DH and I decided this weekend to make weight loss a priority. I'm getting the hang of eating and cooking according to the guidelines of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) so now it's time to focus on controlling portions and limiting grains so we can shed some pounds. I will keep you updated on our progress. I'm too embarrassed to post my weight and I know DH would KILL me if I posted his so I will just post pounds lost.
Here is my favorite recipe from last week. It's fairly simple and pretty good. It's a HUGE hit with kids! It didn't come from Nourishing Traditions Cookbook, it's a recipe that I make all the time but I modified it to fit WAPF guidelines:
Chicken and Rice Casserole
2 cups brown rice cooked
2-3 cups of chicken meat cooked
1 c of shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese
3/4 c of mayonnaise (WAPF recommends homemade or a natural brand w/out soy or preservatives)
3/4 c of whole milk
2-3 T of melted coconut oil (optional)
1-2 c of frozen peas
1/2 c of diced red bell pepper (optional)
1/2 c of diced onion (optional)
garlic powder to taste
salt and pepper to taste
Pre-heat oven to 350. Saute bell pepper and onion if using and set aside. Combine cooked rice, chicken and cheese in a large bowl. Melt coconut oil if using in a small bowl and add mayo and milk, mix ingredients until mostly blended. It's okay if it's a bit lumpy. Pour into rice/chicken mix. Add peas and bell pepper/onion if using. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Put into a casserole dish and put in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired. I like to serve it with a salad loaded with dark green veges.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday Morning Random Fact
I have to have all my bills face the same way and the "face" side up in my wallet. It started when I was a cashier at The Cracker Barrel. We were required to keep the money that way in our drawers.
I find myself wondering this morning when I will run out of "Random Facts" about myself.
How are YOU this Monday Morning?
I find myself wondering this morning when I will run out of "Random Facts" about myself.
How are YOU this Monday Morning?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday Funnies
My mother-in-law sent me this via email. I'm not sure if it's a real letter or not but it doesn't matter! It's HILARIOUS!
This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning-letter.
Dear Mr Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your "Always" maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core of Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.
Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills." Isn't the human body amazing.
As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from "Aunt Flo". Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness and cramping we endure and about our intense mood swings, crying jags and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for women. The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants.....Which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my own uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: "Have a Happy Period".
Are you f------ kidding me?!?!?!?!?! What part of your tiny middle-manager brain really thinks happiness-actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything I mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it James?
FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S & M freak, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.
For the love of God, pull your head out man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put down the hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong."
Sir, please inform your accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullsh-t. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.
Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin Texas
I almost peed my pants at the "jack your self up on Motrin and Kahlua" part. And the "Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong" portion had me rolling on the floor! I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did! Have a funny Friday ladies!!!!
This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning-letter.
Dear Mr Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your "Always" maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core of Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.
Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills." Isn't the human body amazing.
As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from "Aunt Flo". Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness and cramping we endure and about our intense mood swings, crying jags and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for women. The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants.....Which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my own uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: "Have a Happy Period".
Are you f------ kidding me?!?!?!?!?! What part of your tiny middle-manager brain really thinks happiness-actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything I mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it James?
FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S & M freak, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.
For the love of God, pull your head out man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put down the hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong."
Sir, please inform your accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullsh-t. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.
Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin Texas
I almost peed my pants at the "jack your self up on Motrin and Kahlua" part. And the "Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong" portion had me rolling on the floor! I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did! Have a funny Friday ladies!!!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday Thoughts on my Faith
You may notice I didn't post anything yesterday for "Wednesdays at My House-The Office". I haven't even entered the office in days. I've been dealing with the worst virus at my house! I am the only member of my family NOT on antibiotics!!!! I have been warding off this illness with Zicam, Airborne and Breathe Easy Tea. So far, so good..............but I'm too busy taking care of the other members of my family to clean the office out this week. Anyway, on to Spiritual thoughts......
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Today my thoughts are on fellowship. I am grateful for my friends and the role that they play in my spiritual life. I am grateful for those I can ask to pray for me or ask advice and know I'm going to get Biblical answers.
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Today my thoughts are on fellowship. I am grateful for my friends and the role that they play in my spiritual life. I am grateful for those I can ask to pray for me or ask advice and know I'm going to get Biblical answers.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Traditional Tuesdays
I continue to be convinced that the dietary guidelines recommended by the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) are the way to go for my family. We all feel really good and are enjoying what we are eating. DH made a point to pull me aside this week and say to me that he is really happy the way we've been eating. So, we press on.
