My Children's Cooking Today - Pictures

Just thought I'd share with you a couple of things my boys did in the kitchen today. My 10yr old made plantain juice and my 9yr old did vegetable curried rice as part of lunch.

Plantain Juice

Vegetable Curried Rice

My children are really doing well as they learn to handle the kitchen. My aim is to make sure they can fend for themselves and not be at the mercy of anyone to cook for them.  God forbid I die, the new wife my husband may have should have no problem with them when it comes to cooking.

Jenn
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How Can I Help You?

December was filled with activities to the brim.  I'm needing some time to calm down, pray and focus on the upcoming year.

Our congregation is having its usual two-week prayer focus to start the year beginning next week so I'll not be posting much until late January or early February.  I've already scheduled some recipes to go out so most likely those are the only posts you'll see for January.

Has this blog helped you at all?  How has it impacted your life?  In the past I've covered emergency preparedness but moved to a more health oriented focus.  Would you like to see some emergency preparedness posts, what health topics do you have burning questions on?  While I'm away leave me a comment or two or three or more as you think of them, letting me know what topics you would like to see covered in this new year and in what ways you have been helped by this blog.

Truth be told, if I'm being of no help to anyone then it makes no sense to do this. I want to help you. Let me know how I can better do that in this new year.

I love you all my friends,
Jenn

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For God's Glory!

Happy New Year!!!

It's another year, another chance at life. Well, every day is another chance at life really but I digress.

To all who have touched my life in 2012, thank you.  Many of you bought my ebooks, commented on my posts, liked the Facebook page and the posts there, followed me on Twitter and overall connected with me. I appreciate your time, your support and your loyalty.

I am looking forward to what this year has in store. God is up to something and I want to be in the middle of his will for my life.  Let me encourage you to do the same. God created us and He knows what's best for us. He knows everything and sees everything. Let Him guide you to your life's destiny.  You will only be truly happy when you are fulfilling the purpose you were created for.

I love you all my subscribers and friends and I pray that this year you will experience God's hand and his love in all your circumstances and situations.

What are your plans for this new  year?  Are you dreaming big or limiting yourself?  God is able to do more than we could ask, think or imagine according to Ephesians 3:20.  Let Him lead you to the greatness He created you for.  Your greatness will not look like someone else's so keep your eyes on the one leading you. Following Him you will not be lead astray and is the better choice because He says in Jeremiah 29:11,

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Don't give up when life throws you a curve ball.  Stay the course, rest if you must but don't quit.

To your divine purpose being accomplished this year,
Jenn
If you liked this article and want to know when I post new articles and recipes, subscribe to the Fruitful Vine Newsletter. 

If you have a question on vegetarian eating that you would like me to answer then fill in this short form to submit your question. I'll answer in an Ask Jenn video on Wednesdays.

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Image courtesy of Idea go/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

30 Day Water Challenge Report Week 2

Hey! Jennifer C.Valerie reporting in with last week's Water Challenge Report.  How did you do with your water intake this week? Let us know in the comments. If you're knew to this water challenge you can join in at any time and check in on Sundays to let us know how you did.

If you're unable to view this video go here: 30 Day Water Challenge Report Week 2.

Jenn
If you liked this article and want to know when I post new articles and recipes, subscribe to the Fruitful Vine Newsletter. 

If you have a question on vegetarian eating that you would like me to answer then fill in this short form to submit your question. I'll answer in an Ask Jenn video on Wednesdays.

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Gift Ideas For A Newbie Raw Foodist & Other Gift Ideas

As you know I share tidbits of what's happening in my life in addition to health oriented stuff. This is what I've been up to lately.  I have created and still am creating gift guides on another platform called Squidoo. I thought that these might be of interest to you.

Enjoy and I would love if you would purchase your gifts through those links!  I get a commission when you do.  There are more gift guides in the making and I'll share them as I make them and add them to this list as well. Cheerio!  Happy shopping!

