Tag Archives: Clean Beauty

Farmhouse Fennel and Zucchini Frittata with Chicken Apple Sausages & Beautycounter Clean Skincare Holiday Sets Are Here!

Farmhouse Fennel and Zucchini Frittata with Chicken Apple Sausages

Eggs in a skillet with loads of delicious ingredients! Frittatas are the perfect way to use your vegetables, cheese and proteins in the fridge and reduce food waste. They are an easy, all in one skillet to oven meal that makes weeknight dinners easier. I think you are going to love this recipe for Fennel and Zucchini Frittata with fully cooked Chicken Apple Sausages. It’s one pan cooking, and an all in one meal. This would be good with a crisp green side salad. I made it in a heavy cast iron skillet with a ceramic coating inside called ‘The Always Pan’. You will need an approximately 10 1/2 inch skillet for this recipe that is oven safe up to 400 degrees F. If you use a larger skillet, that’s perfectly fine. Just shorten your baking time.

It seems like I am always creating main dish recipes that are fairly quick. That’s because I feel the stress of getting dinner on the table for a family every night, and I think chances are you do too. I like to make homemade meals as much as I can, because they are healthier, and the bonus leftovers help pack lunches the next day. This Frittata is also a great breakfast choice!

You can use this frittata recipe as a template, and substitute equal amounts of other veggies that you have on hand instead too. Frittatas are very versatile, which is another bonus about them. Other suggestions are green, red or yellow peppers, leeks, spinach, kale, mushrooms, broccoli and asparagus.

Here’s how to make it!

Farmhouse Fennel and Zucchini Frittata with Chicken Apple Sausages

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Ingredients:

12 Large Eggs

1 Large Fennel Bulb, diced

1 Medium Yellow Onion, diced

1 Medium Zucchini, diced

1/2 Cup of Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 cup of Grated Irish Aged Cheddar Cheese (I like Kerrygold)

1 Package of Chicken Apple Sausages, or Another Chicken Sausage you like that is Fully Cooked (I used Butcher Box Sausages)

1/4 Cup of Milk of Choice

2 Tablespoon of Garlic Infused Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons of Butter of Ghee

1 1/2 Teaspoons of Sea Salt of Pink Salt

1 Teaspoon of Black Pepper

Directions: In your oven safe skillet, add the olive oil and butter or ghee. Chop your fennel, onion and zucchini. Add the fennel and onion to the skillet after the fat has melted and the skillet is hot along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sautee these two vegetables, stirring occasionally until they are becoming tender. Then, add the chopped zucchini and another 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook for five more minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a large bowl, add the milk to the eggs, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper, and fold in the cheese, reserving about 1/4 cup for the top. Smooth the vegetables in the skillet into an even layer. Slice your sausages, and place them in an even layer on top of the sauteed vegetables. Now, gently pour the egg and cheese mixture over the sausages, and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.

Place a baking pan under your skillet to catch any possible drips, and transfer it to your preheated 400 degree F. oven. Bake until golden and puffy and set in the center for 30 to 40 minutes.

This recipes makes 4 large servings or 6 regular serving

I’m so excited about these new safer beauty launches. What we put on our skin (our largest organ) absorbs into our bodies! Beautycounter’s 2023 Holiday Assortment has arrived! Yes, I am a consultant and use, trust and love them so much!

**Beautycounter’s Holiday Sets are Here! Clean, Gorgeous, Highly Effective Skincare and Makeup.**

Need a Fall Beauty Refresh? I do! Our Limited Edition Holiday Sets (14 sets!) include new formulas, new scents, new shades and a new category! It’s time to start your holiday shopping! You may not be in the holiday shopping mood yet, but we can always use some self care! So, go ahead and shop for yourself, you’re worth it!!

Shop the new Holiday Sets HERE: https://beautycounter.com/sandrashields or keep reading for all the details!

**Keep in mind that these are limited edition sets and when they are gone, they are gone for good!! We have fewer sets this year, so this is your warning to shop early!!! But, you can get their amazing skin, body and lip care year round. These sets are always pretty special.

