Now Available in Paperback...

Hello Bearful Bear fans!
I couldn't wait any longer to share with you that Bearful Bear and his new Moves is now available in PAPERBACK!

This will be a more cost effective option for those who have been holding out, and a great idea for birthday or baby shower gifts! Click HERE to buy it now in paperback! Thanks for all of you who have supported the book so far, and for those who need a little more convincing- check out the 5-star reviews this little book has received on Amazon and several reviews posted on the right margin of my website!
Love,
Anna

Come Visit me tomorrow at the Spring Market!

Come join my friend J.R. Hardin and I tomorrow, April 20th at the bi-annual Spring Market at Vickery Creek Elementary (6280 Post Road in Cumming).  We will be joined by several local vendors and artisans selling handmade and homemade goods, freshly grown vegetables, organic food items, local food items and more.  Of course, we will be there with our books in hand, ready to sign a copy for you and yours!  J.R. is a juvenile writer, and author of  the action packed adventure trilogy, The Kudzu Monsters and also The Adventures of Little Dog Koko.  I will, of course, be there with Bearful Bear and his new Moves!  I am trying to think of something fun to giveaway or have to offer along with our books.  I'm thinking possibly fresh squeezed lemonade or scones...or....hmmm...you'll just have to come and see!  Don't miss this fun community event!

Love,
Anna

Tuesday's Real Food Tip of the day- Shrinking Your Weekly Budget With Bulk Ordering

We all want to shrink our grocery budget.  Recently I gave you a real food menu plan for around $100 per week for a family of 4 (menu planner).  Some of you thought it was too difficult, some of you thought it was doable with a little hard work.  With each families unique food needs and wants (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) your budget needs to allow for certain items more than others.  I know for my family, not having to buy meat every week is a huge money saver, allowing me to have a little more flex for extra produce, items like oils that can easily throw off your weekly budget if you are buying a bulk size, or even extra cream one week to make butter for the month.  This is where strategic bulk ordering allows you to have flexibility while sticking to your budget. 

I bring this up now because many of you are probably receiving a little money back from Uncle Sam.  My family plans a bulk meat order every spring with some of our tax return, so it isn't money designated to our monthly budget.  Getting 50 lbs. of beef and stocking up on a few chickens and the like, allows us to have a stocked freezer to pull from, giving us an extra $30 plus to spend elsewhere during the week.  For those of you who thought, "How in the world could my family live on Anna's $100/week meal plan?"  This option is for you! 

Anytime a bonus comes, or an unexpected check back for an overpayment, etc...these special dollars can be utilized strategically to buy foods that will give your family health and vitality!  It may sound boring at first, after all, you aren't using your extra cash for a weekend stay at a nice resort, BUT, you will pat yourself on the back every time dinner comes and you have a large supply of healthy and delicious meats at your disposal to choose from!!  It is a discipline that has a reward you can see, feel, and enjoy all year long! 

One thing I tell friends looking into eating real food is that it can be an adjustment financially until you discover some basic kitchen skills that help you drastically save money (like yogurt making, bread making, etc).  You can almost look at it as an investment in your health.  Do you have $300 to put towards changing your families future?  Take that money, just one month, and buy some essential start up items like a bulk order of pastured meats, organic virgin coconut oil and EVOO, and you are ready to have a painless transition in your budget, and food at the ready every night of the week.  You can do it!  And, as always, I am here for your questions anytime.

Love,
Anna

We-Read Wednesday's- BQB Montage!

Whether you are looking for a romance to read on the beach, a memoir to read while sipping sweet tea on your favorite hammock, an educational read to better yourself professionally, or a children's book to spend quality time with your kids...BQB has a book for that! I love this new montage I have to share with you of the amazing books my publisher has released in the past 18 months.

I personally know many of these authors, and I want them to be as successful as possible, just as I hope for my own success. Check them out, and see if one of these beautiful covers draws you in for a read.

Do yourself a favor and read a book today!
Love,
Anna

Tuesday's Real Food Recipe! Avocado Salsa Grass Fed Burgers

Last night I was standing in the kitchen with 3 lbs. of grass fed beef thawed, wondering what to make for dinner!  I had some nice turkey bacon on hand, and thought to myself...I could make a delicious restaurant-style burger!!  One way to afford high quality food is to eat out less.  So, sometimes I try to make some fancy shmance food to make it seem like we are still eating in high style...and you know what?  We're rarely disappointed!!  I asked Jeremy to pick up an avocado and red onion on the way home from work and got to work myself!  Below is my yummy recipe!  And, we ate them so fast I FORGOT to take a photo!  I'll have to add one later...

Avocado Salsa Grass fed Burgers
serves 4
1 lb. grass fed beef or bison
4 large slices of high quality, nitrate-free turkey bacon (or pork bacon if you prefer)
1 avocado
1 small red onion
1/2 cup salsa
cilantro (for garnish)
4 slices pepper jack cheese (or cheese of your choice)
4 buns (or go bun less as I normally do and wrap in some crunchy lettuce!)
a few dashes of natural Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup organic ketchup
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. cracked pepper or 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper to taste

For the Burgers:
gently mix with a fork, being careful not to overwork the meat:
ground beef, 1/4 C. ketchup, Worcestershire, and pepper.
shape into 4 1/4 pound patties.  If you aren't grilling until later, put in the fridge and make sure they have about 15 minutes to come to room temp before grilling.

meanwhile, cook the bacon per the package instructions and slice the avocado in small strips, chop cilantro and red pepper to be ready for topping.

*I like to grill my bun if I am using one.  I suggest placing cheese on the bottom of the bun and put in a toaster oven or on the grill.  This melts the cheese, and keeps the bottom bun from getting soggy!

Assemble the burgers:
Once your burgers are off of the grill, let them drain for a minute on a paper towel-lined plate.  Then, place the burger on the buns or lettuce, and top first with salsa and the remaining ketchup if you wish, then avocado, red onion and cilantro.   Devour.   


Hope you enjoy this recipe!!! 
Love,
Anna