Here is my favorite recipe from this last week:
Coconut French Toast
Bread (whatever you like to make French Toast out of, WAPF would recommend sourdough or sprouted grain)
1/2 can of whole coconut milk (look in the asian food section at the supermarket)
4 eggs
cinnamon to taste
1-2 teaspoons of vanilla
So most people who cook know how to make french toast. You make this the same way but use 1/2 can of coconut milk instead of milk. Note that you will have to mix up the coconut "cream" with the coconut milk and heat it just a bit so the "cream" melts into the "milk". If you pop it in the microwave for a few seconds it will become liquid. Anyway, by adding coconut milk to french toast you are adding tons of healthy nutrients to this breakfast dish! You can read an article here Coconut Benefits if you are interested.
Also, I make a "Berry Syrup" to cut down on the amount of sugar we eat on pancakes and french toast. It's a piece of cake to make. Just heat 1/2 bag of frozen mixed berries and add enough syrup to cover the berries. You can blend it in a blender if you like or just top the pancakes/french toast/waffles with it after heating. Note: It's a bit messy. Make sure your little ones are wearing clothing that can get berry juice on. Or cover them up well with a BIG bib!!!!
Here is my favorite recipe from this last week:
Coconut French Toast
Bread (whatever you like to make French Toast out of, WAPF would recommend sourdough or sprouted grain)
1/2 can of whole coconut milk (look in the asian food section at the supermarket)
4 eggs
cinnamon to taste
1-2 teaspoons of vanilla
So most people who cook know how to make french toast. You make this the same way but use 1/2 can of coconut milk instead of milk. Note that you will have to mix up the coconut "cream" with the coconut milk and heat it just a bit so the "cream" melts into the "milk". If you pop it in the microwave for a few seconds it will become liquid. Anyway, by adding coconut milk to french toast you are adding tons of healthy nutrients to this breakfast dish! You can read an article here Coconut Benefits if you are interested.
Also, I make a "Berry Syrup" to cut down on the amount of sugar we eat on pancakes and french toast. It's a piece of cake to make. Just heat 1/2 bag of frozen mixed berries and add enough syrup to cover the berries. You can blend it in a blender if you like or just top the pancakes/french toast/waffles with it after heating. Note: It's a bit messy. Make sure your little ones are wearing clothing that can get berry juice on. Or cover them up well with a BIG bib!!!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday Morning Random Fact
My favorite color is purple and it has been since I was a very small girl. However, I used to only like dark shades of purple when I was young. Now I love them all.........lilac, periwinkle, orchid, mulberry, violet, etc, etc. I just think it's the prettiest color in God's creation.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday Funnies
I am trying to laugh more. I've heard that it releases stress, lowers blood pressure, strengthens your immune system and helps keep your moods even. I've also heard that adults laugh only 5 times or less a day and children laugh 150 times or more a day. I've made it my mission to laugh at least once a day and I am actively seeking out things that will make me laugh. I will post things that made me laugh on Fridays
Here is what made me laugh the hardest this week. It's a HBO comedy special Dana Carvey: Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies. I watched it twice actually and laughed twice as hard the second time. If you get the chance to see it, do so! Be aware he does drop the "F" bomb frequently and some of his jokes are a bit crude. However he is a talented enough comedian to mostly make jokes about things that would not be considered off-color. (So would one say he makes "on-color" jokes?)
You can see part of the special here: Dana Carvey talking about how weird a religion would have to be for a Scientologist would think it's bizarre.
Here's a definite runner up: A stand-up routine by too by a comic I've never seen before from Wales. It's hilarious (and totally clean too =})
A laugh a day keeps the doctor away...............
Here is what made me laugh the hardest this week. It's a HBO comedy special Dana Carvey: Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies. I watched it twice actually and laughed twice as hard the second time. If you get the chance to see it, do so! Be aware he does drop the "F" bomb frequently and some of his jokes are a bit crude. However he is a talented enough comedian to mostly make jokes about things that would not be considered off-color. (So would one say he makes "on-color" jokes?)
You can see part of the special here: Dana Carvey talking about how weird a religion would have to be for a Scientologist would think it's bizarre.