**Beautycounter’s Main Squeeze Lip Jellies are Gluten Free and High Shine in a Beautiful Hot Pink Box!**

**Beautycounter Main Squeeze Lip Jellies in their exclusive Holiday Release are High Gloss and Gluten Free!**

I am so excited about so many of these sets! A few of my must haves is the Main Squeeze Lip Jellies in 5 shades. They are pocket sized and are ultra glossy in different flavors. I stock up every year. The Shimmer & Glow Makeup Duo has a gorgeous, talc free bronzing highlighter and a golden Lid Glow Shadow in a new shade! The Sugar and Silk Body Set (it smells AMAZING) and for all you Countermatch users, we finally have the travel size set!! There are 14 sets, so make sure you go check them all out!

**Polish and Plump with this Beautycounter Holiday Face Set!**

If you have wanted to give your skin extra glow, hydration and smoothness, this set has it all in one! This is the Polish and Plump Face Set! It’s Gorgeous for gifting and a wonderful skincare gift for yourself! This includes an entire smaller sized regimen. The Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm (I love this so much!) is multipurpose! —a hydrating cleanser that moonlights as an overnight facial mask, made with a soothing blend of lotus extract, jojoba seed oil, and avocado seed oil. For softer, smoother, radiant-looking skin in just 10 minutes, also included is our Mini Reflect Effect AHA Smoothing Facial Mask—This makes your skin as smooth as a babies butt! No kidding! It’s an exfoliating formula clinically proven to improve skin texture, tone, and radiance.* and to moisturize…Then the last step is, getting plumped up with the Mini Mighty Plump Ceramide Water Cream! It’s made with two forms of hydrating hyaluronic acid plus barrier-protecting ceramide! This formula works like filler and feels like skin care and delivers real results, real fast. It’s very lightweight.

All the holiday sets are packaged beautifully and the value is very good. For instance this set contains $116 worth of products, but is only $89 for three smaller but still generous sizes.

**Good Scents Hand Cream Trio for Smooth, Soft Hands is Beautycounter Holiday Pretty Set**

This is the hand cream trio in one of the 14 holiday gift sets. They are exclusive scents in a beautiful gift box. Beautycounter hand creams are wonderful year after year, and this is a set that *always* sells out. Aren’t they pretty?

Benefits:

Lightweight, yet hydrating, non-greasy formula.
Softens and moisturizes hands.
Comes in three limited-edition scents: Coriander & Cucumber, Jasmine & Citrus, and Bergamot & Cedarwood.

Featured Ingredients:

Squalane: Derived from olives, it draws moisture into skin to replenish and condition.
Grapeseed Oil: Fast-absorbing and helps maintain moisture.
Jojoba Seed Oil: Works to soothe and moisturize skin.
Shea Butter: Helps hydrate and condition skin.

If you are a first time Beautycounter customer or have a new email you can use code CLEANFORALL20 and receive 20% off your first purchase, including holiday sets. Too busy to shop? I have included a checklist PDF in the photos below, just screen shot it and check off the sets you want, send it back to me, and I will send you a link to a shopping cart already ready for you to just check out. Happy shopping! I have had the opportunity to try all these sets in advance, and they are amazing and so gorgeous to gift!!

Have a happy, health day!

**Beautycounter’s Safer Skincare Holiday Sets for 2023**

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Grain Free, Healthy, Low Carb & Delicious) Benefits of Houseplants in your Home, and Non Toxic Living

We are well into January, and I have to say I like the thought that the days are getting longer now! In fact, I find I have been using some of my Summer mugs, because they feel so bright and cheerful.

I am a lover of enchiladas and eating healthy. I think it is great to focus on foods that feed your body, mind and soul that are good for you and taste incredible, keeping in mind that if you have been eating a lot of processed and fast foods, taste buds need time to adjust to less salt and sugar. This is also a low carb recipe, so if you have been fighting belly fat, this is a wonderful casserole that tastes even better the next day.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Grain Free, Healthy and Delicious)

Delicious Grain Free Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Grain Free, Healthy and Low Carb)

Ingredients:

3 lbs. of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Two Large Bunches of Swiss Chard, stems stripped, washed and roughly chopped and dried

5 oz. of Spinach

2 1/2 Cups of Carrots (peeled, chopped and steamed. You can also use baby carrots and skip the peeling)

1 Cup of Good Salsa (I used Green Mountain Gringo. You choose the heat based on your preference)

1 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Cup of Aged Cheddar Cheese, shredded (about 4 ounces)

1/4 Cup of Chicken or Bone Broth

1 Tablespoon of Garlic Olive Oil (I like and use this brand)

1 Teaspoon of Salt, Divided plus some for sprinkling

1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper, Divided plus some for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Lay the chicken thighs onto a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for 35 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, steam your carrots either on the stovetop or following the directions of your instant pot. Once the carrots are steamed, set them aside to cool slightly before pureeing. Once the carrots have cooled so they are not steaming hot, place them in a food processor along with 1/2 cup of salsa, 1 Tablespoon of garlic olive oil, 1/4 cup of broth, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Sautee the spinach with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Chop the spinach.

