How Long Does it Take to Write a Book?

One of the most common questions I have gotten about the experience of writing my first book 'You-niversal Self-care' is, "How long did it take you to write it?"


I won't leave you hanging... I figured it would have taken me about 3-4 months of a standard 40-hour work week to write the book. But the truth is there is so much studying, planning, preparation and re-doing, that it always takes longer.


Here is my second baby and, well, you are seeing it develop practically right in front of your eyes! 


If you've already downloaded the first version of the cookbook, it was bare-bones... filled with stock photos and lots of funny 'Lorem Ipsum' text! 


You're seeing some of what it takes to create such a piece of work! YOU ARE A PART OF THE PROCESS! 


I'm adding more recipes regularly so stay tuned to my email updates for the latest version! (You will get them automatically when you get the cookbook.)


Click on the image of my cookbook to download the PDF or iBook for free!

Would you like to be a part of it? Contact me to be a contributor!  info (at) TarasBook (dot) com


Note, if you are downloading the iBooks version (which you should if you can because you'll have access to a dynamic Table of Contents, Glossary and soooooo much more!) delete the previous version from your iBooks library and then download the new one from the link above or link from the email update. Enjoy!

How to Use Your Stale Kale Chips

We all know that kale is super nutritious (and correspondingly very green-tasting).

Even though my hubby and I are quite health-conscious, we still have to dress kale up a bit...

Our favorite ways to enjoy kale is in the form of kale chips or semi-hidden in soup.

Kale chips are great for a while but one does finally get tired of them. I've tossed more packages of stale chips than I'd like to admit.

But when it comes to foods that I make, it's especially hard for me to see them go to waste.

Our favorite kale chips are those I make at home. I dehydrate them at a low temperature (about 105 degreed Fahrenheit) so they keep their health-promoting enzymes. I douse the torn pieces of kale in olive oil and then sprinkle the desired amount of garlic salt, mix well, spread on dehydrator screens and dehydrate overnight.


--- When faced with buying a store-bought brand my hubby likes the Kale Krunch by Alive & Radiant. Check out the flavors! ---

Ok, back to what I meant to write about... so what do you do (other than throwing them away) with stale(ish) kale chips? 


Toss them in your soup! That's right! No need to sauté kale, trying to get it to a palatable taste and texture, just toss in the chips and they will have great flavor and add a nice twist to things- especially veggie soup!

I did this the other day and just had to pass on the good news!

Enjoy!


PS... I dare you to tweet this! Confuse your friends ;)

Click to Tweet...


Go eat stale kale!

Organic, Farm-raised Food - A Short Drive From Minneapolis - Dan & Becky's Market

Looking for good, healthy food!? 

We strive to seek the best quality food around- here's a great resource-
Dan & Becky's Market in Cokato.

Every spring they take orders for organic, pasture-raised chickens and for local Grade A and B maple syrup.

Chickens are $3.25 /lb and both grades of syrup are $18 per quart and 5% for a case of 12 or more. (2014 prices)

These are terrific products that we stock up on. Dan says to contact them through their website.

Reserve yours right away- when they're sold, that's it until next year!

Want to learn more about sourcing great food, cooking it for optimal nutrition (and enjoyment) and cutting cost?  Private and group sessions available!

http://www.danandbeckys.com

Eating Healthy AND Satisfying Craving for Doritos! Why I like Simply Sprouted Way Better Snacks

A lot of people thing I'm the health nut in our family, but I actually got into the whole health and wellness arena because of my hubby, and I STILL learn lots from him!

I'm one of those shoppers who likes to get in and out of the store with as few distractions or extra products as possible. When we try new products it's usually because my adventurous hubby brings something new, and often great, home.

Here's one of them.

You may think, so, how are chips healthy? Well, I would't say they are a 10 on a scale; 1 being least healthy and 10 being the most. But, if you want to enjoy a chip and feel good about it- these are great!

What do I like about them? Well, they really do taste great. The sweet chili tortilla chips are reminiscent of Doritos; mind you, I haven't had them in over 10 years, so my taste buds were a little deprived. These are (caution) addictive-ly good!

The ingredients are some of the best I've seen for chips. The grains are sprouted, which means they are easier for the body to digest and the body can absorb the nutrients more readily. Also, they don't lump the seasonings under one ominous label "natural (or artificial) flavorings". They list them all out, and they're all real ingredients like onion powder, chili powder, etc.

Give them a try, plain or with salsa and guacamole. If you get the Sweet Chili kind, buy only as many bags as you are willing to eat :)

P.S.  

Please let me know if you've noticed that the company has changed ingredients since the publication of these posts. Thanks!

What is Tara's Pantry

My hubby and I, we love to go out to eat 

but we also love to cook and feast at home!

Tara's Pantry  Healthy Choices  Tara Baklund  TarasBook.com

Finding great food is as challenging as finding a great restaurant. You don't know if it's good until you try it; or get a recommendation from a friend with similar taste.

Because we are known for eating healthily, many people ask us what we like, what we buy and where we get it. It can take a lot of time to know what to look for and what to avoid in foods and their ingredients; and then one needs to know where and how to find them!

So, I thought I'd share "Tara's Pantry," the foods I buy and keep on hand. Just like any good pantry, it builds over time so subscribe to receive updates to this blog by email or RSS to stay up-to-date.

I will share why I like the item being mentioned- which is a great way to learn what to look for and what to avoid.

Keep in mind, these are my standards, which may be very different from yours. 

Learn, share and enjoy!

P.S.  

Please let me know if you've noticed that the company has changed ingredients since the publication of these posts. Thanks!