Here's a definite runner up: A stand-up routine by too by a comic I've never seen before from Wales. It's hilarious (and totally clean too =})
A laugh a day keeps the doctor away...............
Thursday Thoughts on My Faith
"I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is." -Albert Camus
I often struggle with doubt about the existence of God. There, I said it plain and simple. I hate this part of my Spiritual life and I work very hard to work through these doubts. I pray and pray for unshakable faith. I ask God to grant me the faith I had as a child. Some days I'm more convinced of His existence than others but I am comforted by the fact that God exists whether I believe in Him or not that day and that nothing can snatch me out of His hands. Not even my own doubting soul. You see, I think that deep down I always believe in God but sometimes "weeds" from the world or spiritual enemies deplete my heart of the water and nutrients it needs to follow God with my whole heart.
These times of doubting used to really freak me out. I would go through these times of spiritual crisis every couple of years or at times every couple of months and I would worry that my salvation was in jeopardy for having such thoughts. Now, when I go through my "Doubting Thomas" phases I look at them in a different light. First off, I see it for what it is: Spiritual Warfare. Well, that's what it I think it is most of the time. Little seeds of doubt are a powerful weapon of the enemy and if left unchecked they can grow into horrible weeds. I also see it as a time to draw near to God and allow Him to renew my faith. He always does. I no longer fear these doubts I have, I just bring them to God and He blesses me with comfort and faith.
I just went through one of these doubting times which is what made me think to write about it today. I think it was brought on by learning a couple of DH's family members have walked away from God. It broke my heart to hear of it and then it made me wonder why they chose to leave the faith. I started thinking about what intelligent individuals these people are and satan began to sow a seed of doubt when I thought maybe they know something I don't. So for the hundredth time in my life I evaluated my faith. Here's what I came up with this time: First of all the above quote by Camus. How true is that? Second, I was thinking about what I would "miss out on" if I wasn't a Christian. Um, nothing. Nothing of value anyway. I suppose I would miss out on many consequences of more liberal behavior. Like STD's for example. I'm sure at the end of my life I will really be sad I didn't experience herpes. But if I wasn't a believer of Christ I would miss out of some very valuable things. I would miss out on peace, knowing that when I face circumstances beyond my ability there is a higher power taking care of things.
Some might say (and HAVE said) that I would miss out on "great ideas" being so "closed minded" as a Christian. Well, for me, the Bible contains enough brain food to keep me satisfied for most likely my entire life. Plus, it seems like every time I hear some great new thought the world presents I've seen it in the Bible somewhere. I'm sure there are other things people would say I'm missing by being a Christian but for now I don't think I am. All-in-all I like my life and the way I've chosen to live it so what have I lost???
I've had more thoughts and experiences during this doubting period that are difficult to put into words. I guess it's just intimate stuff between me and the Lord. But I definitely feel my faith renewed and my doubts are gone for now. I've come through another period of doubt and am stronger for it. Just like always, God met me in that doubting place and delivered me back again. How great is God, how faithful! How imperfect and sheep-like am I. I don't know what I'd do without Him. When ever I need to double check and like Thomas put my fingers in his pierced side He lets me. His grace is unfathomable........................
I often struggle with doubt about the existence of God. There, I said it plain and simple. I hate this part of my Spiritual life and I work very hard to work through these doubts. I pray and pray for unshakable faith. I ask God to grant me the faith I had as a child. Some days I'm more convinced of His existence than others but I am comforted by the fact that God exists whether I believe in Him or not that day and that nothing can snatch me out of His hands. Not even my own doubting soul. You see, I think that deep down I always believe in God but sometimes "weeds" from the world or spiritual enemies deplete my heart of the water and nutrients it needs to follow God with my whole heart.
These times of doubting used to really freak me out. I would go through these times of spiritual crisis every couple of years or at times every couple of months and I would worry that my salvation was in jeopardy for having such thoughts. Now, when I go through my "Doubting Thomas" phases I look at them in a different light. First off, I see it for what it is: Spiritual Warfare. Well, that's what it I think it is most of the time. Little seeds of doubt are a powerful weapon of the enemy and if left unchecked they can grow into horrible weeds. I also see it as a time to draw near to God and allow Him to renew my faith. He always does. I no longer fear these doubts I have, I just bring them to God and He blesses me with comfort and faith.