Chop your chicken into small bite sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of salsa to the bowl with the chicken along with 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the chopped, cooked spinach, 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Grease a large 15 by 10 inch casserole with olive oil. Now the easy and magical assembly. I was impressed with how well Swiss chard bakes in a casserole. Layer half the chopped Swiss chard evenly in the bottom of the casserole. Add your prepared chicken filling. Top with the remaining chopped Swiss chard. Now spread your carrot mixture evenly onto the top of the Swiss chard, covering it as evenly as possible. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle on a little extra black pepper.

Bake uncovered in your 400 degree F. oven for 35 minutes until the cheese is browned and the casserole is bubbly!

Yummy!!!

Today is National Houseplant Appreciate Day! Houseplants are a wonderful way to bring nature and it’s health benefits indoors. We spend so much time indoors, me too, even thought I love to exercise outdoors, garden and be outdoors, we still as humans spend the majority of time indoors. With all the inanimate objects in our homes like furniture, electronics, etc. it can feel good and benefit us to incorporate living plants in our rooms. They create a restorative atmosphere, are always changing and growing and can decrease stress and increase happiness. There are some beautiful plants out there, and some that are low maintenance and good if you have a black thumb.

Houseplants can improve air quality in your space, increase a sense of wellbeing, and give your eyes a much needed break from screens and help you relax and improve mental fatigue. They also can be a great addition to add beauty. It is important if you have small children or pets that you do your research and choose plants that are safe for them and also it is important to know if you have allergies or asthma, choose allergen friendly plants like cactus and succulents. Overwatering can cause mold growth, so read and make sure you know the water needs of your plants. I like to choose ones that need water once a week maximum. I also like to wipe my leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean.

**Houseplants in your home can add serenity and beauty**

I am always striving for having the cleanest non-toxic living habits as possible. I want my home to be toxin free, my lawn and my skincare. That’s why I love Beautycounter so much. They are leading us to cleaner, safer beauty for all, and it doesn’t hurt that their skincare and makeup is high performing and really works. Here’s a few facts about them. I used them for a good five years before becoming a consultant, because I loved their mission and the changes they were making with beauty laws, not to mention being in love with their skin care products. They have an in house team of scientists and toxicologists, and they test for trace contaminants throughout the manufacturing process! Did you know lipsticks commonly contain lead? Yikes! The skincare regimens are fantastic, and I am obsessed with their Vitamin C Serum!

Beautycounter Clean Fact. They have in house scientists and toxicologists and are changing beauty products for the better.

Beautycounter Clean Fact. The products are obsessively tested for trace contaminants you don’t want on your body or in your bloodstream.

Drop me a line. I love to hear from you! I hope you have a great day!

Delicious Spiralized Antipasto Zoodles Salad, Winter Health Tips, and Clean Skincare

**Winter Health Tips, Spiralized Antipasto Health Zoodles Salad and Safer Skincare**

Happy New Year friends!! The days are getting longer, and I am craving fresh, delicious, food that makes me feel good because of all the nutrients in it! This Spiralized Antipasto Zoodles Salad is full of all the flavor, is low in carbs and it’s fun to make…..because….zoodles are just so fun!

First off if you don’t already have a spiralizer, it is affordable! and a great investment in your kitchen accessories. I use my spiralizer frequently and is as necessary to my kitchen as a food processor and blender. This is my favorite spiralizer of the three I have tried. This one suctions to the countertop and makes a wonderful variety of spiralized shapes, and I have had it 5 years and it is still going strong. Oh, and this is a no cook recipe!