Health Related
Gift Ideas For A Newbie Raw Foodist
Best Gifts For A Vegan Teenage Girl

Christian Themed
Christian Home Decor Gifts
Gifts For Christian Teenage Girls

Gifts Under $10
Gifts For Everyone Under $10
Girly Gifts Under $10

For Men
Homemade Christmas Gifts For Men

For Geeks
Unique Gifts For All Kinds Of Geeks
Best Geek Gifts For The Home
Best Rubik's Cube Gift Ideas

For Pastry Chefs
Gifts For Pastry Chefs

For Children
Wooden Toys & Games For Kids

For Hosts or Hostesses
Host and Hostess Gifts



Jenn

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For God's Glory!

30 Day Water Challenge

I've had a challenge drinking water for as long as I can remember all the way back to childhood. There was a brief period when I lived in New York as a teenager that I carried around a bottle and drank constantly. Then it stopped - don't know when it stopped but it did. Over they years I've tried so many different tactics to get myself to drink water. They all worked...for a while. Remember my Water 4 Life post when I was in preparation stage? That went well and I developed the habit all right...for a while.  Well I'm not giving up!!!


Water is essential to optimal health and one of my goals is to help myself and you gain optimal health. Sooooo, I'm starting a water challenge. Starting today my goal is to drink half my body weight in ounces for the next 30days to establish the habit of drinking enough water daily.

How do you know what is the ideal amount of water to drink? Well, most people recommend 8 glasses of water but there is a school of thought that says if you weigh 250lbs your water requirements would differ from someone weighing 115lbs. That makes sense to me because the body mass is different. So that same school of thought says that the ideal amount of water for each person is half of their body weight in ounces. If you weigh 110lbs then you need 55ounces of water daily. If you weigh 170 then you need 85 ounces of water. One glass equals eight ounces so divide the ounces you need by 8 and you will have the number of glasses you need to drink each day.

For me I weigh 116lbs so I need to drink 58 ounces of water which equates to 7.25 glasses of water daily. I need to flush my system so I will try to drink more than that but if I don't that's okay. I just need to make sure that I'm drinking my base figure of 7 and a quarter glasses. I have a 32oz stainless steel water bottle that I've been using and that is what I'll continue to use. If I drink 2 of these I would have had 8 glasses for the day.  I'll let you know how I'm doing on Saturdays in a video. I can do this!

Today I've had 4 glasses already and I would love for you to join me in this 30 day Water Challenge. Post your progress beneath the video each Saturday and let's encourage each other. You can jump in at any time. You could start tomorrow or any day you wish but let's increase our level of good health by hydrating ourselves. Remember to come here to post your results on Saturdays okay?

P.S. Some people put lemons, limes or orange wedges in their water to make it more palatable. You can do the same just don't add sugar or it will be juice. Duh!  LOL!
Jenn
If you have a question on vegetarian eating that you would like me to answer then fill in this short form to submit your question. I'll answer in an Ask Jenn video on Wednesdays.

Visit and like the Fruitful Vine Facebook Page for even more articles and links on healthy living.
For God's Glory!

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I'M 40!

Today I celebrate 40yrs of life. YAY!!! Enjoy my excitement in this video.

If you are unable to view this video, click here - I'M 40! - to go directly to the video page.

The recipe is the post just below this video. Enjoy! Jenn

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Trip To The Airport - Views of My Island - Video

Hi everyone. As promised, here is a short clip of one part of my island. This was an unplanned video done by my 9yr old on the way to the airport to pick up my hubby a few weeks ago.  Enjoy!



If you are unable to view this video, click here - Trip Through The Kalinago Territory - to be taken directly to the video page.

Jenn

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For God's Glory!

Thank You!

Today the US celebrates Thanksgiving. Our sons were born in New Orleans and each year I've been meaning to do something to celebrate Thanksgiving with them, hasn't worked out so far. Maybe next year.

I would however like to take this opportunity to give thanks to God for all of you who are part of this Fruitful Vine community, new and not so new.  THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!

To those of you who have commented on the blog, responded on Twitter, liked posts on Facebook, sent me emails and encouraging words, bought my ebooks, a great big THANK YOU.  To all of you who keep me going when I think I may not be helping anyone because of no comments or shares or things like that, thank you.

May this day and every day be one where you give thanks for something no matter how small it may seem.  Take care and to my US friends,  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Jenn

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Had A Fabulous Time! - Video

Today I'm sharing a bit of my weekend with you. Our congregation had the annual Pastor's Appreciation service yesterday. It began at 330pm and I had a grand time! Listen and watch as I share some of my excitement with you. Enjoy this glimpse into my life.