I just went through one of these doubting times which is what made me think to write about it today. I think it was brought on by learning a couple of DH's family members have walked away from God. It broke my heart to hear of it and then it made me wonder why they chose to leave the faith. I started thinking about what intelligent individuals these people are and satan began to sow a seed of doubt when I thought maybe they know something I don't. So for the hundredth time in my life I evaluated my faith. Here's what I came up with this time: First of all the above quote by Camus. How true is that? Second, I was thinking about what I would "miss out on" if I wasn't a Christian. Um, nothing. Nothing of value anyway. I suppose I would miss out on many consequences of more liberal behavior. Like STD's for example. I'm sure at the end of my life I will really be sad I didn't experience herpes. But if I wasn't a believer of Christ I would miss out of some very valuable things. I would miss out on peace, knowing that when I face circumstances beyond my ability there is a higher power taking care of things.
Some might say (and HAVE said) that I would miss out on "great ideas" being so "closed minded" as a Christian. Well, for me, the Bible contains enough brain food to keep me satisfied for most likely my entire life. Plus, it seems like every time I hear some great new thought the world presents I've seen it in the Bible somewhere. I'm sure there are other things people would say I'm missing by being a Christian but for now I don't think I am. All-in-all I like my life and the way I've chosen to live it so what have I lost???
I've had more thoughts and experiences during this doubting period that are difficult to put into words. I guess it's just intimate stuff between me and the Lord. But I definitely feel my faith renewed and my doubts are gone for now. I've come through another period of doubt and am stronger for it. Just like always, God met me in that doubting place and delivered me back again. How great is God, how faithful! How imperfect and sheep-like am I. I don't know what I'd do without Him. When ever I need to double check and like Thomas put my fingers in his pierced side He lets me. His grace is unfathomable........................
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesdays At My House-The Office
Sigh. Sigh. And sigh again. The Great Office Organization is slow going. Honestly, I haven't touched the office since last week. DH is excited that you can actually walk into the office now though =}. It's been quite a week everyone in the house has been sick (except me). DH has been so sick he actually went to the doctor! Also, my friend and neighbor broke her leg last week and I've been trying to get my house in order so after her family leaves today I can help her with her housework and her kids. I've been spending time making sure my laundry is not getting out of control and the bathrooms are clean.
I know, I know, excuses, excuses. Hopefully, next week there will be such a visible difference in the office I will post a pic!!!!
I know, I know, excuses, excuses. Hopefully, next week there will be such a visible difference in the office I will post a pic!!!!
Nourishing Tuesdays
Oh my goodness, I LOVE eating this way and at the same time it's so HARD to change over to it!!!!! Everything takes longer to prepare the old fashioned way and it's difficult to find all the ingredients that I need but I feel so fantastic most days it's worth it!
This week I added coconut oil to my diet. It's interesting stuff. It's solid at room temperature, has no real taste or smell. You can use it in EVERYTHING and it keeps you full forever. For weight loss, I have been taking 1-2 teaspoons of oil before every meal and I'm never hungry. A bowl of oatmeal with melted coconut oil mixed in eaten at 6am lasts me until 1-2 pm. A BOWL OF OATMEAL! And I feel great, tons of energy and I'm have pretty even moods. Not to mention I have PMS this week and it's the mildest case I've had in a long time.
Like I said above, this diet is complicated and labor intensive in the kitchen. I like cooking and sometimes I love cooking but sometimes I just want to relax and order pizza. It's hard to wean myself off convenience foods. It's hard to motivate myself to spend an hour cooking when I'd rather be doing something else......like blogging =}! Or when I'm tired. Another thing that makes it hard to slave over the stove is the kids don't love the food. They like it and they eat it but I have spoiled them with mac and cheese, hamburgers with white bread buns, pizza, chicken nuggets, etc for too long. With a new baby and moving twice in the past two years I was all about easy, fast dinners this is quite a change for them too. The boys complain about it a lot but the baby licks her plate clean! The boy's do eat it though so the food can't be that bad to them! I continue to see Monkey's moods more even. I haven't noticed a difference with Bear's autistic symptoms but at least I know he's getting nutritious food and that's good for everyone.
