Perfect Pie Crust
If you are like me Pie Crust scares the crap out of you. Even though it goes against everything I believe I usually buy a pre made refrigerated crust. Every time I buy a pre made crust I cringe. Those pre made crusts are filled with nothing redeeming. The recipes I have found usually call for shortening and shortening completely grosses me out. For some reason the idea of that white chunky paste turns my stomach. So I decided that it was time to conquer my fears and create a no fail pie crust. I wanted something that was easy, no fail, and flaky and delicious just like those other pie crusts. So here it goes!

Perfect Pie Crust
2 1/4 cups all purpose white flour (Trust me- whole wheat does not work)
3/4 tsp salt
12 Tbsp COLD unsalted butter, cut into chunks
6-8 Tbsp cold water
*Additional flour will be needed when it is time to roll out the crust
*Makes TWO pie crusts

In a large bowl add flour and salt. Mix together with a fork.
Next add the butter. Now you need to cut the butter (Don’t freak out!) into the flour to form coarse crumbs.

I like to use a pastry blender but you can pulse it in a food processor or use a fork.

You basically just mash the butter and flour together like you would mashed potatoes.

Once the course crumbs have formed begin to add the water. Add about 5 tbsp then get your hands in the bowl. A spoon did not work for me to mix the water and flour mixture. It’s kind of like meatballs, you have to get in with your hands. Add the remaining water and mix until the dough comes together. Your hands will be covered in sticky dough, don’t worry just peel it off and add it back to the dough ball.

Once the dough is mostly together and there is no loose flour or crumbs at the bottom of the bowl, separate it into two servings. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Now you are waiting……… You can do this up to two days before but you will need to pull it out of refrigerator about 20 minutes before if you do that.

Pie time! Remove the plastic wrap and dump your dough ball onto a floured surface. I love silicone baking mats (I get mine at Costco and they are half the price) because the dough doesn’t stick to it.

Once on the mat, flour your rolling pin and roll the dough out until it is about an inch bigger than your pie plate.

Now you are ready to make pie!!!!

Celebrating 15 Years!

Thanksgiving Day, 2014 my husband and I celebrated 15 years! In this world that is no easy task. We have had amazing highs and horrendous lows. We have chosen to push through, lean in, and love unconditionally. Since celebrating our day on the 27th was not really in the cards (the darn family wanted to eat turkey with us, Hehe)we saved our one on one time for the day after.

Doug arranged for an amazing day at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula (Home of my FAVORITE Almond Champaign), lunch at their grill, and then home for dinner in our PJ’s. I took over at dinner and prepared steamed lobster tail ($21 at Costco for two huge tails) and warmed up side dishes from Thanksgiving Dinner.

1.5 pounds of fresh Lobster Tail

Yummy!

It is funny how things change the older you get. In years past we would have spent lots of money, possibly traveled over night, and measured the days success on that.This year we agreed that all we really wanted was a day together. We have learned in our Horrendous Lows that all we ever need is each other. So that is what we got. At the end of the day, we both agree that this was our favorite anniversary so far.

Hi All! I decided it is time for an RN for Wellness give away! I have a ton of products that I love and that I think every kitchen needs.
One of my favorite items is the Cuisinart Mini Prep food processor. I use it to make salad dressings, chop nuts, chop veggies, and mix sauces. It is easy to clean and does not take up much space in the cupboard.
How to win…. Visit www.facebook.com/jennrnforwellness “Like” my page and in the comment section of the post let me know what you would use your mini chopper for. I will announce the winner on Monday, Dec.1st!!!

The Giving Adventure

After a crazy week of excess and extravagance at the school, my boys had become completely obsessed with what they were getting, what they were eating, and what they were doing to celebrate Christmas. The consumerism had taken over and I was finding that I was repeatedly trying to get the boys to reel in what Christmas is really about. Now don’t get me wrong I am all for a fun week of celebration at school leading up to Christmas break but I wanted to make sure as a family we kept a little perspective.

Over the last few weeks I have been broken and blessed. I almost feel like I have had a schizophrenic holiday season. I have seen unimaginable suffering first hand in my role as a nurse and my newsfeed has been flooded with inspirational stories of giving. I have witnessed true giving with my Operation Snowflake ministry and seen complete selfishness and disregard from people I do life with. I have seen the best of people and been shaken by what I think is the worst in people. The need to refocus myself and my boys with what Christmas means to OUR home became paramount.