If you are unable to view this video click here - Pastor's Appreciation Service to go directly to the video page. 

As I mentioned in the video, here are the links: 

Morne Prosper Pentecostal Church Website 

Morne Prosper Pentecostal Church Facebook page 

Jenn

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For God's Glory!

My Retreat Weekend - Video

The past weekend was our country's independence weekend. I went to a ladies retreat in the countryside at the Nazarene Campsite which is between Castle Bruce and the Kalinago(formerly known as Carib) Territory.

Victoria asked me a bit about it so I decided to make this my vlog for today. Tomorrow is the first of our Ask Jenn series.  I'll be sharing whether vegetarians get enough protein and where they get it from.

Enjoy the video!


If you are unable to see this video click GCBC Ladies Retreat to go directly to the video page.

Jenn

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For God's Glory!

I'm Out - Video

Hi everyone,

Quick video today. Enjoy!


If you're unable to view this video click I'm Out to go directly to the video page.

Jenn

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For God's Glory!

Green Banana and Ripe Plantain Patties

Sent the scrumptious recipe for this to the Fruitful Vine Newsletter Subscribers today. Are you subscribed? Subscribe using the form below the picture so you won't miss out on the benefits that subscribers get like this recipe for example.

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Jenn

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For God's Glory!

How I Became A Vegetarian - Video

This is the story of my vegetarian journey. It has been interesting.  Enjoy!


If you are unable to view this video then click How I Became A Vegetarian to go directly to the video page.

Care to share? I would love to know where you are on your health journey, vegetarian or not. Talk to me.


Jenn

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11 Things About Jennifer C. Valerie - Video

I was tagged many, many, many, many (well, you get the picture) moons ago by Evelyn of Become A Healthier You.  I need to post 11 random things about me and answer 11 questions she posed.  I'm using this as the subject matter for my 2nd vlog in the tiffanydow.com vlogging challenge and paying a debt to Evelyn at the same time. Have fun getting to know me via voice and face. Enjoy!


If you are unable to view this video, go here to see it - 11 Things About Jennifer C. Valerie Video.

Here are my answers to Evelyn's 11 Questions:

1. What is your favorite fruit? Grapes
2. What is your favorite vegetable? Tomato(although I've read it's actually a fruit)
3. What is one thing you like about blogging? Meeting new people
4. What is your favorite social networking site (Twitter or Facebook)? Facebook
5. Why is that social networking site your favorite? I meet more new people and get to interact with friends I've not seen in quite some time.
6. How often do your exercise? 4 days a week
7. What’s your favorite TV show? Don't have a TV but watch NCIS online
8. What book have your read, that left a lasting impression on you? Created to Be His Help Meet
9. What is your all time favorite song? Don't have one but my favorite type of music is Gospel Reggae
10. Which animals do you prefer the most (cats or dogs)? Neither but if forced I'd choose cats
11. What’s your favorite exercise? Walking

And there you have it not 11 but actually 22 things about me.  Later.

Jenn

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Who Am I? The Face Behind Jennifervalerie.com

Hi everyone,

This is my first vlog (video blog).  I am doing a 30day vlogging challenge via tiffanydow.com. Don't ask me what I'm going to say each day but here goes.  My first one. You'll get to see me in all my glory, a bit nervous but taking the challenge.  No frills just me today. In the future I may add some frills but just so I don't chicken out I did it just as I was.  I think this might tie into making the new Ask Jenn series a vlog instead of just text after this challenge is over - who knows.

Leave your comments and tips below if you have any. They would be greatly appreciated since I'm new to this whole vlogging thing.


If you are unable to view this video then click Jennifer C. Valerie's 1st Vlog to go directly to the video page.


Jenn

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For God's Glory!

Ask Jennifer

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of starting a new feature on the site called Ask Jennifer.  Basically, you ask anything and I answer to the best of my ability.  Would that be something you would take advantage of?  Let me know what you think and/or submit your question by using the form below.

I will be mentioning who the question is from so please let me know on the form if you'd prefer not and I will use your initials instead.