Here's my favorite recipe from Nourishing Traditions this week:
Chicken Curry
Meat from 2 cooked chickens, cut up
3 T. of clarified butter (you can buy it or do it yourself see at the bottom)
2 med onions chopped
2 T. turmeric
1 T ground fenugreek seeds (I couldn't find this at any store so I omitted it)
1 t. ground cumin
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. ground cloves
1 t. ground coriander
1T. ground cardamom
2-3 c. chicken stock
juice of 1-2 lemons
2 cloves garlic, peeled and mashed
1 can whole coconut milk
sea salt
Saute onions until soft in clarified butter. Add spices and saute, stirring for several minutes. Add chicken stock and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Stir in garlic, chicken and coconut milk. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce is reduced and thickened. Stir in chicken and season to taste. Serve with chopped green onion.
To clarify butter, put 1/2 lb of butter in the oven in an oven safe dish at 200 degrees for about 30 minutes. The white stuff on top is the milk solids, skim those off the top and keep the yellow butter oil.
This week I added coconut oil to my diet. It's interesting stuff. It's solid at room temperature, has no real taste or smell. You can use it in EVERYTHING and it keeps you full forever. For weight loss, I have been taking 1-2 teaspoons of oil before every meal and I'm never hungry. A bowl of oatmeal with melted coconut oil mixed in eaten at 6am lasts me until 1-2 pm. A BOWL OF OATMEAL! And I feel great, tons of energy and I'm have pretty even moods. Not to mention I have PMS this week and it's the mildest case I've had in a long time.
Like I said above, this diet is complicated and labor intensive in the kitchen. I like cooking and sometimes I love cooking but sometimes I just want to relax and order pizza. It's hard to wean myself off convenience foods. It's hard to motivate myself to spend an hour cooking when I'd rather be doing something else......like blogging =}! Or when I'm tired. Another thing that makes it hard to slave over the stove is the kids don't love the food. They like it and they eat it but I have spoiled them with mac and cheese, hamburgers with white bread buns, pizza, chicken nuggets, etc for too long. With a new baby and moving twice in the past two years I was all about easy, fast dinners this is quite a change for them too. The boys complain about it a lot but the baby licks her plate clean! The boy's do eat it though so the food can't be that bad to them! I continue to see Monkey's moods more even. I haven't noticed a difference with Bear's autistic symptoms but at least I know he's getting nutritious food and that's good for everyone.
Here's my favorite recipe from Nourishing Traditions this week:
Chicken Curry
Meat from 2 cooked chickens, cut up
3 T. of clarified butter (you can buy it or do it yourself see at the bottom)
2 med onions chopped
2 T. turmeric
1 T ground fenugreek seeds (I couldn't find this at any store so I omitted it)
1 t. ground cumin
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. ground cloves
1 t. ground coriander
1T. ground cardamom
2-3 c. chicken stock
juice of 1-2 lemons
2 cloves garlic, peeled and mashed
1 can whole coconut milk
sea salt
Saute onions until soft in clarified butter. Add spices and saute, stirring for several minutes. Add chicken stock and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Stir in garlic, chicken and coconut milk. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce is reduced and thickened. Stir in chicken and season to taste. Serve with chopped green onion.
To clarify butter, put 1/2 lb of butter in the oven in an oven safe dish at 200 degrees for about 30 minutes. The white stuff on top is the milk solids, skim those off the top and keep the yellow butter oil.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday Morning Random Fact
I have plastic plates and cups for the kids that are green and blue. When I put them away in the cupboard they HAVE TO BE put away green, blue, green, blue, etc. If two greens or two blues are stacked on top of each other I have to fix it. If DH puts away the dishes I go in the kitchen (after he's left of course!) and make sure the plates are alternating colors. OCD?
Come on ladies! Let your freak flag fly and share those Random Facts!!!!
Come on ladies! Let your freak flag fly and share those Random Facts!!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesdays At My House-Getting Started
I can say I have spent some time in the office this week. Not a ton of time and I'm not posting a picture because it hardly looks different, YET!
My "30 minutes a day" cleaning up the office plan wasn't working. When I go in the office I'm so overwhelmed I don't even know where to start. I'm totally stressed out by the idea of spending 30 straight minutes in there and I don't need any more stress right now. Plus, finding a solid block of 30 minutes with an almost 2 year-old daughter running around was proving challenging. So here's what I did this week: Every hour that my older kids are in school, at 10 'till the hour I go into the office and take care of 30 items. I do it as quickly as I can because like I said it stresses me out to be in the office for very long. It only takes a few minutes and my daughter can't get into too much trouble in that time. Even when she comes in there with me it's not a big deal. So this seems to be the solution for the moment. Basically it's a slow way of getting the job done but productive and much more manageable so I don't feel stressed out by it.
