Blog

Home » Blog

 

In the slider below are some of my favorite articles and recipes. This is a result of 10+ years of blogging. Enjoy!!!

Hit me up if you want to post an article with us, or let me know about link insertions.

starting a business in new hope, pa
baking with your child
healthy granola
jogging with baby
clean eating
lower blood pressure
plant based diet
paleo blueberry muffins
vegan blueberry crisp
vegan beans
pita bread
almond ricotta
oats chia
bbq sauce
weight loss

Starting a Business in New Hope, PA
Starting a Business in New Hope, PA

When I first started my small business in New Hope, PA, I was excited but also nervous. I knew it would be a challenge to create something new in a small town with a tight-knit community. Being a bit of a transplant, I wondered how this would all fair. But I also knew that it…

The Joy of Cooking with Kids: Make Your Own Granola with Your Child
The Joy of Cooking with Kids: Make Your Own Granola with Your Child

Making granola at home with your young child can be a fun and educational activity that not only provides a tasty treat but also fosters valuable skills and memories. In this article, we will explore the benefits of making granola with your child and provide some tips to make the experience as enjoyable as possible….

Health Benefits of Granola
Health Benefits of Granola

Granola is a popular breakfast food that is often praised for its delicious taste and convenience. However, store-bought granolas can be high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. By making your own granola at home with all-natural, healthy ingredients, you can enjoy a range of health benefits. Here are a few reasons why…

7 Tips to Get Back in Shape After a Baby
7 Tips to Get Back in Shape After a Baby

Walking on the DNR Canal There are a few things that happened to me after I had my daughter. Of course the overwhelming feeling of love and devotion. A very close second was the most intense exhaustion I have ever experienced. Because of this, I felt like I had no choice but to be in…

Clean Eating Made Easy
Clean Eating Made Easy

“A healthy outside starts from the inside” Robert Urich. When you first get started eating clean, you have two options. You can go cold turkey and give up all the junk food, sugar, processed food etc. all at once, or you can opt for a more gradual change. There are advantages and disadvantages to each…

Lower your Blood Pressure
Lower your Blood Pressure

They call it the silent killer. And it is. There are no symptoms for heart failure.  We all know the obvious things. WE have to eat right, don’t smoke, exercise, manage stress. I know that sometimes even when you do all of these things, it still can be a constant struggle. My husband for instance….

9 Tips for Starting a Plant Based Diet
9 Tips for Starting a Plant Based Diet

Tips for Starting a Plant Based Diet “Healthy eating is a way of life, so it’s important to establish routines that are simple, realistically, and ultimately livable.”      Arthur Agatston I began a plant based diet about 5 years ago and took it even more seriously after I had my daughter. It started slowly, very much…

Paleo Blueberry Muffins
Paleo Blueberry Muffins

This paleo blueberry muffin recipe is gluten free, dairy free, and low carb. I have made these for people without any diet restrictions and they absolutely love them. The almond flour keeps these muffins nice and moist, and lets be honest…who doesn’t love blueberry muffins?! They are perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Jump to…

Vegan Blueberry Crisp
Vegan Blueberry Crisp

This vegan blueberry crisp is an incredibly easy to execute, delicious dessert. This recipe is so wholesome, I would even eat it for breakfast. It is packed with oats, whole wheat flour, and of course…blueberries! Jump to Recipe This Vegan Blueberry Crisp is great for when you are craving something sweet.Which if you are anything…

Vegan Boston Baked Beans
Vegan Boston Baked Beans

This quarantine has my family eating a lot of beans. So i have been trying new ways to prepare them. So I decided to make Vegan Boston Baked Beans. I was watching Mythical Kitchen last night, and they were showing all the fun ways to eat beans during this pandemic. They did shakshuka, black bean…

Whole Wheat Pita Bread
Whole Wheat Pita Bread

This is a very simple whole wheat pita recipe. If you are a beginner in the world of bread making, do not be intimidated. It really is that easy. Jump to Recipe After you mix in the wet ingredients and the flour, you want to knead it for about five minutes on a floured surface….