I realized that the best way for ME to remember what Christmas is all about is to surround myself with giving. As a mother of two boys I feel a strong responsibility to show them that giving is way more important than receiving. I want them to understand what was given to them on Christmas Day all those years ago. When they think of Christmas I want them to first think of God’s sacrifice on that day.

Doug and I know that giving is our favorite part of the season, but how do you show that to a nine and six year old boy? How do you help them “feel” that feeling you get when you give? The way I became passionate about giving was I first needed to learn how to give. So there lied the challenge! How was I going to teach my boys what it meant to give? I wanted my boys to FEEL it. Really FEEL it and not just go through the motions.

So when I picked my boys up from school on the last day before Christmas break, bellies full of more sugar then any child needs, we began The Giving Adventure! (Side note, I first called my good friend and asked her and her daughter to pray for our adventure. I wanted to make sure I had some arsenal in my back pocket before I tried this with two little boys ;).)

When they got in the car I told them to buckle up because we were going to have a little fun! That immediately got their attention and I began to tell them about the Giving Adventure. I explained that I had filled out two cards. One card from Jake and one card from Luke. Inside each card was $20 and a note that read, “We wanted to Bless you! If you need this Please spend it and if you don’t Please give it away.” I instructed the boys that while out on our errands they would get to choose who would receive the giving cards. I asked them to pray to God for guidance on how to fulfill this VERY important task. They both shut their eyes and “prayed”. When we were done praying Luke, my six year old asked, “Mama how will I know” and I reassured him that he will know. So off we went.

We made several stops and it was so cute to see how nervous they were. They are very generous children but I could tell they felt a huge amount of responsibility. Jake didn’t want to hold the card and he stayed right by my side. Luke stared at everyone as if waiting for a sign. I constantly reassured them and made suggestions on people I thought might be good choices. All my suggestions were shot down.

After making at least three stops we got back in the car and Jake followed by Luke exclaimed I know who I want to give my card to. Jake said, “I want to give my card to my friend Jon” I was surprised and asked why, knowing that Jon was not in need. Jake responded, “because he is MY friend and it would make him happy”. Luke then responded, “ I want to give my card to MY friend Jack!” Same situation here, Jack was not needy but Jack is one of Luke’s very best friends. Luke said, “Jack can buy some nice things to play with”. So off we went to Jon and Jack’s house.

To be honest the whole way I was trying to figure out what I was going to tell their parents. I asked Luke if he wanted to get out and explain the card to Jack and he said, “NO!” Evidently he did not want Jack to know it was from him. He wanted it to be a surprise. When we arrived at Jack’s I got out, rang the doorbell, and explained to his mom what we were doing there. She graciously took the card, called for Jack, and invited us in. I had to refuse because Luke wanted it to be a surprise. We both laughed and when I got back in the car the boys were smiling from ear to ear.

Next we were off to Jon’s. Jake felt differently, he wanted to deliver the card to Jon and explain what it was for. When we arrived at Jon’s house we all got out and went to the door. Jon’s sister answered the door and Jake asked if Jon was there. She invited us in and Jake walked right up to Jon, explained why we were there, handed him the card and then stood back. Jon smiled big, opened the card and said, “WOW! Thanks Jake!” Jake immediately turned the darkest shade of red you have ever seen. Jon’s sister then read the card out loud. Jake said you can keep the money if you need it or if you don’t you can give it to someone who does. Jon immediately responded, “I don’t need it, I want to give it to my cousin!” (Jon is 8) All four of the kids stood there with BIG smiles.

As we drove home my boys were giddy. They were chatting in the back seat about how fun it was and that we should do that again! I of course listened quietly with tears running down my cheeks. I knew that they FELT it. I also realized at that moment that of course they would give to those they love first because that is how we all learn to give. In Luke 2 God gave us His son. We were not strangers we were and are the most important people in HIS life.

When every thing was said and done and we were back home I realized that not only did my children give as God led them but he gave them the Joy in their heart. They have spoken several times in the last few days of the Giving Adventure and asked if we can do it again. Jake said maybe this time he could give a card to a stranger. Success!