I plan to continue this "30 items at 10 'till the hour, 6 times a day" until the office is manageable (meaning not stressful when I look at it). Then I plan to go back to the 30 minutes a day plan unless that doesn't work with taking care of daughter dear. I guess what I've learned so far about home organization is that sometimes the plans have to change to met a goal but to keep my eyes on the goal and keep moving forward! I hope to post a picture next week if the room looks different!
My "30 minutes a day" cleaning up the office plan wasn't working. When I go in the office I'm so overwhelmed I don't even know where to start. I'm totally stressed out by the idea of spending 30 straight minutes in there and I don't need any more stress right now. Plus, finding a solid block of 30 minutes with an almost 2 year-old daughter running around was proving challenging. So here's what I did this week: Every hour that my older kids are in school, at 10 'till the hour I go into the office and take care of 30 items. I do it as quickly as I can because like I said it stresses me out to be in the office for very long. It only takes a few minutes and my daughter can't get into too much trouble in that time. Even when she comes in there with me it's not a big deal. So this seems to be the solution for the moment. Basically it's a slow way of getting the job done but productive and much more manageable so I don't feel stressed out by it.
I plan to continue this "30 items at 10 'till the hour, 6 times a day" until the office is manageable (meaning not stressful when I look at it). Then I plan to go back to the 30 minutes a day plan unless that doesn't work with taking care of daughter dear. I guess what I've learned so far about home organization is that sometimes the plans have to change to met a goal but to keep my eyes on the goal and keep moving forward! I hope to post a picture next week if the room looks different!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Traditional Tuesdays
We continue to LOVE this way of eating! I am learning so much about fats. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) we have all been "fed" the wrong info about fats. All of their research says that saturated fats from animals are GOOD for you. And that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are not so good for you. The only thing that WAPF and current diet gurus agree on is that Trans Fats are from the devil. Otherwise, all of WAPF studies contradict what mainstream society believes about fats. So who is right? That's my question. DH and I were talking about this the other night. We decided that the "proof" will have to be in the "pudding" as the saying goes. I we eat according to the WAPF guidelines, lose weight and feel good then, in our house, they are right. Right?
So far I have never felt better in my life. I have energy all day long. My moods are sooooo even! DH even commented on how "happy" I've been. And I find myself not snapping at the kids as much. I'm full longer, eating less and have dropped a couple of pounds. Honestly, I probably would have lost more but I keep returning back to "old habits". I admit I've breezed through a couple of fast food places in the last two weeks (=[ ) and I've indulged in things with highly refined sugar (={ ={ ={ ). But I renew my resolve everyday and am now praying for help. Why I didn't START with prayer is a good question. My eating habits are not just physical, they are emotional too! And that will require God's help in order for me to change. I need help especially when I get stressed (dang that cortisol!). That's my major trigger to reach for white sugar products. This diet helps keep my cortisol levels even so I need to rely on God when I'm stressed to get me through.
Here is my favorite WAPF approved recipe from this past week. This is VERY kid friendly and adults like it too. I also love the fact that it's a crockpot/slow cooker recipe. I use my crockpot whenever I can to lessen the "stress" at in the late afternoon.
Crockpot Sweet Potatoes
6 medium (2 pounds) sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
So far I have never felt better in my life. I have energy all day long. My moods are sooooo even! DH even commented on how "happy" I've been. And I find myself not snapping at the kids as much. I'm full longer, eating less and have dropped a couple of pounds. Honestly, I probably would have lost more but I keep returning back to "old habits". I admit I've breezed through a couple of fast food places in the last two weeks (=[ ) and I've indulged in things with highly refined sugar (={ ={ ={ ). But I renew my resolve everyday and am now praying for help. Why I didn't START with prayer is a good question. My eating habits are not just physical, they are emotional too! And that will require God's help in order for me to change. I need help especially when I get stressed (dang that cortisol!). That's my major trigger to reach for white sugar products. This diet helps keep my cortisol levels even so I need to rely on God when I'm stressed to get me through.
Here is my favorite WAPF approved recipe from this past week. This is VERY kid friendly and adults like it too. I also love the fact that it's a crockpot/slow cooker recipe. I use my crockpot whenever I can to lessen the "stress" at in the late afternoon.
