Mental Health Gift Guide
The Holiday season is upon us, and in the spirit of giving, I thought it’d be great to share some of my favorite things that can double as a gift and a mental health helper.
First up…
Emotional Sensations Wheel pillow
We love our Emotional Sensations Wheel pillow by Lindsay Braman. We use these pillows in session to help people identify their emotions in real time.
The ones we keep in our offices can be purchased here
Pizza Feelings Wheel
Here is a fun Pizza Feelings Wheel by the same creator. This would be a fun addition to a child’s room or anywhere in your house. Who doesn’t love pizza?!
Mental Health Matters Laptop Sleeve
So many kids and adults use laptops now and we think this is a super cute case that ends the stigma!! Let’s celebrate mental health!
Your feelings are valid mug
Who doesn’t love a travel mug? We think this mug is so fun! What a great reminder that our FEELINGS ARE VALID!!
Next up…
A Yummy (and Healthy!) Holiday Recipe
This is a holiday favorite at the Ray house. This desert has nutritional value, while also satisfying your sweet tooth. Our favorite thing about this desert is that it only takes about 15 minutes to make it and does not require any baking! Plus, it is gluten and dairy free and friendly to people with allergies or sensitivities. Rebecca Ray always doubles the recipe when making this for her family, you might want to as well! They go fast!
You can find the recipe online here
CHAI PUMPKIN PIE BARS WITH A RAW PECAN CRUST
vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo
RAW PIE CRUST
Add to blender or food processor:
1 cup pecan pieces (add a handful more if your pecans are whole)
1/2 cup almond meal flour (I use Bob’s)
5 soft pitted dates (soak first if they are dry)
1 tsp cinnamon
Purée till it begins to form a ball.
Press into a square dish.
Note: You don’t need to gre
ase or line the dish first. The raw crust won’t stick.
PUMPKIN LAYER
Add to a small pot:
3/4 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
3/4 cup pumpkin puree*
1/4 cup coconut sugar
10 drops vanilla liquid stevia
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/4 tsp ginger
3/4 tsp cinnamon
Simmer till coconut sugar is just dissolved.
Add:
2 tsp agar powder (Not flakes! You would need far more if you use flakes!)
(I think 4 teaspoons of gelatin would also work)
Whisk agar powder while simmering for about one minute.
Pour over crust.
Refrigerate till solid. Store in the fridge.