Delicious Spiralized Antipasto Zoodles Salad

Ingredients:

5 medium to small zucchini, spiralized (I used the FS Blade on my spiralizer)

1 Teaspoon of Salt to draw moisture out of the zucchini (see directions)

3 oz. of Sopressata, diced (I used Culinary Tours gluten free brand.) You can also use thin sliced Salami

1/4 cup of Fresh Basil, torn

3 Green Onions (scallions), sliced

Sliced Black Olives (I used a 3.8 oz. can)

1/4 cup of Roasted Red Peppers, diced

1/4 cup of oil packed Sundried Tomatoes, finely diced I use Mediterranean Brand Organic Sundried Tomatoes In Olive Oil

Dressing:

3 Tablespoons of Garlic Infused Olive Oil

3 Tablespoons of Red Wine Vinegar

2 Tablespoons of Good Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon of Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Teaspoon of Nutritional Yeast (adds umami and a cheesy flavor)

1/4 Teaspoon of dried Oregano

1/4 Teaspoon of dried Parsley

1/4 Teaspoon of Salt

1/4 Teaspoon of Black Pepper

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a bowl until emulsified.

Directions: Spiralize your zucchini. Spiralizing really magnifies the amount of zucchini. Look!

Place the spiralized zucchini in a colander over a bowl, and toss the zucchini in the teaspoon of salt. Let sit over the bowl for 30 minutes. The zucchini will release some juices. This helps prevent the salad from being watery. Zucchini has a lot of water in it. After 30 minutes, take a large serving spoon or rubber spatula and press the zucchini in the colander firmly to release more of the liquid. Now, we are ready to make the rest of the salad! Let’s go!

It really is just assembly at this point and so easy! Put your zoodles in a large bowl. Add the rest of the chopped, sliced and diced ingredients. Whisk up your delicious dressing, and pour it over everything. Grab you salad tongues and toss thoroughly, but gently. It’s ready to eat, or you can store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. It will just increase in flavor.

This Spiralized Antipasto Zoodles Salad is a wonderful addition to any meal or a delicious lunch. It’s pretty, fun, and healthy and good for you!

Now, here’s some health tips to get your through the winter months! Since the days are colder and darker, it is important to implement mindful self care for yourself.

Which of these have you already implemented and which ones are you going to add? Please reach out to me with any questions. I love to hear from you.

As far as the sunscreen in the winter goes, are you choosing a safe sunscreen? It defeats the purpose of protecting your skin if you are putting chemicals on that absorb into your bloodstream. I recommend Beautycounter safer sunscreen with non-nano zinc. It is the safest out there and also reef friendly. My family and I have been using it for 9 years now, almost as long as Beautycounter has been making safer skincare products. They celebrate their ten year anniversary in March, and I love their mission and the high quality and safety of their products. If you want to know more or go see all the safer skincare, makeup and family care they have, here is the link. I have been a consultant with them for almost four years now after using their products for several years before, and they are a highly reputable company that is changing laws for safer skincare and beauty for all, have a strong recycling and sustainability mission, and their skincare is high quality.

https://beautycounter.com/sandrashields

Getting through winter requires maintaining all areas of our health. This time of year we can get restless and tired of the constant darkness and cold. Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which lasts through the winter months. Try these 12 health tips to help get your through the winter.

Enjoy the salad recipe! I plan on making this on a weekly rotation, wearing my sunscreen, and implementing winter health tips!

Speculaas, SCD Legal, Grain, Dairy, Egg and Gluten Free – Gift Ideas, Winter Self Care and Clean Beauty Lip Swaps!

Are you ready to bake Christmas cookies? These are Grain, Gluten, Egg and Dairy Free and SCD Legal.

Speculaas have been baked as far back as the 15th century in the Netherlands and Germany, but over the years their popularity has spread to many other countries. They are definitely associated with Christmas and were embossed with images of Saint Nicholas and were delicious cookie treats gifted to children.

This recipe for Speculaas is Grain, Dairy, Gluten and Egg Free to accommodate many, and they are SCD Legal. The cookie is absolutely delicious, and the warming spices make this a holiday cookie to be loved and made over and over. They are a perfect treat with a cup of tea! I can’t wait until cookie time to have these lately.

If you don’t have a Speculaas and Springerle roller, you can still make these cookies with an embossed cookie cutter, or just roll them out and cut them into pretty shapes like you would a sugar cookie. But these can be made the traditional way with a roller like I did. This is where I got my Speculaas Rolling Pin. There are also some really pretty ones here.