Jenn

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For God's Glory!

Favorite Appliances - Rice Cooker

Back in June I wrote about one of my favorite appliances. Today I'm sharing another one of them. Can you guess what it is?

Growing up here in Dominica just about every woman knew how to cook rice and not let it burn. I mean you would have your occasional burns but not very often.  My mom did a wonderful job of teaching me the art of the kitchen. Unfortunately because of my lack of interest at the time I did not master the art of cooking rice without it burning. 

Fast forward to me being an adult, moved as a single to Portsmouth, got married and moved to New Orleans, had our two sons there, then moved to St. Thomas and then a few years later moved back home to Dominica. It was only then that I mastered the art of cooking rice without burning.  Can you imagine?! Go ahead and laugh, it's alright.

Are you wondering how I mastered that art finally?  Enter - THE RICE COOKER. Yep, the year was 2008 and one of the department stores in Dominica(Astaphans) had a Mother's Day giveaway and I won a rice cooker. Since then it is one of my favorite appliances.

Besides being able to cook rice without it burning I love the fact that I don't have to monitor it. Just put the rice, water, salt and whatever I want in, turn it on and it turns off when the rice is cooked with a loud beep.  Now y'all know how I love it simple with all these simple recipes I share. The rice cooker couldn't get any simpler than that.

I thought to myself that there might be more people like me out there but even if I'm the only one who couldn't cook rice without burning maybe someone is looking to replace their rice cooker or give one as a gift to someone getting married or moving out on their own or going to college. I wrote an article on Rice Cookers Under $25 With Free Shipping. Check it out and bless someone with a rice cooker and by purchasing through my link I get a commission.

I love the red one and the blue and white one.  There's a pink one and a Hello Kitty one. Oh just check it out. Smile.  Go ahead chuckle some more at my expense. Take care y'all.

Here are some rice cooker recipes you could try or recommend that the recipient of your gift (hint) try with the new rice cooker. Click the images to get the recipes.

Beet Rice	Spinach Rice	Yellow Vegetable Rice

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Lunch Ideas

Here is Lunch Showcase #1. These are some of the lunches we've had. As I mentioned in the 30 Day Nature Isle Recipe Marathon Wrap Up, these meals are to help trigger ideas as to how you can add more vegetables into your lunch or dinner meal. Some of the pictures are not recent so the picture quality is not as good as others. In cases where the recipe is available I've linked the caption below the picture to the recipe so you can click it to get the recipe. Enjoy!

Ground Provisions with Pumpkin and Spinach in Coconut Milk

Lentils served over plain rice with green banana, avocado, tomato and carrot

Breadfruit with Cucumbers in Coconut Milk

Macaroni salad with avocado and raw ripe plantain

Carrot rice with pumpkin mash, ground provisions and carrot & cabbage slaw

Potato Salad, Black Beans, Sliced Cucumbers and Grated Carrot

Spaghetti, Corn, Green Bean & Spinach Dish with Lentils

Hope you enjoyed this first glimpse into our lunch table. Go ahead and share in the comments some of the vegetarian type of meals you have had.

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Breakfast Ideas

Here is Breakfast Showcase #1. These are some of the breakfasts we've had. Like I wrote in the 30 Day Nature Isle Recipe Marathon Wrap Up, these are to help trigger ideas as to how you can incorporate more vegetables into your breakfast meal. Some of the pictures are not recent so the picture quality is not as good as others.  In cases where the recipe is available I've linked the caption below the picture to the recipe so you can click it to get the recipe. Enjoy!

White Cabbage, Red Cabbage & Avocado Salad with Raw ripe plantains and sardines

Pumpkin & Christophene with fish, avocado & crackers

Pita Bread with Bok Choy(Chinese Cabbage) & Tomato Saute

Sesame Tuna with Lettuce & Tomato Salad

Lettuce & Plantain Salad with mackerel and Sorrel Muffins

Sauteed cabbage, scrambled eggs, ripe papaya and avocado

It is very simple to add more vegetables and fruits into your eating plan. Hope you enjoyed this first glimpse into our breakfast table.  Why don't you go ahead and share some of your own breakfasts in the comments. It would help trigger some ideas for me too.


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