Whipped Almond Vegan Ricotta
Whipped Almond Vegan Ricotta

I love this Vegan almond whipped ricotta cheese recipe. It is incredibly simple to make, and is useful with so many meals. As you can see it tastes awesome on toast with some avocado. I have also used it for many appetizer like pesto pinwheels, or yummy Italian dishes like baked ziti. Jump to Recipe…

Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds
Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds

  I recently came across a great overnight oats with chia seed recipe and thought I would share it. It is an awesome spin on your regular breakfast My family eats oats every morning. We vary it with different toppings and spreads. Jump to Recipe Ingredients 1/2 cup non dairy milk of choice. I use…

The Best BBQ Sauce
The Best BBQ Sauce

So the nice weather is here and that means one amazing thing. Barbecue! Which of course stems from a wonderful sauce/ marinade. I have just the thing. A million times better than store bought and packed with flavor. This sauce is rich, robust, a bit spicy…and goes great on EVERYTHING! Jump to recipe There are…

Weight Loss Strategies with Mindful Eating
Weight Loss Strategies with Mindful Eating

Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Mindful Eating Weight Loss Strategies From the countless trips to the gym to cutting back on the amount and kind of food to consume, losing weight has never been an easy journey hence the need to adopt a sustainable and weight loss technique that can effectively do the task. Several weight…

previous arrow
next arrow

living smart girl logo

 

Golden Goodness: the Health Wonders of Turmeric in Your Morning Granola

Turmeric, often referred to as the “golden spice,” has graced our kitchens and traditional medicine cabinets for centuries. This vibrant yellow-orange spice is not just a culinary delight but a treasure trove of health benefits.The Power of CurcuminAt the heart of turmeric’s health-boosting properties is curcumin, its active ingredient. This natural compound is a potent antioxidant, warding off free radicals in our body. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory prowess rivals many over-the-counter drugs, minus the side effects.Health Benefits of TurmericTurmeric and Granola: A Match Made in HeavenImagine starting your day with a bowl of crunchy granola, with a hint of earthy turmeric...

Empowering Bucks County: The SCORE Difference

In the heart of Bucks County lies a beacon of hope for budding entrepreneurs and established businesses alike: SCORE Bucks County. As a local business owner, I’ve personally experienced the transformative power of their mentorship. In an era where community support is paramount, SCORE stands out as a pillar of strength. The Impact of SCORE Bucks County With an impressive track record of launching 154 new businesses and creating 782 jobs in 2022 alone, SCORE’s impact is undeniable. From the café down the street to the tech startup making waves, many success stories trace back to SCORE’s guidance. Their unwavering...

Granola Butter: The Delicious Upcycle from Living Smart Granola’s No Waste Kitchen

Ever heard of turning “oops” into “yum”? Welcome to the magic of Living Smart Granola’s No Waste Kitchen, where our Granola Butter was born out of pure innovation and a sprinkle of serendipity. From Mishap to Masterpiece We’ve all had those kitchen blunders, right? A little too much of this, a tad less of that. But here at Living Smart Granola, we believe in turning those little mishaps into mouthwatering masterpieces. Enter our Granola Butter—a delightful upcycle of what some might call “B grade granola mistakes.” But hey, one person’s mistake is another person’s treasure! Crafting the Perfect Granola Butter...

The Sweet Balance: Dive into Cinnamon Quinoa Diabetic-Friendly Granola

Hey there, health enthusiasts! Ever craved a snack that’s not just tasty but also keeps those blood sugar levels in check? Enter Living Smart Granola’s Cinnamon Quinoa blend—a delightful dance of flavors that’s both diabetic-friendly and downright delicious. The Perfect Blend of Taste and Wellness Imagine biting into a granola that’s spicy with cinnamon, zesty with ginger, and has that perfect crunch of quinoa. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, dream no more! Our Cinnamon Quinoa Granola is here to whisk your taste buds on a wellness journey. Key Ingredients and Their Benefits Beyond the Ingredients – A Wholesome Experience But wait,...

Bucks County’s Secret Sauce: The Mutual Benefits of Going Local

In the heart of Bucks County, nestled within the charming streets of New Hope, PA, lies a secret to community growth: local businesses supporting one another. It’s not just about transactions; it’s about connections, collaborations, and creating a thriving local ecosystem. As we’ve experimented using local ingredients with our own special recipes The Power of Local Ever wondered why your morning cup of joe tastes better from the corner café than a big-chain coffee shop? Or why the granola from Living Smart Granola has that extra crunch of love? It’s the power of local. When businesses choose local suppliers, they’re...

Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Hawaii Trip for Organic Food Lovers

Understanding the essence of a destination is often best achieved through its local produce. As highlighted in our previous article on the farmers markets in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the abundance of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal bread, cheeses, and crafts are one-way travelers can truly capture the spirit of the region they’re visiting. Whether you’re purchasing these delectable items or simply immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere while on holiday, unique experiences with food will leave you with lasting memories and ignite your wanderlust for future adventures. For those passionate about organic food, a journey to Hawaii is a true culinary...

How to Make Your Own Granola: Tips from a New Hope, PA Expert

If there’s one thing that New Hope, PA, is known for, besides its vibrant community and scenic surroundings, it’s the granola. High in nutrition, filled with flavor, and perfect for a quick breakfast or a light snack, granola has become an everyday staple in many households. As a granola expert from New Hope, PA, let’s take a journey together to learn the secret of making homemade granola, with an emphasis on ease and flexibility. A Recipe for Success The beauty of making granola is that it allows for endless customization. The choice of nuts, seeds, sweeteners, and flavors is entirely...

Exploring the Granola Trail: Hiking Trails in Bucks County, PA and the Perfect Granola to Pack

Are you an outdoor enthusiast? If so, you probably know that planning for a hike involves more than just deciding on a trail—it also means figuring out what to pack for the journey. One of the best locations to enjoy hiking in Pennsylvania is Bucks County. Renowned for its scenic beauty, mix of geography, preserved farmland, and historic sites, Bucks County offers an array of recreational amenities and opportunities that are best enjoyed with a reliable source of energy: granola. Bucks County: A Hiker’s Paradise Bucks County is a treasure trove for outdoor activities, with 72 miles of hiking trails...

Scrumptious Comfort: Your Online Gateway to Authentic Homemade Food

Hey there, fellow food aficionados! Isn’t it fascinating how the internet has become our go-to pantry for practically everything these days? Whether it’s tracking down the best price for that must-have kitchen gadget, googling “how to fix a soufflé collapse” (we’ve all been there!), or my personal favorite: embarking on a culinary treasure hunt for the finest, homeliest, drool-worthy meals. Sometimes, life’s hustle and bustle doesn’t afford us the luxury of donning the chef’s hat as often as we’d like. And it’s times like these when our hearts yearn for the nurturing comfort of homemade food, without actually having to...

The Evolution of Granola: A Historical Perspective

The Granola Chronicles Ever pondered the history of the crispy, delectable granola you garnish your yogurt with or enjoy as a convenient snack? The journey of granola is an intriguing narrative of innovation, marketing, and the evolution of health awareness. Let’s delve into the captivating chronicles of granola together. Granola’s Early Days: The Health Food Fad of the 19th Century Our tale commences in the late 19th century with Dr. James Caleb Jackson, a wellness aficionado and hydrotherapy proponent. He introduced “granula,” the forerunner of our contemporary granola, as an easily digestible health food for his spa clientele. This original...

Spreading Sustainability: How Granola Butter Became the Eco-Warrior of Breakfast Tables

The Green Revolution in our Pantries Hey there, food enthusiasts! Have you noticed a green shift happening in our culinary world? A sustainable wave seems to be sweeping across our kitchens, and guess what, it’s here to stay! This isn’t just a fleeting trend – it’s a lifestyle change aimed at conserving our precious planet. Many of us are making conscientious decisions to swap our everyday food items with eco-friendly alternatives, and that’s cause for celebration! One such sustainable superstar that has found its way into our hearts and onto our breakfast tables is granola butter. With a delightful flavor...

The Power of Granola Butter: 5 Finger Lickin’ Recipes for Your Culinary Adventure

Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts! Today we’re exploring the fascinating world of granola butter and all that it has to offer. If you’re wondering, “What is granola butter?” fear not! This versatile spread is creating quite a stir in the foodie world for its unique combination of the crunchiness of granola and the creamy texture of butter. To get started on your own culinary journey, we’ve got five delectable recipes featuring this amazing ingredient. Everything You Need to Know About Granola Butter: A Beginners Guide Before diving into these exciting recipes. Lets take a moment to understand what exactly makes up...