Author: foodjules

“Berry” Good Price

(Hahaha, sometimes I can be very corny with my headlines but I thought it was cute, so it is, what it is.)

We have been buying the most delicious organic strawberries at Trader Joe’s lately and they are a bargain! You get 1 lb. of big, gorgeous, delicious strawberries for only $2.99. That price even beats the conventional (and full of pesticides) strawberries you buy at your local grocery store.

Trader Joes Organic Strawberries

I mean, just look at these. They are BEAUTIFUL and sooooo very SWEET!

Delicious, Sweet, Organic Strawberries

You can get some very good deals on organic foods if you just shop around…. sometimes the prices are EXACTLY the same or slightly higher as their conventional partners. Trust me. I’ve done the price comparisons. Yes, of course, sometimes the prices are higher then the pesticide-hormone injected foods, but sometimes, it really is about the same. Overall, I found that Trader Joe’s has the best prices but many of the Whole Foods, 365 brand products are about the same price as the ones from Trader Joe’s.

When it comes to your children’s health and your entire family’s health, don’t you want to do the best you can possibly do? Well, start small and replace those Dirty Dozen. You’ll see if you shop smart, you’ll get some great deals for organic foods and I don’t know about you, but I love a great deal! Think about it this way. If you could buy a Mercedes Benz for the same price (or just a little more) as a Toyota, wouldn’t you buy the Mercedes? I know I would.

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The lucky penny

Well, it seems that Lucas and I have had quite the luck finding those lucky pennies. In the last few days, we have found about 15 pennies and even a couple of dimes. I have no idea why this keeps happening, but it does.

So, yesterday, when we visited Julian, we left him one of our lucky pennies. Even though he isn’t here with us, it is our way of sharing with him. We also brought him a little gift from our recent trip to Baltimore. This was Lucas’ idea and it was a wonderful idea. He has been talking about Julian a lot over the past couple of weeks. He cries for him often and talks about him. He really does miss him. The other day there was a tiny carrot and he said “Mommy, this is a perfect size for Julian” and when I made the mini-muffins, he said again, “Mommy, these are so small. They are good for Julian”.

So, to all those people who think three year old’s don’t really “understand” what has happened, our little Lucas does and he thinks about him often.

Just a few days after Julian was born...

Yesterday marked four months that Julian left us. Just four months ago he was here with us for the very last time. We are all thinking about you Julian, more and more each day.

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Oh my Gosh!

Tonight, Lilliana will be in her first play! We are all so very excited for her. She used to be so shy around people and now she is going to perform on a stage in front of over one hundred people. That is quite an accomplishment and I am so proud of her.

We will be serving refreshments for the children and families that attend tonight’s performance and I have baked quite a little spread….. all wholesome, good for you, little treats and peanut free.

Mini Corn Muffins
Mini Apple Pie Muffins
Mini Blueberry Muffins

Oh my gosh, these are sooooo beautiful and so very yummy. I can guarantee they are delicious since I ate one of each kind. It is my duty as the baker to ensure my goodies taste just right!

I’m also going to bring some of my Food Jules Organic Jams so everyone can spread on their crackers, bagels or muffins. YUM!

Organic Cranberry, Organic Apple Pie and Organic Strawberry-Blackberry Jams

I hope everyone enjoys the show and the treats tonight!

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What’s cooking tonight?

There’s nothing better then some warm, smooth Potato Leek soup on a rainy, cold day…. or how about a delicious, cheesy lasagna… or if you are in the mood for some Asian food, how about some homemade Drunken Noodles with Shrimp? There are so many options, how can one decide?

Asian Noodles with Shrimp

I made these noodles a couple weeks ago and just looking at them is making me want to make them again this very instant! Asian food is one of my favorite ethnic foods and this dish is so easy to make. Plus, it’s easy to cook vegetarian with the onions, red and green peppers, mushrooms and some fresh broccoli instead of the shrimp. That’s what I love about this dish, it’s so versatile. Oh, and the noodles are rice noodles so it’s a perfect dish for those on a gluten free diet!

Well, until I decide what’s cooking for dinner tonight, I think I’ll sit back and eat a yummy, warm, Chocolate Chip Muffin that I baked last night and brew a latte in my Espresso Love Mug. It’s a perfect afternoon pick me up after spending the morning cleaning the house! Oh and yes, I baked these muffins at 10pm last night. What can I say, it’s my quiet time when I can bake as much as my little heart desires without any interruptions!

Organic Chocolate Chip Muffins

So… what are you cooking for dinner tonight?

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It’s been quite an interesting nine years.

Happy Anniversary to my handsome, sweet, loving husband of nine years, Michael.

I am so glad that we are married and that you are my partner. You have taught me so much about life, health, love, friendship, trust, respect, faith… the list goes on. You are an amazing person and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for all of your patience and love during this past year, it has been the toughest year of our entire lives but I am so glad that you are here with me, so we can help each other get through each day. Our entire world has changed forever, but one thing remains the same, my love for you. You are and forever shall be, my best friend.

I’m looking forward to the next nine years, plus. I don’t know what’s in our future together, but if we can get through this tough time together and come out stronger, then we can get through anything. At least God was listening when I asked him many, many years ago, for someone to love me unconditionally, to respect me and be my truest, closest, honest friend because he sent me you!

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Mother’s Day Surprise

Thank you to Michael, Lilliana and Lucas for a peaceful, loving and beautiful Mother’s Day. The day started with extra sleeping time (which I need every day), followed by a delicious French Toast breakfast. We spent some time together at the park, ate a picnic lunch and enjoyed some time visiting Julian.

Mother's Day Breakfast
French Toast with Organic Fresh Strawberries

The kids made these gorgeous Tulip Planters, the day before at Home Depot. They were very excited about all the “hard work” it took to make them and are looking forward to making something special for Father’s Day too!

Handmade Tulip Planters

The day ended with a delicious Linguine Carbonara (great job Mike!) and some Mini-Cheesecake Brownies. The day was just what I needed, a calm, quiet, relaxing day with just the four of us.

Oh, and I can’t forget…. the sweet card from a dear friend, that I found waiting for me when we got home. What a nice surprise! Thank you to Lisa, for being such an awesome friend, always there for me in this most difficult time. She took the time to write a beautiful card and hand deliver it to me, even though she had family over her house and four children. She’s amazing and I’m very thankful for having her in my life.

Thank you.

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