up to my first book, All That Was Promised, I did publish another book called Secrets of the Red Box back in September.

Are you working on anything else?
Yes, I have a new book that should be out in June called Rising Sun, Falling Star about a Japanese-American family from California who are sent to the internment camps during World War II.

Do you have any advice for authors wanting to publish? (Why did you choose to go indie? If this applies – If not why traditional)
My advice would be to learn about the craft of writing – attend writer’s conferences, critique groups, book clubs, etc. and seek honest feedback. Family and friends are generally too nice and will think the writing is wonderful (which it well might be) but get unbiased critiques. This is a great way to grow as a writer.

I have had two traditionally published books and one (soon to be two) self-published books. There are pros and cons to both. I chose to go self-published to maintain more control over the process. Whichever method is used, however, requires a tremendous amount of marketing. This was an unexpected surprise to me. I always thought a writer writes and the publisher takes care of the rest. No even close! Be prepared to spend nearly as much time selling your book as you do writing it.

What is your favorite writing snack?
I tend to go with more salty snacks like potato chips or dry roasted peanuts. And of course, chocolate never hurts either!

What gets you in the mood to write?
I write nearly every day so it doesn’t take much to motivate me – I love it that much! While I’m writing my current book, I’m always researching my next project as well.

Who is your favorite character and why?
That’s a tough one! There are so many I’ve liked over the years, but I would have to say one that stands out is Antonia Shimerdas from Willa Cather’s My Antonia. She isn’t witty and coquettish like some other heroines I admire. It’s her stoicism and determination that make me love her.

Favorite book of all time?
Follow The River by James Alexander Thom

What made you want to write this book?
I wanted to give voice to the sacrifices and hardships of those who left home and family to come to America. I have great admiration for those people who made these difficult choices and possessed the courage to make such a journey.

I think breakfast says a lot about a person, what is your perfect breakfast?
My perfect breakfast would be a slice of fried ham, scrambled eggs, and Swedish pancakes with Ligonberry syrup! (Now I’m hungry – thanks)

Do you have a favorite period of time that you like to write about or would like to live?
I have a real love of the 1930s and 1940s. I have two books written in that time period – Secrets of the Red Box, and the soon to be released Rising Sun, Falling Star. I love the clothes, the music, the simplicity of life, the sense of values. I would have loved to live back then.

Please tell us in one sentence why we should read your book!

Journey of Promise will uplift and inspire readers with an understanding that even our own trials can be overcome through faith.

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Fall of Sky City

Genre: New Adult Fantasy, Steampunk Adventure

In a world governed by the opposing forces of the mystical House of Tarot and the tribal Great Families, Synn is caught in the crossfire. He witnesses the slaughter of innocent people, and the devastating murder of his father. This act awakens his Mark of power, a Mark greater than any the world has seen in a very long time.

Queen Nix thought she won a great prize when she destroyed Synn’s father, the leader of the strongest Great Families. She had no idea she’d be doubly blessed by capturing his son. However, before Synn can become her treasured weapon, before she can use him to bring the rest of the world to its knees, she must break him and bind his soul to hers.

She does her job with brutal brilliance. Synn’s mind is broken and his soul is seared to hers in an unbreakable bond.

That doesn’t stop him from wanting to be free. She may have broken his mind and claimed his soul, but he will find a way to destroy her.
Experience a world of ships that sail the clouds and cites buried beneath the ocean, and survive the fiery battle brought forth by those who control the forces of nature!

About Author SM Blooding

SM Blooding lives in Colorado with her pet rock, Rockie, Ms. Bird, the Chicken and SistaPITA. It’s quite the zoo. She’s taken a break from the piano, which Ms, Bird is quite happy about, and now knows more than one word in Arabic. Basically, she can say hello, good-bye, give it to me, and hurry up!

She’s dated vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, weapons smugglers and US Government assassins. Yes. She has stories.

Follow SM Blooding:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Purchase e-book / paperback

Review – As soon as I saw the cover I HAD to read it. I haven’t read too much steampunk but what I have I loved. I have to say this world the author created is even better than any other steampunk I have read. Fall of Sky City is an – I can’t put this down, action packed read. . Synn El’Asim is caught in the middle of a war when QueenNix kills his father. Next she wants Synn as a pet and to use him as a weapon. He is bonded to her but that doesn’t stop him from wanting freedom for him and his people.

I loved watching Synn come into his own and transform into a leader. Even being tortured doesn’t waver him.

The Author is giving away a $50 Amazon GC Fill out the form below to Enter
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Homemade Gold Fish

My son is obsessed with cheese crackers.  I mean obsessed.  He could probably live on Goldfish, Cheese Nips, Whales….all of them!  So when I saw Katrina make Homemade Cheese Nips, I was in awe!  I knew I had to do it.  But I don’t have the cute pastry cutter she has, so I had to do something else.  Then I saw Miss Anthropist’s Kitchen made her own goldfish cracker cutter!  I was all over this!

This recipe is SUPER easy!  I told a friend I was making these, and she laughed at me.  She said please tell me you are joking, and that is just code for you didn’t make anything that today. Nope, I made them, and they are easy.  Ok, I will admit the goldfish part gets kind of annoying.  I made a tiny cutter, so it just was time consuming.  But if you cut them in squares like Cheese Nips, you would be done in no time!  With the last bit of dough I got out our new Star Wars Sandwich Cutter and made a giant Tie Fighter and Millennium Falcon! So if you have kids, go make these!!!  My husband has eaten his fair share, so even if you don’t have kids try it!

Homemade Goldfish Crackers
Adapted from In Katrina’s Kitchen
Printable Recipe

1 cup Flour
4 Tbls Butter, cut into small pieces
8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
3/4 tsp Salt
2 Tbls cold water

Pulse everything together in the food processor until it resembles coarse sand.

Pulse in water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Remove, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minute.

Roll out dough, and cut into desired shape. You can use a toothpick to make the eyes and smile if desired.  Place on lined cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until crispy.

Quirky and pop culture themed t-shirts are all the rage and TVStoreOnline is THE place to get them. My daughter was over-joyed when we were offered our choice of any T-shirts from http://www.tvstoreonline.com/. We literally spent hours trying to decide which one to get. There are so many designs in so many genres like, Movies, T.V, Comics and Games. There were even these cool M&M shirts.   She finally decided on this awesome, “The doctor will see you now,” Dr. Who shirt.

The shirt arrived within just a few days and tracking was sent right away.  I was immediately impressed with the quality of the shirt.  I am sure many moms have experienced purchasing a character shirt only to receive a thin itchy material item.  This was high quality, thick, 100% cotton. She wore it to class the next day and was stopped several times by other kids commenting how cool her shirt was.  She has already made a list of items she wants to order in the near future.  They don’t just sell shirts.  You can get hoodies, hats, tank dresses , and even costumes, like these cool Saturday Night Live costumes.

I didn’t get to pick a shirt this time, but while looking with my daughter I definitely made a mental list of gifts for entertainment fans in my family.  My favorite would probably be one of the Smashing Pumpkins shirts.  Keep Tvstoreonline.com bookmarked for the holiday season for sure! We have teamed up with Tvstoreonline.com to offer one lucky reader their choice of an in stock T-Shirt as well.

Enter to win!
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