Crockpot Sweet Potatoes
6 medium (2 pounds) sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and cut into 1/2-
1 1/2 cups applesauce (this is the key to the "kid friendly-ness)
1/3 -
3 or more tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup crispy nuts, chopped (optional)
Place sweet potatoes in 2-
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday Morning Random Fact
When I was a kid the doctor's thought I had Juvenile Diabetes. When they did the 6 hour glucose test the doctor's came up with this diagnosis: "Well, Ms. Bailey (my mom) 1/2 of the test she was a diabetic and 1/2 of the test she was a hypoglycemic so..........we dunno (and they shrugged their shoulders). Don't let her eat sugar." So I spent most of my childhood without sugary treats.
Now as an adult I thought I'd outgrown it but really sugar is not my friend. It makes me hazy, emotional, irritable and lethargic. Honestly, I think I would be in much better shape all around if I never ate refined sugar (or any of it's evil cousins: high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, etc, etc) again. And on that note..............I decided to forgo refined sugar for 60 days starting TODAY! I'm only allowing myself honey and fruit and I'm limiting those two things. So PRAY FOR ME! I've done this before and it's tough. The goal is to break my refined sugar habit and no longer be controlled by sugar!
So, what random fact about you can you share with me today?
Now as an adult I thought I'd outgrown it but really sugar is not my friend. It makes me hazy, emotional, irritable and lethargic. Honestly, I think I would be in much better shape all around if I never ate refined sugar (or any of it's evil cousins: high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, etc, etc) again. And on that note..............I decided to forgo refined sugar for 60 days starting TODAY! I'm only allowing myself honey and fruit and I'm limiting those two things. So PRAY FOR ME! I've done this before and it's tough. The goal is to break my refined sugar habit and no longer be controlled by sugar!
So, what random fact about you can you share with me today?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Wednesdays At My House-Humble Pie
Today's "update" on the office will be short because there is nothing to report! (I'm a poet and didn't even know it!) Humbly, I have to admit I haven't set foot in there all week. DH is putting a ton of pressure on me to get it done because he wants to do taxes this weekend and I need to find all our medical receipts which are buried in the office somewhere. Oddly, the pressure he puts on me just makes me procrastinate more. I don't think it's a rebellious thing but I'll have to marinate on the reason why and get back to you.
Anyway, I'm not posting a pic because the office looks EXACTLY the same as it did a week ago. My only saving grace is I resolved not to put anything else in there until it was cleaned up and I did manage not to put more crap in there!
Anyway, I'm not posting a pic because the office looks EXACTLY the same as it did a week ago. My only saving grace is I resolved not to put anything else in there until it was cleaned up and I did manage not to put more crap in there!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Traditional Tuesdays
How the new "diet" is going................
Very, very well! I have succeded in my first goal and rid our kitchen of as much processed food as possible. We are eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole milk products and animal fat. We continue to eat small amounts of flour and sugar but not much. Here are some of my observations:
Here's how the exercise is going.................
I am continuing to exercise with the Wii Fit. It's fun but I really just do it for "fun". I can't see it as a really quality workout. Maybe I just have to work harder at it. I mostly do it because DH is really into it and I want us to lose weight by doing things together. This week I added T-Tapp to my workout regime and we will see if it does all it claims to do. I will say this, T-Tapp is really hard if you are as out of shape as I am!!!! It's only 15 minutes but whew! It's a tough 15 minutes!!!!! T-Tapp says to measure success by inches instead of pounds so I measured myself today in all the places they recommend and I'll report my inch loss (or gain ={) here.
I don't really have a fitness goal this week. Just to do T-Tapp daily. It is recommended for someone needing to lose as much weight as I do to do the program daily for 10 days in a row and then I can vary the routine.
And finally here is my favorite recipe from last week. We all inhaled these potatoes, even Baby Girl!!!
Traditional Breakfast Potatoes
3 baking potatoes (already baked, I used leftovers from Friday night for Saturday's breakfast)
1 small onion
1/2c or more of red, yellow, orange or green bell pepper
3 Tbs of organic butter
3 Tbs of cultured cream (see note*)
Salt and pepper to taste
Greek Seasoning
Chop potatoes into chunks. Chop onion as finely as you like. Chop bell pepper into small pieces. Heat skillet, melt butter and cream. When hot add onion and peppers and cook until soft. Add potatoes, season as desired. Mix until potatoes are warm and a little bit crispy. Serve with eggs and uncured bacon. Pretty simple, absolutely delicious!