Hi loyal friends! I thought I would update everyone on what has been going on over the last year. RN for Wellness, the website has been pretty much silent for almost year. I have still been here, doing my thing, living the whole foods lifestyle. I have updated the Facebook page periodically but for the most part I have been leaning-in to my family through a pretty large adjustment.

Last year it became evident that it was time for us to leave our little mountain community to return to Southern California which is home for us. Doug had some opportunities at work, I was at a crossroads with my career and the business, and we felt like it was time to bring our boys back to family and friends that had been an entrigal part of our life for many, many years. The last year and a half in our small town had been a very difficult year for our family and particularly for Doug and I’s marriage. As all relationships do we found ourselves in a very dark valley. When Doug and I married on November 27, 1999 we made a vow to one another that through good times and bad we would push through. When we were faced with one of the most difficult times in our marriage we made the choice to push through. We both dug deep, leaned in to one another, and leaned in to God. Thankfully we made it and we made it stronger, healthier, and happier then we have ever been. We have come to a place where we can thank God for the storm because the storm made us both better people. We are better individually and better united as one.

In the process of healing we began to look at what areas of our life helped us to grow and what areas of our life did not. We looked at what we wanted for our boys and for our careers. After lots of prayer and counsel with the people we trust most we decided that it was time to return to Southern California. So there began the process of rebuilding our life in a new place. As many of you know this was not a new thing for us. We had done this once before (with a toddler and a baby in my belly I might add) but this time it was different. We were moving home. We were on a foundation of stone, and we were both on exactly the same page. So on Thanksgiving weekend 2012 we loaded up multiple trucks, trailers, and people we love and headed back to Rancho Cucamonga. Now don’t get me wrong leaving Bass Lake was by no means easy. We had developed amazing relationships with people that we know for a fact will be in our life forever. We were able to rent our home (the one I still want to be buried in the yard under the apple tree) to the most wonderful friends who have filled our heart with so much love that leaving them to love on our home was a no brainer. One of the most important relationships in my life was made up there. He helped move us down and unselfishly said goodbye to mountain living with us but has continued to be a support and friend in what he calls our “city” life. Since all transitions are in fact a transition we had to spend some time apart, Doug had to finish his time at his current office and we had to get the boys in school down here at a point where we felt their transition to a new school would be easiest. Needless to say six or so weeks later when Doug was officially home for good we were very happy!!

When we decided to make the move my parents also decided that it was time for them as well. For the first 2 months we all lived under one roof, through the holidays, finding new jobs, and a horrible winter season of illness we lived together. I am not going to say that, that time was easy but I can say we made it through. Now looking back I can definitely see many reasons why God had all of us together.

So what else have we been up to???? Well for starters we immediately began a renovation. We rented Doug’s childhood home and part of the agreement was that we would help renovate it to get it ready to be sold when the time was right. Doug and I have done several remodels so we knew we could help his parents out in this areas. So I went from moving boxes, to 2 1/2 families living here, to plastic and drywall dust. I can honestly say that I seem to be past the drywall dust, my kitchen is almost done, and my house feels somewhat normal for the first time in 11 months.

We have also been busy getting the boys adjusted to life back down here in the “big” city. They both do not have any memories of living down here so it is hilarious to see what changes are a big deal to them. I hear a lot of, “I can’t believe Target is right there!” It used to take us 45 minutes to an hour to get to Target or any other big name chain store so a 5 minute drive is super exciting to them. They love being close to their cousin Frankie and they love that all their grandparents and an uncle and aunt are in the same city. Birthday parties and Holidays are a lot more fun with everyone all together. We have just begun soccer and Doug and I love that our boys finally get to play AYSO and at some of the fields we did as kids.

Doug and I are now both settled in our jobs. Doug is working a great schedule and is able to be off on holidays and weekends. I am excited to report that I am officially 100% self employed!! Rn for Wellness has finally began to become not only something I do primarily as a hobby but also something I get to do to help support our family financially. Every single day I get to do something I love and still get to be Mama when ever duty calls! I have always believed that hard work, passion, diligence, and the support of God and those around you will eventually pay off and I am a true testament that it does!!

So all that being said, I’m back! Thank you to all of you that hung on through the silence. Thank you to all of you who joined me in the quiet time. I can’t wait to get back to sharing with you my favorite recipes and tips to living your healthiest life. I still believe with 100% of who I am that what I stand for is the best way to achieve your goals!!!