Here’s the recipe:

Speculaas

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups of Raw Cashews

1/2 Cup of Tahini

1/4 Cup of Runny Honey

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

1/4 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

1/4 Teaspoon of Salt

and the following warm spices that make the traditional Speculaas flavor:

1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon

1/4 Teaspoon of Nutmeg

1/4 Teaspoon of Cloves

1/8 Teaspoon of Ginger

1/8 Teaspoon of Ground Anise

1/8 Teaspoon of Cardamom

Directions:

In a food processor, grind the cashews until finely ground. Add the spices, baking soda and salt and pulse until thoroughly combined. Now add the tahini, honey and vanilla extract and process until thoroughly blended stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

Gather up your dough and pat it out on a piece of plastic wrap into a 4 x 6 rectangle. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for one hour.

After one hour, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and lay out a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Take our your refrigerated cookie dough and place it between two sheets of parchment. With a regular rolling pin, roll the dough between the parchment out to a little less than 1/2 inch thick. Remove the top sheet of parchment, and straighten up your sides with your hands to make a rectangle. Now, take your Speculaas rolling pin and roll with medium pressure across the dough. I did this in two rows. You will get the feel for how much you need to press. This will spread your dough a little more as you roll and also emboss the cookie dough. It doesn’t need to be perfect. With a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, score the cookie dough also trimming the outer sides, but not moving the cookies.

Bake in your preheated oven for 14 minutes or until deeply golden brown, but not burned. I like to start checking after 12 minutes.

Take the baked cookies out of the oven and while still warm, run your pizza cutter or sharp knife down the scored lines again to separate the cookies. Let them cool completely on the cookie sheet. Store in an airtight container after cooled.

If you need some holiday shopping ideas and winter self care, here is a list of some of the things my family loves!

Some of our favorite things!

The cutest comfy nightgowns The sheep are adorbs!

A beautiful Matcha Tea Gift Set

Elderberry Syrup for Immunity

Magnesium Body Lotion for Better Sleep, More Magnesium, Aches and Pains (scent free)

For the little children:

Super Cool Train Set

Unicorn Chair for the Little Princesses

Rainbocorns are very popular in the elementary age crowd right now.

Beautiful Dog Collars for the Pups. Ming has the red one.

Also, giving the gift of clean beauty is always a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation for someone and switch to safer products. Do you have a lip wear preference? I like to wear something on my lips to protect them, give me a color pop, shimmer or shine and take good care of my lips. If you’ve ever had chapped lips, you know how uncomfortable that is. Beautycounter lip products are all GLUTEN-FREE, nut-free, soy-free & vegan AND are tested 3 times for safety from hormone disrupting chemicals and heavy metals. BC lips are my favorite of all time, not just safer – they’re so hydrating and not sticky! Here’s some more helpful info when choosing a lip product:

Clean Lip Products that are Gluten Free!

The Jellies shimmer and shine and fit right into your pocket. They are a cushy, non-sticky gloss. They come in duos of Sorbet & Peppermint, Orange Cream & Honey, or Raspberry & Cocoa.

Beyond Gloss delivers shimmer (if you pick a shimmer shade) and shine with sheer clean color. I LOVE that is has Responsibly sourced vanilla: ECOCERT-certified organic vanilla from Madagascar is responsible for this gloss’ signature sweet scent. Our supplier is committed not only to sourcing the highest quality of vanilla, but also to improving the quality of life for their community of farmers.

Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick is creamy and buildable with the conditioning benefits of a balm, so it gives you color with the benefits of a balm. Again with that Responsibly sourced vanilla that smells so darn good!

Color Intense Lipstick is a long wearing lipstick with a satin finish with natural peppermint oil. My current favorite is 9 to 5, but I can’t wait to try some other shades too. A definite Date night or Dress Up lipstick, or if you like a matte look.

You can shop Beautycounter with me here: https://www.beautycounter.com/sandrashields

I’d love to help you switch to safer, and every time I can be of service helping someone switch to safer, I do a little jazzy hands, happy dance!

As always, I love to hear from you! Drop me a comment below and touch base. Have a wonderful holiday season!

xoxo