* Cultured Cream is like the best sour cream you've ever tasted plus it has probiotic benefits! I don't know the brand I bought but I got it at Trader Joe's and I noticed it was from a dairy in Petaluma, CA.
Very, very well! I have succeded in my first goal and rid our kitchen of as much processed food as possible. We are eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole milk products and animal fat. We continue to eat small amounts of flour and sugar but not much. Here are some of my observations:
- Husband and I are eating like 1/2 of our normal amounts of food because with all that fat it's soooo filling!
- We both feel good, have lots of energy and are sleeping well.
- DH (Dear Husband) has not reported to have his usual indigestion or other digestive issues.
- I notice that my mood has been pretty even the past week (and come to think of it so has Monkey's).
- One fantastic thing to report is my sugar cravings are almost nil. I really am doing okay without my mid-morning sugary muffin and my nightly vat of ice cream. I have had the occasional treat but I feel like a totally different person in the sugar department.
- One thing I noticed with the kids this weekend was they didn't eat ALL day long. Usually on the weekends they are in the kitchen every couple of hours asking for food. It's annoying helping them with snacks all day. Anyway, they ate just 3 meals and 1 snack on Sat and Sun!
- And now for the best news is we have both lost weight! I'm down 2 lbs so far. This is the best diet ever!!!!!
Here's how the exercise is going.................
I am continuing to exercise with the Wii Fit. It's fun but I really just do it for "fun". I can't see it as a really quality workout. Maybe I just have to work harder at it. I mostly do it because DH is really into it and I want us to lose weight by doing things together. This week I added T-Tapp to my workout regime and we will see if it does all it claims to do. I will say this, T-Tapp is really hard if you are as out of shape as I am!!!! It's only 15 minutes but whew! It's a tough 15 minutes!!!!! T-Tapp says to measure success by inches instead of pounds so I measured myself today in all the places they recommend and I'll report my inch loss (or gain ={) here.
I don't really have a fitness goal this week. Just to do T-Tapp daily. It is recommended for someone needing to lose as much weight as I do to do the program daily for 10 days in a row and then I can vary the routine.
And finally here is my favorite recipe from last week. We all inhaled these potatoes, even Baby Girl!!!
Traditional Breakfast Potatoes
3 baking potatoes (already baked, I used leftovers from Friday night for Saturday's breakfast)
1 small onion
1/2c or more of red, yellow, orange or green bell pepper
3 Tbs of organic butter
3 Tbs of cultured cream (see note*)
Salt and pepper to taste
Greek Seasoning
Chop potatoes into chunks. Chop onion as finely as you like. Chop bell pepper into small pieces. Heat skillet, melt butter and cream. When hot add onion and peppers and cook until soft. Add potatoes, season as desired. Mix until potatoes are warm and a little bit crispy. Serve with eggs and uncured bacon. Pretty simple, absolutely delicious!
* Cultured Cream is like the best sour cream you've ever tasted plus it has probiotic benefits! I don't know the brand I bought but I got it at Trader Joe's and I noticed it was from a dairy in Petaluma, CA.
Monday Morning Random Fact (On Tuesday!_
Hi Friends, our internet was down yesterday so I wasn't able to post my Random Fact. Here it is......
I can't stand to watch people go to the bathroom on TV or in the movies. It's not that I'm grossed out, I'm embarrassed for the actor having to "act" going to the bathroom and I can't stand to watch it! I turn away like it's a horror film.
Incidentally, I am NOT one who is embarrassed when I'm with friends in a public bathroom and we have a conversation through the stall walls.
I guess that's a Random Fact two-fer. Well, the second one is not really that interesting and I think true of many women. It would probably be a more interesting fact if I DIDN'T like to talk to friends in public bathrooms.
Your turn....................
I can't stand to watch people go to the bathroom on TV or in the movies. It's not that I'm grossed out, I'm embarrassed for the actor having to "act" going to the bathroom and I can't stand to watch it! I turn away like it's a horror film.
Incidentally, I am NOT one who is embarrassed when I'm with friends in a public bathroom and we have a conversation through the stall walls.
I guess that's a Random Fact two-fer. Well, the second one is not really that interesting and I think true of many women. It would probably be a more interesting fact if I DIDN'T like to talk to friends in public bathrooms.
Your turn....................
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