Warning! Essentially Erika Is Movin' On Up!

Essentially Erika is growing - and so will our website!

This little ol' blog I created is growing and I couldn't be more proud. As with anything, there have been growing pains during this process. For the past couple of weeks (more like months) I've been working on updating, transferring and designing a new home for Essentially Erika.

We've come to the point in our journey where we must take a brief break from posting and give it our full attention.

Thanks for your patience during this time. I can't wait to share our new space with you soon!


Essentially yours,

Erika

Help Save The Planet with Arcadia Power!

Sometimes I feel no matter how many changes I make, I will never be able to "undo" or give back enough to erase my family's carbon footprint here on this beautiful planet
.

I'm passionate about raising my kids to respect their planet, it's our only home. Between recycling and composting, water conservation or planting trees, it's never really enough. I still feel guilty every time I drive my car around town, I beat myself up every day about not driving a Hybrid at the very least (soon I promise).

Dirty, polluting energy sources dominate the mix of energy supplying U.S. homes and businesses. In fact, the production of electricity is the main contributor to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions in America today. That's because monopoly utilities haven't provided consumers a choice.

In all this frustration I found Arcadia Power!

Arcadia Power is dedicated to changing the way America consumes energy. The first renewable energy company nationwide, with one mission in mind; to provide consumers clean alternative choices that the utility industry isn't currently offering. Over one billion energy bills go out every year in America, with no options on where or how that energy is created / replaced. Until now..

The customers impact is astounding. For every 10,331,108 Clean KwH, that's 5,838 of U.S. forests preserved.

How It Works:

You can take advantage of Arcadia Power whether you own a home or rent an apartment, as long as you pay an electricity bill. Your utility bill will NOT be affected, Arcadia will bill you separately. You simply sign up online and Arcadia Power links to your utility providers account to get an idea of how much you are consuming.

When you sign up for Wind Energy with Arcadia Power, you'll ensure that for every kWh of electricity you use, a kWh of clean energy is produced and put on the grid. You'll get the same reliable electricity from your local utility and a consolidated monthly statement. It's that simple!

• Arcadia Power purchases 100% renewable energy from their partner wind farms.
• You enjoy the same reliable electricity at home while doing your part to save the environment!

Benefits:

• You can reduce your impact with 100% Wind Energy
• You can measure your impact, analyze your usage, and see the projects your supporting via desktop or mobile.
• Arcadia has partnered with some of your favorite brands. As part of their Rewards program, you will receive exclusive deals and benefits from some of your favorite sustainable brands; i.e., Honest Company, Conscious Box.

Arcadia Power Wind Energy is certified through Green-e Energy, the nation’s leading certification program for renewable energy, and meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards set forth by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions.

There is no equipment needed, all you have to do is sign up! How easy is that? For someone with very little time to devote to anything else, this comes as a major relief!

Quick & Creamy Mushroom Chicken Fettucine

This one's for the mushroom lovers out there!

My husband being one of them, this has become a staple dish in my home. Before stumbling upon this recipe, my go-to dish to satisfy his healthy mushroom addiction interests was the tried and true "Chicken Marsala."

Now that I've been able to incorporate this recipe into the mix, it keeps things interesting. Mushroom-wise of course. I'm not a fan, but even I love this simple dish. That's how I knew I needed to share it with you!

All You Need:

2 Roasted Chicken Breasts (I prefer Air Chilled, Organic)

8 oz Fettuccine

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 lb cremini mushrooms

1 onion, diced

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/4 tsp dried dill

Himalayan Salt and fresh cracked ground pepper, to taste

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

3/4 cup of chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup half & half

Bring a pot of water to boil, cook pasta according to directions and drain.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute` garlic, mushrooms & onion. Stirring occasionally, until tender.

Things are starting to smell really good..

Stir in thyme and dill until fragrant, about one minute; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth, and cook, whisking constantly, until incororated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in half and half until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Stir in baby spinach and Parmesan until spinach wilts. If it's too thick, add more half and half as needed.

Stir in pasta and diced chicken, gently toss to combine.

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired and enjoy!

Free The Boobies - It's Breastfeeding Awareness Week August 1st - 7th!

Head on over to Modern Boca Mom to find out why The Boobies are OUT in Boca!

Essentially yours,

Erika